CSD Advisory Panel
Expressions of Interest are now open for cotton growers and advisors to join the new CSD Advisory Panel
The CSD Advisory Panel will play a valuable role in ensuring industry perspectives inform and shape our key strategic and operational priorities, keeping our seed quality, varieties, technologies and activities closely aligned with the evolving needs of the Australian cotton industry.
Representation is sought from individuals across diverse cotton-growing regions and the supply chain in Australia to ensure a broad range of perspectives and production systems are reflected.
Grower applicants must be nominated by their Cotton Grower Association, while advisor nominations must be submitted through Crop Consultants Australia. The application form is at the bottom of this page.
Expression of interest
1. Purpose and Role
As part of its strategy, Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) would like to foster improved engagement with cotton growers and advisors to better understand their needs, challenges and opportunities. This will help ensure our seed quality, varieties, technologies and activities are better aligned with industry requirements and emerging trends. To achieve this, CSD is forming an advisory panel that would provide insights and feedback on industry wide issues affecting CSD. The CSD Industry Advisory Panel (“the Panel”) will provide a forum for structured engagement between CSD’s senior leadership and key industry organisations.
The role of the Panel is to:
- act as a consultative forum between growers, advisors and CSD
- identify emerging agronomic, environmental and market issues affecting growers
- provide feedback on CSD initiatives, strategies and product performance
- support a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
- assist in focusing the CSD messaging to industry
- provide a platform for testing ideas and updating stakeholders on key developments.
The Panel is advisory in nature and does not have a delegated authority for decision making. Responsibility for setting the direction of CSD rests solely with the Board and Management and is guided by CSD’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.
2. Membership and Appointment
Membership will consist of the CSD CEO and senior management alongside appointed representatives of relevant industry organisations and bodies.
CSD is seeking one nomination from each Cotton Grower Association, and up to 5 nominations from Crop Consultants Australia. Nominees must be members of CSD.
Nominees will be appointed as members of the panel by invitation of the CSD’s CEO, for a renewable term of two (2) years. The CEO’s decision in this regard is final.
If a member vacates their role within their industry organisation, they will automatically cease to be a member of the panel and the organisation they represent may nominate a successor; final approval of the replacement becoming a member remains at the discretion of CSD’s CEO.
Membership is contingent on regular attendance at meetings and active contribution.
3. Scope and Key Activities
Successful EOI nominees may be involved in activities such as:
- participating in structured meetings or workshops
- providing advice and feedback on CSD programs, trials, or initiatives
- sharing industry perspectives, emerging issues, and opportunities
- supporting continuous improvement across CSD’s engagement with industry.
The exact scope and level of involvement will be confirmed once EOIs are assessed and finalised. Participation in the advisory panel may involve access to and discussion of confidential information. Panel members will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement as part of their membership.
4. Who Should Apply
CSD welcomes EOIs from individuals or organisations with experience or involvement in the Australian cotton industry, including:
- cotton growers
- agronomists and advisors.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- a strong understanding of the cotton production system
- a willingness to engage constructively and collaboratively
- the ability to contribute independent, well-considered perspectives.
5. Time Commitment
The anticipated time commitment is expected to be 1 face to face meeting per year, and 2 meetings via video conference. Part of the face-to-face meeting annually will involve a thorough overview of the CSD plant and processes, as discussions on breeding and technology pipelines, seed quality and the factors influencing seed quality, seed increase program, variety trials and variety performance.
6. Term
Appointments or participation will be for an initial term of two years.
7. Remuneration
Successful applicants will receive a stipend of $1000.00 /day or $125.00/hour for their participation in and contribution to Panel activities. All travel, accommodation and meals to and from Panel meetings will be covered by CSD. Time for travel to and from Panel meetings will not be covered by a stipend.
8. How to Submit an Expression of Interest
Grower applicants must be nominated by their Cotton Grower Association (CGA) and advisor nominations must come from Crop Consultants Australia (CCA). Applications must come from the relevant CGA (Secretary or President) or via CCA Secretary or President.
Cotton Grower Associations and Crop Consultants Australia are invited to submit nominations for the Panel that includes:
- Name and contact details
- Current role and organisation (if applicable)
- Relevant experience and industry involvement
- Any specific skills or perspectives you would bring
Expressions of interest close 5pm, Friday 24 April 2026. Submit your EOI via the online form below.
9. Assessment Process
EOIs will be reviewed by CSD based on:
- relevance of experience and expertise
- ability to contribute to the objectives of the initiative
- ensuring a balanced and representative mix of industry perspectives.
Submission of an EOI does not guarantee selection.
Questions
For technical assistance with the online form, contact ewarden@csd.net.au
For enquiries regarding the Advisory Panel, contact Ian Taylor, CEO CSD at itaylor@csd.net.au or 0427 921 480.
Application
Complete the application form online below.