Clarence Valley Council's Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program supports local farmers in adopting land management practices that benefit not only their farms but also the wider community and natural environment.

The Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program aims to collaborate with primary producers to:

• Encourage and support the uptake of improved land management techniques.
• Strengthen knowledge and skills in natural resource management and sustainable farming practices.
• Enhance on-farm biodiversity, water quality, and soil health.

Farmers are invited to submit project proposals aimed at addressing environmental challenges or enhancing the health and productivity of their land. Funding will not be provided for capital purchases or new business ventures unless the project demonstrates a clear environmental benefit.

Each financial year, a limited number of grants of up to $5,000 (including GST) are available for eligible projects. Funding is awarded through a competitive process based on merit.

To be eligible and have your application considered, you must:

1. Be a landholder, a group of landholders, or a farming group/association actively operating on land zoned Rural (RU1, RU2) within the Clarence Valley Council Local Government Area. If you do not own the land, you must obtain written consent from the landowner and/or any relevant authority for the proposed project activities.
2. Align your project with at least one of the program's stated objectives.
3. Complete all required sections of the application form.
4. Provide itemised quotes for all goods and services for which you are requesting funding. You must also include quotes for any costs you are covering as part of your contribution. For any goods or services over $3,000, it is recommended that you obtain at least two written quotes.
5. Match or exceed the grant amount with a financial and/or in-kind contribution.
6. Obtain any necessary approvals to carry out your project-for example, a controlled activity approval for works within 40 metres of a waterway.
7. Ensure all insurance liabilities are considered - Council has no insurance responsibilities for applicants' projects. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that they, and any contractors they engage, hold all relevant and adequate insurance coverage.
8. Agree to collaborate with Council staff throughout the implementation of the project.
9. Commit to continuing improved land management practices beyond the completion of the grant-funded project.

• Email: SustainableAgricultureGrants@clarence.nsw.gov.au <SustainableAgricultureGrants@clarence.nsw.gov.au>