Ag Excellence Alliance (Ag Ex) is preparing for its next chapter, with a planned evolution of its organisational structure designed to strengthen its capacity to support South Australia’s grower groups and farming communities.

Established more than 20 years ago, Ag Ex has grown from its origins as a connector of South Australia’s grower groups to become a trusted delivery partner, advocate and connector across agricultural research, development and extension.

Today, Ag Ex supports a network of 20 grower groups across South Australia and works with government, research organisations, industry and funding partners to connect knowledge, investment and innovation with farming communities.

The next stage in that evolution coincides with a planned leadership transition, with long-serving Executive Officer Mark Stanley preparing to hand over the role after 15 years as EO and more than two decades of involvement with Ag Ex since its establishment in 2005.

In addition, Administration Manager Kerry Stockman is moving on to focus on her family farm.

Rather than simply replacing the Executive Officer, the Ag Ex Management Committee has used the succession process as an opportunity to consider the structure and capabilities the organisation will need for the future.

The proposed structure will establish three complementary roles at the organisation’s core, an Executive Officer, Finance Officer and Communications Coordinator, providing greater capacity across strategic leadership, financial management, governance, stakeholder engagement and communications.

Ag Ex Chair Leet Wilksch said the changes were a natural progression for an organisation that had grown considerably in recent years.

“Ag Ex has a strong foundation, an outstanding network of grower groups and increasingly important relationships across research, government and industry.

“This transition is about building on those strengths and ensuring Ag Ex has the people and capability it needs for the future.

“What won’t change is our commitment to grower groups. They remain at the heart of Ag Ex and are critical to connecting research, innovation and investment with farmers and farming communities.”

A planned transition period will allow new personnel to work alongside the current Executive Officer, supporting the transfer of organisational knowledge, relationships and experience and providing continuity for grower groups, staff, funders and partners.

Mr Stanley said Ag Ex had changed significantly since its establishment, but its fundamental purpose remained the same.

“Ag Ex was built on a simple belief that agriculture achieves more when growers, researchers, advisers, industry and government work together.

“Grower groups are trusted innovation brokers. They understand their farming communities and provide the relationships and local knowledge that help turn research and new ideas into practical change on farm.

“Ag Ex is now operating at a scale we could scarcely have imagined when we started. This is the right time to preserve what has made the organisation successful while building the capability it will need for the next generation.”

Ag Ex’s strategic priorities remain focused on strengthening grower groups, advocacy and partnerships, organisational capability and climate resilience, with a vision for connected, innovative and resilient South Australian farming communities.

Mr Wilksch said the transition was ultimately about positioning Ag Ex to continue creating value for growers and the wider agricultural sector.

“We are proud of what has been built over the past 20 years, but we are equally excited about what comes next.

We are building on the past, strengthening Ag Ex for today and ensuring we are ready for the future.”