The Sustainable Farming Fund
The purpose of the Sustainable Farming Fund (the Fund) is to support projects that will contribute to improving the financial and environmental performance of the land-based productive sectors.
The Fund aims to help the land based sectors solve problems and take up opportunities to overcome barriers to economic, social and environmental viability. It will do this by bringing together 'communities of interest'. These are groups of people drawn together by a shared problem and/or opportunity in the sustainable use of resources.
The Fund focuses on projects that are practical and show value for money.
The Projects
The Fund provides grants for projects lasting from one to three years. The maximum grant payable will normally not exceed $200,000 (GST inclusive) per project per year (i.e., $600,000 over three years). There is no lower limit for funding.
There are two funding categories:
Grant funds up to $20,000.00 (GST inclusive)
This category is aimed at - but not restricted to - projects that have a regional, as opposed to national, focus. It will also suit proposals from smaller industries, new or emerging crops, or groups new to research funding. It is a one stage process.
Grant funds greater than $20,000 (GST inclusive)
This category is aimed at project proposals with larger and more complex work programmes, including - but not restricted to - nationally focused and well established industries. This larger grant application involves a two stage process.
If you are successful in going through to phase II, an application form will be sent out to you in April 2006. The phase II application form will require itemised budgets, timeframes and milestones as well as evidence of community participation in terms of commitment to the project and financial contribution.
Projects must seek to address a need that is identified by a community of interest. Once the community has made an application to the Fund, it will be known as 'the applicant group'. The applicant group needs to demonstrate commitment to the project and be willing to contribute to it.
Projects will address a range of topics including, but not restricted to:
- Adding value and making market connections.
- Demonstration projects.
- Information/technology transfer.
- Identifying barriers to and options for improved land use and management.
- Technical investigations supporting the better use and allocation of water resources.
- Improving management decision support.
Applications for 2007/08 financial year
Applications are now invited for projects that will start during the 2007/08 financial year
Applicants must use the official guidelines and form.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
Potential Impact - An assessment of the overall financial, environmental and social benefits that would stem from a successful project. This will include considering the following:
- Scale of the problem or opportunity being addressed - including, where appropriate, consideration of alignment to wider industry strategies or priorities.
- Likely success of the knowledge transfer/extension activities proposed within the project - i.e., how well and widely the new knowledge, practice or technology developed will be disseminated, adopted and implemented.
User Commitment - An assessment of the Community of Interest’s (and other relevant stakeholders’) commitment to, and engagement in, the project. This will include considering the following:
- Composition and roles/functions of the Project Team.
- Financial and in-kind commitments being made to the project.
Ability to Deliver - An assessment of the technical and project management skills and capabilities being brought to bear on the project.
Value for Money - An assessment of the overall value for money based on the cost of the project and the potential benefits it might deliver.
Overall Portfolio - An assessment of the balance across sectors, regions and outcomes. This will include consideration of existing SFF project investments, and, where relevant, those of other funders.
Other Factors - Where relevant, issues such as timeliness and innovativeness of approach will be factored into the overall assessment and ranking process.
Important: posted/faxed applications will not be accepted.
Proposed Timetable for Round Seven (the 2007/08 financial year)
| Event | Timing |
| Phase 1 applications close | 12 February 2007 |
| Applicants for funds of over $20,000 advised re: proceeding to Phase 2 (or not) | Early April 2007 |
| Applicants for funds of $20,000 or less advised re: success (or not) | May 2007 |
| Phase 2 (full proposals) applications close | Early May 2007 |
| Phase 2 results announced | Mid June 2007 |
Other Government Funds
Applicants should make sure that the Sustainable Farming Fund is the appropriate source of funding for their project before making an application. (Applicants should note Table 2 below for other funding sources.)
Examples of other Government Funding Sources
| Business Development New Zealand Trade & Enterprise - phone 0800 555 888 |
| Community Funding Dept of Internal Affairs - phone (04) 495 7200 |
| Conservation Projects DoC (Nature Heritage, Nga Whenua Rahui, etc) - phone (04) 471 0726 |
| Employment Funding Dept of Labour - phone (04) 915 4300 |
| Environmental Projects Ministry for the Environment - Sustainable Management Fund - phone (04) 439 7400 |
| Regional Development New Zealand Trade & Enterprise - phone 0800 555 888 |
| Research Funding Foundation for Research Science and Technology/ Technology New Zealand - phone 0800 832 469 |
Telephone: 0800 100 087 or 04 894 0612
Email: sffund@maf.govt.nz
Contact for Enquiries
Fund Administrator
Sustainable Farming Fund
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
Tel: 0800 008 333
Fax: 04 894 0746
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