CEO of the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers takes on new three-year role to support and empower the state’s farmers
The Queensland government has appointed Rachel Chambers as the new Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner (QFFC), a role created to advocate for Queensland farmers.
Chambers is the CEO of the Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers (QFVG) and has a unique insight into stakeholder challenges. During her tenure as CEO, Chambers has consistently shown strong leadership on behalf of commercial fruit, vegetable, and nut growers.
Primary industries minister Tony Perrett said Chambers had demonstrated her ability to advocate for outcomes for primary producers and brings extensive rural leadership experience in the horticultural industry and local government.
“Chambers played a prominent role for changes in supply chain pricing during the Queensland supermarket inquiry and advocated for growers during the national supermarket inquiry conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission during 2024/25,” Perrett said.
“I am confident she will provide strong leadership, connection, and advocacy across industry, to government and for Queensland primary producers and it is my view that there is no one better for the job.
“I also extend my appreciation to outgoing interim Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner, Charles Burke, whose tenure ended earlier this month.
As QFFC Chambers will be a point of contact for matters affecting Queensland farmers, supporting and empowering them to thrive in a competitive market. She will also provide relevant advice in supporting their relationships with supermarkets.
Under Chambers, the role will have expanded responsibilities to make it more fit for purpose and in line with advancing the interests of Queensland’s primary producers.
This will include working closely with the Federal Government to lead Queensland’s interests as part of the new National Food Security Strategy and supporting priority areas identified in our Primary Producers Prosper 2050 25-year Blueprint.
Chair of QFVG, Joe Moro congratulated Chambers on the new role and noted some of the contributions she had made during her tenure including the Year of Horticulture and the We Give A Fork national campaign, as well as launching HortESG.
“On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Rachel on her appointment. She leaves QFVG stronger and more future-focused. We thank her sincerely for her leadership and wish her every success in this important new role,” said Moro.
“The board will soon begin recruiting for a new CEO – but for now, we celebrate Rachel, thank her for everything, and cheer her on as she takes on this exciting next chapter.”
