After nearly six years at the helm of Australian Organic Limited (AOL), Niki Ford is stepping down as CEO at the end of July. Ford was AOL’s first female CEO and led the organisation through a demerger and restructure while driving discussion on regulatory reform for the organic sector.
As the longest serving CEO of AOL, Ford navigated a demerger, restructured the organisation into the industry body it is today, adapted to a global pandemic, and established strong relationships with government and industry. Ford also led the charge for organic regulatory reform, with Australia being the last developed country in the OECD without a consistent regulatory framework around the use of the word ‘organic’.
Ford announced her resignation at the 2024 Australian Organic Conference, saying the industry had ‘so much to offer Australia’s collective future’, and was ‘still to reach its full potential.
“As the industry progresses, it’s imperative that new ideas are sought to ensure a dynamic course is set, and courageous leaders step into uncomfortable and challenging areas to guarantee the growth continues – next generation leaders with fresh ideas and fully charged batteries,” said Ford.
Ford added that mentoring and working with the AOL team had been the ‘greatest privilege’.
“AOL members have inspired me daily with their innovation, dedication and agility. I have so many emotionally filled memories from my experiences over the years with these passionate, certified organic producers,” said Ford.
Ford’s connection to the land and sustainable food was forged from her upbringing on the outskirts of Toowoomba, and while working as a chef and in various FMCG roles.
An illness which kept her from working for nine months at the age of 21 prompted a reassessment of her diet, and ultimately discovery of the health benefits of certified organic produce. Over the next decade of self-education, Ford became an advocate for organics, eventually leading what is now the peak body of the industry.
In August 2023, all of Australia’s organic certification bodies and major industry groups joined to create the Organic Development Group (ODG) to present a united voice for change, buoyed by the formation of the Parliamentary Friends of Australia’s Organic Industry (PFAOI).
“When we stand together with experts, academics, producers, political leaders, and the community who live and breathe organics every day, we really are a force to be reckoned with.
“I want to thank everyone for the privilege of serving an industry I feel very passionate about - one that I will continue to champion. There have been many highs and lows, but I know I have left the sector and AOL in a better place,” said Ford.
