AgForce president-elect Shane McCarthy.

AGFORCE deputy chair Shane McCarthy will take on the Queensland farmer body’s top role in November.

AgForce’s Nomination, Remuneration and Culture Committee Chair, Kelly Ostwald announced today that the north regional director is the AgForce president-elect for 2024-2026.

Mr McCarthy will step into the role at AgForce’s AGM in Goondiwindi on Tuesday, 12 November, and replace Georgie Somerset who has led AgForce for the last six years.

Mr McCarthy said he is humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead such an important industry organisation.

“I would like to thank Georgie for her tireless dedication over the last six years as well as the other out-going board members, commodity board members and regional council members in defending and promoting Agriculture in Queensland,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Georgie has built strong momentum around significant issues for industry, and I look forward to acknowledging those fully at the AGM and ensuring the organisation maximises that momentum for ensuring policy settings allow industry and community to thrive.

“I am excited to work with returning and incoming electees to advocate for our food security that is so important to our nation.”

AgForce chief executive officer Mike Guerin acknowledged Mrs Somerset’s dedication to AgForce.

“Georgie’s leadership has been significant and consequential over her six-year term as general president,” he said.

Georgie Somerset congratulated Mr McCarthy on being elected general president.

“Representing AgForce members is both a privilege and a responsibility – one where the focus is always on making it easier for our members to grow food and fibre,” she said.

“I am confident Shane will continue to focus on our member’s priorities and do an outstanding job in the role.”

Source – AgForce.