THE eyes of forward-thinking regional youth turned to Canberra this week for the Ag Youth Think Tank.
The two-day event saw 30 young regional ag-vocates tackle the big issues such as foreign investment, farm affordability, the sustainability of the industry and how to get young Australian involved in agriculture.
Monto cattle producer Maree Perkins was one of eight Queenslanders in attendance and said she gained a wealth of knowledge from the experience.
“There’s an amazing group of people here from all over Australia and all different areas of the agricultural industry,” she said.
“We’re here because we are very passionate about getting young people onto the land because we’re the future.
“I came to Canberra with an idea of creating a scheme that helps young people to get onto the land easier,” Mrs Perkins said.
Her ambition is based on her personal experience with husband Rohan, to buy their own property.
The couple own and run 400-500 head of cattle on their property Sangara, Monto.
“It’s an issue that’s close to home, we know it’s very hard to get onto the land with the deposit and running costs,” she said.
“I’d like to see a reduced stamp duty and other incentives in place to make it easier for others.”
Fourth year journalism and law student at The University of Queensland Maguerite Donaldson, said there was a misconception people in agriculture share similar experiences.
“Sometimes they do but a lot of the time they don’t,” she said.
“One thing we will take away is more understanding and to open our perspectives to the challenges other people in ag are facing.”
Miss Donaldson, who group up on a grain and cattle property at Capella, was involved in the group discussing foreign investment, ownership of land and farm affordability.
“Affordability is a big issue for young people who are trying to continue on the family farm or for people who are starting out from scratch,” she said.
“We have been discussing how succession planning models and whether foreign investment is pushing younger people out of the industry.
“These are issues that you’re not going to solve overnight and every case is subjective.
“I think we need foreign investment in this day and age but it’s about taking a positive approach and finding ways to balance that and also give young people opportunities to get onto the land.
“If we can see a bit of change come from this; hopefully it will be something to keeps the ball rolling down the track.”
Organised by the Federal Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, the event concluded with the young adults, aged between 18 and 35, presenting their ideas at Parliament House on Tuesday.
Minister Joe Ludwig was in attendance and said the ideas put forward would be considered for future policy and contribute to a report for the Government.
“Each participant at the Ag Youth Think Tank has drawn on their experiences and background to present their vision for the future for Australian agriculture,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Australia is lucky to have a strong and diverse agricultural sector and some of the world’s most productive and innovative farmers, but we need to work together and make a career in agriculture an appealing option for young people.”
Parliamentary Secretary Sid Sidebottom, and representatives from the National Farmers Federation, Rural Skills Australia and Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, also attended the presentations.
