Paridaen works as a business and agronomy consultant with Premier Ag Consultancy Group (PACG) located in the Western District of Victoria.

After studying a Bachelor of Agriculture (Hons)/Bachelor of Business at Latrobe University, Paridaen joined the Victorian Ag Department as a graduate extension officer.

A passion for communication was quickly developed and she had an opportunity to join the Southern Farming Systems team in 2011, coordinating trials and eventually moving toward more focussed farming systems research.

Early sown wheat, crop and pasture rotations and crop/livestock integration through Grain & Graze kept Paridaen busy for a number of years, being directly involved with the trialling of spring-sown winter canola across the Western District.

The level of satisfaction working with innovative and progressive farmers is what drew her to join PACG as a consultant.

Andrew Rice, FAR Australia's board chairman, said: "FAR Australia aims to have a board membership that reflects the stakeholders that the organisation serves.

"Having Annieka join FAR Australia's board of directors is a significant step in achieving this aim. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge, not only in agronomy and cropping businesses, but also in research and extension and ensuring uptake of research through grower adoption," Rice said.

Commenting on the appointment, Paridaen said she was excited to be joining the board of directors.

"FAR Australia is highly regarded within the industry when it comes to conducting research, development and extension to support beneficial changes in the Australian grains industry," she said.

"I am thrilled to be joining the FAR Australia board and such a team of dedicated industry experts. I look forward to working with fellow board members and exploring new opportunities to build on sustainable and profitable solutions for grain growers now and in the future."