Reappointment of Cotton RDC Chairperson

Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Agriculture

Richard Haire has been reappointed as CRDC Chairperson for another three year term commencing 29 August 2019.

Minister McKenzie said Mr Haire would play a critical role in the ambitious goal of creating $2 billion in additional gross value of cotton production through investments highlighted in the CRDC’s Strategic Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Plan 2018-2023.

“RD&E within our cotton industry is vital. Australia is the third largest exporter of cotton in the world, and Australian growers are at the forefront of innovation,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Mr Haire is a well-known and respected member of the Australian cotton industry, having held many leadership positions within the sector and is well positioned to lead the industry forward.”

Mr Haire is also currently the Chairman of both the Endeavour Foundation and Reef Casino Trust and non-executive director of both Bank of Queensland and BEC Stockfeed Solutions.

“I congratulate Mr Haire on his well-deserved re-appointment and look forward to continuing to work on our strategic investment in cotton RD&E to improve the profitability and productivity of growers and the industry,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The great results achieved by CRDC in partnership with the Liberal National Government will continue to drive the world-leading Australian cotton industry forward.”

Cotton is the most widely produced natural fibre in the world and Australia’s cotton farmers alone produce enough cotton to clothe 500 million people. In 2018-19, Australia’s raw cotton exports were estimated at $2.7 billion.

Fast Facts

  • There are six other CRDC non-executive directors, who were appointed in 2017 for three year terms.
    • Ms Kathryn Adams (Deputy Chairperson)
    • Mrs Liz Alexander
    • Dr Jeremy Burdon
    • Emeritus Professor Les Copeland AM
    • Mr Greg Kauter
    • Ms Rosemary Richards
  • Executive Director, Dr Ian Taylor, has been in the role since March 2019.

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