Sunbeam's working towards a brighter farming future.

The farming community is the lifeblood of Australia and as primary producers and marketers of Australian dried fruit and nuts Sunbeam is committed to ensure it thrives into the future. That's why we've developed the Sunbeam Future Farmers program in conjunction with Rural Skills Australia.

Sunbeam Future Farmers, as the name suggests, is an initiative set up to give young people living in rural Australia a start in the farming industry and to secure the future of the Australian farming community. At a time when the age of farmers is increasing and rural communities are shrinking, maintaining the skill base within the horticultural industry is becoming increasingly important.

This program is designed to match farmers with young Australians considering or participating in a full, part-time or school-based Australian apprenticeship in Production Horticulture. It will enable the apprentice to develop their practical skills on the land and receive a Level II Certificate in Production Horticulture.

Furthermore, the program provides a financial incentive for the farmers, by contributing to the cost of the Australian Apprenticeship. A further incentive is also offered to each apprentice on completion of their Level II Certificate.

As an initiative backed by and facilitated through Rural Skills Australia, the program is open to all farmers and its aim is to sponsor a select number of young Australians as they work on through their Australian apprenticeship.

Sunbeam, as Australia's largest dried fruit brand, understands the value of Australia's rural communities and farmers. More than 500 growers supply Sunbeam with quality dried fruits and nuts. Sunbeam sees the Sunbeam Future Farmers program as a way of thanking the rural industry for their continued support.

Rural Skills Australia facilitates training in agriculture and horticulture by providing advice and assistance to ensure the continuation of skills within farming industries. Its directors include representatives from The National Farmers' Federation, The Australian Worker's Union, Wool Producers and selected industry bodies.

The goal of the Sunbeam Future Farmers Fund is to contribute to the on-going skills development of the next generation of Australian farmers.