Ms Brianna Casey AM has been appointed by the Board of AgriFutures Australia as its new Managing Director, succeeding Mr John Harvey who has led the organisation for the last ten years.

An experienced CEO with over two decades of leadership in food security, social and agricultural policy and advocacy, Ms Casey brings a unique combination of strategic vision, stakeholder engagement and deep understanding of the agricultural value chain, from farm gate to corporate and research partnerships and government policy. She has an outstanding track record of brokering partnerships that deliver benefits for all stakeholders.

In congratulating Ms Casey on her appointment, Cathy McGowan AO, Chair of AgriFutures, said she brings the strategic vision, energy, optimism and operational excellence required to write the next exciting chapter of AgriFutures’ history.

“I am thrilled to be joining the AgriFutures Australia team and building on the fine legacy of outgoing Managing Director, John Harvey” Ms Casey said.

“Australian agriculture and rural innovation already hold a leadership position on the world stage, but in the face of big challenges, ranging from climate change to slowing productivity growth and workforce constraints, AgriFutures has never been more relevant or important, not only to our high-value and emerging industries, but to all Australians” Ms Casey said.

“I cannot think of a more exciting time to be collaborating with some of the brightest minds, industries and organisations as we lead and transform rural innovation across Australia” Ms Casey said.

Ms Casey’s immediate past role has been as CEO of Foodbank Australia (2016–2025), in which she led an organisational transformation that saw Foodbank progress to among the top ten Australian charities in terms of public trust and recognition, and in which she was instrumental in brokering a $200m COVID Community Fund and in securing support for the $120m Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre. In 2024, Foodbank sourced the equivalent of 92 million meals, improving food security for many Australians and helping to manage Australia’s considerable food waste problem. Ms Casey was previously CEO of the Australian Childcare Alliance NSW (2013-2016), Policy Director Environment with the NSW Farmers Association (2005-2012), and Executive Director of QLD Farmers Federation (2001-2004).

In July this year, Griffith University awarded Ms Casey an Honorary Doctorate for services to food security and social policy reform, and in 2024 she was awarded an Order of Australia for services to social welfare and the community.

Ms Casey will commence her role on Monday, 19 January 2026.

The AgriFutures Board would like to thank Mr Harvey for his outstanding contribution to AgriFutures and to the Australian agriculture sector, where he has dedicated his career.

ENDS