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The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is calling on farmer groups across Tasmania to apply for a pilot program that helps build long-term strength, connection, and resilience in farming communities.
The Farmer Group Support Pilot will assist five farmer groups through a 12-month support package valued at $55,000 per group.
The program offers hands-on facilitation and flexible funding to help groups grow stronger, lead with confidence, and contribute to a stronger farming future.
The Director of the TAS Farm Innovation Hub, Sandra Knowles, said farmer groups were vital for strong and adaptive farm businesses.
“Farmer groups are a fantastic platform for farmers to learn from each other, stay connected, and drive local innovation,” she said.
“We know that many groups struggle with limited time, money, and people to keep things running and this pilot is here to help change that.
“This pilot provides practical, flexible support that helps farmer groups with coordination and reduces the administrative burden of running a group, whilst also supporting groups to design and implement their own drought and climate resilience learning activities.
“It’s a great opportunity for farmer groups who want to do more for their members, grow their impact, and help Tasmanian farming adapt to a changing climate.”
Successful groups will receive facilitation and coordination services valued at $40,000, delivered through a dedicated Hub-based facilitator who will work closely with each group to support planning, communication, engagement, and event delivery.
In addition, each group will have access to up to $10,000 for group-led activities that encourage practical, climate-smart changes on farm, and flexible administration support up to $5,000.
This means less admin and stress for group organisers and more time focused on value for farmers. From saving water to navigating market shifts or improving pasture decisions, groups can focus on what matters most to their members.
This new pilot builds on earlier TAS Hub work with the East Coast Primary Producers Association, which showed that well-targeted support, including assistance with administration and coordination, can make a big difference.
“We’ve seen how the right support can unlock capacity and momentum in farmer groups,” Sandra said.
“Farmers are telling us they want more than information, they want connection, relevance, and support that reflects the realities on the ground.
“This program is designed to deliver just that - backing the groups that already know their communities and giving them the tools to go further.”
This pilot is also helping to test what scalable, cost-effective farmer group support might look like in the future. Insights from the project will inform the TAS Hub’s long-term strategy and may shape broader approaches to farmer engagement.
“This is your group’s chance to be part of something bigger,” Sandra said.
“To get support that’s tailored, flexible, and meaningful, and to help shape the future of how Tasmania backs its farming communities.”
To be eligible for the Farmer Group Support Pilot, groups must be based in Tasmania, with most members farming in the state; have an ABN and governance structure; hold (or be able to get) public liability insurance and be able to work within the University of Tasmania’s standard agreement process.
Expressions of Interest open 9:00am Friday 6 June 2025 and close 9:00pm Friday 4 July 2025.
The expression of interest package will be available on the Hub’s website from Friday 6 June: www.tasfarmhub.com.au
