Agricultural
28 September, 2021
More opportunities for rural women
AgriFutures has two opportunities now open for female leaders who want to create impact, innovate and make a difference to rural and regional Australia: the Rural Women’s Award and the new Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has seen close to 300 women develop innovative projects that are contributing to a prosperous future for rural Australia.
The 2020 National Finalists’ projects range from empowering Indigenous communities and improving rural resilience, to food security production systems to solving issues for the cattle industry and a profitable pathway for dairy farmers.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has a revised and tightened criteria for 2022 which requires applicants to have an existing project, business or program which falls into a Community, Collaboration or Commercial category.
John Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, said more needs to be known about the many rural women doing amazing things in their industries and communities.
“If you know someone who is actively contributing to rural and regional Australia, tap them on the shoulder.
“We hear time and time again, that it is often the friendly encouragement from someone else, that gets applicants over the line to apply,” Mr Harvey said.
Each state and territory winner receives a $15,000 bursary as well as access to professional development opportunities and national Alumni networks.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is a new program developed to foster growth and development in women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
It aims to provide a leadership and development opportunity to women who are not quite ready to apply for the Award.
Seven Australian women per annum will be granted with a learning and development bursary of $7,000 to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant encourages innovation and problem solving, looking for women with an idea, cause or vision that benefits rural or emerging industries, businesses or communities.
The idea needs to have a community, collaboration or commercial focus and align to the values of the grant.
Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner said location is no barrier.
“If you want to create impact, innovate and contribute to enhancing the prosperity of rural and regional Australia, then this is your chance,” Mr Furner said.
“Queensland’s agricultural sector thrives under the guidance of skilled rural leaders who are innovative, resilient and grow the industry for a better future.”
Applications for both the grants are now open and close on Friday, 8 October 2021.
Apply for the Rural Women’s Award here or for the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant here.
