Scholarships offered to tackle food waste and soil loss

TEN young people will have the chance to study regenerative agriculture for free, with scholarships now open through Northern Rivers organisation Green For You.

The pilot diploma-level program, valued at $5038, is open to 18 to 30-year-olds and aims to equip local youth with skills to help build a more resilient food future.

Horticulturist, landscape designer and Green For You founder Daniel Souza said the organisation’s goal was to support action on two of the most pressing challenges of our time.

“They are the rapidly depleting topsoil that sustains food production and the anaerobic decomposition of food waste in our landfills,” Souza said.

Over one billion tonnes of food produced for human consumption is wasted each year, costing the global economy around $1.2 trillion and producing eight per cent of global greenhouse emissions.

In Australia, 70 per cent of food waste is edible, yet it ends up in landfill — where it takes up more than a third of available space and costs the economy $36.6 billion, or around $2500 per household.

According to the EPA, NSW will run out of space for general waste within five years if food waste continues at current levels.

“Innovation leads to policy change, so, we must begin to take responsibility at the point of waste creation,” Souza said.

“Our focus is to address the lack of access and opportunity for young people in the region to engage in purpose-driven regenerative agriculture.

“There is a significant gap in educational programs tailored to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to affect local food security positively.”

Green For You collects food waste from local businesses to create nutrient-rich compost, improving soil health and supporting local growers. Partners include Highlife Cafe and No Bones restaurant in Byron Bay, and You Beauty bar and bistro in Bangalow.

“The course would suit anyone interested in growing food,” Souza said.

“It cultivates individual brilliance through the exploration of our regenerative system, and participants will gain the knowledge and skills to become advocates for environmental change and capable of leading community initiatives and influencing change.”

Scholarship applications close on July 14.

For more information or to apply, visit the Green For You website.