The Victorian Government's Agriculture Energy Investment Plan (AEIP) offers grants up to $250,000 to install infrastructure and technology that will make farms more competitive and protect local jobs.
In addition to grant funding, the AEIP supports farm businesses better understand their on-farm energy usage and how to reduce it.
This includes free on-farm energy assessments to assist farmers in identifying how they can improve energy efficiency and productivity, as well as research partnerships, demonstrations of energy-efficient technology on-farm, and educational resources for producers on alternative energy options.
Under the AEIP, 546 grants totalling $29 million have been awarded so far and almost 1,370 on-farm energy assessments have been completed, valued at $12 million.
The Government is protecting and strengthening the future of agriculture through the 10-year Agriculture Strategy, building a more resilient, energy efficient and internationally competitive sector that is well-placed to respond to climate change.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Meredith Dairy in western Victoria, one of several businesses benefitting from the AEIP. Under the AEIP, family-run business Meredith Dairy received a $250,000 grant to support its investment in a biomass energy unit, a solar power system and cool room upgrade.
“Energy is a significant cost for many farmers – we are working to put money back in farmers pockets by supporting them to improve energy efficiency on-farm and take action on climate change.” Minister Thomas said.
Eligibility and Funding
The Agriculture Energy Investment Plan includes three components to the grants:
Fast-Track Rebate – grants of up to $20,000 for farm businesses that have received a Type 1 or Type 2 on-farm energy assessment through the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan
Tier 1 – grants of between $20,000 and $50,000 for equipment upgrades
Tier 2 – grants of between $50,000 and $250,000 for projects seeking equipment or process improvements in a connected way across farming systems
Grants will be provided on a 'dollar for dollar' cash co-contribution basis. Recipients are required to contribute at least 50 per cent of the total cash costs of the project.
Key Dates
Applications for on-farm energy grants are open and will close on 15 December 2021.
For more information, visit Agriculture Victoria.