Open Call: Farm Business Transition Program – Australia

The objective of this grant opportunity is to support sheep producers impacted by the phase out by enabling a range of planning, professional and technical advice, application of research and development innovations and extension activities, and investment in on-farm infrastructure and improvements to increase the uptake of alternative farming systems and practices. The intended outcome of this grant opportunity is sheep producers impacted by the phase out of live sheep exports by sea access transition funding assisting them to obtain advice and make changes to their business operations. Eligible activities must directly relate to the project and can include adoption of research and development innovations as identified in the farm business plan, engaging qualified or accredited professional services to support new or diversified business planning and models, participation in accredited or industry-recognised training programs that build capability to enable the business transition, infrastructure upgrades and equipment purchases to support new or diversified business models, enhancement of feed base and pasture management systems to support new or diversified business models, adoption of traceability, animal welfare, carbon farming, or other technologies that reflect new or diversified business models, participation in new domestic or export markets through business diversification and supply chain engagement, and any other reasonable and relevant activities listed within the farm business plan that support a transition away from live sheep exports by sea and are not listed as ineligible expenditure items.

This grant opportunity is open to eligible individuals and entities who have actively participated in the live sheep exports by sea industry in at least one of the past three financial years and meet all the required documentation standards. Entities such as companies, cooperatives, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, persons, and sole traders may apply if they fulfill eligibility criteria including residency and GST registration status. The program requires applicants to co-fund on a one-to-one basis, matching the dollar value of the grant; in-kind contributions are not accepted as matching funds.

Grants are available for a wide range of activities tailored to individual business circumstances, such as developing farm business plans, adopting innovations to create new value chains, attending industry-recognised training, upgrading technology for planning and decision-making, improving infrastructure for diversified livestock management, and exploring new market opportunities. However, grant money cannot be used for general business costs, activities funded by other government sources, overseas or non-essential travel, ongoing compliance costs, or salaries not tied to project delivery.

The application process includes thorough assessment of eligibility and compliance, with applications evaluated for their impact on the business, alignment with program objectives, and the practicality and budget of proposed activities. The selection process involves assessment by the Community Grants Hub and a Selection Advisory Panel established by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Successful grant recipients must enter into a legally binding agreement, complete all grant activities by 31 May 2027, and submit progress and final reports evidencing achievement of outcomes.

Applicants and recipients are required to comply with regulations including gender equality, child safety, privacy, and regular reporting. The Australian Government will monitor the execution of grant-funded activities and may conduct compliance visits and post-project evaluations.

For more information, visit GrantConnect.