The young can have an impact

摘要

As the secretary and vice-chairman on the Upper Namoi Cotton Growers' Association in northwest NSW, Andrew Watson, 31, knows what a significant impact young people can have in rural industries if they step in and get involved. Yet in many agricultural industries, younger generations of farmers remain comparatively silent, he says. Having attended the National Farmers Federation young farmers conference and Young Rural Leaders course in Canberra late last year, Watson says one of the most repeated concerns was the lack of involvement of young people in industry associations, "It's surprising how much say we have," Watson says. "Political decisions in the community can have a major impact on farmers but if young people aren't active in community organisations they can't voice their opinions or have any effect on the outcome. We've got to become involved."