Banana national peak body seeking director nominations

 

 

22nd October 2007

 

 

After four years at the helm of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, President Patrick Leahy has announced he will not be seeking re-election at the council’s 2007 Annual General Meeting on 6 December.

 

ABGC is currently calling for nominations for two Queensland directors, with nomination forms available from the secretary on 07 3278 4786 or via electronic download at www.abgc.org.au. Nominations close on Tuesday 6 November.

 

To be eligible to be a director, a nominee must own or control a commercial banana plantation and the plantation must have been remitting levies to ABGC on its banana production for:
            -  at least five consecutive years; or
            -  since the plantation commenced commercial banana production.

 

ABGC is the national peak industry body representing the interests of Australia’s 800 commercial banana growers, with a commercial plantation defined as one that has at least 0.5 hectares of bananas.

 

Vice-president Nicky Singh said Mr Leahy will be remembered for his inspired leadership during the industry’s recovery from Cyclone Larry in 2006, overseeing the reform of ABGC’s representative structure, and for his dedicated support for a national banana levy to fund research and development, and promotional activity.

 

“Patrick leaves the organisation in great shape and we thank him for the energy, enthusiasm and commitment he has brought to the task,” Mr Singh said.

 

Mr Leahy said the national levy is expected to commence early next year and will present opportunities to deliver programs and services of benefit to all industry sectors.

 

“It is most satisfying to know that the funding for research, promotions and plant-health issues will soon be assured,” Mr Leahy said.

 

“In my view there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in industry representation through ABGC and I appreciate the support the organisation has enjoyed as it continues to steer the industry into a new era of professionalism.”

 

“Cyclone Larry was a real test of our effectiveness as a peak industry body and I’ll admit to feeling a degree of personal pride and satisfaction at what we were able to achieve with respect to the cyclone recovery package.”

 

 

For comment, contact Nicky Singh on 0402 214 800 or Patrick Leahy on 07 4068 0209.

 

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