This afternoon’s appointment of the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP as Shadow Minister for Agriculture has been welcomed by AUSVEG, the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

It was announced this afternoon that Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has appointed Mr Fitzgibbon to Labor’s agriculture portfolio.

“I look forward to working closely again with the Shadow Minister on the issues most important to the Australian vegetable and potato industries,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy.

“During his time as Minister with the former Labor Government, Mr Fitzgibbon demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the importance of horticulture to Australia’s future economic growth.”
“Tackling the big issues, including Country of Origin Labelling, biosecurity and improving access to overseas markets, is something that both the Coalition and Labor must address together in the near future.”
“AUSVEG looks forward to working closely with both the Minister and Shadow Minister on these significant matters,” said Mr Mulcahy.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Hugh Gurney, Spokesperson, AUSVEG.
Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0410 047 432 E-mail: hugh.gurney@ausveg.com.au.