16 August 2012
DAFF12/366L
Youth participation and the future of Australian agriculture will be at the forefront of discussions when young Australians from across the country gather for a unique agriculture think tank in Canberra on 10-11 September.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the two-day Ag Youth Think Tank will 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,” Minister Ludwig said.
“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 (DAFF) through Next Gen Farmers grants, as well as from previous entrants in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Heywire rural and regional youth initiative.
Minister Ludwig said the think tank is 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,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Participants will present their workshopped ideas to key stakeholder groups, Government Ministers and Australian Government departments on day two of the think tank.”
More information about the government’s support for the agricultural sector is available from the DAFF website.
