A new team of existing and emerging leaders has been appointed to bring the Queensland fresh produce sector and supply chain together around an agreed set of actions that will set the industry up for success over the next 10 years.
The group of a dozen Future Fields Leaders had risen to the top through a competitive application process, demonstrating their appreciation for the key strategic challenges and opportunities to be grappled with by industry, and their willingness to work collaboratively for the common good.
Over the next few months the group will work in small teams developing action plans around each of the four fields, or areas of strategic interest, that will be focused on over the first two years of the new plan, called Future Fields.
Growcom CEO Stephen Barnard said it was exciting, and also essential, to have such a diverse and talented group to work with senior Growcom and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff in developing a strategic plan for the fresh produce sector and supply chain.
“The Future Fields Leaders are such an important part of our strategic planning process. To be successful, Future Fields must be owned by all stakeholders across the supply chain. Through Future Fields we are taking control of our own destiny, so it’s essential the team developing the plan and the actions we need to take together reflect the great diversity of interests and expertise in our industry,” said Mr Barnard.
“We have an embarrassment of riches in terms of the depth of expertise and range of interests Future Fields Leaders are bringing to the table.”
Future Fields is expected to be released and launched during the annual Hort Connections national industry conference in Brisbane in early June.
Future Fields Leaders are being supported in their work with tailored training and tools delivered by expert strategy and leadership consultants at Sustainable Innovation Company.
Future Fields is being delivered by Growcom and is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
The Future Fields Leaders:
| Femi Akinsanmi | Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Horticultural Science | Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) University of Queensland |
| Eddie Alvarenga | Marketing and Program Executive | Brismark |
| Kristy Banks | State Manager, Harvest Trail Information Service | MADEC Australia |
| Richard Clayton | Managing Director | MacKays Banana Marketing |
| Johnathon Davey | Executive Officer | Melons Australia |
| Paul Fagg | Marketing and HR Manager | Jetbest Group |
| Marketing Manager | Tropical Fruit Direct | |
| Committee Member | FNQ Growers | |
| Phil Horton | Principal | Horton Finance |
| Business Finance Specialist | A Class Business Finance | |
| Joshua Maunder | Owner and Managing Director | Aus-Ex Fruit |
| Exotic Tropical Association | ||
| Kerry McCarthy | Owner | Gracekate Farms |
| Owner | Harvest Hands Labour | |
| Jennifer McKee | Founder | Grower Support |
| Kees Versteeg | Sales, Marketing, Export and Business Development Manager | Qualipac Pty Ltd |
| Jessica Volker | Owner | Lower Don Organics |
| Treasurer | Bowen Gumlu Growers Association |