2010-2011 Sustainable Farming Fund Application Guidelines

Background information

Two different funds exist:

A: Sustainable Farming Fund - main fund

The purpose of the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) is to support the financial, environmental and social performance of New Zealand’s productive land-based sectors.

It does this by funding projects that are:

  • Based around solving problems, or taking up opportunities, related to sustainable resource use; and
  • Defined and driven by a farmer, grower or forester-led Community of Interest. These are groups of stakeholders drawn together by common problems or opportunities.

B: Sustainable Farming Fund - Climate Change fund

  • The Sustainable Farming Fund - Climate Change fund (SFF-CC) is a dedicated fund enabling primary industries to respond and adapt to the challenges of climate change. This initiative is part of MAF’s Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Plan of Action http://www.maf.govt.nz/climatechange/

What does MAF fund?

SFF projects contribute to the economic, social and environmental viability of farmers, growers, foresters and their wider rural communities. Projects can include, but are not restricted to:

  • Applied research and development;
  • Demonstration projects;
  • Information, knowledge and technology transfer;
  • Technical investigations supporting improved use and allocation of water;
  • Identifying barriers to, and options for, improved land use and management;
  • Improving decision support;
  • Irrigation feasibility studies (with at least 50 percent cash co-funding);
  • Adding value and exploring market opportunities.

In addition SFF-CC projects specifically support the three core objectives of MAF’s Climate Change Plan of Action:

  • Mitigation - reducing greenhouse gas emissions and related environmental impacts, and improving resource use efficiency;
  • Adaptation - adapting to climate change;
  • Business opportunities - capitalising on climate change-related business opportunities.1

Activities and expenditure appropriate for SFF support include, but are not restricted to:

  • Research activities;
  • Demonstration and extension activities and resources;
  • Project management;
  • Financial management.

What doesn’t MAF fund?

Projects not appropriate for SFF support include:

  • Projects involving unsustainable land management or environmental practices;
  • Projects primarily benefiting an individual or single business or farming unit (including the funding of whole farm plans);
  • Conservation, mining, marine or sea-food farming projects;
  • Projects from applicants not resident in New Zealand for tax purposes;
  • Participation in statutory processes, litigation, or resource inventory work;
  • Projects not directly related to New Zealand’s land-based primary industries: eg amenity horticulture.

Activities and expenditure not usually appropriate for SFF support include:

  • Activities more appropriately funded by other funding bodies or organisations;
  • Long-term on-going costs of an organisation;
  • Long-term on-going costs of a trial or project (including breeding trials and variety trials);
  • Large capital expenditure;
  • Retrospective costs;
  • Local or central government fees or charges.

How much does MAF contribute?

Applicants can apply under each fund (main or Climate Change) for:

1. Up to $20,000 (incl GST) for the total project

This category is aimed at proposals from smaller industries, new or emerging crops or farming opportunities, groups undertaking scoping studies before embarking on larger projects, or projects with a small regional or local focus. It may also suit one-off knowledge- sharing and extension initiatives.

These applications go through a one-phase assessment process using the Under $20,000 Application Form.

Applications for under $20,000 projects close on 2 March 2010 and the results will be announced mid April 2010.

2. $20,000 to $200,000 (incl GST) per annum

Larger projects go through a two phase assessment process. Applicants first submit a Phase I application form that outlines the project and the costs (see Over $20,000 Application Form).

If successful at Phase I, the applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal to a Phase II panel.

Note: The maximum SFF grant available is $600,000 (ie $200,000 over three years). SFF may fund up to 80 percent of the project value. However, successful projects are likely to have a higher proportion of partnership cash and in-kind input.

Key Dates

Important dates and timeframes for the SFF assessment process:

7 October 2009 Deadline for receipt of Phase I applications requesting $20,000 or over
11 December 2009 Phase I decisions announced - shortlisted applicants asked to prepare a detailed Phase II proposal
2 March 2010 Deadline for receipt of Phase II applications
Deadline for receipt of applications requesting under $20,000
15 April 2010 Funding decisions announced
30 June 2010 Funded projects contracted and ready to commence

 

1 SFF-CC does not fund individuals or single business units, nor does it support product commercialisation. Refer also to Intellectual property section.

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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