The Allan Labor Government is investing in the future of agriculture in Victoria by ensuring young farmers across the state can gain valuable new skills and investment towards their future.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today launched the 2024 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program, encouraging the next generation of farmers to apply and receive the skills they need to thrive in Victoria's vibrant agriculture sector.
The Program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 with each recipient reimbursed up to $5,000 to support their training and study, and up to $5,000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice.
Successful applicants can 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.
Since 2015, the Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program has successfully supported 117 young farmers from a range of agriculture industries.
Megan Cooper is a wool grower from the Wimmera region who used her scholarship to upskill and complete a remote pilot licence training and a Certificate IV Wool Classing course. Megan also invested in infrastructure to improve her stockyards.
Albert Nunn from Central Western Victoria who is a mixed beef, sheep and grain farmer used the program to complete a diploma of Agriculture through South-West TAFE and then invested in a portable sheep handler.
Applications are open to farmers aged between 18 and 35 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.
Applications will close on 17 June. To learn more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit vic.gov.au/youngfarmers.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
'The Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program has already helped more than 100 young farmers better prepare for their future career in agriculture.'
'We understand the vital role our young farmers will play in ensuring our agricultural sector remains strong, innovative and sustainable for many years to come, and we will back them to reach their full potential.'
