Drought Adoption Officer program extended, providing further support for drought affected communities

19 February 2026

Southern NSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is celebrating the continuation of a joint investment in a network of grassroots support for landholders across the state.

The Minns Labor Government announced this week it is investing in extending vital services and support for drought-affected communities through the Drought Adoption Officer program.

This NSW Government investment is supported by a matched investment from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund through the Southern NSW Innovation Hub.

The funding, announced by NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty alongside other increased drought support measures, will see landholders across NSW continue to access expert advice and support to help prepare for and manage drought.

Started in 2023, the Drought Adoption Officer program, which is embedded within NSW Local Land Services, has successfully delivered 2,000 one-on-one landholder consultations and 880 events and farm visits.

Southern NSW Innovation Hub Director, Cindy Cassidy said,

“I’m delighted that our collaboration with Local Land Services continues to grow with the extension of the Drought Adoption Officer program.
“This will enable even more farmers and community members to access tailored advice, practical demonstrations and specialist support to help them adopt resilient agricultural practices and make informed decisions.
“Since the program began, the Drought Adoption Officers have built strong, trusted relationships with farmers across NSW. They play a critical role in strengthening long-term sustainability and act as vital connectors between farmers and the tools, knowledge and training needed for drought preparedness.”

Drought Adoption Officers provide grassroots support, including one-on-one meetings with landholders, delivering and supporting local events, workshops and webinars, and providing technical advice on a range of topics, from confinement feeding to decision-making tools and farm planning.

The network includes officers based in the Riverina, Murray, Central Tablelands, Central West, Hunter, South East and Northern Tablelands regions.