SHINE’ing the Spotlight on…
Emma Greenhatch

Emma has had more than 17 year’s experience working in the food and agribusiness industry for the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Renowned for her strong networks and leadership, Emma is a translator of ideas into strategies and actions that deliver positive and sustainable outcomes.

Before moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2015, Emma spent the previous nine years working with Victoria’s food industry in a range of senior roles with the Victorian Government. She facilitated the establishment of Victoria’s first representative group for the organic industry; led seven government departments in the development of a new policy framework for food; and created Australia’s largest and most successful inbound trade mission that resulted in $100 million in new food and beverage exports for Victoria.

Since 2016, Emma has been General Manager of the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), a fast growing not-for-profit, industry cluster headquartered on the Sunshine Coast. Under Emma’s leadership, membership has doubled to 320; she has generated more than $1 million in new funding; and driven the creation of a range of new initiatives, including two new services to assist members to access national and international markets. With a passion for partnerships and collaboration, Emma has evolved FAN into an organisation that delivers genuine growth opportunities for the food and agribusiness industry in the Greater Sunshine Coast region.

Emma, you’ve worked in so many areas and have held many amazing roles over the years, can you tell us a little about and the driving force behind?

Definitely a love for new experiences and having a sense of adventure. I’ve never been one to have a career plan. My 9 years with the Victorian Government is a great example of this. I had at least 5 different roles during this time including establishing Victoria’s first representative group for the organic industry; leading seven government departments in the development of a new policy framework for food; and creating Australia’s largest and most successful inbound trade mission that resulted in $100 million in new food and beverage exports for Victoria.

What guided you towards working for FAN (Food Agribusiness Network)?

To be honest, after leaving my role with the Victorian Government and moving to the Sunshine Coast, I thought I was ready for a complete change away from the food industry. I was writing Food Innovation Australia Ltd’s Innovation book and interviewed Jacqui Wilson-Smith from Gourmet Garden, also a co-founder of FAN. Jacqui invited me to a FAN event and I was amazed by the openness and energy in the room. Here was collaboration happening right in front of me. I was so inspired that I joined the FAN board as a Director for six months, before moving into an operational role and being appointed General Manager.

You’re working on implementing a brand new business model, how have you overcome challenges associated with this or what opportunities have existed that you never knew existed?

Yes we’re right in the middle of it! In Europe the concept of industry clusters like FAN is well established and there’s acknowledgment that an ongoing partnership between industry, government and research is critical to unlocking growth and driving innovation. We’re coming off a lower base in Australia and building a sustainable cluster model is challenging. We were fortunate to receive funding from Food Innovation Australia Ltd 3 years ago which is coming to an end this year. This, combined with our learnings over the past 5 years, has led us to develop a new hub and spoke model where we’ll establish interconnected FAN Clusters in each of our regions. We’re excited about the potential of this new model to deliver more opportunities for our members to connect, collaborate and grow; and to ensure that FAN is around for many years to come.

How important is volunteering, community and business collaboration in a region?

We saw firsthand the importance of networks like FAN during the COVID pandemic. They build resilience at all levels – industry, community, regions. Our members moved very quickly from shock to survival/transformation and importantly helped each other along the way – from sharing staff and opening up their market channels to lifting each other’s spirits. There hasn’t been one FAN member that has closed their doors due to COVID. Our region, like so many across Australia is comprised of mostly micro and small businesses, many of whom face similar challenges to growth. We need to find more ways to collaborate so we can create a bigger pie that what any of us can achieve on our own.

What traits and qualities do you admire in a leader?

Authenticity, the ability to connect and empathy.

And what’s next on the agenda for Emma Greenhatch?

Right now I’m where I want to be and fully immersed.

Favourite book and why?

I couldn’t possibly choose. Losing myself in books is one of my great pleasures and I’ve read so many that sometimes I unknowingly start one I’ve already read…

What’s one thing that you do for yourself every day?

Nourish myself through food that makes me happy and healthy.

What mantra do you live by?

Be open to the possibilities.

To find out more about Emma and FAN head to:

Website
https://foodagribusiness.org.au/

Facebook
@foodagribusinessnetwork