Aspiring farmers and farming families considering succession are invited to join a free RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) webinar to learn how the AgriStarter Loan could help them purchase or establish a first-time farming business or support intergenerational farm succession planning.
The webinar will help first and next-generation farmers, farming families and their advisors better understand the AgriStarter Loan, including eligibility requirements, how the loan can be used and what information applicants should prepare before applying.
RIC Chief Executive Officer John Howard said the webinar was an opportunity to increase AgriStarter Loan awareness and help more first farmers and farming families understand whether it could be an option for their circumstances.
“Starting your first farm business or working through farm succession can be a significant financial step, and we want more farmers and farming families to know there may be support available to help them move their plans forward,” Mr Howard said.
“The AgriStarter Loan is designed to give eligible first farmers and the next generation of farming families a financial helping hand to establish, develop or transition a farm business.
“It can be used for a range of purposes, including purchasing a farm business, land, infrastructure and other assets, refinancing eligible farm business debt, investing in machinery or productivity improvements, and meeting some of the costs associated with succession planning,” he said.
The RIC AgriStarter Loan currently offers loans for eligible applicants up to $2 million, with a 10-year term and interest-only repayments for the first five years. Eligibility criteria for RIC loans includes the requirement to have commercial debt which doesn’t include a personal loan or home loan and at least 50 per cent of total debt must initially remain with a commercial lender.
Participants will hear from RIC Agri Lending Specialists and guest speakers about RIC loan eligibility, security and serviceability requirements, what information they need to prepare to be ready to apply, and how to work with advisers and commercial lenders.
The webinar is suitable for first-time farmers, farming families considering succession, next-generation farmers, agricultural advisers, Rural Financial Counsellors and others supporting farm businesses who want to learn more about RIC loans.
The Get RIC Ready: AgriStarter Loan webinar will be held on Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 12 noon AEDT and will run for one hour. Those unable to attend live can still register to receive a recording following the webinar. Register at www.ric.gov.au/events.
Media Contact: E media@ric.gov.au | M 0435 168 885
About RIC
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is an Australian Government farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses in financial need to strengthen Australian agriculture. RIC loans can be used for management, recovery and future proofing following severe business disruption due to drought, natural disasters, biosecurity issues or other significant market events.
RIC loans can also help farm businesses to establish farm businesses for first generation farmers or succession planning for next generation farmers. Since 1 July 2018 RIC has approved 3667 loans valued at more than $3.85 billion, as at 30 September 2026.