Ben Gebert appointed new CEO of Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc.

Ben Gebert, CEO Food & Fibre Gippsland

The board of Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc has confirmed Ben Gebert as CEO at its November meeting.

Ben had been acting CEO since July when his predecessor Nicola Pero moved to her new role in the New Energy Sector.

“It was a considered but ultimately easy decision – Ben had been doing a great job acting in the role and has a really clear vision for the next stages of growth for Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc.,” F&FG Inc. Chair, Barry Rogers, said.

Ben, who lives just outside of Stratford on a mixed farming property with his partner, Cassi, is from long-term farming stock – originally hailing from the Wimmera Mallee in North Western Victoria. He moved to Gippsland in 2016 during his employment as an agribusiness banker, having subsequently held roles as a strategic partnership broker within the further education space, and in senior project and general management roles at F&FG.

Reflecting on his appointment, Ben’s first thoughts were that he felt “both honoured and relieved to be given the opportunity to lead F&FG and represent the sector. He is looking forward to continuing the good work of the organisation, and adding further value to stakeholders through a redoubled focus on growing Gippsland’s profile as a leader in food and fibre production.”

He said F&FG would have a range of events for members and stakeholders, to be held across the region each year.

“I want to work closely with our members and stakeholders to hear their stories; plan activities together; and better understand how F&FG can work collaboratively to grow our sector” Ben said.

“Our members are diverse – from large enterprises like Burra Foods to small farms, cafés and butchers. They are all keen to have the chance to get together and chat, while hearing from industry specialists.”

Mr Rogers said, “At close to $7 billion per annum, F&FG’s value chain represents half of the entire Gross Regional Product of Gippsland. We want to see the sector grow significantly; already, we represent 25% of Victoria’s milk production, and seven of Australia’s 10 largest salad growers are here in Gippsland.”

Ben is a graduate of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program and credits it with focusing his leadership skills and building even stronger connections with other young Gippslandians, who are leaders in many areas.

Food & Fibre Gippsland Inc works closely with government at all levels, supporting producers and growers, processors and manufacturers and wholesale and retail businesses within the Food and Fibre value chain.

Food & Fibre Gippsland delivers high-value projects such as Future Drought Fund’s Victorian Drought Hub project; the joint F&FG and Latrobe Valley Authority Gippsland Smart Specialisation Project; and the joint CSIRO, Regional Development Victoria and F&FG Regional Investment Attraction Project, which brings globally-recognised industry leaders and universities together to invest directly in the state’s future industries.

Mr Rogers congratulated Ben on his appointment. “The board and staff of F&FG are delighted that Ben has accepted the role and are looking forward to a new period of growth in the region,” he said.

About Food & Fibre Gippsland

Food & Fibre Gippsland is a not-for-profit organisation. We work with industry and stakeholders to create opportunities for a prosperous and sustainable food and fibre sector in Gippsland.

Our mission is to lead capacity building, innovation, and knowledge sharing, working collaboratively with industry and responding to the ideas and challenges across the region.