David Crombie Elected as New NFF President

THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has elected David Crombie as the farm lobby’s new President.
Mr Crombie brings over 30 years commercial and representational experience in agriculture to his new role. He has worked with NFF and member organisations on various activities and programs during his eight-year leadership of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
Early in his career, Mr Crombie joined Sir William Gunn (now GRM International), managing agricultural projects across northern Australia. He was part of a management buy-out in the mid 1970’s and the company expanded its activities overseas. Over a 20-year period he was involved with GRM projects internationally for the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, among others.
Under his leadership, GRM expanded to include breeding properties, irrigation farms, feed mills, live export and meat supply chains supported by feedlots internationally. GRM also managed beef breeding properties for independent investors in Australia. After the sale of GRM by the partners to the Consolidated Group in 1994, Mr Crombie continued as Managing Director until 2000.
From 1995 Mr Crombie served on the Board of Grainco Australia until its amalgamation with Graincorp. He then joined the board of Meat Industry Council and served as inaugural Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Meat Standards Australia. He later joined the board of the newly established MLA, serving as Chairman from 1998 to 2005.
Currently, Mr Crombie holds the following positions:
* Chairman, Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
* Director GRM and Rosewood (NT beef)
* Deputy Chairman, FKP (listed development company)
* President, Queensland Rugby Union
Mr Crombie operates family properties, breeding and finishing cattle, as well as growing crops in southern Queensland. Mr Crombie replaces outgoing NFF President Peter Corish who is stepping down and will conclude his four-year term tomorrow.
Mr Crombie paid tribute to Peter Corish and the outgoing NFF Board members, pledging his commitment to drive policies with a unity of purpose across agriculture and close engagement with the broader community going forward.
The NFF also confirmed today the re-election of Charles Burke as Vice-President, and the election of Nick Keatinge as Treasurer. Other members of the NFF Board elected today include: Bill Bray, Peter Kenny, Jock Laurie and Simon Ramsay.