25 May 2011
DAFF11/165K
The Australian Government is continuing to demonstrate its support for women and young people in rural and regional Australia by today announcing the successful applicants for funding through the third round of the Recognising Women Farmers and Next Gen Farmers grants.
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Mike Kelly, announced the latest round of more than $2 million in funding under the Community Networks and Capacity Building program, which supports the government’s Australia’s Farming Future initiative.
“All industries depend on women and the next generation of leaders to enhance their productivity and secure long-term growth,” Dr Kelly said.
“The development and encouragement of women and young leaders in rural and regional Australia is of paramount importance to the future of our nation.”
The Recognising Women Farmers and Next Gen Farmers grants is offering up to $50,000 for activities that help create, support and promote women and young leaders in rural and regional Australia.
Dr Kelly said the latest funding is in response to the continuing high levels of interest from the primary industries sector over the previous rounds of Recognising Women Farmers and Next Gen Farmers, and the benefits that Community Networks and Capacity Building projects have delivered for rural industries and communities.
“A significant number of high-quality applications were received for Round Three and 52 projects, up to a value of $2.2 million have been supported,” Dr Kelly said.
“This will bring the total number of projects funding under the program to 258”.
The Recognising Women Farmers and Next Gen Farmers grants support activities that aim to share knowledge, create leaders, boost participation in primary industries, build skills to more effectively contribute to government and industry decision-making and strengthen networks among rural, regional and remote Australia.
For more information go to www.daff.gov.au/cncb or call 1800 638 746.