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2022 Impact Report
Growing the next farming generation through AGcessibility for all
A joint Scholarship initiative and support program has been established to break barriers in agriculture education for students and diversify the emerging horticulture and agriculture workforce.
Charles Sturt University is partnering with the Anthony Costa Foundation, goFARM Australia and Australian Farming Services to create a program designed to make
an immeasurable impact to accessible agriculture for First Nations students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. The program, AGcessibility: Diversifying the Next Gen of Agriculture will enable greater employment prospects in the industry through awarding more than ten scholarships annually.
“I will be honest, I cried when I received the offer as I am the first person in my family to go to university. My dreams are to start a small business as an artificial insemination technician and to start my own cattle enterprise where I breed my own bloodlines, in addition to inspiring other young Indigenous and non-Indigenous women to pursue a career within the agricultural industry that is beyond just labouring work.”
- Emily Greer
Emily pictured (left), with Anthony Costa Foundation Representative Richard Bligh and Investor Relations Associate GoFARM Australia, Anna Keenan.
“The scholarships address the workforce capacity challenge we face in the horticulture and agriculture industries. They are also helping to meet a challenge that exists in the regional and rural communities to which we are committed – how we keep young people engaged, employed and able to build their lives in these areas.”
The AGcessibility program will see more than $1.3 million donated toward 50 scholarships over the next seven years. Each scholarship is worth $15,000, and is delivered over a three year term. The program will address some of the current shortfalls in capacity, with the partners hoping this union will represent the start of a longer-term industry solution.