Funding For Agricultural Show Events

AGRICULTURE show societies who have been forced to cancel their events during COVID-19 can now apply for their share of $39 million and receive a one-off payment from the government’s Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.

The program aims to support agricultural field day organisers, with applications for the first funding round due on October 9.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, encouraged eligible local show societies to jump on the government’s Community Grants Hub or GrantConnect sites now to check their eligibility and apply.

“This is a welcome initiative to ensure great local show events in the New England can recover and continue supporting the economy and our rich agricultural heritage,” Mr Joyce said.

“All agricultural shows and field days that have cancelled their event in 2020 because of COVID 19 will be eligible to apply and they will not have to compete for assistance,” he said.

“I want to assure local communities and the dedicated volunteers who work so hard to stage these events that the Australian Government is with them all the way during these times,” he said.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the government has invested in the program to help agriculture show societies deal with cash flow pressures caused by COVID-19.

“These truly Aussie events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city,” Minister Littleproud said.

“They contribute more than $1 billion to the national economy each year, attract more than six million patrons and are supported by more than 50,000 volunteers,” he said.

“That is why this Government is investing $39 million in support to help them…and ensure their future,” he said.

For more information and to apply, visit communitygrants.gov.au/grants.