Tasmanian Fruit and Vegetable Taskforce announced

The Tasmanian Fruit and Vegetable Taskforce has been announced by Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce. The task force aims to develop an industry-led growth plan for the sector.

The members of the Fruit and Vegetable Taskforce are:

• Dr Michele Allan (Chair)
• David Addison, Charlton Farms
• Sally Chandler, Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Andrew Craigie, Heathermoor and Springbanks farms
• Simon Drum, Harvest Moon
• Callum Elder, Simplot Australia
• Stuart Greenhill, Greenhill Bros
• Lucy Gregg, Reid Fruits
• Howard Hansen, Hansen Orchards
• Anthony Houston, Houston Farms
• Chris Oldfield, Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd
• Michael Toby, Costa Group

Coalition members of the task force will be Minister Joyce and Eric Hutchinson MP, the federal member for Lyons.

“The fruit and vegetable industries are important to Tasmania, contributing about $240 million a year to the state’s economy,” Minister Joyce said.

“Simplot growers met with Senator Colbeck last year to discuss the issues facing them. Senator [Richard] Colbeck [Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture] has been instrumental in establishing the task force and will continue to be involved with its deliberations and discussions.

“The expert industry task force will prepare a plan detailing what industry and governments can do to promote competitiveness, investment and jobs growth in the fruit and vegetable industries.

“The plan will feed into the ‘Joint Commonwealth and Tasmanian Economic Council’ and will complement and contribute to the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.

“Supporting and developing our primary industries is a government priority and I look forward to seeing the broad experience and insight the task force will bring in producing this plan for Tasmania,” Senator Colbeck said.

“The Fruit and Vegetable Taskforce includes some very experienced members, who I am confident will make an excellent contribution.”