Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt said he welcomed the appointment.
Ms McGowan is a sixth-generation farmer from north-east Victoria and has held various leadership roles in rural and regional organisations, including as president of Australian Women in Agriculture.
The former independent MP was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004 and was elected and served in the Australian Parliament from 2013 to 2019.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey welcomed Ms McGowan to the role.
“Ms McGowan joins AgriFutures Australia at an exciting time. We are six months into our new Research and Innovation Strategic Plan and have a jam-packed agenda ahead of us,” Mr Harvey said.
“Ms McGowan’s knowledge of agriculture, rural communities and leadership experience will be invaluable as we commence this next phase of the AgriFutures Australia journey.”
Ms McGowan said she was excited to be joining the organisation and looked forward to working with the board and team to continue to grow the long-term prosperity and sustainability of Australian rural industries.
“I hope my previous experience and understanding of the agriculture sector will add value to this unique, regionally based research development corporation,” Ms McGowan said.
She replaces Kay Hull, who served as the AgriFutures Australia chair from 2016 to 2022.
On behalf of AgriFutures Australia, Mr Harvey thanked Mrs Hull for her outstanding dedication and service, and wished her well in retirement.
“Under the guidance of Mrs Hull, AgriFutures Australia has continually strived to ensure the best possible future of all our levy-payers and other stakeholders,” he said.
“Mrs Hull worked tirelessly, and I thank her for the passion and energy she bought to AgriFutures Australia every single day.”
Ms McGowan commenced in the role as AgriFutures Australia chair on Wednesday, January 11.
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