Australia: Drought-hit farmers to get govt grants

Farmers enduring Australia’s worst drought in a century will get extra government handouts worth at least $350m (€210,000).

Forecasters predict a long, dry summer. Much of Australia’s farming and ranching belt in the south has been in the grip of a severe drought for up to five years, with rainfall levels far below average causing problems especially for grain crops such as wheat and barley.

Officials say global warming may be partly to blame for the drought, and some warn that land that has been fertile for hundreds of years may have an uncertain future.

Prime Minister John Howard on Monday announced a drought relief package for farmers in 18 designated areas in the states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.