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The vegetable industry has outlined their goal to double the value of fresh, processed and packaged vegetables and to increase consumption of Australian vegetables in a strategic plan released today.

The new strategic plan for the Australian vegetable industry, Vegvision 2020 was launched today by the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, and the Chairman of the Australian Vegetable Industry Development Group (AVIDG) Mr Richard Bovill.

“The Vision, ‘to double the 2006 value of fresh, processed and packaged vegetables by 2020 is ambitious, but with the full support of the whole vegetable industry supply chain the goal is achievable.”

Vegvision 2020 is the first of seven projects that were identified by a major vegetable industry ‘taking stock and setting directions’ project which was completed in November 2005 with the support of the Australian Government.

In response to the “Fair Dinkum Food Campaign” tractor rally in Canberra, the Australian Government allocated $3 million to Australian growers. The awareness created from the “Fair Dinkum Food Campaign” has resulted in greater support for our local farmers at farmer’s markets.

“This is a clear indication that the Government is committed to working with the vegetable industry to develop a secure future.

Mr Bovill said the vegetable industry now had a clear way forward for all parties to collaborate and invest in initiatives with the potential to shape and drive future industry growth.

“The AVIDG will use Vegvision 2020 when formulating and investing in projects to get the greatest gain for the whole of the industry.

“Work will soon begin on the remaining six projects and we will continue to work with members of the vegetable industry from across the supply chain in rolling out these projects,” Mr Bovill said.

The launch was attended by many who have been involved in the development of Vegvision 2020, including growers, vegetable industry bodies, wholesalers, exporters, retailers and processors.

Vegetable growers welcomed the release today by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGuaran and Richard Bovill, Tasmanian Vegetable Grower, of the strategy ‘VegVision 2020’ that will guide the vegetable industry to a more profitable future.

The vision is ‘To double the 2006 value of fresh, processed and packaged vegetables in real terms by stimulating and meeting consumer preference for Australian products in domestic and global markets’.

“The release of the plan today is a very important milestone for our industry and marks a time of great change,” Michael Badcock, AUSVEG Chairman said.

The plan is the culmination of extensive consultation across the entire vegetable industry supply chain, from growers to retailers and has a strong focus on maintaining and growing domestic consumption of vegetables as well as increasing exports.

“The vision is bold and AUSVEG is taking a lead role in implementing VegVision 2020 as there is much to be gained for all vegetable growers.

“We look forward to working closely with the Government and the Australian Vegetable Industry Development Group to implement the projects outlined in the strategic plan,” Michael said.

VegVision 2020 is the first of seven projects that were identified by a major vegetable industry ‘taking stock and setting directions’ project completed in late 2005.

“I would like to thank the Government, in particular Minister McGauran for the ongoing support of the vegetable industry and issues we face. There are many challenges ahead and only by working together will we be able to achieve our goals,” Michael said.

“Now that the plan is out we have a clear roadmap forward and have no reason for delay. Growers should shortly be able to see real changes to their industry that over time will have a positive effect on farm.

“I urge all Australian vegetable growers, industry bodies, wholesalers, exporters, retailers and processors to take an interest in VegVision 2020 and work collaboratively together to the benefit of the whole industry.

“Without this, the plan will only be a printed document that sits on the shelf and we definitely don’t want that,” Michael concluded.

New vision for the Australian vegetable industry