Jan Davis to leave TFGA

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis will step down from her position when her current contract expires in April.

Ms Davis announced her decision today to give the TFGA board as much notice as possible to find a replacement.

TFGA president Wayne Johnston paid tribute to Ms Davis’ outstanding advocacy for farmers over the past five years and her dedication to Tasmanian agriculture.

“Jan has lifted the profile of farming like never before,” he said. “She has helped bridge the gap between town and country. She has amazing skills that will be lost to the organisation.”

Ms Davis said she felt it was time for her to move on to the next stage of her life.

Ms Davis has been CEO since April 2010, the first woman to hold the post. She holds a Master of Agribusiness degree from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Environmental Planning from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.

Today she thanked the TFGA, its board, staff and farmer-members, who had given her unstinting support in what had evolved into a complex and demanding role.

“I am just full of admiration of our imaginative and innovative farmers, who take it upon themselves to keep this fragile economy moving along,” she said.

“With the roll-out of irrigation schemes across the state, and increased focus on Tasmania’s unique products, this is such an exciting time.”

Ms Davis said she remained fully committed to the bright future for Tasmania, in agriculture and also the wider economic diversification that lay ahead. She would look forward to other opportunities to contribute locally where this could be a realistic option for her.

The TFGA will advertise in the near future for a new chief executive officer.
TFGA president Wayne Johnston