Women across Australian agriculture are being encouraged to apply for the 2026 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program, with applications now open.
Delivered by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), the program is a flagship leadership initiative designed to support women in agriculture to strengthen their leadership capability, grow their networks and build confidence to take the next step in their careers and industry involvement. As part of the NFF’s broader vision to increase the representation of women in agricultural leadership, the program continues to create opportunities for women to develop their skills and influence across the sector.
The 2026 program offers a practical and well-supported leadership experience. Successful applicants will take part in a Canberra leadership retreat from 22–26 June 2026, receive one-on-one mentoring, join monthly online catch-ups and graduate in later in 2026. The program is now in its ninth year and will select 12 women for the 2026 cohort.
The program is open to women with a connection to agriculture who are passionate about contributing to the future of the industry. The NFF also notes that diversity is broader than gender alone and encourages women of all backgrounds to apply, including across ethnicity, cultural identity, disability, sexuality, education and socioeconomic background.
For emerging leaders, this opportunity offers far more than a line on a resume. Participants gain access to mentoring, leadership development, policy exposure, personal growth and a national network of women and industry leaders committed to shaping the future of Australian agriculture. Program elements include practical leadership development in areas such as networking, media, personal development and engagement with decision-makers, including experiences linked to Parliament House in Canberra.
NFF Interim Chief Executive Su McCluskey said the program has helped women step into leadership roles across the industry, including in executive teams and boardrooms, and urged women with leadership ambitions to apply. Recent graduate Vivienne McCollum also praised the program for helping her pursue leadership opportunities with greater confidence and clarity.
Applications for the 2026 program opened on 5 March 2026 and close at 5pm AEST on 6 April 2026. Applicants are required to respond to the selection criteria, upload a current CV, and provide the name and contact details of a referee.
To learn more and submit an application, visit the National Farmers’ Federation website.
