THE important role women play in agribusiness is being highlighted once again with four women from the South East’s forestry industry profiled to help champion female participation and leadership in the sector.
Joining the State Government’s Women Influencing Agribusiness and Region Strategy, the four locals will aim to grow the capacity of women in agribusiness sectors across South Australia by partnering with industry and the community.
Farmer and revegetator Josie Jackson, harvesting forester Sheryl Vickery, Fennell Forestry owner Wendy Fennell and PIRSA forestry project manager Amy McMurren join an existing group of 20 from across the state including influential leaders such as
Kris Lloyd, Penny Schultz, Catherine Sayer, Susie Green and Ulli Spranz.
Ms Fennell was flattered to be selected as part of the strategy and said it has highlighted how many interesting careers are in the primary industry sector.
“It’s a career that is continually evolving through innovation,” she said.
“When combined with challenges of the natural environments you are dealing with on a daily basis, this equates to a diverse platform that women can launch themselves off.”
The strategy aims to highlight the increasing number of diverse roles in agribusiness undertaken by women, who are skilled, capable and confident influencers and decision makers in the agribusiness sector, while helping break down barriers which hinder women in agribusiness.
Running a revegetation business alongside her farming partnership, Ms Jackson said she was thankful she had been able to bring up her children in a happy, healthy environment.
“The best part of being a woman living on the land is the opportunity of being able to take your children to work and teach them about the environment and farming,” she said.
“With our clean and green image, I think South Australian agriculture is on the cusp of something great, especially with respect to good, long-term prospects for exports.”
Forests Minister Leon Bignell said it was more important than ever we continue to encourage women to enter careers in agribusiness across the state.
“South Australia’s agriculture, food, wine and fibre industries are a vital part of the state’s economy, our largest export sector and a major employer,” he said.
“The State Government’s Women Influencing Agribusiness and Regions Strategy highlights the remarkable contribution women make in agribusiness and regions and promotes career pathways and opportunities for women to aspire to.
“These four women in forestry demonstrate the diversity of roles in the industry and will hopefully be an inspiration to encourage greater female participation.”
