From the Farm to Policy: Meet Our New Sheep Health, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy Director

Growing up on a wool and lucerne production property in South Australia's South East gave me an appreciation for the wool industry from an early age. That appreciation extends beyond the farm through to my family's artificial breeding business, where I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to meet producers from across all states. These experiences have given me a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, as well as seeing firsthand the importance of genetics, innovation and good management across different enterprises.

This interest led me to the University of New England, where I completed a Bachelor of Agriculture alongside a Bachelor of Laws. During my time at university, I studied elective units in animal law, international trade law and water law, giving me a

greater appreciation of the policy settings and regulatory structures that shape Australian agriculture.

Since graduating, I've been fortunate to work across both Research and Development Corporations and State Farming Organisations, including Australian Wool Innovation, NSW Farmers Association and Livestock SA. Each role has offered a different perspective on the mechanics of agricultural representation and reinforced the importance of ensuring producers have a strong voice in policy development and investment of levy funds. At a time when rising production costs, increasing regulatory burden and growing community expectations are placing additional pressure on farming businesses, it is also increasingly important that those making decisions understand the practical realities of running a primary production enterprise.

Now based in South Australia, I'm excited to have joined WoolProducers Australia as Sheep Health, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy Director. It's a role that brings together my background in agriculture and policy while allowing me to remain closely connected to an industry that has been a significant part of my life. With biosecurity becoming an increasingly important focus for all governments and the need to maintain Australia’s biosecure status, any policies implemented must be fit for purpose and ensure equity and accountability across the supply chain.

I'm looking forward to working alongside producers and industry partners to help address the challenges facing the wool industry and contribute to practical policy outcomes. Most importantly, I'm pleased to continue contributing to an industry that has shaped my career and one that I remain passionate about.

Georgie Trowbridge

Sheep Health, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy Director

WoolProducers Australia