Extra encouragement for young members

Seed and Grain New Zealand has launched two new initiatives aimed at growing the next generation of people in the industry.

Sam Clarke.

A new committee for Young Radicles has been established, operated by and for members aged 35 years and younger, and an associate councillor position on the organisation’s executive has been created for members in the same age group.

Sam Clarke of South Island Seed Dressing (SISD) has been appointed to this position for a one-year term, while Cassidy Sprott, PGG Wrightson Seeds; Celia Hutchinson, Barenbrug; James Taylor, South Pacific Seeds; and Fred Milford-Taylor, Hodder & Taylor form the committee for Young Radicles.

Clarke has been working at SISD for ten years since graduating from Otago University with a commerce degree. He is operations manager and recently became a director of the company.

As a third-generation member of the family business, he is eager to grow his governance skills while providing insights to the association from a seed processor’s perspective.

Sarah Clark, Seed and Grain NZ chief executive, says it is essential that the association grows young-member exposure to the industry by providing opportunities to get involved in association governance and activities.

“The initiatives provide development opportunities for young members and bring diversity of thinking to the association’s leadership. The aim is to ensure retention of talent and knowledge in the seed and grain industry for the benefit of the sector.”