The Albanese Labor Government has appointed Mrs Sharon Starick as the new Chairperson for the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
As a current GRDC Director appointed in 2018, Mrs Starick will bring an important sense of familiarity but also renewal to the role.
She is a well-known and trusted industry figurehead who has experience across a range of agricultural industries.
Commencing on 1 October 2024, Mrs Starick will hold the Chairperson title for a three-year term, alongside Bob Nixon (Deputy Chairperson), Kellie Benda, Shaun Coffey, Natalie Sommerville, Bindi Turner and Richard Heath.
Mrs Starick also holds the positions of Chair of Animal Health Australia, Director of the Regional Investment Corporation, Independent Chair of the SA Future Drought Fund Advisory Group and Committee member of Murray Plains Farmers.
The contribution of GRDC's investments in research, development and extension activities to deliver improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry is widely recognised.
The Chairperson and the board set the strategic direction and monitor GRDC's ongoing performance.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"I am excited to welcome Mrs Starick into her new role.
"The Australian grains industry is a powerful contributor to the Australian agriculture sector, supported by the GRDC.
"Mrs Starick has extensive board experience and will use this to continue leading organisational change and strategy renewal within the GRDC.
"Mrs Starick's passion is clear in every aspect of her life, she has a strong interest in the grains industry and has dryland cropping on her family farm.
"She also has a strong interest in policy development and collaboration with Australian agriculture and has a passion for natural resource management and sustainable conservation.
"This passion, and new term, will be vital in the further development of Australia's grains industry."
