A new AgriFutures Pasture Seeds program advisory panel has been announced following a national search for industry experts to innovate the industry.
The Australian pasture seeds industry is an important contributor to the productivity of the agricultural sector, and pasture based livestock industries including beef, sheep and dairy.
Focused on research, development and extension, the program aims to grow the temperate pasture seeds industry through investment focused on improving seed production and processing efficiencies, promoting sustainability and developing pasture seeds markets.
The new panel will be chaired by seed grower Lisa Anderson, Riverina, NSW.
Panel members include Mary-Jane Rogers, Vic, Joe Cook, SA, David Brown, SA, and Brian Field, Tas.
The new advisory panel has broad experience across research, farming, processing, commercialisation, marketing, extension, agronomy, biosecurity and natural resource management.
AgriFutures Australia research and innovation program manager Melanie Bradley, welcomed the new panel and said the mix of experience in the group will ensure the industry is well placed to tackle future challenges and opportunities.
“The first task for the panel will be to define and draft a new Pasture Seeds RD&E Plan which will identify research priorities and set the direction for program investment over the next five years,” Dr Bradley said.
Ms Anderson brings a wealth of knowledge to the panel as a Riverina seed grower with extensive industry experience and networks.
“I’m a big supporter of research, especially in the field. Adoption of RD&E is key to the industry’s future success and I look forward to working with growers to promote best practice pasture management,” Ms Anderson said.
“With a business background and more than 25 years’ experience as a certified sub-clover grower, I’m excited about bringing a commercial perspective to the industry research and innovation discussions,” she said.
The new advisory panel will meet for the first time on June 5 in Adelaide.
