Empowering Women in Agriculture: Australian Women in Agriculture Launch 2026 Initiative

Strategic Insights -

Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) is inviting women from all agricultural backgrounds to apply for the 2026 Women on Agricultural Boards (WOAB) program, aimed at cultivating leadership qualities and equipping women with the confidence, knowledge, and networks to pursue board and committee positions across the sector. The program, now in its second year, seeks to create a pipeline of capable, confident women leaders reflecting the diversity and strength of the Australian agriculture industry. Sponsorship inquiries are welcome, with sponsors contributing directly to more resilient and representative decision-making across agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2026 Women on Agricultural Boards program is designed for women from all agricultural backgrounds, including early to mid-career professionals, farmers, agribusiness employees, and women engaged in advocacy or community leadership.
  • The program aims to equip participants with confidence, knowledge, and networks to pursue board and committee positions at local, regional, and national levels.
  • Applications for the 2026 program are open until September 30, 2025, and can be submitted through the AWiA website.
  • Sponsorships are also being invited from industry leaders and organizations passionate about driving real change and ensuring more women step into boardrooms and leadership roles in agriculture.
  • Sponsors contribute directly to more resilient and representative decision-making across agriculture by investing in women's leadership.

Statistics:

  • The 2026 program is in its second year.
  • Applications for the 2026 program close on September 30, 2025.
  • Sponsorship inquiries are welcome until December 2025.
  • The program is open to women from all agricultural backgrounds, including early to mid-career professionals, farmers, agribusiness employees, and women engaged in advocacy or community leadership.

Sources:

  • Lottie Hood, "Byline," (Undated)
  • Cressida Cains, Acting President of AWiA
  • Emily Blackburn, General Director for AWiA
  • Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) website
  • Email: womenonagboards@awia.org.au