VIC Victorian Trees on Farms Program – Round 1

Farm forestry plantings: up to $4,000 per hectare, capped at $80,000
Integrated environmental plantings: $2,000 per hectare, capped at $40,000
Professional service provider (PSP) rebate: up to 20% of the maximum grant value, capped at $5,000, for engaging a PSP to help design the project
Farm forestry funding is paid in two parts: $2,000 per hectare once planting is established, and a further $2,000 per hectare at project completion
Applications close: 1 November 2026

The Victorian Trees on Farms Program helps rural landowners plant trees on agricultural land. It combines the former Victorian Carbon Farming Program and Gippsland Farm Forestry Program into a single statewide program.

In line with Victoria's move away from native forest harvesting, the program focuses on trees grown for timber, through shelterbelts, woodlots and wide-spaced plantings. It also supports environmental plantings that provide shade and shelter, other on-farm benefits, or offset farm emissions.

The program is flexible on species and layout, recognising that landowners plant trees for different reasons. Funding is also available to engage professional advice when designing a project.

Key Requirements

Planting requirements

Farm forestry plantings must be at least 3 hectares, on land that receives at least 500 mm of rain a year, using species with known timber qualities
Farm forestry projects must consider site access, slope and harvesting, and set out a pathway to market
Integrated environmental plantings must be at least 5 hectares, use native species consistent with the local Ecological Vegetation Class, and be able to sequester at least 5 tCO2-e per hectare per year over 25 years
Non-contiguous plantings are allowed if each block is at least 0.2 hectares and 10 metres wide
Projects are intended for up to 20 hectares. Larger projects are considered at the department’s discretion
Smaller projects may be considered if they deliver exceptional carbon or timber yield, or can be combined with neighbouring properties

Land and commitment requirements

The land must have no existing native vegetation, and no native vegetation removed in the past 5 years
Landowners must commit to maintaining the trees for at least 5 years
Each property title can host only one project, though one project may span several titles
Planting can’t begin before the grant agreement is signed
Plantings must reach a survival rate of at least 70% of the target stocking rate 12 months after establishment, with no failed area larger than 0.2 hectares. Failed areas must be replanted at the landowner’s cost within 12 months to stay eligible for later payments
If the land is sold during the project, the new owner must take over the grant agreement, or the department can end it

Implementation readiness
Projects must be ready to deliver, with a detailed plan, timeline and budget. Applicants show readiness in one of four ways:

Engaging a professional service provider to help develop the plan
Taking part in the Trees on Farms Incubator Program
Showing relevant experience, training or previous tree-planting work
Providing an existing farm master plan, on-farm emissions plan or similar tree plan

Other funding
Projects funded by other Victorian Government tree planting programs aren’t eligible. Projects with local government or other non-state funding are considered case by case.

Full planting specifications and the project plan template are available in the Victorian Trees on Farms Program guidelines.

What is eligible for funding?

Funding supports getting trees in the ground, including planning, site preparation, planting, maintenance and reporting. Projects can use these planting types:

Shelterbelts and timberbelts: strips at least 10 metres wide that shelter livestock, crops and pasture and produce timber
Woodlots: small plantations of generally 3 to 20 hectares for timber
Wide-spaced plantings: at least 400 trees per hectare, allowing grazing or cropping alongside timber production
Integrated environmental plantings: such as riparian buffers or plantings on less productive land to combat erosion and salinity or boost biodiversity

Projects can combine farm forestry and environmental plantings across different blocks.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Freehold landowners in Victoria, or land managers with formal approval from the owner. Applicants and landowners must hold an ABN or ACN, and the landowner must hold public liability insurance of at least $10 million per occurrence.

Government bodies, including government business enterprises, and peak bodies can’t apply.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here.

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

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