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Dow AgroSciences helps search for Australia's Young Farmer of the YearAustralia - March 01, 2012
Dow AgroSciences will sponsor the Young Farmer of the Year Awards in 2012 as part of its concerted effort to encourage more young people into the agricultural industry. "Australia has an ageing workforce and, as older farmers retire, the younger generation is set to take over," said Dr Matt Cahill, Research and Development leader from Dow AgroSciences. "2012 is the Year of the Farmer and now more than ever it's important to celebrate the contribution of young farmers to this industry. This is why we've partnered with ABC Rural and the Kondinin Group to sponsor the Young Farmer of the Year Award in 2012, an initiative aimed at recognising young farmers who are making headway in agriculture." The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards 2012 promote the highly professional, innovative and sustainable approach of Australian farmers, showcasing their passion and drawing attention to the important role they play in sustaining the world's growing population. The Young Farmer of the Year 2012 category is open to all farmers aged between 18 and 35. The winning applicant will receive the highest recognition from their peers for their efforts to build a sustainable and viable farming future. Winning the award can also make a measurable difference to the recipient's business success, according to 2011 winner, Jan Vydra. Jan believes the awards are an invaluable way to encourage more young farmers into the industry. "I got into the farming sector after noticing a shortfall in the fresh herb industry. It was by chance I stumbled upon and applied for the Young Farmer of the Year Awards after beginning my own business, Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs," said Jan. "After being announced the winner, Australian Fresh Leaf Herbs began receiving fantastic accolades and coverage from the agriculture industry; this opened up numerous business opportunities and helped our business grow enormously." Dow AgroSciences' research focuses on innovative technology to provide better crops, plants and better methods to control destructive crop and non-crop weed and insect pests. "Our research aims to provide the industry with the best technology for faster, better and more efficient agriculture long-term, to feed the world's growing population. To do this, we need the best and brightest young minds to carry our agricultural industry further into the future. That's why we are encouraging more young Australians to apply for the Young Farmer of the Year Award this year to highlight their brilliant work," said Dr Cahill. Sponsoring the Young Farmer of the Year Award in 2012 is just one of a group of initiatives Dow AgroSciences has in place to support and encourage young people into the agricultural industry. The company also sponsors organisations like PICSE (Primary Industries Centre for Science Education), which encourages and opens up pathways for high school students to pursue a tertiary education and careers in agricultural science. Additionally, Dow AgroSciences has sponsored the AUSVEG Young Farmer of the Year Award for vegetable growers over the past three years. "The future of agriculture is in the hands of the next generation and we've already seen some of the outstanding talent that's just waiting to be discovered amongst these students and young farmers," said Dr Cahill. Nominations for the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards 2012 and the Young Farmer category are currently open. Visit www.kondiningroup.com.au by Friday 3 August 2012 to enter. For Editorial Information:
Jim Phimister
Sharyn Casey |
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