HORTICULTURE Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation) today called for growers and supply chain members around the nation to consider expressing their interest in joining a strategic investment advisory panel to help guide the way levy funding is invested.

Hort Innovation Chief Executive Officer John Lloyd said the Research and Development Corporation is seeking interest from individuals who are eager to be involved with their industry’s research, development and marketing activities.

“Membership on our strategic investment advisory panels provides a great opportunity for industry representatives to help shape the research and marketing that happens in their sectors,” he said.

“They will also have input on professional advancement opportunities for horticulture industry members, and meeting consumer needs.”

Mr Lloyd said the panels will be comprised of industry supply chain stakeholders, a majority of whom will be levy paying growers.

“We are seeking active individuals with the right mix of passion, experience and technical skills,” he said. “Geographic and sectoral diversity will be also be considered when forming the panels.”

Each advisory panel will have clearly defined objectives that will be guided by the priorities set out in the strategic investment plan for that particular industry.

This current round includes 12 panels, representing the following sectors:

Mr Lloyd said Hort Innovation is in the final stages of establishing panels for the Almond, Apple and Pear, Banana, Citrus, Macadamia, Mushroom, Nursery, Olive, Onion, Table Grape and Turf industries. And further strategic investment advisory panel opportunities across other sectors will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, go to the Horticulture Innovation Australia website.

Horticulture Innovation Australia delivers more than $100 million in research, development and marketing activities across the horticulture industry each year with funding from the Australian Government, grower levies and other sources.