Farm Drought Support Grants

The Victorian Government provided grant funding to support farmers as they recovered from drought and prepared for future seasons.

The Farm Drought Support Grants (formerly On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants) program was available to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improve drought.

Statewide, eligible farmers received up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant to support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (such as pipes, tanks, troughs and dams), stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage, water carting and pasture re-establishment.

Applications for Farm Drought Support Grants closed on 30 September 2026.

For eligible farmers in south-west Victoria,  the grant program included an additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up, increasing the maximum grant available from $5,000 to $10,000.

A dollar-for-dollar co-contribution was required from the grant recipient.

The grant program is being administered by Rural Finance on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Applications received by 30 September will continue to be assessed and processed, with applications considered in the order they were received.

For more information about the grants program or to enquire about a current application visit ruralfinance.com.au or call 1800 260 425 during business hours.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service can assist farmers with grant applications: call 1300 771 741.

For more information on dry seasons and drought support, email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.