Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
The appointment of Gavin Foord as the new Director of Agribusiness Development is another step towards realising an Agribusiness Strategy which outlines the Northern Territory's 10 year vision for the agribusiness sector.
In collaboration with key agribusiness partners, the strategy recognises the significant role the sector can play in the recovery of Territory's economy.
The potential for growth in food and fibre production in the Territory will attract private investment, create long-term, sustainable employment and diversify the region's suite of exports.
Mr Foord brings to the role 30 years' experience in agribusiness management, research and development with government, industry and private sectors. He also has a strong technical and systems management background, specialising in facilitating strategic development.
Mr Foord has built his career working in agriculture and horticulture, agribusiness development, rural systems management, export market intelligence, development and investment attraction, group leadership and facilitation and strategic planning. This experience puts him in good stead to help develop the Agribusiness Strategy.
Mr Foord has strong links with the Northern Territory, having worked for the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries in the 1990s.
While in the Territory, at Katherine, he established on-farm data collection sites, benchmarking mango production. He also established and maintained horticultural plantings at Ti Tree Research Farm for research and demonstration purposes.
The department is working towards the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission goal of creating further opportunities for agribusiness projects.
The next Agribusiness strategy workshop focusing on Fisheries, Aquaculture and Crocodiles will be held this afternoon.
