One new and one returning Director have joined the Board of Hort Innovation today, amid a year of record investment for the grower-owned research and development corporation (RDC) for Australian horticulture.

At the organisation’s Annual General Meeting today, voting members elected Cameron Mackay and Robert Mullins to the Hort Innovation Board. Julie Bird was later re-elected as Chair by the new Board, and John Said elected as Deputy Chair.

Ms Bird said the newly elected Directors join Hort Innovation at a time of significant opportunity for the organisation.

“We are proud to say that Hort Innovation had a record-breaking year, with more than $158 million invested in research and development, marketing and trade initiatives to benefit levy payers,” Ms Bird said.

“Hort Innovation is in a strong position with our latest data showing our projects returned $5.60 for every dollar invested in R&D over a year.”

One year on from the launch of the Hort Innovation Strategy 2024-2026, Ms Bird said efforts are ramping up across the business to address Australian horticulture’s greatest opportunities and challenges.

“2023/24 marked the first year of our new company strategy that envisions a prosperous and sustainable Australian horticulture industry built on innovation,” Ms Bird said.

“We look forward to bringing our recently elected Directors into the fold and benefiting from their insights and expertise as we continue to foster a culture of continuous improvement across the business.”

The elected Directors bring a wealth of experience and skills to their new position on the Hort Innovation Board. The newly appointed Directors are:

• Cameron Mackay. Mr Mackay has been involved with his family business, Mackays, for more than 30 years growing banana, papaya, avocado, lychee, passionfruit, cocoa and coffee. His career has led to him senior industry roles including 12 years on the board of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, with two years as Chairman.
  
  
• Dr Robert Mullins. Dr Mullins was raised on a wheat farm and has enjoyed an international career in technology-based businesses supporting high-value horticulture. He has broad business experience having held senior commercial and technical leadership roles in Australia, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, and the United States.

Ms Bird said the Hort Innovation Board is looking forward to working with the newly elected Directors, the Hort Innovation team, growers and delivery partners.

“We are excited to welcome both our new and returning Directors and anticipate the valuable skills and insights they will contribute to their roles, along with their commitment to making a meaningful difference through Hort Innovation’s work.

“Our commitment is to continue listening to and working alongside growers and the Australian horticulture supply chain to propagate ideas and solutions that make a tangible difference.”

Ms Bird also acknowledged the work of outgoing Hort Innovation Board Director Catherine Oates and thanked her for her contribution to Hort Innovation and the broader horticulture industry.