SA Dairy Industry Fund

Purpose and Program Overview

The SA Dairy Industry Fund aims to support the South Australian dairy industry and its communities. It finances innovative projects and activities that directly benefit the sector.

The fund’s primary purpose is to support the future of local dairy farmers and improve industry operations. It specifically targets projects that promote productivity, diversification, and resilience within the dairy industry. Proceeds from SADA Fresh milk sales support the fund.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Not specified as fixed amounts. Funding is allocated based on project merit and availability of funds.
• Application open and close dates: Applications are open-ended and may be made at any time.
• Eligible industries or business types: Individuals, private companies, dairy processors and boutique manufacturers, farmers and community groups, research and extension organisations, and industry associations. All must be involved with or directly benefit the South Australian dairy industry.
• Required co-contributions: The level of in-kind and/or matching funding from other sources is a selection criterion, suggesting co-contributions are expected. Specific ratios are not provided.
• Location/state/territory applicability: South Australia. Projects must directly benefit the South Australian dairy industry and its communities.

Priority Sectors

The SA Dairy Industry Fund focuses exclusively on the South Australian dairy industry. It prioritises projects that contribute to productivity, diversification, and resilience within this sector.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Not specified. Funding is allocated based on project merit and availability of funds.
• Categories or streams of funding: Applications are welcome for innovative projects and activities that directly benefit the South Australian dairy industry. There are no explicit categories or streams with defined funding amounts.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Not specified. Projects are assessed based on their proposed methodology and scope.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Applications are open to diverse entities including research and extension organisations, individuals, private companies, dairy processors and boutique manufacturers, farmer and community groups, and industry associations.
• Registered business location: Applicants should be linked to or operate within the South Australian dairy industry.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified in the context of the grant, but general industry compliance (e.g., Dairysafe accreditation for dairy businesses) applies.
• ABN/GST status: Not explicitly stated as a requirement for the fund, but generally required for Australian businesses.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The fund supports innovative projects and activities that directly benefit the SA dairy industry. Eligible activities typically include those that:

• Promote productivity.
• Support diversification within the industry.
• Build resilience.
• Add value to the SA dairy industry.
• Develop new partnerships for the SA dairy industry.

Specific examples of purchases or activities are not detailed. However, they would relate to the project’s aims, such as research, development, new practices, or infrastructure improvements that align with the fund’s objectives.

Assessment Process

The SA Dairy Industry Fund operates an open-ended application process. Applications are competitive and considered on their merit, as well as the availability of funds.

The SA Dairy Industry Fund Board assesses applications. Short-listed projects may need to provide more detailed information, including budgets and reporting targets.

Key selection criteria include:

• Support for the fund’s stated priorities and guidelines.
• Level of innovation and originality of the proposed concept.
• Quality and scope of the project, including proposed methodology.
• Potential return on investment and/or ability to add value to the SA dairy industry.
• Potential benefits to the SA dairy industry and its communities.
• Applicant’s track record in implementing similar projects or working with the dairy industry.
• Level of in-kind and/or matching funding from other sources, and potential for new partnerships.
• Relevance to the SA dairy industry and its communities.

Recent Program Updates

The SA Dairy Industry Fund operates with an open-ended application process, allowing applications to be submitted at any time. The fund is self-sustaining through proceeds from SADA Fresh milk sales. The South Australian Dairy Industry Action Plan 2024-2029 was recently launched, outlining the strategic direction for the broader industry.

Application Tips

Consider these points for your application:

• Address the fund’s priorities: productivity, diversification, and resilience.
• Show the innovation and originality of your project concept.
• Clearly state the potential benefits and value your project offers to the SA dairy industry.
• Provide details on your track record and capacity to deliver the project.
• Indicate any in-kind or matching funding and potential new partnerships.
• Use the SA Dairy Industry Fund Project Application Form available from the fund’s website.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.