Industry Update - Important changes

I am writing to update you on some important changes that will impact our industry in the coming months.
In 2014 the Government received the outcomes from a review into Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), the Research and Development Corporation that was responsible for the expenditure of all Horticultural levies, one of which was the Nursery Levy. The Government acted on this review and established a new body, Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) which will be grower owned. HIA will be contacting all growers involved in the horticultural industries to explain their activities and to seek applications for membership.

As part of the altered structure there has also been a change in how the levy funds and matched funds from the Federal Government are to be managed and spent. This change has seen projects that were managed by the Peak Industry bodies (NGIA and the State Associations) having to be reviewed and possibly restructured so they conform to the new guidelines and reporting requirements. This will impact on our Industry Development Officers, accreditation programs and communication policy.

Last week the Presidents, CEO’s and your National Board met to discuss the impacts of these changes and how we as an industry can continue to provide services to meet the needs of our members and levy payers. This meeting received a presentation from John Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of Horticulture Innovation Limited and David Mathews the past Chair of our Industry Advisory Committee.

The key outcomes from the meeting were:

• A united position on the requirements to service members and levy payers considering the changes in funding due to HIA changes.
• An agreed strategic direction to work together for the future of our organisation.
• Agreement to develop a plan for discussion with members on the effective utilisation of industry resources and Intellectual Property to grow the industry at all levels.

We are all facing change, but with successful programs such as the Industry Development Network, our preparation of Biosecurity management plans within the industry and our leading role in the Greening of Urban Environments via 202020 Vision, the industry is well positioned to tackle the challenges ahead.

A series of meetings with members and levy payers at convenient locations are planned for the next few months and you will be kept regularly informed via email/mail and our website www.ngia.com.au.

If you have any questions regarding the above or any other matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at NGIA Office 02 8861 5100 or 1800 252 468.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Mehigan
NGIA President