A dairy robotic milking system expert, entrepreneurs, graziers, a native food consultant and researchers are just some of the bright rural leaders chosen for the new AgriFutures Ignite advisory panel.
Ten passionate rural leaders, including two SA representatives, have been selected for the new panel to allow members to draw on their experience and networks to provide meaningful and relevant advice to AgriFutures Australia.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said the panel members represented a diverse range of rural industries and have specific skills and knowledge in a variety of areas including commercialisation, start-ups, stakeholder engagement, technology and innovation.
“We have a member who works to support technology adoption of robotic milking systems on Australian dairy farms, a member who is the head of agribusiness at the Bank of Queensland and a member who developed a native food export road-map for key government organisations,” he said.
“The panel will provide invaluable insights, ideas and perspectives to ensure we are tackling the critical issues and opportunities within our emerging and levied industries, and more broadly across agriculture in Australia.”
Panel members will work with AgriFutures Australia for an 18-month term and members held the inaugural meeting on May 17 at the AgriFutures Australia headquarters in Wagga Wagga.
AgriFutures Australia research and innovation manager Jennifer Medway said one of the first items on the agenda was to gather the member’s ideas and thoughts on Australia’s biggest national rural issues.
“The Panel members are tuned into trends, responsive to change and work in a range of rural industries across the agriculture sector. It was a great privilege to bring these minds into the one room and really understand how to best promote collaboration on cross-sectoral issues,” she said.
The panel members form part of the new AgriFutures Ignite network which aims to connect rural leaders with an interest in shaping the future of Australian rural industries and to encourage the changes they want to see across the agricultural sector.
Panel members include Oli Madgett, Adelaide, Simone Kain, Penola, Guy Coleman, Narrabri, NSW, Andrew Duver, Kensington, Vic, Jessica Fealy ,Paddy’s Green, Qld, Joshua Gilbert, Nabiac, NSW, Susan Hall, Myaree, WA, Lucinda Hawkins, Dubbo, NSW, Sally Leigo Darwin, NT, and Nicolas Lyons, Sydney, NSW.
