The Agri Collective Scholarship
G21 Agricollective is delighted to announce that its 2023 Agribusiness Scholarship has been awarded to Lachie Ayton, of Geelong Region Olives.
Geelong Region Olives, or GRO, is a shining example of innovation, collaboration, and value adding opportunities in the region. The Agricollective was instrumental in guiding GRO during its formative stage, as one of the Collective’s “roadmap” projects, and is delighted to be able to support both the business and Lachie as they continue to build momentum.
G21 region has a large number of small olive producers. There are over 40 growers with more than 70,000 trees. This scale of plantings should produce around 2 million kilograms of fresh olives and 350,000 litres of extra virgin olive oil. It was estimated that a minor percentage of these plantings were being adequately managed and harvested. Enter GRO!
GRO was established in 2018, with assistance from G21 Agricollective and in that year, harvested a modest 30,000 kilograms of fruit. This has increased by 800% with the most recent harvest of 240,000 kilograms and a total of 38,000 litres of EVOO: Part of a long journey to a goal of 200,000+ litres of EVOO.
As our 2023 Scholarship recipient, Lachie will learn from the industry events and networking opportunities and will complete training at the AgriTECH Skills Builders program in cooperation with The Gordon.
The Agri Collective Scholarship 2023
We are now offering a unique scholarship program which will enable recipients to travel, study and learn from contemporary agribusiness entrepreneurs. The first of these scholarships will be awarded at the end of September 2023. It is valued at $5,000 and will include the following:
Summit
Travel and attendance at the 2023 Paddock to Profit: Digital Agrifood Summit in Wagga Wagga (October 11 and 12). the Summit is designed around the three main sessions ‘Show Me The Money’, ‘Ambition into Action’, ‘Eyes on Export’ complemented by Agtech demonstrations and guided tours of the Food Agility/Charles Sturt University Global Digital Far. The G21 Scholar will also attend the Summit’s networking breakfast and evening ‘Gulbali Stargazing Gala’ function.
Education
Enrolment in the AgTechSkill Builders flexible and interactive training units of the (through collaborative arrangements with The Gordon), choosing from topics such as data analytics, marketing, risk management, drones, land mapping, labelling, business acumen, climate sustainability, indigenous land care, mental health and wellbeing.
Mentor
Business development advisory session and presentation with the G21 Agri Collective Board to provide scholarship feedback and discuss future directions.
How To Apply
Small and niche Agribusiness producers who would like to nominate, or to nominate a member of their team, for the first scholarship are encourage to apply by sending a brief 1 to 1 1/2 page outline of their agribusiness operation and a summary of why they believe the scholarship would be of benefit. Fill out your details below or email through to info@theagricollective.com.au marked to the attention of Chair Ms Nicole Newman.
Applications close at 5pn on the 28th September 2023.