Onion industry joins with AUSVEG

AUSVEG and Onions Australia have announced a strategic merger that will see the onion industry joining with AUSVEG. The move will expand AUSVEG’s representative footprint and provide it with a stronger voice to better advocate on behalf of vegetable, potato and onion growers.

The merger will combine the strengths of AUSVEG’s advocacy capabilities and service delivery with Onions Australia’s legacy and interest in the betterment of the onion sector, benefiting onion growers and stakeholders across Australia.

Bill Bulmer, AUSVEG Chair, said the merger will provide a platform for the future success of onion growers and the broader onion sector through its alignment with the broader vegetable sector.

“We recognise the legacy of the Onions Australia brand, with its decades-long history of representing the Australian onion sector. It is our intent to continue to recognise the dedication of those who have been instrumental in the history of Onions Australia and to build on this legacy to uplift the services and advocacy available to onion growers,” he said.

The merger will ensure that the onion sector maintains a significant voice within the broader vegetable and horticulture industry and that onion growers have access to greater levels of services and expertise, according to Darren Rathjen, Onions Australia Chair.

The decision to merge with AUSVEG was taken after a formal member vote. It is aimed at strengthening the future of Australia’s onion sector and bettering the onion and broader vegetable industry.

Murray Watt, Federal Agriculture Minister, welcomed the move. “Particularly at a time when food security is front of mind globally, it’s so important that Australian agriculture has strong industry-led advocacy, to help grow the sector and also support farmers and the production chain,” Watt said.

Grower levy investment processes will continue, managed by Hort Innovation and Plant Health Australia, with oversight from the onion sector through industry mechanisms such as the Hort Innovation Strategic Investment Advisory Panels.

As part of the transition, all onion levy-paying growers will have an expanded suite of resources and benefits, including:

• Expanded Voice: AUSVEG’s public affairs team and its network with federal ministers and various government departments ensure that the onion industry’s interests are represented.
• Increased access to services: Members of Onions Australia can now take advantage of AUSVEG’s resources in advocacy, public affairs, political engagement, communications, extension, biosecurity and export development.
• Enhanced brand presence: Specific content and services for The Onions Australia brand will be maintained in industry publications and online.

Transition-related activities are underway, with operations from the Onions Australia office expected to move to the AUSVEG office by the end of July. Further details about the merger and transition will be communicated to Onions Australia members and onion growers in coming weeks.

Image credit: iStock.com/AegeanBlue