Ben Norton-Smith Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Vic, Au

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Managed two critical projects funded by the Storm and Flood Recovery Grant. The first developed a sustainable farm workforce program to increase workforce retention and the second developed a farm succession program to navigate generational change. I led both projects from their initial conception through planning and delivery. Over 160 NSW farms have successfully used the program, leading to an increase in farm labour efficiency.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Led the delivery of research aimed at evaluating the significance of sustainable workforce development programs that will assist in achieving the goal of $100bn farm output by 2030. As the NFF’s key contact for education policy and I provided management of research delivery to influence policy and federal budget recommendations. I made extensive recommendations for immigration policy, education and for professional federal funding recognition for the sector.In addition to my role at the NFF, I managed the NSW Agriculture Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB). As an independent advisor I delivered critical industry insights to government departments and industry associations. As the Executive Officer I cultivated and managed key industry relationships, provided industry advice to government through expert governance and reporting. I effectively administered workforce projects, managed budgets, and secured contract extensions, all while concurrently fulfilling my obligations at the NFF and in partnership with Skills Impact, a significant stakeholder.

Sydney, Australia

Newly based in Sydney, I delivered agronomic and soil consultancy services, specialising in soil conditioners and fertilisers to a wide array of farming enterprises across New South Wales and Queensland. It was an opportunity to develop a new network in Australia and understand the operating landscape across multiple enterprises and how to adjust my development and approach to match the new market. This role ended when COVID-19 put too much strain on the business.

London, England, United Kingdom

Led the development of the national farm advisory team from 13 to 35 staff in 18 months across the UK which also delivered an increased net profit of £225,000 over 24 months. With this expansion I developed and maintained key stakeholder relationships in distribution, government, and technical consultancy organisations. In this role I managed a senior team of eight and provided strategic insights and feedback to the board in the development of new markets access.

Delivered contract farm consultancy and specific breeding advice for Dairy and Beef enterprises in the South West, to maximise future farm profitability as a response to leaving the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Notably identifying key opportunities to mitigate ongoing risk from loss of future income, changes to policy and climate impacts. In addition to this consultancy service, I drove sales of genus sires and products to align with the farmers business goals.

Wiltshire

I served as Assistant Agent for two agricultural estates in the UK and regional Agribusiness consultant. In this position, I offered comprehensive estate, farm management and rural business consultancy services to private and institutional clients. I implemented and navigated the UK environmental and natural capital schemes for clients to achieve CAP payments and increased biodiversity offsets. I aimed to enhance productivity and generate income through effective natural resource management and to mitigate climate and economic variation as far as possible.