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.

Australian Government farm business lender RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is encouraging attendees at this year’s Australian National Field Days (ANFD) in Borenore, NSW to visit the RIC team to find out more about RIC’s low-interest loans for farmers.

Australian Government farm business lender RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) will host a free online ‘Get RIC Ready’ webinar on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at 12 PM AEDT, to help farmers learn more about applying for a RIC low-interest loan.

Visit RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) at this year’s Elmore Field Days in Elmore, Victoria, to find out more about RIC’s low-interest loans and how they can help farmers improve cash flow in tough financial times. 

RIC Chief Executive Officer John Howard said RIC is pleased to return to Elmore Field Days as part of the Agriculture Victoria site this year and for attendees to visit the RIC team to find out more about RIC loans and ask any questions. 

Visit RIC at this year’s Yorke Peninsula Field Days in Paskeville, South Australia, to find out more about RIC’s low-interest loans and how they can help farmers improve their cash flow in tough financial times.

Radio transcript: RIC CEO John Howard on ABC SA Regional Drive