UP TO $26.5 million in grants will be distributed to primary industries and natural resource management groups across Australia to adapt to climate change.

Applications have opened for the FarmReady Industry Grants, with grants of up to $80,000 being offered.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the funding would encourage farming, fisheries, forestry and natural resource management groups to be involved in collaborative projects which help them adapt to climate change.

Mr Burke said the FarmReady funding followed $46.2 million announced under Australia’s Farming Future for research and development to help our primary industries adapt to climate change.

“Projections show that the climate of the future will bring serious challenges,” Mr Burke said.

"We need to take the best science and technology and transfer it from the lab to the farm.

“The Government’s support will help farmers to make their own business decisions and plan ahead for productivity growth into the future.”