Government policy on on-farm adverse events

Rural individuals and communities remain primarily responsible for their response and recovery from adverse climatic and natural disaster events.

Disruptive weather is a normal part of primary production. Managing the risk of adverse events is part of building a resilient business. Farmers should put in place strategies, such as access to a generator or maintaining insurance cover for adverse weather events, to mitigate and manage potential effects of adverse events. There are times, however, when an event is beyond a rural community's capacity to cope, and central government assistance may be required to help rural communities recover more quickly.

The On-Farm Adverse Events Recovery Plan for adverse climatic events and natural disasters explains individual and rural community responsibilities in responding and recovering from adverse events. It outlines strategies to build resilient farming businesses, briefly describes the government assistance available in a small, medium or large-scale adverse event, and outlines the criteria used to classify events.

For specific information on the Government’s on-farm adverse events recovery policy refer to the following links:

• On-farm adverse events recovery measures
• Criteria used to assess adverse events
• Frequently asked questions about the governments on-farm adverse events recovery policy

MPI also has additional information relating to specific events found via the following links:

• Storms
• Droughts
• Floods
• Snows
• Volcanic eruptions
• Earthquakes

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management provides information to prepare your household for an adverse event.

Rural assistance payments

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) may provide rural assistance payments after a medium or large-scale adverse event to help farming families meet essential living expenses.

Rural Assistance Payments are administered through the Rural Support Trusts and your local Work and Income office.

Coping with stress on the farm?

If you or someone you know frequently feels frazzled or overwhelmed, you can help protect yourself and others from the stresses of farm life by recognising the symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce it.

The pamphlet Coping with stress on the farm? identifies a number of causes of stress and its symptoms. It also provides some practical ways to manage stress, and a list of contacts for further information and support.