Aussie olive stakeholders vote ‘yes’ to national levy

The Australian olive industry has come of age, with an overwhelming majority of industry stakeholders voting ‘yes’ to the introduction of a national levy.

Subject to Australian Government approval, growers will be contributing $3/tonne for a Research, Development and Extension Levy and then a further 10c/tonne for a Plant Health Australia (Biosecurity) Levy. Olive industry stakeholders will also be invited to continue to contribute funds to the industry's Consumer Awareness and Education program.

This result reflects the value that the industry has placed on R&D in moving forward. The industry has seen productivity gains, market access wins and improvements in sustainability through research funded by RIRDC and industry voluntary contributions from the industry for over 10 years. This new levy means the industry will be able to achieve even more through well-funded, strategically directed research and in the knowledge that every single grower is doing his or her bit. The industry levy funding model provides a greater security of future funding.

Paul Miller, AOA President, says, “This is a significant part of the development of the Australian olive industry. It is gratifying that the industry has recognised the need for ongoing long-term research and development.”

“The Australian olive industry has a strong record of innovation and this new levy will take the industry even further forward,” says Lisa Rowntree, AOA Chief Executive Officer.

“The hard part of progressing to an industry levy is gaining industry-wide support, and today’s resounding YES vote represents a great step forward in a very positive direction,” she adds.

An extensive nationwide consultation program was undertaken by Peter MacFarlane across all olive-growing states, from WA to Qld, southwards to Tasmania and all states in between. The discussion paper informing the industry about its options was very comprehensive and has been integral in taking this major step forward in industry maturity.

The target commencement date for the proposed levies is 1 January 2012, ahead of the 2012 processing season.