Facebook Linkedin Instagram Youtube Spotify
visit us
Email US
Member Area

Emerging Cherry Industry Leaders Program – 2025/26

Overview

The Emerging Cherry Industry Leaders Program is designed to foster the next generation of leaders. It will offer 15–20 emerging cherry industry leaders a series of workshops, training and networking to continue innovation, sustainability and growth in the cherry industry. Through a combination of face-to-face workshops, webinars, orchard visits and study tours, participants will improve their leadership, career and technical skills.

Objectives

  1. Develop leadership skills in the next generation of Australian cherry growers.
  2. Improve knowledge of current industry challenges, innovations and opportunities.
  3. Build a network of young, like-minded cherry growers and industry leaders.
  4. Empower participants to implement change and innovation within their orchard businesses and the Australian cherry industry.
  5. Provide the opportunity to see best practices in orchard management, supply chain logistics and marketing opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered in the program, applicants must display the following;

  • Aged between 18–40 and involved in cherry production, supply chain management, research or agronomic services.
  • Passionate about the future of the cherry industry and who have demonstrated commitment to their professional development.
  • Committed to actively participate in workshops, meetings and collaborative projects.
  • Ability to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the industry.

 

Program Details

This 18-month program will be delivering a leadership program to build capability within the cherry industry. It will coincide with activities and deliverables already set in Extension and Communication for the Australian cherry industry project CY22002.

All locations are subject to change after discussion with project team and participants.

DATEACTIVITY
April 2025Initial workshop and leadership skills session (NSW)
June 2025International Cherry Symposium, USA* (7-10 days)
September 2025Online webinar: technical skills based
October/November 2025Domestic study tour (3 days)
February 2026Face-to-face workshop (VIC)
April 2026Online webinar: technical skills based
June 2026National Cherry Conference – Emerging Leaders networking event
September 2026Final workshop (Tas)

*International cherry symposium tour may be part of the larger extension project to ensure all cherry growers have access to this opportunity. Participants will need to cover some costs of this tour, to be discussed with successful applicants.

Cost to participant = approx. $3,000 (additional $3,000 for international study tour TBA)

Number of days required to participate = approx. 20 days

 

Application Process

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

DATEACTIVITY
24 February 2025Applications open
24 March 2025Applications closed
25 -31 March 2025Applications reviewed
4 April 2025Candidates are notified of application outcome
28 April 2025Program commences

 

Related Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Tony Hannaford

Director

Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.

Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.

Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.

Nic Hansen

Director

Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.

Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.

Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.

Grant Piggott

Honorary Treasurer

Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.

He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management.  He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.

Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.

In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.

Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.

ANDREW FAIRLEY

Director

Andrew Fairley bio coming soon

Fiona Hall

Director

Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.

Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.

Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.

Greg Perry

Deputy Chair

Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.

Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.

Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.

Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.

Alison Jones (Sebire)

Chair

I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.

I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!

I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.

Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.

In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.

In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.

I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!

Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009

Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013

Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024