THE Federal Government has launched two new programs as part of the $519.1 million second phase of the Future Drought Fund, providing opportunities for Eden-Monaro farmers and producers to strengthen and prepare for drought.

The Resilient Landscapes Program and the Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices – Round 2 program are open for the next eight weeks, allowing potential applicants time to start thinking about, and preparing new projects.

The Resilient Landscapes program focuses on practices and techniques to manage natural resources on farms, particularly regarding natural resources that can determine whether a property copes with dry weather.

Nimmitabel farmer, Ant Waldren, said last week Monaro farmers will welcome this announcement of the availability of funding grants to support drought resilience in the Monaro region.

"Nimmitabel farmers are already collaborating with each other to stop the dramatic spread of African Lovegrass in the region and we are very concerned that drought conditions will provide the perfect opportunity for this nasty weed to spread even more rapidly."

The Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices program looks at investigating new practices and technologies that will improve productivity in variable weather through evidence-based trials, co-designed with farmers.

These $40 million programs add to the success of existing projects that are building drought and climate resilience across the Snowy Monaro region.

They encourage farmers, producers, local governments, Indigenous corporations, and business to work together– leveraging local relationships and diverse expertise – to help secure funding for projects that will boost sustainability.

"We will discuss with Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Local Land Services, local Rural Fire Services, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Landcare groups and the local indigenous community whether it will be feasible to apply for a drought resilience grant that will address drought resilience more generally, while at the same time address our concerns about the spread of African Lovegrass,” Mr Waldren said.

Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, said farmers and producers in the Snowy Monaro work incredibly hard, and they know the stress and suffering caused by drought all too well.

“The government is committed to supporting farmers and producers with practical solutions to better prepare for the impacts of drought," Ms McBain said.

“By focusing on long term change, we’re ensuring our farming communities across Eden-Monaro have a sustainable future."

On announcing the programs, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said it's important for farmers to look at all their options to prepare for drought.

“Drought in Australia is a matter of when, not if," she said.

“I encourage all farmers to look at the criteria and see if they can take advantage of this valuable opportunity.”