Chambers to give food farmers a seat at the table
Food Security
A new Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner, Ms Rachel Chambers, has been appointed by the Queensland Government.
The role of the Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner is designed to ensure Queensland farmers are supported and empowered to thrive in a competitive market.
Undertaking their responsibilities to advocate for Queensland farmers, the QFFC’s work will promote consumer confidence and ensure the agricultural sector can thrive.
At the heart of this role, is being a point of contact for matters affecting Queensland farmers and providing relevant advice in supporting their relationships with supermarkets.
Ms Chambers is the CEO of the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers and has a unique insight into stakeholder challenges. In her time as CEO, Ms Chambers has consistently shown strong leadership on behalf of commercial fruit, vegetable and nut growers.
Prior to this she was Mayor of the North Burnett Regional Council (2016-2021) where she was recognised as a strong advocate and leader across the local government sector.
The appointment is part of the Crisafulli Government’s moves to deliver for Queensland's agricultural sector after what it says is 10 years of decline under Labor.
The former Labor Government failed to fund the QFFC role beyond 12 months, while the current Government has provided certainty for the sector with the three-year appointment.
Under Ms Chambers, the role will have expanded responsibilities to make it more fit for purpose and in line with advancing the interests of Queensland’s primary producers.
This will include working closely with the Federal Government to lead Queensland’s interests as part of the new National Food Security Strategy and supporting priority areas identified in our Primary Producers Prosper 2050 25-year Blueprint.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said Ms Chambers has demonstrated her ability to advocate for outcomes for primary producers and brings extensive rural leadership experience in the horticultural industry and local government.
“Ms Chambers played a prominent role for changes in supply chain pricing during the Queensland supermarket inquiry and advocated for growers during the national supermarket inquiry conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission during 2024-25,” Minister Perrett said.
“I am confident she will provide strong leadership, connection, and advocacy across industry, to government and for Queensland primary producers and it is my view that there is no one better for the job.
"I also extend my appreciation to outgoing interim Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner, Mr Charles Burke, whose tenure ended earlier this month.’’
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