CRDC’s new Board has come together in Narrabri for its induction, meeting with the CRDC team and visiting key industry stakeholders Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) and the Australian Food and Fibre gin.
The induction, held on 14 and 15 October, provided an opportunity for directors to build a shared understanding of CRDC’s current priorities and investments, and discuss the opportunities ahead.
The new Board commenced its three-year term on 1 October, following the announcement of appointments by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP, on 29 September.
The CRDC Board directors are:
- Bernie George, reappointed – Australian Food & Fibre Water Services and Compliance Manager, with more than 30 years’ cotton industry experience including as a former Chair of Cotton Australia.
- Sally Morgan, reappointed – Trangie-based mixed farmer and myBMP auditor with more than 25 years’ experience across cotton and grains, including agronomy, RD&E, stewardship and policy.
- Nigel Burnett – Emerald-based cotton, grains and beef producer and former Chair of Cotton Australia, with extensive experience in industry leadership, sustainability and RD&E.
- Dr Alexandra Lobb – agricultural economist with more than 25 years’ experience in research strategy and investment, agricultural and natural resource policy and regional development.
- Dr Rebecca Thistlethwaite – University of Sydney research fellow based in Narrabri, whose research combines crop genetics, plant breeding and physiology to help crops and growers adapt to a hotter and more variable climate.
- Andrew Watson – Boggabri-based mixed cropping and cattle producer, former Chair of Cotton Australia, 2006 Nuffield Scholar and 2008 Australian Cotton Grower of the Year.
During the Narrabri induction, directors received briefings from the CRDC team on the organisation’s investment portfolio and key areas of work, including the Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration and CottonInfo.
CRDC Chair Richard Haire welcomed the new and returning directors and said their diverse experience would be valuable as CRDC continues delivery of its current Strategic Plan, Clever Cotton, and begins planning for its next strategic period.
“CRDC’s purpose is to invest in research, development and extension that delivers value for Australian cotton growers and the wider industry,” Richard said.
“Our Board plays an important role in ensuring those investments remain focused on the opportunities and challenges that matter to growers.
“The different perspectives and experience around the Board table will be particularly valuable as we continue delivering Clever Cotton and begin considering CRDC’s next Strategic Plan.”
Richard also thanked outgoing directors Ross Burnett, Julie Bird, Niall Blair and Michelle Tierney for their contribution and commitment to CRDC during their terms.
CRDC Managing Director Georgina Pengilley said the induction was an opportunity to bring together the experience of the new Board and build a shared understanding of CRDC’s priorities and investments.
“Our directors bring a wealth of experience across cotton, agriculture, research, policy and industry, and many already have strong connections with CRDC and the cotton industry,” Georgina said.
“The induction gave us the opportunity to bring those perspectives together, spend time with some of our key industry partners and talk through CRDC’s priorities, our current investments and where we’re heading next.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Board as we continue delivering Clever Cotton and start looking ahead to CRDC’s next Strategic Plan.”
