Will social media bridge the gap between the producer and the consumer? What’s the key for encouraging farmers to adopt new technologies? Eight young and provactive emerging leaders in our agricultural industry have the answers and have been selected to shine a light on the big issues at evokeAG., a two day agrifood tech event in Melbourne.
EIGHT young innovative rural leaders with a passion for agriculture have been selected to take part in evokeAG. 2020, the Asia Pacific’s largest agrifood tech event.
Proudly supported by the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations, each successful evokeAG. Future Young Leaders finalist will present their ideas on how we need to shape, and shake-up, our industry. It’s a rare opportunity to voice their ideas in front of an international audience of investors, producers, corporates, researchers, government and industry – especially for Angela Hughes, who is just 18 years old.
“It’s so important for young people to have a voice. We are the next adopters of the industry, the driving force, and we have ideas on the direction we think it needs to take,” said Angela.
The Mittagong-based local works on her family’s beef cattle property and also has two part-time jobs – one at Landmark and the other in hospitality – to support herself during her tertiary studies. She is excited about sharing her ideas on how the hospitality and agricultural industries can work better together to drive profitability and productivity, for both parties.
Each winner will receive a five-minute presentation opportunity at the event, as well as return economy airfares, accommodation, airport transfers and a delegate pass to evokeAG..
For Samuel Johnston, Co-Founder and Director of the #ThankAFarmerForYourNextMeal movement, the on-stage presentation will be an opportunity to share the work he is doing to bridge the divide between the producer and the consumer.
“There is a misconception that people who live in the city don’t care where their food comes from. But this is definitely changing and there is a real opportunity for farmers to share their story to close this gap and present new opportunities,” said Samuel.
New Zealand-based entrepreneur Genevieve Griffin-George said the evokeAG. Future Young Leaders program will also provide an incredible networking opportunity, and exposure for her start-up called PICMI.
“I left my job and made the move to the ag industry to make a difference. I have found the ag community incredibly supportive and collaborative. I’m looking forward to sharing how the right technology designed with the industry can really help producers,” said Genevieve.
Applicants were selected after submitting a video detailing why they wanted to be the voice of the future at evokeAG. 2020. The eight finalists chosen by the Future Young Leaders selection panel are:
Dr Caitlin Vayro | 25 years old | Munruben, QLD
Genevieve Griffin-George | 28 years old | Brooklyn, New Zealand
George Chapman| 24 years old | Coraki, NSW
George Stacey | 25 years old | Cawarral, QLD
Leesa Chen | 25 years old | Melbourne, VIC
Maddison Clonan | 26 years old | Stuart Park, NT
Samuel Johnston| 24 years old | Forbes, NSW
A further finalist was chosen by the general public with a shortlist of four videos shared across the evokeAG. social media channels. The People’s Choice finalist is:
Angela Hughes | 18 years old | Mittagong, NSW
Executive Officer at the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations, Tim Lester, said the evokeAG. Future Young Leaders Program is a wonderful opportunity to support young forward-thinkers and ultimately keep Australia’s rural industries thriving.
“The Future Young Leaders are passionate advocates for their industries and communities, and as young people provide a wonderful reminder that we can be optimistic and bold in how we think about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Through the Future Young Leaders program we can support and empower the next generation of leaders into the industry, helping them to bring forward their ideas and start shaping the future they want,” said Mr Lester.
evokeAG. 2020 will take place in Melbourne at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building on 18-19 February 2020. Save your seat at the Asia Pacific’s largest agrifood tech event. Tickets are available online, with Student and Primary Producer discounted tickets also available.
Contribute to our food, farm and future conversations by using our #evokeAG hashtag and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
For more information about our 2020 evokeAG Future Young Leaders visithttps://evokeag.com/evokeag-
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