AgriFutures Australia welcomes the appointment of The Honourable Mick Veitch as its new Chairman, following the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Julie Collins MP. Mr Veitch has been appointed for a three-year term, commencing on 11 January 2026.
The appointment marks an exciting new chapter in leadership for AgriFutures Australia, with Brianna Casey AM commencing as AgriFutures Australia's new Managing Director on Monday, 19 January 2026. These appointments signal AgriFutures Australia's ongoing commitment to proactive leadership, strategic growth, and broad stakeholder engagement across Australia's agricultural sectors.
Mr Veitch brings to the role a distinguished record of public service, having served as a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 2007 to 2023, including as the Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Regional NSW.
Before entering parliament, Mr Veitch grew up on a farm in the Riverina, gaining firsthand experience of rural life. He began his working life as a shearer and later served in community and disability services roles. This grassroots experience provides him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing producers and regional communities across Australia.
AgriFutures Australia, Managing Director, John Harvey, welcomed Mr Veitch's appointment and said the organisation looks forward to the leadership he will bring during an important period of growth and strategic development.
"Mick's deep understanding of agriculture, regional dynamics and policy, coupled with his demonstrated leadership, positions AgriFutures Australia for even greater impact," Mr Harvey said.
"Under Mick's leadership, AgriFutures Australia will continue to advance strategic research and development that builds resilience, drives productivity, and unlocks new opportunities for Australian farmers, producers and rural communities."
AgriFutures Australia, incoming Chairman, Mick Veitch said he is honoured to take on the position and is looking forward to working with the organisation's stakeholders and levied and emerging industries.
"I'm pleased to be appointed as the new Chair of AgriFutures Australia, which plays a critical role in championing innovation and supporting the industries and people who power regional Australia," Mr Veitch said.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the organisation's next phase of growth and ensure we invest in the ideas and technologies that will shape the future of agriculture.
"I look forward to working closely with the Board, management, and our industry partners to create long-term benefits for our producers, regional communities, and emerging industries."
The appointment marks a significant transition for AgriFutures Australia, following the tenure of outgoing Chair, Cathy McGowan AO, who has led the organisation for the past three years.
"On behalf of the AgriFutures Board and staff, I extend our sincere thanks to Cathy for her leadership, contribution and commitment to our industries and to regional Australia," Mr Harvey said.
"Under Cathy's leadership, AgriFutures Australia has strengthened its connections with rural communities. She has been a driving force for cross-sector collaboration and a tireless champion for a prosperous and caring rural Australia. Cathy's dedication to nurturing the next generation of rural leaders, building their capacity, resilience and leadership skills, has left a legacy that will benefit the Australian agricultural sector for years to come."
AgriFutures services the Research, Development and Extension needs of 13 thriving rural industries, including chicken meat, rice, honey bee and pollination, ginger, tea tree oil, pasture seeds, export fodder, thoroughbred horses, kangaroo, buffalo, deer, and goat fibre.
AgriFutures Australia is also responsible for investing in building the leadership skills of those who work in the industry, researching issues that affect the whole of agriculture, identifying and supporting emerging rural industries and engaging in the global agrifood system.
