NZ send seven delegates to global ag summit
Seven forward-thinking and passionate young people have been selected to represent New Zealand at a summit focused on solving one of the world’s most important issues: how to feed a growing population.
Hamish Clarke, James Robertson, Zach Mounsey (Waikato), Sarah Crofoot (Wairarapa), Rosario Monzales (Massey), Shaun Snoxell (South Canterbury) and Sarah Tait (Canterbury) will join 100 delegates aged 18 to 25 and from 33 countries, who have been selected for the second global Youth Ag-Summit.
The Summit, which is themed "Feeding a Hungry Planet", takes place in Canberra, Australia, on 24 - 28 August, 2015. It is hosted by Future Famers Network Australia and Bayer CropScience.
Bayer New Zealand managing director Dr Holger Detje, who also heads Bayer New Zealand’s CropScience division, says he is impressed with the quality of the New Zealand delegates.
"To select the delegates we ran an essay competition and I must say the quality of the work submitted was outstanding. Entrants had to outline their position and ideas on the underlying causes of food insecurity and its effect on a growing population. The challenges and solutions identified highlight that opportunities like the Youth Ag-Summit provide a great platform to continue further discussions on what is increasingly an important topic.
"We believe there is a need for young leaders to be engaged in finding sustainable agricultural solutions to the growing global need for safe and nutritious food. The Youth Ag-Summit is an opportunity to broaden the perspectives from others around the world. It will also enable young leaders to further grow personally and develop their knowledge," says Detje.
The New Zealand delegation will be accompanied by a mentor and once in Canberra will network, hear from guest speakers and participate in debates, discussions, group-work and industry tours. The purpose of the Summit is to generate innovative, sustainable and actionable solutions which will be driven by their leadership.
During the Summit, the delegates identify, connect and create ideas to progress agriculture around the world. This collaborative approach aims to leave them with actionable ideas they take back to their home countries to embed into their personal operations and careers.
The delegates are from the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA and Vietnam.
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