Jonathan D’Arcy Appointed Chair of AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel

AgriFutures Australia has appointed Jonathan D’Arcy as Chair of the Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel, bringing more than 45 years of experience across the Australian Thoroughbred industry to the role.

Mr D’Arcy is an existing member of the Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel and has worked closely with AgriFutures Australia and industry stakeholders to help guide the Program’s research, development and extension (RD&E) investments. His appointment as Chair provides continuity and builds on his strong understanding of the priorities and challenges facing Thoroughbred breeders, our levy payers.

As Chair, Mr D’Arcy will lead the Advisory Panel to help ensure the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program remains industry led and innovation driven, with RD&E investments aligned to industry priorities identified in the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan.

Amanda Olthof, Senior Manager of the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, said Mr D’Arcy’s depth of industry knowledge and experience would be an asset to the Program.

“Jonathan’s experience on the Advisory Panel, combined with his extensive industry background, positions him well to lead the Panel and help ensure RD&E continues to deliver real value for the Thoroughbred industry,” Ms Olthof said.

“Through the Program, AgriFutures Australia invests in RD&E that improves horse welfare, boosts productivity and strengthens sustainability, while helping breeders prepare for future challenges and opportunities.”

Mr D’Arcy said he was looking forward to continuing his work with the Advisory Panel in the Chair role.

“I’m pleased to take on the role of Chair and continue working with the Panel, AgriFutures Australia and industry to ensure RD&E investments are guided by industry experience and deliver benefits for breeders, while supporting horse welfare and the long‑term sustainability of the Thoroughbred industry,” Mr D’Arcy said.

“A strong Thoroughbred industry relies on evidence‑based decision‑making and ongoing innovation. Through the Program, we have a real opportunity to support best practice and help position the industry for the future.”

Role of the Advisory Panel

In partnership with AgriFutures Australia, the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel provides recommendations on RD&E funding for the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, ensuring investments align with the Thoroughbred Horses RD&E Plan 2022–2027 and reflect industry needs. Read more: Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel | AgriFutures Australia

About the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program

The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in targeted RD&E and is guided by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan to strengthen the sustainability, productivity and global competitiveness of the Australian Thoroughbred industry. The Program supports high‑impact projects across four priority areas: Thoroughbred horse welfare, workforce safety and environmental sustainability; Thoroughbred breeding; workforce, industry and community engagement; and Thoroughbred diseases and parasites.

About AgriFutures Australia

AgriFutures Australia is one of Australia’s 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs). It invests in research, development and extension to support the long‑term prosperity of Australia’s rural industries and communities. AgriFutures Australia delivers industry‑specific RD&E for levied industries without their own RDC, including the Thoroughbred Horses industry, and invests in emerging industries and cross‑sectoral national challenges. For more information, visit agrifutures.com.au.

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