The Future is Now: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today with evokeAG Groundbreakers.

“When I hear our Future Young Leaders on stage, all I can think of is that Australian agriculture is in safe hands.” – John Harvey , Managing Director AgriFutures Australia

As the Chief Facilitator of the evokeAG Groundbreakers Program, I have the unique privilege of collaborating with some of the brightest young minds in the agri-food and agritech sectors. These emerging leaders, aged 18 to 30, aren’t just shaping the future of Australian agriculture and rural industries—they are redefining its present with their innovative ideas and unwavering passion.

Facilitating these groups, especially in one-on-one and small-group settings, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how each cohort brings a fresh perspective and profound insights into sustainability, technology, and innovation. Their collective focus on enhancing access to cutting-edge solutions and improving the sustainability of farming, aquaculture, and livestock is nothing short of inspiring.

The evokeAG Groundbreakers alumni is a testament to the power of innovation and the interconnectedness of modern agriculture.

Dr. Roberta Marcoli is advancing sustainable aquaculture practices at James Cook University, while Dr. Katia Taylor at CSIRO delves into the complexities of soil carbon, driving resilience in farming systems. Fullbright scholar Guy Coleman is transforming weed control with his open-source “OpenWeedLocator (OWL),” and Natalie Bell is pioneering circularity in livestock management with her recycling pathway for ear tags.

Malkah Lara Muckenschnabl is revolutionizing agricultural recruitment through her startup Lymbo Pty Ltd, and Josie Clarke advocates for inclusivity in agriculture with her platform AGCESS. Sam Lambert is pushing global technological boundaries with zenGate Global, while Matthew Anderson emphasizes the critical role of farmers in agritech and precision agriculture. Keeley Lester is connecting industry with education through Agducation, and Amy Ferguson advocates for soil health and regeneration, reflecting her deep connection to the land. Jack Cresswell fosters transparent industry conversations through his popular podcast, and Isaac Mayer , an 19-year-old entrepreneur, exemplifies youthful innovation with his native bee company, Bush Bees.

Together, this dynamic group of leaders is not only shaping the future of Australian agriculture but also highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation across the sector. Their work bridges the gaps between research, technology, sustainability, and community, setting the stage for a more inclusive and forward-thinking agricultural landscape.

My commitment to the evokeAG Groundbreakers Program is driven by a core belief that has guided me throughout my career: young people must be creators, not just consumers.

This conviction, honed over years of working with young Australians—especially those from rural and remote areas—has only deepened over time. As I mentor the next generation of leaders, I adhere to four fundamental truths:

1. Young people are leaders today, not just the leaders of tomorrow.
2. They belong at the heart of significant conversations, not on the periphery.
3. It’s our responsibility to ensure they are authentically engaged and heard.
4. Investing in our youth, particularly from remote and rural communities, is the best investment we can make as a nation.

Are you an emerging leader in agrifood or a related industry? The AgriFutures evokeAG Groundbreakers Program is your chance to make a lasting impact on the future of Australian agriculture.

The evokeAG Groundbreakers Program, formerly known as the Future Young Leaders Program, is designed to elevate these emerging leaders from across Australia and New Zealand. It provides them with a platform to share their ideas, stories, and passions with a global audience, fostering a new generation of innovators in agriculture.

In 2025, we’re empowering five extraordinary individuals to showcase their groundbreaking ideas at evokeAG 2025 in Brisbane. This is your opportunity to receive invaluable mentoring, expand your professional network, and secure a post-event bursary to support your ambitions. With applications closing on September 2, 2024, there’s no better time to apply.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

✅ Showcase Your Ideas: Present your innovative project to a national and international audience at evokeAG 2025 in Brisbane on February 18-19.

✅ Mentorship: Receive expert guidance to refine your key messages and strategic goals, working alongside myself and the evokeAG team through a life-changing process of reflection and building your story and your work for greater impact.

✅ Networking: Connect with like-minded changemakers and industry leaders.

✅ Bursary: Obtain a $3,000 bursary to further develop your project beyond evokeAG.

The future of agriculture is bright, bold, and full of potential.

Now is the time to apply for the evokeAG Groundbreakers Program 2025. Join us in shaping the future of agrifood innovation.

Applications close September 2, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative journey. Appy now.