Former North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Rachel Chambers is the new Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner.
State Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said Ms Chambers, the current CEO of Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers, had demonstrated an ability to advocate for outcomes for primary producers and brought extensive rural leadership experience in the horticultural industry and local government.
Minister Perrett said Ms Chambers had consistently shown strong leadership on behalf of commercial fruit, vegetable and nut growers and as a regional mayor from 2016 to 2021 was recognised as a strong advocate and leader across the local government sector.
He said the role of the Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner was designed to ensure Queensland farmers were supported and empowered to thrive in a competitive market.
“At the heart of this role, is being a point of contact for matters affecting Queensland farmers and providing relevant advice in supporting their relationships with supermarkets.”
Minister Perrett said under Ms Chambers, the role would have expanded responsibilities to make it more fit for purpose and in line with advancing the interests of Queensland’s primary producers.
He said this would include working closely with the Federal Government to lead Queensland’s interests as part of the new National Food Security Strategy and supporting priority areas identified in our Primary Producers Prosper 2050 25-year Blueprint.
