The Victorian government says the 10 scholarships it is launching for First Nations women will allow them to develop new skills that will help them enter the native foods and botanical sector.
Agriculture minister Gayle Tierney said the scholarships would allow Indigenous women to attend the ‘Pathways to Sovereignty’ First Nations Bushfoods and Botanicals Symposium in Darwin from 8-10 November.
The first symposium was held in 2019, with one of the outcomes the creation of the First Nations Bushfood and Botanicals Alliance Australia (FNBBAA).
“We recognise the vital role First Nations women have in leading and growing Victoria’s commercial native foods and botanicals sector.
“I encourage all First Nations women in Victoria with an interest in native foods and botanicals to apply for a scholarship and progress their career in agriculture,” Tierney said.
The conference will provide attendees with practical lessons, and opportunities to discuss leadership across the native foods sector, as well as joining a forum related to the issues affecting First Nations women in agriculture.
The government has provided $50,000 in scholarship funding to support costs associated attending the event – it will also help the FNBBA deliver networking events for Victorian Aboriginal women working in native foods.
FNBBAA Victorian director Sharon Brindley said, ““The Victorian Native Foods sector is currently going through a period of growth, productivity, and development.
"The First Nations Bushfoods and Botanicals Symposium in Darwin will play an integral role in leveraging the presence of women within the industry and enabling a stronger collective of First Nations businesses Australia-wide.”
To apply for a scholarship to attend the Conference click here.
According to the latest market research from the University of Sydney, the First Nations food sector was worth $81.5 million in 2019-2020 and is forecast to rapidly grow, potentially doubling by 2025.
In July, the Queensland government’s pilot Indigenous Native Food Program (INFP) was completed, with three Queensland based First Nations native food companies - Figjam and Co, Yaala Sparkling, and Beechtree Distilling Co - receiving targeted support to help scale.
