Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston, today urged all Australians to use International Women's Day as an opportunity to highlight the significant contributions of Australia's inspiring rural women to the nation's agriculture sector.
"Our rural women across the country are playing a key role in supporting the productivity and profitability of Australian agriculture," Minister Ruston said.
"In addition to those working and managing our agriculture farms and businesses on the ground, we have a number of notable women providing leadership across our agricultural sectors.
"Fiona Simson, president of the National Farmers' Federation (NFF), has made an outstanding contribution to our $60 billion agriculture sector and has been an inspiration as the first female President in the NFF's 37-year history.
"Jane Lovell, inaugural CEO of Seafood Industry Australia, has brought a wealth of agricultural and fisheries experience to her new role for Australia's $2.8 billion seafood industry.
"I would also like to recognise the importance of initiatives like the AgriFutures Rural Women's Awards, which are another opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of rural women both to agriculture and their communities, and support their future successes.
"Now in its fourth year, the Country to Canberra initiative is another program that empowers year 10 to 12 female students from regional areas to embark on life changing experiences and mentorships.
"The calibre of women working throughout the agriculture sector sets a wonderful example to the female leaders and farmers of the future.
"Rural women, underpinned by their sheer work ethic and merit, should have no limits placed on their potential."
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