The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is pleased to announce Ms Su McCluskey has been appointed as the NFF's Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative.
Funded by the Federal Government's Accessing New Markets Initiative, the Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative is a 12-month project promoting agrifood trade opportunities in new and existing markets.
NFF CEO Mike Guerin congratulated Ms McCluskey on her appointment.
"Su brings extensive international experience, a strong understanding of the NFF, deep credibility and invaluable networks. Given this is a short-term project, the selection panel put great weight in selecting someone who could hit the ground running," Mr Guerin said.
"I'm confident Su will bring an experienced and steady hand to the critical role of advancing Australia's trade diversification goals and strengthening engagement in priority markets.
"She'll provide a 'whole-of-sector' voice in global engagements, share strategic advice to the Trade Diversification Network members, and communicate trade mission intelligence and government feedback," Mr Guerin said.
The NFF established a three-person selection panel to advise on the appointment for the role, comprising senior representatives from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations and the NFF board.
Ms McCluskey said she was excited to take on the role.
"I am really pleased to be appointed as the Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative, an exciting 12-month project to ensure Australian agriculture is active promoting trade internationally," Ms McCluskey said.
"The global trading environment is facing increasing pressures and volatility, and it is important that we work hard to support Australian producers to diversify into new export markets and capitalise on growth opportunities in established markets.
"By value, Australian agriculture exports nearly 80% of the food and fibre it produces. The NFF has a clear role to play promoting the importance of trade, complimenting the work of individual industries, Rural Research and Development Corporations and Government.
"I thank the selection panel and the NFF for the opportunity to undertake this role," Ms McCluskey said.
Ms Mcluskey begins as Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative on July 1, 2026, concluding 30 June 2027.