Australia
February 19, 2010

AUSVEG welcomes an announcement from Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) regarding the composition of the Fresh and Processed Potato Industry Advisory Committees (IAC), Communications Manager, Hugh Tobin, said today.

AUSVEG is the national peak industry body representing the interests of potato growers around Australia.

Mr Tobin said that the newly endorsed members of the committees, which make important recommendations to HAL about how the National Potato Levy should be invested to best meet the needs of the potato industry, had been through a rigorous application process.

“The calibre of the applicants for the committees has been higher than ever,” Mr Tobin said.

“The new composition of the Potato IAC’s includes a fantastic mix of growers and industry leaders who bring with them years of business experience throughout horticulture, R&D expertise and substantial knowledge about the broader issues which are of most concern to the potato industry,” he said.

The new Fresh Potato IAC consists of:

- Mr Max Baker (Tasmania)
- Mr Gary O’Neill (South Australia)
- Mr David Montgomery (New South Wales)
- Mr David Nix (Queensland)
- Mr Simon Multoni (Western Australia)
- Mr Des Jennings (Victoria)

The new growers appointed to the Processed Potato IAC are:

- Mr Rod Fraser (Victoria)
- Mr Daryl Lohrey (Tasmania)

Dr Kevin Clayton-Greene has also been appointed as Chair of the newly formed Technical Advisory Group which will provide specialist advice to the IAC’s.

HAL uses the National Potato Levy and matched funds through the Federal Government to fund research and development conducted by a range of service providers, including research agencies, tertiary institutions and industry bodies.

The Fresh and Processed Potato IACs recommended projects worth around $2.8 million to HAL for funding in 2008/09.

Mr Tobin thanked the outgoing members of the Fresh Potato IAC for their service and support of the industry over many years.

The announcement of the new committee follows the appointment of Tasmanian, Mr John Rich, to the position of independent chair of Fresh and Processed Potato IACs last October.

Website: http://www.ausveg.com.au

Published: February 19, 2010