Assistance for Agricultural Processing Businesses After 2022 Floods: Round 2 of $22 Million Supply Chain Support Program Now Open

Strategic Insights -

As part of the ongoing efforts to help the agricultural processing industry recover from the devastating floods that occurred in February and March 2022, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced the opening of Round 2 of the $22 million Supply Chain Support Program. This program is a joint initiative of the Albanese and Minns Governments, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), to provide financial support to businesses in 62 Local Government Areas. The assistance is aimed at helping businesses rebuild, repair, and improve their resilience in the face of future natural disasters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supply Chain Support Program is a $22 million initiative to aid agricultural processing businesses in 62 Local Government Areas that were affected by the 2022 floods.
  • The program is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
  • Eligible businesses and co-operatives can apply for up to $2 million for projects such as replacing damaged plant and machinery, diversifying their business, or transporting product from outside the area.
  • Businesses indirectly impacted by floods through major supply chain disruptions can apply for up to $250,000.
  • The program has already delivered vital support in the form of building and roof repairs, replacement equipment, and freight assistance, which has helped to keep local people in work during the ongoing flood recovery.
  • The program aims to strengthen primary industries by assisting companies to modernise their operations and reduce workforce disruptions, building industry sustainability.
  • Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt stated that support is available to rebuild, repair, and improve the resilience of eligible first receivers and processors, or harvesters of primary produce that operate within the fisheries, horticulture, and agriculture sectors.

Statistics:

  • $22 million: The total funding allotted for the Supply Chain Support Program.
  • 62 Local Government Areas: The number of areas eligible for support under the program.
  • $2 million: The maximum amount of support available to eligible businesses and co-operatives for projects such as replacing damaged plant and machinery.
  • $250,000: The maximum amount of support available to businesses indirectly impacted by floods through major supply chain disruptions.
  • Multiple flood-impacted operations: The number of operations across NSW that have benefited from Round 1 of the Supply Chain Support Program, including dairies, distilleries, and seafood suppliers.

Sources:

  • Australian Department of Home Affairs news release, no date provided.
  • Comments from Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt.
  • Comments from Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty.