ABA STAFF
TIM JACKSON Chief Executive officer Tim is the Chief Executive Officer of the Almond Board of Australia , holding this position since October 2021 . He was previously the Group Sales and Marketing Manager of Almondco Australia Ltd , with a wealth and experience of knowledge and experience in the almond industry . Tim is a former ABA director and member of the Almond Board of Australia ’ s Market Development and Audit and Risk committees prior to taking on the role of CEO . He has more than 30 years ’ experience in agribusiness through a wide range of communications and marketing roles .
DEIDRE JAENSCH Industry Development Manager Deidre joined the ABA in October 2019 as Industry Development Manager . She holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and has worked in irrigated horticulture within the government , industry and private sectors for over 27 years . Deidre manages the research and development program working with growers , researchers , suppliers and service providers as well as industry collaborators to generate the knowledge , skills and technologies required to enhance industry ’ s competitiveness and further development in line with the almond industry strategic investment plan .
JOSHUA FIELKE Industry Development Officer Josh was appointed in October 2015 as an Industry Development Officer . Josh has been involved in the horticulture industry since 2010 working with a variety of crops . Josh began as a farm hand at QFM Productions , and then completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science at the University of South Australia . During this three-year period he worked as a supervisor / farm hand at Cooinda Mixed Farm gaining experience in growing practices . Josh then gained a post-graduate job at the Mitolo Group as an agronomist . This role was based around nutrition , and pest and disease management .
ANTHONY WACHTEL Almond Centre Orchard Manager Anthony joined the ABA to manage the 60-hectare experimental and demonstration orchard that is part of the Almond Centre of Excellence established at Loxton . He has extensive experience in almond production working with Century Orchards as Assistant Farm Manager . His role requires him to work closely with researchers to ensure the specific management programs required for their trials are adhered to . He also oversees the establishment of the orchard infrastructure to provide a world class facility . Anthony is a member of the ABA ’ s Industry Development team .
MELISSA MACFARLENE Almond Centre Assistant Orchard Manager
Melissa joined the ABA , in late 2021 , to help manage the 60-hectare experimental and demonstration orchard , at Loxton . Melissa works closely with Orchard Manager Anthony Wachtel to ensure the specific management programs required for trials happening at the orchard are adhered to . Melissa is a member of the ABA ’ s Industry Development team .
MESHU SHAH
Finance Officer Meshu was appointed as a Finance Officer for the Almond Board of Australia in August 2021 . Meshu holds a Bachelor of Business Administration , Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management along with a Master of Business Administration specialized in Finance . Meshu ’ s role with the Almond Board of Australia sees her skills utilised for payroll , accounts payable / receivable , financial reconciliations , financial reporting and statistical analysis and workplace health and safety oversight .
12 2022 / 23 ABA ANNUAL REPORT