NFF invites female leaders to break the bias in agriculture

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the National Farmer’s Federation (NFF) is opening applications for its Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program which is now in its fifth year.

The program has been designed to increase the representation of women in leadership positions in Australian agriculture and achieve the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks by 2030.

Women with a connection to the farming sector who are passionate about being a part of its future are encouraged to apply, where they will be paired up with a mentor to explore leadership goals and strategies.

NFF President, Fiona Simson, said the organisation was proactively working towards narrowing the gender gap and the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program was instrumental in achieving this.

"International Women’s Day is the opportune time to open applications to our program, which aligns with this year’s theme #BreakTheBias," Simson said.

"The agriculture sector employs more than 300,000 Australians and it is important we contribute to gender equality.

"Now in its fifth year, the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program boasts an alumni of 41 graduates, who have gone on to pursue high profile and impactful leadership positions and to be change-makers within their community."

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Mentees meet for a two-day retreat in Canberra at the start of the program and again at its completion for graduation. Mentees meet regularly with their mentor and take part in online inspiring speaker webinars throughout the program.

The program is supported by leading agriculture-focussed organisations such as AgForce and Cotton Australia who have joined with the NFF in committing to make meaningful change towards gender diversity in the agriculture sector.

Applications for the 2023 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program close on April 17. To find out more about the program or to apply, visit NFF’s website.