The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will get new leadership after Boggabilla grain grower and GRDC director, Mr John Woods, was appointed chair for a three year term.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce welcomed Mr Woods to his new role.
GRDC is responsible for delivering improvements in productivity, sustainability and profitability in the Australian grains industry through research, development and extension activities.
“It’s my pleasure to appoint Mr Woods as chairperson of the GRDC, and I look forward to working with him on tackling the issues facing Australia’s grains industry,” Mr Joyce said.
“As a current GRDC director and the owner and manager of Booroola Pastoral Co, Mr Woods is well placed to take on the position.
“He not only brings valuable on-farm experience from his 5200ha agribusiness covering cropping operations in northern NSW and southern Queensland, but also has professional qualifications in applied science in rural technology and agribusiness.”
Mr Joyce said Mr Woods had an extensive agricultural background that included involvement with the National Agricultural Monitoring System, the National Rural Advisory Council, Chemcert Training Queensland, the Rural Financial Counselling Service Review Committee, Cotton Australia, the Agricultural Finance Forum, Farmsafe Queensland, the Queensland Farmers Federation and FARMBIS.
“Mr Woods’ leadership and direction will be critical in delivering the best possible R&D outcomes to support Australian grain producers to be profitable and succeed in the highly competitive global grain market,” Mr Joyce said.
“I’m confident that he’s the right person to lead the GRDC through the challenges ahead.”
Mr Joyce said he also wanted to thank outgoing chair Mr Richard Clarke for the leadership, skills and expertise he brought to the GRDC’s operation since his appointment in 2013.
“During Mr Clarke’s time as chair, he has led the corporation to focus more on strategic partnerships, such as that with Bayer, which focuses on development of resistance-busting herbicides.
“Mr Clarke has ensured a smooth introduction of a new board, and recently a new managing director.
“He has also strengthened regional ties with the roll-out of regional offices across the country and, as an experienced farmer and company director, has brought a deep understanding of the challenges facing the industry.”
