Nick Pyke has taken over as Chair of the AGMARDT Board of Trustees.
Mr Pyke, who has been a member of the board for two years, has succeeded Richard Green, who will step down from the board next year after six years as a trustee, the last two as Chair.
Nick Pyke is a founder and director of Ag Innovate Ltd and Leftfield Innovation Ltd and has extensive governance experience with agricultural businesses, farms and industry good organisations. His previous roles have included CEO of the Foundation of Arable Research (FAR) for over 20 years, from its inception.
Prior to that he had a scientific career with MAF, DSIR, HortResearch and Agriculture Canada, working mostly on horticultural crops. He has held positions on several national advisory groups and received a number of awards recognising his contribution to agriculture.
“Richard understands the industry so well and has done a brilliant job,” said Mr Pyke. “I share his passion for the work that AGMARDT does. Our board is strongly focused on aligning with the AGMARDT strategy and on continuing to build the fund so that we can invest more in grants back into improving the food and fibre sector through innovation and developing leadership.”
Mr Green said it had been a great privilege to serve on the board.
“AGMARDT has regularly ‘refreshed its bench’ through bringing in new trustees to ensure diversity of thought and fresh ideas,” he said.
“The recent appointment of our new general manager, Lee-Ann Marsh, was a logical time for me to also decide to step down as chair. I am looking forward to my final few months on the board and to supporting Nick and our fellow trustees in continuing the fantastic work that AGMARDT does.”
