The new additions to the Advisory Panel will maintain the hands-on grower balance and will bring a fresh perspective to ensure research and development investment remains aligned with industry priorities, according AgriFutures Australia Senior Manager, Research, John Smith.
“Antony is highly respected within the industry and brings a significant level of farming and research experience to the panel. As former Operations and Technical Services Manager at Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd, a grower and Nuffield Scholar – focusing on the utilisation of rice straw,” said Mr Smith.
“Laura brings a diverse range of technical and operational skills to the panel. She has experience in commercial agronomy, operations within a large family farming business as well as highly-developed project management, research, development and an understanding of the importance of extension.”
Retiring panel members Barry and Garry have made significant contributions during their tenure (four-and-a-half years and six years respectively) to ensure research and development investment is aligned to the AgriFutures™ Rice Program five-year strategic plan.
On behalf of AgriFutures Australia, Mr Smith congratulated and thanked Barry and Garry for their contribution to the AgriFutures™ Rice Program Advisory Panel.
“Both gentlemen have brought practical experience to the panel and have demonstrated their commitment to RD&E as co-operators of field research activities and implementing new on-farm practices,” said Mr Smith.
Despite challenging conditions for growers, the RD&E program remains dedicated to improving the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry, and a number of exciting initiatives focused on the future prosperity of the industry will be rolled out in 2019.
