Immediate Past President - Dr. Anthony Kachenko, Director

Dr Anthony Kachenko is Hort Innovation’s General Manager of Data and Extension. He joined the company in 2014 as the Head of Research & Development, and prior to this appointment spent seven years at Greenlife Industry Australia (then Nursery & Garden Industry Australia) in a variety of policy and management roles. Anthony’s Hort Innovation team includes the Extension & Adoption function, which is charged with amplifying the outcomes of levy investments, and the Data & Insights unit, which is responsible for providing data, knowledge and insights to underpin all business activities. Anthony has wide experience along the agribusiness value chain including technical production, strategy development, project management, communication and successful delivery of results, outcomes and solutions with customers and employees.
 
In 2013, Anthony was awarded the prestigious Kendle Wilkinson Young Outstanding Horticultural Scientist Award which recognised his commitment and enthusiasm to bridge the gap between science and farm best practice. In 2015 he was named the inaugural Young Leader by Standards Australia for his commitment to standardisation having led the drafting of a new Australian Standard.
 
He holds a PhD in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Agribusiness, an Honours Degree in Horticultural Science, and a Diploma of Quality Auditing. He is Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been a member of APEN for several years.
 
Anthony believes building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders is imperative to delivering tenable outcomes and is passionate about implementing strategies to enhance the adoption of research that leads to meaningful on farm change.