Strong leadership to continue for Australia’s plant science industry

Mr Paul Luxton, Country Head and Managing Director, ANZ, for Syngenta, has been appointed for another term as President of Australia’s national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector, CropLife Australia.

Mr Luxton will be joined on CropLife’s Executive by fellow industry leaders with a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise:

• Mr Damien Ryan, Managing Director, Sipcam Pacific Australia as Vice President (Crop Protection)
• Mr Joerg Ellmanns, Managing Director, Bayer CropScience as Vice President (Crop Biotechnology)
• Mr Gavin Jackson, Head of Agriculture Solutions Australia and New Zealand, BASF Australia as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee

In addition to the Executive, the following people will serve as Directors on the CropLife Australia Board for 2020-21:

• Mr Tony Brookes, Managing Director, Sumitomo Chemical Australia Pty Limited
• Ms Kristina Hermanson, Managing Director ANZ, FMC Australasia Pty Ltd
• Mr Darrin Hines, Chief Executive Officer, Adama Australia
• Mr Rob Kaan, Managing Director Australia/NZ/Japan/Korea, Corteva Agriscience
• Mr Peter O’Keeffe, ANZ Regional General Manager, Nufarm Australia Limited

The Executive and Board provide important strategic guidance for CropLife, whose management team is led by Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Cossey.

Mr Cossey said, “Through the uncertainties of 2020, the importance of agriculture and food security has been reinforced for all Australians. The dedication and skill of the nation’s farming sector has shone bright in these challenging times.

“If we expect farmers to be able to do what they do best, it’s important they have access to the critical products and services from input industries so they can grow our nation’s food, feed and fibre.

“This is something that the plant science industry continues to dedicate itself to. The importance of professional and dedicated advocacy for our industry is as important as ever.

“Maintaining and improving Australian farming’s productivity, profitability and sustainability will rely even more on scientific research and development, the resulting innovations, and farmers ability to access and utilise them.

“Our industry is continuing to invest billions of dollars in R&D every year to assist meeting the farming needs of the future.

“CropLife Australia is fortunate to represent the best of the plant science industry. Our Board, with its passion for agriculture and plant science, and extensive industry experience, continues to be extremely valuable to guide our organisation at such a critical time,” Mr Cossey concluded.