YOUNG players in agriculture have met for the first time as part of youth-driven farmer advisory council in Horsham last week.
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The Young Farmer Ministerial Advisory Council had its first meeting at Grains Innovation Centre in Horsham on Tuesday afternoon.
The advisory council was appointed by the Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford.
The aim of the council is to to advise state government on practical actions and opportunities to attract and retain young people in Victorian agriculture.
The council is made up of eleven young people who represent different agricultural industries from across the state including Murtoa farmer Thomas McGrath.
For the next two years the council intends to engage with young people, consider research and talk to experts to identify practical actions and opportunities for government support and assistance.
Council chair Caitlin Scholfield said the first meeting was designed to allow the council to identify some priority issues impacting young people in agriculture.
“The meeting was hosted in Horsham, giving many council members the opportunity to travel across the state to see first-hand some of the issues and challenges outside their own region,” she said.
“The meeting concluded with an informal networking event in Horsham, held in partnership with the Young Agribusiness Professionals and the Victorian Young Farmers on Tuesday evening.
“This was a great opportunity for members of the council to listen to some local young farmers talk about challenges and opportunities they see in the region.”
Ms Scholfield said the council was an important avenue for young people in agriculture.
“The council, being cross sectoral and covering a good geographical spread across the state, is a great voice into state government for young people in agriculture,” she said.
“By appointing this group of eleven passionate young people to explore practical actions and ideas on how to attract and retain young people in agriculture, government has demonstrated they appreciate the challenges and the importance of supporting young people in this industry.”
