The Fresh 
Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand (FPSC) today announced its new Chair and the appointment of four new Directors, in an expansion of its Board.
After seven years in the role, Mr. Michael Worthington stepped down from the position of Chair of the FPSC effective from 24 November 2021 and was replaced by Dr. Andreas Klieber of Quality Associates. Dr. Jocelyn Eason also stepped down from the FPSC Board and Mr. Worthington was appointed as Emeritus Advisor to the FPSC Board, a non-voting advisory role, also effective from 24 November.
The FPSC also appointed four new Directors, in an expansion of the number of Board members from eight to ten. The four new directors come from Australia and New Zealand with diverse representation within the fresh produce industry. The new directors are: Dr. Damien Farrelly, Miffy Gilbert, Andrew Redman, and Belinda Wilson-Chartres.
Departing FPSC Chair Mr. Worthington said: “It has been an honour and privilege to lead this organisation.”
“When Dr. Robyn McConchie and I established the FPSC in 2014 through our respective organisations at the time (University of Sydney and PMA A-NZ), we wanted an entity that could solely focus on food safety in the fresh produce industries of Australia and New Zealand and would be for the whole industry from farm to retail and supported by the industry. Thanks to past and present FPSC Boards and numerous other businesses, organisations and individuals, we have achieved our aim,” Mr Worthington said.
“It now gives me great pleasure to hand over the reins to Andreas, with his skills, knowledge and passion for food safety and the industry. I wish Andreas and the new Board all the very best for the future and I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me in the role over the past seven years,” he said.
Dr. Klieber added, “I am excited to follow on as Chair from Michael and his great vision for the FPSC. The Board is also recognising his ongoing passion and service for the centre by appointing Michael as an Emeritus Advisor. We thank both Michael and Jocelyn for their dedicated and valued service to the FPSC, particularly during the difficult past few years of COVID-19.”
The four new Directors, appointed on 24 November, bring a wealth of experience and dedication to food safety in the fresh produce industry.
Dr. Damien Farrelly is the New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice and Food Safety manager at Horticulture New Zealand. Damien is the key industry contact with the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries for food safety policy, and implementation and is a member of numerous food safety forums, working groups and research groups.
Click here to read the full press release.
For more information:
FPSC A&NZ
Web: fpsc-anz.com