Research and Development (R&D) is essential for our industry to become internationally competitive. R&D funds help: identify and create new and better products for consumers. our industry increase its productivity, make more efficient use of natural resources, find new and more profitable markets. The Vegetable Industry R&D Program is funded by the national vegetable levy, the Federal Government (through HAL), State Government (through DPI), and voluntary contributions. Levy is paid on vegetables produced in Australia and sold by the producer or used by the producer in the production of other goods. Export charge is paid on vegetables produced in and exported from Australia. Note: Levy and export are not payable on: Asparagus, garlic, hard onions, herbs (other than fresh culinary shallots and parsley), melons, mushrooms, potatoes (other than sweet potatoes), seed sprouts or tomatoes as these crops have other R&D funding arrangements. Any person or organisation can apply for funding to conduct an R&D project for the benefit of the industry. A national industry committee selects projects according to priorities set up by the industry. For specific information on funding applications go to www.horticulture.com.au

Growers need to find and apply new research findings & trends that could improve their businesses. The raw information is available from a range of sources including: Other growers Contractors, consultants and suppliers visiting your farm. Apprentice training assessors visiting your farm. Researchers conducting trials on your farm. Field days and workshops funded by your R&D levy or industry suppliers. Business and leadership training courses Conferences on specific topics of interest. State and National Vegetable Industry forums AND a host of magazines, fact sheets, research bulletins, media reports, emails and websites. Industry Development Officers (IDO's) seek out and sieve through this growing and changing body of information and share this knowledge with vegetable growers and their farm advisors. Growers consistently identify IDO's as "one of the best investment they have made." IDO's provide an invaluable communication resource for vegetable growers: A critical link connecting researchers with interested growers Promote activities supporting our VegVision 2020 national industry strategy Ensure past R&D information is not lost when researchers move to other projects Share information on a wide range of issues of concern to growers. Assist in the development of grower priorities for the investment of your R&D levy. To take advantage of this service, contact the IDO in your State: State IDO Contact Email Victoria Craig Murdoch Ph: 03 9687 4707 Fax: 03 968 4723 Mob: 0429 990 553 ido@vgavic.org.au Western Australia David Ellement Ph: 08 9226 0244 Fax: 08 9226 0344 Mob: 0408 941 318 ellement@vegetableswa.com.au South Australia Melissa Fraser Ph: 08 8303 6714 Fax: 08 8303 6752 Mob: 0407 773 369 mfraser@arris.com.au Tasmania Roger Orr Ph: 03 6332 1800 Fax: 03 6331 4344 roger.orr@dpiw.tas.gov.au New South Wales Alison Anderson Ph: 02 9746 1865 Fax: 02 9746 1865 aanderson@arris.com.au Queensland Vacant Ph: 07 3620 3825 Fax: 07 3620 3880 Mob: 0408 135 042 office@growcom.com.au

The views of levy paying vegetable growers are key to identifying relevant R&D projects for investment. Until March 2007 growers generally considered on-farm issues through six vegetable commodity groups. With the adoption of the VegVision 2020 strategic plan in March 2007, the scope of R&D investment was expanded beyond farm-based issues. Grower delegates hold the voting authority and are assisted by industry advisors. There are now five advisory groups, each considering one aspect of the VegVision 2020 strategic plan. The five advisory groups are: 1. Consumers - Increasing domestic and export consumption of Australian vegetables 2. Market Development - Recognising quality and innovation in vegetable products and services 3. Competitiveness - Internationally competitive vegetable production and supply chain 4. Information - Advancing industry data and information systems to meet future needs 5. Leadership - Visionary leadership, managing change and people development The advisory groups provide recommendations on vegetable levy R&D projects to the Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The new structure aims to maximise outcomes from levy-funded projects, ensuring projects address current issues within the VegVision 2020 structure.

Victorian growers are represented on the Industry Advisory Group (IAG) and Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). These groups advise Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) on the selection of R&D projects for the vegetable industry. John Said (Werribee) - Chairman Consumer IAG - Victorian IAC representative Rick Butler (Heatherton) - Production IAG delegate