11 December 2020

AUSVEG, Australia’s peak industry body for the vegetable and potato industries, has welcomed the election of vegetable grower Emma Germano as the President of the Victorian Farmers Federation.

Emma is the Managing Director of her family mixed farming operation, I Love Farms, which grows fresh vegetables for local and export markets, as well as running sheep and beef cattle.

Emma served as the Vice President of the Victorian Farmers Federation before her election as President on Thursday 10 December 2020. Emma is also serving as President of the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group.

AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside said that Emma’s election was a welcome result for the Victorian agriculture industry, given her strong track-record for effective representation on many state issues on behalf of vegetable and fruit growers.

“Emma has been a strong, passionate advocate for the vegetable and horticulture industry for many years, and her election as President is a great result for the Victorian agriculture industry,” said Mr Whiteside.

“Agriculture is a vital industry for the Victorian economy and is the lifeblood for many regional and rural communities that rely on a strong farming sector to survive. The importance of agriculture to the state during the COVID-19 pandemic shines a light on its value to the broader employment, economic and health performance of the state.”

“There are many issues that face Victorian growers in the months ahead, not least of which is the crippling labour shortage that is impacting fruit and vegetable growers in Victoria and the rest of the country.”

“I congratulate Emma on her election and look forward to working with Emma and the Victorian Farmers Federation, as well as our State Members and other industry groups, to find solutions to critical industry issues for the betterment of vegetable growers in Victoria and across the country.”

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