Latest news with #AgriFuturesAustralia
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Calling All Young Agrifood Movers And Shakers: EvokeAG. 2026 Groundbreakers Applications Now Open
The next generation of young agrifood innovators is being called on to be a part of the evokeAG. 2026 Groundbreakers program, with applications now open. The program serves as a launchpad for emerging talent from Australia and New Zealand who are committed to delivering positive impact across the agrifood sector – which encompasses the entire system involved in producing, processing and distributing food, fibre and agricultural products. Five innovators aged 18 to 30 will be given the opportunity to present on stage at evokeAG. 2026 in Melbourne on 17 and 18 February, sharing their innovation or research with a global audience of industry leaders, innovators, investors and producers. Each Groundbreaker will receive a $3,000 bursary to support their professional or project development, along with one-on-one mentoring from industry experts. The program also includes professional video and photography support, and a post-evokeAG. strategy session to build on connections and momentum gained during the event. Australian and New Zealand residents that are considered changemakers in their rural communities and have an innovation or research project that is demonstrating impact are encouraged to apply. From sustainable seaweed aquaculture and permaculture initiatives in Cape York to sustainable indoor plant factories and the development of recyclable livestock ear tags, evokeAG. Groundbreakers alumni have been challenging convention and driving change across the agriculture sector since 2019. AgriFutures Australia Acting General Manager, Global Innovation Networks, Angela Wakeman, said the Groundbreakers Program empowers emerging changemakers who are tackling complex challenges and sets them up to drive lasting change across rural industries. 'There is no shortage of inspiring young talent across Australia and New Zealand's agrifood sector,' Ms Wakeman said. 'The Groundbreakers Program connects these innovators with the right people, tools and platforms to elevate their ideas and accelerate their impact.' evokeAG is entering its sixth year in 2026 with a new evergreen tagline: Invest. Innovate. Impact which underpins the philosophy of the Groundbreakers Program. 'It's about unlocking potential and backing the next wave of young innovators who are driving positive impact across the agrifood sector,' Ms Wakeman said. 'At the same time, the program supports the development of a skilled, connected and future-ready agricultural workforce.' 2025 Groundbreaker alumni and sustainable seaweed aquaculture researcher Alisa Milhaila described the program as a launching pad for her career, providing the visibility, mentorship and momentum to take her research to the next level. 'Being part of the evokeAG. Groundbreaker program has been transformative, not just for my career, but for me personally. The exposure to such a wide network of producers, innovators, investors, and policymakers across the agrifood sector has opened doors I didn't know existed. It's helped me grow professionally, but more importantly, it's given me the confidence, perspective, and connections to evolve personally too,' said Alisa. Applications open today, Monday 14 July 2025, and will close on Sunday 3 August 2025. For more information on how to apply for the Groundbreakers Program, head to groundbreakers.
West Australian
05-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Two promising WA ag students announced as 2025 AgriFutures Australia scholarship recipients
Two promising WA agriculture students have been announced as part of AgriFutures Australia latest scholarship round. Capel's Chris Partridge and Gidgegannup's Jasmin Hanlon were among the 21 recipients of the 2025 AgriFutures Australia's Horizon Scholarship, designed to support Australia's most promising university students. Each scholar receives a $10,000 bursary over two years to support their studies and living expenses, along with access to a unique program of professional development, industry networking and work placements with an industry sponsor. The 2025 cohort will get together in July for a five-day workshop in Canberra, held in conjunction with the AgriFutures Stakeholder Summit. Mr Partridge grew up working on his family's grapevine nursery. 'I am very incredibly thankful to be provided with this opportunity and to have Hort Innovation as my sponsor, especially as I have seen the difference that they make in the industry,' he said. 'I am excited to build new skills, make industry connections and network with students from all over Australia. 'The opportunities provided by this programme will be life changing for me.' Mr Patridge said he didn't realise that agriculture was his passion until he completed work experience at school with an agricultural research company in York, despite his agricultural upbringing. He is currently in his second year studying agricultural science at The University of Adelaide. Prior to this, Mr Partridge embarked on a gap year to gain experience outside of horticulture, working on an irrigated cropping and cotton farm in Wee Waa, New South Wales. He also worked as a field technician for an agricultural research company conducting trials in both broadacre and horticultural environments. 'When I have completed my degree, I would love to work in the horticulture industry as an agronomist, assisting growers in improving the production potential of their farm or as a researcher contributing to the future of horticulture in Australia,' he said. Ms Hanlon said she was looking forward to what the next two years of the scholarship would bring. 'I am extremely grateful to AgriFutures and Grains Research and Development Corporation for providing me this amazing opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals, gain valuable knowledge and hands on experience through placements,' she said. Ms Hanlon grew up on a small hobby farm but it wasn't until she attended the Western Australian College of Agriculture Cunderdin that her passion for the industry 'flourished'. After completing year 12, Ms Hanlon began a bachelor of agricultural science, majoring in crop and casture and animal science at Murdoch University. 'I am particularly interested in integrated crop management and the relationship between cropping and livestock sectors in building a sustainable production system,' she said. 'In the future, I hope to be working as an agronomist where I can encourage and assist WA producers to adopt sustainable practises to optimise their grain and pasture production.' Since its inception in 2010, the program has more than 240 students, strengthening the future of regional and rural Australia and driving innovation and change across the sector.
