Smarter plan to help young farmers

Applicants will undertake a career options workshop, develop a career plan, and may be eligible for training and skills development grants, mentoring programs, financial management workshops, traineeships or assistance with farm finance.

A new scheme called Ag Start will commit $1 million over the next year to help young people interested in a career in agriculture.

“Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries in this State, but it has difficulty attracting and retaining bright new talent,” said NSW Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, announcing the new scheme.

“Doing this successfully involves more than just financial assistance; it requires a holistic approach that also includes career planning, mentoring and training.”

An AgStart advisory board made up of industry leaders will be established to guide young people wishing to participate in the program.  It is proposed the board will include representatives from NSW Farmers Association, the Australian Bankers Association, leading young farmers and industry representatives.

Applicants will first undertake a career options workshop where they will be exposed to a range of potential career paths, including farm ownership, leasing or share-farming, as well as involvement in one of the many agribusiness sectors.

Participants will then develop a career plan, which will be assessed by the board.  From there, participants may be eligible for further assistance, based on their career goals and financial situation.

 This additional assistance would come in the form of training and skills development grants, mentoring programs, financial management workshops, traineeships or assistance with farm finance.

Relevant assistance options will be determined by the Agstart Board and administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.

Mr Macdonald said the key element of the program’s success will be the leadership and involvement of the AgStart Board and the engagement of agribusinesses and financial institutions as AgStart Partners.

The scheme will encourage the involvement of AgStart Partners who will work with the Board to create career development tools to assist young farmers.  A number of industry leaders have already expressed interest in taking part as an AgStart Partner.

Young people interested in starting a career in farming or agribusiness should visit the Rural Assistance Authority website at www.raa.nsw.gov.au or contact the RAA on 1800 678 593 for AgStart applications and additional information.