Martha, with partner David Haviland, founded Galeru in 1997- a value added rural enterprise which produces a range of gourmet products from native rainforest fruits grown on their Cooroy Queensland property. Martha developed & implemented a value chain management model in which 4 grower partners (one of which is Rus Glover another ANFIL director) have formed Galeru Pty Ltd.

Their business model may hold major implications for small producers in the native food industry. Martha has 35 years management experience in the food industry, in particular as Director of International Operations with Mrs Fields Famous Brands, managing the company’s international franchise network in 37 countries, as well as its new product research and development. She holds a Diploma from the AICD Company Director’s Course.

Martha was the inaugural Australian national winner of the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award 2006, Innovator in Residence for the Centre for Rural & Regional Innovation Queensland in 2007, NIDP in Market Experience Scholarship recipient in 2007, and Honorary Senior Fellow of the University of the Sunshine Coast Queensland in 2008 for her contributions to agri-business.

Martha became an ANFIL director in November 2007.

Email: martha.shepherd@anfil.org.au