The Emerging Cherry Leaders Program supports the development of the next generation of leaders within the Australian cherry industry. The program brings together emerging industry participants to build leadership capability, strengthen industry knowledge and develop valuable professional networks.
Through a combination of face-to-face workshops, online webinars, orchard visits and industry engagement opportunities, participants gain practical skills and insights that support both their own professional development and the long-term growth of the Australian cherry industry.
The project is delivered by NSW DPIRD in partnership with Cherry Growers Australia and is funded by Hort Innovation using the cherry research and development levy funds. This program is a component of the project ‘Extension and Communication for the Australian Cherry Industry’ (CY22002).
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to support the development of future leaders within the Australian cherry industry by strengthening leadership capability, industry knowledge and professional networks.
The program focuses on the following key objectives:
The program incorporates a series of workshops, online webinars and study tours to improve the networking opportunities and technical skills within the group. These include;
During the program, participants will participate in at least 4 face-to-face workshops focusing on personal development and leadership skills. These topics include:
A series of technical webinars with guest speakers will be offered to participants on a range of topics of interest to the cohort. These webinars will be held online but will include breakout sessions and networking opportunities with each other and the guests.
Coinciding with the face-to-face workshops in the growing regions, the program includes visits to leading cherry orchards, packing facilities, and research institutions. This will give participants exposure to different cherry production regions and practices across Australia.
Applications are now open for the next cohort of the Emerging Cherry Leaders Program, with up to 10 places available for emerging leaders from across Australia.
Applications close: midnight AEDT, Sunday 18 October 2026
First workshop: Sydney, 9–10 November 2026
The Emerging Cherry Leaders Program is open to people aged 18–40 who are involved in the Australian cherry industry, including:
We are looking for people who are committed to the future of the Australian cherry industry and keen to strengthen their leadership skills, industry knowledge and professional networks.
Applicants must be Australian residents and be willing to actively participate in program workshops, meetings and activities.
Participants will take part in at least four face-to-face workshops, technical webinars, industry visits, an international study tour and other program activities.
As part of their co-contribution to the program, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs for in-person activities, along with some meal expenses.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9th–10th November 2026 | Sydney workshop new 26-28 cohort: Initial workshop and leadership skills session. Activities: Sydney market tour; External team building activity |
| November 2026 | Pre-season online catch up (Cohorts 1 & 2) |
| Late February 2027 | NSW face to face workshop (Orange), Cohorts 1 & 2: Packhouse and orchard tours; Research site visits; Personal development |
| May/June 2027 | Technical webinars, Cohorts 1 & 2 |
| August/Sept 2027 | Face to face workshop (Victoria), Cohorts 1&2: Conflict management; Orchard tours |
| October 2027 | Technical webinar, Cohorts 1 & 2 |
| November 2027 | Pre-season online catch up, Cohorts 1 & 2 |
| March 2028 | Face to Face Workshop (TBC), Cohorts 1 & 2 |
| April–June 2028 | International study tour – 7 days |
| Winter 2028 | A celebratory dinner at Cherry 2028 exclusively for both cohorts, with special guests joining to celebrate the group's journey and make lasting industry connections |
This section showcases highlights from the Emerging Cherry Leaders Program, including presentations, participant insights and activities delivered throughout the program.
Little higlight video of the 2 days.
This replay features highlights from the recap webinar hosted by the Extension and Communication project team, following the recent 10th International Cherry Symposium held in Richland, Washington, USA.
For project milestone reports and updates please visit the Hort Innovation website.
You will get access to the following.
Director
Coming Soon
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.
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.
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.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
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.
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.
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
