Tender Advertisement #1276524

Request for Proposal: Australian Horticulture Paddock to Plate Scholarship Program (AM21005)
Hort Innovation is a not-for-profit, grower-owned Research and Development Corporation (RDC) for Australia’s $15.1 billion horticulture industry. Hort Innovation invests around $120 million in research and development (R&D) and marketing programs annually to provide benefits to industry and the wider community.
Hort Innovation is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced and capable delivery partner for the project: Australian Horticulture Paddock to Plate Scholarship Program (AM21005)
The objectives of the services being sought are to:
• Support the development of professionals in the international horticulture supply chain of strategic export markets to promote and be ambassadors of fresh Australian produce.
• Develop trusted long-term strategic relationships between Australia and international markets.
• Educate international trade professionals on Australian horticultural best practices and high-value products.
• Capture unforeseen potential consumer barriers to trade.
• Establish an alumni group to build ongoing knowledge and network.
The project aims to select professionals and influencers from the international fresh produce supply chain, such as importers, retailers, foodservice and government of key countries to demonstrate the world-class food safety and quality practices of Australian produce. These professionals will visit Australian farms, processing facilities, storage, transport and distribution centres, sea and airports. They will also have contact with local producers, farming technologies and visit research centres.
The program would be invitation-only and focus on education - part theory and part practical with each participant receiving a graduation certificate and joining the alumni at the end of the two weeks.
Alumni events would occur each year in the selected international markets.
Individuals will visit Australia for two weeks and have their main costs (accommodation, transport and food) covered by the program. Airfares are to be covered by the participants. The group stays together for the duration of the trip.
Hort Innovation has prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) document that provides background information, outlines the scope of services, the procurement process and the information required from interested parties.
The RFP may be downloaded from www.tenders.net (you will need to be a member of tenders.net to access this information).
The closing date for responses is 3.00pm (AEST), 03 May 2022.