The announcement was made during the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) in Melbourne, Australia. Allen said he will focus on investigating supply chains overseas and how efficiencies can help a grower’s bottom line.
“We were impressed with the high caliber of applications, which covered all aspects of the supply chain, and hope to have even more participation next year,” said GTA Chairman Peter Reading.
The fellowship is open to employees of GTA members and to Nuffield alumni, and will fund an international study tour.
Allen believes there’s room for improvement in the way supply chain organizations connect with growers to help them achieve a successful grain growing enterprise.
“I see problems where a lot of growers view the supply chain as expensive and, in some cases, try to avoid it, when it is trying to be a service for the grower,” Allen said. “I hope to visit not only countries with a well-developed supply chain, but those starting out on the export path, to see how growers are connecting to bulk handlers and adapting to a global market.”
Jim Geltch, chief executive officer (CEO) of Nuffield Australia, said he was thrilled with the new fellowship.
“Nuffield is able to offer amazing access to new scholars through our alumni. The networks that GTA have throughout the world will build on this, and is something we will both be able to benefit from going forward, he said.
Allen will present the findings of his research at next year’s Australian Grains Industry Conference as well as the Nuffield conference.
