Background
June 2005: AUSVEG convened a crisis summit to raise awareness of the problems in the Australian vegetable industry.
June 2005: The Australian Government committed $200,000 to initiate an industry stocktake and setting directions project under the Industry Partnerships Programme through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
July – November 2005: In compiling the ‘Taking stock and setting directions’ report, over 160 individuals and organisations from all parts of the vegetable industry were consulted. They included growers, processors, exporters, retailers, suppliers and industry bodies.
August 2005: Vegetable growers participated in a tractor rally arriving at Parliament House in Canberra as part of the Fair Dinkum Food Campaign.
August 2005: The Australian Government committed a further $3 million to implement the outcomes of the ‘Taking stock and setting directions’ project. The broad outcomes sought were to improve the long term profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian vegetable industry.
November 2005: The ‘Taking Stock and setting directions’ report recommended investment in seven industry foundation projects. It also recommended establishment of the Australian Vegetable Industry Development Group.
March 2006: The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran created the AVID Group to oversee the implementation of the foundation projects. The Minister appointed Tasmanian vegetable grower, Richard Bovill, to chair the group. The other members are:
- Michael Badcock, AUSVEG Chairman
- Nigel Steele Scott, HAL Chairman
- Peter Cochrane, VFF Horticulture Group President
- Ian Pavey, Coles Supermarkets National Business Manager Fresh Produce
- Wendy Erhart, Withcott Seedlings Co-Owner
- Terry O’Brien, Simplot Australia, Managing Director
- John Mercer, Mercer Mooney WA
- Ian Robinson, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
April – June 2006: The first foundation project – ‘Developing a long term strategic plan for the vegetable industry’ is commissioned.
June 2006: Strategic Plan for the Vegetable industry completed.
April – August 2006: The second foundation project – ‘Improving leadership and industry structures’ is commissioned. This project is now nearing completion.
August 2006: Scoping has begun for investment in a number of other foundation projects. Terms of reference are being developed and we expect to release these for tender soon.
For more information please visit www.avidgroup.net.au, or contact the project manager Brian Ramsay at admin@avidgroup.net.au.
