Media release: Solid progress through the Future Drought Fund
24 November 2022
Despite rain, momentum is growing with farmers and communities contributing to local efforts to build drought resilience through the Future Drought Fund (FDF).
The Future Drought Fund 2021-22 Annual Report, released today, details the programs that are helping farmers and communities better prepare for drought.
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Food Policy and Research, Rosemary Deininger, said the FDF was an investment by the Australian Government to build drought resilience in Australia’s agriculture sector.
“The agriculture sector is disproportionately exposed and vulnerable to adverse natural hazards,” Ms Deininger said.
“The FDF supports a proactive approach to effective risk management and resilience to future droughts by providing farmers, agribusinesses and communities with the necessary skills, tools and networks.
“The annual report shows that more than 6,550 farmers have been provided with direct support to improve business and risk management skills through just one of its programs – the Farm Business Resilience Program – to 30 June 2022.
“Thousands more farmers have been involved in building drought resilience through the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, FDF leadership and community programs as well as 150 trial and demonstration projects.
“Australian agriculture is currently a thriving and resilient sector but maintaining that throughout extreme weather conditions require effective management.
“While we are currently in the middle of significant flooding, droughts are a persistent feature of the Australian landscape with substantial economic, social and environmental impacts.
“Continued learning, planning and action are required so that we are ready for the next drought.”
Read the Future Drought Fund Annual Report 2021-22 or for more information about the FDF visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund
Fast Facts
· Future Drought Fund programs are being delivered in accordance with the principles outlined in the Drought Resilience Funding Plan 2020-2024.
· The FDF programs are structured around four key themes:
1. Better climate information: Enabling farmers, businesses, and communities to better understand the climate risks they face and their resilience to those risks.
2. Better practices: Developing and adopting farming and land management practices and technologies that improve resilience to droughts.
3. Better planning: Helping farmers and regions to proactively plan for drought.
4. Better prepared communities: Building and supporting the community leaders, networks and organisations that underpin community resilience.