Cotton Australia in partnership with the Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) and Brisbane based consulting firm BDO hosted a Farm Business Resilience Planning Workshop in Moura this week.

The workshops are part of a federal/state Government initiative to move away from transactional based drought assistance such as fodder transport subsidies, to assisting primary producers to prepare for climate variability including droughts.

The participants in the Moura workshop considered all their key business risks, including climate, and developed an initial “Plan on a Page”. They now have the opportunity to complete a full Farm Business Resilience Plan (with professional assistance available).

Once successfully completed they can apply for a government grant of up to $50,000 to implement parts of the plan that are focused on making their business more drought resilient.

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray said this was a really exciting and rewarding opportunity that is being offered by the Australian and Queensland Government, and he urged all Qld cotton producers to register for the program.

“There are many ways to complete a plan and take advantage of the grant, attending a workshop is just one way,” Mr Murray said.

“Government and industry funding is available to help fund professional advisors to prepare an eligible plan.

“You can find more information in the attached document, and I urge growers to complete and return the simple enrolment form.”