Disaster Relief Fund open for farmers

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has opened applications and is encouraging donations for the VFF Disaster Relief Fund (VFF DRF) in the wake of devastating bushfires and thunderstorms that have hit farmers hard throughout February.

VFF President Emma Germano said many regional communities have been left reeling after a series of devastating natural disasters and the activation of the Fund aims to help farmers doing it tough.

"From Gippsland, to the Grampians and now areas near Ballarat, many of our regional communities have been hit incredibly hard by severe thunderstorms and devastating bushfires.

"Farmers have lost farm sheds, kilometres of fencing, stock, machinery and that's just from early assessments. We know there will be more, so we're getting on the front foot and opening our disaster relief fund applications.

"Assessment of the applications will begin immediately and we hope to be able to begin pay-outs very soon," Ms Germano said.

"We're also collecting donations, if you are willing and in a position to contribute. The VFF would like to express our gratitude to those who have already donated and thanks everyone who contributes, no matter how big or small."

The VFFDRF Committee will oversee the collection of donations from the community, assessment of applications, and approval and distribution of individual grants to farmers up to the value of $5000, for impacts from storm or bushfire that occurred from February 9.

Applications will be assessed individually based on the level of impact, vulnerability, urgency and evidence and will be open until March 10.

Evaluation of each application will begin immediately and the VFF will advise as soon as possible on application outcome. To be eligible to apply, you must be a farmer and must demonstrate sufficient need for financial assistance.

Further information, including donation, application and full eligibility criteria is available on the VFF website: www.vff.org.au/vffdisasterrelieffund/