THE ability of Australia's agriculture industry to achieve a $100 billion target by 2030 is dependent on attracting and retaining talent in the sector says Inspire Ag chief inspiration officer, Sally Murfet.
She made the comment on International Rural Women's Day and said growth in the industry is going to be less about muscle and more about mindset.
"This is something women have a truckload of," Ms Murfet said.
Meanwhile, the NFF is marking the day by celebrating the number of females who completed the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
On the eve of International Rural Women's Day, the National Farmers' Federation is celebrating a boost to the number of women in leadership positions in agriculture, an achievement assisted by the NFF's Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
Program graduates from this area include Alison Hamilton of Wagga, Rebecca Staines, Albury and Fiona Marshall, Mulwala. In all 12 women graduated this week. The women join an alumni of 30 graduates, many of whom are now represented on some of agriculture's most influential boards, committees and forums.
National Farmers Federation president, Fiona Simson said the industry was seeing a real increase in the representation of women around tables where pivotal decisions are made.
"This Program is all about shifting the dial and the evidence is clear that we are doing just that by taking a two-pronged approach: developing the female leaders of the very-near future and providing a framework by which leading industry organisations can commit to, and report on, change."
Foundation Program Partner, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment recently achieved a milestone, with the number of women on agriculture, fisheries and forestry-related government boards rising to 50 per cent.
"We thought it more important (during the COVID-19 pandemic) than ever to provide meaningful connections for women and to establish an ongoing discussion on personal development and the future of our sector."
Mrs Simson, the first female president of the NFF, said the NFF had a goal to double the number of women in agriculture's leadership by 2030.
- Send images to celebrate rural women's day to nreynolds@therural.com.au