Tweed Grants Boost Sustainable Farming Future
Tweed farmers can access grants of up to $4,000 to trial innovative farming practices that improve productivity while protecting the environment.
Tweed Shire farmers are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $4,000 to help improve the sustainability, productivity and long-term resilience of their farming operations through Tweed Shire Council’s Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Program.
Now in its eighth year, the program supports practical on-farm projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits while strengthening the long-term viability of agricultural businesses. Funding is available for initiatives such as trialling new farming techniques, implementing sustainable land management practices and addressing environmental challenges affecting agricultural land.
Since the program was established in 2018, Council has awarded 49 grants valued at approximately $160,000, supporting a wide range of projects across the Tweed. These have included erosion control works, riparian restoration, native revegetation, improved water management and soil health initiatives.
Council’s Acting Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture, Aiden Sloman, said the grants provide farmers with an opportunity to test innovative ideas before making larger investments.
“Farmers manage much of the Tweed’s landscape and are uniquely placed to deliver positive environmental outcomes alongside agricultural production,” Mr Sloman said.
“The program gives farmers an opportunity to trial new approaches with less financial risk. That can help build confidence before making a larger investment or committing to a significant change in farm management.”
Mr Sloman said many of the program’s most successful projects had started as simple ideas before developing into lasting improvements for both farming businesses and the surrounding environment.
“The existence and success of these grants is really a reflection of our shire’s incredible farmers and their willingness to innovate and commit to being great stewards of the land for future generations,” he said.
Previous recipients have reported significant environmental and production benefits.
John, from Pumpenbil, used grant funding to fence gullies and waterways, creating wildlife corridors while improving pasture management. Restricting cattle access to waterways and providing clean drinking water through troughs resulted in healthier livestock and improved pasture condition, while technical advice provided through the program also proved valuable.
Meanwhile, Robert, from Stotts Island, reported strong results from a multi-species cover crop trial on his sugar cane farm. The trial produced about 45 tonnes of dry matter and generated around 200 units of nitrogen, eliminating the need for additional chemical nitrogen on the trial site and significantly outperforming a soybean crop affected by wet weather.
To be eligible, applicants must be primary producers or actively farming land within the Tweed Shire. Proposed projects must demonstrate clear environmental benefits and contribute to improved soil health, water quality, biodiversity or broader natural resource management outcomes.
Applications close on 30 August 2026 for first-round consideration. Applications received after that date may still be assessed while funding remains available, with any remaining applications considered in the next funding round if funds are exhausted.
Farmers are encouraged to discuss project ideas with Council’s Sustainable Agriculture team before applying. Further information, program guidelines and application details are available from Tweed Shire Council.
