SRA welcomes Mr Matt Schembri and Mr Peter Verwey to Adoption Group
SRA has appointed new staff to its Adoption Group, marking another step forward in the delivery of the industry-led Adoption Strategy.
Mr Matt Schembri and Mr Peter Verwey have joined SRA as Adoption Officers, working in the Central and Burdekin regions respectively.
SRA Executive Manager, Regional Delivery, Mr Ian McBean, said that Matt and Peter would work closely with SRA adoption and research staff, growers, millers, and other service providers to help industry improve productivity, profitability and sustainability. The Adoption Group provides a vital conduit between research and growers and millers, assisting industry to adopt practices and technology that improve their bottom line.
Matt Schembri comes to the role from recent work with Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations in Central Queensland, working with farmers and graziers on Best Management Practice (BMP) programs and practice change. He is a former Research Engineer with the Sugar Research Institute and also has 10 years of experience growing sugarcane.
Peter Verwey comes to the role from work within agriculture in the Murray-Darling Basin, in particular working with farmers on irrigation infrastructure system upgrades. He is experienced in agricultural extension through BMP programs such as the cotton industry’s myBMP. He has also worked in North and Central Queensland in previous roles.
“Matt and Peter offer valuable skills and knowledge for the Australian sugarcane industry,” Mr McBean said. “They are looking forward to working with the local industry in their regions and delivering outcomes for growers and millers.”
Mr McBean added that SRA was well-advanced in delivering the industry-wide strategy for adoption services.
“Our SRA Regional Coordinators have established regional adoption advisory committees in each of the six regions to formulate and discuss local priorities. We are also soon to have our first meeting of the Industry Adoption Advisory Committee. Through this industry consultation, we will resource adoption activities that best fit the requirements of the region.”
Media contact: SRA Executive Manager, Communications, Brad Pfeffer 0419 175 815.