Grains advocates to grow

Graingrowers is expanding the number of people participating in its social licence, leadership initiative.

Ryan Milgate, of Minyip, is one of eight participants in the Grains100 program.

Brad Griffiths of Mallala, Christine Plant of Manangatang, Ethan Vogelsang of Padthaway, Jules Alvaro of Merredin, Mick Hancock of Pearlah, Russell Hocking of Prairie, and Stewart Hamilton of Inverleigh join Mr Milgate in the program.

They will undertake an eight-week program involving online and face-to-face sessions to develop leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Graingrowers chief Shona Gawel said Grains100 would ensure the sector had strong advocates on issues that mattered to growers.

“The issue of social licence — the ongoing acceptance of our industry’s standard business practices and operating procedures — is an increasing focus of attention by industry participants and the general public alike,” she said.

“As an industry, we need to be aware of this and be prepared to talk about how we operate and explain why we operate in the way we do.”

Ms Gawel said the focus for incoming participants was grain freight and supply chains.

“This issue was identified in our 2023 Policy Survey as one of the top industry priorities,” she said. “Having Grains100 support discussions will allow grower participants to explain why issues impacting grain freight and supply chains are critical to their farming operations.”

Grains100 aims to establish a group of 100 growers — both emerging and established leaders and influencers — who want to get involved in discussions on issues relevant to future development of the grains industry.