All up, $10 million will be handed out across the country to the 550 successful applicants in the Energy Efficient Communities Program – Dairy Farming Business Grants roll-out.
In a slight difference to similar state government grants, these dairy grants of up to $20,000 per farm do not require a co-payment.
The program is a new one, developed in partnership with the Australian Dairy Farmers group following last year’s federal election.
ADF president Terry Richardson said dairy operations were energy intensive and power costs impacted a farmer’s bottom line.
“This program is essential not just to mitigate the excessive cost of energy, but also to contribute to Australia’s emission reduction targets,” Mr Richardson said.
Projects funded under the grants include: replacing old equipment with higher efficiency versions, installing or replacing a component to help an existing system run better (for example, variable speed milk pump), energy audits, feasibility studies for energy efficiency upgrades, and monitoring of energy consumption and emissions.
Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor said the grants would help farmers lower their bills.
“Helping these businesses to cut their power bills by becoming more energy efficient will ease the financial pressures they face while also reducing our emissions. It’s a win-win,” Mr Taylor said.
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said energy was one of the highest overheads in the dairy shed.
“Many businesses are struggling at the moment and dairy farmers, in particular, are continuing to do it tough in the drought and the aftermath of the devastating bushfires,” Mr Littleproud said.
“These grants will provide welcome support.”
The grants were awarded under the Morrison Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program.
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