Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry

Over the past 15 years, the RGA, with the support of key industry bodies, has delivered a series of successful leadership programs. This commitment to developing growers and community members within the rice-growing regions has resulted in the RGA being recognised as a leader in delivering leadership programs within the broader agriculture sector.

The ‘Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry’ Project combines existing programs and new initiatives to support the outcomes of the RD&E plan and increase knowledge that fosters a sustainable, productive rice industry into the future. This project aims to support this goal by building industry capacity to ensure the industry meets the challenges of the future.

This project aims to establish a self-replenishing cohort of rice industry leaders who are diverse in knowledge, skills, and experience to support the industry's future. This will be achieved through a series of development programs focusing on various skill levels and a diverse range of topics.

To give industry people the skills and knowledge to drive the AgriFutures Rice Program Strategic Plan RD&E 2021 -2026. The Australian rice industry is working towards a transformational increase in water productivity over the next five years. This change requires both industry and growers to be adaptable. Growers are required to be ready and willing to take on the change within their businesses, and our industry people need to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to guide the industry through the change process.

The project has five key outcomes to achieve, transforming and supporting the future of the rice industry through leadership training at various levels. 

1. Connecting and developing the next generation of leaders- Engaging the next generation.
2. Grower adaptation and readiness to bring innovation & change into industry and business – Upskilling our growers to adapt to change.
3. Fostering internal knowledge – Sharing knowledge.
4. Connecting rice growers with all available Learning & Development opportunities- ensuring our growers seek out opportunities.
5. Corporate Governance/Management – Board Leadership – setting our growers up for success.

These key outcomes address the leadership needs of our industry through; providing a framework for the beginning, development and consolidation of leadership skills and enabling people to make informed decisions and provide guidance for the industry. 

Project Highlights
 

The Building Capacity in the Australian Rice Industry Project (2022 - 2026) is facilitated by the RGA through the AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan with support from AgriFutures Australia, SunRice Group and the Rice Marketing Board.