MINISTER for agriculture David Littleproud has appointed the next AgriFutures Australia non-executive directors for a three-year term commencing on 1 October 2020, saying they would play a critical role in Agrifutures’ functions and operations.

“Accelerating productivity growth and sustainability through research and development is essential if we want to see Australian agriculture continue to grow and reach industry’s ambitious goal of $100bn by 2030,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Australian government invests around $1.1bn a year in innovation and research and development for the agricultural sector.

“The appointment of the next non-executive directors will be paramount to realising the priorities highlighted in the AgriFutures Australia Strategic R&D Plan 2017–2022.”

The Minister said that AgriFutures Australia plays an important leadership role in planning, investing in and managing R&D to address important emerging issues for Australian agriculture and leads the Emerging National Rural Issues Forum.

“More recently AgriFutures has taken the lead in developing the growAG platform to showcase research outcomes and commercialisation opportunities across all RDCs on the one platform.

“The new directors will also assist Australia’s agricultural industries to seize opportunities in our agricultural innovation system as the sector faces unprecedented change and emerging risks,” Mr Littleproud said.

The new board will continue to reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring gender balance on government boards—with three women and three men being appointed.

Chairperson, Kay Hull AM, was appointed in August 2016 and re-appointed for three years in August 2019.

Newly appointed AgriFutures Australia board members include five new appointments and one re-appointment:

• Dr William Ryan – director, Guilbridge Pty Ltd (consultancy); Western Australia (re-appointment)

• Ms Cindy Cassidy – CEO, Farmlink Research Limited; New South Wales (new appointment)

• Ms Diana Gibbs – principal, Diana Gibbs and Partners (consultancy practice); New South Wales (new appointment)

• Mr Andrew Harris – director, Technical Futures and Innovation, Laing O’Rourke, New South Wales (new appointment)

• Mr Daniel Le Feuvre – managing director, Australian Bee Services; South Australia (new appointment).

• Ms Emma Robinson – primary producer; Queensland (new appointment).