Coffee included in new AgriFutures grant program – BeanScene

AgriFutures Australia has launched a new program for Levied and Emerging industries, investing up to $200,000 in a bid to address critical workforce shortages and build skills for long-term productivity.

Within AgriFutures’ scope, coffee is categorised as an Emerging industry alongside the likes of truffles, hazelnuts, and sesame.

The People and Capability Program is a new pilot that will fund practical, industry-led initiatives to address workforce pressures and aims to support solutions that attract, develop, and retain people in the agricultural sector.

“This program is about investing in people, building confidence and capability, and creating stronger pathways into agriculture,” says AgriFutures General Manager, Levied and Emerging Industries, Samantha Beresford.

“By focusing on outcomes and measuring impact, we can support immediate workforce needs while also building skilled and capable people for the future.”

Funding is available through two grant schemes: Industry Workforce Program grants of up to $25,000, and Capacity Building grants of up to $10,000.

“Whether it’s finding skilled people on the ground or developing the next generation of leaders, the availability of capable people is now a key factor in whether industries can grow, innovate, and remain competitive.”

Applications for the grant opened on Monday 16 February and close Friday 13 March.