The next generation of horticulture professionals came together in Toowoomba on 22 to 23 October for the inaugural Future Hort Leaders Forum. This is a new industry event designed to connect, develop and inspire emerging leaders from across the sector.
Elders staff in Campsey Ash Farms broccolini field, Gatton. L to R: Michelle Towers, Technical Services Manager, Michael Galea, Graduate Agronomist Kalbar, Cameron Marcroft, Graduate Agronomist Pakenham, Bradley Herrmann, Graduate Agronomist Murray Bridge, Emily Schrader, Graduate Agronomist Shepparton, Felicity Cox, Agronomist Roseworthy, and Greg Teske, Senior Agronomist Gatton.
Elders supported the inaugural event as a Gold Sponsor, with a cohort of graduate agronomists and horticulture team members from across Australia attending as part of their professional development.
Prior to the forum, Elders graduate agronomists took part in a horticulture study tour through southeast Queensland. This included paddock walks with the Gatton team, grower visits, a tour of the Metagen facility and an industry session with Nufarm. Coordinated and hosted by Senior Agronomist Greg Teske, the program gave graduates firsthand exposure to the challenges and opportunities across horticulture.
The experience then continued at the Future Hort Leaders Forum in Toowoomba, where attendees heard from horticultural producers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Sessions explored sustainability, ag-tech, climate and market trends, wellbeing and career pathways.
Elders Technical Services Manager, Horticulture Southern Region, Michelle Towers delivered the opening address on behalf of Elders.
“We’re proud to support the Future Hort Leaders Forum and the opportunities it creates for young people to learn, connect and explore a career in horticulture. With teams across every state and businesses including DJs Growers, Ace Ohlsson and Sunfam, there are many pathways to build a career in the industry,” Michelle said.
“At Elders, we take every opportunity to get our graduates involved in some really exciting project work alongside industry organisations such as Horticulture Innovation Australia.
“We’re not just hiring for a graduate program. We’re investing in the people we hope will become long-term members of their local communities and the next generation of trusted agronomists across our network.”
Elders Griffith Agronomist Emily May also took part in the panel session, ‘There’s no straight line to a career in horticulture’, sharing her perspective on the different pathways into the industry.
Reflecting on the forum, Michelle said collaboration was one of the key themes to emerge from the event.
Elders agronomist Emily May (cloest to camera) was one of the panelists at the Future Hort Leaders Forum
“What really stood out throughout the forum was the focus on collaboration, and that’s a valuable mindset for our future leaders to carry with them as they build their careers and help shape the future of the industry,” Michelle said.
“The forum also gave emerging professionals valuable exposure to new ideas, innovation and different perspectives from across horticulture, and we’re proud to support opportunities that help make that possible.”