Young farmers supported by Victoria’s scholarship program
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The Victorian Government is supporting the state’s young farmers with the launch of the 2021 Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarship Program.
The scholarship program allows young farmers to have access to advanced agriculture technology. This not only improves the productivity and profitability of their businesses but also ensures that Victoria stays at the forefront of modern farming on a global scale.
The Government supports the next generation of farmers through a range of initiatives and opportunities for young people in agriculture to have a say, boost their skills and progress their careers.
“Young farmers are the future of Victoria’s agriculture industry and we are continuing to support them to develop the world-leading skills this state has a global reputation for,” Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“In an industry that is undergoing constant evolution, fostering our young talent and giving them tools to thrive and succeed in a complex environment is vital.”
The scholarship program builds on the Agriculture Strategy commitments to grow, modernise and promote the sector by helping to deliver the agriculture skills of the future. The Victorian Government has a goal to grow Victoria’s agriculture sector to $20 billion by 2030.
The scholarship program is given $125,000 every year. A scholarship recipient is eligible for up to $5,000 to upskill through study and training. This is followed by up to $5,000 to invest in putting new skills into practice with on-farm equipment and technology, business planning or professional development.
In its seventh year, the program has awarded 76 scholarships to eligible young farmers, supporting them with up to $10,000 to boost their skills and careers.
Minister Thomas recognised the 2020 scholarship recipients at a ceremony in Melbourne yesterday. There, she highlighted the important role young farmers play in Victoria’s $15.9 billion agriculture sector.
“The calibre of 2020 Young Farmers Scholarship applicants was nothing short of exceptional and showcases the passion for the sector that exists within our young producers. There is no doubt that the future of Victoria’s agriculture sector is in capable hands,” said Minister Thomas.
Among this year’s recipients was Benalla sheep farmer Tamara Pabst, who plans to use her scholarship to undertake tertiary training in agribusiness. She also plans to invest in hi-tech animal scales for her farm that measures the performance of her flock, allowing her to make more informed business decisions.
The following young farmers representing agricultural industries and regions across Victoria also received scholarships:
- Peter Carmichael, mixed livestock (beef and sheep), South Gippsland
- James Cox, livestock (sheep), Murrindindi
- Georgia Douglas, livestock (sheep), Northern Grampians
- William Fay, livestock (sheep) and cropping, Pyrenees
- Isis Jordan, dairy (goat), Mount Alexander
- Richard McKee, cropping, Mildura
- Michelle Muir, dairy, Corangamite
- Elizabeth Shotter, livestock (beef), Wellington
- Jen Smith, livestock (beef), East Gippsland
- Ty Stanton, livestock (beef) and cropping, Indigo
- Theresa Star, livestock (sheep), Towong
- Tyr-Ryan Sturgess-Myers, horticulture, Greater Shepparton
Persons interested in the 2021 Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarship Program are encouraged to apply at the Agriculture Victoria website. Applications close on 6 June 2021.
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