A fresh but familiar face will step into the chief executive role at FAR (Foundation for Arable Research) this year.

Former head of Beef + Lamb Dr Scott Champion, has a long history with New Zealand’s agri-industries and will bring “lots of new attributes to the table,” current chief executive Dr Alison Stewart said.

“He’s very strategic; He’s going to be able to build on a lot of the work I started, trying to get better connections between FAR, the arable sector and the other agri-sectors.”

Stewart has known Champion for a while, as acquaintances in the ag sector, so she was pleased to learn of his appointment by the board.

“It’ll be great for FAR, and great for the arable sector.”

Stewart is stepping away from full-time roles and into science advising and board of director work.

“I’m sure that… I will still have some involvement in the arable sector.”

She leaves the role on June 30, which aligns perfectly with the 2025 FAR Conference.

“I will be the CEO on the first day, and Scott will be CEO on the second day.”

That will give growers a chance to meet Champion, and bid farewell to Stewart after seven years in the driver’s seat.

Champion’s journey with New Zealand agribusiness began back in 2001.

He came over after science and lecturer roles in Australia to as a researcher for the New Zealand Merino Company.

From that he joined Meat and Wool New Zealand, now Beef + Lamb, as a general manager and eventually became the chief executive there for seven and a half years.

“I’ve been consulting for the last nine years,” Champion said, “so looking forward to being in a great organisation like FAR and being involved with farmers again.”

Arable is new ground for him so he’s ready to “pause and listen” to FAR’s growers.

“One of the great things about FAR is it’s very focussed, and it’s got good momentum, and good connections into the arable sector and back to its farmer base.

“That person-to-person connection is really important to me, and through the first few months, establishing those connections.”

He officially begins his role on July 1.

by Anisha Satya