There is an opportunity to develop a skilled leadership base capable of driving industry-wide transformation for the vegetable industry. The industry lacks a strong pipeline to equip future leaders with the skills to navigate complex challenges and drive transformation.

Ensuring diversity among participants, including both growers and supply chain representatives, is essential to create a balanced leadership program that can address the varied needs of the horticulture sector.

To address these challenges, the project will deliver an annual leadership program, providing participants with training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It will also facilitate connections with industry stakeholders and promote leadership development beyond the vegetable sector.

The program will include face-to-face training, networking events, industry tours, and mentoring opportunities. It will also involve alumni from Growing Leaders and other leadership programs, ensuring continuous improvement through regular monitoring and evaluation, and reporting progress and impact at six-month intervals.

The program targets participants from diverse backgrounds within the vegetable industry, with a two-thirds focus on levy-paying growers and one-third from the supply chain.

Graduates of the Growing Leaders program will be well-equipped to take on leadership roles within the Australian horticulture sector, ready to contribute to industry boards, reference groups, and strategic initiatives.

This initiative will help create a strong, connected network of future leaders who can drive sustainability and innovation. Industry stakeholders will benefit from access to skilled leaders capable of transforming the sector through vision, engagement, and action, ensuring the long-term growth and success of the vegetable industry.