Australian agribusiness professional Catherine Marriott OAM has been appointed to the position of Chair of the Grain Sustainability Framework (GSF) Steering Group. The group has been drawn together to strengthen and progress the sustainability credentials of the Australian grain industry.
The appointment follows an extensive Australia-wide search that attracted several high-calibre applicants.
Grain Sustainability Framework Independent Chair, Tess Herbert welcomed the appointment and said the position was an important component of the GSF.
“Ms Marriot will provide strong leadership and ensure the GSF operates effectively and in line with its objectives."
"The appointment will make use of her wide-ranging skills, relevant experience and commitment to help drive sustainability across the grains sector,” Ms Herbert said.
Ms Marriot has far-reaching experience at the board and executive level, having more than 15 years of involvement in Australian and international agribusiness, focusing on business growth, sustainability, strategy, and partnerships.
Ms Marriott said she was excited by the new role and eager to get on with the job.
“Having spent 12 months as a Nuffield scholar, I believe this is a pertinent issue to get right, and it is crucial to have farmers work cooperatively across the sector to lead the accompanying change management process.”
“This role is crucial to help lead the way in an ever-changing trade and market access environment.”
“The GSF aligns with my commitment to foster growth and sustainability of businesses and address a range of opportunities and barriers within the grains sector,” she said.
The GSF's role is to strengthen industry sustainability credentials by using defensible data to measure and track industry performance across key sustainability priorities. The approach is designed to enhance the global reputation of Australian grain, expand market opportunities, improve profitability and build a resilient Australian grain industry.
The GSF has cross-industry ownership and support, with GrainGrowers and Grain Producers Australia taking oversight and responsibility for the initiative through the GSF Council.
The Steering Group will focus on the following:
- updating the Grain Sustainability Framework structure to reflect current material topics;
- undertaking consultation through strategic stakeholder engagement;
- developing and launching the GSF Annual Update; and
- strengthening the value and potency of the GSF.
Members of the Steering Group will be determined under the direction of Ms Marriott and the group is expected to commence work in February 2025.
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GrainGrowers Media Contact: Chris Rowley, Media Manager
P: 0415 140 253 | chris.rowley@graingrowers.com.au