AgForce CEO Michael Guerin announces departure

AgForce's longest serving Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Guerin is stepping down from his role.

Shane McCarthy, General President of AgForce, paid tribute to Mr Guerin's strong contribution and leadership in his eight years in the role and his impact on the organisation and industry during this time.  

“He leaves knowing the organisation is in a great position thanks to the many pivotal decisions and achievements he made in his time at the helm,” Mr McCarthy said.

“The growth of AgCarE from what started as an idea at an AgForce incubator to a world leading program that enables farmers to capitalise on their natural capital assets is a great credit to his leadership.

"So much so that he personally took it to the World Farmers Organisation in Geneva to tell them about how it’s success could be applied around the world."

Mr McCarthy also highlighted the battle to save the Great Artesian Basin from mining as a key win under Mr Guerin's leadership.

“Other main achievements such as the launch of the AgForce Training Joint Venture and a significant influence on national policy matters in areas such as EPBC Act reform attest to the depth and breadth of his accomplishments," he said.

Mr Guerin said it had been a privilege to lead such a powerful and purposeful organisation that truly represented Queensland farmers across a diverse range of agricultural industries.

“Producers are an amazing group of people, they play a critical role in food and fibre security and are the unsung heroes in environmental management," he said.

“They form a critical element of the social fabric of regional and rural Australia and deserve a strong voice in decision making circles where they have much to offer.

“I’m proud that I was able to help their collective voice to be heard that much louder in critical government decisions about their future.”

The organisation will shortly start the process of looking for his replacement to ensure a smooth transition to the new appointee later this year.