MINISTER for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud has appointed the next Grains Research Development Corporation non-executive directors for a three-year term, which commenced on October 1, 2020.
Minister Littleproud said among the seven persons appointed, three are reappointments and four are new appointees. “The appointment of the next non-executive directors is paramount to realising the priorities highlighted in GRDC’s Research, Development and Extension Plan for 2018-2023,” Minister Littleproud said. “The directors will oversee approximately $114 million in grain levies and approximately $60 million in government matched funds.
“GRDC has set ambitious targets and is delivering on a long-term strategy to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers. “The directors’ role is to deliver the best possible research and development to support Australian grain producers to be profitable and succeed in the highly competitive global grain market. “For example, through strategic investment led by GRDC and its directors, Australian scientists have developed a new tool to better determine when to act against Russian wheat aphid, to reduce harvest losses.”
GRDC is hosting a series of half-day forums that focus on harvest loss reduction, harvest weed seed control and preventing harvester fires. “The work of the GRDC leadership team will enable growers, advisers and contractors to learn about strategies to improve harvest practices from industry experts,” Minister Littleproud said. “Research and development led by GRDC benefits our hard-working grain growers, ensuring that more grain goes in the bin and more money ends up in their pockets.
“I’m confident the new Board members are the right people to lead GRDC through the challenges ahead. “I congratulate the new directors and look forward to working together to benefit our rural and regional communities. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank outgoing directors for the leadership, skills and expertise they brought to GRDC’s operations during their appointments.”
Appointed to the GRDC Board is former APL CEO Andrew Spencer.
