Next Gen Farmers offers support for projects to improve the leadership and representative capacity of young people entering or involved in primary industries, particularly in the context of the challenges and opportunities in these industries as a result of a changing climate. The fund is a part of the government’s Australia’s Farming Future initiative.

The department is now seeking applications for eligible projects for young people through Next Gen Farmers. The grants will support activities that aim to:

·         build and share knowledge and experience;

·         increase access to planning tools and resources;

·         develop leadership and management skills;

·         develop pathways to increase participation in primary industries;

·         develop skills to contribute more effectively to government and industry decision making; and

·         build networks among rural, regional and remote Australians.

These activities could be conducted via workshops, seminars, conferences or industry events or through other innovative mechanisms.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available.

Who is a ‘young person’?

The department does not use a single definition of a ‘young person’. However, in assessing applications, priority will be given to activities which focus on the 18–25 age group and activities for people aged 15–30 will be considered.

Applications targeting young women, young Indigenous Australians and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Who can apply?

Organisations involved in agriculture, fisheries and forestry at the local, regional or national level are eligible to apply.

Applications will be accepted from clusters of organisations joining together to hold an activity for young people living and working in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Organisations that are not incorporated under Commonwealth or state legislation may apply if sponsored by an incorporated organisation. In this case, the sponsoring organisation becomes the applicant.

Further information

Please call the Australia’s Farming Future hotline on 1800 638 746.

http://www.daff.gov.au/climatechange/australias-farming-future/community_networks_and_capacity_building/next-gen-farmers