Food Source VictoriaScholarships - Application Guidelines

1. Context

1.1 Food Source VictoriaThe Victorian Government’s $20 million Food Source Victoria program is designed to support activities that add value to agricultural produce sourced from regional Victoria.

The objective is to build stronger agri-food businesses and regional communities through value adding to agricultural production in Victoria that will result in:

new, ongoing jobs, particularly in regional Victoria

growth in Victoria’s agricultural, food and related industries

farmers, growers, processors and manufacturers working together and supply chain partners driving innovation and efficiencies

greater skills, knowledge and confidence of workers to respond to growing global demand for premium products

increased Victorian agri-food exports.

There are three grant programs:

Scholarships for individuals Planning Grants

Growth Grants.

1.2 Purpose of this documentThis document sets out the application guidelines for Food Source Victoria Scholarships. It is designed to help prospective applicants determine their eligibility.

2. Program description

2.1 Program objectiveThe program aims to support workers in agriculture, processing and manufacturing in regional Victoria to build skills to expand their business into a new market, launch a new product, create step-change within their business, or respond to consumer needs.

Scholarships can include study or training programs, either part or full time. Professional development opportunities are eligible and include conference attendance, study tours, peer-to-peer learning and mentoring.

2.2 Examples of scholarshipsPreviously, scholarships have been granted to applicants who wanted to:

take a study tour to Japan to gain knowledge of production, export packaging and value-add opportunities for the citrus Yuzu

attend an advanced program covering the science of cheese aging for specific cheese styles with the aim of making these cheeses locally to replace imported product

complete an executive program to examine a range of management and industry issues throughout the fruit supply chain to assist with accessing new markets.

3. Eligible applicants

Applicants:

must be over the age of 18 years at the time of applying

need at least three years of experience in the agri-food sector

must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in regional Victoria

cannot have previously received any other grant, funding or scholarship for the activities outlined in their application

must be willing to participate in media, promotions and other related events, and to assist with program evaluation.

4. Selection process

4.1 Assessment committeeThe Food Source Victoria Assessment Committee will monthly review all applications. The committee is made up of departmental representatives from across the Victorian Government. The assessment and approval process can take up to 12 weeks.

Scholarships - Application Guidelines

4.2 Selection criteriaApplications will be judged on:

the applicant’s demonstrated interest in building skills that will support business growth

expected learning outcomes from scholarship activities

how knowledge and skills obtained during the scholarship will support business growth, expansion into new markets or introduce a step change in technology or practice

engagement with the agri-food sector while undertaking scholarship

ongoing commitment to the agri-food sector.

5. What’s next?Talk to the Program Manager to ensure you are on the right track with your ideas.

Go onto the website and lodge your application.

6. More informationCall the Program Manager on 136 186 or email food.source@ecodev.vic.gov.au

Further information on Food Source Victoria can be found on: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/food-and-fibre-industries/food-source-victoria