Horticulture lobby group Voice of Horticulture has lost some of its biggest members, as the push for a more united representation in the sector continues.
AusVeg and Apple and Pear Australia Ltd have resigned from VoH, while the Australian Blueberry Growers Association has also left.
AusVeg and ABGA are now considering joining the National Farmers’ Federation, which is in talks with VoH and other groups — including AusVeg — to create a horticulture council in the NFF.
The NFF has said it wants more horticulture representation within its ranks, while the sector’s many commodity groups agree unity is needed for better advocacy, and to make the most of their limited financing and resources.
VoH chairwoman Tania Chapman said the group would this week submit a proposal to the NFF on the council, and was also drafting its own new VoH strategy.
“We’re looking to have basic membership of the NFF to guide them in their understanding of horticulture issues, but VoH will still retain its identity. We want to remain the voice of the industry,” Ms Chapman said.
VoH members told The Weekly Times they wanted to work more closely with the NFF, but through VoH.
source: weeklytimesnow.com.au
