Investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders

Community & Sustainability
23 Jul 2025
2 min read 2 min read

Investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders

Community & Sustainability
23 Jul 2025
2 min read 2 min read

Woolworths is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), marking an exciting step forward in our ongoing support for Australian agriculture and the next generation of industry leaders.

Together, we’ve launched the AgriEmpower Scholarship, a $400,000 commitment over four years to support 20 exceptional young professionals who are passionate about the future of farming and food production in Australia. Each recipient will receive $20,000 to advance a project or invest in their professional development, with a focus on driving innovation, sustainability, and community impact in the sector.

Commitment

Over 4 years

Supporting 20 young professionals

For each recipient

This partnership is more than a financial investment. It’s a show of confidence in the bold ideas and fresh thinking needed to help achieve the agriculture industry’s ambitious target of reaching $100 billion in value by 2030.

“As Australia’s Fresh Food People, our connection to Australian farmers is fundamental. Our partnership with the NFF, including the AgriEmpower Scholarship, demonstrates our commitment to the long-term strength and innovation of the Australian agriculture sector. We believe in empowering individuals who will drive innovation and sustainability in the sector.”

Annette Karantoni, Woolworths Retail Managing Director

Applications will again open in the coming weeks to people aged 25–40, including those across our Trade Partner network. Whether your passion lies in ag-tech, sustainability, community engagement or boosting productivity, we encourage you to apply. Scholarship recipients will have 18 months to use the funding and will also benefit from exclusive opportunities to attend Woolworths and NFF events and workshops, building connections, sharing ideas, and gaining insights from across the food and farming ecosystem.

The AgriEmpower Scholarship also signals the beginning of a broader collaboration between Woolworths and the NFF, with further initiatives planned, including involvement in the NFF Conference this September.

“This is about actively investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders who will drive our industry to our 2030 goal, using fresh thinking that is focused, innovative and invested in our future. The Scholarship is unique because it doesn’t require participants to fit a particular mould. It’s the opposite – we want young people with a range of experiences, ideas and skills to be the recipients of this opportunity. It’s driven, innovative thinkers today, who will lead the charge in reaching $100 billion by 2030.”

David Jochinke, NFF President

Woolworths is excited to be playing a role in backing emerging leaders who are ready to shape the future of agriculture. We invite you to help spread the word across your teams and networks.


Applications for Round 1 closed on june 30th, with Round 2 opening shortly. To learn more about the application process and to stay across submission dates, visit: nff.org.au/agriempower-scholarships

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