NZ Southern Produce avocado orchard

PICA plans to expand its reach, linking horticultural and agricultural organisations

New Zealand’s Primary Industry Capability Alliance (PICA) has appointed Andy Somerville as chief executive of the agricultural alliance.

Leaving his banking background, Somerville will join PICA with experience in business development and management, working for the National Bank of New Zealand's rural finance team before representing the bank in London.

“PICA has come a long way since it was set up two years go and Andy brings the right combination of skills in strategy, leadership and collaboration needed to lead the next phase of development,” said Mark Paine, PICA's transition board chairman.

“PICA, under Andy’s leadership, will play a vital role in linking organisations and ensuring their strategies, resources and activities are aligned to achieve the outcomes our primary industries need.”

PICA was formed in 2012 as a collaboration between Dairy NZ; New Zealand Young Farmers; Beef and Lamb NZ; Primary ITO; Taratahi; Lincoln University; and the Ministry for Primary Industries.