Australia’s peak industry body for the vegetable and potato industries, AUSVEG has welcomed the appointment of Queensland vegetable and onion grower Andrew Moon, from Moonrocks, and Tasmanian vegetable grower Mark Kable, from Harvest Moon, as grower directors of AUSVEG following a board meeting and annual general meeting held in Sydney on 24 November.
Third-generation Victorian leafy vegetable grower Bill Bulmer was unanimously reelected to the position of AUSVEG chair, while South Australian vegetable, potato and onion grower Renee Pye was unanimously elected as deputy chair.
Andrew will replace Belinda Frentz, who is stepping down after serving seven years on the board, including four as deputy chair, while Mark will replace Michael Radcliff, who is stepping down after three years on the board.
Moonrocks supplies a wide range of horticulture crops, specialising in broccoli, onions and garlic from St George, Queensland. Harvest Moon Tasmania grows onions, carrots, beans, broccoli and cauliflower on a yearly basis, while its mainland branches in Victoria and Queensland source additional produce from more than 80 growers, giving the business nation-wide exposure through markets and retail networks.
“Both Andrew and Mark are actively involved in the vegetable and wider horticulture industry, with Andrew previously serving as chair of Onions Australia and Mark the current chair of the Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group,” said Mr Bulmer.
“Andrew and Mark will bring significant experience, expertise and passion to their new roles on the AUSVEG board, and I look forward to their contributions on policies and initiatives that will lead our organisation and the Australian vegetable and potato industries into the future.
“Belinda and Michael have been steadfast and loyal advocates for the Australian vegetable and potato industries during their time on the AUSVEG board. On behalf of the AUSVEG board, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of both Belinda and Michael during their tenures and wish Andrew and Mark well in their new roles.
“I would particularly like to thank Belinda for her outstanding support and dedication as deputy, particularly during the turbulent times of COVID-19, floods, and rising input costs that have put tremendous strains on all growers around the country.
“Despite the challenges faced by growers and the broader community, the last 12 months have been an exciting period for AUSVEG, following our efforts to increase industry collaboration and work with the wider horticulture industry to provide effective services and representation for our growers. This was clearly demonstrated in Brisbane earlier in the year, when we partnered with the International Fresh Produce Association of Australia-New Zealand to deliver Hort Connections 2022 to nearly 3100 local and international delegates.
“AUSVEG looks forward to continuing to effectively represent Australian vegetable and potato growers in the year ahead and is eager to continue working with the wider Australian horticulture and agriculture industry for the betterment of our growers.”
