The innovative venture is designed to address issues such as high youth unemployment in rural communities and the ageing farming population in Australia.

Aussie Helpers’ founder Brian Egan says the program will fulfill an urgent need.

“It’s no secret that rural Australia has done it tough for a long time and, on the other side of the coin, there is a lack of employment opportunities for young people. This means, firstly, they leave for the cities and therefore we have a shortage of our next generation of farmers, and secondly, we see increased social problems in the community.”

The average age of farmers is rising according to ABS Census data[1].  There are approximately 4,500 farmers aged between 20 to 24 and 8,500 farmers between the ages of 25 to 29, compared to approximately 94,500 farmers aged from 50 years and up.

The program will establish a training farm in Mathoura near the border of New South Wales and Victoria. The farm will help disadvantaged youth aged between 18 and 25 develop skills and find employment in the sector.

“Support from companies like Bayer is invaluable,” says Egan.

“With this initiative, these young people will have the opportunity to obtain some on-farm training and employment, while the farmer gets the benefit of having labour on his farm, helping to keep the farm profitable and alleviating some pressure from himself and his family,” says Egan.

Joerg Ellmanns, Chairman and Managing Director for Bayer Australia (the subsidiary of Bayer AG Germany and a leading research & development company in CropScience, HealthCare and MaterialScience), says that Bayer is proud to support such an important initiative.

“The drought, combined with already high rates of unemployment, fragile local economies and the loss of many social and community services has been devastating for many individuals and families in rural communities.

“Helping disadvantaged youth in rural Australia through support and training will assist in bolstering much needed jobs in the area, as well as improving the self-esteem of individuals who often feel helpless in these trying times,” said Mr Ellmanns.

In conjunction with the Work for the Dole scheme, the training farm will provide disadvantaged people with up to four weeks’ training where they will be taught basic aspects about farming.  Successful graduates will then be placed on a host farm for five months, with the government subsidising their wage of $250 per week while the host farmer supplies the trainee farmer with food, accommodation and training.

The long-term partnership between Bayer and Aussie Helpers will also see Bayer employees volunteering during company time at the farm and fundraising. The partnership will also make use of Bayer products and networks in the rural sector.

“For many of the farmers we help, there is no reprieve from the difficult life of living off the land,” says Egan.

“People from the land typically are proud, resourceful and independent, and many feel they have to manage on their own during these hard times.  One of the reasons we started Aussie Helpers is for farmers to know that they are not alone, and that we are here to help.

“This partnership with Bayer will be a win-win situation for everyone,” said Egan.

How the public can get behind the cause

One example of Bayer’s support for Aussie Helpers was launched this week and is set to deliver $40,000 to the cause. Bayer will contribute up to $40,000 through an interactive Christmas card, where Bayer employees, customers, suppliers and the general public can pledge their support to Aussie Helpers this festive season. For every person who visits the website, Bayer will donate $1 on their behalf towards establishing the training farm and helping those in need.

For more information on Aussie Helpers, visit www.aussiehelpers.org.au, or to pledge your support and help Bayer achieve their goal of raising $40,000, visit:  www.bayeraussiehelpers.com.au.

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Contacts:

Renee Makowiecki  Ph: 03 8643 1634  Mob: 0410 543 809

rmakowiecki@ppr.com.au