BIRCHIP Cropping Group has appointed of two new board members - Dr Marisa Collins and Giles Cunningham,.
The group says the pair bring deep scientific, educational, and on- ground production expertise to help shape the future direction of the organisation.
Dr Collins is associate professor in agronomy at La Trobe University with more than over two decades of experience in agricultural research, education, and industry collaboration.
She has worked across Australia’s leading agricultural research institutions including the University of Melbourne, CSIRO, University of Queensland, and La Trobe University.
Her research, funded by GRDC, AgriFutures and the Department of Agriculture, has focused on improving crop productivity through better water-use efficiency, understanding crop responses to heat and drought, and enhancing nitrogen fixation in legumes.  “As a long-time admirer of BCG’s role in supporting farmers with practical, farmer-led research, I’m excited to contribute more deeply,” Dr Collins said. 
“BCG’s ability to attract and develop top-tier talent, while staying deeply connected to growers’ needs, is something I’m proud to support.”
Mr Cunningham, a corporate farm manager with more than 15 years experience across dryland and irrigated systems, brings a commercial and operational lens to the board. 
With a background in strategic farm planning, agronomy, machinery investment, irrigation design, and financial governance, Giles offers critical insight into the practical and business realities of running high-performing farms.
“I’ve always believed the best innovation comes from applied research developed in close partnership with growers,” Giles said last week.