AGRICULTURE, YOUNG PEOPLE

Ms BREUER (Giles) (14:24): My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. What is the government doing to foster and recognise the achievements of young people in agriculture?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development) (14:24): I thank the attentive member for Giles for her question, and certainly she, like the government, values the important contribution that agriculture makes to the South Australian economy and its importance in sustaining many of our regional communities. As a result of agriculture's key economic role in meeting these ongoing challenges like global economic uncertainty and climate variability, supporting innovation and enterprise among our farming sector is a key part of the government's strategy to build a strong and sustainable agricultural sector for the future.

Earlier this year the government launched the Ignite program, a joint initiative of PIRSA and the Office for Youth; and I commend my colleague the Minister for Youth for his contribution to this program.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: He is the youngest one in here, isn't he?

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: No; the other Tom is.

The Hon. P. CAICA: I apologise, Tom, and I thank you for the correction. This program currently provides 40 young up-and-coming agrifood producers with professional development, networking opportunities and mentoring through four regional clusters established at Clare, Naracoorte, Murray Bridge and Kangaroo Island. The government also supports the SA Rural Leadership program, which offers emerging leaders the chance to hone their skills as part of a network of rural leaders across the primary production sector.

I also draw the house's attention to another initiative. The Agricultural Bureau of South Australia's Spirit of Excellence in Agriculture Awards recognise some of our state's most dedicated, inspiring and innovative people. There are four awards, including the Lois Harris Scholarship, which is presented to the first year student in the Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Adelaide who achieved the highest tertiary entrance rank score. This year's winner of the $2,000 grant is Jared Schmaal, who hails from Saddleworth.

The Peter Olsen Fellowship provides a young farmer aged between 18 and 35 with $8,000 to carry out a project, undertake further study or participate in a study tour. Jason Schulz from Coonalpyn runs a beef and sheep farm with his family and is this year's winner. At 26, Mr Schulz has a keen interest in cattle breeding, and he and his wife started a new beef cattle stud on the property last year. He plans to use the grant for a study tour of the US to help in the development of his new stud.

The Rural Youth Bursary allows a young person aged between 18 and 30 to advance their career through a grant that can be used for undertaking courses, a study tour or conducting a special project. The inaugural winner of this award is Naracoorte teacher Abbey McKenna, who has proved to be a real inspiration in working at Naracoorte High School's Independent Learning Centre, which focuses on re-engaging students with our education system. Ms McKenna plans to use her grant to travel to Sudan to gain first-hand experience of programs in that country designed to assist young people who have been affected by various kinds of trauma.

The Service to Primary Production Award for long-term commitment and contribution to agriculture in South Australia this year has been won by Phil Roberts, an agriculture teacher at Coomandook Area School. Mr Roberts is a terrific advocate. I know the member for Hammond would agree that he is a terrific advocate both for his local community and in promoting agriculture education, including having established a website aimed at connecting agriculture teachers around our state and, indeed, around this great nation.

I am sure all members would join with me in congratulating the winners of the Agricultural Bureau's awards for this year. The government certainly recognises the importance of supporting innovation and the development of new leadership in our primary industries. It is an investment of support that will bring benefits to all South Australians going forward.