The Australian Seed Federation, the peak industry body for the Australian seed industry has recently strengthened its board with the appointment of two additional directors.

Ken Cunliffe.

Ken Cunliffe is the managing director of AgEtal, a Toowoomba based seed lab.

“I have a passion for biology and am nearing 40 years of experience in the seed industry.

“My experience is reinforced with a degree in agriculture and many years of field research, agronomy, and seed and grain testing.”

Mr Cunliffe is a true advocate for agriculture in the north, having already held the position of chair of the Australian Seed Federation's Northern Region since 2022 and as a committed member of the AgForce Grains Council.

“I feel it is important that all areas of the seed industry are represented on the ASF Board. With members right across Australia representing a vast range of seed products inclusive of tropical and temperate, pasture, broadacre, native, and horticultural species, I feel that I understand and can represent the entire seed industry.”

Michelle Lench.

Michelle Lench manages the fast-paced Australian customer service team and the international shipping team at S&W Seed Co.

“I have a passion for the future of the seed industry – it is one of the most challenging and rewarding industries I have worked in.

“As a Director on the ASF board it will expose me to the wider seed industry outside of my role with S&W, providing an opportunity to support the broader seed industry,” Ms Lench said.

She also sees her appointment as an opportunity to be a role model for females within S&W Seed Company, as with the broader industry.

She brings a range of experience to the role and is a graduate of the National Farmers' Federation Diversity in Agricultural Leadership Program.

“I have a Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain and use these skills as a committee member for the Industry Advisory Panel for Supply Chain – Australian Institute of Business and South Australian Chapter of the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce.”

The duo join an experienced board of directors incluidng president Rowena Petrie, Royston Petrie Seeds, past president Tim Pepper, Barenbrug and vice presidents Dale Skepper, RAGT and Tim March, Rijk Zwaan.