Clemenger Group is doubling down on its commitment to fostering talent in the agricultural sector, launching its inaugural Agri Graduate Program.

The program, a first in Australia's marketing and communications industry, is a specialised initiative for graduates in the field of agriculture. The first two graduates to join the program, Anna Upton and Harriet Watson, have been placed with the Redhanded and Porter Novelli teams respectively.

The graduates will undergo a four-month rotation, gaining exposure to various aspects of marketing, communications, creative, and consulting within each company. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for graduates to apply their specialised knowledge in the agribusiness sector while gaining valuable industry experience.

Harriet Watson, a graduate of the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, brings her experience from working on large beef enterprises and a harvest season in the Mallee. "Having worked on large beef enterprises and doing a harvest season in the Mallee, it is great to be involved in advocating for the industry. I’ve been able to tap into my expertise and background on farm when speaking with both farmers and rural journalists," said Watson.

Anna Upton, who holds a Bachelor of Advertising from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, has practical knowledge of the agriculture industry from spending time in Benalla and Melbourne. "Practical knowledge of the agriculture industry and my understanding of regional and rural communities has helped my work with Redhanded. It has been interesting to learn the creative processes behind the advertising that I’ve grown up seeing in local newspapers," said Upton.

CEO of Porter Novelli, Rhys Ryan, said: "The Clemenger Agri Grad Program is the first specialised agriculture graduate program in Australia’s marketing communications industry. Agribusiness is a major part of our work at Porter Novelli and welcoming graduates with lived experience has been an exciting investment in our business and one that we know will directly benefit the outcomes of our agriculture industry clients."

Managing Director at Redhanded, Stuart Shepard, said: "We are proud to be supporting the next generation of Australian agribusiness professionals. Anna and Harriet's arrival starts a new chapter in us helping to develop the brightest minds who share our vision for a strong agribusiness sector."

The Clemenger Group comprises 25 individual companies across multiple disciplines. Porter Novelli shapes stories with evidence and commits to strategy first, delivering creative and meaningful communications campaigns. Redhanded is a fully integrated communications agency in Melbourne focusing on connecting city and country.