Funding will go toward developing future leaders.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston announced the Australian Prune Industry Association (APIA) will receive $159,000 in funding. 

Prune grower and Industry Development Officer Ann Furner has long been an advocate innovation. 

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“I believe investing in young growers gives them the confidence to participate actively in their industry,” she said. 

“Introducing young growers to new ideas, people and different experiences helps to build networks that will help grow their businesses, and in the long-term, the whole industry will benefit.” 

APIA Chairman and Hanwood grower Grant Delves said the announcement would “help APIA continue its work more efficiently on behalf of growers and stakeholders into the future”. 

“Industry leaders met recently with Hort Innovation to form a new strategic plan for the Australian prune industry. We identified three key areas that could help reinvigorate the industry,” he said. 

“With limited resources, APIA chose to focus on the first two areas - R&D and promotions … new funding allows us to invest in the third outcome of building skills, capacity and knowledge.”

The government is providing funding for potential leaders on leadership courses.

APIA has also secured funding for young grower or new participant in the industry to attend off-farm learning programs to better develop skills. 

Member for Farrer Susan Ley MP said leadership is critical to agriculture remaining one of the pillars of Australia’s economy.

“This funding will allow the prune industry to continue to educate the Australian public about the nutritional benefits of prunes, and bust old myths and misconceptions about prunes,” she said. 

“It will help continue to develop and expand the prune industry and support young growers, particularly in the Griffith, Young and Cobram regions.”