New Zealand ideas wanted for feeding the world

December 2014

Calling New Zealand youth with a passion for agriculture – we want your ideas on how to feed a hungry planet…and we want them now!

That’s the message from Bayer New Zealand, which is seeking four youth delegates to represent New Zealand at the Global Youth Ag-Summit, to be held in Canberra, Australia, August 2015.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 as of 24 August 2015.

To apply to be a New Zealand delegate, applicants need to complete a 1500 word essay outlining their position on the underlying causes of food security and the effect it can have on a population.

Essays can then be uploaded via a Youth Ag-Summit portal

Bayer New Zealand managing director Holger Detje, who also heads the company’s CropScience division, says the summit is a fantastic opportunity for young New Zealanders to have their say on one of the world’s most important issues.

“According to the United Nations, the world’s population increases by 233,000 people every day and is estimated to be more than 9 billion by 2050. However, we are supported by less farmland and resources than ever before.

“The Ag-Summit challenges youth to address what is arguably the biggest issue facing the world today, how do we feed ourselves?

“It is a unique forum for youth leaders to bring their fresh and innovative thinking to these big challenges, providing a global platform to allow youth to engage with current and future agricultural leaders,” adds Dr Detje.

Under the theme Feeding a Hungry Planet, delegates from around the world will share, discuss and develop ideas to create a common vision.

Bayer first supported the Youth Ag-Summit movement in Canada in 2013, where over 100 participants from around the world shared their ideas in an open dialogue about the future of agriculture.

The Ag-Summit in Canberra is being jointly hosted with Australia’s Future Farmers Network.

Essay applications are now being accepted online through to 30 January, 2015 at www.youthagsummit.com.