Farm scholarships

Northern Grampians Shire municipal leaders have encouraged young farmers in the shire to apply for the State Government’s 2019 Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarships.

Cr Tony Driscoll said the shire was home to many young farmers.

“We certainly urge all of our young farmers to apply, as it is a great opportunity to not only get some financial assistance, but upskill themselves at the same time,” he said.

The government will invest $500,000 into the scholarship program during the next four years, with up to $10,000 per scholarship available to young people to help continue developing the skills they need to build successful careers in agriculture.

Each recipient can receive up to $5000 to support their training and study, followed by up to a further $5000 to put their new skills into practice.

To qualify, applicants need to be 35 years or younger, with at least two years of experience on farm and be working in a food and fibre farm business in Victoria at least three days a week for the past three months. Applications close at 5pm on August 9. Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes said young farmers needed a broad range of skills to keep up with a changing industry.

“The program is part of our commitment to attract and support the next generation of farmers, and make sure we keep producing the agricultural talent our growing $14.1-billion industry needs,” she said.

People can find out more or apply for the scholarship via website agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/food-and-fibre-industries/ young-farmers/scholarship-program.