NINE aspiring young leaders have been welcomed to the National Agricultural Leadership Program (NALP), which aims to build networks across industry and create the next generation of farming advocates.
As part of the program, run by the National Farmers' Federation (NFF), the 2025 cohort will attend a three-day workshop in Canberra next month, designed to familiarise them with agricultural advocacy. The NALP participants will tour Australian Parliament House, meet with federal politicians and government departments, before creating a policy project in their field of interest, under the mentorship of accomplished industry leaders.
Participant Tom Winter, from Moree in New South Wales, said he is looking forward to learning skills to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.
"I am an optimistic storyteller for agriculture, ensuring the industry remains connected with the public and policymakers," Winter said.
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"I am excited to participate in the National Agricultural Leadership Program, where I hope to further refine my leadership skills and contribute to shaping a thriving, sustainable future for Australian agriculture."
Winter will be joined in the program by Queensland participants Andrea McKenzie, Elliott Apel and Samuel Turner, Western Australia's Marion Lewis and Meleva Thorn, Georgia Beecraft from Northern Territory, Paris Capell from NSW and William Lyon from Tasmania.
NFF president, David Jochinke, congratulated the passionate emerging leaders, and said the program provides a fantastic opportunity to upskill in the agricultural advocacy space.
"It's great to see applicants from different states, commodities, and sectors stick their hand up for this six-month initiative," he said.
"I take my hat off to this cohort, who are dedicating their time and effort to bettering the future of the ag industry and their careers.
"I'm excited to see their ideas develop, skills grow, and networks blossom in the program this year."
