From Beekeepers to Oyster Farmers, Rural Aid Supports All Primary Producers in Crisis
More than 1,800 primary producers already registered with Rural Aid are among those impacted, with the true number of affected farmers expected to be significantly higher. Properties have been inundated, infrastructure destroyed, and feed supplies wiped out — leaving many farming families facing yet another crisis.
Rural Aid supports a wide range of primary producers — not just beef, sheep and crop farmers, but also dairy producers, beekeepers, oyster farmers and others in aquaculture. This flood event has hit across all sectors, causing immense disruption to food production and supply chains.
Aquaculture farmers raising oysters, prawns, or fish, face massive challenges when floods strike. Contaminated water, loss of stock, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted ecosystems can mean years of recovery. And for our beekeepers, floodwaters can wash away hives, drown forage plants, and isolate rural operations.
At Rural Aid, we want every farmer to know: you matter. We support all kinds of farming families, and in times like these, we’re reminded just how diverse and essential each one is.
“When our farmers suffer, so does every Australian,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters.
“This is especially true for regions like the NSW Mid North Coast, where diverse and vibrant farming industries underpin both the local economy and broader Australian supply chains. From the dairy farms of the Manning Valley to the banana plantations around Coffs Harbour, the Mid North Coast produces a remarkable variety of food and fibre. The region is known for its macadamia orchards, beef cattle, avocado groves, oyster farms, and burgeoning boutique crops like blueberries and bush foods.”
“These industries not only support thousands of local jobs but also contribute significantly to national exports and food security. When adverse weather, economic pressures, or natural disasters strike this region, the ripple effects are felt far beyond its boundaries.”
“This is the latest in a long string of disasters that have battered this part of the country,” Mr Warlters continued. “Our farmers have shown extraordinary resilience through drought, fires and previous floods, but this latest blow is compounding years of hardship.”
Rural Aid is providing financial assistance and mental health support to flood-affected producers, and is gearing up for several emergency hay drops to sustain hungry livestock in the worst-hit areas.
“Helping our primary producers through these early days is critical, but we can’t do it alone,” Mr Warlters said. “Every donation helps us deliver meaningful, practical support to our farmers, ensuring they can keep producing the food and fibre we all rely on.”
Rural Aid is also continuing to provide vital support to flood-hit communities in Western Queensland, and to drought-affected farmers in Western Victoria and South Australia.
How to help
- Donate: Members of the public can contribute to the Rural Aid Disaster Assistance Fund at https://support-now.ruralaid.org.au/
- Register for help: Impacted primary producers can register for assistance at https://faa.ruralaid.org.au/
“Our farmers feed and clothe us — now it’s our turn to return the favour,” Mr Warlters said.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading rural charity, dedicated to providing practical support and vital services to farmers and rural communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the charity has been a lifeline during times of crisis, delivering essential services such as mental health support, hay, domestic water, and community engagement. As the organisation celebrates 10 years of service, it continues to partner with farmers to navigate challenges, recover from hardship, and build stronger, more resilient futures, shaping a brighter future for rural Australia.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au
