• Transformational leadership development;
• Deep and lasting peer connections;
• Value of immersive, challenge-based learning; and,
• Increased adaptability across the industry.
Participants report increased confidence, stronger behavioural intelligence, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Many step into leadership not through a job title, but by building up others and influencing change within their teams, businesses and communities.
Established by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), the program set out to tackle a major gap - siloed thinking across the agribusiness value chain and a lack of leadership development that connected people beyond their own organisations.
“There were a number of leadership opportunities in the broader agribusiness sector, but none bringing together people from diverse places and backgrounds and exposing them to one shared experience,” ARLF chief executive Matt Linnegar said.
“The sector needed something different; an opportunity for people to connect, think critically and lead across all parts of the agribusiness chain.
“That’s why the Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program was created.
“It was never just about the individual. It was about strengthening the whole system through relationships, insight and influence.
“Since then, the program has built lasting cross-sector networks. It’s helped people lead not by title, but through action, working across organisations, industries and perspectives to tackle the challenges that matter.”
The program, the first of its kind, has since supported 168 participants from every state and territory and built lasting networks across the agribusiness sector.
Coleambally cotton farmer Joe Briggs said the experience changed how he sees leadership.
“Before AALP, I thought you had to have the title to be a leader,’ he said.
“Turns out, you just need the courage to step up when it matters.”
As the agribusiness sector faces global disruption, workforce shifts and sustainability pressures, the AALP is evolving to meet new needs, expanding its alumni networks, embracing diversity, and growing the next wave of changemakers
The tenth cohort of 27 participants graduated this month.
To date, 42 funding partners have invested in the AALP, contributing approximately $2.3 million to build collective leadership in agribusiness.
This year’s scholarship partners include Nutrien Ag Solutions, Fletcher International Export Pty Ltd, Elders Limited, AgriFutures Australia, Nufarm Australia Limited, Australian Meat Processor Corporation Ltd, Greenham, Syngenta, Australian Eggs Ltd, Woolworths Ltd, The Casino Food Co-op, Consolidated Pastoral Company, Australian Lot Feeders Association and ANZ and Westpac banks.
To learn more about the ARLF and its programs, go to https://rural-leaders.org.au/.
