AUSVEG appoints local grower as chair

Victorian leafy vegetable grower Bill Bulmer will take the position of AUSVEG chair after a unanimous vote during a board meeting on 13 November in Melbourne.

As a member of the executive committee of AUSVEG VIC and the horticulture committee of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation, as well as director of Bulmer Farms in Lindenow, Bulmer’s experience will serve him well in his new role. He has been a long-serving member of the vegetable industry and his appointment as chair extends his commitment to help Australian vegetable and potato growers.

The third-generation grower will succeed Geoff Moar, who has held the position of chair since 2013. Despite deciding not to nominate for re-election, Moar will continue to serve on the AUSVEG board. Queensland vegetable grower Belinda Adams will work alongside Bulmer after being unanimously re-elected as AUSVEG deputy chair.

Bulmer thanked Moar for his hard work in the position of AUSVEG chair, stating that the company is in a strong position going forward.

“On behalf of the AUSVEG board I would like to thank Geoff for his hard work and dedication to the industry during his time as AUSVEG chair. I look forward to working extensively with the wider vegetable and potato industries to continue Geoff’s enduring legacy and lead our organisation and the Australian vegetable and potato industries into the future.”

Moar acknowledged the hard work of the AUSVEG board over the last four years, when the company was going through a series of changes. He expects the company will continue to grow and advance the causes of Australian growers under the leadership of Bulmer and Adams.

“The last 12 months have been an exciting period for AUSVEG, following our efforts to increase industry collaboration and work with the wider horticulture industry to provide effective services and representation for our growers. This was clearly demonstrated in Adelaide earlier in the year, when we partnered with the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand to deliver Hort Connections 2017 to nearly 2500 local and international delegates,” noted Bulmer.

“AUSVEG looks forward to continuing to effectively represent Australian vegetable and potato growers in the year ahead and is eager to continue working with the wider Australian horticulture and agriculture industry for the betterment of our growers.”