Australian horticultural groups have welcomed the formation of a new research, development and marketing body.
Australian minister for agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, announced the registration of Horticulture Innovation Australia Limitedyesterday (7 October), to support Australia’s $9.5billion horticulture industry.
Joyce also revealed the make-up of the new body’s board of directors, which will include Ridley Bell, Rob Clark, DavidCliffe, Susan Finger, David Moon, Stephen Morrow, Mark Napper, Selwyn Snell and Peter Wauchope.
John Dollisson, CEO of peak industry body Apple and Pear Australia, said it was a landmark moment in the development of the nation’s horticultural sector.
“The Minister has done a good job in forming a Board with a suitable mix of skills and members that will provide good continuity from the old Horticulture Australia LimitedBoard to the new Horticulture Innovation Australia Board,” Dollisson explained. “We’re looking forward to working with the new Board to continue to provide high quality services to support apple and pear growers and support a sustainable and growing industry.”
Joyce said the board would finalise its structure and its constitution at its first meeting, to be held later this month. A chairman and deputy chairman will also be elected at the meeting.
Ausveg CEO, Richard Mulcahy, said his peak industry body looked forward to working “positively and constructively” with Horticulture Innovation Australia to benefit Australia’s vegetable and potato levy paying growers.
“It is paramount that the interests of Australian vegetable and potato levy payers are met within any new structure, and specifically that the focus of the new organisation ensures the continuity of important research programs and initiatives,” Mulcahy said.
The establishment of Horticulture Innovation Australia follows an independent report into the performance of former research and marketing body, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL). The report recommended HAL transition into a new, grower-owned company.A senate inquiry into the industry structures and systems governing marketing, research and development levies has also been launched.
'The levy system is a critical element in Australia’s research and development model. It is important to ensure it is operating efficiently and effectively. That is why I support the recently commenced Senate inquiry into levies,' Joyce said. 'Many of the changes stemming from the HAL independent performance review are foundational and can happen separately to the inquiry. While I do not want to pre-empt any outcome of the inquiry, there is still scope to make additional changes to the horticulture levy system later on down the track.'
