The vegetable industry has launched its new Strategic Investment Plan today at Wrest Point Hotel Casino in Hobart Tasmania as part of its new management plan for $65 million in R&D projects over the next 5 years.

The Strategic Investment Plan is a guide for the vegetable industry on how to invest the National Vegetable Levy.

“The SIP is the culmination of 12 months hard work put in to developing a competent plan that will guide our future,” said AUSVEG Public Affairs Manager William Churchill.

AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry body representing the interests of approximately 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

The Strategic Investment Plan was launched at the AUSVEG National Convention by the AUSVEG CEO Mr Richard Mulcahy and Chair of the Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, Mr Jeff McSpedden where meetings of the industry’s Working and Advisory Groups are also taking place.

“The Working and Advisory Groups comprising of more than 100 researchers and growers act as miniature think tanks which are established to solve specific problems in the industry such as People Development or Production,” said Mr Churchill.

“These groups are tasked with developing new strategies and solutions to problems that are then recommended to the vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The IAC are then responsible for endorsing these solutions which usually result in tenders being offered to solve the problems we are facing,” said Mr Churchill.

Vegetable growers contribute to the National Vegetable Levy which collects 0.5% from the first point of sale. This money is collected by the Levies Revenue Service and the funds are matched dollar for dollar by the Federal Government with R&D managed by Horticulture Australia limited.

ENDS: MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill – Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0411 166 748, Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au