Pete Arkle will be stepping into an interim chief executive role with Grain Producers Australia (GPA) as a short-term position while existing chief executive Colin Bettles remains on leave for health reasons. 
 

GPA chair Barry Large said Mr Arkle is well placed to take on the role and will maintain the strong position of the organisation and its ability to advocate for grain producers. 
 

“Pete is a very knowledgeable and experienced leader and brings with him useful insight into the broader agricultural industry, both in Australia and overseas,” Mr Large says. 
 

“He has our full support to guide GPA processes and our ongoing commitment to the representation of grain growers on issues affecting our industry.” 
 

Mr Large said the GPA board is committed to supporting Mr Bettles throughout his recovery from injuries recently sustained while overseas and in his return to GPA.
 

“The decision to engage Mr Arkle in the interim will ensure continuity in GPA activities as he has already been partnering with GPA in the sustainability, chemical and policy space in recent months.” 
 

Mr Arkle has a proven track record in leadership and agriculture, having previously held the position of chief executive with NSW Farmers from 2018 to late 2023 and before that, working in numerous roles with Syngenta, both in Australia and globally.