September 12, 2024
Grain grower Sharon Starick has been announced as the new chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Board.
Ms Starick, from South Australia, will be the first woman to lead the large rural research and development corporation when she officially takes the reins on October 1.
The GRDC is responsible for investing more than $240 million each year in research, development and extension for Australian grain growers.
“Sharon has been on the GRDC Board since 2018 so she has an in-depth understanding of the business,” GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said.
“She is a highly intelligent, highly capable leader with an extensive knowledge of agriculture and natural resource management.
“She is a grain and pork producer from the Mallee region of South Australia, so she also brings the hands-on practical understanding and experience of farming that is invaluable for a grower-focused organisation like GRDC.”
Mrs Starick, who has a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide, replaces outgoing GRDC Board Chair John Woods, a Goondiwindi grain grower who has led the organisation since 2016.
“John has been an inspirational and visionary leader for GRDC and under his guidance the organisation has grown in size, scope and impact, investing in RD&E that delivers genuine, tangible benefits to Australian grain growers and the wider industry,” Mr Hart said.
