Queensland horticulture industry body, Growcom, has announced Sachin Ayachit as the new National Program Manager for its Fair Farms programme.

In a release, Growcom said they’d found the right candidate after an “extensive search and selection process.”

Ayachit joins with extensive knowledge and experience, including a background in the delivery of certification programmes, accreditations, regulatory compliance, training, and implementation of quality systems for certification schemes in the agriculture sector.

Most recently at ACO Certification (previously Australian Certified Organics) as the general manager of certification, Ayachit also holds multiple qualifications including a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Master of Agribusiness Management, an MBA, as well as being a lead auditor for Integrated Management Systems and Internal Auditing.

Over the past 16 years he has worked with more than 4,500 certified farmers to deliver certification of 10,000 products in more than 15 countries. Growcom said his experience will continue to help develop and expand its Fair Farms programme.

“I am excited to be starting with Growcom at this very important time for the Fair farms program,” said Ayachit. “Fair Farms is a great initiative that I think many growers will find invaluable as part of their farm management practices.

“It’s an Australian based ethical employment standard, industry-led, and it aligns with my desire to work with all members of the supply chain - especially growers.”

Growcom chief executive Stephen Barnard said Ayachit’s credentials and experience as an agricultural industry expert in training and certification made him the perfect fit for the Fair Farms programme.

“Fair Farms aims to recognise growers who are ethical and responsible employers through training and awareness and offers growers a pathway to independent third-party audit through an APSCA registered auditor – so it’s great we have Sachin for this lead role,” Barnard said.

“Sachin’s experience, and focused approach to customers and all stakeholders is ideal for Fair Farms as we look to reinforce and expand the programme.”

Ayachit will commence work with Growcom’s Fair Farms programme on 15 December 2021.