AGF Seeds has appointed a new general manager, with Tim Brown stepping up to the position.

For the past five years Mr Brown has been working in research and development and sales for the company and says it’s an exciting time to be taking on the top role.

“We have pipelines of products reaching maturity and it will be exciting to have an impact across the whole business,” he said.

During his time in research and development (R&D), Mr Brown has driven innovation and led AGF Seeds to introduce many popular species to Australia, including Winter Canola, Tillage Radish and Sunn Hemp.

Mr Brown said that his roles in R&D and sales would hold him in good stead for the new challenge.

“I have insight into where our strengths are in terms of new products and a strong understanding of the market, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the operations side of the business in seed processing, treating and packing.”

Mr Brown will be based at head office in Smeaton but also regularly visit the Benalla office.

Mr Brown started his career in 1997 with the Department of Agriculture in Ballarat and worked with another seed company before launching AGF seeds with fellow director David Toose in 2009.

AGF Seeds has grown significantly in recent years following the acquisition of another Australian family-owned business, Smyth Seeds.

Mr Brown says the seed industry and Australian agriculture have a promising future, and AGF Seeds is well positioned to help that growth.

“The team has a lot of passion and knowledge for the seed industry and part of my role will be to help those people excel and be their best,” he said.

“One of the strengths of our business is our diversity across all agricultural sectors and we have new wheats, canolas and perennial and annual grasses in development that will make a big difference to customers.”

Mr Brown said his priority was to support the success of AGF Seeds’ customers in the retail network and their customers on farms.

“We want to help retailers with logistics and price competitiveness and making sure stores have seeds when and where they need it, and we want farmers to have excellent product that will suit their conditions for growing good crops and pastures and help them to make savings along the way.

“We’re always progressing and trying to improve product in a changing environment.”

Mr Brown replaces Andrew McNaughton as General Manager.