The Land

FMC provides a platform for aspiring female leaders in agriculture

FMC is committed to encouraging and providing more solutions for women to participate and thrive, driving innovation along the way.
FMC is committed to encouraging and providing more solutions for women to participate and thrive, driving innovation along the way.

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Agricultural Sciences Company FMC has launched an innovative scholarship program, LEAD, aimed at providing aspiring female leaders in the agricultural industry with a platform to share their ideas around key challenges facing the industry.

From innovation and sustainability to developing leaders in rural communities, LEAD gives women the opportunity to be heard on the most important issues we face.

FMC ANZ Managing Director Kristina Hermanson says women currently equate to around one-third of the agricultural workforce in Australia.

"We know that women have much to offer this dynamic industry and FMC will continue to strive towards achieving meaningful change in the representation of women in leadership roles," she said.

Ms Hermanson says injecting the perspectives of females into conversations where strategic decisions are made is vital to the future growth of the industry.

FMC provides a platform for aspiring female leaders in agriculture
FMC provides a platform for aspiring female leaders in agriculture

She also emphasized FMC's continued commitment to progressively supporting, strengthening and improving diversity across the organisation, as well as fostering many more opportunities for women in Australian agriculture.

The FMC LEAD program is open to women aged between 18 to 35 throughout Australia and New Zealand.

"We are encouraging aspiring female leaders who are currently studying in agriculture or working in the field to apply," Ms Hermanson said.

Through the program, FMC is providing a platform for women to share their ideas on some of the most important questions in our industry and become a member of FMC's networking group, connecting all applicants to share and build on their ideas and form unique contacts.

Two recipients will be chosen to receive a fully subsidised short course, focusing on leadership/management, sustainability, or innovation. These are designed to assist the development of those individuals to obtain the skills to LEAD with confidence and impact.

Successful recipients will also have the opportunity to present their ideas at the 2021 FMC National Ag Day lunch in Sydney and attend the National Farmers Federation's National Conference Gala Dinner in Canberra.

FMC provides a platform for aspiring female leaders in agriculture
FMC provides a platform for aspiring female leaders in agriculture

All travel and accommodation to Sydney and Canberra will be paid for by FMC.

"FMC is keen to engage and connect with the scholarship recipients and will include interaction with FMC team members and industry partners," Ms Hermanson said.

"We will arrange field trips based on the induvial recipient's particular background and interests."

She said the LEAD program has been designed to help promote the opportunities in agriculture, build networks, and career success. It is designed to complement other leading programs like the NFF Diversity in Ag program.

"FMC is committed to encouraging women to thrive in this industry and be a major part of agricultural innovation into the future," she said.

Applicants will be required to choose from a range of topics and write a compelling 750-1000-word essay. Information for the full program and how to apply can be found at www.fmccrop.com.au/en/lead/

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, May 14, 2021.

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