Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. What is Plan2Farm?A. Plan2Farm is a project that provides specialist advice and support to help farmers to develop a strategy for their whole farming enterprise.  By understanding their vision for the farm, farmers are better equipped to make good decisions based on good information such as on farm irrigation modernisation and connection to the irrigation backbone, how much land they will require, and the volumes of water they will need.Q. How will the project going be rolled-out?A. An independent and suitably skilled person will sit down with the farming family to complete a Workbook, answering questions about the whole farming enterprise to determine key actions those farmers need to take to achieve their vision for the farm. Farming businesses will then be supported to implement these actions for up to three years.Q. How much will it cost me to participate in the project?A. All costs for completing the Workbook (including the development of an action plan) are covered by the project. Implementing the actions will be at the cost of the farming businesses.Q. Where is the project being undertaken and who can apply?A. Plan2Farm is being rolled out across the Goulburn Murray Water regulated area (as depicted below). All farmers within the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (mapped green) are eligible to apply; with all farmers with water use licences within the broader Goulburn Murray Water regulated area (mapped blue) also welcome to apply.If you are unsure of your eligibility please contact Shari Rankin from the North Central CMA on 03 5440 1885 or shari.rankin@nccma.vic.gov.au

Q. How is this program funded?A. The Victorian Government is providing $1.6 million to support the delivery of the project. Q. What will this program do to support farmers? A. Farmers will have access to highly qualified advisors to develop personalised, realistic action plans to meet their farm enterprise goals. Farmers are a key part of the social and economic viability of our regions, and as landholders they play an important part in maintaining the health of the environment. The Plan2Farm project recognises the importance of farmers within the landscape, and will support a more resilient and productive agricultural sector through building flexibility to changing markets and environmental conditions, such as climate change, drought and flooding.Q. Can’t the government just provide financial assistance to irrigators being impacted by market and environmental changes?A. Providing the opportunity to undertake strategic farm enterprise planning is a long-term investment that aims to support the farming community to understand and respond to the complex and significant changes occurring across the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District and surrounding irrigation diversion areas. Through facilitating lasting change and building farmer capability and resilience, Plan2Farm will contribute to a more robust and adaptive agricultural sector, better able to navigate future challenges. The benefits of this work will extend beyond the current stressors and reduce the impact of future stressors.Q. When will I be able to apply?A. You can apply now! To register your interest follow this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LPGZYMB Q. How many farmers will be able to access the program? A. It is estimated that 600 farmers/families will directly participate in Plan2Farm.