Australia's world-first Sheep Sustainability Framework, launched earlier in the year, has a new Steering Group Chair, following an open request for expressions of interest.
Verity Morgan-Schmidt will take up the role for a two-year term following the departure of the inaugural chair, Professor Bruce Allworth.
Ms Morgan-Schmidt is originally from a wool and cropping enterprise in Western Australia.
With a Master of Arts (Politics) in Sustainability, Ms Morgan Schmidt was also the inaugural CEO of the award winning and fast-growing advocacy group, Farmers for Climate Action, was an Executive Officer (Livestock) with WA Farmers, has led weekly sales for Elders in WA and at one time held the title of Australia's youngest wool auctioneer.
Commenting on the appointment, Ms Morgan-Schmidt, who currently farms in Queensland's stunning Mary Valley, said she was incredibly proud to be leading the Sheep Sustainability Steering Group in what is a challenging yet exciting time for sheep meat and wool production in Australia.
"As global markets increasingly demand transparency and demonstrable sustainability credentials, the Australian sheep industry has an extraordinary story to share," Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
"By balancing environment, animal welfare, our people and long-term financial sustainability, the Sheep Sustainability Framework shines a light on the crucial work of producers and supply chains, and positions industry to be globally renowned for sustainably producing the world's best sheep meat and wool, both now and into the future.
"The Australian sheep industry has long demonstrated a commitment to meeting and exceeding consumer expectations and the Sheep Sustainability Framework provides an important vehicle to demonstrate this work.
"I congratulate and thank the outgoing Chair, Professor Bruce Allworth, the founding Steering Group members and Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation for their extraordinary work and support in the development stages of this long overdue initiative.
"As incoming Chair, my priority will be in ensuring the rubber well and truly hits the road by strengthening reporting, increasing stakeholder engagement across the supply chain and elevating the Sheep Sustainability Framework as a globally recognised example of Australian industry leadership."
The Australian Sheep Sustainability Framework is a world first and designed specifically for and by the Australian sheep industry and its supply chain. The industry led framework identifies sustainability priorities, demonstrates best practice and uses evidence to track industry progress against key indicators.
The Framework is the product of extensive and targeted industry engagement and consultation by the industry appointed Sheep Sustainability Framework Steering Group. The framework outlines industry's commitment to sustainability through four key themes of Caring for Our Sheep, Enhancing the Environment and Climate, Caring for our People, Customers and Communities and Ensuring a Financially Resilient Industry.
