Over the past 15 years, the RGA, with the support of key industry bodies, has delivered a series of successful leadership programs. This commitment to developing growers and community members in rice-growing regions has resulted in the RGA being recognised as a leader in delivering leadership programs across the broader agriculture sector.
The ‘Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry’ Project combines existing programs and new initiatives to support the outcomes of the RD&E plan and increase knowledge that fosters a sustainable, productive rice industry into the future. This project aims to support this goal by building industry capacity to ensure the sector meets future challenges.
This project aims to establish a self-replenishing cohort of rice industry leaders, diverse in knowledge, skills, and experience, to support the industry's future. This will be achieved through a series of development programs that span skill levels and a diverse range of topics.
To give industry people the skills and knowledge to drive the AgriFutures Rice Program Strategic Plan RD&E 2021 -2026. The Australian rice industry is working towards a transformational increase in water productivity over the next five years. This change requires both industry and growers to be adaptable. Growers are required to be ready and willing to embrace change within their businesses, and our industry people need to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to guide the industry through the change process.
Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry
Outcomes and Milestones
The project has five key outcomes, transforming and supporting the future of the rice industry through leadership training at various levels.
Connecting and developing the next generation of leaders- Engaging the next generation.
Grower adaptation and readiness to bring innovation & change into industry and business – Upskilling our growers to adapt to change.
Fostering internal knowledge – Sharing knowledge.
Connecting rice growers with all available Learning & Development opportunities- ensuring our growers seek out opportunities.
Corporate Governance/Management – Board Leadership – setting our growers up for success.
These key outcomes address the leadership needs of our industry by providing a framework for the development and consolidation of leadership skills, enabling people to make informed decisions, and providing guidance for the industry.
Leadership Projects
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Rice Industry Scholarships
Since 2001, the Greg Graham Memorial Scholarship and Peter Connor Book Award have supported over 40 agriculture students, most of whom have returned to our communities and farms with leading-edge knowledge to help strengthen and rejuvenate our agricultural industry.
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Next Generation Leadership Program
A four-day interactive residential program, focusing on industry leadership development in Research & Development, policy, advocacy, and sustainability of the Rice Industry.
The course provides participants with exposure to expert speakers and key industry leaders, helping them build their networks and leadership skills.
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Women in Rice
Through the Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry Project, the RGA has continued its work with Women in Rice to help build a stronger, more diverse Australian rice industry.
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USA Paddy Tour 2024
At the end of May 2024, following a highly competitive selection process to secure a spot, 20 growers, researchers and industry representatives embarked on the Paddy Rice Tour to the USA. The group enlisted Jeromy Nolan, a travel consultant, to shepherd them through the central USA rice industry.
The Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry Project (2022 - 2026) is facilitated by the RGA through the AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan with support from AgriFutures Australia, SunRice Group and the Rice Marketing Board.