A new initiative is connecting Australian farmers with developing industries around the world, placing volunteers from Australia in overseas projects where they can share their experience and skill.

The Farmers Without Borders program, an initiative of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), has been established to place volunteers in overseas industries. While there, they’ll work with farmers, producer groups, rural businesses and ACARI partner organisations to develop local capacity and help them increase their agricultural productivity.

Australian farmers have a long history of implementing science-based improvements in their farm operations, which has required them to develop problem-solving skills and tackle issues as new innovations are applied. This has given our industry ready-made experience and skill to assist farmers in developing countries as they work to improve their productivity.

The Farmers Without Borders program is looking for individuals, partners or groups who have a genuine interest in sharing their knowledge, experience and technical skills to develop others. Farmer volunteers don’t need any particular qualifications, as long as they have the confidence to step outside their comfort zone. Volunteer in-country placements are typically 3-6 weeks in length, with the logistical arrangements like flights and accommodation managed and funded by the program.

If you’re interested in being part of the program, you can register an expression of interest using ACIAR’s online form.

For more information on the Farmers Without Borders program, take a look at ACIAR’s brochure.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 13 November 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!