Dairy and Fodder Water for Profit (DFWP) program aims at assisting dairy farmers and commercial fodder producers* in Queensland to adopt improved water use efficiencies along with improving water, energy and nutrient management practices.
The Dairy & Fodder Water for Profit (DFWP) program has been successful in securing a new round of funding through the Queensland Government’s Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy to build on the great results achieved in previous years.
The program provides a range of services including:
Extension services
Irrigation specialist groups
Applications to participate in the program will be open soon. If you wish to become involved in the program please contact Torie via email torie@qdo.org.au or phone 07 3236 2955.
*A commercial fodder producer is defined as deriving fifty percent (50%) or more of income through the sale of commercial fodder valued at a minimum of $100,000 OR utilising more than 100 ML of irrigation water annually to grow fodder which is sold for animal consumption
On Farm System Assessment (OFSA) Grant
The program offers producers with the opportunity to apply for assistance to receive an assessment of their irrigation or water reuse system through the On Farm System Assessment Grant.
Dairy farmers and fodder producers can access a grant of up to $1,500 (excluding GST) plus travel, per enterprise, in advisory services to have an assessment carried out on their farm, along with the provision of recommendations to improve their system. The grant can be accessed for either an irrigation system or water reuse (effluent) system. The assessments are carried out by an suitability qualified professional.
What’s included in an On-Farm System Assessment Report for Irrigation Systems
The on-farm system assessment involves a testing of the current irrigation system for its system performance including for water distribution, pumping efficiency and pump efficiency. In receiving the assessment, a farmer will be able to identified areas where the system can be improved and see the performance of their system in comparison to industry benchmarks and other irrigation systems.
What’s included in an On-Farm System Assessment Report for Water Reuse Systems
The on farm system assessment involves an assessment of the current system and its ability to perform the necessary functions. In receiving the assessment, a farmer will have a plan developed to effectively manage, capture and reuse effluent on farm.
More information is provided in the OFSA Grant Guidelines (click here). Applications for accessing a DFWP6 OFSA grant close 20th October 2017. In order to be access this you need to complete an OFSA Application Form (Form 2) and a Farm System Information Systems Form (Form A). Please complete an EOI Form to access this service.
Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
A key component of the DFWP program is providing the opportunity to eligible dairy and fodder producers to apply for financial assistance to improve irrigation and water reuse (eg. effluent reuse), resulting in an increase in water, energy and other associated resource use efficiency. Please note: you can only access either an irrigation or a water reuse grant. You cannot access both!
The Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) includes two grants:
i. System Improvement Grant (Grant No.1) (up to a maximum of $5,000); and
ii. System Change Efficiency Achievement Grant (Grant No.2) (up to a maximum of $5,000 )
Grants are calculated at 50% of GST exclusive value of capital cost for eligible equipment (up to a combined maximum of $10,000).
Total funds for the Financial Assistance Scheme is limited and therefore projects will be assessed based on a set of criteria as agreed to by the DFWP Steering Committee.
In order to be eligible for a FAS grant you must have an DFWP OFSA completed for you farm since January 2017.
Please read the guidelines for more information.
The Dairy & Fodder Water for Profit program is funded through the Queensland Government's Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energys' Rural Water Use Efficiency Irrigation Futures program.
