10 June 2020

AUSVEG, the industry representative for Australia’s vegetable and potato growers, has thanked retiring Hort Innovation Chair Selwyn Snell for his dedicated service to the horticulture industry after he announced his intention to retire at the company’s next Annual General Meeting in November.

Selwyn Snell has served as Hort Innovation’s Chair since 2009 and has helped lead the research and development corporation through a period of significant change, including the transition from Horticulture Australia Limited to the grower-owned Hort Innovation.

AUSVEG Chair Bill Bulmer thanked Selwyn Snell for his steadfast dedication to the industry during his time as Chair of Hort Innovation, saying that the two organisations have worked closely to ensure growers received the best return on their levy investment in research and development.

“AUSVEG and Hort Innovation have a constructive relationship, which is important for growers as AUSVEG works with Hort Innovation to ensure grower levies are invested in meaningful, productive research and development to help grow the productivity and value of the industry,” said Mr Bulmer.

“Our grower members have received a strong level of support from Selwyn and the Hort Innovation Board, including through its involvement in the growth of Hort Connections, the biggest annual event in Australian horticulture run by AUSVEG and the Produce Marketing Association of Australia – New Zealand that provides growers across horticulture the opportunity to learn the latest about their levy-funded research and meet their peers and suppliers from across Australia.”

“While the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in some changes to how the industry has operated in the last few months, there remains a determination to ensure that growers are able to continue to supply high quality fruits and vegetables to local and international customers and run profitable businesses.”

“AUSVEG and Hort Innovation have enjoyed a fruitful relationship during Selwyn’s tenure as Chair. On behalf of the AUSVEG Board I wish him well in his future endeavours and look forward to a constructive relationship with Hort Innovation’s next Chair.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Manager – Communications
Phone: 03 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au