The Farmer Group Support Pilot will assist five farmer groups through a 12-month support package valued at $55,000 per group.
The program offers hands-on facilitation and flexible funding to help groups grow stronger, lead with confidence and contribute to a stronger farming future.
TAS Farm Innovation Hub director Sandra Knowles said farmer groups were vital for strong and adaptive farm businesses.
“Farmer groups are a fantastic platform for farmers to learn from each other, stay connected and drive local innovation,” she said.
“We know that many groups struggle with limited time, money and people to keep things running and this pilot is here to help change that.
“This pilot provides practical, flexible support that helps farmer groups with co-ordination and reduces the administrative burden of running a group, whilst also supporting groups to design and implement their own drought and climate resilience learning activities.
“It’s a great opportunity for farmer groups who want to do more for their members, grow their impact and help Tasmanian farming adapt to a changing climate.”
Successful groups will receive facilitation and co-ordination services valued at $40,000, delivered through a dedicated hub-based facilitator who will work closely with each group to support planning, communication, engagement and event delivery.
In addition, each group will have access to up to $10,000 for group-led activities that encourage practical, climate-smart changes on farm, as well as flexible administration support up to $5000.
This means less admin and stress for group organisers and more time focused on value for farmers. From saving water to navigating market shifts or improving pasture decisions, groups can focus on what matters most to their members.
This new pilot builds on earlier TAS Hub work with the East Coast Primary Producers Association, which showed that well-targeted support, including assistance with administration and co-ordination, can make a big difference.
“We’ve seen how the right support can unlock capacity and momentum in farmer groups,” Sandra said.
“Farmers are telling us they want more than information, they want connection, relevance and support that reflects the realities on the ground.
“This program is designed to deliver just that, backing the groups that already know their communities and giving them the tools to go further.”
This pilot is also helping to test what scalable, cost-effective farmer group support might look like in the future. Insights from the project will inform the TAS Hub’s long-term strategy and may shape broader approaches to farmer engagement.
“This is your group’s chance to be part of something bigger, to get support that’s tailored, flexible and meaningful and to help shape the future of how Tasmania backs its farming communities,” Sandra said.
To be eligible for the Farmer Group Support Pilot, groups must be based in Tasmania, with most members farming in the state; have an ABN and governance structure; hold (or be able to get) public liability insurance; and be able to work within the University of Tasmania’s standard agreement process.
Expressions of Interest close at 9pm on Friday, July 4.
The expression of interest package is available at www.tasfarmhub.com.au
