On 28 July 2026 the Minister for Primary Industries announced new Queensland drought declarations and the reinstatement of Drought Carry-on Finance Loans and Emergency Drought Assistance Loans for eligible Queensland primary producers. Full details of these loans will be available once administrative arrangements are finalised. Please monitor QRIDA’s website and social media channels for more information about when these loans will open to application and how to apply.
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QRIDA supporting the next generation of horticulture businesses
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QRIDA supporting the next generation of horticulture businesses
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Regional Area Manager Mark Barrett and Tegan McBride
QRIDA is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Future Farmers Network, Future Hort Leaders Forum being held in Toowoomba on 22 and 23 October 2026. This youth-led event brings together emerging producers and those across the horticulture value chain—from advisors and agribusinesses to research, technology, and supply chain professionals.
QRIDA’s Regional Area Managers, Mark Barrett (Wide Bay and Fraser Coast) and Tegan McBride (Central Coast and Whitsundays) (pictured), will be available at the forum to connect with aspiring producers and explain the financial support QRIDA offers.
First Start Loans of up to $2 million are available for those starting their first primary production business.
“Our First Start Loans can support eligible applicants with a range of establishment costs, including purchasing a property, buying equipment, funding infrastructure and meeting initial operating expenses,” Mark said.
Eligible activities include purchasing tractors and spray equipment, establishing irrigation, developing orchards or crop areas, and managing start-up costs for new horticulture businesses.
For existing horticulture growers, a QRIDA Sustainability Loan offers up to $1.3 million to help them grow and develop their business.
“Sustainability Loans can help eligible producers invest in improvements that strengthen the long-term viability, productivity and resilience of their business,” Tegan said.
These loans can support projects such as upgrading irrigation systems, installing protective netting, improving infrastructure or adopting new technologies.
With concessional interest rates, loan terms up to 20 years, no fees or charges, and options for up to 10 years of interest-only repayments, QRIDA’s loans offer the next generation of producers the support they need to succeed in agriculture.
Watch the video below to see how QRIDA is supporting Queensland's horticulture growers.
Visit QRIDA's First Start and Sustainability Loans webpages or contact your local Regional Area Manager on 1800 623 946 to learn more. You can find out more about the Future Hort Leaders Forum at futurefarmers.com.au
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