The first intake of Grain Producers SA's inaugural Emerging Leaders Program have been announced, helping eight of the grain industry's up and coming boost their leadership skills.
As part of the program, GPSA will provide opportunities for the participants to develop professional skills and networks, while gaining experience in advocacy through engaging in policy forums and consultation with GPSA members.
The program initiates structured pathways for future leadership development and offers access to a range of industry leaders and partner organisations working with GPSA to deliver its mandate to be the voice of South Australian grain growers.
The ELP cohort will include Rebakah Starick, Punthari, Natalie Sommerville, Spalding, Luke Stoeckel, Renmark, James Heaslip, Appila, Dion Woolford, Kimba, Chris Moloney, Arthurton, Chad Nickolls, Pinnaroo, and Andrew Lehmann, Unley.
Selection for the program was based on a competitive application process overseen by the GPSA board.
GPSA chief executive officer Caroline Rhodes said the program would help to support succession planning for GPSA, as well as Primary Producers SA and its member organisations, through participation in committee structures and eventually at board level.
"To deliver our mission, we need skilled and capable individuals involved in setting policy and to manage and anticipate emerging issues relevant to grain producers and the wider industry," she said.
"That's why GPSA wants to inspire and motivate the next generation of industry leaders."
Participants will learn about advocacy, effective communication, industry networking, research and innovation and the political landscape.
They will also gain a global perspective of agricultural leadership with an international study tour to the United States and Canada which will focus on international trade, advocacy in the US farm sector, biotechnology and other emerging technologies.
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