The Australian honey bee, strawberry and mushroom industries are set to benefit from the Australian Government’s $5 million Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston, said the funding would support the development of leaders to take these important industries forward.

“The Australian Government is investing in the next generation of leaders in the honey bee, strawberry and mushroom industries to help drive future growth,” Minister Ruston said.

“Australian Honey Bee Industry Council and Strawberries Australia will each receive $50,000 through the Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund for current and up-and-coming leaders to attend leadership courses run by either the Australian Institute of Company Directors or the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

“The fund will also provide $98,000 to the Australian Mushroom Growers Association to develop leadership skills to take the industry forward.

“Undertaking targeted training through these highly-regarded providers will assist these organisations to develop leadership capability and capacity.

“It will assist these industries to champion their priorities and advocate agricultural and rural issues to the wider community and across government.

“Australia’s honey and beeswax production is substantial and growing, with around $110 million of production in 2015–16, whilst the value of Australia’s strawberry production was $381.6 million in 2015–16 and 64,000 tonnes of mushrooms were produced in 2015-16, worth more than $353 million to the Australian economy.

“Developing and expanding industry leadership capacity and expertise in these industries will ensure they continue to deliver for the Australian economy and their producers.”

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