Applications Now Open to NFF Agriculture Leadership Program

Article by: Hari Yellina

The National Farmers Federation is accepting applications for its signature Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program in honour of International Women’s Day. The program aims to increase the number of women in leadership roles in Australian agriculture, in order to meet the NFF’s goal of doubling the number of women in leadership positions in agriculture by 2030. According to NFF President Fiona Simson, the organisation is aggressively seeking to close the gender gap, with the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program playing a key role. “International Women’s Day is the perfect time to accept applications for our programme,” Ms Simson said, noting that the theme this year is #BreakTheBias.

Agriculture employs over 300,000 Australians, therefore it’s critical that the community must contribute to gender equality. Now in its fifth year, the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program has 41 graduates who have gone on to pursue high-profile and influential leadership positions and to be change-makers in their communities.  Successful applicants are paired with a mentor to discuss leadership goals and methods. Mentees gather in Canberra for a two-day retreat at the start of the program and again at the end for graduation. Throughout the program, mentees meet with their mentor on a regular basis and participate in online motivational speaker webinars.

Leading agriculture-focused organisations have endorsed the programme, pledging to work with the NFF to achieve meaningful gender diversity in our industry. Annually, partners report on their progress toward gender equality.

What is the NFF Agriculture Leadership Program?

The NFF’s flagship program is the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program. Its goal is to increase the number of women in positions of leadership in Australian agribusiness. By 2030, the NFF wants to increase the number of women in agricultural leadership positions. It’s designed for women who have a connection to the industry and want to be a part of its development.

Click here to submit an application for the 2023 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program. The deadline for applications is April 17th.