Rural
26 May, 2024
Program open to future leaders
Calling all emerging ag leaders in the Wimmera Mallee: the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) wants to hear from you.
The NFF is accepting applications for this year's round of its flagship leadership and capability development program for young and emerging leaders in Australian agriculture.
Supported by Telstra, the National Agricultural Leadership Program provides targeted activities and unique experiences in leadership, advocacy, policy development, governance, communications and media.
NFF president and Murra Murra broadacre mixed farmer David Jochinke said the program used a "whole-of-agriculture perspective to build networks across industry and create the next generation of leaders for Australian agriculture".
"Targeting participants under 35, the program provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to develop a policy project guided by NFF general managers and senior industry leaders," Mr Jochinke said.
“Participants have the opportunity to tour Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments.
“By fostering a young person's interest in advocacy we're able to showcase the next generation to our political leaders and develop a network of skilled professionals to lead our industry into the future.”
Now in its fourth year, the program will run for five months from July.
Participants will meet for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra and work on a policy project, and will be matched with industry leaders as part of an ongoing mentoring component.
The program is free for all participants thanks to an NFF member organisation and supports long-term development and learning.
Applications will close on June 3.
One of those already benefiting from participation is 2023 alumnus Abbey O’Callaghan, who used the experience to develop a policy that complimented her passion for strengthening the agricultural workforce.
“The National Agricultural Leadership Program was a fantastic opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at how policy decisions are made, best practice approaches to advocacy and the development of policies,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“My policy project was all about attracting people from non-traditional backgrounds to the agricultural workforce, which has been highly relevant and valuable in my role as manager of workforce delivery at AgriFutures Australia.”
More information: nff.org.au/nalp/