Dame Alison Stewart appointed NZVeg Chair

Dame Alison Stewart, who has a 40-year career as a strategic leader in academic, government, agribusiness and industry research agencies, has been appointed Independent Chair of the New Zealand Vegetable Council (NZVeg).

‘We are honoured to have a person of Alison’s calibre as Chair of NZVeg,’ says outgoing NZVeg Transitional Board Chair, Kevin Wilcox. 

‘I am confident that Alison, working closely with the Board and soon to be appointed chief executive, will ensure the new entity quickly comes up to speed, and delivers for levy paying growers in the key areas of industry strategy, Government relations and advocacy, and industry-good projects.’

Dame Alison was most recently, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Arable Research (2018-2025). She says she welcomes the opportunity to provide leadership and work with the commercial vegetable industry to ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.

‘New Zealand’s vegetable growers put healthy food on New Zealanders’ tables 365 days a year and generate approximately $1.1bn in revenue,’ says Dame Alison. ‘They provide employment for nearly 10,000 people while at the same time playing a critical role as custodians of the environment.

‘While there are many challenges, there are also many opportunities to grow better and smarter. This is why I jumped at the chance to be involved at this pivotal time in the New Zealand vegetable industry’s trajectory.’