Young farmers across Victoria are being encouraged to take advantage of an opportunity to expand their skills, knowledge and agricultural expertise through the latest program backed by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today launched this year’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships, which allows successful applicants to access study and training, as well as invest in on-farm initiatives and further professional development.
The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 to support training and study in areas such as business and risk management, genetics and pasture management development.
Once recipients complete their studies, they will receive further funding of up to $5,000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice in fields such as professional development and business planning, or to invest in on-farm practices, equipment and technology.
To ensure young people continue to develop the skills they need to build successful careers in agriculture, the Government is investing $375,000 in the scholarship program over the next three years.
The Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship program has successfully supported 63 young farmers to develop their skills across a range of agriculture sectors since 2015.
Applications for this year’s round of scholarships are now open 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, with at least two years total experience on-farm.
As well as the scholarship program, the Government is supporting our next generation of farmers through a range of other programs, including the Young Farmer Business Bootcamps, Young Farmer Business Network and the Young Farmers Advisory Council.
To find out more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit . Applications close on Sunday, 14 June.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
“The future success of our agriculture sector rests with our young farmers – they bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table that are based on lived experience and real passion for the sector.”
“The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of Victoria’s farmers and food producers and supporting the work young farmers are doing will help us meet the growing demand for Victoria’s high-quality produce from right around the world.”
Reviewed 26 June 2020