New Zealand
6 December 2024

Seed & Grain New Zealand (SGNZ) (previously the NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association) and the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association (NZPBRA) are pleased to announce they have appointed a new Chief Executive, Sarah Clark, to lead the organisations from January 2025.

Clark joins the seed industry from her role at the Ministry for Primary Industries where she has headed up responsibilities within both Plant Imports and Plant Exports over her 14-year tenure.

“Through my previous experience interacting with the seed and grain industry I have developed an understanding and passion for the sector. Seed & Grain New Zealand is a stand-out organisation for the professional way it represents its industry, and the collaborative way it interacts with regulators and associated industry bodies to solve problems and get better outcomes for members.”

Clark, originally from a farming background in the South Island, welcomes the opportunity to represent a primary industry organisation at a time when responding to the regulatory environment requires a strong understanding of the process and policy to gain the best outcomes for the continued trade of seed. 

Chair of Seed & Grain New Zealand, Charlotte Connoley says the industry group is confident the appointment will bring a fresh perspective to their strategy whilst providing the necessary understanding and experience to support the Seed Office team on matters related to the import, export and trade of seed. “Sarah is well-known as a key contact for the seed and grain industry within her current role with MPI. Her experience in Plant Exports and Plant Imports, biosecurity, and her commercial understanding will be critical for the industry as we face a heavy program of regulatory review now and into the future.”

“The government is planning to change New Zealand’s gene technology regulations and so the industry will need to discuss potential impacts of this change. With a PhD in biochemistry, Sarah’s knowledge of gene technologies and ability to represent the potentially differing viewpoints of our membership to achieve co-existence, is another key strength of this appointment. The key relationships Sarah has cultivated within government agencies as well as associated primary industry bodies will support our ongoing commitment to working collaboratively to represent the seed industry.”

Clark says “I am excited to support the members of SGNZ and better understand the issues of the day to ensure appropriate representation. An immediate priority for me is to learn the role the organisation has in the wider seed and grain industry, and to identify collaboration opportunities with the other organisations that support the seed sector”.

Alongside SGNZ, Clark will also be heading up the NZPBRA. Chair John Caradus says the Association is excited by the appointment of a respected leader to support companies representing New Zealand’s leading forage and cereal breeders and endophyte developers.

Clark says her strengths include a natural drive to get things done in collaboration with others and providing considered and level-headed advice. She looks forward to applying these strengths to the role and providing forward-looking leadership and advocacy of both organisations. “Ensuring the associations continue as fit for purpose is a key objective, so we can seize opportunities, effectively deal with challenges, and provide a strong value proposition to members”.

She enjoys working on projects that are trade enabling and is looking forward to the opportunity to continue the great work in raising the seed and grain industries profile both domestically and in key export
markets. 

Clark’s appointment follows the retirement of Thomas Chin after 12 years in the role.

Website: http://www.nzgsta.co.nz

Published: December 6, 2024