The program aims to expand the participants' business networks and develop their understanding and knowledge of the grains value chains in Indonesia and Australia.

The Indonesian grains industry future leaders participants have been selected for the program which includes meeting Australian industry participants, on-farm experiences in Western Australia and Queensland, and visiting receival sites, processing and manufacturing facilities, and research and development centres.

The participants will also undertake workshops and intensive training at the University of Queensland about the full grains value chain from farmer to transport, handling, milling, compliance and policy.

They then spend two days attending the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne this week.

In addition to building deeper and more resilient industry partnerships in order to increase trade and investment, the program is focused on building the participants' leadership skills and increasing their understanding of grains value chains, operations and future challenges.

The program also aims to positively impact downstream production in Indonesia, for example, noodle makers, bakeries and feed suppliers which include small to medium enterprises that make up a large proportion of the operations in Indonesia.

The 25 future leaders who are participating in the Indonesia - Australia Grains Value Chain Leadership Program this month are the first of three cohorts who will undertake the course over the coming years.

Richard Simonaitis, chief executive officer of Grains Australia said: "Exporting grain, particularly wheat to Indonesia is a significant agribusiness transaction for Australia with a 35-year history, and it is vital that we develop new and nurture existing networks and connections between the Indonesian and Australian grains and food industries.

"The Indonesia - Australia Grains Value Chain Leadership Program is an important way to deepen relationships and build broader networks between our partner countries and transfer knowledge and improve understanding in both directions."

The Grains Value Chain Leadership Program is a collaboration between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-funded IA-CEPA ECP and industry partners Grains Australia, the Indonesian Flour Milling Association and the Indonesian Feedmills Association.

The Program is managed by Australia Awards in Indonesia (AAI) and is being implemented by the University of Queensland. Organisations including the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia, Grain Trade Australia, CBH Group, the Grains Research & Development Corporation, GrainGrowers Limited, Grain Producers Australia and the Stock Feed Manufacturers' Council of Australia.