Agriculture officials today opened bidding for up to $8 million in funding for sustainable farming.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's (MAF) provides the money for farmer, grower and forester-led projects contributing to the sustainable growth of land-based primary industries.
Sustainable Farming Fund manager, Denis Packer said he was looking for proposals which could deliver economic, environmental and social benefits to primary industries and rural communities.
"Projects can cover shared problems, developing new opportunities or sharing best practice," he said in a statement.
Applications for the 2011 round are due by October 4.
Further funding of up to $25,000 for each project will be available for smaller projects with a local or regional focus, and applications for this money will close on February 13 next year.
MAF has so far funded more than 700 projects since the fund started in 2000.
"Projects have ranged from pasture development to sustainable pest control, irrigation to information sharing and innovative production schemes," said Mr Packer.
NZPA