Millions for farmers after worst harvest in 15 years

A $55 million support package will help farmers and rural communities struggling to survive an escalating drought crisis that’s wiped billions from the economy.

Unveiling the measures on Tuesday, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas declared the government “cannot make it rain, but we can take practical action to support our farmers”.

Farmers are desperate for a break in the weather to restore moisture to the soil, after the worst harvest in 15 years cut $2 billion from the state’s economy compared to last year’s “average” crop.

Mr Malinauskas acknowledged that since an initial $18 million package was released in November, “things have got worse”, particularly for the state’s $18.5 billion primary industries and agribusiness sector.

“The package I announce today … includes immediate financial relief for those doing it toughest, significant mental health supports, and support for wider regional communities and businesses,” he said.

It includes $13 million for on-farm drought infrastructure grants, $4 million to help  charities transport donated fodder and $2.5 million for a mental health strategy.

There is also $1 million for rural financial counselling support, $3.5 million to support rural small businesses, $3.1 million to cull pests, and $4.5 million to support producers implement electronic identification for sheep and goats.

Last week the Bureau of Meteorology said the drought had spread and become more severe in March, with seven regions experiencing their lowest rainfall on record since February 2024.

Water carters are working at full capacity with waiting lists and on Adelaide’s fridges, there are emergency bulk water collection points for homes without water.

Adelaide’s ten reservoirs are at 38 per cent capacity compared to 49 per cent at the same time last year, the lowest in more than 20 years.

The city’s desalination plant has been producing up to 300 million litres of water daily, up from an average of 17 million litres a day in January 2024, to prevent the need for city water restrictions.

The support package was designed in consultation with primary producers, after a roundtable with farmers and key industry bodies hosted by the premier last week.

Primary Producers SA chair Simon Maddocks said the government had listened to the concerns of primary industries and rural communities.

“These targeted measures will deliver much-needed, comprehensive support to farming families and rural communities, helping to ease the economic and social pressures caused by the prolonged drought affecting much of the state,” he said.

Livestock SA chief executive Travis Tobin said the package was a “significant step” and “welcome support”.

Grain Producers SA chair John Gladigau said it would work closely with the government and the Drought Advisory Group to ensure effective and timely delivery of the initiatives, “ensuring support reaches those who need it most”.

Abe Maddison
(Australian Associated Press)