Young farmers urged to apply for cash grants

Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Young farmers committed to a career in agriculture can now apply for Victorian Government grants of up to $10,000 to enhance the productivity and sustainability of their businesses.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the Victorian Government has allocated $1.2 million to the First Farm Grant Program which will continue for one year or until the funds were allocated.

The First Farm grants are part of the Government's comprehensive assistance package designed to support young people pursuing a career in food and fibre production.

The program was due to expire under the Labor Government, but the Coalition Government allocated additional funds to reinstate the grants.

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.

In this year's budget the Government announced a range of initiatives to encourage more young people to take up a career in agriculture.

Farmers who were under 35 on July 1 are eligible to apply for the grants, and I would encourage them to do so.

Grants include up to $3,000 for business planning and an additional grant for development activities, totalling a combined value of up to $10,000.  This will allow young farmers to improve their management skills as well as prepare for future challenges, while also providing capital investment for their enterprise.

Young farmers who were on the waiting list for the First Farm grant last year will need to apply again as some of the eligibility criteria have changed to provide greater consistency across the government's range of initiatives for young farmers.

The First Farm Grant Program will be delivered through DPI and administered by the Rural Finance Corporation. The program began on 1 July 2011 and will conclude on 30 June 2012. Selection criteria and other information can be viewed on the DPI and Rural Finance websites.