Youth participation and the future of agriculture will be at the forefront of discussions when young Australians from across the country gather for a unique agriculture think tank in Canberra next month.
Agriculture minister Joe Ludwig said the two-day Ag Youth Think-Tank on September 10-11 would allow young people from rural and regional Australia to share their stories, thoughts and visions for the future.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to come together and engage on issues affecting agricultural industries,” he said, in a government release issued today.
“Today’s young people are tomorrow’s industry leaders, so it’s important for them to have a voice on its future and have the chance to be listened to.”
Participants will take part in workshops, in which they will examine ways to encourage and enable young people to take part in agriculture — whether professionally or as a member of their community.
The participants will be drawn from youth-targeted programs funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry through Next Gen Farmers grants, as well as from previous entrants in the ABC Heywire rural and regional youth initiative.
Mr Ludwig said the think-tank was also a chance for agricultural leaders to promote careers in primary industries.
“We all have a responsibility to promote the field of career options available to Australia’s young people. The Ag Youth Think-Tank will help create these much needed ties between young people and those in the industry,” he said.
Participants will present their workshopped ideas to key stakeholder groups, Government Ministers and Australian Government departments on day-two of the program.
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