The fund will support Victorian schools and the agricultural sector to raise awareness of opportunities available in agriculture, boost agriculture teaching capability and offer more avenues within schools for students to develop their skills.
In northern Victoria, the government is hoping the fund will assist schools, industry groups and community organisations to inspire students into agricultural careers.
Funding will be available for a range of agriculture education activities such as designing programs, engaging with local industry, purchasing equipment and other needs schools have in order to deliver quality agriculture studies.
This boost will help meet the growing demands of the agriculture sector which needs young workers with digital, business and marketing skills, as well as food and fibre entrepreneurs who can take products to international markets.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes was excited by the opportunities the fund would create for young residents.
“This program is all about making sure students across northern Vic have real-world opportunities to make the most of existing and emerging agriculture and horticulture career pathways,” Ms Symes said.
Victorian Education Minister James Merlino was enthused about how the fund could support greater connections to the agricultural industry while students were still at school.
“The future of Victoria’s nation-leading agriculture sector is bright — and we’re proud to be supporting more Victorian students to get involved in the modern, growing industry while they’re still at school,” Mr Merlino said.
Applications for the Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund: schools and place-based stream close on June 24.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/secondary-schools-agriculture-fund
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