AFI announces new leadership team

The Board of the Australian Farm Institute has today announced the appointment of Katie McRobert as its third Executive Director in its 20-year history, together with Alexandra Gartmann as Chair, in a leadership refresh of the policy think tank.

The AFI leads farm policy discussions to ensure a viable future for the Australian agricultural community, delivers timely analysis and insights, and promotes evidence-based policy solutions that maximise the economic and social wellbeing of our farmers.?

With more than a decade’s experience with AFI between them, Ms McRobert and Ms Gartmann are set to build on the enduring legacy of former Executive Director, Richard Heath, and retiring Chair, Andrew Spencer.

“The AFI plays an invaluable role in thought leadership for Australian agriculture and I am honoured to have been promoted to the role of Executive Director,” Ms McRobert said.

“Over the past 20 years the Institute has facilitated important policy discussions on climate change, energy and transport costs, digital agriculture, RD&E investment, risk management and farm advocacy.

“With all eyes now on targets for productivity and sustainable farming in the coming decades, the role of AFI – to inform good policy for the farm sector’s viability – has never been more crucial.”

As an AFI Board Director since 2018, Ms Gartmann noted the AFI’s unique position in helping lead policy discourse in the agricultural sector.

“Katie’s appointment heralds an exciting chapter at Australia’s only independent think tank focused on the farm sector, and I am thrilled she has been promoted to lead AFI after more than six years of loyal service.

“Now more than ever, we need independent thought leadership to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, at both a domestic and international level, and the Board remains focused on delivering this mandate,” she said. ?

Ms Gartmann also paid tribute to Andrew Spencer, who has elected to step down as AFI Chair after six years, and remains on the Board to ensure a seamless transition. Mr Spencer congratulated the new leadership team, noting the robust recruitment processes undertaken to ensure the Institute is firmly positioned for success.

“AFI has been on the frontline of policy discussions in Australia since 2004, and has since extended its reach to influence evidence-based farm policy on the global stage,” Andrew said.

“This could not have happened without the support of the broader agricultural community which powers the work of AFI, and I am confident the Institute will continue to add value to the sector into the next 20 years,” he said.

Ms McRobert and Ms Gartmann commence as ED and Chair effective Monday 15 April.

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