Future Drought Fund

The Australian Government set up the Future Drought Fund in 2020 so farms and communities can prepare for the impacts of drought. It provides $100 million every year for programs that boost drought resilience.

The Victorian Government is partnering with the Australian Government to deliver two programs – the Farm Business Resilience program and the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) program.

Farm Business Resilience program

The Farm Business Resilience (FBR) program helps Victorian farmers and First Peoples agricultural land managers strengthen their businesses and prepare for future challenges. Through practical support, tools and information, farmers can build the knowledge and skills needed to manage climate and drought risks, make informed decisions and identify opportunities to improve their farm business.

For information about the program, available resources and to express your interest in the program, visit Farm Business Resilience Program.

Regional Drought Resilience Planning program

Phase 2 of the RDRP program (RDRP 2.0) will build on the momentum from Phase 1, with a focus on implementing the actions identified in the Regional Drought Resilience Plans developed in Phase 1.

Agriculture Victoria is seeking Expressions of Interest (EoI) from organisations across Victoria for 9 RDRP Implementation Grants, worth up to $1.55 million per region, for delivery up to 30 June 2029.

The successful organisation in each region will undertake the role of RDRP Plan Coordinator for their region, playing a key role to identify and deliver activities to build regional drought and climate resilience.

Details on eligibility, assessment criteria and grant agreement conditions are included in the program guidelines and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Applicants should complete the EoI form and email it to drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to commence their EoI early to allow sufficient time to complete all sections and upload required attachments.

If you encounter technical issues or require support, please contact drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Monday 23 November 2026.

Phase 1 of the RDRP (2020–2025)

In Phase 1, the RDRP program published 9 Regional Drought Resilience Plans covering 9 Victorian regions, with the exception of metro and peri-urban Melbourne. Each plan identified actions your regions can take to be better prepared for drought in ways that suit local farms, communities and landscapes.

Phase 1 also kick-started implementation of activities with 9 $380,000 grants awarded to 9 organisations across Victoria.

To see the plans and to find out about the action regions have already taken to build resilience and preparedness to drought visit Regional Drought Resilience Victoria.

Drought Research and Adoption Program

The Drought Research and Adoption Program funds 8 hubs around Australia, including Victoria’s Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. The hub supports researchers, farmers and community groups to develop tools and practices that build drought resilience. Agriculture Victoria is part of the Victorian hub, led by the University of Melbourne.

More information and contacts

• Further information on the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program is available at www.extenisionaus.com/rdrvictoria
• For further information visit the Vic Drought Hub website or email info@VicDroughtHub.org.au.
• Further information about each program will be published on this webpage as it becomes available.
• More information on the Fund from the Australian Government is available on Future Drought Fund.
• For further information about the programs in Victoria contact 136 186 or email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au