The benefits of nurturing the next generation of farmers to get involved in industry advocacy are many, and not just for young people.
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One organisation that is working hard to include tomorrow's farmers and producers is NSW Farmers Association whose Young Farmers branch is fostering some impressive young talent.
Charlotte Groves, NSW Young Farmers chair is only 22 but she is already a sitting member of state-wide committees in farming ensuring young voices are represented. She has been involved with lobbying to extend free counselling services for farmers and agricultural education in school curriculum.
"One of the things that the Eastern Riverina Young Farmers branch lobbied for for 12 months was the continuation of the on-farm counseling program, Farm Gate," Miss Groves said.
"So that's something that we've helped to ensure that it stays because mental health is a big issue. A lot of our members were impacted by the bush fires last year and drought is always a big issue."
"The things that we lobby for don't necessarily just impact our members, they impact all farmers in NSW."
- Charlotte Groves, NSW Young Farmers
Frank Zirilli, a 33 year old citrus grower in Griffith has gotten involved with Griffith Citrus Growers Inc. over the past 12 months. He says it has helped him make great connections with experienced growers in the area.
"I've learnt a lot from coming to the meetings because it gives you a run down with what the industry is doing, locally and overseas," Mr Zirilli said.
"It keeps me updated and on top of what the current trends are and what's happening in the citrus industry."
Bringing younger growers into advocacy groups brings with it fresh perspectives said Mr Zirilli, and a longer term vision for the local industry.
"It's beneficial because some younger growers have got to come in and bring new ideas," he said.
"We need new people and new ideas because the industry is always changing."
Future issues such as animal welfare, the Right to Farm Policy, the impacts of climate change and financial literacy are all on the horizon for future generations in agriculture said Miss Groves, which is why young people getting involved with advocacy is so important.
"I definitely would encourage other young people to get involved either with NSW Farmers or other advocacy groups available to them," she said.
"I believe you get so many benefits from joining up because we are the key voice on policy issues surrounding agriculture in NSW.
"The things that we lobby for don't necessarily just impact our members, they impact all farmers in NSW."
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