Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig announced on Friday the appointment of five new directors to the board of the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC).

New directors are Dr Michele Allan, who was head of research and development for packaging company Amcor; Chris Day, CEO of Food and Beverage Australia; Philip Laffer, who has held various management and winemaking positions; Jan O’Connor, business owner/director with wine industry experience; and Anita Podder, Group public relations manager for Constellation Wines.

Re-appointed directors include Helen Garnett and Terry Hill.

Minister Ludwig said the board of directors will continue to develop the Australian wine industry through planning and funding collective research and development programs.

“The newly appointed board, chaired by the Hon. Rory McEwen, offers the skills and experience necessary to achieve a competitive and sustainable Australian wine industry,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The corporation will continue to invest in research and development from existing providers such as the CSIRO, state agencies, universities and the Australian Wine Research Institute, on behalf of the Australian wine industry.”

McEwen thanked the previous board members for their contribution to the wine industry.

“I would like to thank each of the previous board members, Mr Jim Caddy [Deputy Chair], Dr Terry Lee, Ms Mary Retallack, Mr Andrew Kay and Dr Anne-Maree Boland, for their leadership, their stewardship of the corporation, and their diligence and hard work on behalf of the Australian wine sector,” McEwen said.

The Grapegrower & Winemaker will run a feature, profiling the new board members, in its November issue.

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