Duncan Fraser has been appointed as the incoming chair of the Sheep CRC

FORMER president of the National Farmers Federation, Duncan Fraser, has been appointed as the incoming chair of the board of directors of the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC).

Mr Fraser will take up the position on October 1, when the seven-year term of out-going chair John Keniry ends.

He brings to the role more than 20 years of experience with various state, federal and commodity agri-political organisations.

“Proper adherence to corporate governance principles has been fundamental to my involvement in these organisations,” Mr Fraser said.

“My first priority will be to meet with the other board members and the executive team to learn the internal processes which have ensured that the Sheep CRC as an organisation has been transparent, accountable and effective.

“A smooth transition at board level, effective collaboration with Participants, and continuity of practices and experiences within the organisation, will be vital to the Sheep CRC continuing its transformation of the industry.”

Operating as part of the Federal Department of Industry’s CRC program, the Sheep CRC is a collaboration of 38 Participants from industry, government and the commercial sector. It is working to increase the productivity and profitability of the industry through adoption of new technologies in both the meat and wool supply chains.

Mr Fraser, who is also a former vice-president of the NSW Farmers Association, was selected following a merit-based recruitment process.

Mr Fraser owns and manages Narringa, a 9750-hectare pastoral and irrigation property near Hay, NSW, producing wool, sheepmeat, rice and wheat.

He was recently invited to become the interim chair of the implementation steering committee for the National Wild Dog Action Plan, and since 2010 he has been a board member and Trustee of Australia’s biggest rural and regional industry superannuation fund, Prime Super.

Mr Fraser said his experience with multi-representational structures, such as the NFF with more than 28 member organisations and the Institute of Trade Skills Excellence (ITSE) which serviced eight different industries, had provided the strategic planning skills required for his new role with the Sheep CRC.

Out-going chairman John Keniry said these skills would be essential in ensuring effective collaboration among the Sheep CRC Participants.

“The Sheep CRC has demonstrated the strength of the cooperative research centre model, and I hope that the management, board and stakeholders of the current CRC continue to work together as effectively as they have in the past to deliver results to industry,” Dr Keniry said.

“I have been proud to be involved in the Sheep CRC and the progress it has delivered to the Australian industry through the application of modern genetics, sound science and effective extension.

“Having known Duncan for many years, I am sure he will do an excellent job in this role and I wish him and the CRC all the best for the years ahead.”