Trustee brings global agribusiness perspective
Lisa Portas has been appointed as associate trustee for Agmardt, bringing extensive hands-on experience from across NZ’s agricultural and rural business sectors.
Portas draws on more than a decade working in farming, supply chains, and international agribusiness environments.
She is a Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme graduate and a 2025 Nuffield Scholar focused on global value-chain models.
Portas researches how transparency, trust, and tighter links between producers and markets can strengthen long-term farm-gate outcomes.
Her background includes developing wool value streams, marketing fibre offshore, shaping brands, and diversifying farm enterprises into honey and agritourism.
Portas and her husband Kurt led the Palliser Ridge executive team until June 2025, giving her grounded experience in day-to-day rural business operations.
She says the Agmardt role offers an opportunity to support the sector during a period of tightening funding and rapid change.
Portas notes that she has previously received project funding and is eager to understand how investment decisions are made from the governance side.
“This is a pivotal time for the sector, with more limited funding options, and I’m keen to help ensure Agmardt grants and food and fibre investments effectively support different parts of the primary industry.”
After completing international Nuffield travel in 2025, Portas brings a global lens to discussions about farmer-market alignment.
She’s keen to contribute insights from overseas producers who are grappling with similar pressures and opportunities.
The role offers a valuable chance to grow governance capability while contributing to decision-making that shapes sector direction.
Portas serves on the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy Steering Group; sits on the Destination Wairarapa regional tourism board and coordinates the Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Her cross-sector involvement strengthens her understanding of environmental stewardship, rural tourism, fibre marketing, and regional development.
Her appointment follows the departure of previous associate trustee Phil Weir, who became a farmer-elected director at Beef + Lamb NZ during his 18-month term with Agmardt.
“I see the Agmardt mindset as being one of challenging norms, striving for continuous improvement, and driving change. This is something I will carry forward,” he says.