Women wanting to increase their leadership skills and contribute to narrowing the gender gap in agriculture still have time to apply for the National Farmers’ Federation flagship Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.

The mentorship-based initiative aims to deliver on the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks by 2030 – a goal the industry is well on its way to achieving.

The NFF’s first female President Fiona Simson said the Program had made a significant indent in increasing the number of women on boards and in leadership roles, but there was still more work to be done.

“It’s time to level up the imbalances in gender at board tables and leading agriculture forward,” Ms Simson said.

“This program equips women with the skills and confidence to make that step in their career.”

The program has alumni across Australia, including Alex Thomas, the face behind Plant a Seed for Safety who said this to potential applicants:

“If ever you've found yourself feeling isolated in your pursuit for the greater good of agriculture, look no further than the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program. Be fearless, be relentless and know that there’s a stack of wonderful, generous people out there who can’t wait to see you do well and who are primed and ready to support you.”

Ms Simson said the program was held up through the support from 36 partners, including multi-national corporations, advocacy bodies and government, all who are leading by example in ensuring diverse voices are represented and championed within their organisations.

“These partners are driving change through addressing the gender pay gap, improving parental leave, introducing board quotas, providing more flexible workplaces, establishing dedicated breast feeding rooms and ensuring women are represented on recruitment panels."

The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program provides 12 women a five-month intensive one-on-one mentoring opportunity. Applications are open until April 28. Find out more here nff.org.au/programs/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/