Twenty-two young Victorian farmers have been awarded Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarships, supporting them to strengthen their skills, expand their networks and invest in the future success of their businesses and Victoria's food and fibre sector.
The scholarships support farmers aged 18 to 45 to undertake training, study tours, conferences and professional development opportunities that build capability, improve business performance and develop leadership skills across the agriculture sector.
Successful recipients can access up to $10,000 in funding, including up to $5,000 for training and study opportunities and a further $5,000 to apply those skills through practical on-farm investments.
Since 2015, the program has supported 168 young Victorian farmers, including 22 recipients this year. The scholarships continue to help young producers develop skills, improve productivity and build resilient agricultural businesses.
This year's recipients represent a broad range of agricultural industries and regions across Victoria, including livestock production, cropping, horticulture and apiculture.
Recipients include Dunnstown apiarist Millie Enbom-Goad, who plans to develop e-commerce, digital marketing and online sales skills to support the commercialisation of bee pollen. Newstead farmer James Butler will strengthen his knowledge of soil health and crop management, while Streatham farmer Ed Weatherly will focus on leadership, coaching and people management skills to support a growing family farming business. Wodonga producer Kimberly Rapsley will build expertise in agribusiness management, marketing and sustainable beef production to help grow a local beef brand.
Beth Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Agriculture Victoria, said Victoria's young farmers were investing in the skills and knowledge needed to support the future success of the state's agriculture sector.
'Victoria's young farmers are shaping the future of our agriculture sector through their willingness to learn, innovate and embrace new opportunities,' Ms Jones said.
'These scholarships give emerging industry leaders the chance to expand their skills, build valuable networks and bring fresh ideas back to their businesses, industries and communities.
'It's fantastic to see a record 22 recipients receive support this year, reflecting the strength of interest from young Victorians who are committed to building successful and sustainable futures in agriculture.'
Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship recipient Millie Enbom-Goad said the scholarship would provide valuable opportunities to build skills and invest in the future of their business.
'As a small business owner, opportunities like this make a real difference. The scholarship will help me develop my marketing and e-commerce skills so I can reach new customers and explore the commercial side producing bee pollen,' Ms Enbom-Goad said.
The Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarships are part of Agriculture Victoria's broader support for young people in agriculture, alongside initiatives including Young Farmer Business Bootcamps and the Young Farmers Advisory Council.
