Rice industry leadership program - 2017-2020. Extended to 2021 due to COVID-19

ABSTRACT

What the report is about The Rice Industry Leadership Program 2017-2020 was extended due to COVID-19. This report outlines all the programs that have been completed. Who is the report targeted at? The AgriFutures Rice Advisory Panel. Where are the relevant industries located in Australia? The rice-growing regions of southern NSW. Background: For the past decade, the rice industry has been evolving and growing to understand the importance of strong leadership. It does this through becoming an industry that truly believes in its people and their ability to innovate, grow and adjust to changes brought about by water reform, pressure from other crops and permanent horticulture, climate variability and market pressures. Our leaders are not only seen as leaders in the rice industry, but also as leaders within their communities, of which the rice industry is very proud. It hopes these leaders continue to influence not only industry but also regional communities. Recognising the opportunity to continue the great work in leadership, the Ricegrowers' Association (RGA) applied for and received $367,960 in funding from the Australian Government's $5 million Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund. In addition to federal funding, the RGA was also supported by key organisations in the rice industry AgriFutures Australia, SunRice, the Rice Marketing Board of the State of NSW, and Rice Extension. This $662,760 funding enabled the Rice Industry Leadership Program 2017-2020 to be established. Aim/objectives: The RGA believes that developing leaders is an investment in the future of our industry. The objective of the Rice Industry Leadership Program 2017-2020 was to provide an opportunity for potential leaders of our industry to undertake training to develop their leadership skills. The development of strong and effective industry leaders helps the rice industry to structurally adjust to the many drivers of change influencing the industry, and to continue its economic, environmental and innovation success. Through strong leadership, the industry is better positioned to embrace the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Methods used Methods used through the Rice Leadership Program consisted of residential training workshops, short face-to-face workshops, online learning opportunities, and social networking events. Results/findings: Over the duration of the program, 163 people completed leadership programs. The key findings for this project illustrated a need for professional development opportunities across the rice industry, the broad agricultural sector and, in particular, our regional communities. Because people working in agriculture often find it to be isolating, the social interaction and networking in this program was a key to its success. A limited number of people in the industry are willing to take on leadership roles outside their own business. This finding will affect industry stakeholders because there is a risk of not having the right people to lead the businesses and industry in the future. Implications for relevant stakeholders Through this program's strong commitment to investing in future leaders, we were able to improve the industry's ability to pursue initiatives in the public interest, and to deliver direct and indirect benefits for community. Throughout the leadership program, a common value that has been reinforced is the important role the rice industry plays economically, socially and environmentally for local businesses, communities, and the broader agricultural and irrigation industries. The Rice Industry Leadership Program has made progress towards addressing the leadership needs of those respective organisations and communities. Recommendations: We strongly believe the Rice Industry Leadership Program has helped to ensure the future success of the rice industry by delivering high-quality leadership development opportunities for growers and industry associates. The RGA has built a strong brand over the past 10 years for delivering leadership programs. We recommend that the RGA continue t