Australia's cotton industry is encouraging its next generation of leaders to step up, with applications now open for its premier entry-level leadership program.
There are 15 spaces available country-wide for the 2022 Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program (AFCLP) which supports those emerging leaders in developing their leadership knowledge, skills and experience.
AFCLP is funded by Cotton Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) and is delivered every two years. The 2022 edition will be the eighth time the program has been run.
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the AFCLP provides a springboard for the industry's emerging leaders to take on further study and move into senior positions within Australian cotton.
"The Chair of the Cotton Australia Board Nigel Burnett is a graduate of the first AFCLP course and that's a shining endorsement of the importance and impact this program has had on the industry," he said.
Mr Kay said the AFCLP also has a flow-on effect with economic ripples felt far and wide. "Australian agriculture generates incredible wealth to our economy, supporting not only jobs but rural and regional communities.
"We are operating in a global environment which is experiencing rapid change and we need to not only accept and embrace that change but actually lead from the front and knowledge is key."
The AFCLP is best suited to people who are keen to progress their leadership skills and who are actively involved in a cotton enterprise, or related position and industry area such as cottonseed, ginning, extension, research, and consultancy.
In 2022 the program will feature face-to-face forums, interactive online discussions, one-on-one coaching and integration with industry activities. Participants will also undertake an individual project related to their area of interest. The program will conclude at the Australian Cotton Conference in August 2022.
CRDC Executive Director Dr Ian Taylor said the AFCLP is a valuable initiative, delivering emerging leaders that can help the Australian cotton industry continuously improve its performance and sustainability.
"Previous graduates of the AFCLP have been drivers of change that have helped position cotton at the forefront of agricultural innovation. CRDC is proud to continue its longstanding involvement with this initiative: developing future leaders and building our industry's adaptive capacity."
Mr Kay said a number of AFCLP graduates have gone on to the Australian Rural Leadership Program and others have become Nuffield Scholars.
"I strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to be involved, as this is an opportunity that delivers real benefits at both a personal and industry level."
Visit the Cotton Australia website to download a nomination form. Applications close December 10th 2021.
