Sebastian Calderon, Murray Pioneer
Almost 40 women gathered within almond orchards in Loxton last week to welcome industry newcomers, compare notes and learn more about Riverland production.
Believed to be the first time a gathering exclusively for women working in the industry had taken place, and organised by Women Together Learning (WoTL) and the Almond Board of Australia, the event was funded by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board and was deemed a total success.
The group toured the Almond Centre of Excellence Experimental Orchard at Loxton, despite the warm weather, before settling indoors for presentations from the organisations involved in running the day.
ABA’s Women Together Learning (WOTL) co-ordinator Ella Henson said “they had people from as far away as Australian Farming Services at Swan Hill make the trip to be involved”.
“The feedback has been really positive and I can see it providing a pathway for more women feeling comfortable and confident to become involved in industry advisory committees and taking on leadership roles,” Ms Henson said.
The gathering also presented important 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,” Ms Petersen said.
“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.
“As almonds are grown predominantly across SA, NSW and Victoria, it seemed not only like the perfect fit, but the perfect opportunity.”
Ms Petersen was one of four people at the event who had completed the WoTL’s Stepping into Leadership nine-month program, involving three in-person meetings, three webinars and numerous 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,” Ms Petersen said.
“Women are making key contributions in many areas of the industry, getting together, lifting and inspiring others is a large part of these events.”
Another Women in Almonds event will be held on 30 January, with WoTL events only being organised during school days, which helps more women to get involved.
The organisers have also put together an interstate bus trip from the Riverland to teach participants about the importance of orchard recycling.
Further details will be available on the ABA website (www.australianalmonds. com.au).
This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 20 November 2024.
