The Minister for Economic Development, David O’Byrne, today announced 10 scholarship recipients for the new Master of Business Administration (Agricultural Innovation) program at the University of Tasmania.
The recipients are: Scott Atkins, Anthony Brandsema, Allison Clark, Ian Duthie, Brett Hall, Ruth Hall, Ben Hooper, Daryl Lohrey, Melissa Rae and Chris Thompson.
Mr O’Byrne said the scholarship program will support the growth of connections between rural and urban Tasmanians and was timely with 2012 being the Australian Year of the Farmer.
“This is a diverse group of people selected to represent innovation in agriculture at many stages in the value chain and with great leadership potential in the field,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“The new Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Agricultural Innovation is in response to the Tasmanian Government’s vision of the State as a premium food producer.
“The program is a great example of the Government’s Economic Development Plan in action.”
Scholarship recipient Allison Clark, from Houston’s Farm, said food production and manufacturing had become complex and demanding, particularly in the horticultural industry.
“To be at the forefront of meeting these demands is important for us at Houston’s Farm, and to continue lifting our thinking in new and innovative ways,” Ms Clark said.
“This scholarship enables me to participate in the MBA, which will enable my thoughts and paradigms to be challenged.
“The opportunity to enlarge my networks within Tasmania and beyond will be very beneficial even after the program concludes.”
The Dean of the University’s Business Faculty, Professor Gary O’Donovan, said the course will provide knowledge and skills in agricultural business and management, and is designed for three years of part-time study, but can be taken full-time.
The program is a joint State Government and UTAS initiative, involving the Faculty of Business and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA).
The scholarships are provided as part of the Government’s Economic Development Plan and are administered by the UTAS Foundation.
The Director of TIA, Professor Holger Meinke, said the scholarships are aimed at assisting students cover the costs of the agricultural innovation units within the MBA (Agricultural Innovation).
Over the next three years, there will be further scholarships available for Tasmanian students. Interested students are encouraged to contact UTAS for further information on 1300 363 864.
Image Caption - UTAS MBA Agricultural Innovation students and staff from TIA, TFGA, UTAS and DPIPWE. Location: Campbell Town