Bega MP Andrew Constance said the grants were designed to ensure the community’s efforts in recycling food and garden waste were supported by strong markets.

“Previous rounds have provided $4.8 million to support 32 projects to expand markets for compost, including for use on sporting fields, roadside rehabilitation, vegetable crops, nut-tree crops, pastures and weed control,” Mr Constance said.

The grants are administered by NSW Environment Protection Authority as part of a $105.5 million program Organics Infrastructure Fund to get food and garden waste out of landfill and recycled into a beneficial product.

Mr Constance said the funding helped promote the benefits of compost made from household food and garden waste, including from kerbside green lid bins.

The benefits include improved soil health, better water retention and increased crop yields.

“The grants create opportunities to assist in ‘closing the loop’ and ensuring that the community’s recycling activities produce multiple environmental, economic and social benefits” he said.

“It is a win for the environment and our communities. Applying compost products leads to water savings, improved crop and pasture productivity and healthier landscapes.

“Recovering food and garden waste from landfill helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and make our farms more resilient in the face of increasing droughts.”

Applications are open until November 22, 2018 and are open to businesses, councils and agricultural and industry associations.

An information webinar is being held on October 16, 2018 to assist potential applicants. For more information and to register visit the EPA website here.