PERTH – Western Australia.


WA vegetable farmers will have the opportunity to have their say in the future of the Australian vegetable industry and its scientific investment today as interviews are conducted for positions within the vegetable industry’s Working and Advisory Groups.
The Working and Advisory groups provide guidance to the Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee which is responsible for making recommendations on how to invest the Australian vegetable levy, a pool of funds of approximately $14 million annually.
AUSVEG Communications Manager William Churchill applauded the number of applications to join the groups and the calibre of candidates coming from Western Australia.
AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
“We’re here today to interview candidates for positions who will have a responsibility to help plan the future of the vegetable industry,” said Mr Churchill.
“In the last 3 years AUSVEG has seen a significant rise in the interest from growers that have become engaged with the levy process,” said Mr Churchill.
“It’s possible to attribute this new enthusiasm to an invigorated Peak Body that is committed to seeing the vegetable levy invested responsibly and in projects that will deliver a return on investment,” said Mr Churchill.
Levy funded projects aim to address consumer issues, productivity problems and other challenges along the supply chain.
“With a levy in place growers are able to pool resources to invest in areas they wouldn’t normally be able to as individuals. As a result we’re able to try and solve issues on a national scale,” said Mr Churchill.
Successful applicants will meet regularly to suggest ideas for research and will be responsible for shaping the future of the three billion dollar vegetable industry.
Projects endorsed by these groups are funded by Horticulture Australia using the vegetable industry levy and matched funds from the Australian government.
MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill – Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0411 166 748, Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au