Victoria's brightest young farming leaders will be supported to invest in their future and explore new learning opportunities while being backed by the Allan Labor Government to build the future of agriculture in Victoria.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today presented 16 recipients with their scholarship certificates for this year's Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarships at Parliament House.
Each scholarship will receive up to $5,000 to pursue new learning opportunities and a further $5,000 in putting their new skills into practice.
Successful applicants will receive training to build their knowledge and expertise in areas such as irrigation, agronomy, conservation and land management, as well as core business skills in areas including accounting, human resources and marketing.
Once they have completed their studies, applicants can invest in modern technology and equipment, on-farm strategies and planning, and their own professional development to kickstart their career as a farmer.
Anurag Bhangu, a beekeeper from Gippsland, is committed to enhancing his skills by completing a workshop on artificial insemination of queen bees, as well as a bee breeding course. He will also invest in a queen bee artificial insemination kit.
This will enable him to selectively breed queen bees that are better suited to the region's cooler climate and more resistant to Varroa mite.
Amy Byrne helps manage a mixed-farming enterprise in north-east Victoria. She will upskill by completing the lifetime ewe management course and seek the support of a consultant to support her to invest in electronic identification equipment.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has awarded 133 Young Farmers Upskill and Invest scholarships to students that demonstrated drive and innovation.
Many of the previous recipients have gone on to play a vital role in industry leadership positions such as the Victorian Young Farmers Advisory Council.
The Council represents the views of young farmers and provides advice to government to help grow a sustainable and profitable agriculture sector.
For more information on the young farmer programs visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Quotes As put by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"The Young Farmers Upskill and Invest scholarship is about encouraging our future agriculture leaders to be adaptive and responsive to the challenges and opportunities the industry presents."
"We are proud to have supported 133 Victorian young farmers to reach their potential, and in turn they help us secure our food system and strengthen our local economy."
