GARY SANSOM STANDS DOWN AS QFF PRESIDENT

THE Queensland Farmers’ Federation has extended its warmest gratitude to Gary Sansom AM, who is vacating the role of president after more than two decades of service to the organisation.
Mr Sansom, who runs a chicken meat farm at Jimboomba with his wife Julie, has been president since 2001 and was at the table at the formation of QFF in 1992.
He has announced he will not be standing for election as President at the QFF AGM tomorrow (September 6).
QFF CEO Dan Galligan said there were few people as well known in Queensland rural politics as Gary, and his long list of services and dedication to industry was unparalleled.
Hi achievements include:
• President, Queensland Chicken Growers Association, 1992-2010 and prior to that Vice-President from 1985-1992. He is currently a co vice-president.
• President, Australian Chicken Growers Council, 1998-2002; Executive Officer, since 2004; Councillor, 1992-2002.
• President, Australian Chicken Meat Federation.
• Member, Chicken Meat Industry Committee, since 1985
• Chairman, FarmSafe Queensland, since 2004
He was also awarded a medal for the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and promoting environmental and biosecurity management systems within the chicken meat industry.
He has been awarded the Noel Milne Queensland Poultry Award, which recognises persons who have made a significant contribution to the poultry industry.
“Gary has played an incredible role helping make QFF the respected and well-functioning organisation that it is,” Mr Galligan said. “He has made an outstanding contribution to the organisation, its people, and to rural policy in Queensland.”
Mr Sansom will continue to be seen in the offices of QFF in various capacities and will assist QFF in many ways.
Mr Sansom said it was an honour to have been so involved with QFF and its members.
“Agriculture has faced some enormous challenges in recent years and in my time here. But it is thanks to organisations such as QFF that we can help drive a positive agenda for the sector. QFF is a vital collective voice for agriculture in this State and I am proud of its achievements.
“I have been fortunate to work with fantastic CEOs in my time here and a team of dedicated staff. QFF is being left in capable hands.
“I have also been extremely fortunate to have had an amazing level of support from my wife Julie, who all of time has been working with the chickens while I have been working with the politicians. Her contribution has been incredible.”