Keeping farming in the family
Growing up in rural Queensland not only offers a unique outdoor lifestyle, it teaches respect for the land and an understanding of exactly where food comes from.
Simon Ricciardi
But this lifestyle does not come without its challenges, and all too often young aspiring farmers reluctantly leave the family business seeking other employment.
Partnering with QRIDA offers an opportunity for next generation farmers to use their vision, innovation and diversified skills to enter primary production and act on their desire to farm their way.
As a fourth generation farmer, Simon Ricciardi’s goal was always to have a property of his own and build a sustainable, viable enterprise in the local area. When a property close to his father’s farm came on the market Simon knew this was his chance.
“I decided to buy a run-down farm that was adjacent to my old man’s farm, and buy an adjoining property to combine the two,” Simon said.
“I farm sugar cane, but I’m using the First Start Loan to expand the avocado farm as well. That way I don’t have all my eggs in the one basket and it provides me with a bit more certainty for the future.”
Simon also grows peanuts as a rotation crop to make the best use of farm property.
It may have seemed like a lofty ambition for a twenty three year old, but Simon had the vision to diversify and purchase additional country with the help of a QRIDA low interest First Start Loan. Now thirty three, Simon is one of many young farmers who QRIDA has helped to enter a family business or purchase additional land / equipment – buying into their first farm earlier than they anticipated.
“Our generation need two jobs to get by, that’s what I try to explain to the city folk. But it’s about what you want, and if farming is it - do everything you can to make it happen,” Simon said.
Funded by the Queensland Government under the Primary Industry Productivity Enhancement Scheme, First Start Loans provide finance of up to $650,000, have no fees or charges and loan terms can extend to twenty years.
QRIDA have eight regionally based Client Liaison Officers available to help applicants through the application process. Simon reflects on his experience with QRIDA and gives some valuable advice to other young farmers looking to turn their farming dream into a reality.
“The application process did seem a little bit daunting at the beginning of the process, but all worth it! Meet your local Client Liaison Officer - they’re a great help and having the low interest loan can only benefit you at the end of the day.”
The realities of primary production often mean an off-farm income is required to support and grow an agri-business. QRIDA understand this reality and is able to tailor repayment plans and offer extremely low interest rates, as low as 3.11 per cent.
The Ricciardi family has been actively farming cane in the Bundaberg area for more than sixty years. By providing low interest loans, QRIDA has helped Simon extend the family tradition.
To learn more about how this loan could help your primary production enterprise, visit QRIDA First Start Loans.
