“Antimicrobial resistance isn't a problem that’s siloed or discreet – in fact, it crosses over into so many parts of the production system, our wider physical environment, and the food product we make.”

Liz Riley is a Director of SAAFE CRC, a consulting viticulturist, and the first female recipient of the New South Wales Legend of the Vine. With expertise in agrichemicals, biosecurity, pests and diseases, her interest in antimicrobial resistance began in the 90s when she encountered significant resistance problems with botrytiscides, which pushed the crops close to market failure. This experience brought home the realities of managing agrichemical modes of action to minimise the risk of AMR. It also spurred her desire to effectively measure resistance levels in the field to support industry decision making.

Liz is an experienced and respected wine industry leader. She was Director of the Australian Wine Research Institute for 12 years (2011-2023), and Vice President and Chair of Research & Development of the NSW Wine Industry Association (2015-2021).

Managing AMR to achieve crop production goals as part of her day job, Liz offers a unique grassroots perspective. At SAAFE, she’s focused on ensuring and facilitating usable commercial outcomes, as well as fostering skills development and training through her role as a member of our Education and Training Committee.

Liz’s other notable achievements include: receiving the Graham Gregory Award from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries in 2020; being recognised by the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association in 2021 for her efforts to coordinate the industry’s response to smoke taint; and being awarded Viticulturist of the Year by the Wine Magazine in 2022.