SA Dairy Industry Fund calls for New Project Applications
ABOUT THE FUND
The SA Dairy Industry Fund Limited was officially formed in October 2014 to finance projects that directly benefit the South Australian dairy industry and its communities. It is managed by a small board, chaired by Mr Dennis Mutton, a well known figure in South Australian agriculture with vast experience in the research and development sector.
The organisation is funded by proceeds from the sale of SADA Fresh brand milk. The ground-breaking milk brand was launched by the South Australian Dairyfarmers' Association (SADA) in October 2013 to help secure the future of the State’s dairy farmers and their industry. SADA was the first dairy industry association in Australia to launch its own brand, and the response from consumers has been overwhelming and sales continue to grow.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
The overarching purpose of the SA Dairy Industry Fund is to finance innovative projects that directly benefit the South Australian dairy industry and its communities. We are interested in game-changing concepts that offer real value for money and genuine potential to improve the productivity, performance, business growth and diversity of the SA dairy industry, and any part of its supply chain.
We are particularly keen to receive applications that focus on supporting and encouraging local investment and value-adding, both in terms of new products and opening up new markets here in Australia and overseas. Projects that improve the capacity and resilience of dairy farmers and their communities to manage change and volatility are of interest, including projects that identify smart ways to reduce costs, lift production, soften the impact of dry seasons, and even diversify their enterprises to open up additional sources of revenue.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The first step in applying for funding is to submit an Expression of Interest that captures briefly the project concept and scope. Applicants are required to complete an Expression of Interest Application Form, providing a summary of key details including an outline of the proposed project, its potential impact and benefits, information about the applicant and any proposed partners.
The SA Dairy Industry Fund Board will assess the applications and select a short-list. Short-listed projects may then be invited to submit more detailed information, including budgets and reporting targets, before funding allocations are made.
At this stage, it is envisaged that there will only be one call for Expressions of Interest in 2017 - closing June 16. However, the board is open to considering applications at other times for short-term opportunity funding of concepts that offer outstanding potential.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The main criteria that will be used to evaluate applications include:
- Supports the Fund's priorities as stated in the Guidelines
- Level of innovation and originality of the proposed concept
- Quality and scope of the project, including the proposed methodology
- Potential return on investment and/or ability to add value to the SA dairy industry
- Potential benefits to the SA dairy industry and its communities
- Track record of the applicant in implementing similar projects and/or working with the dairy industry and any part its supply chain
- The level of in-kind and/or matching funding from other sources, and/or the potential to develop new partnerships for the SA dairy industry
- Relevance to the SA dairy industry and its communities
FUNDING SCOPE
Applications are welcome from diverse sectors including research and extension organisations, individuals, private companies, dairy processors and boutique manufacturers, farmer and community groups, and industry associations.
The Board intends to allocate up to $200,000 in the 2017 round.
TIMETABLE
Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday, June 16, 2017.
The Fund Board will assess the applications and finalise a short list in early July 2017.
Short-listed projects may then be invited to submit more detailed information before funding allocations are decided and announced in August 2017.