Growing Connections and Resilience for Youth in Agriculture will use $12,000 of funding from the Federal Government to host luncheons for early career farmers or agricultural professionals in the Goulburn Valley.
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Echuca Moama resident Melissa Brown, Suzie Jacobs from Ballendella and Sam Connell from Yarrawonga are graduates of the Goulburn Valley Drought Resilience Leaders Development program and now form a part of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Alumni.
Ms Jacobs said these grants would help fund the free “Youth in Agriculture” event in the Goulburn Valley.
“The grant covers the keynote speaker costs for Echuca local Dr Kate Burke of Think Agri and Warren Davies 'the Unbreakable farmer', venue hire at the Sebel in Yarrawonga and a meal for attendees,” she said.
“Prior to submitting (the application), we spoke with local not-for-profit grower group Riverine Plains Inc. who have come onboard to provide in-kind support including ticket sales and event promotion.
“The project will provide insights into pathways to agriculture and words of wisdom for those who attend the event.”
Ms Jacobs said the event was aimed at 18 to 35-year-olds who are involved in agriculture or those who want to further their career in this area.
“This could include, but is not limited to; agriculture students, early career farmers or farm service providers including agronomists, animal nutritionists, stock agents or salespeople,” she said.
The event will be held in Yarrawonga and attendance is open to anyone in that age range, lives in the region and has an interest in agriculture.
Ms Jacobs said the group was very passionate about the future of agriculture and were calling for young people to get involved.
“Currently we have 26 participants from the Goulburn Valley area, including a number who are in Echuca and surrounding towns who have gotten involved,” she said.
“Agricultural contributes to the local economy and makes up a significant amount of employment opportunities in the Greater Goulburn Valley Regions.
“Young people are our future and have a lot to offer the industry.”
Ms Jacobs said there were many career opportunities/pathways for a career in agriculture and their project was to create connection and awareness, to step into the industry.