Stephen Annells is a distinguished agricultural executive with 30 years of leadership experience across the agribusiness and public policy sectors. As the CEO of Fertilizer Australia, the peak body representing the nation’s fertiliser manufacturers, importers, and distributors, Stephen is a central figure in the dialogue surrounding food security, supply chain resilience, and sustainable farming.

A passionate advocate for the Australian agricultural sector, Stephen frequently engages with government stakeholders to shape policies that support industry growth and environmental stewardship. His recent work has focused on the critical role of domestic manufacturing, particularly regarding the gas supply crisis, and navigating the complexities of decarbonising the fertiliser supply chain while maintaining farm productivity.

Stephen’s broad expertise spans multiple agricultural sectors, including grain, horticulture, and international logistics. Before leading Fertilizer Australia, he held senior roles as Executive Manager of Operations at Sugar Research Australia and Director of Trade at the South Australian Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE).

He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide, providing him with a deep technical and commercial understanding of the “farm gate” issues facing Australian growers today.