3 July 2009
DAFF09/291B

The Rudd Government has announced a second round of grants worth $750,000 to help attract more young people to careers in agriculture, after a strong response to the Next Gen Farmers initiative.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said he was encouraged by the positive response since the program began this year, which reflected the optimism he had seen in young people across rural and regional Australia.

This round will fund 22 grants to support the next generation of rural leaders, covering a broad range of primary industries including dairy, sugar, aquaculture and livestock.

Projects will include a six-month mentor program for young people in the dairy industry, linked conferences and workshops for young people in the sugar cane industry and a study tour to investigate orchard farming techniques.

Next Gen Farmers is a new program to support future industry leaders who can help their communities face challenges such as climate change.

The grants support activities that will share knowledge, build leadership skills, boost participation in primary industries and build networks among rural and regional Australians.

The first round of grants, worth $1 million, was announced last month.

Mr Burke said the funding was an important investment in the future of our primary industries, which would depend on new talented workers entering the sector.

“The median age of farmers in Australia is now over 50 years so it is important that we act now to ensure our primary industries have a productive, long-term future,” Mr Burke said.

“Whenever I visit rural and regional communities, I am struck by the optimism and talent of young people in farming and a range of other agricultural roles.

“Agriculture offers a wide range of career options and it will be central to our efforts to fight global warming and address the world food shortage.”