Search underway for emerging agriculture leaders

AgriFutures Australia, alongside industry sponsors, is searching for the next generation of agriculture leaders as applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program open. The program is a great opportunity for students entering their final two years of an undergraduate degree to gain both financial support and industry connections.

Created in collaboration with industry sponsors, the highly sought after Horizon Scholarship is designed to support full-time university students across Australia who are pursuing agriculture-related undergraduate degrees and STEM degrees with an interest in exploring a career in rural industries.

The scholarship provides a $5,000 annual bursary for the final two years of the recipient’s degree. It also offers opportunities for professional development, industry work placements, exclusive networking events and participation in industry gatherings.

 

AgriFutures Australia’s Acting General Manager of Workforce, Communications and Adoption Jennifer Galloway said the program is looking to find and uplift emerging leaders for the agriculture industry.

“AgriFutures Australia is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders that will drive the future prosperity of Australian rural industries and communities,” Ms Galloway said.

“No matter your background, if you’re a student with a passion for rural industries we want to see your application.

“The Horizon Scholarship program has a proven track record in setting scholars up for success in their chosen career path.

“It connects recipients with industry leaders across the ag sector and provides work placement opportunities to grow and develop their skills.

“The success of the program is in large part thanks to our wonderful industry sponsors who invest far more than money to help our scholars reach their potential.”

 

Sally Roberts, Capability & Capacity Manager with industry sponsor Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), said that it supports the Horizon Scholarship program because it helps to build the next generation of agricultural, fishery and forestry leaders and showcases career pathways.

“We’re proud to be a part of a program which empowers emerging leaders in our industry with and provides them with valuable connections, skills knowledge and opportunities,” Ms Roberts said.

“I’m excited to meet the 2025 cohort and can’t wait to help foster their growth and help set them up for success.”

 

Long time industry sponsor Meat and Livestock Australia spokesperson, Josh Whelan said investing in programs like the Horizon Scholarship program is an investment in the future of the industry.

“Every year the Horizon Scholarship program introduces us to a new crop of passionate and capable students who we know will go on to do great things for the industry,” Mr Whelan said.

“It is a privilege to be a part of this program which allows us to meet emerging leaders of the industry and help kickstart their career.”

 

Former Horizon Scholar, Harrison Dunning, sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation, said the program opened many important doors and played a crucial role in establishing his career in agriculture.

“Becoming a Horizon Scholar helped me find my feet in the industry by enabling me to build meaningful relationships with both established professionals and other scholars just starting out in the industry,” Mr Dunning said.

“Connecting with industry leaders through the program helped to deepen my understanding of the agriculture industry, its scale and economic importance.

“My advice to those applying this year is to lead with passion and align yourself with sponsors that match your interests. The effort that you invest in the program will directly influence what you get back/gain.”

 

Former Horizon Scholar Courtney Bailey, sponsored by AgriFutures Australia, said the program was an invaluable experience, which had a profound impact on her career and was instrumental in helping her secure her current job as Agriculture Sector Lead at Voconiq.

“When I applied for the Horizon Scholarship, I didn’t see myself as the typical candidate, as I was studying teaching, but I clicked apply anyway and I’m so glad I did,” Ms Bailey said.

“It was through my Horizon Scholarship that I met professionals like Dr Kieran Moffett, whose insights have been invaluable to my career.

“Meeting both mentors and other scholars has inspired me with each individual sharing a unique passion for different sectors of our vast industry.”

 

The 2025 Industry Sponsors are:

·         Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

·         Cotton Research and Development Corporate (CRDC)

·         Meat Livestock Australia (MLA)

·         Australian Wool Industry (AWI)

·         Dairy Australia

·         Hort Innovation

·         Marine BioProducts CRC

·         Baiada

·         Australian Eggs

·         Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)

·         Riverine Plains

·         AgriFutures Australia

 

To be eligible to apply students must:

·         Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

·         Be a full-time student in an agriculture related undergraduate degree at an Australian university

·         Be entering the final two years of their degree in 2025.

 

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their commitment to a career in agriculture, as well as their leadership potential and tertiary academic record to date.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 10 January 2025.

For more information and to apply visit www.agrifutures.com.au/horizon.