AgForce president proud to be a voice for Burnett farmers

One of the top priorities for Georgie Somerset is to encourage more people from her region to have their say on what is happening in the industry.

NEW CHALLENGE: AgForce general president Georgie Somerset is ready to step up and be a voice for farmers. Picture: Contributed

GEORGIE Somerset is passionate about building on a strong farming industry for future generations.

As the new general president of AgForce, the Durong farmer is calling on people in the Burnett region to stand up and get involved.

"We need a strong body to stand up for us and I am passionate about having a strong organisation for the future," she said.

One of the top priorities for Mrs Somerset is to encourage more people from her local region to have their say on what is happening in the industry.

"I love that we grow so many different ranges of grains and pulses crops through to cattle," she said.

"The South Burnett has got a fabulous agricultural industry and strong membership in the region for AgForce which means people are relating to the work that we are doing."

In her first month in the role Mrs Somerset has not backed down from some of the biggest issues facing rural communities such as bushfires and the closure of agricultural colleges.

"You can do all the planning in the world but you need to be ready to respond to issues that come up," she said.

She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from a variety roles which she believes will benefit her as president.

"Everything you do contributes to your role, you take experiences forward and learn from it, so hopefully I can bring the work I have been doing for the last 30 years," Mrs Somerset said.

Her resume includes currently serving on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation board and as a director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Queensland, and for the Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

She is the first woman in the role since AgForce was formed in 1999.

She believes her election reflects the industry, with women making up 40 per cent of the AgForce board.

Mrs Somerset is thankful for the support of her family and is looking forward to helping farming communities with the challenges they face and bridging the gap between rural and urban people.

"I couldn't do it without my family's support and they don't get as much work out of me on the property these days," she said.