Australia
July 1, 2025
Five outstanding individuals who have made significant contribution to the cotton industry were honoured at Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) recent annual general meeting.
Tony Quigley, Chair of CSD said the people honoured (Peter Graham, Dr David Anothony, Dr Greg Constable, Peter Reid and Dr Danny Llewellyn) had collectively contributed over 150 years of service to the cotton industry across cotton breeding, agronomy, research and grower support.
“This year’s inductees are respected figures who have each played a key role in strengthening the performance, resilience, and reputation of Australia’s cotton sector,” said Mr Quigley.
“These individuals have contributed to making CSD the organisation it is today. Their passion, foresight and dedication have left a lasting legacy, and it is our honour to formally recognise their contribution.”
Those inducted as CSD Honorary Members include:
- Peter Graham (former Managing Director CSD). Peter served as a Director for 12 years and the Managing Director of Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd (CSD) for 21 years, retiring at the end of 2023 after 33 years with the company. Under his leadership, CSD became the sole supplier of high-quality, high-yielding cotton planting seed in Australia, playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s cotton industry.
- Dr David Anthony AM (former Director CSD). A prominent agronomist and agricultural leader for AUSCOTT Pty Ltd, Dave committed over 40 years to the Australian cotton industry. Dave has been deeply involved in various industry organizations and research initiatives. He served as Deputy Chair of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation and chaired the Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre. His directorships have included roles with the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre, Cotton Seed Distributors, Cargill Oilseeds Australia, and the Australian Cotton Growers Research Association.
- Dr Greg Constable (formerly CSIRO). As Senior Principal Research Scientist he significantly advanced cotton crop physiology, cotton breeding and management, focusing on enhanced yield and fibre quality, disease tolerances, water use efficiency and the development of GM cotton varieties. Greg was a mentor and to many young scientists and industry professionals during and after his tenure with CSIRO.
- Peter Reid (formerly CSIRO). Focused on entomological research in his early career, and improving pest management. Peter transitioned to cotton breeding with Dr Norm Thomson and their breeding efforts led to the development of high yielding and several disease-resistant cotton varieties.
- Dr Danny Llewellyn (formerly CSIRO), molecular biologist. Renown for his pioneering work in agricultural biotechnology, particularly genetic improvement of cotton. Over a 40-year career at the CSIRO, he played a pivotal role in transforming Australia’s cotton industry through the development of genetically modified (GM) cotton varieties.
Members of CSD can watch a recording of the AGM, via the CSD website.
CSD is a leading seed and technology company, enabling Australian growers to produce the most desirable, profitable and sustainable cotton.
Currently, the team of Extension and Development Agronomists are supporting growers and their advisors in the set up for the upcoming season. Growers can attend one of the 20 Seed and Sales Information Sessions being run across the nation’s cotton growing areas to learn more about variety choices coming up.
For more information on CSD and its role within the cotton community, please visit csd.net.au.
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