Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) has officially launched the 2026 Women on Agricultural Boards program, building on the success of its 2025 pilot, which attracted significant national interest and delivered strong outcomes for participants and industry partners.
The 2026 intake follows an overwhelming response from across rural, regional and remote Australia, with more than 160 applications received, demonstrating the sector’s appetite for stronger gender representation and board–ready leadership in agriculture.
“The response reflects both the momentum created by the pilot and the growing recognition of the value women bring to agricultural governance,” AWiA president Cressida Cains said.
“The calibre of applicants for the 2026 program is outstanding. Women across the agricultural sector are stepping forward with the skills, experience and ambition our industry needs at board level,” she said.
The Women on Agricultural Boards program provides targeted governance training, mentoring, and practical board–readiness support, with a focus on increasing the number of skilled, confident women appointed to agricultural boards at local, state and national levels.
“Our goal is simple, increase the number of skilled, confident women appointed to agricultural boards at every level. Diverse leadership strengthens decision–making. This program ensures women are visible, prepared and connected to the opportunities they deserve,” Emily Blackburn AWiA secretary said.
The 2026 program has commenced, with twelve women in our top tier board ready cohort and 50 in our second-tier board pathways cohort, in additional to the 100 women interested in upskilling for the future.
The Women on Agricultural Boards program has been funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and with the support from AgriFutures Australia.
