Hort Innovation Chief Executive Officer, John Lloyd, said this latest phase of consultative panels would help the Corporation in its charter to bolster industry output and returns. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of nine more panels – each tasked with advising Hort Innovation on its research, development and extension, trade and marketing activities to get the best result for industry from grower levies and government funds.”

Lloyd said the Corporation would work with the panelse He in its pursuit to “increase productivity, farm gate profitability and the global competitiveness of key Australian horticulture industries”.

“The panellists, with their strong mix of skills and experience, are well positioned to help Hort Innovation ensure the health of some of the nation’s key horticultural sectors for years to come.”

The new panels represent the following sectors:

• Avocado
• Dried Prune
• Dried Grape
• Raspberry and Blackberry
• Strawberry
• Sweetpotato
• Potato (fresh)
• Potato (processed)
• Table Grape.

Topics to be discussed at the first meeting of each of these panels include the existing investment program, strategic investment planning and any short term, industry-specific research and development and marketing priorities.

Lloyd said the application process was thorough. “Following an expression of interest process, successful applicants were determined through interviews conducted by a panel including a Hort Innovation director, an industry body director or nominee, and an independent third party representative”.

Each panel will feature a majority of levy paying growers, one or two representatives of the relevant peak industry body, an independent chair and a Hort Innovation staff member. There is also scope for further panellists to be brought on board as required in the future, in line with the needs of the industry.

For more details on the Strategic Investment Advisory Panels, including the names of representatives, visit the Hort Innovation website.