After more than two years of work and negotiation with the government, the AOA has recently announced that the long-awaited national Research and Development Levy (R&D Levy) will commence on 1 May 2013. The levy received an 83% yes vote in the June 2011 ballot but its introduction has been delayed by a decision on the most appropriate Research Corporation to administer the scheme. It was eventually agreed that our levy will be administered by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and would commence in time for the 2013 season – originally commencing on 1 April, however this was not achievable. The levy is set at $3.10 per tonne, comprising $3.00 for research and development and $0.10 for Plant Health Australia subscription, and will be collected by processors for remittance to DAFF. We’ll bring you full details in the June edition of Olivegrower & Processor.
