A new advocacy organization representing more than 30,000 horticultural growers, close to 62,000 employees and an industry that reached exports estimated at $1.8 billion has also made its debut. Voice of Horticulture is chaired by Tania Chapman, who is also Chairwoman for Citrus Australia.
At the launch of Voice of Horticulture, on March 19, Ms Chapman said in her speech that “horticulture now has a voice, one that will educate and inform on the importance of the sector, fight for a fair deal for the sector in trade, reduced regulatory burden and improved government advice and assistance.” Senator and Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce also issued a press release announcing that he looked forward to working with Voice of Horticulture as it takes up the advocacy role “With around 17,000 horticulture businesses across the sector, having capable organisations like HIA Ltd and Voice of Horticulture that can provide a unified industry position to government is vital for growers,” he said. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister, Richard Colbeck, said in the joint statement that boosting farm profits and improving market access continue to be priorities for the government.
The launch attracted a ‘fair ‘amount of media coverage across newspaper, TV and radio according to Ms Chapman, however the reaction of growers around the country was measured. “The reaction of growers was as always – that’s great but let’s see how it gets traction,” she said. “The Minister’s comment that we need to increase profits pre farm-gate were welcomed. For that to happen we have to have security of water and less red tape. We know the minister is all for reduction of red tape so its up to us now to put some solutions forward”
One of the first agenda items for Voice of Horticulture to keep its eye on is already underway this week. Federal parliament is currently debating changes proposed to country of origin labelling laws. Country of Origin labelling laws have become an important issue for government following the recent Hepatitis A contamination scare, and the industry, and representatives await the outcome. There is widespread agreement among growers and consumers that the label ‘made from Australian and imported ingredients’ can be seen as confusing. New proposed laws would introduce a much clearer statement, and a symbol with a popular choice so far the shaded map of Australia demonstrating what portion of the product is Australian grown or produced.
The group has also gained five new members on its first day, which Ms Champan was pleased with. Voice of Horticulture is made up of different industry representative bodies rather than individual growers, as with Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA).
For more information
Tania Chapman, Chair
Voice of Horticulture
Phone: +61 428 291 717
E-mail: chair@voiceofhorticulture.org.au
Website: www.voiceofhorticulture.org.au