New members have been appointed to the second term of the Victorian Agriculture Climate Change Council to help the Victorian agriculture sector prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.
The new and returning members reflect a broad cross-section of expertise and networks across Victoria’s diverse farming communities, supply chains and academia intersecting with climate change issues. Members include:
- Fiona Conroy – Sheep and cattle producer with experience carbon-neutral farming practices.
- Professor Richard Eckard – Globally recognised climate scientist focusing on emissions reduction in the agriculture sector.
- Gillian Hayman – Dairy industry leader with experience in natural resource management, agriculture extension, and facilitation and engagement activities
- Jack Holden – Sustainability and dairy supply chain professional with extensive networks across industry in Australia and New Zealand
- Luke Hooke – Sustainability manager with knowledge of Victorian farming systems, their linkages to global markets, and supply networks.
- Catherine Jenkins – Farmer, consultant and regional leader experienced in working with farm businesses to manage risks and mitigate impacts of climate change.
- Professor Lauren Rickards – Inter-disciplinary academic focusing on climate adaptation and the social complexities of managing climate change in agriculture and rural communities.
Experienced rural, agricultural and community leader Alexandra Gartmann will continue as Chair of the Council. She will be joined by Mark Wootton AO, a leading beef and wool farmer experienced in carbon neutral farming at Jigsaw Farms, who will continue in the role as Deputy Chair.
‘I’m honoured to continue this critical work with new and reappointed members to the Council,’ said Ms Gartmann.
‘Victoria’s agricultural sector continues to grow its engagement with the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents.’
‘I look forward to working with the Council to advise on how we can further strengthen the agricultural sector’s capability and capacity to mitigate the risks and execute on the opportunities,’ Ms Gartmann added.
The Council provides independent, expert and strategic advice to the Minister for Agriculture about the challenges and opportunities facing the Victorian agriculture sector due to climate change.
Members bring valuable industry perspectives and will continue to help government work in partnership with industry to deliver meaningful and collaborative action on climate change for agriculture.
