THE Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) has partnered with Art4Agriculture to find the Australian cotton industry’s next Young Farming Champions.

The aim of the program is to find those outstanding individuals who will be youth ambassadors and future influencers working within the agricultural sector.

Sharna Holman. (Photo: Ruth Redfern)

Their role will be to promote positive images and perceptions of agriculture, and engage in innovative programs under the Art4Agriculture banner, such as The Archibull Prize.

CRDC’s partnership with Art4Agriculture continues the Young Farming Champions program within the cotton industry, where it has already been running for a number of years.

CRDC general manager for R&D Investments, Dr Ian Taylor, said the Champions program provided a unique opportunity for young people involved in cotton to share their own story.

“The program has dual benefits – it helps to build awareness of our cotton industry among a wider audience, while also providing important personal and professional development opportunities for the Champions, like public speaking skills,” Dr Taylor said.

Sharna Holman, one of CottonInfo’s team of technical specialists, is a Young Farming Champion for the cotton industry.

“Thanks to the Young Farming Champions program, I feel more confident in presenting myself and speaking to people from non-scientific backgrounds about my role in the cotton industry,” Ms Holman said.

“From presenting, speaking and developing your personal brand, to being able to take your message and translate it into one anyone can understand is so important. It allows me to engage with consumers and helps both in my role as an extension officer and when advocating my love of cotton and the broader agricultural industry.”

CRDC and Art4Agriculture are now searching for the next crop of Young Farming Champions.

Those who are passionate about the Australian cotton industry; want to share stories with urban Australians to improve understanding of sustainable fibre production, and in turn improve their own understanding of urban consumers; and are aged between 19 and 35 years are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest.

Applications close on Friday, February 10, 2017.

For more information, visit the CRDC website: www.crdc.com.au, or contact Lynne Strong of Art4Agriculture: [email protected].