Twenty-five agriculturalists from Papua New Guinea have returned from their agribusiness short course to join a post-course workshop to help them improve efficiency and enhance business profits through creative marketing and sound financial management.
These participants of the Australia Awards Fellowship Certificate IV in Agribusiness received an additional boost when they received a visit by their University of New England (UNE) and Rural Biz Training lecturers to help them with their business plans for growth and diversification.
UNE and Rural Biz Training representatives facilitated the workshop in Goroka, discussing the emerging agribusiness opportunities in Papua New Guinea.
But it has not been all one-way learning, according to UNE's director of international development activities, Professor John Gibson.
“We've learnt an enormous amount already about how systems work in Papua New Guinea, the problems participants face and the opportunities that exist for improvement," he said.
"This course sees us working together to try and find solutions. It also builds long-term relationships and opportunities for further collaboration."
Participants own their own businesses or come from various organisations such as the Coffee Industry Corporation, the Fresh Produce Development Agency, Table Birds, Trukai, Care International, farming cooperatives and Government departments.
Ms Suzanne Edgecombe, Counsellor (Education) at the Australia High Commission notes that skills enhancement and on-the-ground experience for the participants is key to unlocking and utilizing available options of modern agribusiness ventures.
“Agriculture is the backbone of this beautiful country but it is increasingly important that agriculturalists understand and utilise a broad range of modern agribusiness techniques to remain competitive,” she said. “That is why the Australian Government through the Australia Awards program, takes great pleasure in supporting these participants on their accomplishments.”
The participants explored real world examples of innovation in agribusiness over the course of the five-day workshop. They also received coaching on how to improve profits, connect with like-minded farmers and producers in their professional circle, and attain information directly relevant to their industry.
The Certificate IV in Agribusiness program explores the thematic areas of product commercialisation and development principles, financial administration practices for small business management, health and safety principles and procedures, business structures and management principles, human resource management, and understanding supply chains and value chains.
You can learn more about Fellowships at www.australiaawardspng.org/fellowships