Young farmers in East Gippsland committed to a career in agriculture can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 under the Coalition Government’s $1.2 million First Farm grant program.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said, “the grants are an important initiative of the government to encourage more young people to take up a career in agriculture and I strongly urge young farmers across the electorate to seriously consider applying for a grant to enhance the productivity and sustainability of their business.”

“The First Farm grants assistance package has been designed to support young people pursuing a career in food and fibre production and it is vital that this area of the rural sector continues to grow strongly and remain competitive in the future.

“Grants include up to $3000 for business planning and an additional grant for development activities with a combined total of funding available of up to $10,000. This funding will allow young farmers to improve their management skills while providing capital investment for their future enterprise,” Mr Bull said.

Farmers who are under 35 on July 1 are eligible to apply for the First Farm grant. The grant program will continue for one year, or until the funds are allocated.

Applicants who were on the waiting list for the First Farm grants last year are asked to re-apply due to some changes to the eligibility criteria, which now provide more consistency across the government’s range of initiatives for young farmers.

The First Farm grant program will be delivered through DPI and administered by the Rural Finance Corporation. The program commenced on 1 July, 2011 and will conclude on 30 June 2012. For further information please visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au