One of Australia’s most respected experts in agricultural research and extension has been named as the head of a new alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

Professor Deirdre Lemerle has been appointed Director of the renamed E H Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, a joint research venture between CSU and DPI to drive profitable and sustainable agricultural sector.

The E H Graham Centre will draw on scientists from both CSU and the DPI in five programs areas – agricultural health, agricultural production, food science and product quality, soil and water, and extension, training and communication research.

Announcing the new Director, NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said “Professor Deirdre Lemerle brings great vision, energy and a passion for agriculture to the role and I congratulate her on her appointment”.

“She is widely known for her work as a principal research scientist with the NSW DPI and leader of the Cropping Systems Program of the Co-Operative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management. 

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter said “Professor Lemerle brings with her the interdisciplinary understanding and vision that is needed to put our research status on the national and international stage”.

“The collaboration between CSU and DPI offers the University a clear research focus in agriculture and through this Centre we aim to become the leading agricultural research institution within the next five years,” said Professor Goulter. 

The new name of the Centre honours a pioneer in Edgar Hugh Graham who held the state seat of Wagga Wagga in State Parliament from 1941 until his death in 1957,” Mr Macdonald said.

“He set a record as the state’s longest serving Minister for Agriculture, and is still respected for his pioneering role in developing rural policies.

Further information about the E H Graham Centre can be found here.