Fiona Simson is a prominent champion for rural and regional issues in Australia and on the world stage. 

A farmer on the Liverpool Plains of NSW, she has dedicated her career to supporting the sustainability and growth of rural and regional communities. She is the vice president of the World Farmers’ Organisation, as well as chair and commissioner at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Chair of the Future Food Systems CRC and a number of other Board and Advisory roles. 

Ms Simson was the first woman president of the National Farmers’ Federation, a role she served in for seven years. She is skilled in policy, governance and strategy, lending her expertise and highly respected voice to issues such as climate change, biodiversity and the future of food. 

Fiona is a collaborative and passionate advocate for rural and regional communities and issues. She has been an agricultural industry leader at local, state, federal and international levels since 2008 including serving 7 years as the first female President of the National Farmers’ Federation and is currently Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation.
She, husband Ed and family, farm on the Liverpool Plains near Premer in northwest NSW. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has represented her local community on a variety of community groups and served as an elected councillor on Liverpool Plains Shire Council.
She is the current Chair and Commissioner of the Australian Council of International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), a Member of the Climate Change Authority, Chair of the Future Food Systems CRC, a Director of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, a Director of One Basin CRC and a Director of Foodbank Australia. She is also Patron of the Gunnedah Gatepost Mental Health Support Service, the NFF Diversity in Leadership Program and the National Rural Press Club.
An experienced Chair and Director, Fiona is particularly interested in the development of good governance and policy, and passionate about outcomes to support the potential, sustainability and growth of rural and regional communities.