NT Farmers & the Kenneth Rayner Scholarship
Kenneth Rayner Scholarship Applications
The Kenneth Rayner Scholarship is sponsored by Entegra and NT Farmers, to give a final year university student studying agriculture or horticulture up to $11,000, with industry mentorship, work experience opportunities and a gateway to potential full-time employment with Entegra.
Students are encouraged to get their applications in before September 30. Visit the NT Farmers Facebook page for more information.
Key points
- Kenneth Rayner Scholarship Applications due 30 September
- The Northern Territory Agricultural and Horticultural Associations combined to form NT Farmers
- NT Farmers was created on 1 July 2012
- The organisation advocates for the industry, conducts research and development, and provides advice, information, and services to members and stakeholders
- The Food Futures Conference is one of NT Farmers’ most successful ventures
Australian Technology
NT Farmers CEO Paul Burke with Senator Sam McMahon, NTLEA CEO Tom Dawkins and Minister David Littleproud at the Berrimah Export Yards
History of NT Farmers
NT Farmers first came into being on 1 July 2012 when the former Northern Territory Agricultural and Horticultural Associations combined. The organisation supports established and new agribusinesses in the Northern Territory.
The work done by NT Farmers includes advocating for the industry, research and development, and marketing. The organisation also provides advice, information, and services to members and stakeholders. Its Board of Directors is taken from a variety of commodity groups in Greater Darwin, Katherine, Douglas/Daly, and Central Australia.
Over the years since its formation, NT Farmers has been involved in a variety of initiatives at home and abroad.
Exchange of information with other countries
In 2019, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Research Fellow Dr Kamaljit Sangha headed for the Punjab agricultural region of India. He was accompanied by a group of eight NT farmers.
This was the first stage of an exchange of knowledge which was financially backed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and led by Charles Darwin University.
This initial group was impressed by the zero-input farming techniques used in the region which have resulted in the development of several sustainable organic practices.
NT Farmers member Greg Owens spoke of how the NT farmers were fascinated by the practices and learned from them. This type of knowledge exchange is a vital part of what NT Famers is about, advocating and promoting the future of agribusinesses in the Northern Territory.
Providing advice and information to members and the wider agribusiness community
As a result of its work in knowledge acquisition and research, NT Farmers is perfectly placed to provide advice and support to its members. It’s also highly respected by the wider agribusiness community.
The NT Farmers website is an excellent information resource. This includes the “Grow NT” magazine which includes news such as seasonal workers updates, industry statistics, and comments from the Minister.
Food Futures Conferences
Aside from its website and publications, NT Farmers also provides insights to members and people working within the agribusiness community via its biennial Food Futures Conference.
This is the leading conference concerning the development of agriculture in the North. It’s attended by investors, stakeholders, and politicians from inside Australia and across the world. The conference takes place over three days and is at the heart of informing those attending about current topics in the industry such as the environmental impact of farming, smart technology, and sustainability developments.
Top speakers attend Food Futures to provide their expert insights into industry concerns and initiatives to help promote the ongoing growth and success of agribusinesses in the North. The conference also promotes new sectors that help to drive development, such as cotton. In addition, attendees at these events have the opportunity to participate in organised visits to local farms.
Food Futures has now taken place four times and it continues to be a hugely popular event. It’s one of the major successes that NT Farmers has achieved over the last nine years. The organisation is well-respected for all the support it provides to the industry and its success is set to continue well into the future.