6 years ago
Taking a punnet on the next generation of raspberry, blackberry and blueberry industry leaders
Luke Hartsuyker MP
Australian berry industry to benefit from the $5 million Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.
Raspberries and Blackberries Australia Inc, in partnership with Australian Blueberry Growers Association Inc, will receive $230,000 to develop leadership capacity and structures in the berry industry.
Part of the Coalition Government’s 2016 election commitment for a stronger agricultural sector.
The Australian berry industry is set to benefit from the Coalition Government’s $5 million Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Luke Hartsuyker, said the fund would provide $230,000to Raspberries and Blackberries Australia Inc, and the Australian Blueberry Growers Association Inc (ABGA) to team up and develop a new governance and leadership structure for the berry industry.
“The Coalition Government recognises the need for a more formal leadership structure to help the berry industry advocate strongly for raspberry, blackberry and blueberry growers,” Minister Hartsuyker said.
“These two national organisations will work together to give the berry industry a stronger and more cohesive representational structure for the 316 growers who produced $197 million worth of berries in 2015/16.
“Raspberries and Blackberries Australia, in partnership with ABGA will use the funding to develop; an effective governance and leadership structure for the berry industry, a berry industry strategic plan and train candidates identified for leadership roles in the new structure.
“This funding will help set up the berry industry to be a major player in the horticulture industry and give them the strategic direction to make the most of new international market access.
“This is an important project that will have a lasting impact on the berry industry—supporting the current and next generation of leaders and giving them the advocacy skills and know-how to champion their industry's priorities.
“As well as developing leaders within the industry this funding will help grow links within the industry and foster a sense of combined purpose.”
Fast Facts
Blueberries – 200 growing businesses with a GVP of $165.5 million. Production volume – 6,809.5 tonnes. (2015/16 ABS Data).
Rubus berries (raspberry, blackberry and mulberry) – 116 growing businesses with a GVP of $31.5 million (2015/16 ABS Data).
The Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund was announced as part of the Coalition Government's policy for a Stronger Agricultural Sector.
It aims to support efforts to develop leadership capacity within the agricultural industries to enhance the ability of emerging agricultural leaders to advocate agricultural commodity priorities and drive trade opportunities.
Funding supports projects with a wide representation across the sector, from large and well-established industries to smaller and emerging industries.