Andrew is one of GPA’s founding directors and is highly regarded across the Australian grains industry for his forthright leadership and long-term commitment to grower representation and advocacy.
Andrew was an integral part of the process which saw GPA take up responsibility, on behalf of growers, to replace the former peak national grains industry representative body – the Grains Council of Australia. In 2020, he received a Queen’s Birthday Honour, with an AM - Member of the Order of Australia – recognising his significant service to the Australian grain producing sector. In accepting the honour, Andrew recognised the sacrifice and contribution of his wife Julie, sons Matthew and Jordan and daughter Sarah, and his brother Rodney and his family, for supporting him while away from the family farm during his many years of service, on behalf of growers and the grains industry.
While he specialises in RD&E matters, and plays a critical role in GPA’s strategic oversight of the GRDC’s investment of grower funds, his expertise and experience also extends to other core industry issues important to growers’ commercial success such as; trade and market access; market competition and supply chains; grower advocacy and government relations; farm safety; sustainability; and access to chemicals and farm technology.
Industry Roles:
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GPA Chair from 2013-2021
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GPA RD&E Spokesperson and Southern Region current (since 2011)
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National Mouse Management Working Group Member from 2010
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GPA Implementation Steering Committee Member and Foundation Director 2010
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Grains Council Australia Director 2009
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Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Group President 2011-2013 and Deputy-President 2008-2011
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VFF Gene Technology Committee Chair 2005-2008
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Birchip Cropping Group Board Member 2003-2013 and Deputy Chair 2007-2013
GPA Board Roles
Special Projects and RD&E Spokesperson
Farming Location: Rupanyup, Wimmera, Victoria.