THE State Government's farm assistance package is close to its maximum allowance.
The government has allocated $5 million for the scheme - enough for 200 farmers.
But so far the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) has received 279 applications for the grants, with 114 already approved.
There have been no official applications for the $20,000 farm exit support grants.
The scheme works on a first-in, first-funded basis and Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston gave no response as to whether excess money from the farm exit support grants may be used to offer more financial support payments.
"Financial support payments of $25,000 per eligible broadacre farm business are allocated on a first-in, first-funded basis," Mr Baston said.
"The scheme is capped at $5 million, allowing for up to 200 grants.
"Applications are being processed and assessed and a portion of applications aren't meeting eligibility requirements.
"Applications will be received on a queue basis and the department will advise once the scheme is fully subscribed."
Farm Weekly understands some farmers in the eastern Wheatbelt have been unable to access the grants.
A DAFWA spokesperson said all applicants who had been rejected had been notified by letter with the reasons why but the department could not provide Farm Weekly with areas where the applicants had been rejected or approved.
"A significant proportion of applications for financial support payments are from farm businesses in those 16 shires which have also been offered community support payments," the spokesperson said.
"The financial support payments, however, are not limited to these shires and there has been a spread of applications received from other shires within the Wheatbelt."
A total of 16 shires have been offered Community Support Payments of $10,000 each: Yilgarn, Westonia, Mukinbudin, Bruce Rock, Narembeen, Kellerberrin, Mt Marshall, Koorda, Kondinin, Kulin, Lake Grace, Trayning, Corrigin, Merredin, Nungarin and the local area of Salmon Gums in the shire of Esperance.
These grants are to support community activities and events.
The Farm Exit Grants provide assistance for eligible farmers for living and transitional allowances.
Applications for the grant need to be made before the sale of the farm which would need to be settled by June 30, 2014.
The grant will be paid after the settlement of the sold farm business.
Grants for social support and rural counseling service has seen one application approved.
Applications for those grants close on June 30, but depending on the level of funding approved, further funding rounds may be initiated.
Mr Baston said discussions were continuing between the Federal and State Governments for the Federal assistance package.
The $60m Federal Farm Finance Package has been delayed largely due to the State Government's refusal to pay for administration costs.
p Application details and eligibility criteria for the State grants are available from agric.wa.gov.au or 1800 198 231 or email rbdu@agric.wa.gov.au
