The former head of AGMARDT, Stephen Macauley, has been appointed by the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM)  to the newly created role of chief executive.

NZIPIM is a membership based association for rural professionals who provide professional services for the primary sector.

In announcing the appointment, NZIPIM president, Wayne Allan, said: “We are delighted that Stephen will be leading the organisation at a time when industry sectors and government agencies are looking to NZIPIM to help the farming community work through a number of important issues. These include increased regulation of land use with respect to water quality and environmental performance, as well as the continued development and profitability of farming systems.

“Stephen’s past experience as general manager of the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), and his previous role as General Manager of the Retail Meat Industry Training Organisation and Retail Meat New Zealand, has him well placed to meet these challenges.

“There will be an increased demand for more qualified rural professionals and better assurance to farming communities of high standards for advice and related services.”

Macaulay says he is excited about joining NZIPIM and is looking forward to “the opportunities to develop and build the capability of the organisation, and working with NZIPIM members and the wider rural sector.”