Australia
April 17, 2015

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. 

Website: http://www.ausveg.com.au

Published: April 17, 2015