2010-2011 Sustainable Farming Fund Application Guidelines

The Assessment Process

All projects are assessed by an independent panel made up of external experts and MAF staff with specific sector knowledge.

The assessment is based on the information provided in the application form. SFF staff may collect further commentary from sector organisations to provide additional context. Each project is scored against each of the assessment criteria and then ranked by total score.

The assessment process is a two-phase process

At Phase I all projects are assessed and the panel recommendations are given to the Director General of MAF (or his designate) for a final decision on behalf of MAF. At this time:

  • Invitations are given to successful larger projects to submit a more detailed Phase II proposal. The Phase II application form is emailed to the successful applicants.
  • Unsuccessful projects are notified by mail.

The Phase II assessment follows a similar process. Applicants are notified of the results by mail and email.

Small projects (under $20,000) are assessed by the Phase II panel as above and applicants are notified of the results by mail and email.

Note: The Minister of Agriculture & Forestry is not involved in the assessment process.

When considering applying to the SFF, prospective applicants should note the following

  • Unsuccessful Applications - the Sustainable Farming Fund is consistently oversubscribed and thus highly competitive. The selection process is based on a subjective assessment of merit, and limited by the funds available. Well regarded proposals are often unsuccessful (or successful at reduced funding), because the assessment panel has concluded either that the project is of lower merit or priority relative to others received; or the area is adequately covered elsewhere in the SFF’s existing project portfolio.
  • Confidentiality - Information in project applications will usually be limited to the SFF team, other MAF staff and external SFF assessors (including other funders or pan-industry bodies whose input is sought). However, from time-to-time the SFF may also make application information available to other parties (including other applicants), e.g. in a situation where two or more applications are similar and the SFF wishes to broker a coordinated or amalgamated project.
  • If the applicant considers any part of their project to be confidential then they must make a written request to the SFF Manager at the time of submission. The request should specify the party(s) whom the applicant does not wish to view the application and the reasons why not2.

2 As a Government agency, MAF is required to supply all information it holds in compliance with the Official Information Act.

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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