Blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, and greenhouse vegetable growers on the NSW North Coast can apply for new funding grants to make their operations more productive, profitable, and environmentally sustainable.

North Coast Local Land Services General Manager Louise Or said grants of up to $10,000 are available and urges local farmers to make the most of this opportunity. 

“These grants will assist growers in implementing on-ground works to keep sediment and nutrients on farm and out of our coastal waterways,” Ms Orr said.

“The North Coast is home to a flourishing agriculture industry and this funding will go a long way to supporting both profitable and sustainable agriculture in the region.”

As part of the Clean Coastal Catchments (CCC) project, growers interested in accessing grants of up to $10,000 are invited to complete an Expression of Interest (EOIs) form.

The CCC project is funded under the NSW Government’s Marine Estates Management Strategy. The ten-year Strategy was developed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority to coordinate the management of the marine estate.

“Through this program, Local Land Services staff will work with growers who have an interest in implementing best management practices, such as improving irrigation outcomes and reducing sediment run-off,” Ms Orr said.

Funding for these works is for a limited time and it is anticipated that the on-ground works are completed within the next 12 months.

EOIs will close on 21 December 2020. 

Guidelines for the program and Expressions of Interest forms can be downloaded from the North Coast Local Land Services website https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/north-coast/financial-assistance/clean-coastal-catchments-on-farm-grants-program