South Australian olive growers are considering a new levy to help invest in their future growth and development.
Lisa Rowntree, Olives SA President, said the proposed levy will be developed in consultation with industry and will support a number of activities, including research and development, the collection of benchmarking statistics and consumer awareness.
“This investment and the gains to be made from it will assist industry to move forward and become a competitive force in the international and domestic market,” Ms Rowntree said.
“The industry is facing increasing challenges, but also great opportunities, which we can capitalise on if we’re in a position to be able to respond effectively.”
The levy system proposes that growers voluntarily contribute approximately one percent of the value of their crop towards a fund that will be collected by PIRSA and then transferred to Olives SA for use towards state and national projects that will benefit the South Australian industry.
Ms Rowntree said all growers are set to benefit from the system, from the big growers to the small boutique growers and the collection of levies will be a fair and equitable process.
“The system is not a new concept, with several agricultural industries already utilising it with successful results, including wine, citrus and livestock industries.
“I encourage all growers to take the time to understand what is being proposed and attend one of the information sessions being held throughout the State.
“It is important growers understand how the levy will be applied, the costs associated with it, how the money will be administered and spent and the benefits that we as an industry will accrue through adopting the levy.”
A discussion paper, explaining how the levy will work and its benefits is available on the Olives SA website http://www.olivessouthaustralia.com.au or by contacting Peter McFarlane, 0418 839 836 or peter@mc.com.au
Growers have until Friday 8 August 2008 to submit their written comments on the proposal by mail, fax or email to:
Olive Growers Voluntary Contribution Scheme
33 Phillips St, SOMERTON PARK SA 5044
Fax: 08 8376 7048
Email: peter@mc.com.au
All comments received will be considered in the final drafting of the preferred levy system before being submitted to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
Information sessions for olive growers will be held:
• Northern Adelaide Plains, Tuesday 8 July, 6.30 pm, Bovoliva Oil Co.
• Riverland, Wednesday 9 July, 6.30 pm, Berri Hotel.
• Adelaide Hills / Eastern Mount Lofty, Thursday 10 July, 6 pm, Mount Barker TAFE.
• Mid North / Yorke Peninsula & Barossa, Friday 11 July, 6.30 pm, Olive Oil Packaging Services, Riverton.
• Southern Flinders, Monday 14 July, 6.30 pm, Gladstone Hotel.
• Mallee / Limestone Coast, Tuesday 15 July, 6.30 pm, Coonalpyn Hotel.
• Eyre Peninsula, Monday 21 July, 6.30pm, Port Lincoln.
• Fleurieu Peninsula, Tuesday 22 July, 6.00 pm, Alma Hotel, Willunga.
Growers are requested to contact Peter McFarlane on 0418 839 836 or email peter@mc.com.auto register their place. Additional meetings will be held as requested to ensure all interested olive growers get their say on the olive levy proposal.
