Boer meat goats. Image – MLA

GOAT producers from throughout Australia will have direct involvement in levy investment decisions with the establishment of a new Goat Industry Research, Development and Adoption Committee.

Meat & Livestock Australia has established the committee to provide recommendations on research and development, and extension and adoption initiatives and investments for the Australian goat meat and livestock industry.

MLA goat industry project manager, Julie Petty, said the committee comprises commercial goat producers with value chain and subject matter expertise.

“The committee will review RD&A funding proposals, progress of existing projects and results of those concluding, delivering independence, quality, objectivity and transparency to project review and selection by MLA,” Ms Petty said.

“They will provide advice and endorsement relating to project management, setting research priorities, terms of reference development and review, appointment of service providers and review of current project progress.

“An open call for applications for the committee was held in late 2018 and committee members were selected via an open and transparent selection process, chosen for their skills and expertise by an MLA selection panel.”

The committee comprises:

Chair, Tim Johnson, Bakers Hill, Western Australia

John Falkenhagen, Meningie, South Australia

Dr Colin Ramsay, Quandialla, New South Wales

Kylie Hopkins, Glendale, Queensland

Nick van den Berg, Blackwood, South Australia

David Brown, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

Cathy Zwick, Cooladdi, Queensland

Craig Stewart, Collie, New South Wales

Ms Petty said GIRDAC will operate independently to the Goat Industry Council of Australia as an MLA appointed and funded committee.

“GIRDAC will have the authority to provide advice to MLA regarding RD&E levy investment and authorise RD&E initiatives on behalf of industry,” Ms Petty said.

“GICA will be kept abreast of GIRDAC’s activities both formally and via the involvement of a council member on the committee, John Falkenhagen.”

Source: MLA.