Victoria announces Young Farmers Scholarship Program

The Victorian Government has invited young Victorian farmers to sign up for its 2020 ‘Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships’ program to expand their skills, knowledge and agricultural expertise.

The program, launched this week by Victorian Agricultural Minister, Jaclyn Symes, offers scholarships of up to $10,000 to access study and training, as well as invest in on-farm initiatives and further professional development.

Some courses that can be taken up include business and risk management, genetics and pasture management development.

Once recipients complete their studies, they will receive further funding of up to $5,000 towards putting their new skills into practice or investing in equipment and technology.

“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,” said Minister Symes.

“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.”

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. Applications close on Sunday, June 14.

The ‘Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship’ program has supported 63 young farmers to develop their skills across a range of agriculture sectors since 2015.

The Victorian Government has also committed $375,000 to the scholarship program over the next three years to ensure young farmers continue to develop the skills they need to build successful careers in agriculture.

To find out more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit vic.gov.au/youngfarmers.