Grow Your Farm with Trees

About Victorian Trees on Farm

Empowering farmers to grow sustainable agroforestry plantations through grants, training, and ongoing support.

The Victorian Trees on Farms Program (VToF) is a state government initiative helping rural landowners integrate trees into agricultural land. It combines the former Victorian Carbon Farming Program and Gippsland Farm Forestry Program into a single statewide program. DEECA supports tree establishment on farms due to the multiple benefits they provide when strategically integrated into farming systems.

Aligned with Victoria’s transition away from native forest harvesting, the program emphasizes timber production. Trees can be established using various species and planting approaches, including wide-spacing silvo-pasture systems, shelterbelts, and woodlots. The VToF is flexible, recognising that landowners have diverse motivations, whether for timber, shade, shelter, natural capital co-benefits, or carbon offsetting.

Successful projects demonstrate value for money through timber, carbon sequestration, or system-wide co-benefits. The program also funds professional advice for project design and application development. These guidelines outline eligibility and application requirements for VToF grant funding.

VToF projects must complement the surrounding agricultural system, support the farming enterprise, and be a maximum of 20ha. We will focus on Farm forestry: Timber-producing species with known qualities.

Typical planting regimes include:

• Shelterbelts: Strips ≥10m wide for livestock/crop protection and future timber.

• Woodlots: Small plantations (3–20 ha) at higher density for timber.

• Wide-spaced plantings: ≥400 trees/ha to allow grazing or cropping while producing timber.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
• be the freehold owner of the land within Victoria, or be a land manager with formal approval from the owner;
• be registered for tax purposes within Australia with a current Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Australian Company Number (ACN), and confirm the landowner also meets this requirement;
• hold currency of public liability insurance not less than $10 million per occurrence if they are the landowner, or confirm the landowner holds the required insurance.

A VToF project must deliver trees in the ground with funding extending to activities associated with planning, site preparation, planting, maintenance, reporting, and accounting for receipt and expenditure of grant funds.

Implementation-ready projects must include detailed design and planting preparation, appropriate species selection, as well as sufficient detail on logistical matters such as seedling purchasing and the inclusion of a detailed project timeline and budget.

By completing this program you will satisfy the requirement to be implementation ready. We assist with writing your application.

Our Services

Facilitating tree planting grants and training for agroforestry projects.

Free Grant Application Support

Guiding applicants through the VTOF grant application process with expert assistance.

Free Training Programs

Comprehensive training on establishing and growing sawlog plantations for success.

Ongoing assistance for planting, pruning, and thinning over seven years.

Free Long-term Support

Join Our Tree Planting Initiative

No obligation. Sign up to apply for VTOF grants! We will get back to you shortly to arrange a personalised no obligation farm visit to your property to discuss the program and provide information to progress your application if you decide to implement this project on your property.

If you decide to proceed there will be no cost to apply for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VTOF grant?

The VTOF grant provides funding for planting trees on farms, supporting agroforestry projects up to 20 hectares.

How do I apply?

You can sign up on our website, and we will guide you through the application process with training provided.

What training is offered?

Our training covers establishing and growing sawlog plantations, including visits to farms and mills for practical understanding.

Is there ongoing support?

Yes, we offer a free 6-year assistance program for planting, pruning, and thinning stages after your initial 12 month course is completed.

What costs are involved?

Enrolling in our course is free, and the government pays $4000 per hectare for eligible projects.

How long is the program?

The program lasts for seven years, providing continuous support throughout the tree planting and management process.