Agsafe, a cornerstone in Australia's agricultural industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Alicia Garden as its new Chief Executive Officer. With an unparalleled understanding of the agriculture sector and a distinguished track record in leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, Ms. Garden is poised to lead Agsafe into a new era of innovation and impact.
Established in 1993, Agsafe has been a trailblazer in promoting product stewardship, ensuring the safe transport, storage, and handling of agricultural and veterinary (AgVet) chemicals throughout the supply chain. Ms. Garden's appointment reflects a commitment to advancing Agsafe's mission and further strengthening its position in the agribusiness landscape.
Prior to joining Agsafe, Ms. Garden served as the Chief Executive at Goanna Ag, where her leadership was instrumental in positioning the company as an industry leader in on-farm sensor solutions and water-use efficiency. Under her guidance, Goanna Ag achieved remarkable market share growth of over 60 per cent and was awarded the prestigious CSIRO Entrepreneurship Award in 2022 for its innovative contributions to the agricultural sector.
Ms. Garden's previous roles include CEO Grain Growers Limited, the peak body for Australia's multi-billion-dollar grain farming industry. Her strategic acumen and commitment to positive change garnered widespread acclaim, making her an influential figure in the sector.
In her new role at Agsafe, Ms. Garden expresses enthusiasm for the organization's dynamic initiatives, such as the Premises Assessment program, which ensures AgVet reseller premises understand their responsibilities in the safe transport, storage, and handling of AgVet chemicals. She emphasizes the importance of Agsafe membership, where individuals can access expert advice on industry developments and regulatory requirements.
"More than 90 per cent of the sector are currently Agsafe members—a testament to over three decades of critical service, training, and education," Ms. Garden states.
Agsafe's programs, including drumMUSTER and ChemClear, have been pivotal in collecting over 42 million cleaned containers and providing farmers with a safe avenue to dispose of AgVet chemicals. These initiatives not only support AgVet chemical users in meeting their quality assurance, farm, and environmental management responsibilities but also contribute to sustainable practices by recycling containers into various products.
Ms. Garden's vision for Agsafe involves furthering the organization's impact, fostering collaboration within the industry, and pushing the boundaries of innovation to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for Australian agriculture.
