Current as of 1/06/2023

Beth retired in 2021 as Director-General of the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries where she led development initiatives to deliver an innovative, productive and sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Previously Beth was the foundation Director of the University of Queensland Rural Extension Centre, and Professor of Agribusiness at UQ from 1997-2004. Beth has served on boards and committees including for the Grains Research & Development Corporation, the CSIRO Board, the Gatton College Council and the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority Board (now QRIDA). She chaired RIRDC (now AgriFutures), ACIAR, a National Drought Policy Review, the International Rice Research Institute and WorldFish. She was the inaugural independent Chair of the Policy Council of Cattle Council of Australia, and a Member of the Queensland Government Native Vegetation Scientific Expert Panel in 2021-22. She is currently a Commissioner for International Agricultural Research with ACIAR and Chair of the Australian Institute of Marine Science Council.

Dr Woods is recognised nationally and internationally for her leadership in innovative agricultural research. Her commitment over 20 years has had a lasting impact on the development of new capabilities and approaches to ensure that science contributes to the profitability of Australia?s farmers and addresses hunger and poverty in the developing world.