Three growers, a specialist pulse agronomist and an expert in the field of grain testing, milling and processing will be the new members of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Northern Panel (covering northern New South Wales and Queensland) from July 1.

GRDC chairman Terry Enright has announced the three year appointment to the panel of growers James Clark (Hunter Valley), Bill Yates (Garah) and Richard Heath (Curlewis), Kingaroy Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries agronomist Graeme Wright and  BRI Australia manager of grain processing Michael Southan (Sydney).

Mr Enright said the five would join continuing panel members Ian Buss (chairman and a grower from Springsure in Central Queensland), Gunnedah consultant Di Bentley, Dalby grower Chris Joseph and Toowoomba soils scientist David Freebairn.

“The GRDC’s three regional advisory panels, with all members drawn from the GRDC’s key industry stakeholders – growers, the broader industry and research providers – have been a crucial plank in the corporation’s success,” Mr Enright said.

“A large number of high calibre candidates nominated for appointment to a regional panel this year and, as always, members have been chosen for their industry experience and expertise.

“With the four continuing members, the five new members of the Northern Panel will provide the GRDC with a valuable network in northern New South Wales and Queensland to draw out local, regional and national grain industry issues.”

Mr Enright said the role of the Regional Panels – one in the north, south and west – was to:

• Identify and prioritise local, regional grains industry issues relevant to the GRDC,

• Consult with industry to obtain their views into what the issues are;

• Communicate and receive feedback regarding GRDC research outcomes, current research investments and strategic directions;

• Evaluate the impact and relevance of R&D for stakeholders, and

• Recommend resource allocations between the GRDC’s program areas.

Having Ian Buss, chairman of the Northern Panel for the past three years, continue in that role was important because of his extensive corporate knowledge as well as a wealth of experience in the grains industry.

“Regional Panels are only part time. They meet three times a year and a vital part of their GRDC role is to visit areas within their regions to consult with industry and the research community,” Mr Enright said.