RECOGNISED: Faraday farmer Jo Clifford. Picture: CONTRIBUTED
A FARADAY woman has been named as a finalist in the prestigious 2013 Victorian Rural Women’s Award.
Wine, cattle and sheep producer Jo Clifford is up against three other women from around the state to win the $10,000 bursary, which is to be put towards leadership development.
The Victorian winner will be announced by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh on February 7, and will go on to compete against winners from around Australia for the national award in October.
Ms Clifford runs her Faraday farm focusing on sustainable food production, farm education and land regeneration.
The mother of four also has experience and qualifications in industrial relations, marketing and event management and has recently graduated as a Fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs.
She was previously the owner of award-winning winery Sheer Drop Wines.
Alexandria forester Michelle Freeman, Upper Murray beef farmer Cate Kirk and Melbourne dairy industry professional Kyla Gardiner have also been nominated for the award.
Mr Walsh said the finalists were selected for their contribution to their industries and their dedication to the Victorian food and fibre sector.
“This year’s finalists were chosen for best demonstrating their potential to deliver benefits for their industries, their commitment to the future sustainability for the food and fibre sector, and their ideas for sharing skills and knowledge within their communities and industries,” he said.
“The Rural Women’s Award celebrates and honours the talent, dedication and hard work that Victorian women have devoted to our rural industries.”