A NSW Government program aimed at encouraging farmers to up-skill and develop farm business plans has been welcomed by Clarence MP and Parliamentary Secretary for the North Coast, Chris Gulaptis. Mr Gulaptis said the $45 million Farm Business Skills Professional Development Program enables primary producers to claim reimbursement costs for vocational training and farm business planning, with a maximum of $5000 per farmer, and $9000 per farm business, claimable over the next five years. “I urge producers to familiarise themselves with the benefits of the program and see if it may assist them whether through improving their financial or business management skills or being prepared for flood or drought. “Farming is the backbone to many communities and it is important that our primary producers are equipped with the best knowledge and skills to ensure their businesses are prepared to manage risks, like floods and drought,” Mr Gulaptis said. Education and service providers can now apply to the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) with a list of courses that are pre-approved to be placed on the RAA website in coming weeks. Separate to the pre-approved courses, primary producers are also able to apply to the RAA from today for approval for other vocational training or farm business planning service providers that meet their needs and are within the guidelines. For more information or to apply visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.