STUART Burgess has been appointed as the new manager of the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC).
Mr Burgess is recognised as an expert in trade and biosecurity related programs with wide ranging experience in whole of industry leadership, management, and development.
He has worked as the chief executive officer of Fruit Growers Tasmania and fund manager and industry services manager at Hort Innovation.
The presence of some species of exotic fruit fly in Australia could devastate Australia's domestic and international horticultural trade valued at more than $9 billion.
The NFFC works with growers and fruit fly management community groups across Australia to develop and communicate management options for fruit fly on a national scale.
The council focuses on improving the bottom line for producers through initiatives that enable them to produce clean, fruit-fly free produce, which will result in better domestic and international market access.
Mr Burgess will continue to monitor and drive progress against the National Fruit Fly Strategy and lead the development of a cost-effective and sustainable national approach to fruit fly management.
Hort Innovation chief executive officer Matt Brand said the NFFC was a great example of successful partnership between industry and government.
Along with a full-time project officer, Stuart will be supported by PHA's executive management team with oversight from Mila Bristow, national manager: performance and innovation.
The National Fruit Fly Council is funded by Hort Innovation.
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