CRDC Board Chairman Richard Haire has been re-appointed to the position until February 2027. The Hon Julie Collins MP, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, made the announcement in August, allowing Richard to continue to oversee the rollout of CRDC’s current strategic plan, Clever Cotton.
Richard’s initial stint as Chair began in 2016, and he was reappointed in 2019, 2022 and now 2025. His association with the board began in 2011 as a director, however his commitment and involvement in the cotton industry extends back decades.
Richard is from a cotton farming family in the Namoi Valley, where his brothers continue to farm. He’s held many leadership positions within the cotton industry, most recently as Managing Director and regional head of Olam International. He was formerly the Chief Executive of Queensland Cotton and a member of the Rabo Australia Food and Agribusiness Advisory Board.
“Having Richard at the helm for another two years gives the organisation stability and the benefits of his experience and knowledge,” CRDC Executive Director Allan Williams said.
“This reappointment is also testament as to how much Richard’s expertise and management is appreciated.
“We’ve embarked on some ambitious long-term research and development projects under our Clever Cotton strategic plan, including the industry data platform and the Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration which Richard is keen to see to implementation.”
