VICTORIA's peak farmer group has today welcomed the Victorian Government's commitment to invest in the next generation of food and fibre producers.
At Dookie Agricultural College near Shepparton, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford launched the Young Farmers Ministerial Advisory Council and a Young Farmer Scholarship program.
Victorian Farmers Federation's Young Agribusiness Professionals' (YAPs) chairperson 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."
The Advisory Council will have up to 11 members, including a representative from each of the YAPs and Victorian Young Farmers groups.
The expert team's goal will be to advise the government on how to attract and retain the next generation of farmers to a life on the land.
Ms Pulford said the Advisory Council provided a unique opportunity for young farmers and other young people passionate about the future of agriculture to develop their leadership skills and she urged anyone who fit that description to nominate to be part of the council.
The scholarship program, which received $760,000 in last week's 2015-16 Victorian Budget, will help young farmers grow their skills and invest in technologies, ensuring Victoria's regions retain the talent needed to prosper.
"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," Ms Fay said.