The appointment of Gavin Foord as the new Director of Agribusiness Development is another step towards realising an Agribusiness Strategy which outlines the Northern Territory’s 10 year vision for the agribusiness sector.
In collaboration with key agribusiness partners, the strategy recognises the significant role the sector can play in the recovery of Territory’s economy.
The potential for growth in food and fibre production in the Territory will attract private investment, create long-term, sustainable employment and diversify the region’s suite of exports.
Mr Foord brings to the role 30 years’ experience in agribusiness management, research and development with government, industry and private sectors. He also has a strong technical and systems management background, specialising in facilitating strategic development.
Mr Foord has built his career working in agriculture and horticulture, agribusiness development, rural systems management, export market intelligence, development and investment attraction, group leadership and facilitation and strategic planning. This experience puts him in good stead to help develop the Agribusiness Strategy.
Mr Foord has strong links with the Northern Territory, having worked for the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries in the 1990s.
While in the Territory, at Katherine, he established on-farm data collection sites, benchmarking mango production. He also established and maintained horticultural plantings at Ti Tree Research Farm for research and demonstration purposes.
The department is working towards the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission goal of creating further opportunities for agribusiness projects.
The next Agribusiness strategy workshop focusing on Fisheries, Aquaculture and Crocodiles will be held this afternoon.
To find out more about agribusiness investment opportunities in the Territory, head online: theterritory.com.au/invest/key-sectors/agribusiness
Quotes from Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s Deputy CEO Luke Bowen:
“The agricultural sector has a significant role to play in the growth of the Northern Territory economy, bringing considerable sustainable development opportunities through increased private investment in infrastructure, systems and innovation.
“Agriculture is Australia’s fastest growing sector. The Territory has a diverse and well-established agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors, plant-based industries alone are worth over $350 million producing over 135,000 tonnes of produce every year. At the same time our cattle industry produces over 600,000 head for export and domestic markets annually and wild caught and farmed fish production is developing solidly”
“I would like to congratulate Gavin Foord on his appointment and we welcome him to his new role. His skills and experience will be an asset to the agribusiness sector.”
Quotes from Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s Director Agribusiness Development Gavin Foord:
“The Territory is a place that calls you back.
“Having lived and worked in Ti Tree, Central Australia and in the Katherine, Big Rivers region, I am acutely aware of the importance of connecting with our regions.
“My enthusiasm to support industry growth and to achieve positive outcomes is why I returned to the Territory, and this is fuelled by the commitment and passion I have seen in the department.”
Media contact: Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade – 0409 640 859