AUSVEG, Australia's peak industry body for the vegetable and potato industries, has welcomed the appointment of Claire McClelland as Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance.
The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance's (AFPA's) membership consists of some of Australia's largest companies in the fruit and vegetable production industry and addresses economic, environmental and social issues that affect member companies and their workforce.
AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said that there have been many issues that AUSVEG and AFPA have effectively collaborated on to help secure the future of the fresh produce industry, including working together with the industry to quantify workforce needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I welcome the appointment of Claire McClelland as AFPA's new Chief Executive Officer and look forward to further developing the productive relationship between AUSVEG and AFPA," said Mr Coote.
"Claire has a strong background in the vegetable and wider horticulture industry, having worked with AFPA since its inception and previously working in commercial and industry roles in a variety of vegetable-growing businesses and industry associations.
"Fruit and vegetable growers around Australia are facing significant pressures, from pests and diseases that damage crops, to workforce issues and weather events that can wipe out a season's harvest at any given moment, and increasing costs and supply disruptions for critical farm inputs such as fertilisers and farm machinery.
"There are many common issues that affect horticulture growers of all sizes across Australia – labour shortages, cost and access to water, increasing input costs, adoption of innovation and technology and ensuring that the public has access to and eats more fresh fruit and vegetables.
"The horticulture industry is primed for expansion, with developments to boost domestic capacity and take advantage of increased interest in Australian produce in export markets. We look forward to working with the AFPA and all industry partners to advocate for our grower members to ensure our industry can not only survive but thrive into the future.
"I thank outgoing AFPA CEO Michael Rogers for his considerable contribution to the fruit and vegetable industry and wish him well with his future endeavours. I congratulate Claire on her appointment and look forward to continuing the constructive relationship between AUSVEG and AFPA."
