VFF and Nutrien Ag Solutions team-up to help drought-hit Victorian farmers

The Victorian Farmers Federation and Nurtien Ag Solutions have teamed up to provide Victorian farmers with a dedicated drought support resource as they continue to face record-breaking drought conditions

The new Nutrien Ag Solutions funded initiative, dubbed the Victorian Drought Support Program, has enabled the VFF to employ a dedicated Drought Support Advisor, Kim Tupper, to help farmers to access existing drought support grants, coordinate well-being events and act as a critical link between farmers and decision makers to identify potential gaps in drought support.

VFF President Brett Hosking said the initiative aims to act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for farmers seeking drought assistance and to identify future areas of support to lend farmers a helping hand.

"Obviously we can't make (the Drought) go away, but hopefully we can make life a little bit easier in some cases," Mr Hosking said.

"What we found was that many farmers were finding it really confusing and really a really busy space just trying to access drought support because there were so many programs and so many supports."

"We recognised very quickly there was a real need for somebody who could just kind of help cut through the noise with the farmers and actually walk them through that journey of drought support. So we've employed a drought support officer (Kim) and Nutrien have come on board and partnered with us because they've recognised the exact same need."

Farmers can directly contact Ms Tupper - who will help streamline individual drought applications, connect farmers with financial counsellors and mental heath services, and provide risk management support - by mobile on 0448 808 345, or email: ktupper@vff.org.au.

Farmer feedback received from the initiative will be used to help guide decision making regarding further drought support administered by the VFF’s Disaster Relief Fund.

"This is a real initiative that could make a difference to farmers everyday lives in what is an incredibly tough time," Mr Hosking said.

"As a farmer myself, I know firsthand that it's not fun and you feel very isolated and very alone sometimes, but there is a whole community that is walking the same journey that you are. So let's none of us do it alone."