WATER FOR FODDER PROGRAM OPENS IN BARKER

Member for Barker Tony Pasin is encouraging Barker’s irrigators to apply for water under the Federal Government’s Water for Fodder Program when it opens for applications next week with guidelines being made available today.

“At $100 a megalitre, this water is heavily discounted from the current market price for irrigators,” Mr Pasin said.

South Australia’s irrigators can apply for the program from the second week in December and water will start to flow before Christmas.

The water must be used to produce fodder or pasture – fodder can’t be a by-product.

Farmers will need to buy the water in 50 ML lots, with a maximum purchase of 100 ML.

“100 GL is expected to grow around 120,000 tonnes of pasture providing affordable fodder to farmers in drought stricken regions,” Mr Pasin said.

Guidelines for the program are now available.

“The Water for Fodder Program will help farmers feed livestock so they can recover quickly when the drought breaks,” Mr Pasin said.

“We need to protect the national herd and help our farmers hold on to breeding stock through the drought.  

“Our vision is for farm businesses and rural communities to be prepared for and capable of managing drought. This is just one part of our drought plan.”

For eligibility and to apply, visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/water/mdb/programs/basin-wide/water-for-fodder or email WaterforFodder@agriculture.gov.au.

Fast Facts:

• The Water for Fodder program is available for primary producers, including dairy farmers, in the southern connected Murray-Darling Basin.
• Water is only for growing fodder and pasture in the water year it is allocated.
• It cannot be used to produce fodder as a by-product.
• 40 GL available from 9 December 2019 and another 60 GL delivered after 1 April 2020 and following an evaluation of the program.

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466