Pasture seeds has new panel

A NEW AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program Advisory Panel has been announced following a national search for industry experts to innovate the industry.

The new advisory panel will be chaired by Riverina NSW seed grower Lisa Anderson. Panel members include Mary-Jane Rogers (Victoria), Joe Cook (SA), David Brown (SA) and Brian Field (Tasmania).

The pasture seeds industry is an important contributor to the productivity of the agricultural sector, notably pasture-based livestock industries.

Focused on research, development and extension, the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program aims to grow the temperate pasture seeds industry through investment focused on improving seed production and processing efficiencies, promoting sustainability and developing pasture seeds markets.

The new panel has broad experience across research, farming, processing, commercialisation, marketing, extension, agronomy, biosecurity and natural resource management.

AgriFutures Australia research and innovation program manager Dr Melanie Bradley said the mix of experience among the new panel would ensure the industry was well placed to tackle future challenges and opportunities.

“The first task for the panel will be to define and draft a new Pasture Seeds RD&E Plan which will identify research priorities and set the direction for program investment over the next five years,” said Dr Bradley.

New panel chairwoman Lisa Anderson brings a wealth of knowledge to the panel as a grower with extensive industry experience and networks.

“I’m a big supporter of research, especially in the field. Adoption of RD&E is key to the industry’s future success and I look forward to working with growers to promote best-practice pasture management,” Ms Anderson said.