OILSEED stalwart Jon Slee has retired from the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) oilseed council.
Mr Slee announced his retirement at the GIWA oilseed council forum earlier this month after more than five years in the role.
A longtime member of the industry, Mr Slee is part owner of Aus Oil Kojonup and general manager of the Alba Oils refinery and Oil2U sales and distribution company.
He is also president of the Australian Oilseeds Federation, a role he was elected to last November.
Mr Slee said he was proud of working with the WA canola industry during the introduction of the growing and marketing of genetically modified (GM) canola in WA and ensuring integrity through the supply chain.
"This integrity means we have been able to maintain a perfect track record in our export markets such as the European Union in offering GM and non-GM canola," Mr Slee said.
GIWA chief executive officer Larissa Taylor said Mr Slee had been a valued member of GIWA since its inception in 2008.
"Post deregulation of Australian wheat market, Jon and his peers established a value-chain approach to industry issues through the GIWA commodity councils, to serve the export focused WA grain industry," Ms Taylor said.
She said GIWA's value was in its membership which included researchers, growers, service companies, input supply companies, banks and trade.
"Eight years on, GIWA provides pre-competitive services to the WA grain industry in communication, promotion and supply chain issues, standards management, variety rationalisation and liaison with national bodies on trade, standards, market access and chemical residue issues.
"Jon was one of the key supporters of DAFWA's investment in the commissioning of the WA Grain Industry Strategy 2025+ which produced inspirational strategies in 2015 to double the value of the WA grain industry.
"These strategies guide the voluntary work of the GIWA Councils."
Ms Taylor said Mr Slee led GIWA's participation in profiling the WA noodle wheat industry supply relationship with Korea and Japan through technical quality workshop.
The role of GIWA oilseeds council chairman is one of four currently open, including GIWA executive chairman and GIWA wheat council chairman, which are both being held by interim chairman Dr Richard Williams.
The GIWA executive treasurer position will also become vacant following the retirement of Planfarm managing director Greg Kirk from the role.
New appointments will be made at the GIWA annual general meeting next month.
