A new youth network will enable young people in the primary sector to add their voice to shaping the future of our food and fibre sector.

New Zealand Young Farmers, in collaboration with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Beef and Lamb NZ, DairyNZ and AgMardt today announced the launch of the Food and Fibre Youth Network - He Tātai Rangahua.

This initiative provides an opportunity for young representatives across the food and fibre sector to raise industry issues and provide input into critical decisions about the sector’s future.

“To date, there has been no all-encompassing and inclusive structure in the sector to capture the youth voice,” said Trevor McIntyre, General Manager - Pathways at NZ Young Farmers.

“This new network will enable young people to provide vital input into future policy and practice.”

The Network will explore and consider issues; connect to Sector Action Plans and any other initiatives that are currently in the industry; provide advice to Ministers, MPI and other stakeholders on issues relating to young people in the food and fibre sector; and act as young ambassadors for the sector.

The network structure will consist of Te Taumata (steering committee), a Council to provide governance, and the Network itself consisting of young people from across the food and fibre sector, with secretariat work provided by New Zealand Young Farmers.

Te Taumata members are Lynda Coppersmith (NZYF), Trevor McIntyre (NZYF), Hiraina Tangiora (MPI), Terry Copeland (Federated Farmers), Chelsea Millar (Grass Roots Media), Beth Davie (MPI), and Tāne Cook (Tāne Mahuta Aotearoa Limited).

“In terms of attracting and retaining a primary sector workforce, it is important to hear from younger people what their expectations are for working in the sector, and listen and implement their innovative ideas for solving some of the biggest issues impacting the workforce,” said Beth Davie, Manager Workforce at the Ministry for Primary Industries and a member of Te Taumata.

 The next step is to form a Council to manage the Food and Fibre Youth Network - He Tātai Rangahua.

Once the Council has been formed, membership of the network will be extended to young people in all sectors of the food and fibre industry in New Zealand.

“This is where the gathering of the ideas will genuinely take place,” said Trevor McIntyre.