The future of agribusiness in Queensland will be greatly boosted by a major initiative announced jointly today by the University of Queensland and Queensland Industry Development Corporation (QIDC).
QIDC chair Mr Norm Fussell announced that the Corporation would provide $600,000 over five years to establish a foundation chair in agribusiness at the University of Queensland Gatton College.
Mr Fussell said that as a major lender to the rural industry sector of the Queensland economy, QIDC had a strong interest in progressing innovation across all areas of primary production.
'Whether it be beef, wool, sugar, cotton or grain, Queensland's primary industries contribute significantly to the State economy and our future lies in developing our exports of value-added products,' he said.
'This will require agribusiness managers with the skills to identify and respond to these challenges.
'This partnership with the University of Queensland will assist Queensland businesses in developing a strong presence in the market of tomorrow - Asia.'
University of Queensland Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Gatton College) Professor Craig Pearson congratulated the QIDC board on its far-sighted initiative which built on the existing Gatton College strengths in training future agribusiness executives.
'Currently the Agribusiness Group at Gatton College has an experienced and competent academic team which has demonstrated its abilities for innovation in curriculum development and teaching methodologies,' he said.
'We pride ourselves on our strong industry links and this is highlighted by the Agribusiness Group's unique ?Thinking of Asia' project in which agribusiness firms commission our students to undertake market research for them in Asia.
'Over the past three years, 14 individual Australian companies have sponsored research involving over 60 students in 10 different Asian countries. As a result of these projects, several companies have expanded their export initiatives into this dynamic region.'
Professor Pearson said an outstanding international candidate would be sought for the position, to be known as the QIDC Professor of Agribusiness. The appointee would provide international leadership in agribusiness and rural management.
Major developments were expected in providing a professional masters program and a collaborative research centre with agribusiness firms and agencies.
The professional masters program would provide an opportunity for agribusiness executives to upgrade their qualifications while working on projects relevant to their own companies.
The proposed agribusiness research centre would provide a focus for collaborative research between industry, government and the University while giving students and staff the opportunity to work on real-industry problems.
Professor Pearson said that as a core participant in such a centre, QIDC would be actively engaged in the centre's activities with both domestic and international clients.
For further information, contact Mr Tony Dunne telephone 074 601 332 or Mr Ray Collins, telephone 074 601 328, of the Agribusiness Group in the University's Management Studies Department at Gatton College.
