J-Tech Systems said it’s working with Citrus Australia to provide one future leader with the opportunity of a lifetime with the scholarship valued at approximately $10,000. The scholarship includes an intensive three-day course, as well as a global experience – international flights from Sydney, accommodation and entry to the PMA Fresh Summit in the USA.

The candidates will be judged by J-Tech Systems General Manager, Cameron McInness, and Citrus Australia CEO, Judith Damiani. The winner will be announced at the Citrus Technical Forum on 1-2 March 2017 in Mildura.

McInness said the Emerging Leaders scholarship is practically based and will link back to the participants’ real world issues. “The aim of the scholarship is to encourage young people in citrus to further develop their skills and knowledge and to increase the opportunities for long term careers in our industry.”

“The three-day fully residential format comprises a mix of experiential learning activities, a business simulation, case studies and the application of learning through team presentations to PMA executives. These action learning methods will continually link back to the participants’ real world issues and situations identified in pre-program goal setting discussions between each participant, their manager and the Programme Director.”

The scholarship is open to all those working in the citrus industry under 30 years of age (by 31 December, 2016). A key consideration will be active industry participation.

Damiani said the winning candidate would demonstrate innovation in growing, packing or marketing of citrus, and leadership through their active participation in the Citrus industry, or who has leadership capability within their business. “Innovation maybe the introduction of new techniques that increase production, reduce water or spraying, or new variety development. Packhouse may be a novel idea that increases efficiency or pack-out, while marketing may be new/novel ways to communicate with consumers or a packaging innovation.”

To obtain a scholarship application form, contact Citrus Australia on (03) 5023 6333 or e-mail; or J-Tech Systems on (02) 6049 5000.