Innovation Grants now open

The Australian Government has released funding under its Caring for our Country initiative – sustainable agriculture stream.

Innovation Grants ranging between $250,000 and $1.5 million (GST exclusive) are now available for projects that will be completed by 30 June 2015.

 

The broad objective of the grants is to increase uptake of innovations and manage resources that will improve productivity and sustainability of resource based industries.

 

Applicants must target at least one of the priority outcomes and are also encouraged to contribute to additional outcomes.

 

Priority outcomes include:

 

·         Increased number and area of farming and fishing entities that have trialled innovative practices for improved natural resource management

·         Increased percentage of land managers with the knowledge and skills to manage natural resources and protect ecosystem services

·         Increased use of institutional, sectoral, market and supply chain-based initiatives to promote adoption of sustainable farm practices

 

Additional outcomes include (excludes fishing and aquaculture):

 

·         Increased number and area of farming entities using sustainable land management practices

·         Increased capacity of regional community leaders

·         Increased engagement and participation by regional communities and groups

·         Increased community awareness of the status of Australia’s natural resources (should not focus on collecting baseline data)

 

Projects must address a natural resource requirement. For agriculture, natural resource targets are soil, native vegetation (where it also contributes to sustainable use outcomes), and water quality.

 

Projects must contribute to innovation. Innovations can be completely new or incremental changes such as adapting or applying in a new region or situation. Eligible innovations must be underpinned by science and evidence and have demonstrated ‘proof of concept,’ and the innovation should be considered suitable for adoption. The current level of adoption must be estimated, and where it exceeds 20%, there must be a high likelihood that funding will drive further adoption.

 

Types of innovations include grazing practices, trialling new species expected to improve soils, smart technologies (e.g. smartphone), remote stock management, and variable rate technologies for fertilisers and pesticides.

 

Partnerships and consortiums are encouraged but not essential. New partners able to assist with emerging technologies should be considered.

 

Eligible activities include but are not limited to:

 

·         Maintaining groundcover above regional targets to reduce soil and nutrient loss

·         Managing soil acidification

·         Managing nutrient addition

·         Improving soil health through better soil biology and nutrient matching

·         Adopting and implementing industry guidelines and codes for sustainable management

·         Providing information on new technologies

·         Building partnerships that leverage public funding for sustainable management

·         New options for economic and environmental management of pests

·         Encourage effective partnerships between stakeholders

·         Encourage projects that foster supply chain linkages and signals for improved management

 

Applications close on July 4. For more information, click here or call the hotline on 1800 552 008