I am delighted to announce the Hon John Kerin AM has accepted our invitation to become Patron of Labors Country Caucus.

John is generally regarded as one of the Countrys finest Agriculture Ministers and commands great respect in the sector. Also a former Treasurer, Minister for Transport & Communications, and Minister for Trade & Overseas Development in the Hawke Government, John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience invaluable to the Members and Senators who make up the Country Caucus. He will be a great mentor.

Since leaving politics in 1994, John has held senior positions with the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation and numerous other bodies and John remains active in public policy in Australia.

John has been honoured with numerous awards and memberships, including being a Distinguished Life Member of the Australian Agriculture and Resource Economics Society, Honorary Fellow Member of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and a Distinguished Friend of the Cooperative Research Centres Association.

In October 2010 he was appointed Chair of the Crawford Fund which aims to increase Australia's engagement in international agricultural research, development and education.