Victoria’s young farmers have received State Government support for a ministerial advisory council.

At Dookie Agricultural College last week, Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, Jaala Pulford announced the launch of the Young Farmers Ministerial Advisory Council and a Young Farmer Scholarship program.

The advisory council will have up to 11 members, including a representative from each of the Victorian Farmers Federation Young Agribusiness Professionals and Victorian Young Farmers groups.

The advisory council funding is in addition to the Labor Government’s support for the new Young Farmers Scholarship Program, that received $760,000 in the recent 2015-16 Victorian Budget.

The scholarship program will help young farmers to grow their skills and invest in new technologies and business efficiencies, ensuring Victoria’s regions retain the talent needed to prosper.

Young Agribusiness Professional’s (YAPs) chair Amy Fay said she was pleased to see the government following through with their pre-election promises to prioritise the next generation.

“These are two really important investments that we are excited and looking forward to getting involved in.

“So we thank the minister for investing in our farmers and agribusiness leaders of the future.”

Ms Fay said providing young people with opportunities to increase their skills and knowledge not only promotes innovation and productivity but also helps create rewarding careers to keep them in the sector.

Formal expressions of interest for the advisory council will open later in June. However, interested young people can register to stay up to date with the latest information by emailing [email protected]

Source: Victorian Farmers Federation