What is it all about?

This project aims to build a pipeline of skilled and adaptable future leaders for the Australian apple and pear industry through targeted training and development. The project’s core objective is to equip new entrants and emerging leaders with technical orchard skills and people management/leadership capabilities, ensuring both current and future generations of industry staff are engaged and prepared to meet evolving challenges. 

A key output of this project is the delivery of a multi-year training program, including a five-day short course in fruit production and a two-day leadership course, held in alternate years at Agriculture Victoria’s Tatura SmartFarm. These courses will provide a unified platform for emerging orchard managers, growers, and industry stakeholders to build technical expertise, leadership skills, and professional networks. The program also includes a final co-designed activity for alumni, ongoing feedback and adaptation, and communication outputs to share learnings across the industry. 

This project is expected to strengthen the capability and resilience of Australia’s apple and pear industry, foster new and existing professional relationships, and support the long-term growth and leadership succession of the sector.