10 young Aussie farmers bound for South America
TEN young farmers have been selected to represent Australia at the World Congress of Young Farmers in Argentina next month, then embark on a Study Tour of Argentina and Brazil.
In coordinating both events, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) chose from over 100 applicants, all keen to join the Australian delegation to the International Federation of Agricultural Producers’ (IFAP) 2nd World Congress of Young Farmers, over 26-28 July 2007.
Australia’s delegates – aged between 25 and 34 – were chosen from high-calibre nominations, representing a cross-section of commodities and States and include OBE Beef’s Business Development Manager, Dalene Brook.
- 3 delegates, from Narrabri, Cumnock and Bentley, in NSW,
- 2 delegates, from Emerald and Brisbane, in Queensland,
- 1 delegate, from Coonalpyn, in South Australia,
- 2 delegates, from Bridgewater on Loddon and Cobden, in Victoria,
- 1 delegate, from Thirlstane, in Tasmania, and
- 1 delegate, from Katanning, in Western Australia.
“With agriculture crucially intertwined in the leading issues of the day; including climate change, water and the environment; and dominating headlines the world over, the NFF is excited to see our young farmers seize the opportunity to discuss ideas and share experiences with their international counterparts,” NFF President David Crombie said.
“From over 100 applications the NFF had just 10 places to fill, with young farmers and farming professionals from across Australia bringing diverse backgrounds and a passion to engage other young farmers from around the world to advance agriculture.
“Following the Congress, the NFF has also developed a four-day agricultural Study Tour of Argentina and Brazil, to give our delegates a unique first-hand perspective of different farm systems, while fostering a better understanding of issues such as international competition, global trade and local production techniques.
“Although we could choose only 10 delegates, we were impressed by the response from enthusiastic young farmers, all of whom are thoroughly involved in their local communities and passionate about the future of agriculture.”
The NFF thanks the sponsors of event for making the delegation possible: The Hon Sussan Ley MP, through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; the Council on Australia Latin America Relations; the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Syngenta Crop Protection; Monsanto Limited; Landmark; Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation; Cotton Australia; Cotton Research and Development Corporation; Meat and Livestock Australia; and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
The NFF is a member of IFAP, which provides an international forum for farmer groups to engage on, and advance, agricultural issues.
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Brett Heffernan on (02) 6273 3855 or 0408 448 250 orbheffernan@nff.org.au
MEDIA NOTE: The NFF can provide contact information for each delegate for media interviews upon request.
Ms Dalene Brook, 32, from Brisbane in Queensland
Dalene Brook is the Business Development Manager for OBE Beef Pty Ltd. Dalene’s family own several cattle stations around Birdsville and Bedourie in Queensland and Innamincka in South Australia. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science, Dalene has travelled extensively around the world and is fluent in three languages.
With OBE Beef – a partnership of over 20 beef producers from outback Queensland – Dalene is responsible for developing and marketing organic beef. Highly regarded within her sector, she has displayed leadership in driving the marketing of the unique OBE product. As Argentina is one of Australia’s biggest competitors in both organic and conventional beef, Dalene is keen to learn about their production systems. She is also passionate about other agricultural issues, including succession planning, climate change, competition, animal welfare and balancing work and life in agriculture. She is determined to use this opportunity to create lasting contacts to advance these issues, as well as to enhance Australia’s performance in the organic beef market.
