Media Release
Levy payers welcome three new Directors to Hort Innovation
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Following today’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Hort Innovation, three new Directors have been elected to the board. This year’s AGM follows an October Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that saw 92.59 per cent of levy payers vote to change the constitution to enable levy payers to elect all Directors to the board, rather than have the board appoint candidates.
Levy payers welcome the election of Western Australian grower Michael Nixon, former Executive Officer of the National Horticulture Research Network Victoria Taylor, and Independent Non-executive Director of Lindsay Australia and Deputy Chair of Brisbane Markets Limited Anthony Kelly.
“Today’s AGM and the election of three new Directors will provide a refresh and reset of the Hort Innovation board. The significant skills and experience brought to Hort Innovation with today’s election is very promising for industry” said AFPA Chair, Michael Simonetta.
Under the new constitution, the three new Directors will see out an initial three-year term and will have the opportunity to be re-elected by levy payers for a further three-year term; within the new maximum term limits of six years.
“Levy payers look forward to a refreshed Hort Innovation Board delivering on a long term strategic direction, with clear priorities and investment” said Mr Simonetta.
Hort Innovation is funded by compulsory levies paid by growers, and contributions from the Commonwealth Government. The Hort Innovation Constitution requires that the organisation is accountable to levy payers, investors and the Australian Government for the annual investments of up to $120 million.
“With this significant change to the board, levy payers are anticipating renewed focus on core areas of investment such as sustainability, biosecurity, food systems, pollination and importantly trade and market access. Industry has aspirations to grow to a $20 billion industry by 2030 and effective R&D investment is necessary to support this target”
“Levy payers are looking forward to continuing to work constructively with Hort Innovation to best invest levy contributions to deliver outcomes that benefit growers and industry collectively” said Mr Simonetta.
Media Contact: Michael Rogers, CEO, 0409 648 911 About AFPA - The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) is made up of Australia’s key fresh produce growers and suppliers. AFPA members represent half the industry turnover of the Australian fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) sector - $4.5 billion of the $9.1 billion total; 1,000 plus growers through commercial arrangements and more than 15,000 direct employees through peak harvest, and up to 25,000 in the grower network.
Levy payers welcome the election of Western Australian grower Michael Nixon, former Executive Officer of the National Horticulture Research Network Victoria Taylor, and Independent Non-executive Director of Lindsay Australia and Deputy Chair of Brisbane Markets Limited Anthony Kelly.
“Today’s AGM and the election of three new Directors will provide a refresh and reset of the Hort Innovation board. The significant skills and experience brought to Hort Innovation with today’s election is very promising for industry” said AFPA Chair, Michael Simonetta.
Under the new constitution, the three new Directors will see out an initial three-year term and will have the opportunity to be re-elected by levy payers for a further three-year term; within the new maximum term limits of six years.
“Levy payers look forward to a refreshed Hort Innovation Board delivering on a long term strategic direction, with clear priorities and investment” said Mr Simonetta.
Hort Innovation is funded by compulsory levies paid by growers, and contributions from the Commonwealth Government. The Hort Innovation Constitution requires that the organisation is accountable to levy payers, investors and the Australian Government for the annual investments of up to $120 million.
“With this significant change to the board, levy payers are anticipating renewed focus on core areas of investment such as sustainability, biosecurity, food systems, pollination and importantly trade and market access. Industry has aspirations to grow to a $20 billion industry by 2030 and effective R&D investment is necessary to support this target”
“Levy payers are looking forward to continuing to work constructively with Hort Innovation to best invest levy contributions to deliver outcomes that benefit growers and industry collectively” said Mr Simonetta.
Media Contact: Michael Rogers, CEO, 0409 648 911 About AFPA - The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) is made up of Australia’s key fresh produce growers and suppliers. AFPA members represent half the industry turnover of the Australian fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) sector - $4.5 billion of the $9.1 billion total; 1,000 plus growers through commercial arrangements and more than 15,000 direct employees through peak harvest, and up to 25,000 in the grower network.