E-news Number 2 for project teams and all those interested in Sustainable Farming in New Zealand

Dear all

Haere mai, nau mai

In this edition:

• New SFF application round closes 1 February 2005
• Under $20,000 fund
• Regional workshops for new SFF applicants
• Some frequently asked questions answered!

NEW SFF APPLICATION ROUND CLOSES 1 FEBRUARY 2005

Applications are now invited for projects that will start during the 2005/06 financial year.

The proposed time table is as follows:

Phase 1 applications close: 1 February 2005

Applicants for funds of over $20,000 are advised whether they will proceed into Phase 2 or not: early April 2005

Applicants for funds of less than $20,000 are advised whether they have been successful or not: May 2005

Phase 2 (full proposals for grants > $20,000) close early May 2005

Phase 2 results announced: Mid June 2005

The criteria for applicants remains the same as in previous years.

The major differerence between this application round and previous rounds is the "Under $20,000 Fund", which replaces the "Under $10,000 Fund" - see below for more about this.

Application forms can be downloaded directly from the SFF website by clicking here, or by phoning us on 0800 100 087.

THE UNDER $20,000 FUND

The Sustainable Farming Fund receives a huge cross section of applications - from small and emerging industries to the big agricultural export earners; from regionally focussed community groups to projects with nationwide importance. All are valid - but sometimes it is difficult to prioritise between the different extremes.

Therefore, the under $20,000 fund is aimed at - but not restricted to - projects that have a regional, as opposed to national focus. It will suit proposals from smaller industries, new or emerging crops, or perhaps groups new to research funding. The projects can run for between 1 and 3 years.

The Sustainable Farming Fund will contribute total funding of $20,000 (including GST) to these projects, which is expected to be matched by cash or in-kind contributions from the community or other funding partners. As with all SFF projects the total government (SFF + any other government funds) contribution cannot exceed 80 percent of the total project cost.

The application process is shorter and easier than the 2-phase process for the over-$20,000 projects i.e.

1. Complete a 4 page application form and submit to the Sustainable Farming Fund by 1 February 2005

2. Applicants will be notified in May 2005 as to whether they are successful or not.

Please note: The "Under $20,000" application form is now different to the "Over $20,000 Phase 1 application form".

As with the larger projects, the successful projects will be selected on merit and subject to entering into an appropriate contract.

REGIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR NEW SFF APPLICANTS

Preparing an SFF application for the first time?

Want to discuss a new project idea with someone from the Sustainable Farming Fund?

Then come along to one our our regional workshops. SFF Project Advisers will be available after the workshops to discuss your individual proposals.

We've arranged workhops in the following regions, and will organise more if there is sufficient demand:

Bay of Plenty

29 November 2004 10.30 - 12.00pm

Mills Reef Board Room 143 Moffat Road, Bethelehem

contact: Helen Percy ph. 07 856 1811

Christchurch

2 December 2004 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Sudima Grand Chancellor Hotel Christchurch Airport

contact: Katherine McCusker ph. 03 358 1354

Gore

10 December 2004 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Scenic Circle, Croydon Hotel Main Queenstown Highway

contact: Fiona Duncan ph. 04 460 8788

Note: Fiona will be available before this workshop for any individual discussions.

Hamilton

30 November 2004 10.30am - 12.00pm

Ruakura Research Centre McMeekan Centre East Street Hamilton

contact: Helen Percy ph. 07 856 1811

Hastings

2 December 2004 10.30am - 12.30pm

Crop and Food Research, 265 Lawn Road Hastings

contact: Barrie Wallace ph. 06 351 7926

Nelson

9 December 2004 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Arthur Wakefield Motor Inn 294 Queen Street, Richmond

contact: Fiona Duncan ph. 04 460 8788

Palmerston North

3 December 2004 10.30am - 12.30pm

AgriQuality Batchelar Agriculture Centre Tennant Drive Palmerston North

contact: Barrie Wallace ph. 06 351 7926

Rotorua

1 December 2004 10:30am - 12:00pm

Forest Research "Rimu Room" Sala Street (Main Entrance) Rotorua

contact: Helen Percy 07 856 1811

Whangarei

13 December 2004 10:00am - 12:00pm

Bounty Room, Forum North Rust Street Whangarei

contact: Fiona Duncan ph. 04 460 8788

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Does the SFF fund research, or just extension projects?

The SFF certainly funds research - although at the more applied end of the spectrum, with practical outcomes. This not a fund for long term (>3 years) research programmes, or for pure or fundamental research. The programme must be identified and supported by the community of interest.

Why is the funding GST inclusive?

All government grants are GST inclusive.

What are the proportions of cash and in-kind contributions required?

There is no set requirement, although experience suggests that most projects will match the SFF request with an equivalent in-kind + cash contribution. The level of direct financial input into the project is a good measure of the group's committment to the project, and an important assessment criteria.

What is the maximum funding available?

SFF will fund projects up to $200,000 (GST inclusive) per project per year (i.e. $600,000 over 3 years).

Who, or what, is a community of interest?

This can be any farmer or grower led group. The group does not have to be a legal entity - it can be a group that has formed to make the SFF application. The applicant group needs to have active farmer or industry involvement and address farmer or grower issues and opportunities. However, a science provider or consultant may prepare the applciation on behalf of the group.

ENDING

Please contact us if you want to provide something for future editions of SFF E-News.

Let us know if you don't wish to receive any more editions of E-NEWS or if there is someone who should be added to our distribution list.

Kind regards Hai kona ra

Kevin, Amanda, Barrie, Fiona, Katherine and Helen