Paddock to plate course on offer for young people in agriculture ...

June 7th, 2012

A unique scholarship programme will give two young New Zealanders the opportunity to build a career in agriculture and gain valuable insights from paddock to plate.

Through parent company Woolworths in Australia, Countdown has two spaces to offer in the Woolworths Agricultural Business Scholarship Programme, with all course fees, accommodation and travel for the successful applicants covered by Countdown.

The programme?s three partners, Woolworths, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) and the University of Western Sydney (UWS), have developed a course offering a holistic view of the agricultural industry and gain insights into Australia?s largest supermarket operator.

During the twelve-day course, participants will gain a broad academic perspective on the business of agriculture from industry experts, Woolworths business leaders and key academics. The programme includes a blend of interactive learning, practical experiences and opportunities to network with a broad range of people committed to the agricultural sector.

On participants? return, Countdown will also extend an invitation to learn more about the Countdown business in New Zealand.

Applications for the course are open now for young people aged 20 to 35 years old, working or studying in the agricultural sector.

Ian Pavey, Countdown Divisional Manager ? Fresh Produce said the programme aimed to stem the drift of talented people out of agriculture while building new blood within the industry.

?Numbers of young people in the agricultural sector are dwindling,? Pavey said. ?New Zealand prides itself on its fresh produce supply but if we are going to meet the future needs of this country we need to ensure we attract and retain our young talent and grow them into agricultural leaders.?

During the course?s six-year history over 150 people have taken part in the programme which includes tours of stores, fresh food markets and distribution centres, group work and presentations from key people within the industry including senior Woolworths managers.

Pavey said the site visits provide valuable insight into the full supply chain from paddock to plate. ?Participants will be able to see exactly how our supermarkets operate together with fresh food suppliers.?

Lecture topics on the 12-day course include business strategy and planning, the agricultural value chain, leadership skills, business finance, supply chain management, doing business with retailers, the role of government and sustainability issues. Experts from the RAS and UWS will guide many of the lectures.

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