1. Purpose

To advise Grain Trade Australia (GTA) members of our partnership with the Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) for delivery of AOF functions.

2. Background

AOF has been a vital leadership body in the oilseed industry for nearly 55 years. Under the stewardship of outgoing CEO Nick Goddard, who has served for 15 years, AOF has driven key projects that have shaped and strengthened the Australian oilseeds industry. With Nick’s upcoming retirement, AOF have taken the opportunity to review and enhance how it delivers services to its members.

3. Key Developments

As part of this transition, AOF will continue to operate through a more streamlined and efficient model, ensuring they deliver maximum value to their members. Recognising the growing demands for strong governance and the importance of AOF member contributions, AOF will be partnering with GTA for delivery of AOF functions. This partnership ensures AOF will have access to additional resources to continue delivering strong outcomes for AOF members in an enhanced and cost-effective way.

As part of this partnership, AOF’s existing Advisory Council will transition to an AOF Council under the GTA sector council model. Day-to-day operations will be managed by an AOF/Oilseeds & Sustainability Manager employed by GTA. This manager will also have management responsibility for Sustainable Grain Australia(SGA) activities.

The partnership between AOF and GTA will support AOF in continuing its work with a focus on meeting the needs of AOF members, SGA activities and the wider oilseed industry. GTA looks forward to collaborating with the AOF as we embark on this new chapter for AOF, and we extend our thanks to Nick Goddard for his strong leadership.

4. AOF Membership and Committees

Importantly, AOF will maintain their membership base. All AOF members and technical committee meetings will proceed as usual. AOF priorities and projects will continue to align with the AOF Strategic Plan, overseen by the AOF Council and member meetings, ensuring a focus on AOF member needs.

5. Further Information

For further information on this Member Update, please contact GTA at admin@graintrade.org.au