Hort Innovation is partnering with the 2021 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, a competitive grant program that seeks to advance the careers of young researches, scientists, producers and innovators aged between 18 and 35 years by funding research projects that benefit Australia's primary industries. 

The annual Science Awards are coordinated by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), and consist of ten industry Science Award categories including biosecurity and digital innovation, cotton, eggs and poultry, forest and wood products, grains, horticulture, red meat processing, wine and wool. 

This year, Hort Innovation is the official Science Award partner, offering a grant of $22,000 (incl. GST) through the Hort Innovation Leadership Fund, to a young Australian with an innovative research idea for the horticultural sector. The horticulture category winner will also be invited to apply for the Minister of Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management's Award, granting an additional $22,000 (incl. GST) to extend the project.  

Applications are now open and close Friday 2 October at 5:00 pm AEST with winners to be announced at the ABARES Outlook event in March 2021.  

For more information visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/conferences-events/scienceawards

Hort Frontiers Leadership Fund, part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants

Applications are open to young people between 18 and 35 years, who are working, employed, or studying in agriculture, fisheries, or forestry related industry (including food and sustainable natural resource management) in Australia. Applicants may include young producers, scientists and researchers, extension officers, students, industry advisers and those actively engaged in the agriculture sector.

Research project

The project must relate to a significant, longstanding or emerging issue and demonstrate dedication to the future of rural and regional industries. Eligible activities may include research activities, further study, industry visits, presentations at conferences or workshops or publishing in journals. 

A full listing of grant guidelines and assessment criteria can be found here.

How to apply: