Twelve young farmers from across Victoria have received scholarships of up to $10,000 to go towards agricultural training and study thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, announced the winners of the second Young Farmers Scholarship Awards in a ceremony at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne today.
Each recipient will receive up to $5,000 to support their agricultural training and study in areas such as farming, business and financial literacy, risk management, and product development.
Once the students complete their studies, they will receive an additional funding boost of up to $5,000 to invest on-farm or in professional development - putting new skills into practice.
The additional funding will help the young farmers apply their skills in the industry and secure agriculture jobs in the future.
The $125,000 Scholarship program is a key part of the Labor Government’s commitment to attract and support the next generation of primary producers to ensure the future prosperity of Victoria’s $13.1 billion agriculture industry.
The successful recipients include:
- Benjamin Way, Macedon Ranges
- Christopher Drew, Baw Baw
- Daniel Lutz, Glenelg
- Daniel Mullins, Central Goldfields
- Edwina Hayes, Moyne
- Julie McClelland, Buloke
- Jed McGennisken, Wellington
- Kate Wilson, Baw Baw
- Sarah Johnson, Greater Bendigo
- Simone Kelly, East Gippsland
- Stewart Moroney, Wellington
- Victoria Mulcahy, Campaspe
Applications for next year’s round of grants will be open in mid-2017 to farmers aged 35 or under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Attracting the next generation of farmers to a life on the land is crucial to meet the growing demand for high quality, safe produce and improve access to key markets, such as Asia and the Middle East.”
“Our young farmers are the future of agriculture, and our Government is getting on with giving them the support they need to increase productivity, efficiency and be the leaders of tomorrow.”
“Our Scholarship Program is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s promise to attract and support the next generation of farmers. I congratulate all the scholarship winners and look forward to seeing them take up their roles as leaders in our $13.1 Billion agricultural industry.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020