The Australian rice industry will benefit from the Coalition Government’s $5 million Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.
The Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Incorporated (RGA) would receive $367,960 in funding to develop industry leaders into the future.
“The Coalition Government believes in and supports agriculture as one of the powerhouses driving the Australian economy and is investing in the next generation of leaders in the rice industry to help drive the industry forward,” Minister Ruston said.
“RGA will use the funding to develop the Rice Industry Leadership Program 2017–2020, aimed at equipping participants across industry with the skills, knowledge and confidence to take on leadership roles within its main bodies and associated entities.
“The gross value of Australian rice production is estimated at $292 million in 2016–17, with exports of this widely consumed staple food worth $420 million to the economy.
“The leadership grant will help to build the momentum and strength of the industry to create a leadership career pathway, training new, emerging and established leaders targeting key areas of focus for rice industry.
“The Coalition recognises that leadership is critical to agriculture remaining one of the pillars of our national economy.
“Through the Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund, we are supporting our farming, forestry and fisheries representative organisations to develop the training and capacity to boost their leadership skills long into the future.”
RGA President Jeremy Morton welcomed today’s announcement.
“The RGA appreciates the support shown by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for contributing towards the Rice Industry Leadership Program,” Mr Morton said.
“It has been great leadership in the past that has brought our industry to where it is today, and through this funding we can ensure our leaders will continue to adapt and grow our industry.”
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