HAL to undergo internal review

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) announced on Friday that it will be conducting a review of its processes in order to maximise returns on investment in research and development.

This decision has been supported by AUSVEG and will no doubt also be welcomed by vegetable growers and farmers all over the country.

It is believed the review will be completed by March 2014. HAL said it would examine how efficient existing levy structures are, and how well the current processes by which they are "conceived, implemented, collected and expensed" are functioning.

Andrew White, acting chief executive officer of AUSVEG, said that the horticulture industry is the "fastest growing sector in Australian agriculture".

"It is important to ensure that growers are getting the most from the levies that HAL invests on their behalf with matched government funds," he said.

He added that any review that looks at what changes can be made in order to improve how the industry is run can only be a good thing.

Over the past 12 years, Australia's horticulture industry has almost tripled in value. It now injects approximately $9 billion into the economy.

The vegetable-growing sector of this thriving industry is its largest, and has been valued at around $3.3 billion on its own.

HAL has been "pivotal" in supporting and aiding this growth, said Mr White, particularly through research and development investments. Each year, the organisation puts $100 million into projects across the horticulture industry.

"This review represents a great opportunity to ensure that the horticulture industry maintains its strong position into the future," said Mr White.

HAL is reviewing its processes; is it time you reviewed your crop or farm insurance policy?

Your local Elders Insurance agent can help you with this, and offer you advice about cover - such as farm liability insurance - that may be missing from your current policy.