Farmers in the eastern states of Australia are struggling with the crippling impacts of an extended drought, which has included the second-driest autumn on record – a massive issue when autumn rains are critical to the cropping season.

If you want to help out, there’s a range of organisations offering relief and working to support the rural and regional communities who are suffering during this period.

The National Farmers’ Federation has recently teamed up with Channel Nine and Rotary Australia to the 2018 Drought Relief Fund for Australian Farmers. You can make a tax-deductible donation to this fund, which will then be used to provide support to preferred organisations.

The organisations behind the fund are expecting to raise around $10 million thanks to Channel Nine’s planned promotion of the fund over the coming days and weeks, so please give generously to help affected farmers and help them hit their target.

In the ABC’s central location for drought news, it’s also collected links to some of the key operations helping out, which we’re reproducing here:

The ABC has also produced a valuable article looking at some of the unfortunate realities of trying to provide support during tough times.

When entire communities are being crippled by drought, it can be awkward or even divisive for individual households to receive particular help, so try and ensure that your support goes to registered organisations who can direct it using their networks.

Like everyone in our industry, the farmers in these regions struck by drought work hard to put food on your table – and on theirs. If you can, please chip in to help them out.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 7 August 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week.