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Farmers urged to submit EC applications

Friday 20 February, 2009

 

Farm businesses in several regions are being urged to submit applications for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) Interest Rate Subsidy support before the end of March.

 

Ian Heinrich, PIRSA Manager Prudential Rural and Financial Services, says the second year of interest rate subsidy support for farm businesses in nine EC areas will close on 31 March 2009.

 

“Farm businesses considering lodging an EC Interest Rate Subsidy application are encouraged to prepare their applications now and ensure all information is submitted ahead of the closing date,” Mr Heinrich said.

 

“Interest rate subsidies provide much needed relief to businesses that are experiencing financial difficulty, and we encourage people to apply now rather than leave it to the last day.

 

“Farm-dependent small businesses in financial difficulty due to the impact of the drought may also be eligible for an interest rate subsidy on their business debt.”

 

The 31 March 2009 closing date applies to second year applications from:

 

·         Lower Eyre Peninsula

·         River Murray and Lower Lakes

·         Fleurieu Peninsula

·         Yorke Peninsula

·         Clare, Light & Barossa

·         Mid North

·         Kangaroo Island

·         Lower South East

·         Central & Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges.

 

The Rural Financial Counselling Service SA is available to assist people with the application process – contact toll free on 1800 836 211.

 

A complete list of EC-declared regions and closing dates relating to EC Interest Rate Subsidies is available at www.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/drought. For further information call PIRSA on 1800 182 235.