Australian Stonefruit Grower Magazine Issue 2 August 2016 | Page 8

Chairman's Report

from being able to better match supply
to demand on the domestic market,
through having a major new export
destination, will invariably flow
through to all growers.
There are times when farming can
be a tough gig, but there are times, like
now, when groups and organisations
are pulling in the same direction that
things start to come together and
you realise a difference can be made
and outcomes can be much better.
A quick snapshot of what has been
happening shows DoAWR working
closely with industry on market

There are times when
farming can be a
tough gig, but there are
times, like now, when
groups and organisations
are pulling in the same
direction that things
start to come together
and you realise a
difference can be made
and outcomes can be
much better.

includes a review of the Summerfruit
Strategic Investment Plan which is
used to set the strategic direction,
expected outcomes and performance
indicators for the investment of the
matched levies for Summerfruit R & D
for the next five years.
Consistent with the constructive
relationship that has developed
between SAL and HIA, members
of the Summerfruit SIAP and HIA
engaged in forthright and open
discussions with the outcomes of that
meeting being an accurate reflection
of industries priorities. It has been

access; Horticulture Innovation, as

almost two years since the horticulture

the Horticulture RDC, combining

RDC transitioned from HAL to HIA,

growers levies with matching funding

following that transition there was

from the Commonwealth through the

considerable uncertainty about how

Agricultural Levies Program and working with
growers and industry to help set up and manage projects

our industry levy funds were going to be managed
and what the future would hold in that space.

that have been and are continuing to contribute towards

I am confident, especially after the last few months,

building successful export programs; state governments

that we are on the right track where SAL, growers and HIA

having significant input – such as Victoria leading the

are able to work as a team to get the best possible R&D

“In Season Now” campaign, and Queensland, NSW and

outcomes for Summerfruit growers while meeting the

SA having major input into fruit fly disinfestation and

expectations of the federal government for their matching

control; National Farmers Federation actively supporting

R&D contribution.

Summerfruit’s application for market access to China; and

To those growers who are about to undertake their initial

growers themselves working together as the Summerfruit

audits for China I wish you well. China has presented

Export Development Alliance (SEDA) doing everything

us with an amazing opportunity. It is now up to us to

that they can to promote a dynamic export environment.

demonstrate to them that their trust is well placed.

To see so many people channelling so much effort and

I look forward to seeing those of you who are able to

energy into Australia’s Summerfruit industry is very

attend the Summerfruit AGM at the end of September in

exciting, and although there is a long way to go and a lot of

Tatura. It will also be an opportunity to see some of your

work still to be done we are on the right road heading in the

levy funds at work.

right direction.
The recently appointed Summerfruit Industry Advisory
Panel (SIAP) met for the first time in Melbourne earlier

– Andrew Finlay

this month. The role of this panel is to provide advice to
Horticulture Innovation Australia on investment priorities
for the Summerfruit industry. Part of that advice also

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Australian Stonefruit Grower | august 2016

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