R&D update: leadership training delivers real business results for nurseries
16 March 2026
16 March 2026
For Urban Tree Growers, long term improvements often slipped into the “too hard” basket. With annual orders for 3,000 trees, upcoming staff retirements to plan for, and daily operations to run, there was little time left to clarify roles or refine internal systems.
Moshie National Lean Leaders Program (MT22011) is a levy-funded 20-week program designed specifically for the horticultural industry, focused on small, practical improvements that make day-to-day work easier.
R&D in action
Investing in programs dedicated to greenlife production is only one piece of the levy R&D puzzle. Supporting greenlife production is only one part of levy-funded R&D. Investment is also made in business and leadership capability.
Moshie’s National Lean Leaders Program is an example of this, with the core objective of providing participants with:
- increased confidence and practical leadership skills
- operational improvements, making a more effective workplace
- strategic focus
- team development, including clearer roles and responsibilities
- stronger team engagement
- smoother staff transitions and succession planning
Reaping the benefits
Through the program, Urban Tree Growers streamlined operations, clarified team roles and established practical systems to support both growth and transition. Urban Tree Growers recorded an extra $30,000 in additional revenue through improved systems, reflecting what many participants uncover once they start applying the tools in their own operations.
Across the program, many businesses report a net benefit of around $40,000, achieved through a combination of cost savings, productivity improvements and revenue uplift. In many cases, these gains come from reducing avoidable waste, tightening ordering and stock management, and improving team communication and planning.
Relevance and availability
The program is fully funded for levy-paying horticultural businesses, including turf producers. Most nurseries would benefit from engagement of this R&D project. Participants who’ve particularly felt the benefit have included:
- established nursery owners / managers (5+ years)
- nurseries transitioning ownership
- nurseries changing or adapting their production
- nurseries going through succession planning
- nurseries with new, large contracts to service
The bigger picture
Cost of living and increased biosecurity incursions continue to put pressure on all businesses across all industries. Within the greenlife sector, support for business literacy, strategic planning and leadership development has traditionally been limited.
Recognising this gap, the levy-funded Lean Leaders program is one of several emerging R&D initiatives designed to strengthen nursery business resilience.
The more confidence that is fostered within nursery businesses, the more our sector will continue to grow and thrive. Your levy supports and invests in the development of you and your peers.
Access the Lean Leaders program today
Places are limited and released annually for Moshie National Lean Leaders Program. To get involved, reach out to:
- email: info@moshie.biz
- phone: +61 412 241 801
- visit www.moshie.com.au
ENDS
The ‘Moshie National Lean Leaders Program’ (MT22011), funded by Hort Innovation, is a leadership initiative developed specifically for the horticultural industry. The program helps participants learn how to lead and sustain continuous improvement in their workplace.
