Learn how low-interest loans delivered by the Australian Government’s RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) can support farmers, aquaculture producers and wild catch fishers affected by significant financial impacts outside their control like drought, natural disasters and the harmful marine algal bloom to manage through and recover, at this year’s South East Field Days in Lucindale, South Australia.
RIC Chief Executive Officer, John Howard, said the field days provide an invaluable opportunity for attendees to connect with the RIC team and understand the requirements to apply for a loan.
“The RIC team is here to help. Our low-interest loans can ease cash flow pressures by providing direct financial support to producers doing it tough,” Mr Howard said.
“RIC offers an AgriStarter Loan as a pathway into owning a farm business as a first farmer seeking to establish a business through a property purchase, agistment or share leasing as well as supporting succession planning arrangements.
“Eligible applicants who meet the loan requirements such as ability to make repayments and have adequate security to manage risk, can borrow up to $2 million for farm business loans including the Drought Loan or Farm Investment Loan to fund drought management and support recovery.
“To help manage short-term operating expenses when faced with prolonged periods of drought, the Drought Hardship Loan will soon be available, offering up to $250,000 to eligible applicants who have been impacted by drought conditions for at least 24 months.
“In addition, a Marine Recovery Loan has been announced by the Australian Government to be delivered by the end of FY2026 to support wild catch fishers and aquaculture businesses who have faced financial challenges from the South Australian harmful algal bloom.
“RIC Agri Lending specialists who are assessing loans every day will be on the ground at the field days to discuss individual needs one-on-one so applicants can apply for a loan with confidence,” Mr Howard said.
Visit the RIC team at the South East Field Days in the Grain Producers South Australia marquee, site 594, from 20 to 21 March 2026.
In the seven years since RIC began, more than 3,550 loans have been approved for Australian farmers and farming business valued at more than $3.76 billion as at 28 February 2026.
For more information on RIC loans visit www.ric.gov.au/loans.
Media Contact: E media@ric.gov.au | M 0435 168 885
About RIC
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is a specialist loan delivery provider on behalf of the Australian Government, delivering low-interest loans for eligible customers in financial need to strengthen Australia’s agriculture sector. 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.
Since 1 July 2018 RIC has approved more than 3,550 loans valued at over $3.76 billion as at 28 February 2026.