Agriculture Minister Paul Caica said the Irrigators’ Managing Business Risk Program had been developed in partnership with industry and aimed to prepare irrigators for economic recovery.

This program compliments the recently announced $20 million Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, as part of the States investment in drought support, and moving forward into recovery and renewal.

“This is part of a long-term strategic approach to improve infrastructure, support industry attraction and help grow existing businesses for the future of the Riverland,” Mr Caica said.

“Over the past couple of months we have held talks with industry about how we can best support them in their recovery, and this program was the direct result.

“Irrigators have told us that they want to better understand how to manage their risks, maximise water supplies and be more adaptable in today’s rapidly changing environment.”

The program includes a combination of workshops and one-on-one professional support and is being managed by Rural Solutions SA.

Topics cover how to manage business risks, irrigation efficiency, water budgeting, water trading, gross margin analysis and interpretation, business analysis and planning, re-investment options and farm planning strategies.

Consultants work one-on-one with irrigators to introduce them to new computer-based tools and assist them to develop gross margins or whole farm plans tailored to their situation.

Individual visits to irrigator’s properties are also available to help them develop water budgets and better manage their drip irrigation systems.

Rural Solutions SA is also working with businesses and industry bodies along the River Corridor on activities that will assist them better manage their business finances and long-term recovery.

* Details: www.pir.sa.gov.au/drought or Bev Scarfe, Loxton Research Centre, 08 8595 9138