FARMERS and landholders across northern Victoria are encouraged to make the most of their on-farm plantations through a new state government program designed to boost regional forestry and support sustainable farm businesses.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has launched the Trees on Farms Utilisation (ToFU) Program, a $4.5M initiative helping plantation owners assess and improve the value of their existing tree plantings.
Through the program, eligible landowners can access free professional assessments of their plantations to understand timber quality, market opportunities and management options — all at no cost or obligation. If a commercial opportunity is identified, participants may be eligible for further funding to undertake management activities such as thinning to improve timber quality and market access.
The initiative covers a wide area of northern Victoria, including Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Wangaratta, Towong, Indigo, Wodonga, Benalla and Mansfield shires.
The ToFU Program is part of the government’s broader Trees on Farms initiative, which supports farmers to establish and manage tree plantings that enhance productivity, biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
Applications for the north-east region are open until 19 December 2025. More information is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/trees-on-farms.
