A GROUP of Indonesian women are touring WA to share farming experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the potential role for women in agriculture.
The joint venture pilot program, the Empowering Women in Agriculture - Australia and Indonesia trip, was organised through the East Javan Government and the Department of Agriculture and Food WA to develop the women's skills to enhance their businesses and industries.
DAFWA livestock industries executive director Kevin Chennell welcomed a delegation of 10 businesswomen from seven locations across East Java to Perth.
During the week, they will tour farming and processing operations in the Great Southern, South West and Kimberley, covering many aspects of agriculture and food production including livestock, wool, eggs, oats, dairy and horticulture.
The project, which is managed by WA-based company Influential Women, will contribute directly to developing links at a grass roots level.
Dr Chennell said the project aimed to provide a cross-culture knowledge-sharing opportunity that would empower farming businesswomen in Indonesia and WA.
"Food production plays an important role in Indonesia, with more than 60 per cent of Indonesia's population involved directly with agriculture," he said.
"WA and Indonesia have strong agrifood trade links. This project is about building positive, meaningful relationships with our neighbours and close trading partners."
Influential Women's managing director Catherine Marriott said: "this project is a fantastic opportunity to break down barriers and empower women to be brilliant change agents for the future advancement of agriculture at home and abroad".
The visit by the group reciprocates a visit by seven WA farm businesswomen to East Java in June.
Influential Women business development manager Carly Brooks said the pilot program has given a group of East Javan woman the opportunity to visit WA farming properties.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Perth welcomed the initiative, which will improve the understanding of Indonesian farmers.
The group will visit towns including, Williams, Kojonup, Mordalup, Manjimup, Nannup, Busselton, Harvey and Bunbury.
Plans have also been made to visit some pastoral cattle properties in the West Kimberley region.
Jacinta Bolsenbroek
Senior journalist at Farm Weekly.
Senior journalist at Farm Weekly.
