MAF announces new Sustainable Farming Fund round

6 November 2003

Almost $10-million worth of funding is now available to rural sector community groups under the Government's Sustainable Farming Fund programme.

The Fund, entering into its fifth year, provides support to community-driven projects aimed at improving the financial and environmental performance of the land-based sectors.

In this round another $9.5-million has become available to applicants for projects beginning on or after 1 July 2004.

Sustainable Farming Fund Manager, Kevin Steel says that judging by previous funding rounds he expects there will be a high calibre of applicants.

In the last round there were 80 successful applicants out of a total pool of 267 proposals.

Each application is assessed by an independent panel made up from a cross section of the rural community. The final contracts are negotiated by members of the SFF team.

The closing date for applications is 2 February 2004. To receive an application form, or for further information, phone 0800 100 087, or email sffund@maf.govt.nz or visit www.maf.govt.nz/sff.

ENDS

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