Infrastructure projects fast track productivity and profitability

The Farm Innovation Fund (now known as the Drought Infrastructure Fund) is a long term, low interest loan scheme administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA).

The program allows NSW farmers to finance permanent on-farm infrastructure, that will improve farm productivity, better manage adverse seasonal conditions and ensure long term sustainability.

Ben and Louise Dal Broi own and operate a crop farming enterprise where they primarily produce cotton, wheat and canola on their property in Benerembah, just outside of Griffith in the Murrumbidgee.

Over the years Ben and Louise have accessed the Farm Innovation Fund on two occasions, which allowed them to finance significant infrastructure projects that would otherwise have been delayed.

In 2018, they were approved a $250,000 loan that allowed them to engage contractors and purchase supplies to construct an irrigation water recycle system on their property.

In 2019, Ben and Louise were approved for a second $250,000 loan to finance the construction of a water storage dam to complement their irrigation system.

“We believe having an on-farm recycle system and storage dam are essential infrastructure to improve the long-term productivity and profitability of our farming enterprise,” said Ben.

“They are particularly important for helping manage risks such as irrigation supply interruptions and flooding.

"We had expected that the construction would be delayed up to five years until income and equity in our property were sufficient to access the necessary finance for the up-front capital cost.”

Both projects have now been completed and Ben and Louise are able to work towards further growing their business as a profitable and sustainable producer of quality irrigated food and fibre crops.

Learn more about the Drought Infrastructure Fund loan.