The Honourable Joe Helper MP, Victorian Minister for Agriculture, officially opened National Peak Industry Body AUSVEG’s new premises in Glen Iris, Victoria on Tuesday 14 September.

AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body representing the interests of around 9,000 vegetable and potato growers throughout Australia.

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy said the office opening enabled growers, stakeholders, politicians and key vegetable industry personnel to network and celebrate the opening of the new premises, which are closer to the Melbourne CBD and will enable AUSVEG to better accommodate the growing needs of the sector.

“The opening signifies another step in AUSVEG becoming a stronger and more financially stable organisation, one that is better placed to represent the interests of Australian vegetable and potato growers,” said Mr Mulcahy.

In attendance were: The Hon. Paul Lennon, former Premier of Tasmania; The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, the Liberal Member for Kooyong; Senator John Williams, National Party; Mr John Lloyd, CEO Horticulture Australia Limited, Mr John Brent, AUSVEG Chairman; Mr Richard Mulcahy, AUSVEG CEO; Mr Luis Gazzola, Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria President, Ms Maureen Dobra, President of vegetablesWA, Mr Des Jennings, Victorian Potato Growers Council as well as other key industry stakeholders and growers from across Australia.

The evening was sponsored by E.E Muir & Sons, a privately owned company operated by the Muir family. The company is a major distributor of fertilisers, chemicals, seeds and other farm supplies to the Australian agricultural industry. E.E Muir & Sons is primarily based in Victoria, but has branched out to New South Wales and South Australia.

“On July 1 this year AUSVEG launched its new Public Affairs Unit and these new National headquarters will position AUSVEG to lobby government and represent growers and our industry at a national political level,” Mr Mulcahy said.

The new premises have already played host to several important meetings between AUSVEG and members from the major Australian political parties, discussions with expert research scientists from around the world, and they have also seen members of the Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee meet to discuss research and development solutions for the critical issues facing the industry.

For photos of the night please contact AUSVEG.