Grants open in Capricornia for young Australians making agriculture future-ready

The Hon. David Littleproud MP
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia
Deputy Leader of the Nationals

The Hon. Michelle Landry MP
Assistant Minister for Children and Families
Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism
Member for Capricornia

• 2022 Science and Innovation Awards grants now open
• Individual grants of up to $22,000 across multiple categories
• Total of $264,000 for young people in agriculture, fisheries and forestry

Investing in a future-ready agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector is the goal of the 2022 Science and Innovation Awards grant program, with applications now open.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry are inviting young researchers, scientists and innovators in agriculture, fisheries and forestry to submit a project application that addresses current industry challenges.

“Australia has a proud tradition of innovation, and we’re looking to build on that legacy with the next generation of Aussie smarts,” Minister Littleproud said.

“We’re looking for projects which tackle issues in innovative ways and contribute to the ongoing success and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries.

“It’s about supporting young people passionate about agriculture and helping them to make a difference.”

Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said supporting young people delivering new innovations in agriculture will deliver benefits for the sector, with these benefits flowing into rural and regional Australia.

“This is a great opportunity for our best and brightest, living in regional Australia, to receive a leg up and really make a difference to their industries and their communities,” Ms Landry said.

Last year’s Ministerial award winner was Mr Fraser Border from the University of Southern Queensland.

This innovative project used augmented reality to help meat process workers improve accuracy and efficiency, reduce waste and increase returns for processors.

For more information and to apply visit www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/conferences-events/scienceawards.

Fast Facts:

• Applications close at 5pm AEST Friday 1 October 2021.
• Since they were launched in 2001, the Science and Innovation Awards have helped 272 young researchers, innovators and scientists turn their ideas into reality with over $4.4 million in grant funding.
• 12 industry award categories are available in the 2022 round, with each winner to receive a grant of up to $22,000 (including GST).
• The Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is an open competitive annual grant program supporting young people aged between 18 and 35 years who are working, employed or studying in an agriculture, fisheries or forestry related industry (including food and sustainable natural resource management).
• Award partners and categories include: