Future Farmers Network..Australia

As a result FFN was established in 2002, with the belief that it is not a shortage of young people in the rural industries, but a shortage of identified and communicated opportunities that is the major problem.

Key project deliverables:

• Successfully completed the 'Should I Stay or Should I Go?' project to improve young people's connection with peak rural groups and provide a forum for increased discussion between young people in rural industries.
• The 'Building Our Rural Futures' project - a trial of a career mapping service to provide members with information about career and training options in rural industries.
• Initiated and delivered  the 'Think Big' interactive workshop for young South Australian farmers on the topics of agricultural value chains and marketing in agriculture.
• Facilitated the 'Youth Forum' to brainstorm methods of attracting young people to rangeland industries, including research, extension and rural sectors, at the Australian Rangeland Society 2008 Conference.
• Hosted the inaugural Future Farmers Week, with participation of over 400 young people in rural industries, increasing the leadership skills and experience of approx 20 young event hosts.
• Awarded  six scholarships to members (valued in excess of $15,000) to enable them to attend a range training and educational opportunities.
• Hosted 'Youth Agricultural Central' Australia's first rural, regional and state based youth groups forum developing collaborative approaches to meet the needs for the industries next gen.