WPA president Ed Storey

PEAK grower body WoolProducers Australia is seeking new nominations for its ‘Raising the Baa’ Leadership in Agriculture Program.

WPA is now taking nominations under the program for the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) director course and for the position of WoolProducers Australia youth ambassador.

WoolProducers said it had identified a gap in industry representative capacity building within the Australian wool industry and obtained a grant under the Commonwealth Government’s Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund to meet the need.

WoolProducers president, Ed Storey, said while there are a number of leadership programs that exist in the wool industry, there was no program that focused on enhancing the governance, policy and advocacy capacity of the industry.

“We have had a wonderful response over the previous two rounds and have to date put 10 recipients through the esteemed AICD company director course.

“The recipients have been a diverse group of people who all have varying roles within the wool industry,” he said.

“Ms Sam Wan was awarded the last WoolProducers Youth Ambassador and during her time in that role, has not only presented insightful policy projects to the WoolProducers board, but also provided considered input into industry issues,” he said.

Nominations to do the AICD course are sought from interested parties who have a passion for the wool industry and are active in any sector of industry throughout the supply chain. The course is a globally recognised qualification which provides participants with a thorough understanding of corporate governance.

The WoolProducers youth ambassador position provides a young person aged between 18-35 years of age with the opportunity to join the WoolProducers board as an observer for a 12-month period.

“This concept is aimed at providing exposure and experience to young people who have an interest in industry policy development and agri-politics in general,” Mr Storey said.

“The Raising the Baa Program enables future leaders of the wool industry to gain knowledge in compliance, risk, strategy, finance and the role of the board.”

WoolProducers said unlike in previous years there will be the option for successful candidates to undertake the AICD course either face-to-face or online due to uncertainty of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Course costs, accommodation and travel expenses if applicable, will be covered. Nominees will be required to apply for these positions and all appointments will be merit based. Nominations close on 19 April, 2021. For further information email [email protected]