This month we celebrate the United Nations' International Day of Rural Women, and in this special newsletter edition we are highlighting just a few of the extraordinary women who are playing a significant role in developing our agricultural industries and communities.
From a new CEO focussed on fast tracking new rice varieties to an agronomist, Research Assistant and PhD candidate giving a voice to people with a disability, at AgriFutures Australia we are privileged to work with passionate, inspiring, future thinking women day in, day out. We hope you enjoy reading their stories below.
And if you are, or you know an inspiring woman with a project, business or program that is having a positive impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, make sure you apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2023. Get in quick, applications close next Wednesday, 19 October 2022.
CEO focussed on fast tracking new rice varieties
Experienced leader Dr Georgina Pengilley has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Rice Breeding Australia Ltd, a new not–for–profit collaboration between AgriFutures Australia, the SunRice Group and the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA).
“My experience as a farmer helps to influence how I apply science to the practical aspects of farming. It puts a unique lens over my scientific work to ensure that the research delivers results that matter to our growers and in this case, be an important contributor to the long-term viability of the Australian rice industry."
Changing perceptions of disabilities in agriculture
Agronomist, Research Assistant, PhD candidate in gene editing for crop improvement, and passionate disability advocate, Josie Clarke is a powerhouse. The founder of Ability Agriculture, she’s on a mission to give a voice to people with a disability, to change perceptions of their capacity to work in agriculture and create opportunities for them to be involved in the sector they love.
“Ability Agriculture is not only showing that agriculture can be a truly inclusive and accessible career option, but also creating a positive, proactive conversation around the capacity of people with disability.”
One week to go: don’t miss out on applying for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
Female leaders who want to create impact, innovate and make a difference in rural and regional Australia are encouraged to apply.
Applications for both the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant are now open and close on Wednesday, 19 October 2022.
Innovative Forum creating national impact for Australian rural industries
A self-described problem solver, Michelle Ford, Manager, Operations and Supply Chain Sustainability at Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is passionate about the role that the Emerging National Rural Issues (ENRI) Forum plays in informing research and policy development.
“We need to be applying what we know about whole-of-industry challenges and building on that so we can deliver relatively quick, relatively small investments that will bring value and impact.”
Year of personal tragedy leads to new career for Andi Lucas
Tasmanian Andi Lucas discovered industrial hemp after a year of personal tragedy prompted her to search for a career which would allow her to make a difference. She is now heavily involved in the Australian industrial hemp industry, which has been tipped to reach $10 million in annual gross value production by 2026.
"I’ve realised that working in the hemp industry, it will be impossible to get bored because of the enormous breadth of opportunities."
Kay Hull: small in stature, big in heart -
a Graziher podcast
'What a woman', is all podcast producer Skye Manson could think after recording this interview. Skye was compelled to share the story of Kay's life after a powerful address at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala celebrations in Canberra, when she stepped down as the Chairwoman of AgriFutures Australia to a standing ovation.
“We are on the search for agrifood tech startups and scaleups looking for a platform to connect with capital and new customers. We are excited that the evoke AG.
2023 Startup Program gives founders the opportunity to do this in person in Adelaide" - Belinda Allitt, General Manager for Communications and Capacity Building, AgriFutures Australia.
How to feed 10 1 billion people by 2050 with Phil Morle
“The only way we’re going to be able to solve a problem the size of this one is to work together. A lot of the time people suffocate an idea, holding onto the belief that they don’t need anybody else. But when we start a proper conversation and get other people involved, we start opening up other nodes to make it happen" - Phil Morle, Partner, Main1 Sequence Ventures.
“At Harvest Road we run hard and we’re growing rapidly, but most importantly, we’re making a difference in people’s lives, in industry and on the environment. Ultimately, we’re committed to honouring Western Australian produce across premium beef, aquaculture and horticulture products” - Paul Slaughter, CEO, 1 Harvest Road. 2