Tool to test resilience

A $3 million self-assessment tool to help farmers prepare for the impacts of drought in future seasons has been announced by Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud.

The Drought Resilience SelfAssessment Tool (DR SAT) will assist primary producers to selfassess their resilience against a range of environmental, economic, and social factors.

‘‘While our farmers are highly skilled at managing climate variability, the intensity and frequency of drought is a challenge that requires additional support,’’ Mr Littleproud said.

‘‘The tool will enable farmers to self-assess their resilience against a range of environmental, economic and social indicators, as well as identify their future risk exposure under climate scenarios.

‘‘It will assist farmers to make climate-smart business decisions and identify management approaches that can improve their resilience to drought.’’

The pilot program is one of eight announced as part of the Federal

Government’s $5 billion in funding for future drought resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.

As a foundational program, the tool will be initially delivered through pilots, with a prototype for end user testing expected to be released in the middle of the year.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu will codesign the technology with farmers, successfully securing the spot after an open tender process completed in December 2020.

‘‘Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a global leader in climate risk advisory, scenario analysis, economics and digital innovation, including digital decision support,’’ Mr Littleproud said.

‘‘It has significant experience providing analysis and advice to Australian agribusinesses.’’

A team of risk advisory and IT specialists will work with farmers in the design of the Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool, while Deloitte will work with primary producers.