AgriFutures Australia welcomes new Board of Directors

AgriFutures Australia has welcomed seven directors, marking the next chapter in the organisation’s commitment to invest in impactful research, development and extension that grows the productivity, profitability and preparedness of Australian primary industries.

The new board, appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Julie Collins MP, commenced on 1 October 2026 for a three-year term.

The AgriFutures directors bring a breadth of experience and expertise across primary industries, research, innovation and governance to set the organisation’s strategic direction.

The appointed directors are Danny Le Feuvre and Dr Harjeet Khanna, who have been reappointed, alongside Dr Catherine Ainsworth, Anna Cochrane, Allison Harker, Joel Kopanica and Mark Narustrang.

AgriFutures Chair, the Hon. Mick Veitch, welcomed the new and returning directors, highlighting the importance of strong governance and diverse perspectives in responding to the opportunities and challenges facing Australian primary industries.

“AgriFutures has an important role to play in supporting the productivity, profitability and preparedness of our primary industries,” Mr Veitch said.

“We need to ensure the research we invest in delivers impact for industry and producers, while also helping identify and respond to the challenges and opportunities that will shape our primary industries over the next 10 to 20 years.

‘The new board brings experience and perspective that will help guide AgriFutures as we continue this valuable work”

The board’s work will help guide AgriFutures as it continues to focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for its 13 levied industries, supporting seven emerging industries and fulfilling its unique role in investing in cross-sectoral research. Leadership development and capacity building also remain important to strengthening the future capability of Australian primary industries.

AgriFutures also acknowledges the contribution of the outgoing directors and extends its appreciation for their service to primary industries research and development.

“I am grateful to our outgoing directors for the knowledge and insights they have contributed to AgriFutures,” Mr Veitch said.

“Their work has helped shape our investments in research and innovation that respond to industry needs and deliver value for Australian primary industries.

“On behalf of AgriFutures, I thank them for their service and wish them every success.”

With the new Board in place, AgriFutures looks forward to building on its foundations, finalising its 2027-32 strategic plan and strengthening its collaboration across the research and development network.

For more information about the AgriFutures Board of Directors, please visit the Our People webpage.