Now in its fourth year almost 100 students have already been through the program which includes tours of stores, fresh food markets and distribution centres, group work and presentations from key people within the industry including senior Woolworths managers.

In 2009, Adrian Caia, who is part owner of Doojon grapes in Mildura, made the trip to Sydney to take part in the course. He says that as a supplier to Woolworths he wanted to get a different perspective on how the retail business works.

"When I went back to the farm I took with me a better understanding of business management and marketing strategies which I apply now to my family's business to make sure it continues to grow and succeed into the future."

Woolworths director of supermarkets, Greg Foran, said, "This is a golden opportunity for young people to gain a valuable insight into our company and to further themselves in the industry.

"The Agricultural Business Scholarship Program is an integral part of Woolworths' Fresh Food Farming program which will see Woolworths invest around $3.25 million on sustainable farming initiatives and projects to develop the next generation of talent in rural and regional Australia."

University of Western Sydney Professor Bill Bellotti, Vincent Fairfax Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, said the Woolworths scholarships are a great initiative.

"Modern food supply chains are critical to the future of both city based food consumers and rural based food producers," Professor Bellotti said.

"How we as a society address food, agriculture, environment and health issues will be a key challenge in the future. I encourage applicants from all parts of the agrifood sector to consider the fantastic opportunity of these Woolworths scholarships."

Lecture topics on the 12 day course include business strategy and planning, the agricultural value chain, leadership skills, business finance, supply chain management, doing business with retailers, the role of government and sustainability issues.

Anyone between the ages of 20 and 30 who are either employed in the agricultural or horticultural industry or in the second or further years of study in an agricultural or horticultural faculty can apply for one of the 30 places. Course fees, hotel accommodation and flights to Sydney are all covered by Woolworths.

Full details and application forms can be found at woolworths.com.au.

Applications close Friday 28 May 2010.


Source: Woolworths