Terry hands over the reins of TAPG

The Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group has marked a leadership transition, with long-serving CEO Terry Brient retiring and Hugh Christie appointed as Executive Officer.

The announcement was made at the 2026 TAPG Ag Innovation Expo at Hagley Farm School on Wednesday.

TAPG Chair Mark Kable said Mr Brient’s departure closed a significant chapter for the organisation and the broader agricultural sector.

“Terry has left a clear mark on this organisation and the industry through his leadership, professionalism and commitment over nearly two decades,” Mr Kable said.

“The Expo, first brought together more than 12 years ago, is a testament to Terry’s leadership.

“His contribution has helped shape TAPG into the trusted, industry-led organisation it is today.

“Terry leaves with the deep respect and gratitude of the Tasmanian agricultural community. His leadership, professionalism and dedication have left a strong foundation for the organisation to continue to build on, and his impact will be felt well beyond his retirement.”

Mr Kable said the appointment of Mr Christie came at a critical time, as industry collaboration and post farm gate coordination continues to shape Tasmania’s agricultural performance.

“This is an important appointment for the organisation,” Mr Kable said.

“TAPG plays a key role in representing the post farm gate sector and bringing industry, government and stakeholders together around the issues that matter.”

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and were looking for someone who could not only support the Board operationally but also engage meaningfully with members and contribute to the broader strategic direction of the organisation.

“Hugh brings over two decades of experience across agriculture, water and resource sectors, including CEO roles here in Tasmania.

“He has a strong background in governance, stakeholder engagement and delivering practical outcomes in complex environments.”

“Importantly, he understands the importance of collaboration across the supply chain and the role TAPG plays in that space.”

The leadership shift comes as industry bodies place increasing emphasis on alignment across the supply chain to manage cost pressures, workforce constraints and market volatility.

TasFarmers president Nathan Cox said strong coordination between organisations would be essential.

“Strong alignment across industry bodies is critical, and we look forward to working closely with Hugh and the TAPG team to deliver outcomes for the sector,” Mr Cox said.

Mr Brient, who transitioned into the role from being a school teacher, has for nearly 18 years been a constant and highly respected presence for TAPG, providing steady leadership and deep industry knowledge.

One of his most enduring legacies has been his leadership in agricultural innovation and applied research.

He has overseen and managed multiple major state and federally funded projects, including large-scale precision agriculture, water sensing and sub-soil manuring initiatives, many of which have delivered long-term productivity and sustainability benefits for Tasmanian producers.

Mr Brient formulated and chaired the Agricultural Innovation Expo, now widely regarded as Tasmania’s premier future-focussed field event.

He will work closely with Mr Christie in coming months while progressively scaling back his role ahead of his formal retirement on June 30.

At the Expo on Wednesday he said that the food and fibre industry is a tremendous place to have worked. 

“People are accepting and supporting, allowing us to focus on the productivity side of farming while also doing it in a sustainable way,” he said.

Mr Brient cited the $1 million project for the Federal Government under the Caring for Country Scheme, focussing on sub-soil manuring and looking after the soil and making it productive.

“That project got us heading in the right direction and the state government added another half a million dollars to continue that work and the Expo is a legacy of that funding,’ he said.

“We felt that the best way to bring sustainable change was to show farmers in Tasmania what the technology was – to let them see it, feel it, test it - and help make the transition easier.”

“It’s also important that they have an excuse to get together and talk to each other.”

When Mr Brient retired from teaching he took a four-wheel-drive and a camper trailer on the road for a while before transitioning to agriculture and when he finishes up at TAPG he said he might just do the same again.