Southland farmer Murray Donald is to co-chair the Agri-Women's Development Trust (AWDT).

The AWDT was set up to provide skills and support to woman, so they can accelerate change and progress within the primary sector and their rural communities.

From just 11 participants in 2010, the AWDT programmes now caters for up to 1,000 participants per year.

Graduates are not only increasing their own farm sustainability, productivity and profitability, and leading regional initiatives, but also contributing within governance roles, AWDT said.

Donald has had a long association with the AWDT as well as holding lead governance positions with Alliance Group, Farmlands, Southern Institute of Technology and Mt Linton Station.

He will co-chair the AWDT with fellow trustee Keri Johnston.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Agri-Women's Development Trust.