What the accelerator fund will do
The Integrated Farm Planning (IFP) Accelerator Fund is investing in initiatives that help farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners adopt an integrated approach to their farm planning.
About integrated farm planning
Integrated farm planning involves different aspects of existing:
- farm management
- planning
- reporting responsibilities.
For example, a business could integrate its farm environment plan, freshwater farm plan, business plan, health and safety plan, and others.
It allows farmers and growers to make the most efficient use of their data. It also helps them respond to future changes, such as new regulations or evolving market requirements.
Taking this whole-farm approach to planning will streamline compliance and reduce duplication. It also provides a structured approach for food and fibre producers to better identify risks and opportunities that help lift performance and meet their business goals.
Who is the funding for
In 2022, applications were sought to scale-up or modify current programmes or activities, or work with existing networks, to better align them with integrated farm planning.
We received 70 applications across 2 targeted funding rounds from:
- industry bodies and groups with existing farm planning programmes and a focus on building capability
- whenua Māori entities and organisations supporting Māori agribusiness
- established extension and catchment groups looking to undertake farm planning initiatives
- organisations with existing networks in rural communities.
The fund was not open to individual farmers or growers.
Phase 1 funding
Phase 1 funding was for projects that:
- connect with many farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners, and
- can accelerate the adoption of integrated farm planning and the scope of its use.
The funding round for phase 1 closed on 25 May 2022.
Phase 2 funding
Phase 2 funding was for targeted, smaller projects from organisations such as newer farmer support groups. These groups may not have worked with a government agency like the Ministry for Primary Industries before and may need extra support.
The funding round for phase 2 closed on 31 August 2022.
Successful applicants
Successful applicants were chosen by a 5-member panel.
The fund is investing $14.2 million into 36 projects that will increase the use of integrated farm planning among farmers, growers and whenua Māori owners.
