Ten expert leaders with a passion for Australian agriculture have been appointed to the newly established AgriFutures™ Emerging Industries Program Advisory Panel following a nation-wide search which resulted in over 110 applications.
The Advisory Panel consists of members with expertise across a range of areas including investment across the agricultural value chain, research management and practical business development.
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey, said the new Advisory Panel is an exciting development for the organisation and has been formed to identify and support the development of new and emerging rural industries.
“The AgriFutures™ Emerging Industries Program Advisory Panel will offer a wealth of advice, insights and perspectives on the future of our new rural industries – industries that are tipped to be the ‘next big thing’,” said Mr Harvey.
“We’ve set an ambitious goal of identifying and supporting the emergence of agricultural industries that can reach or exceed a $10m per annum threshold in the next five years. The new Advisory Panel will be key to guiding our investment decisions and encouraging people developing these industries to ensure their future sustainability and profitability.”
Gathering for the first time on 10–11 December 2018 in Wagga Wagga NSW, the first Advisory Panel meeting was an opportunity for the members to meet and understand the new AgriFutures™ Emerging Industries strategic direction.
Newly appointed Panel Chair Brian Ruddle, founder of Impact Innovation Group, said the panel is a creative, open minded team who will make a valuable contribution to the future of Australian agriculture.
“Supporting emerging industries, such as hemp, marron, camel milk and pomegranates, to realise their full potential is an exciting prospect. It’s industries such as these that can drive the future prosperity of Australian agriculture,” said Mr Ruddle.
