The last two years have been tough for many businesses, with rising input costs and Covid. The grape and wine sector has suffered its own set of challenges including the loss of its most significant export market, China. There are many businesses likely to be seeking support to plan for the structural changes ahead as industry adjusts to a new normal. The Regional Investment Corporation offers specialist finance tailored for farmers and farm-related small businesses supporting the strength, resilience and profitability of Australian farm businesses.
Other resources exist through various not-for profit organisations such as Rural Aid.
Originally formed to provide farmers short of stock feed with hay, Rural Aid has now grown to incorporate other forms of assistance including:
o Farm Army Employment platform
o Sustainability Community Renewal Program
o Knowledge – including access to farm research trails, networks and connections with industry, seed funding, etc.
The organisation offers free, confidential counselling services on property, in town or over the phone addressing challenges unique to rural people, including practical strategies to help refocus, webinars and industry news.
