AUSVEG has welcomed the appointment of Ms Victoria Anderson as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and looks forward to working together in the interests of Australia’s vegetable, potato and onion growers.

Ms Anderson brings significant agriculture and public policy expertise and experience to the role at a time when strong relations and ties between Australia’s vegetable industry and Government are more important than ever.

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said, “On behalf of Australia’s $5.7 billion vegetable industry and the Australian vegetable, potato and onion growers AUSVEG represents, I would like to congratulate Ms Anderson on being appointed to the pivotal role of Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

“Growers in the Australian vegetable industry produce more than 98 percent of the fresh vegetables consumed in this country, but are currently facing some the toughest business and operating conditions on record.

“AUSVEG looks forward to working with Ms Anderson to address the key challenges facing vegetable growers, and building on the constructive relationships already developed within the Department. In particular there is important work to progress to advance the Government’s food security objectives by ensuring Australia retains viable vegetable growing businesses, and a viable vegetable industry into the future.

“In addition to numerous challenges to work through, there are also many opportunities to achieve these objectives, by improving vegetable farm productivity, lifting declining vegetable consumption and further developing domestic and international markets.

“AUSVEG is eager to work with Ms Anderson on positive initiatives to improve the short, medium and long-term outlook for Australian vegetable growers and our national industry, which is a key economic contributor, critical to the health of all Australians and crucial to our national food security.”