The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia (RGA) have elected Berriquin district irrigator, Rob Massina as their new president.
The election, by the RGA's Central Executive, follows the resignation of previous president, Jeremy Morton due to his appointment as a SunRice director.
Mr Massina farms rice, grain, lamb and wool between Finley and Jerilderie, returning with his wife Ainsley to her family property six years ago after a career in agribusiness, working as a senior executive for Elders and Landpower.
Mr Massina has been involved in the RGA for more than four years and was President of the Berriquin Branch and more recently, Senior Vice President of the RGA, working alongside Jeremy Morton.
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"I'm very passionate about rice, there's not many agricultural industries in Australia that can boast a whole supply chain and go to market with a branded product that is known across the world," Mr Massina said.
He said he has taken over the reigns at a time when the food security that Australians enjoy, is at risk.
"I'm very proactive and enthusiastic about ensuring we can continue to do what we have been doing and what has created a lot of economic activity in the Riverina over many, many years," Mr Massina said.
"We went to the last federal election with five policy areas that were driven by our members and they were all about water.
"It's about no more water recovery, accountability for the water that's been used by the environment, delivering the 605 offset projects without socio-economic impact and stopping the erosion of water entitlement reliability.
"We need to try and reduce the pain that water reforms have had on the industry."
Mr Massina said SunRice's recent announcement that they would offer growers up to $1500 per tonne this summer season, made rice a viable option again.
"SunRice have come out with a price that has really drawn a line in the sand and really said we need your rice, we need Australian rice to maintain critical overseas markets," Mr Massina said.
"The world wants our rice and so does the Australian domestic market.
"They've put a price out there that has not been seen before, it makes rice a real option for a summer crop of choice."
However, he said rice growers would still be challenged by water availability and the current temporary water prices that were being seen across the basin.
In a statement the RGA said The Executive Director; Graeme Kruger, and staff of the RGA are looking forward to working with Mr Massina to represent the interests of ricegrowers and continue the quest for a fair and reasonable Murray Darling Basin Plan.
