About the program
The Next Crop program is an opportunity for regions to design and deliver their own bespoke leadership development offering at minimal cost for participants. It is a three-way partnership between Wine Australia, regional partners and a provider organisation.
The Next Crop program is administered by regional associations. It is tailored by the regional association for the personal and professional development needs of people in the region, with the association determining the program structure and the choice of provider. Wine Australia supports with funding.
The program provides a flexible and regionally targeted platform to introduce leadership, business and management skills for individuals to build capacity within the community. It aims to keep the future generation engaged and committed to their region and careers in the sector. It also acts as a stepping stone to Future Leaders.
Next Crop programs delivered to date include:
- 2021: Barossa | Langhorne Creek
- 2022: Clare Valley | Victoria (central regions of Macedon, Murray Valley, Heathcote, Geelong, Grampians, Pyrenees, Bendigo)
- 2023: Tasmania | Riverina
- 2024: McLaren Vale | Margaret River
- 2025: Barossa | Coonawarra | Queensland | Victoria (Yarra Valley, Mornington and Gippsland)
- 2026: Hunter Valley / Riverland / McLaren Vale
Next Crop has been delivered in 11 locations to more than 232 participants since 2021.
Watch: Barossa Valley's Next Crop Journey
Other State/Regional funded leadership programs
Other State/Regional funded leadership programs broadly aligned with the values of Next Crop to strengthen emerging leadership capability across Australia’s grape and wine sector:
- 2025: Cultivate Leadership 2025 (Great Southern) funded by Wines of Western Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Great Southern Wine Producers Association
- 2026: Next Crop | Cultivating Leadership funded by Wines of Western Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Margaret River Wine Association