More high-level staff changes have been confirmed at Meat & Livestock Australia this morning with an announcement to staff that Dr Peter Barnard will be leaving the organisation on July 1, 2015. 

MLA Managing Director Richard Norton confirmed the news to MLA staff this morning in a letter, which has seen by Beef Central.

The letter explains that prior to his departure, Dr Barnard will be working full time on the development and finalisation of the 2015-2020 Meat Industry Strategic Plan (MISP4). 

Andrew McCallum, MLA trade and market Access maanger, will take over Dr Barnard’s duties as General Manager, Trade, Market Access & Industry Strategy in an interim strategy. Mr Norton said further advice on the ongoing leadership of the team will be announced in the new year.

Dr Barnard has worked with MLA and its predecessor organisation, the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation (AMLC), for more than 20 years.  Throughout this period he has led MLA’s market access and market information and analysis programs.

“When Peter joined AMLC in 1991, quotas were faced by the Australian industry in all of its major international beef markets,” Mr Norton states in the letter.

“The strong partnership forged between MLA, industry and Government has seen quotas in major beef markets become a thing of the past and agreements reached to reduce tariffs to zero or a fraction of their former level.  This strong partnership was also vital when Australia successfully challenged the United States over the imposition of lamb quotas.

“During his time as a General Manager Peter was also responsible for driving significant development and enhancement of MLA’s market information service. This service is highly valued by MLA members and others in the supply chain, including processors, domestic and international customers, as well as government agencies.”

Between 2006 and 2011 Dr Barnard led the strategic development and implementation of MLA’s international marketing activities. 

He oversaw the significant change in approach towards increased emphasis on emerging markets, greater involvement in business development activities and the establishment of MLA’s exporter co-funded marketing program.  Since 2010 Peter has led MLA’s live export program, operated jointly with Livecorp, including working with the Australian Government and exporters in devising and implementing ESCAS.

“After he leaves MLA Peter intends to continue to be involved with the Australian Agricultural sector in a range of other capacities. I am sure you will all join me in wishing Peter well for his future,” the letter concludes.