AGRIBUSINESS

Boost to farm starter program

The Federal Government has boosted a farm loan starter program.

Staff writer

This article is 4 years old. Images might not display.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud said individual loans of up to $2 million could be used for range of purposes including purchasing a farm business and other farm business assets as well as putting it toward costs associated with the succession planning process.

"The Australian Government understands the importance of encouraging a new generation of farmers to the sector and the AgriStarter Loan program will support this," Minister Littleproud said. 

"The loan also means that families will be able to discuss succession arrangements and plan for the future.

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the additional funding available this financial year would ensure support was available where it was needed most.

"The AgriStarter loan program has been an important initiative to help farmers and small businesses get through the hard times, while also supporting new farming enterprises to get off the ground," Minister Birmingham said.

"This is about backing Australia's next generation of farmers to grow and prosper which also has flow-on effects throughout regional economies and creates more regional jobs."

The RIC's current variable concessional interest rate is a record low at 1.92 per cent. The initial loan term would be 10 years, with interest-only repayments for the first five years and principal and interest repayments for the final five years.

For more information, including to view the AgriStarter Loans guidelines, visit the www.ric.gov.au.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.