Preparing for the dry times

Drought is a matter of when, not if. The Australian Government is preparing, with farmers, for drier times ahead.

For the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), this means working with other Government agencies and stakeholders. The aim is to get drought policies and programs right and then deliver the support and information needed to help farmers withstand drought.
 

A photograph of a group of people sitting and listening to two speakers at a cattle research station.

Field trip to cattle research station featuring climate adaptation technologies and practices
Image: DAFF

Reviews and research have highlighted the importance of intermediaries in reaching farmers – the closer to the farm gate, the better. These trusted advisers range from local accountants, banks and agricultural industry bodies to charities, farm extension officers and land care groups.

The department is tapping into these networks to help:

  • inform its policies
  • deliver programs
  • share its program communications
  • monitor conditions on the ground.

Everyone has a role to play because drought is forecast to become more frequent, severe and longer lasting in many regions as the climate changes.

DAFF engages with Government and its delivery partners through:

  • Australian Government interagency meetings
  • a state and territory working group
  • regional networks, including drought hubs and rural financial counsellors.

The department also works with non-government and industry organisations that farmers and rural communities look to when facing drought.

The Future Drought Fund provides wide-ranging support. This includes for:

  • local trials and demonstrations of drought resilient farming practices
  • raining and mentoring of rural community leaders
  • climate tools agronomists use to help advise their farming clients.

Drought is just one of many business risks that farmers face. But when farmers get ready for drought, they can make their business as a whole more sustainable and build their capacity to withstand other challenges too.

See also

Australian Government (n.d.) Drought Policy, DAFF website, https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/drought-policy, accessed 5 October 2023.

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