Two of the vacant positions are for directors with milk producer skills, while the other vacancy requires a director with dairy supply chain and product promotion skills.

The terms of two serving directors expire this year and another director has retired.

Current director James Mann, who serves as chair of Dairy Australia, and director David Lord, have indicated they will stand for re-election, while Graeme Nicoll, who is serving in an interim capacity following the retirement of Jeff Odgers, will not stand for re-election.

Dairy Australia Board Selection Committee chair Professor Paul Wood said a letter was being sent to all levy payers calling for nominations for the director vacancies.

“This is an important time as we work towards delivering against our strategic plan, and provide services that benefit and advance dairy farm businesses and the industry, including investment in research and innovation, learning and capability development, marketing, policy research, market insights, and trade development,” he said.

“We want to hear from candidates who are passionate about shaping a more profitable and sustainable industry.”

Dairy Australia’s board comprises eight non-executive directors and the managing director.

The board provides oversight of the organisation and ensures the dairy levy is invested in programs that support the profitability and sustainability of dairy farmers.

A Board Skills Matrix specifies the mix of skills required by directors and is a requirement of Dairy Australia’s funding agreement with the Federal Government.

To stand for election, applicants must undergo a selection process overseen by the Board Selection Committee.

Alternatively, candidates may stand for election if their nomination is endorsed with the signatures of at least 100 current Group A members.

Candidates interested in applying for the director positions should refer to Dairy Australia’s website www.dairyaustralia.com.au/directorelections and applications must be received by May 31.