Angelo Rigano might be new to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) but he is no stranger to north Queensland’s thriving agribusiness scene.
Born and bred locally, QRIDA’s new regional area manager for north Queensland Angelo Rigano has years of experience in rural lending, having helped primary producers from various industries including horticulture, cane and cattle achieve their farm goals.
“I’ve enjoyed an extensive career in banking and a highlight has been helping clients from intergenerational family farming businesses,” he said.
Angelo can help existing north Queensland primary producers pass the farm business down to the next generation and up-and-coming producers begin their agricultural career with QRIDA’s First Start Loans of up to $2 million.
“What I love about QRIDA’s First Start Loans is that they help remove barriers to entry for up-and-coming producers by financing lease and share-farming arrangements,” Angelo said.
“Our concessional First Start Loans can also help primary producers finance succession arrangements to keep the farm in the family for another generation.
“Recently, I’ve seen a return of youth back to the regions with a renewed interest in agriculture because they realise they can enjoy a good quality of life while making a good living.
“It’s great that QRIDA has financial assistance to back these entrants to primary production.“
Angelo also has expertise in QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans of up to $1.3 million, which can help producers improve the profitability and productivity of their operation.
“QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans of up to $1.3 million can help primary producers upgrade equipment and machinery, improve irrigation, bolster biosecurity and more,” he said.
“As more primary producers are tapping into emerging ag-tech, such as mustering by drone and building on-farm rural worker accommodation to secure employees for their horticultural operation, they are turning to QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans for financing, and you may be able to as well.”
Primary producers can also chat with Angelo about how QRIDA’s financial assistance could help them prepare for disasters and drought.
“Here in north Queensland, we get the full gambit of extreme weather conditions from floods to drought, so it’s important to get on the front-foot, whether that’s using a Sustainability Loan to invest in drones for flood monitoring, or a drought grant or loan to install new water infrastructure for your cattle property,” he said.
With many of north Queensland’s key industries enjoying favorable conditions, Angelo said it was the perfect time for producers to consider how they could get the most from their crops and livestock through on-farm improvements.
“The sugar cane crop is in reasonably good shape – yields may be slightly impacted given weather events, but all in all we’ve had some good months and we’re looking forward to another good harvest,” Angelo said.
“Coastal cattle country has also had plenty of rain with a reasonable body of feed.
“While you’re enjoying improved conditions, it’s a good idea to consider what on-farm improvements you could make to set your farm business up for success and I’m here to walk you through the ways QRIDA could help take your operation to the next level.”
