Abano chairwoman to head FarmIQ Systems board

Alison Paterson. Photo / Supplied

New red meat industry entity FarmIQ Systems has appointed six directors.

The chairwoman will be Alison Paterson, with professional director David Clarke, Silver Fern Farms director and farmer Rob Hewett, Silver Fern Farms chief executive Keith Cooper, Landcorp chief executive Chris Kelly and PGG Wrightson chief executive Tim Miles.

FarmIQ Systems is running a seven-year programme aimed at turning the sector's production-led approach into one that is market-led and focused on consumer needs.

The $151 million project is jointly funded by Silver Fern Farms, PGG Wrightson, Landcorp Farming and the Government, which last month approved $59.5 million under the Primary Growth Partnership.

FarmIQ Systems will be responsible for implementing seven core projects: market analysis, database, genetics, processing phenotype collection, processing improvements, technology transfer and farm productive capacity - designed to build or enhance the industry's capabilities and deliver new technologies.

Paterson has more than 20 years' experience in corporate governance with a focus on agribusiness. She is chairwoman of Abano Healthcare, Auckland University's National Research Centre for Growth and Development, BPAC NZ and Stevenson Agriculture.

Clarke has a background in both governance and arrangement with the health, IT and biotechnology sectors.

Hewett has been on the Silver Fern Farms board since February 2008. He farms a 950ha property and is director of Business Increase Group and Crossdocks Australia.

- NZPA