The program is a 12-month development program for young people working in the red meat, horticulture, seafood and dairy primary producer sectors.

The first round of the program commenced in mid-2016 and applications are now open for the second round.

MLA Donor Company project manager Stuart Quigley said the red meat industry was one of several agricultural sectors the program will help in attracting, developing and retaining new talent.

“The second round of the YFI program specifically seeks to empower young producers with the market insights and innovation capabilities they will need to participate effectively in the value chains of the future,” Quigley said.

“It will focus on attracting people who have been working in primary production, across all participating sectors, looking to build new high value opportunities in either domestic or export markets, implement innovative new business models, or to accelerate the adoption of new disruptive innovations within their production businesses.

“The second intake will be linked with the first cohort of agri-food participants to build a strong network group that represents the whole value chain. Both groups will benefit by collaborating to increase their whole of value chain knowledge.”

The program includes:

• An introductory, one-week residential;
• Three residential workshops of 3-5 days duration where participants will apply learnings across topics including: global market trends and insights; design-led innovation; value chain design; food innovation; business start-up skills and new venture creation; and business model design;
• Participation in food value chain innovation, market and insights projects;
• Support to design and manage targeted value chain insights and innovation projects within their business;
• In-market study tours;
• Access to senior industry mentors;
• Exposure to relevant industry events.

To be eligible for the program, applicants should be working within the production sector, or a business closely related to the production sector, with a minimum of five years’ experience. They should also hold a university degree or relevant qualification.

Applications close on Friday, April 28.

To apply, contact Quigley on 0419 773 007 or via email.