Tasmanian farmers who still need to get their businesses back on track, competitive and profitable

Tasmanian farmers who still need to get their businesses back on track, competitive and profitable after the vicissitudes of 2013 will soon be able to access concessional loans to help them.

The money, $30 million over two years, is being made available under the Australian Government’s Farm Finance Concessional Loan Scheme, which the state government delivers.

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) has worked closely with the state government to ensure that the terms of the loans are the most appropriate for Tasmanian farmers.

“Eligible farm businesses will have access to five-year loans of up to $650,000 for productivity enhancement activities,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today.

“These loans will assist farm businesses become more profitable and will also be available for debt restructuring.

Ms Davis said the interest rate initially would be set at 4.5 per cent and interest only payments would be available for up to five years.

Applications open in mid-January. Farmer liaison officers will be available to assist farmers in understanding eligibility and other requirements.
Jan Davis, TFGA