The MG Charitable Trust (MG Trust) grower education fund has been created to support current growers and/or their employees to attend programmes that enhance their skills and knowledge.
In 2026, the MG Trust is offering the opportunity for growers to apply for courses across four tiers (covering approx 80% of the course fees):
- Rabobank Farm Managers Programme (two places)
- Rabobank Executive Development Programme
- Mayfield Governance Programme
- Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme (allocated)
In addition to supporting grower education, the MG Trust is investing in future generations through providing funding support the secondary school programme, Agribusiness in Schools.
For enquiries and applications, email: mgtrust@mggroup.co.nz
The programme is an opportunity to learn from experts and network with leading growers and farmers. It aims to further develop management and leadership skills; improve your communication, time management; learn how to develop a business plan; and understand the essentials of financial management and budgeting.
Date: Sunday 14 - Friday 19 June 2026
Location: Victoria, Australia
Deadline for applications: 13 March 2026
Attendees are required to have at least three years’ experience.
The course cost is $7,600.00. Applicants who secure a $6000.00 subsidy are required to pay the balance and cover travel to and from Christchurch. All other costs are covered, including accommodation, meals and transfers.
Visit the Rabobank website to find out more »
Click to download the MG Trust Farm Managers application form »
The programme helps build strategic planning capabilities and commercial management skills to explore options for business growth. Growers leave the programme inspired by farming and business experts, and with access to a new network of progressive farmers.
Module One: Sunday 23 - Friday 28 August 2026
Module Two: Sunday 18 - Friday 23 July 2027
Location: Sydney Australia
Deadline for applications: 13 March 2026
Applicants need to be the key decision maker in the business and have at least 5 years’ of senior on-farm experience.
The course cost is $16,700.00. Applicants who secure a $14,000.00 subsidy are required to pay the balance and cover travel to and from Sydney. All other costs are covered, including accommodation, meals and transfers.
Visit the Rabobank website to find out more »
Click to download the MG Trust Executive Management application form »
The six-month programme aims to build confident, curious and capable leaders who understand the purpose of a board and the role of a director. It will provide participants with the tools for effective governance of strategy, risk, finance and legal including current and future board priorities, trends and themes. Programme includes workshops, 1:1 coaching and 3 x 1 hour online tutorials discussing real-life governance case-studies.
Programme starts: 1st May 2026
First workshop: 11-13 May 2026 (in Auckland)
Second Workshop: October/November 2026 (in Auckland)
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Deadline for applications: 13 March 2026
This programme is for aspiring, new or experienced directors, as well as those who report or interact with a Board.
The course cost is $9,800 +GST. Applicants who secure a $7,800.00 subsidy are required to pay the balance and cover travel to and from the programme, along with accommodation costs.
Visit the Mayfield website to find out more »
Click to download the Mayfield Governance Programme application form »
Participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping our primary industries, strengthen strategic thinking and communication skills, and complete an applied project that focuses on an industry issue or innovation. The programme brings together people who want to grow their leadership impact within their businesses, communities or industry organisations.
Phase One (Lincoln): Tuesday 16 June – Wednesday 24 June 2026
Phase Two (Wellington): Monday 7 September – Friday 11 September 2026
Phase Three (Lincoln): Monday 16 November – Friday 20 November 2026
Deadline for applications: 13 March 2026
Applicants should show a commitment to leadership and be actively involved in food or fibre enterprises, sector groups or rural communities.
The course fee is $8,500 plus GST. Applicants who secure a $6,800.00 subsidy are required to pay the balance and cover travel to and from the programme.
Visit the Kellogg website to find out more »
Click to download the MG Trust Kellogg Programme application form »
- Ben Scott (Scott Fresh)
Rabobank Executive Managers Programme
- David Webb (Webb's Fruit)
Rabobank Farm Managers Programme
- Jasmine Franklin (Franklin Farm)
Rabobank Farm Managers Programme
- Will Juhl (Greendale Mushrooms)
Rabobank Farm Managers Programme
- Ryan Fong (The Fresh Grower)
Rabobank Farm Managers Programme
- Andrew Derbridge (Scott Fresh)
Rabobank Farm Managers Programme
- Sam Hobbs (Darling Fruit)
Rabobank Farm Managers Programme
- Kazi Talaska (Onions NZ)
World Avocado Conference registration + costs
- Lincoln Roper (Roper & Son)
Rabobank Farm Manager Programme
- Whitney Conder (CentralPac Ltd)
Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
- Ian Albers (First Fresh)
Rabobank Executive Development Programme
- Jasmine Franklin (Franklin Farm)
Mayfield Governance Course
- Jessica Ross (Field Biologist)
Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
- Kelvin Bezuidenhout (Blueberry Country)
Rabobank Executive Development Programme
- Max Bayley (Bayley Produce)
Rabobank Farm Manager Programme
- Summy Yadav (Kaipaki Berries)
Rabobank Farm Manager Programme
- Sarah Lei (Trevelyan's Pack and Cool)
Mayfield Governance Course
- Tom Smith (Smithfield Raspberries)
Mayfield Governance Course
In addition to supporting growers to attend programmes outlined above, the MG Trust is investing in future generations through providing funding support to the secondary school programme, Agribusiness in Schools. A number of education initiatives are also supported through the contestable fund.