The ‘Women in Agri-tech’ project will create and foster a strong network of female teachers who will become leaders in digital literacy, STEM and entrepreneurship in regional, rural and remote areas. They will be guided by female researchers, professionals and entrepreneurs to develop engaging learning resources which will in turn inspire girls in the classroom to realise the opportunities available to them. Partnering with their teachers, these female students will have the chance to participate in a unique agri-tech accelerator competition to further develop their entrepreneurship skills.

The agricultural industry is changing with the ever-increasing use of technology across the supply chain demanding a workforce with higher degree skills in STEM and entrepreneurship to facilitate the digital transformation of this sector. Women are currently underrepresented in the agricultural workforce and the digital transformation of the sector presents endless opportunities to correct this.

Currently, women comprise of close to 50% of the Australian workforce across all industries. However, in agriculture, females make up only 30% of employees. Of primary concern is the lack of women in leadership positions in agricultural businesses, with only 14% of females in management roles and representing only 18% of people on boards. To change this trend, the next generation of young women need to be inspired and encouraged to consider a future in agri-tech.