ZNE Agriculture CRC

The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC) is an initiative brokered by The University of Queensland and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and involves a consortium of partners across industry, education, and government. It is the largest CRC to be funded with $87 million from the Commonwealth matching $87 million in partner contributions over the ten-year life of the grant. ZNE-Ag CRC aims to catalyse industry, community, and government action to achieve Zero Net Emissions from agriculture from 2040, and below zero net emissions by 2050. Agriculture directly contributes to 14% of Australia’s national emissions. Their goal is to ensure Australia’s agricultural industries keep growing, while they simultaneously achieve ZNE by 2040 and exceed international emissions reduction targets by 2050.

The CRC is currently in the establishment phase building to the launch of the company with commissioned projects by July 1st. Operations and interim staff are currently supported and resourced by the University of Queensland. As such, the Chief Executive Officer Richard Heath, supported by the Board, has mandated multiple national searches to appoint the key executives to be in place and employed by the newly established CRC upon commencement of operations.

The Roles

U&U Recruitment Partners will support ZNEAg CRC to coordinate recruitment for the following senior executive positions:

• Chief Operating Officer: https://lnkd.in/gg2E8eaz
• Chief Financial Officer: https://lnkd.in/gAcAiXTq
• Head of Communications: https://lnkd.in/g-Ytrvyx
• Producer Demonstration Lead Coordinator: https://lnkd.in/gFBvvuEh

While the Head Office will be based in Brisbane, each opportunity offers flexibility in job location within Australia. The final location will be determined based on the preferences and circumstances of the successful candidate.

For further information contact James Lazarus at u&u on 07 3232 9100 or Erica Brush at u&u on 07 3232 9129 (the advising Consultant for the Head of Communications role).

Highly regarded agricultural identity Richard Heath will head the newly funded Zero Net Emissions Agricultural Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC) as it begins its work to reduce emissions in Australian agriculture.

The former Australian Farm Institute Executive Director will take up his new role as CEO in March.

ZNE-Ag CRC Chair Deb Cousins said Mr Heath was recruited after an extensive search.

“Richard brings strong sector and leadership expertise to this new role,” Ms Cousins said.

“He also has a passion for sustainable agriculture, given his experience as a farmer and industry advocate.

“We very much look forward to his contribution.”

Mr Heath said he was relishing the challenge of leading the $300 million collaborative venture.

“The CRC is very important to the future of agriculture in Australia,” Mr Heath said.

“Our agricultural and production systems and capacity are under threat from climate change, and we must act now to protect the future of one of the country’s most important sectors.

“We will coordinate an industry-led approach to help safeguard the profitability and marketing access of Australian agri-businesses as we make the transition to net zero.”

The ZNE-Ag CRC was brokered by The University of Queensland and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, with a consortium of 73 partners across industry, government and education.

The Australian Government’s CRC contribution of $87 million is the largest in the program’s history.

Mr Heath said ZNE-Ag will support the industry to achieve emissions targets in Australian agriculture by 2030 and 2050.

“Our trading partners also look to us as a source of science and technology, so it will strengthen our capacity to engage with our neighbours to help with their efforts in the same direction,” he said.

“The CRC will deliver standardised, trusted guidelines, metrics and benchmarking tools to monitor on-farm emissions and accelerate Australian agriculture’s transition to net zero and beyond.”

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Media: Natalie MacGregor, n.macgregor@uq.edu.au, +61 409 135 651 or Carolyn Martin, carolyn.martin@uq.edu.au, +61 439 399 886.