Appointments to the Commission for International Agricultural Research

Today I announce the appointment of Dr Michelle Freeman and Ms Lukina Lukin to the Commission for International Agricultural Research. They join five Commissioners who have been appointed for a second term, including the Chair, Ms Fiona Simson.

The Commission provides expert, strategic advice about how Australia can best contribute globally to agricultural research and development programs through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Dr Michelle Freeman has more than a decade of experience serving in senior policy and management roles within Australia's forestry industry. Dr Freeman is the President of Forestry Australia, which brings together more than 1,100 experts and scientists operating in forest and natural resource management throughout Australia.

Ms Lukina Lukin has extensive commercial experience in ethically and sustainably sourced seafood, which is particularly important at a time when reliance on the ocean for food and income security is increasing in many countries. Ms Lukin is the owner and Managing Director of Dinko Seafood, fishing business based in Port Lincoln, South Australia.

Ms Fiona Simson has also been appointed for second 3-year term on the Commission serving as the Chair.

Dr Beth Woods, Professor Lindsay Falvey and Mr Tony York have been appointed for a second term. Recently appointed ACIAR CEO Professor Wendy Umberger has also been appointed as a Commissioner.

I thank outgoing Commissioners Ms Su McCluskey and Dr Sasha Courville for their two terms of service and for their ongoing commitment to sustainable agricultural development.