Increasing workload and regulation have prompted the grain and seed association to expand its team with the appointment of a biosecurity manager.
New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA) general manager Thomas Chin said the import and export seed-lot regulatory environment has reached the point of needing specialist management.
The association has appointed Cressida Patrick biosecurity manager. She brings expertise in the biosecurity and phytosanitary areas, with a Master of Science from Otago University and 10 years’ experience working with contacts in the regulatory area. Patrick has a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector, Chin said.
“We are delighted to welcome Cress to the association and look forward to working with her,” he said.
“Her extensive experience in the regulatory area especially around plant health and market import and export seed-lot processes will be very useful as the association continues to work with official agencies to pursue these critical areas for the benefit of our members.”
Patrick said she is looking forward to working with the grain and seed industry.
“I’ve had a long working relationship in the horticulture and arable industries and consider this a great opportunity to support the seed and grain sector and make sure they have good advice on emerging regulatory policy, rules and processes,” Patrick said.
