Agriculture Victoria is supporting initiatives to embed Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices into formal agricultural training.

The garinga djimbayang Grant Program funds partnerships between Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and TAFEs across Victoria. Its goal is to integrate Indigenous cultural knowledge into the design and delivery of accredited agricultural courses.

Garinga djimbayang means 'to grow and learn' in Dja Dja Wurrung language. The program is part of the Victorian government's $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Program and aims to support cultural knowledge-sharing in the sector.

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Acting CEO, Ms Charee Smith, said the program reflects the importance of cultural knowledge in training and industry pathways.

"By embedding traditional knowledge into accredited training and bush food production, we're creating meaningful pathways for community while ensuring Gunaikurnai cultural practices are recognised, respected and protected," Ms Smith said.

She said the program helps reinforce the role of Indigneous people as knowledge holders and custodians of the land.

The program is also intended to make agricultural education more inclusive for Indigenous students.

Agriculture Victoria chief executive Ms Beth Jones said the program supports both workforce development and cultural safety.

"Our hope is that the garinga djimbayang program will create strong pathways for First Nations people to pursue a career in the sector," Ms Jones said.

"Informed by the insights of First Nations people, this program aims to strengthen cultural safety in education and provide the next generation of Victorian farmers with a deeper understanding of sustainable land management and cultural heritage."

Two projects have received funding under the program.

The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and TAFE Gippsland will work together on the Growing Traditional Foods on Gunaikurnai Country project, incorporating Indigenous cultural knowledge into agriculture training.

In south-west Victoria, South West TAFE will collaborate with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the South West Victoria's Future Land Guardians Project.

This initiative, with additional support from Worn Gundidj and Winda Mara Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, will integrate Traditional Owner knowledge into the Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

Both projects aim to deliver hands-on training in native plant cultivation, traditional land care, and sustainable farming.