Representatives from national and state Nursery and Garden Industry organisations are part of a group of key growers and representatives from nursery and allied industry organisations invited to a workshop next month (8 November) to discuss priorities for research and development (R&D), and marketing, for 2017-21.

NGIA encourages growers and others to get in touch with their representatives before then, to let them know your priorities for spending the levy, so they can feed that information into the workshop.

Earlier this month, a survey conducted to gather initial grower feedback found that growing the demand of nursery products, good biosecurity measures to protect the industry, and investment that continued to build on existing projects were among the top priorities for growers across Australia. 

Having a say is easy: simply think about the question: Where should the levy be invested to build a more profitable and sustainable nursery industry? Then ensure that the relevant State NGI knows the answer by Friday, 4 November 2016.

Following the workshop, a draft investment plan will be released for public comment in late November, with more details to be announced as they become available. 

This is a prime opportunity for the industry to help identify what R&D and marketing projects should be pursued over the next five years. Levy funds in the past have delivered great advances in urban greening, biosecurity programs and youth leadership initiatives – setting up the industry for ongoing innovation and growth. 

NGIA says that members’ views are important to it. Should one have any further queries about the Strategic Investment Plan process, please contact John Vatikiotis at Horticulture Innovation Australia via e-mail or 02 8295 2384.