The Hort Innovation Board has announced that chief executive John Lloyd will step down in the second half of 2018 after eight years leading Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) then Hort Innovation. Mr Lloyd joined HAL as CEO in 2009 and led it through a challenging yet successful transition to Hort Innovation in 2014. Under his leadership, Hort Innovation has also grown significantly as a business and delivered substantial economic, social and environmental benefits to Australia through its research and development and marketing activities. “It’s been my privilege to lead the Research and Development Corporation for horticulture in Australia," Mr Lloyd said. “This industry is one of which industry participants can be proud. Everything we do in horticulture allows people to live happier, healthier, longer and more productive lives – this has been reflected in the tremendous growth of the sector over the past 10 years.”
ALEC welcomes ASEL committee
DOCTOR Chris Back has been appointed by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) as the independent Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee to conduct the review of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL). ASEL is mandated by the Federal Government and regulates the handling of animals in Australia’s livestock export supply chains, from pre-export preparation to the point of discharge in the importing country. Dr Back, a former Western Australian Senator, graduated in Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland in 1971. He retains his Veterinary Surgeons Board of WA registration, backed by many years of experience working as a livestock veterinarian and university lecturer. Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council CEO Simon Westaway said the appointment of Dr Back and the other Technical Advisory Committee members was a positive step in the review process.
NFF explores new markets
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) will lead a 12-day reconnaissance mission to the Europe Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) next week to explore new market pathways for Australian agriculture and to strengthen ties in the region. NFF President Fiona Simson said the UK’s exit from the EU represented opportunities for Australian exports and the delegation was about laying the groundwork to realise these. “Our aim is to identify and formalise relationships with EU and UK industry associations that have common interests with Australian producers,” Ms Simson said.
