A former vice-president and director of the NFF, Simson also served as the first female president of the NSW Farmers Association from 2011-2015.

Simson succeeds outgoing president Brent Finlay, who served for three years and was an NFF director since 2010.

Simson said it was an honour and privilege to be elected the organisation’s first female president.

To me, it’s a great acknowledgement that women contribute tremendously on farm, along the value chain and increasingly as thought leaders and public advocates for agriculture,’ Mrs Simson said.

“My focus will be on developing and advocating for policy that makes farmers better off – not just in terms of what they produce but also reaping the rewards of any increases in value along the food and fibre supply chain.  

I also want to make sure that farmers, producers and rural and regional based agribusinesses have access to communications technology that gets them better connected to their customers and allows them to reach out to global markets. 

Simson said issues such as transport infrastructure, digital connectivity, tax reform, Australia’s energy mix, sustainable development and trade reform would high on her agenda as president.

“To achieve this agenda, I will be focusing on strengthening the NFF’s capacity to provide a strong and united voice and be the sector’s leader in addressing industry challenges and creating opportunities in the new economy,” Simson said.

“I also believe we need to work smarter and beyond our traditional alliances, and include other stakeholders and the community in our conversation in ways that are engaging and effective.”

Agriculture Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce welcomed Simson’s appointment.

“I have had many dealings with Fiona during my time in the Agriculture and Water Resources portfolio. Until the July election she was a constituent of mine in the New England electorate,” Joyce said. 

“She’s got the experience and drive to lead our national peak farming body and I look forward to working with her.”

The AGM also saw the election of former Ricegrowers Association and NFF Water Taskforce Chair Les Gordon as vice-president.

Two new board directors were also elected – NSW grain grower and president of Grain Growers Limited John Eastburn and NSW Farmers executive councillor and cattle producer Tony Hegarty.