Thursday, 30 October 2025
After leading Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) through a period of sustained growth, Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Collard, has announced she will step down following the organisation’s Farming Forever National Summit and 10-year anniversary milestone.
Ms Collard has led FCA for two years of FCA’s 10-year history, building on the foundations to cement its role as a trusted national voice for farmers leading genuine climate action.
During her tenure, FCA achieved sustained growth, delivered over 10,000 media stories, expanded membership to more than 8,400 farmers, and reached millions of Australians in just 90 days through the Farming Forever National Summit campaign – the largest and most ambitious event in FCA’s history.
Under Ms Collard’s leadership, FCA also strengthened its influence at the highest levels of government, contributed to major policy processes such as the Net Zero Sector Plan for Agriculture and Land and New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, and secured new partnerships to power our mission.
“Leading Farmers for Climate Action has been the privilege of my career,” Ms Collard said. “I’ve had the honour of working with remarkable people – farmers, staff, Board members, and partners – all united by a belief that agriculture can be profitable, productive and climate-smart.
“After the success of the Farming Forever Summit and FCA’s tenth anniversary, it feels like the right time to take a rest, travel, and hand over the reins to the next person ready to take FCA into its next decade of growth.”
FCA Chair Brett Hall thanked Ms Collard for her leadership and commitment.
“Natalie has left an impact on Farmers for Climate Action. She has led FCA through its continued growth in income and influence, culminating in a Summit that inspired farmers and policymakers alike.
“She leaves FCA – with clear purpose, national momentum, and a growing community of farmers at the centre of climate solutions.”
FCA’s Board will commence a national search for the organisation’s next Chief Executive Officer. In the meantime, we are incredibly pleased to announce that Verity Morgan-Schmidt will be appointed to the role of Interim CEO. Verity is welcomed back, not only as our first employee, but also our first CEO, so has a great understanding of the organisation, stakeholders, and our donors.
