The award has seen close to 300 women over the years develop innovative projects that are contributing to a prosperous future for rural Australia.

Sophie Hansen, a deer farmer and food writer from Mandagery Creek outside Orange, received the award in 2016 and has since gone to publish several cookbooks.

Mrs Hansen described the whole process as an "enormous and valuable learning curve; from applying to interviewing, working with the other state finalists, receiving media and public speaking training and loads more and then being part of an alumni network".

The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award has a revised and tightened criteria for 2022 which requires applicants to have an existing project, business or program which falls into a Community, Collaboration or Commercial category.

"If you know someone who is actively contributing to rural and regional Australia, tap them on the shoulder. We hear time and time again, that it is often the friendly encouragement from someone else, that gets applicants over the line to apply," said Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia John Harvey.

Each state and territory winner receives a $15,000 bursary, as well as access to professional development opportunities and national Alumni networks.

The AgriFutures Rural Women's Acceleration Grant is a new program developed to foster growth and development in women involved in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.

It will run separately to the Rural Women's Award; however it will complement the process, aiming to provide a leadership and development opportunity to women who are not quite ready to apply for the Award.

Seven Australian women per annum will be granted with a learning and development bursary of $7,000 to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life.

The AgriFutures Rural Women's Acceleration Grant encourages innovation and problem solving, looking for women with an idea, cause or vision that benefits rural or emerging industries, businesses or communities.

The idea needs to have a community, collaboration or commercial focus and align to the values of the Grant.

Applications for both the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award and the new AgriFutures Rural Women's Acceleration Grant are now open and close on October 8. Head to the AgriFutures website to apply.

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