Women with a passion for shaping agriculture's future have until Wednesday, 14 April to apply for the National Farmers' Federation's 2021 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
The Program is an opportunity to take part in one-on-one mentoring; to investigate leadership pathways and to network with like-minded leaders.
In its fourth year, graduates of the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program have gone on to hold industry board positions and continue to be changemakers within their sectors and communities.
2020 graduate, Diana Fear, Condobolin, NSW said the opportunity had exceeded her expectations in every way.
"I learnt so much, laughed a lot and enjoyed challenging my own set of limitations. I feel very lucky to have been a part of such a special program."
NFF President Fiona Simson said it was important for the Program to attract a diverse mix of applicants from varying fields across the agriculture sector.
"For too long, women have been sidelined from the forums and the conversations where important decisions about our industry are taken.
"The NFF is committed to paving the way for more women to come forward and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture and our rural and regional communities."
The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program directly addresses the NFF's 2030 Roadmap goal of doubling the number of women in agriculture's leadership roles by 2030.
The Program is made possible by the support of leading business, advocacy and government partners:
AgForce; AACo; AgriFutures Australia; BASF; Bayer; CANEGROWERS; Coles; Cotton Australia; CPC; CRC for Developing Northern Australia; Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; FMC; Grains Research and Development Corporation; nbn; NSW Farmers; Nufarm; Nutrien Ag Solutions; Prime Super; Rabobank; Rimfire Resources; Rural Bank; Syngenta; WFI and Wine Australia.
Each Partner is required to pledge their commitment to making meaningful change towards gender diversity and commit to reporting on their progress annually.
"Our Program Partners are real game changers and have played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the Program," Ms Simson said.
"Last year, for example, a foundation Program Partner, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment reported female representation on agriculture fisheries, and forestry related government boards as having reached 50% for the first time."
To apply for the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program click here.
The first female president of the National Farmers Federation in its 42 year history, Fiona Simson says transformational change, led by the NFF and supported by industry, is underway in the farm sector with the goal to double the number of women in agriculture's leadership ranks double by 2030.
DiALP Committed Partners: AgForce; AACo; AgriFutures Australia; BASF; Bayer; CANEGROWERS; Coles; Cotton Australia; CPC; CRC for Developing Northern Australia; Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; FMC; Grains Research and Development Corporation; nbn; NSW Farmers; Nufarm; Nutrien Ag Solutions; Prime Super; Rabobank; Rimfire Resources; Rural Bank; Syngenta; WFI and Wine Australia.
About the Program
The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is open to women over 25 years of age who have a connection with agriculture and can demonstrate a commitment to industry leadership.
Successful applicants are matched with a mentor, whom they work with to identify their leadership goals. In addition, throughout the Program participants are provided access to a range of inspiring and accomplished leaders and come together with their fellow 2021 cohort twice in Canberra.
