A Q&A with Lauren Patane on the future of Agriculture in Western Australia

March 7, 2025

Agriculture is at the heart of Western Australia’s identity, and the future of the industry depends on strong leadership, innovation, and a passionate new generation. Enter Lauren Patane, a dedicated horticultural farmer and industry leader who has recently joined the Royal Agricultural Society of WA (RASWA) Council.

With deep roots in the sector through her family business, Patane Produce, and her experience as the 2023 WA Rural Ambassador, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to her new role. She is passionate about advocating for young people in agriculture, strengthening rural communities, and increasing public awareness of the industry.

We sat down with Lauren to discuss her vision for the future of WA agriculture, the challenges and opportunities facing young people in the industry, and her ambitions as a RASWA Councillor.

What drives your passion for agriculture, and how has your work at Patane Produce shaped your approach to leadership?

I love the industry—horticulture is incredibly dynamic and far more sophisticated than many people realise. There’s so much more involved in getting food and fibre onto shelves than most people would expect. From a leadership perspective, working in a family business has taught me that the responsibility ultimately falls on us. When decisions need to be made, my family and I are the ones who have to make them and ensure the job gets done. It has instilled in me a strong sense of accountability and the ability to step up when required.

As the 2023 WA Rural Ambassador, what do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing young people in agriculture today?

Not just young people, but Agriculture in general, is the lack of young people. Many agricultural communities are struggling to entice young people to move rurally or back to family businesses. These communities are getting smaller and making it hard to keep local facilities and services open. For young people in agriculture, the opportunities are endless. I believe that if you have a good work ethic and are passionate about agriculture, you will thrive in the industry. I don’t believe there are many barriers to young people getting involved in agriculture as the industry is crying out for them and welcome them enthusiastically.

Community engagement is central to your work. How will you strengthen the connection between WA farmers and their local communities through your role as Councillor?

I believe my strength as a councillor will be the fact that I am a ‘boots on the ground’ councillor who is working and living in the industry. There is sometimes a perception that the Royal Agricultural Society of WA (RASWA) is disconnected from some agricultural communities. That’s why having someone like me—a horticultural farmer, industry professional, and community member—on the Council helps bridge that gap. My presence reassures rural communities that they have a representative who understands their challenges and advocates for their interests firsthand.

How do you plan to inspire more young women to take up leadership roles in the agricultural industry?

I truly believe that women are thriving in agriculture right now. I know so many incredible women across the industry who are already in leadership roles—whether as board members, livestock managers, CEOs, agronomists, or beyond. These women are excelling because they are simply great at what they do. One of the best ways to encourage more women into leadership is by visibility—when young women see others succeeding in these roles, it naturally inspires them to follow suit. One of my favourite things about agriculture is that it doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female—the opportunities are there for everyone who is willing to work hard and embrace the industry.

What excites you most about joining RASWA’s Council, and what impact do you hope to make?

Being part of such a well-established and influential organisation is an incredible opportunity. RASWA has the ability to reach hundreds of thousands of people, helping to promote and educate about the agricultural industry on a large scale. Personally, I’m excited to use this platform to raise awareness about the horticultural sector and encourage more young people to step into leadership roles within the industry.

What initiatives or projects are you most looking forward to contributing to as part of the Council?

I’m particularly excited about the redevelopment of the Claremont Showground. It’s a massive, highly sophisticated project, and through my time as the WA Rural Ambassador, I’ve been lucky enough to learn about the planning and vision behind it. I can’t wait to see how it all comes to life and to be involved in shaping the future of the site.

How do you envision the Royal Agricultural Society of WA’s role in shaping the future of WA agriculture over the next decade?

More than ever, the Royal Agricultural Society of WA has a critical role in showcasing agriculture to people who may have never been exposed to it before. There has been a major shift in public interest, with consumers increasingly wanting to know where their food comes from and the standards under which it’s produced. RASWA has a unique opportunity to connect urban communities with agriculture on a large scale, helping to bridge that knowledge gap. By sparking interest and educating the next generation, the Society can also play a role in inspiring young people to consider careers in agriculture—something that is vital for the industry’s future. If the Perth Royal Show, for example, inspires even a handful of young people to explore agriculture as a career, then it’s already making a significant impact.

What message would you like to share with young people considering a future in agriculture?

It might sound simple, but my best advice is—just go for it! You don’t need prior training or a specific background to start a career in agriculture. There’s so much on-the-job learning, and if you’re enthusiastic, passionate, and willing to work hard, you’ll do well. Don’t be nervous about stepping into the industry—farmers and employers are actively looking for young people to get involved and are incredibly welcoming. Agriculture is an industry that genuinely values fresh talent and new perspectives, so there’s never been a better time to jump in.