Jamie Popowich CFO McEwens Fuels and Fertilizers AgLink Canada, Bill Dowdle CEO Victorian Chemicals and Cassandra Morari COO, The Rack AgLink Canada.
More than 100 valued partner suppliers alongside 15 representatives from AgLink International membership, including colleagues from AgLink Canada, Novafield in Europe, and ICD in New Zealand were in the room.
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CEO Ian Scutt said AgLink places immense value on their network.
“Smarter connections and aligned supplier relationships matter more than ever. These connections are the foundation of resilience in a rapidly changing landscape,” Ian said.
“It’s been a privilege to support the AgLink membership—not only here in Australia, but also through our growing AgLink International network.”
AgLink Australia is currently:
• 13 member businesses strong, employing over 1,770 staff, including 300 agronomists, across 233 retail locations nationwide.
• group revenue has grown to $2.4 billion, up from $2.25 billion in 2024
• members have collectively contributed nearly $1.2 million to community support programs across Australia over the past year.
On the international front, AgLink has made significant strides.
“With the addition of ICD (New Zealand) and Novafield (Europe) earlier this year, AgLink International now stands as the only global independent retail alliance.
“Our six members represent 115 retailers across 17 countries, generating US$7 billion in revenue, employing 23,000 people, and boasting the world’s largest cohort of agronomists—3,000 strong.
“AgLink International continues to be a powerful platform for sharing insights and technical expertise, while our exchange program has benefited over 30 member staff, offering transformative experiences and lifelong learning.
“As we grow, we’re committed to refining our member offering and will seek ways to deepen our supplier partnerships on a global scale.”
Ian said the Australian network of suppliers have trusted AgLink as the preferred pathway to market.
Attendees of the AgLink event held in Sydney.
“Thank you—not only for your personal dedication, but also for the contributions of your teams behind the scenes, especially those in customer service and logistics who often go unrecognised.”
Alexandre Hallier, Soufflet, France and Andrew Maughan, chair, AgLink Australia.
Markets are evolving rapidly locally and globally and consolidation, generification, profitability pressures, disruptive models, regulatory frustrations, and rising costs are challenging.
Ian Scutt, CEO, AgLink Australia.
He said AgLink remains committed to collaboration, to strengthening brands, supporting product development and education, and accelerating adoption through agronomic and sales endorsement.
David Elmouttie FMC, Anthony Ward AgLink Australia, Phil Hawker and James Jess Western Ag.
Ian recognised the contribution of recently retired industry icon Jim Mole - a stalwart of the fertiliser industry who played a major role in shaping it to what it is today.
“Along with your role on the board of Fertiliser Australia and the CEO of Impact, you have made a meaningful and valuable contribution to agriculture. ”Your words of wisdom and willingness to speak you mind when it mattered will not be lost on those that have been closest to you on your journey.
Sasha Avolio TGT, Courtney Drysdale Cropwise, Tania Nichols A.W. Vater and Jo Jeans Swan Hill Chemicals.
Bill Dowdle, former CEO of AgLink Australia for 10 years, CEO of AgLink Canada and in recent times CEO of Vic Chem is also calling it a day at the end of the year.
“Bill has been part of the fabric of Australian agriculture and has made a significant contribution over many years to agricultural retail both here in Australia, and also in Canada.
Ian also acknowledged the exceptional team at AgLink Australia including commercial managers Anthony Ward, Paul Minahan, John Evans, and Cameron Prien.
The administration team Jeanette Williams and Sharyn Kennedy and the board including chair Andrew Maughan, Ashley Miller, Josh McGregor, Andrew Muir, Michael Loxton, and David Jobling.
Greg Hunt of NuFarm was also recognised for his contribution to the industry, having served the last 10 years as CEO for the global organisation.
“Your loyalty, leadership, and commitment are the backbone of our organisation.