Female agriculture scholarship opens

YOUNG female leaders in agriculture can now apply for the FMC ANZ scholarship program.

The LEAD scholarship, now in its second year, offers applicants aged between 18 and 35 the opportunity to network, learn and share their ideas with like-minded female industry leaders across Australia and New Zealand.

Last year, Bendigo-based agribusiness graduate for ANZ Bank, Malkah Lara Muckenschnabl was awarded the scholarship for her idea of addressing sustainable recruitment challenges in recruiting young employees.

FMC ANZ managing director Kristina Hermanson said while women make up about half of the agriculture workforce, just over 23 per cent hold management positions.

“Whilst we are proud of the female representation on the FMC leadership team, as an industry more needs to be done to ensure women are given the opportunity to develop their skills to progress their careers to participate at senior leadership levels,” she said.

“This scholarship program provides emerging females with a platform for networking, forward thinking and idea creation needed to forge a career in the industry.”

Two young women will be awarded the scholarship and receive a fully-funded place at a leading agriculture institute. The recipeints will also receive $12,000 to complete a course in one of their chosen areas.

“One thing I hear from our LEAD alumni is how their involvement in the program and the LEAD networking group has given them a platform to connect with like-minded females, to share their stories, understand their strengths and challenges and to ultimately support one another to progress in their careers,” Ms Hermanson said.

“We will continue to keep shining a spotlight on Australia’s rural women and bringing them opportunities and experiences that will allow them to be a conduit to a sustainable and prosperous future for our sector.”

For more information visit fmccrop.com.au.