The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) has unveiled the new Farm Relief Tool, a directory designed to assist farmers affected by drought, natural disaster or biosecurity events with Australian Government financial and mental health support.
The Farm Relief Tool, a collaboration between RIC, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), provides crucial tools for farmers preparing for and recovering from difficult times.
RIC Chief Executive Officer John Howard said the tool was created in response to the agriculture sector’s call for simple and accessible resources.
“We’ve heard from the agriculture industry when farmers know where to find help, they feel more confident, and they have a better outlook on their ability to recover. We know from our own recent customer survey that nine out of ten RIC customers agree their RIC loan has made drought, natural disaster, or external disruption recovery easier,” Howard stated.
“We’re pleased to collaborate with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the National Emergency Management Agency and we hope this simple handheld and online Farm Relief Tool helps to connect farmers with Australian Government help and will be a valuable directory to strengthen Australian agriculture,” he added.
The Farm Relief Tool is now available online, and will be available in person starting next month through the Rural Financial Counselling Service, as well as RIC, NEMA, and DAFF information stands at community agriculture events.
