Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) has appointed New South Wales fruit grower-exporter Mark Napper and WAFEX managing director Craig Musson to its board of directors.
The pair will replace Susan Carter and Ray Johnson who did not stand for re-election at the end of their three-year term.
Napper brings over 20 years experience in Australia’s horticulture sector to the HAL board, with his background encompassing every link in the supply chain, from grower to retailer. He owns a fruit orchard in Bangalow NSW, and operates an international sales business and consulting firm.
The current president of Low Chill Australia, Napper has previously served as a director of Summerfruit Australia and an independent director of AUSVEG.With HAL currently undergoing a structural review, Napper said he was excited to be joining the organisation at such a pivotal time.
“As a board director, I am looking forward to working with government and HAL members to formulate and implement a new framework and system that will deliver more efficient and effective returns to growers,” Napper explained.
“Our industry is diverse, innovative and vibrant. The results of the review must ensure that in partnership with member industries and government, we enable a viable and long-term future for Australian horticulture producers.”
Since immigrating to Australia from Zimbabwe in 1991, Musson has developed WAFEX into a leading vertically integrated flower business, comprising breeding, production and marketing operations. With offices in Perth, Melbourne, Kenya and the US, WAFEX trades in 26 countries.
“As an exporter of 23 years, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for all horticultural producers,” Musson said. “I see great opportunities for the organisation to build on what’s been achieved so far.”
