Grow NTMagazine -NT Farmers - December 2021

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opment Manager (IDM) and he was asked to step
into the role as NT Farmers’ CEO the following
year.
“Greg has been the strength behind the success
NT Farmers,” Simon said. "Through his tireless efforts
he has ultimately improved the level of confidence
in our growers by forging trusting relationships
with them, doing so without bias.”
Greg handed the CEO position over in 2019 and returned
to his IDM role. Greg’s ability to be involved
in numerous key industry drivers is insurmountable
and he is to be credited for this. A highlight
was the organisation and leading a group of Top
End farmers on a 10-day tour of Punjab, India.
Greg is passionate about helping and supporting
our growers obtain the best possible outcomes.
The entire NT industry and beyond applauds his
commitment to value-adding to the north. Greg
has become a Territory legend for the vegetable
industry, which was all but non-existent when he
first arrived in town. He has fostered, encouraged
and supported a handful of equally keen and passionate
farmers who believed in him, believed in
the north and its potential future.
"He has single-handedly been instrumental in the
development and implementation of our northern
Australia biosecurity regulations and has provided
important stability for industry.”
Today this industry is worth over $61 million –
this is a remarkable achievement driven through
the passion and dedication of industry experts
such as Greg.
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cal soils and developing adequate biosecurity
plans through numerous extension opportunities.
"Greg’s a farmers friend, and an exemplary
extension officer with a passionate focus on
promoting, delivering and supporting R, D&E
and its adoption,” NT Farmers President Simon
Smith said.
dustry, Greg ensured that growers impacted by
these incursions were operational as soon as
possible with minimal damage. He ultimately
became the rock necessary to keep industry
moving and developing.
Northern Territory’s Chief Plant Health Officer,
Dr Anne Walters, praised Greg’s commitment
to biosecurity across the Top End.
www.ntfarmers.org.au
“One of his great strengths is he knows how
to put work into practice, tailoring solutions to
individual farmers needs as required.”
The banana freckle outbreak followed by the
cucumber green mottled mosaic virus incursion
which affected the melon crops kept Greg
extremely busy and cemented the valuable relationships
he has with growers and his ability
to serve as a conduit between them and the
wider industry.
Through his straight-up conversations with in-
"Greg’s knowledge, expertise and skills have
made him a fantastic partner for the NT plant
biosecurity team over many years. Through
Greg, we have been able to forge exceptional
outcomes for industry in terms of eradication,
trade and market access, and research and
development,” Dr Walters said.
“Greg’s commitment to the horticultural industry
of the Northern Territory is inspirational. He
will be truly missed.”
In 2016, Greg’s title changed to Industry Devel-
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