AUSVEG, Australia’s peak industry body for the country’s vegetable and potato growers, has welcomed the announcement of the establishment of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA), saying it looks forward to working with the new association to further the cause of all growers in the industry.
The AFPA’s membership consists of some of Australia’s largest companies in the fruit and vegetable production industry and has been formed to address economic, environmental and social issues that affect the companies and their workforce.
AUSVEG Chair and Victorian vegetable grower Bill Bulmer said that there are many issues that the two organisations can effectively collaborate on to help secure the future of the fresh produce industry.
“There are many common issues that affect horticulture growers of all sizes across Australia – labour shortages, cost and access to water, increasing input costs, adoption of innovation and technology and ensuring that the public has access to and eats more fresh fruit and vegetables,” said Mr Bulmer.
“Where there are issues pertinent to the larger corporate growers who are members of this new association, the AFPA will ideally be an effective mechanism to lobby government and the supply chain.
“AUSVEG will continue to advocate on issues of national importance for all growers across Australia, including those who are contracted or employed to grow for the members of the AFPA. Our remit remains the same – to help all growers in our industry improve their productivity, competitiveness and profitability.
“AUSVEG is eager to work with all representative groups, including our State Member organisations, the AFPA, the National Farmers Federation Horticulture Council and others to ensure the industry has effective mechanisms for advocacy on all issues. We are all working towards a common goal – advocating on behalf of growers so that they can grow our food and run a profitable business.
“The upcoming Federal Election is an important one for our industry as we work to play our role in agriculture reaching its $100 billion target by 2030. AUSVEG recently published its SPROUT election priority list, which outlines the areas that will need to be addressed for our industry to grow into the future. We will work with all parties to help ensure horticultural issues are considered and addressed by all political parties.
“The horticulture industry is primed for expansion, with developments to boost domestic capacity and take advantage of increased interest in Australian produce in export markets. We look forward to working with the AFPA and all industry partners to advocate for our grower members to ensure our industry can not only survive but thrive into the future.”
