AUSVEG’s new horticultural alliance announced

Mere weeks after announcing its resignation from the National Farmers’ Federation, AUSVEG has aligned itself with another industry body for growers.

AUSVEG has announced a new alliance with another group just weeks after severing ties with the National Farmers’ Federation.

AUSVEG has instead partnered with the Australian Garlic Industry Association and will launch a strategic alliance to consolidate advocacy efforts.

Both organisations will retain their status and identities, with the union effective immediately.

AUSVEG chief executive Michael Coote said the agreement between AUSVEG and AGIA followed the group’s merger with Onions Australia in 2023, and was “another opportunity to expand out advocacy to government”.

The peak producer body – which represents the vegetable, potato and onion industries – announced earlier this month it would not be renewing its membership to the NFF horticulture council, as part of an assessment of its memberships and strategic direction.

Australian Garlic Industry Association and AUSVEG have joined forces to better advocate for growers. Photo: Jenifer Jagielski

When asked by The Weekly Times how AUSVEG will adequately represent all members, Mr Coote said the new alliance will allow AUSVEG to “further grow our targeted and specific advocacy efforts across the wider vegetable industry on the key challenges and opportunities that exist in our sector”.

“There are a range challenges and opportunities facing growers across the wider vegetable industry, and this latest alliance will allow us not only to make headway on these, but also to ensure growers benefit from the range of industry services and programs delivered by our respective organisations,” Mr Coote said.

AGIA Chair John Olliff said garlic growers face “many of the same issues” horticulatural producers across the country are grappling with.

“By joining forces, we can capitalise on the extensive advocacy program already being run on behalf of vegetable, potato and onion growers, leverage the many resources and services, while also strengthening the voices and advocacy footprint of Australia’s garlic growers.”