Stakeholders in Australia’s fresh produce industry are being invited to view a consultation paper released as part of a wide-ranging, independent review of Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL).
Forums with be held across the country over the month of February to discuss the a number of key issues raised in the paper, including; the primary purpose of HAL, how effective it is and whether its projects could deliver better value for money.
The discussion paper, prepared by consulting firm Acil Allen, notes the current model involves significant overheads, which absorb around 28 per cent of levy contributions.
Conversely, HAL’s average annual spend on research and development is only A$30,00 (US$26,700), according to Acil. On marketing projects the average is even less, around A$20,000 (US$17,800).
The document also raises questions about the potential for conflict of interest, with HAL allocating growing amounts of funding to the peak industry bodies that own a stake in it (HAL).
A series of five potential options are outlined in the paper, including a more streamlined organisation, made up of fewer industry bodies. The options of stripping HAL back to a fund administrator, or having a single horticultural levy instead of the many currently in existence, are also put forward.
The discussion paper can be viewed at www.acilallen.com.au/halreview.
