The annual search for Victoria’s emerging leaders in agriculture is on again.

Nominations are now open for the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria’s 2015 Emerging Leader in Victorian Agriculture (ELVA).

The ELVA awards are designed to motivate, inspire and encourage the next generation of leaders in agri-food and fibre. They recognise individuals under 40 years of age who have demonstrated leadership qualities and make a contribution in their profession or to the wider industry and community.

Award recipients receive up to $5000 to put towards their professional development and the invaluable opportunities to network with fellow industry leaders through RASV’s calendar of events.

Last year’s ELVA award winner, Tatyoon-based fashion designer Leila Sweeney, aims to create a clothing collection using wool grown, spun and knitted in Australia.  She planned to use her ELVA prize money to buy the necessary equipment.

RASV this week called for submissions from employers, colleagues and friends of those in the food and fibre industry, to nominate an outstanding young person who they believe deserves recognition and opportunities to further their career.

RASV chief executive officer Mark O’Sullivan said it is critical to the future of the agricultural industry that future leaders are identified, acknowledged and encouraged.

“So we are calling on food and fibre people to help support the future of agriculture by nominating an outstanding young person for these awards,” he said.

Entry to the awards is free and those who nominate a successful award recipient will also be rewarded with a complimentary ticket to the awards presentation at the Agribusiness Leaders Luncheon held during the Royal Melbourne Show in September and a bottle of award-winning wine from the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards.

Entry guidelines and nomination forms are available at www.rasv.com.au. All submissions need to be completed by July 16. For more information visit rasv.com.au and follow RASV on Twitter @RAS Vic.

Source: RASV.