The TFGA believes the assistance has ended a year too soon, that a case could be made for its extension but has decided to accept the decision.

Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke accepted the advice of the National Rural Advisory Council that Tasmanian EC assistance should finish on April 30, formally ending one of Tasmania’s longest and deepest droughts.

“This comes as no surprise to the TFGA,” chief executive Chris Oldfield said today. “It’s been long, it’s been tough, its effects will be felt for a long time yet for many farmers, but we are happy to be saying farewell to this devastating drought. At last.”

The end of drought declaration means there will be no more interest rate relief payments for Tasmanian farmers.

That will impact some,” Mr Oldfield said. “More than 400 farms and businesses have received interest rate subsidy payments. In all, nearly $12 million has been dispersed throughout the rural community. That is a significant contribution that has seen rural Tasmanian through the bad times.”

He said that after a good winter, a good spring, and a good summer many Tasmanian farmers had a smile on their face for the first time in nearly five years.

“I know there will be some concern for some farmers, but we believe we now have the right support services and organisations in place to help people adjust,” Mr Oldfield said.

He said the TFGA could feel rightly proud of its role in developing initiatives such as the Drought Taskforce, Rural Support Network Tasmania (formally Drought Network Tasmania) and assisting with things like fodder drives and social events.”

With the Government’s decision to replace the EC program, Mr Oldfield said it should develop and release its policy for a replacement scheme as soon as possible.

“They have had the Productivity Commission review of the EC arrangements for some time now. We know there will be no more EC declarations in the future. The Government has to announce its replacement,” he said.