The Emerging Industries Advisory Panel recently endorsed a new investment plan for the 2021/22 financial year. As part of this plan, a new method on how the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program will assess procurements and maintain program governance has been implemented.
As a result of this change, the panel was officially retired in its current form, in November 2021.
AgriFutures Australia would like to thank the panel for their contribution to Australian emerging industries and for their commitment to seeing growth and improved research programs for the industries.
AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Business Development Michael Beer, thanked the retiring panel, commenting that they “consisted of a diverse range of experts, who have set the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program in good stead for the road ahead.”
Excellent Expertise
The AgriFutures Emerging Industries panel members guided several projects throughout their service, including identifying potential new emerging industries, making investment recommendations, and prioritising areas for research and development. Their wide range of skills including entrepreneurship, commercialisation, and value chain management were extremely beneficial during these processes.
Brian Ruddle commenced as Panel Chair in 2018 and during his tenure contributed a wide range of skills including innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and commercialisation.
“Brian demonstrated significant knowledge of value chain management and commercialisation,” said Michael.
“His passion for Australia’s emerging industries was always evident and I thank him for the outstanding leadership and governance that he brought to the group.
“The retiring panel members, as well as others who have been involved over the years have all demonstrated a strong commitment to improving Australia’s emerging industries. It has been a pleasure to work with these individuals. Their expertise and commitment to advancing Australian emerging industries are greatly appreciated by myself and the team at AgriFutures Australia,” said Michael.
“The Emerging Industries Panel was a great opportunity to help shape and support the next generation of Australian agriculture and aquaculture industries,” said Mr Ruddle.
“The recommendations for investments we made in priority production, post farm gate and capacity building initiatives to support rapid industry expansion is something I am very proud to have led the panel and the Program through. I now look forward to seeing what this next chapter of the Emerging Industries Program brings.”
Farewell to the Panel
Susan Wilson served as Deputy Chair from 2018, contributing significantly to the governance of the program. Susan’s expertise also shone through in the areas of food technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Ann Ross served as a panel member from 2018, demonstrating entrepreneurship and expertise in agricultural production. Ann showed great passion and enthusiasm for Australia’s emerging industries whilst on the panel.
Lucinda Hogan served as a panel member from 2020, sharing her knowledge and expertise in commercialisation and demonstrated dedication and expertise in the livestock industry.
John Lever served as a panel member from 2018, contributing his expertise and insight, particularly into the emerging aquatic industries. John demonstrated commitment and drive to Australia’s emerging industries.
Matt Hall served as a panel member from 2020, sharing his vast knowledge of horticulture and Northern Australian farming systems and contributed scientific rigour to panel discussions.
As we look forward to the future, we reflect on a successful panel that was filled with ability, innovation, and drive, who have played an essential part in the next step of the AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries journey.
