Advancing Agriculture. Empowering Changemakers.
The agricultural industry is evolving, and to stay ahead, we must continuously invest in the people and businesses that drive it. The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program is an investment in the future of our next generation of changemarkers, dedicated to helping young people enhance their capabilities and unlock new opportunities for growth. The program offers financial support, resources, and access to National Farmers’ Federation and Woolworths networks, and a community of like-minded individuals, all with the goal of driving long-term success in the agriculture sector.
As part of the $400,000 program, 20 scholarships of $20,000 each will be awarded.
The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program runs for 18 months allowing individuals an opportunity to deep dive into developing themselves and with the support of NFF & Woolworths.
The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for young agricultural leaders to elevate their skills, broaden their networks and embrace innovation. Open to the whole agricultural supply chain aged 25-40 years old, the program aims to build impactful networks and drive forward-thinking solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability in the ag sector.
The Scholarship can be used for a wide range of opportunities. If your intended purpose for the scholarship isn’t listed below but will support your contribution to enhancing the Australian Agricultural industry, then we encourage you to submit an application.
The AgriEmpower Scholarship Program is more than just financial support—it’s an investment in your future and the future of the agricultural industry. You’ll join a network of collaborative thinkers, changemakers and access a greater network in the ag industry through NFF and Woolworths networks.
Over the 18-month program there are multiple opportunities for scholarship recipients, from speaking to a room full of ag leaders to going behind the scenes of Woolworths and meeting their team who work with producers to feed Australian shoppers.
Applicant guidelines
Selection criteria
- Must be 25-40 years old
- Be a permanent resident or Australian citizen
- Must work or be engaged in the Australian agricultural industry
- Applicants must intend to remain involved in the Australian Agricultural industry
- Must show previous commitment and self investment in the ag industry
Key dates
- 19 May - Applications open
- 30 June - Applications close
- 14-18 July - Interviews conducted
- Early August - Successful Applications notified
- 18 August - Welcome webinar
- 23-25 Sept 25 - In person workshop (Gold Coast)
- Date TBC - Second in person event
- 1 March 2027 -Final report due
How to apply
Please click the ‘apply now’ button at the top of this webpage. Click through to start your application. Questions will range from basic information to outlining the difference you want to make in the Australian agricultural industry.
Please review the eligibility criteria before applying.
You can save your application and come back to it later but we strongly suggest writing out your answers in a separate document and copy and pasting the final version into the application form.
What you'll gain
What you'll gain
Hands on Learning: Attend two in-person workshops, one aligned with AgXchange Australia or NFF Leaders’ Summit, the other will be an immersive day with the Woolworths network.
Share Your Input: Upon completion of your scholarship, you must present a brief report to NFF and Woolworths, outlining the outcomes achieved and key learnings gained. You may also have the opportunity to present your findings at a leading NFF event.
Professional Storytelling: Participate in a professional photoshoot (on-farm or in a business setting) and a media interview to share your journey and achievements.
Build your Profile: Where opportunities arise, participate in media interviews to share your experiences and achievements. Provide your biographic details for the development of a case study highlighting your journey.
Join a Network: As Alumni, you’ll be invited to connect with other participants throughout the program.
Funding purpose: Invest in your future
The scholarship funding is designed to empower you to acquire new skills and networks that will directly drive productivity, profitability or sustainability within the agricultural community.
Provide a clear and achievable 18-month plan outlining how the funding will be utilised.
Part of the funding will be held until the end of the program until approval of all program aspects being met.
Unlock your potential: Funding examples
Elevate your skills: Attend targeted courses, conferences and programs that can directly enhance your farm business and industry knowledge.
Global insights: Gain International perspectives and insights through overseas travel, such as attending the World Farmers’ Organisation’s conference, to deepen your understanding of global agricultural trade negotiations.
Agricultural innovations: Investigate different Agricultural innovations and how these can directly impact other young people and businesses in the industry.
Develop a project: Research to develop a project to enhance the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Australian Agricultural industry.
Invest in you: Pursue professional and personal development opportunities to cultivate long-term success in the agriculture sector.
Application questions
Your story: Tell us about yourself and your current role in agriculture.
Your vision: What inspired you to apply for the AgriEmpower Scholarship, and how do you see it contributing to your career or business and the future of Australian agriculture?
Your Agricultural advancement: Share some examples of any self-investment or professional development efforts you’ve undertaken to date.
Your funding plan: Detail how you plan to use the scholarship funding to boost the productivity, profitability, or sustainability in agriculture. Please upload an excel budget of how you plan to use the scholarship of $20,000.
Your contribution: How do you believe you can help the agricultural sector reach the targets of the NFF 2030 Roadmap?
Your knowledge sharing: How will you share your learnings and insights from the experience with the wider agricultural community?
NFF & Woolworths committment
Through the program, we aim to foster innovation and networks within the agricultural sector, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and increased success for farm businesses and greater impact from the agribusiness sector. By investing in the development of our community, we are committed to building a more robust and resilient agricultural industry that thrives on shared knowledge and collaborative advancement.
“We’re excited to find some of the best and brightest ag minds, support them with an AgriEmpower Scholarship, and watch their dreams come to life,” David Jochinke, NFF President.
“Woolworths is dedicated to helping young Australians agri-professionals enhance their capabilities and unlock new opportunities for growth. It’s our hope these scholarships will allow the next generation of agricultural changemakers to invest in experiences, learning and skills that will empower them to continue to drive the industry forward” Annette Karantoni, Woolworths Retail Managing Director.
