Aberfoyle young farmer Callan Schaefer, left, with Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall and NSW Young Farmers Business Program co-ordinator Alex Hick on Callan’s property this morning.
Monday, 3 June 2019
YOUNG farmers and fishers will have more help to build resilience into their businesses, with the launch of a new business coaching pilot and grants for leadership and development to be rolled out across the State.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall made the announcement today and said the NSW Government was investing $400,000 in the two initiatives, which would be run for young farmers and fishers in business.
“This is a game-changer for the many you farmers and fishers in NSW who, like many people in small business in various sectors, are currently going it alone,” he said.
“Not only will they build a network or tribe of like-minded people, in the case of the business coaching they will benefit from a mix of face to face training, online modules, a social media group and business coaches who will be available 24/7 to answer questions.
“Additionally, the grants of up to $10,000 for eligible groups who support young farmers and fishers are a great chance for flexible delivery, as they can be used for activities and projects related to business and leadership development, which could be a guest speaker or a farm visit.”
The projects are being coordinated by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Young Farmer Business Program (YFBP).
Program Co-ordinator Alex Hicks said the delivery of flexible and local programs appealed to young farmers and fishers and demand had been growing since the program began in 2018.
“More than 1,500 people have come to 60 face-to-face YFBP events held across NSW since the program kicked off and last year we piloted individual business coaching and it was a life changing experience for the participants,” Ms Hicks said.
“We are excited to open both the group business training opportunity and the flexible training activities and project grants statewide for all young farmers and fishers.”
For more information go to www.youngfarmer.nsw.gov.au