PRUNE NEWS
Leading the way The Australian Prune Industry Association is looking to invest in new training opportunities for its members thanks to an extension of the industry’s leadership project.
secure these funds and it’s important
on business management and related
that we use them wisely,” he said.
matters
APIA was awarded $159,000 in
what other activities should we be
late 2017 to help reinvigorate the
considering for the benefit of all
Australian prune industry to ensure its
members?”
viability and sustainability.
“APIA is keen to identify additional training activities that would interest all members and we would like to hear your ideas. “How can APIA improve the proposed activities for young growers, and
APIA deputy chair Michael Zalunardo
- Women in Leadership Australia’s Executive Ready course.
Director training One of the first activities undertaken was a Foundations of Directorship training course. In late May 2019, 12 executive and ordinary members completed the three-day course conducted by the AICD. Michael said the training looked at
The grant was funded under the
said it was vital that APIA continued
Commonwealth Government’s
to develop leadership capability
Leadership in Agricultural Industries
to facilitate further growth of the
Fund with the objective of assisting
industry and assist growers to
“I found it really interesting, and while
agricultural industry bodies to develop
maximise profitability, ensuring the
the course was tailored towards
leadership capacity and capability
industry’s sustainability into the future.
directors, a lot of the information will
within their organisations and across their industries.
Michael said while a couple of the funded activities hadn’t yet been
three main areas – governance, finance and strategy, and risk for directors.
be of value in my own farm operations,” he said.
However, with COVID-19 bringing
completed, many of the opportunities
“For example, the course covered
the nation to a standstill, and social
had been embraced by the industry.
learning how to interpret financial
gathering and travel restrictions still in place in some areas, APIA and other grant recipients have been unable to complete key components of the approved leadership activities. A welcome extension of the completion date for all leadership grant projects, to 30 June 2021, was announced by the Minister for Agriculture in April this year. APIA secretary Phil Chidgzey said the extension would enable APIA to arrange a domestic field trip for up to 10 young producers to travel and learn from other industry role models. Phil said funds had also been approved for two young growers to participate in business training, and invited interested growers to contact him with details of the course they would like to complete. “APIA has been very fortunate to
16 VINE MAGAZINE
APIA’s approved leadership training activities included: - Training through the Australian
statements, identifying key causes of strategic risk and how those risks can best be treated, and using that knowledge to make more effective
Institute of Company Directors
decisions.”
(AICD) for up to nine executive and responsibilities, leadership,
Masterclass in Horticultural Business
governance, risk and strategy, finance
The Masterclass in Horticultural
members focusing on director roles
and management relations - Two scholarships for young prune growers to undertake a Masterclass in Horticultural Business at the University of Tasmania - A domestic field trip for up to 10 young producers to learn from industry role models - Business training and field trip opportunities for two young growers - Engaging local and international
Business at the University of Tasmania is specifically designed so participants gain leadership and management skills that will enable them to take their business to the next level. The course is offered through flexible online delivery and normally involves three two-day face-to-face intensives, although this hasn’t been possible in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Craig Tropeano received the first of two APIA scholarships.
speakers to address industry
“The course was interesting, covering
members at APIA annual conferences
a wide range of subjects related to
