Agribusiness Background

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What is agribusiness or farm finance?

Agribusiness is the business of earning revenue through agriculture, or, more simply, farming. Agribusiness-specialised financial institutions provide farmers with financial products, such as business loans, online banking access in rural areas, insurance and credit cards as well as some more specialised services.

These financial products are tailored to the sector, encompassing all farming and farming-related activities

Agriculture is a huge component of the Australian economy. As a result, supporting every link in the agriculture industry financially is important. That is where agribusiness finance providers come in.

The specialised nature of farming enterprises requires a banking approach that differs from standard retail. There aren’t as many financial institutions that offer services to farms, but the products available are specifically catered to the agricultural industry to help farmers financially.

We cover the main products and what they mean in the glossary of terms, and you can see what you should look for in a good agribusiness provider here.

How does Canstar’s Agribusiness Award work?

Agribusiness is a crucial part of the Australian way of life, and that is why Canstar researches and rates agribusiness banking solutions every year.

Canstar assesses agribusiness institutions in Australia every 12 months with results released in May. We calculate these ratings based on the features offered by each institution and the combination of products they offer. We also take some institutional factors into account.

This award aims to give recognition to institutions that offer  quality products with great service to our Aussie farmers, and we take the following into account when rating each one:

  • Relationship management services
  • Information and education services
  • Online banking functionality
  • Range of products and services
  • Other specialist services

The bank or financial institution who achieves the highest score across these categories will be awarded the Canstar Bank of the Year – Agribusiness Award.

You can read our latest Award release for agribusiness providers.

About our Agribusiness Award

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Important information

For those that love the detail

This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.

Canstar does not rate or compare every provider in the market and we may not compare all features relevant to you. Check current product details with the product issuer. These products are not available for personal, domestic or household purposes. Advertised Interest Rates are for reference rate only and can be subject to change. Rates may not be inclusive of customer margins or applicable service fees. Please refer to product provider.

Any advice on this page is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this general financial advice is right for your personal circumstances. Canstar provides information about credit products. We’re not suggesting or recommending a particular credit product for you. If you decide to apply for a loan, you will deal directly with the provider, not with Canstar. It’s important you check rates and product information directly with the provider. Consider the Target Market Determination (TMD) before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD. For more information, read our Detailed Disclosure.

What is a Target Market Determination?

A Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) is a document that explains which people particular financial products may be suitable for (the target market) and sets out any conditions around how financial products can be distributed to consumers.

Why do product issuers provide Target Market Determinations?

From 5 October 2021, TMDs are compulsory for most financial products.

Issuers and distributors of financial products must take reasonable steps that are likely to result in financial products reaching consumers in the target market defined by the product issuer.

We recommend that you consider the TMD before making a purchase decision. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the TMD.

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