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Coalition Reinvigorates Victorian Young Farmers The Victorian Coalition Government is providing more support than ever before for young rural leaders, with the Victorian Young Farmers (VYF) to receive funding to the tune of $400,000 over the next four years By Russell Northe - 4th October 2011 - Back to News Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the funding, which was promised by the Victorian Coalition before last year’s election, would help the VYF develop social and professional networks for young farmers and rural youth. "This is an investment in the future of rural youth, and the VYF will again be able to employ secretariat support to co-ordinate and lead club activities," Mr Northe said. "The VYF has a long and proud history but it fell on hard times in 1999 when Labor axed the support that had been provided by successive governments. "Formed in 1947, VYF had about 140 clubs and 6,000 members at its peak, but numbers have since dwindled to just six clubs and several hundred members," Mr Northe said. The funding for secretarial support is the first component of a $1 million package from the Victorian Coalition Government to support the next generation of rural leaders. Plans are also underway to promote opportunities for young people in rural Victoria who are seeking to find agricultural work or expand their knowledge of agriculture overseas. "The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to arresting the flow of young people leaving rural communities due to economic and social difficulties," Mr Northe said. Support for VYF is part of a suite of Victorian Coalition Government initiatives aimed at supporting the next generation of food and fibre producers. These include $1.2 million to extend the First Farm Grant and $12 million for stamp duty exemption and concessions for farmers under the age of 35 who are buying their first farm property up to the value of $400,000.
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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