ANTICIPATION is building for the Australian Garlic Industry Association’s forthcoming 2014 seminar to be held at the Thurgoona Country Club, Albury, NSW on August 2 and 3.
The AGIA, which has around 90 members, was incorporated in 1991 and is a non profit organisation run by a board of elected growers.
It has since devoted itself to the promotion and development of the Australian garlic industry with an aim to further strengthen the local garlic industry and to encourage investment and grower opportunities.
The association encourages all garlic growers, wholesalers and producers to join the AGIA to collectively help develop this productive, visionary industry.
The AGIA seeks to continue essential research and development, lobby government support for the local industry and develop new market opportunities locally and overseas.
AGIA treasurer and garlic grower John Olliff, Freshwater Creek Garlic, Victoria said the body’s main objective is to allow for consumer demand to build the industry as prices from China and elsewhere are very cheap.
“Australian costs are different with a higher break even point,” Mr Olliff said.
“We want to make sure the consumer requests Australian garlic and drives that demand and supply chain mechanisms still need developing to spread Australian garlic across the whole year.”
With a rural and corporate background, Mr Olliff’s affiliation with the Association only extends three years and began after planting some leftover garlic at home that has now grown to 27,000 plants.
“Garlic is a relatively intensive crop and lends itself to smaller landholdings. We had 2000 seed stock this year and we’re best suited to growing around 30,000 with a 2.5 - 3 tonne yield if we’re lucky as that suits our size.
“We are in the final stage of organic certification and grow only one variety, Italian late which is a white soft neck with good storage capabilities and good sized heads.
“Next year we hope to have some complimentary products, herbs etc to go with the crop.”
The Association is involved with festivals, State-based launches and a range of activities which are gaining more traction and keeping the awareness in front of the consumer to compete against imports.
“The more money spent on Australian product the more we can afford to compete against imports – we need to keep the money in Australia not just in garlic but everything in our home grown industries,” Mr Olliff said.
“Being part of the Association has been a highlight, meeting with like-minded people and developing consumer awareness to make Australian garlic the first choice.
“It keeps commercial activity in an Australian product grown in clean conditions as we are known for that reputation.”
Each year the AGIA’s premier event is a seminar where members and interested growers meet to discuss topical issues impacting the Australian garlic industry, listen to a range of industry experts and visit a local garlic farm.
All activities are designed to produce a long term knowledge bank for members while promoting networking and industry development.
Sponsored by JJ Broch, the Spanish manufacturer and global supplier of garlic cropping and processing machinery, the seminar will also showcase its equipment which will be on static display both days.
Guest speakers will include Professor Peter Howe who will discuss the health aspects of garlic and the benefits to people; Adam Sawell, director of Cambridge Public Relations discussing how to better use social media and garlic marketing; Richard Bennet speaking on integrity in food safety; botanist and author Penny Woodward together with Letetia Ware and Trevor Gray, speaking on identifying garlic cultivars, how to identify their groups and the characteristics of those groups; Ashley Martin who will speak on determining microbiological activity of soils; Will Gordon, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) addressing opportunities for funding partnerships; and Shane Fitzgerald, Total Grower Services, speaking on biodynamic soil agronomy and more.
Garlic has long been recognized for its health and wellbeing properties helping with blood circulation.
*Visit: www.garlicaustralia.asn.au