Growingtogether Food Leaders Australia welcomes new intake for growth program

Food Leaders Australia, a membership group created to assist the food and agricultural sector, launched its newest cohort of the AgriEmerging Markets Program in mid-July.

The AgriEmerging Markets Program helps local agribusinesses in Queensland’s Western Downs grow their capability to enter new markets, with the program previously resulting in regional economic growth and business expansion.

The 10 agribusinesses who were successful in this year’s cohort intake include Coggan Farms, Drury Farming Company, Four Daughters, Fraser Valuers, Glenoch Farms, Knudsen Cattle, McVeigh Ag,

New Leaf Ag, Rangeland Quality Meats and Woods Holding Group

They will participate in workshops, an overseas study tour and receive ongoing professional mentorship to support their businesses to grow.

Food Leaders Australia agribusiness development manager Rowena Beveridge says the program will support the newest cohort to improve business sustainability and growth in important value add areas.

“Guidance and leadership for our region’s key agricultural commodities is needed more than ever to meet growing global and domestic NetZero market demands creating an important value add proposition,” she says.

New Leaf Ag founder and successful participant Nigel Corish looks forward to undergoing a rigorous business review and welcomes the opportunity to grow his knowledge and business.

“Working in the cotton and broadacre cropping sector, ESG and sustainability are popping up more and more, but I felt I wasn’t completely up to speed with how my business can implement these regulations,” Nigel says.

“The program is going to provide me with the tools to innovate my business to align with emerging expectations and I am excited to do it alongside a cohort of like-minded producers.”

Krishna Venkatesan, Shell QGC

general manager upstream says: “Shell’s QGC business is delighted to support this important initiative ensuring agribusinesses continue to grow. The Western Downs is home to world class agricultural products and services.

“We want to support the industry to grow even further in the region.

“We look forward to these businesses showcasing their unique value and gaining further tools and insights to become more sustainable and expand.”

The AgriEmerging Markets Program is delivered by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s Food Leaders Australia and supported by Shell’s QGC business as part of its social investment.