Growers head to Bundaberg for HIA roadshow

Queensland growers have a
golden opportunity to learn about and guide the direction of future
horticulture levy R&D investment, during a Horticulture Innovation
Australia (HIA) information session in Bundaberg on Monday.

The April 20 gathering is the latest being held as part of HIA’s Between the Rows roadshow,
providing growers and industry members with the opportunity to learn about the
new Research and Development Corporation (RDC) for Australia’s $9 billion
horticulture industry, and its ongoing transition to grower ownership.

“This Between the Rows event
is not only an opportunity for growers to be updated on HIA’s transition from
the former Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), but it also presents a chance
to sign up as members of the new organisation to help guide the future
investment of their levies in R&D,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy, who
will be attending the event.

“Growers will also be able to engage with HIA representatives and other
industry members as they are updated on plans for future levy investment in
R&D, and other important issues facing horticulture in Queensland and
Australia.”

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000
Australian vegetable and potato growers.

The event will be held at Austchilli in Bundaberg on Monday 20 April from
4.30pm and will feature presentations from senior HIA officials, including
Chairman Selwyn Snell, CEO John Lloyd and General Manager of Research and
Development David Moore.

Among the topics to be discussed will be how levies will contribute to
strategic areas of investment and the latest insights into market access, as
well as the benefits growers can gain by signing up as members of HIA.

“Becoming a member of HIA is an important step for growers to become actively
involved in the leadership of this new entity, and the future direction of
horticultural R&D investment,” said Mr Mulcahy.

“AUSVEG is encouraging all vegetable and potato growers to sign up for HIA
membership so they can have their say on how their levies are invested for the
continued development and improvement of the industry.”Growers interested in
registering to attend the event can register directly by following the prompts
on the events page of the HIA website, www.horticulture.com.au/events.

Growers can also sign up as members of HIA by contacting AUSVEG for an
application form on (03) 9882 0277, or online at www.ausveg.com.au/HIA_Membership_form.pdf.

Industry communication is facilitated by HIA using the National Vegetable Levy,
the National Potato Levies and funds from the Australian Government.