The Allan Labor Government is helping young Victorians build the skills and experience they need in horticulture - creating pathways to more regional jobs and shaping the next generation of our farming leaders.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced $100,000 for the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria's (NGIV) Branch Out program to support the learning opportunities for young people in schools across Victoria.
Branch Out gives Victorian secondary school students hands-on opportunities to experience growing and caring for plants in ways which spark passion and inspire them to consider a future career in the horticulture industry.
It provides an immersive experience for young people in years 7 to 10, boosting their understanding of the careers available in horticulture, with a strong focus on the nursery and garden industry.
Between 2022 and 2024, Branch Out reached almost 900 students across 25 Victorian schools. With this new funding, the program is expected to have a similar impact - engaging more students, expanding opportunities and helping build the next generation of skilled professionals in Victoria's horticulture industry.
The funding will provide teachers with extra support to deliver the program, create additional teaching resources, and facilitate and deliver incursions for up to 25 schools in the 2026 school year.
The Victorian horticultural industry employs over 14,000 people across 2700 businesses. Victoria has the highest value of horticulture exports of any Australian state.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"We are supporting young people to discover a passion for horticulture and keep the industry moving forward."
"Branch Out gives young people the chance to explore horticulture, even those who may never have considered a career in the industry before."
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"It is important to have programs that will help students with their career choices, helping them explore interests and decide the career path that's right for them."
"We want students to have every opportunity in school, which is why we're investing in programs like this that allows students to experience different areas, including horticulture."
