SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DAIRY FARMERS’ SUPPORT SCHEME

The Government of South Australia has approved a $3 million support scheme (“Scheme”) to provide access to funding for South Australian based dairy farmers impacted by the liquidation of Beston Global Food Company Ltd (In Liquidation) and its subsidiary Beston Pure Dairies Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) (collectively “Beston”).

The Scheme will be available for dairy farmers who are creditors of Beston and will enable those impacted dairy farmers to utilise grant funds to invest in farm modifications, pay invoices or accounts, or reduce working capital debt facilities to support continued operation of their dairy farm(s). 

Applicants are entitled to participate in the Scheme for the total amount owed to it by Beston.

The Scheme fund of $3 million is to be allocated in full, with payments of grant funds to be made proportionally based on the final quantum of verified applications received (i.e. the full amount of the fund will be allocated on a pro rata (cent in the dollar) basis). Those with debts under $2000 will be given a grant equivalent to their total verified debt.

All grants will be conditional upon the applicant formally registering as an unsecured creditor and participating in the liquidation process, including submission of a valid proof of debt to the Administrator/Liquidator of Beston. 

Payment of the grant funds will be made once:

• all applications have been received and/or closure of the Scheme (i.e. 31 May 2025);
• SADA has verified each of the applicant’s eligibility for payment under the Scheme; and

• the application has been approved by the Treasurer or his delegate. 

   

Eligibility

To be eligible for a payment under the Scheme, the applicant must:

• be involved in the primary production of milk, to the satisfaction of SADA and the 
  SA Government;
• own and/or operate a dairy farm in the state of South Australia;
• be a legal entity established in Australia (i.e. a sole trader, company, partnership, not-for-profit, incorporated association or corporate trustee of a trust). Incorporated entities must be incorporated in Australia;
• hold an active ABN and be currently registered for GST;
• be owed an eligible debt by Beston as at 23 September 2024;
• have submitted a valid and signed proof of debt form including all supporting evidence to the Administrator/Liquidator of Beston  (“Proof of Debt form”); and

• enter into a grant agreement on terms and conditions determined by the Treasurer or their delegate.

   

Evidence

An applicant will be required to provide the following evidence to be considered for a grant:

• the Proof of Debt form, including supporting evidence, to substantiate the amount owed to the applicant by Beston;
• a plan outlining the intended use of the grant funding (i.e. farm modifications, pay invoices or accounts, or reduction in working capital debt facilities to support continued operation of the dairy farm); and
• any other information requested from time to time by SADA and/or the SA Government.

How to submit your application

An online application form is available and can be submitted at HERE

The Scheme will open from 1 May 2025 and applications will close on 31 May 2025 or earlier if all  applications are received from all known eligible applicants.