RESEARCH & EVENTS
Women in Almonds
ABOVE LEFT : Anna Petersen checks on how the almond crop is developing . ABOVE RIGHT : Talitha Stoeckel recently graduated from WoTL ’ s Stepping into Leadership course .
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ALMOST 40 women from across three states gathered in Loxton last month for a history-making Women In Almonds forum . It was a milestone event that brought together longserving members of industry along with newcomers keen to network , compare notes and learn more about the Australian almond industry . It is believed to be the first time a gathering for women working in almonds had been staged and the support for the concept went well beyond expectation . ABA ’ s Ella Henson said people from as far away as Australian Farming Services at Swan Hill made the trip to be involved “ The feedback has been really positive ,” she said . “ I can see it providing a pathway for more women feeling comfortable and confident to become involved in industry advisory committees and take on leadership roles .” The event was organised by the ABA in partnership with WoTL ( Women Together Learning ), thanks to funding from the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board . Despite the warm weather , the group toured the Almond Centre of Excellence Experimental Orchard at Loxton , before settling indoors for presentations from the organisations involved in running the day . The event also provided opportunities for networking and discussion , with attendees coming from a wide range of roles including almond marketers , agronomists , hullers and shellers , machinery operators and administration . Renmark almond grower and former ABA communications officer Anna Petersen encouraged WoTL and the ABA to hold an event in the Riverland . “ WoTL has some brilliant offerings for women in ag , yet there is no Riverland WoTL Ambassador , despite most other SA agricultural regions having one ,” she said . WoTL was formed in 2017 to grow and inspire women in
In A Nutshell - Winter 2024 Vol 25 Issue 2 agribusiness . The not-for-profit organisation started out in South Australia but is now building a presence in New South Wales too . “ Almonds are Australia ’ s richest horticultural export crop , and I knew from my experience being involved for the past 14 years that there are many , many brilliant women who would benefit from WoTL ’ s offerings ,” Anna said . “ As almonds are grown predominantly across SA , NSW and Victoria , it seemed not only like the perfect fit , but the perfect opportunity .” Anna was one of four people at the Women In Almonds event who had completed WoTL ’ s Stepping into Leadership Program . The nine-month program involves three in person meetings , three webinars and mentoring sessions . “ Getting time off work can be challenging , however , I would encourage women to consider their own personal needs for professional development and networking and whether WoTL ’ s high calibre presenters may be the right fit for them ,” Anna said . WoTL events aren ’ t held during the school holidays and in many instances are held during school hours , to encourage as many women as possible to get involved . Many of the activities are also heavily subsidised . “ Women are making key contributions in many areas of the industry , getting together , lifting and inspiring others is a large part of these events ,” Anna said . Another Women In Almonds event will be held on January 30 . A bus trip from the Riverland to Mildura has been organised for the end of January and participants will learn about Whole Orchard Recycling . Further details will be available on the events page of the ABA website .