Director General announced for Department of Agriculture

24/12/04
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance has welcomed the appointment by State Cabinet of Ian Longson as Director General of the Department of Agriculture.
Mr Longson has been acting Director General since the resignation in March of Dr Graeme Robertson. He was previously the executive director for policy and business services.
"In a time of exciting change for the department, with plans for an integrated research institute, Mr Longson has demonstrated his commitment and capacity to lead the department," Mr Chance said.
"His combined experience in the private and public sectors gives him a strong understanding of the challenges facing farm businesses and the rural sector in general.
"Experience in economic and policy development means Mr Longson is well placed to provide efficient and effective public sector management."
Mr Longson joined the department in 1995, and was previously an agribusiness consultant. He has also worked for the Dairy Industry Authority of Western Australia, the Asian Development Bank and in his early career, was an extension adviser with the Department of Agriculture in the South-West.
He is a current board member of the Western Australia Grain Licensing Authority and a past board member of the Perth Market Authority and the Rural Business Development Corporation.
He is a member of several national committees including the Primary Industry Standing Committee, the Natural Resource Management Standing Committee, the Gene Technology Standing Committee, and the Food Regulations Standing Committee.
Mr Longson was national president of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology from 2000 to 2002 and president of the Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants (WA Inc.) from 1994 to 1995.
His qualifications include a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science from the University of WA and a master's degree in agricultural marketing from the University of Guelph in Canada.
Mr Longson said he was proud to be appointed to manage an organisation that contributes so much to the economic benefit and lifestyle of all Western Australians.
"The department will continue to partner agribusiness to ensure the profitable production of high quality agricultural, food and fibre products, to build export markets and to provide employment in the sector," he said.
"The strength of the department is in the expertise and experience of its staff in the areas of research, development and extension."
Mr Longson said the department would remain focussed on enhancing the State's biosecurity, pursuing science and innovative solutions to improve industry productivity and sustainability and to assist in identifying and capitalising on market opportunities in support of farm businesses.
Minister's office: 9213 6700