THE HON. GREG HUNT MP
Federal Member for Flinders
Minister for Health and Aged Care
THE HON. DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia
Deputy Leader of the Nationals
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Industry led organisations across the Mornington Peninsula can now apply for the $7.3 million first round of the AgUP grants program, to support initiatives that will secure and retain workers in the local agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sector.
The first round of the AgUP grants program is open from now, until the 20th of January 2022.
Federal Member for Flinders the Hon. Greg Hunt MP said the AgUP program would advance the Peninsula’s agricultural sector with more opportunities to live and work locally.
“Agriculture plays a key role in the economy of the Mornington Peninsula,” Minister Hunt said.
“From our local vineyards, to our farms to our fishing industry, the Peninsula helps to put food and drinks on the table of Australians across the nation.”
“By providing more career pathways and upskilling for local workers in these industries, we can continue to support our local agricultural sector and local businesses from our wineries to fish and chip shops.”
“Training, retaining and growing agricultural workforces is just one way that the Morrison Government is supporting the industry to become a $100 billion sector by 2030.”
Proposals are invited from industry-led consortia comprised of members with the knowledge and experience to make valued contributions to each project’s success and sustainability. Consortia members can include:
- universities
- registered training organisations and schools
- state, territory and local governments
- local, regional or community groups
- other national, state, regional or sectoral organisations that represent the Australian agricultural, food and fibre industries
- not-for-profit organisations
- employment service providers or similar partners.
Applicants will need to demonstrate their capability and experience in managing and delivering the project outcomes. They will also need to articulate how the project will transform and change the workforce including the benefits for the participants it targets.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the $7.3 million AgUP grants program would encourage the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector to lead efforts to meet their workforce needs.
“Agriculture is only as good as its people,” Minister Littleproud said.
“It’s always a shame when agriculture, fisheries or forestry lose a good worker because they can’t see a career pathway that works for them.
“The AgUP grants program is about supporting industry led initiatives to develop career pathways and upskill, train and mentor agricultural workers.
“We want to see opportunities within these industries for Australians who want them. That means making sure workers know that they can progress and grow their careers while still staying in the primary industries sector.”
More information on the AgUP Grants Program is available at www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/agricultural-workforce or at www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants.
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