Farmers for Climate Action appoints cattle producer Brett Hall as new chair

Farmers for Climate Action has elected Tasmanian cattle producer Brett Hall as its new chair following the resignation of Charlie Prell after three years in the role. The FCA said Mr Prell — a fourth-generation farmer from Crookwell, NSW — stood down early to enable Mr Hall to play a key role in appointing its new chief executive. Mr Hall paid tribute to his predecessor for his “incredible work” and ability to “unite everyone with a common purpose”. “With Charlie as chair, Farmers for Climate Action has shown strong leadership in tackling climate change,” he said. “From a meeting of 30 farmers in the Blue Mountains in 2015 to the 8000-strong farmer movement it is today, Charlie has been there every step of the way.” Mr Hall farms in the Derwent Valley and has been on the FCA board since 2017. He has 13 years of board experience, including as director of both the Cattle Council of Australia and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, and inaugural chair of the Southern Australia Livestock Research Council. “Brett is passionate about agriculture, providing a leadership voice in climate action, and strongly believes that with strong policy to keep the climate in the safe zone, we can continue the Australian tradition of having prosperous farmers and rural communities,” a FCA spokeswoman said. Mr Hall said it was a “real privilege” to take on the new role as the organisation “enters an exciting new phase”. Mr Prell said it had been an honour to lead the FCA board. “I thank them all for their dedication and support over the past three years,” he said. “I also thank our former CEO Fiona Davis, who did a fantastic job and was brilliant to work with, along with the staff and all the many dedicated farmers and ag sector colleagues who drive our work.”