Victorian vegetable growers will have their say on a range of issues affecting the vegetable industry, at a series of free levy payer meetings to be held next week as part of a nationwide Regional Roadshow by AUSVEG and Horticulture Australia Limited.

Two meetings will be held in the state’s principal vegetable growing regions, with the first taking place in Werribee on Monday 17 March at the Italian Sports Club. Cranbourne will host the second meeting, which will be held on Monday 24 March at the Amstel Golf Club.
“Every year we provide a forum for vegetable growers to hear about the investment of the vegetable levy, give their feedback on a range of R&D activities, and hear from leading researchers in the industry,” said AUSVEG spokesperson, Michael Bodnarcuk.
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
Guest speakers in Werribee will include a Control Risks representative, who will provide attendees with an overview of the Australian vegetable industry’s new Crisis Management Plan. The Crisis Management Plan will assist the vegetable industry to best handle a food safety crisis and assist growers. Colmar Brunton, which has been commissioned to undertake market research on consumer perception and behaviour in relation to fresh vegetables, will also present on this work.
In Cranbourne, an Austrade expert will be on hand to outline existing export opportunities for Australian vegetable growers, and Dr Doris Blaesing (RMCG) will provide in-depth insights into plant health and benchmarking tools for vegetable growers.
“This is a great opportunity for vegetable industry members to meet with their Peak Industry Body and HAL to see how the National Vegetable Levy is being invested,” said Mr Bodnarcuk.
Meeting details:
• Werribee
Monday 17 March, 1:00pm – 5:00pm.
Italian Sports Club of Werribee, 601 Heaths Rd, Werribee VIC 3030.
• Cranbourne
Monday 24 March, 2:30pm – 6:30pm.
Amstel Golf Club, 1000 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Cranbourne VIC 3977.
Those interested in attending must RSVP to AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277 or e-mail info@ausveg.com.au. Food and refreshments will be provided free to all vegetable levy payers.
This communication is funded by HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Bodnarcuk, Spokesperson, AUSVEG.
Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0400 114 266 E-mail: michael.bodnarcuk@ausveg.com.au