Forum for aspiring young farmers

Aspiring young farmers are invited to a special forum in Bathurst on 19 March to have their say on the issues affecting young people in agriculture.

Hosted by NSW Young Farmers, the forum features an afternoon session with industry experts on biosecurity, telecommunications and succession planning. 

The forum also includes an evening Bank Ready Workshop presented by the Young Farmer Business Program (YFBT) that will arm attendees with the knowledge and skills to buy a farm or expand an existing agricultural business.  

The 4-year YFBT Program is a result of a 2016-17 pilot project that was a joint initiative between DPI, NSW Young Farmers Council and NSW Farmers Association.

NSW Farmers President Derek Schoen said the project aimed to increase the number of young people in agriculture across NSW. 

“The success of the pilot demonstrated the desire of young people across NSW to be involved in this initiative and their desire to improve their business skills and be successful in the business of farming,” Mr Schoen said. 

Mr Schoen said the NSW Government has chipped in $6m for the program to help young farmers and fishers enter into the business of farming or commercial fishing and aquaculture, or expand their existing business aspirations. 

“NSW Young Farmers is the youth branch of NSW Farmers and can help you meet other young farmers, find peers in your situation, learn how advocacy works, shape the future of agriculture, and explore alternative ways of getting on the land.”

“Your attendance at this NSW Young Farmer Forum in Bathurst gives you the opportunity to air your opinions and share your experience on the needs of young farmers and new entrants to farming.” 

The forum is being held at the Oxford Hotel on Monday 19 March, with the afternoon session starting at 3.00pm. You can go to both the afternoon sessions and evening session or choose the session that appeals directly to your interests.  A light dinner will be served between the afternoon and evening sessions.

For more information, contact NSW Farmers on 1300 794 000.

Media Contact:   Michael Burt  | 0428 228 988