The second and final round of the National Landcare Program Smart Farming Partnerships is now open. The grant round opened on 19 March 2019 and will close 17 May 2019.

The Australian Government is inviting applications for projects to deliver services under the National Landcare Program – Smart Farming Partnerships Round 2. Projects are expected to commence before the end of 2019 and be complete by 30 April 2023. Smart Farming Partnerships (up to $60 million) grants range between $250,000 and $4 million (GST exclusive). These larger projects support the formation of relevant and effective partnerships between experienced and skilled organisations and individuals.

Smart Farming Partnerships is an open, competitive, grant opportunity to support substantial, complex projects that are to be delivered in consortium partnerships to trial, develop and implement innovative tools and practices.

The purpose of Smart Farming Partnerships is to foster sustainable natural resource management innovation. Smart Farming Partnerships deliver against the Australian Government’s policy of using innovation to cultivate more sustainable, productive and profitable agriculture, forestry, fishing and aquaculture industries; protect Australia’s biodiversity; protect and improve the condition of natural resources (in particular on-farm soils, water and vegetation); and assist Australia to meet its national and international obligations.

The purpose will be achieved through substantial projects, funded, at least in part, by grants, that deliver against either or both of the outcomes described below:

• Outcome 1 – Innovation in sustainable resource management practice
• Outcome 2 – Innovation in capacity building and promotion of sustainable resource management practice

The guidelines and application form can be accessed at https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/…/national-landcare-prog….