30 November 2021

AUSVEG, Australia’s peak industry body for the vegetable and potato industries, has welcomed the election of two new Directors to the Hort Innovation Board at its Annual General Meeting on Friday 26 November 2021.

Robert Mullins, who has demonstrated strong industry commitment and extensive experience in senior technical and commercial leadership positions, and Catherine Oates, an experienced Non-Executive Director with 20 years of international senior management experience in the wine sector, were elected to the Hort Innovation Board.

Following the Annual General Meeting, Julie Bird was reappointed as Hort Innovation Chair, with Paul Harker reappointed as Deputy Chair.

AUSVEG Chair and vegetable grower from Victoria’s Gippsland region Bill Bulmer said that the election of two new Directors to the Hort Innovation Board will help guide the research and development corporation to ensure the industry’s investment in research, development and extension continues to address the complex issues that the industry is facing in 2022 and beyond.

“Hort Innovation’s members were fortunate to be able to choose from a strong pool of potential Directors to lead the horticulture industry’s research and development corporation. I congratulate Robert and Catherine on their elections, as well as Julie and Paul for their reappointments as Chair and Deputy Chair,” said Mr Bulmer.

“The horticulture industry is facing significant pressures, from pests and diseases that are impacting growers all across Australia, to weather, drought and flood events that can wipe out a season’s crop at any given moment, and increasing costs and supply issues for critical farm inputs such as fertilisers and farm machinery.

“The vegetable industry has invested heavily in research, development and extension programs that aim to improve growing practices, capitalise on new market opportunities, and empower growers to make informed business decisions with new technologies and industry data, as well as the communications channels and networks for the industry to learn about research outcomes and adopt them on-farm.

“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.

“On behalf of the AUSVEG Board I wish outgoing Hort Innovation Directors Sue Finger and Stephen Lynch well with their future endeavours and look forward to continuing the constructive relationship with Julie, Paul and the entire Hort Innovation Board and Management Team.”

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