The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has welcomed the appointment of well-respected Queensland grain grower Andrew Earle as the organisation's newest board director.
Mr Earle's appointment was announced by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) yesterday. He steps into the directorship role vacated by South Australian grain grower and pork producer Sharon Starick, who was appointed GRDC Board Chair in September.
The Queensland-based grower is well-known across the grains sector having previously served as a board member of Grains Australia, and as deputy chair of Grain Producers Australia. He has also been a staunch supporter of grains research having regularly hosted farming trials on his Mungindi property, Bullawarrie.
Mrs Starick said his appointment would add to the depth of knowledge and experience on the GRDC Board.
GRDC has a critical role investing in quality research, development and extension to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers, so it is invaluable to have amongst our directors, people who understand farming practices and the broader grains industry. Andrew is incredibly well respected across the sector and brings the personal insights that only come from 20 plus years developing and running a successful farming business. We are really pleased to have him join us and look forward to his contribution to GRDC.
Mr Earle joins the GRDC Board along with:
- Mrs Sharon Starick - Chairperson (South Australia grain grower and pork producer)
- Mr Robert (Bob) Nixon - Deputy Chairperson (Western Australian grain grower)
- Ms Kellie Benda - Director (Western Australia)
- Mr Shaun Coffey - Director (Queensland)
- Mr Richard Heath - Director (Queensland/New South Wales)
- Ms Natalie Sommerville - Director (South Australia)
- Ms Belinda (Bindi) Turner - Director (New South Wales)
