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Grants and awards Agriculture | July 01, 2019

Young farmer scholarships available

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy is encouraging young farmers across Lowan to apply for a scholarship to help them build a productive and profitable career in agriculture.

Ms Kealy said the Upskill and Invest Young Farmer Scholarship program provided young farmers under the age of 35 with funding for training or study, professional development, business planning and other on-farm activities.

“Food and fibre production underpins the well-being of rural communities and is crucial in ensuring Victoria’s economy grows strongly and is competitive in the future,” Ms Kealy said.

Successful applicants can receive up to $10,000, with up to $5,000 towards study and a further $5,000 to invest on-farm or in professional development activities.

The program is designed to be flexible to fit with the demands and ambitions of participants.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Be aged 35 years or under at the time of the application closing date;
• Be working in a food and fibre farm business in Victoria at least three days per week, and have been doing this work for the past three months or more;
• Have at least two years of total experience on-farm; and
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in Victoria.

“It is a great opportunity for our young farmers to establish their career in the agriculture sector,” Ms Kealy said.

“I encourage all eligible young farmers across Lowan to consider applying for one of the 12 scholarships on offer this year”, she said.

More information is available at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au. Applications close 9 August 2019.