After a 12-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the country’s most progressive farmers will again be able to come together to learn the latest in farm business management with applications now open for the 2021 Rabobank Executive Development Program.

Running for over 20 years, the Executive Development Program (EDP) has had around 700 farmers go through its doors, to be armed with the latest strategic thinking and commercial management skills to help grow their business.

Developed for farm business owners or key decision makers, the residential program – held as two week-long modules conducted a year apart – covers topics including strategic planning, financial management, communication, governance, negotiation, global trends, innovation and managing risk.

Announcing the opening of applications for the 2021 program, Rabobank Australia CEO Peter Knoblanche said it was exciting to be returning to face-to-face learning as a significant benefit of the program stemmed from networking with other forward-thinking farmers as well as the lecturers.

“Farmers are selected to attend the course from a wide range of commodities and geographical regions, and it is this ability to talk openly and honestly with a group of like-minded farmers that adds so much to the program learnings,” he said.

“And this network extends way beyond the program, with alumni initiatives such as farm tours and study programs a way of re-connecting with those on the course and previous courses.”

Mr Knoblanche said with the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, this year’s program would be open to Australian farmers but New Zealand farmers would also be able to attend if border restrictions lifted and are encouraged to apply.

“We are hoping those from over the Tasman will be able to participate in the program as they bring so much diversity of thought and experience to the group,” he said.

Applications for the EDP close on Friday, April 30 with numbers limited to maintain group dynamics.

To be held in the Hawkesbury Valley, Sydney, module one will run from August 8 to 13, with the second module scheduled for July 2022.

For further information or to apply go to   https://www.rabobank.com.au/agribusiness/business-management-programs/