PUTTING more of the industry levy towards research and development, and reducing the amount spent on marketing, is a proposal the Stonefruit industry body Summerfruit Australia has submitted to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
This follows a formal industry vote in June, when growers voted for the overall levy to remain at one cent per kilogram, but with a distribution shift towards more funding towards the statutory R&D levy and zero to the Summerfruit Statutory Marketing levy.
There is now an objection period until November 25, during which growers not in favour of the change can direct an objection to Summerfruit Australia, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, or the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Industry members have been sent details on how to submit an objection.
Summerfruit Australia chair Andrew Finlay said the proposed changes came at the request of several growers.
“Some of our members asked us, as the peak industry body, to facilitate discussion about a possible change to the composition of the stone fruit levy and charge,” Mr Finlay said.
“The aim is to have a greater focus on investment in research, development, and extension with an emphasis on managing biosecurity risks. This adjustment will build the future of the industry and improve market access.”
