AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey.

RURAL development body AgriFutures Australian has opened applications for two important complementary programs for women in agriculture.

Applications are now open for the revised 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and the new AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. It has fostered almost 300 women in developing innovative projects aimed at contributing to a prosperous future for rural Australia.

AgriFutures said the 2022 award has a revised and tightened criteria requiring applicants to have an existing project, business or program which falls into a community, collaboration or commercial category.

AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey the award is just one of AgriFutures Australia’s initiatives ensuring those working towards the same vision are identified, celebrated and empowered.

“We know there are so many rural women doing amazing things in their industries and communities and we want to hear from them.

“If you know someone who is actively contributing to rural and regional Australia, tap them on the shoulder,” he said.

“We hear time and time again, that it is often the friendly encouragement from someone else that gets applicants over the line to apply.”

Each state and territory winner receives a $15,000 bursary provided by Platinum Sponsor Westpac, as well as access to professional development opportunities and national Alumni networks.

Westpac’s head of women’s market Felicity Duffy said the bank was delighted to again sponsor the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“As a long-term sponsor of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, each year we look forward to shining a light on the achievements of women from our regional and rural communities.”

New acceleration grant will complement women’s award

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is a new program developed to foster growth and development in women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.

AgriFutures said the grant will run separately to the rural women’s award; however, it will complement the process, aiming to provide a leadership and development opportunity to women who are not quite ready to apply for the award.

Seven Australian women per annum will be granted with a learning and development bursary of $7,000 to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant encourages innovation and problem solving, looking for women with an idea, cause or vision that benefits rural or emerging industries, businesses or communities. The idea needs to have a community, collaboration or commercial focus and align to the values of the grant.

Mr Harvey said AgriFutures is thrilled to be launching the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant, equipping rural women with the tools they need to make a real and tangible impacts in their industry and community.

“The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is an important program as it provides a vehicle for emerging leaders across the nation to realise their potential.

“It will nurture the development of new and exciting ideas, with successful applicants encouraged to apply for the rural women’s award in the future,” he said.

Applications for both the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and the new AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant are now open and close on Friday, 8 October 2021.

Apply now at www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa or www.agrifutures.com.au/acceleration-grant