I HAVE been very humbled to receive the messages of support from the industry following the announcement of my election as Ausveg chair.
For those of you who don’t know me, I am a leafy veg grower from Bulmer Farms based in Lindenow, tucked away in the fertile Mitchell River Valley in Victoria’s Gippsland region.
We started out as a 32-hectare dairy farm in 1948 and now supply fresh vegetables to wholesalers and processors throughout Australia.
I have been farming for over 40 years and have since stepped back from the day-to-day running of the business, leaving this in the very capable hands of my sons, Andrew and Kaine.
With some more free time up my sleeve, I decided to start giving back to the industry and tackling the issues that affect growers.
Ausveg is set to lead the vegetable industry into exciting times in 2018.
With our CEO James Whiteside well across the industry issues after his first year and with a new company strategy in place, Ausveg is keen to advance a number of critical issues facing our growers.
Our existing advocacy work will be buoyed through increased investment and resourcing, particularly through the appointment of a new national public affairs manager who will be ready to take the reins of this role in the new year.
This will include a focus on issues pertinent to vegetable and potato growers.
Where these issues are also relevant to growers of other horticultural commodities, we’ll be seeking their input and acknowledging their agreement wherever we can.
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A stronger vegetable industry is a priority for our organisation, and I will ensure we will bring the rest of the horticulture industry with us – it is in everyone’s best interest to have a strong and united horticulture advocate and I am certain Ausveg can play a leading role.
The organisation will also continue its efforts in providing exceptional service in biosecurity and export development, with the highly skilled and dedicated team at Ausveg eager to ensure our growers are able to grow healthy, fresh vegetable produce for local and international consumers.
The successful launch of Hort Connections 2017 in partnership with the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) was a highlight of the year and Ausveg is looking forward to building on that success when Hort Connections 2018 returns to Brisbane from June 18-20.
I encourage you all to come along – registrations are open, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet your peers and learn the latest research and developments in your industry.
I would like to pay tribute to the successful four-year tenure of my predecessor Geoff Moar, who has been a loyal and dedicated leader for the industry.
I am looking forward to stepping up to the role of chair and leading Ausveg alongside our deputy chair Belinda Adams, board directors and CEO in the new year.
With their support I am confident Ausveg can lead the industry to a prosperous and productive new era.
- Bill Bulmer is the newly elected chair of Ausveg.