About the NIWE Primary Producer Finance Scheme

The Scheme was initially open for applications and expressions of interest for 6 weeks, from 31 July to 8 September 2023, and was then re-opened for expressions of interest only from 2 October to 27 October 2023. The total funding available is $240 million and must be committed by 30 June 2024.  

For applicants who had been invited to apply, submissions have now closed and are under evaluation.

We are no longer accepting new expressions of interest, and the deadline for applicants invited to apply closed on 1 March 2024.

The intent of the Scheme is to provide access to finance for affected growers and farmers unable to access lending elsewhere without support.  

The Scheme enables the Government to provide highly concessionary loans and equity finance for land-based primary sector producers in affected regions. This can include interest-free loans in times of negative cashflow, and concessional rates when positive cashflow is restored.  

The Scheme is targeted towards severely impacted businesses that have a likelihood of being commercially viable but cannot currently access finance without government support. It is intended to help the businesses to ‘get back on their feet’ and re-engage fully with lenders.  

This support will contribute to individual business recovery and make a tangible difference to the regions social and economic outcomes.  

For applicants who have completed a full submission and are awaiting a response, you will be advised of the outcome of your application in due course.