Applications open for 2016 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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image credit: ABARES Twitter page

If you are a researcher, innovator or scientist involved in Australia’s agriculture sector, you have a chance to apply for a share of $240,000 in grants as part of the 2016 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

image credit: ABARES Twitter page
image credit: ABARES Twitter page

The Awards are intended to encourage young Australian rural innovators aged 18-35 to think outside the box and do their part to boost Australia’s agriculture industries.

“Young people studying and working in this area are passionate about the future of agriculture in Australia, and these awards help them bring their ideas to life and advance their careers,” said Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce.

“There is a wealth of talent and enthusiasm among young Australians for the future of farming in Australia, and an understanding that agriculture represents an increasingly valuable and diverse career pathway with exciting new technologies and innovation.”

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In 2015 there were 12 Award categories open to applicants, including biosecurity, cotton, dairy, fisheries and aquaculture, grains, horticulture, meat and livestock, new and emerging rural industries, pork, red meat processing, viticulture and oenology, and wool.

According to the Minister’s announcement, 11 industry award categories are available in the 2016 round, with grants of up to $22,000 (including GST) for each successful award recipient’s research project.

“There is a strong link between R&D and agricultural productivity growth, and research is fundamental to the continued success of Australian agricultural industries and farmgate profitability,” Minister Joyce said.

“That is why it’s so important to recognise young people who choose to devote their careers and talents to progressing Australian agriculture. It’s also why as part of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper an additional $100 million will be invested in rural Research and Development (R&D) to extend the Rural R&D for Profit programme until 2021–22,”

The Awards will be presented at the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Outlook 2016 conference in Canberra.

Applications close on 9 October 2015.

For more detailed information, including application form and profiles of the Award partners, please go to agriculture.gov.au/abares/conferences-events/scienceawards