Applications are now open for the new RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) Drought Hardship Loan to assist eligible Australian farmers to pay for operating expenses when facing long-term drought.

RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) today welcomed the announcement from Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins that RIC Drought Hardship Loan applications are now open, complimenting existing RIC low-interest loans, including its Drought Loan.

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.

As part of International Women’s Day 2026, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) celebrates the diverse roles women undertake in agriculture and recognises the power of meaningful support and collaboration enabling women to lead, innovate and grow stronger farming businesses.

Find the RIC team in the Moore Exhibition Centre from 3 – 5 March 2026. RIC will also host a free information session on its loans with the Rural Financial Counselling Service Vic West at 11am on Thursday 5 March in the Country Lifestyle Pavillion.

Australian Government farm business lender RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is helping Victorian farmers prepare for, manage through and recover from drought and bushfire with low-interest loans.

The variable interest rate for RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) farm business loans will remain on hold at 5.18 per cent from 1 February 2026 for another six months.

RADIO TRANSCRIPT: RIC CEO JOHN HOWARD SPEAKING TO ABC’S SELINA GREEN ON ABC SOUTH AUSTRALIA COUNTRY HOUR PROGRAM ABOUT NEW RIC LOAN PRODUCTS

SELINA GREEN: You are with Selina Green on the Country Hour today. Well, joining me now is John Howard, who is the CEO of the RIC, the Regional Investment Corporation, who is in South Australia alongside the Minister [for Agriculture Julie Collins] for this announcement today. John, thank you very much for your time on the program.

RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) CEO, John Howard joined Federal Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins today at the property of RIC farm loan customer in South Australia to welcome the Australian Government response to the RIC Act review and announce new loans to support farmers and producers facing hardship from drought and slow-onset significant ecological events.

Reducing farm business debt and better drought preparation are the top ways Australian farmers have used their RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) loan according to new independent research in the RIC Farm Loans Customer Insights Brief 2025.