Victoria’s next generation of dairy farmers have been celebrated this morning, with the Andrews Labor Government continuing its support for the industry at the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) Young Farmers Breakfast.
Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford officially opened the UDV Annual Conference with an address to Victoria’s young dairy leaders.
The Labor Government is backing dairy farmers and rural communities following its comprehensive $18 million dairy support package with industry.
The dairy support package continues in 2017, with mental health support extended, a Rural Skills Connect program, financial counselling services and targeted dairy technical support and back-to-work schemes.
The Government has been supporting our dairy industry through very difficult times, with milk price shocks and now the news that Murray Goulburn is closing two factories in Victoria.
Ms Pulford will visit the Rochester and Kiewa plants next week to meet with workers and their union, suppliers and local councils.
The government continues to put young farmers first and is focused on the attraction and retention of young farmers on the land.
It’s why we started the Young Farmers Ministerial Advisory Council, made up of 11 young farmers who meet providing direct advice to the heart of the Labor Government on what young farmers need to stay on the land and grow their farm businesses.
The Young Farmers Ministerial Advisory Council recently met in March with a firm focus on practical actions and opportunities to support young farmers, building farm business management capacity and financial literacy skills for the next generation of farmers.
Practical support includes Young Farmer Scholarships, which will open for applications in mid-2017 and be awarded to 10-15 young farmers. Since 2015, 25 young farmers have been awarded scholarships of up to $10,000.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Our young farmers are the future of agriculture, and the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with giving them the support they need to increase productivity, efficiency and be the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Victorian dairy farmers continue to shine above and beyond the rest of Australia and we know it’s thanks to the ingenuity and innovation of our young leaders in the industry and as a government, we stand right with you.”
“We’ll continue to work with industry partners and dairy farmers directly to ensure timely, targeted and well-coordinated support is delivered when it’s needed.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020