TWEED canefarmers are appealing for funds from the Federal and NSW governments to bail them out of financial strife following two disastrous seasons which have left many without money to replant.

Farmer representatives yesterday met with federal Nationals leader Warren Truss and senators Barnaby Joyce and Nigel Scullion at the Condong Bowls Club to win their support for a share of the Federal Government's planned flood levy.

But Senator Joyce declined to say when he thought a motion could be put before the Federal Parliament seeking the assistance.

“If I was in government you would have it, but I'm not in government,” Mr Joyce said.

He did, however, hold out hope for the funding because Janelle Saffin, Labor MP for the seat of Page, which covers cane-growing areas north and south of Ballina, has already supported the farmers' appeal.

Canegrowers Association Tweed River branch chairman Robert Quirk said ideally farmers wanted an answer by the end of June, but the latest deadline would be September when they need to begin planting again.

“It costs $1700 to plant a hectare of cane,” Mr Quirk said, adding some growers had lost three crops due to heavy rain and “just can't afford” to plant again.

“Some of these guys won't get on their feet for years.”