Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Program

The program works with farmers and their rural and regional communities to prepare for drought. It connects farmers with agricultural experts in their region to harness innovation and adopt new practices.

Adopting new technologies and practices can reduce exposure to drought risks. This helps farmers and their communities sustain productivity and profitability in times of drought.

The program includes:

• Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs
• Drought Resilience Innovation Grants
• The Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Investment Plan
• The Science to Practice Forum
• A Knowledge Platform.

Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs

In October 2021, the Australian Government announced it would provide an extra $20 million in funding to the hubs. The funding will allow the hubs to expand their focus beyond drought resilience to include broader agricultural innovation.

Read more about the hubs’ expanded focus.

The 8 hubs support farmers and communities to get ready for drought. Through the hubs, farmers access the latest tools and do practical extension and adoption activities.

Hub activities were designed in collaboration with famers to meet local needs. Regional activities include:

• adopting innovative tools and technologies
• improving productivity and profitability
• preserving natural capital
• reducing financial exposure to future droughts.

In March 2022, an extra $9 million was announced for Adoption Officers. Adoption Officers will work with farmers and their communities to pick up the innovative tools and practices to build drought-resilient businesses.

In April 2022, $4 million was announced for Hub Projects. This funding will support the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs to work together on drought resilience projects. The result will be drought resilience gains that farmers and rural communities can see in 12 months.

Find out more about the hubs.

Drought Resilience Innovation Grants

The grants fund projects that drive the development and adoption of new technologies and practices by farmers.

Find out more about the grants.

Drought Resilience Research and Adoption Investment Plan

The Plan identifies national priorities to prepare for drought. It is being developed with farmers, researchers, government, and industry.

The Plan will inform:

• Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs
• Research and development entities, such as Rural Research and Development Corporations
• Potential future FDF investments.

Find out more about the Plan.

Science to Practice Forum

The annual forum brings together farmers, researchers, government, industry and community members. Participants hear how regions are getting better prepared for drought.

The first forum was held In June 2021.

Find out more about the forum.

Knowledge Platform

The platform will capture and share information about drought resilience created by the hubs. It will also connect the hubs with existing drought resilience tools and information.

Find out more about the platform.

Funding information

Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs

Find details of the payment information for Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Program as required under section 27A of the Future Drought Fund Act 2019 below.

Adoption Officers

Find details of the payment information for Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Program – Adoption Officers as required under section 27A of the Future Drought Fund Act 2019 below.

Hub Projects

Find details of the payment information for Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Program – Hub Projects as required under section 27A of the Future Drought Fund Act 2019 below.