About AHSIA
The Australian Herb and Spice Industry Ltd (AHSIA) has been set up to represent all participants in the Herb & Spice Industry supply chain in Australia. It has evolved from the Australian Culinary Herb Growers' Association driven by the industry's need for an incorporated peak industry body to co-ordinate pressing research and development needs, and to provide a strong, representative voice for the industry.

The Australian Herb and Spice Industry Ltd (AHSIA) has been set up to represent all participants in the Herb & Spice Industry supply chain in Australia. It has evolved from the Australian Culinary Herb Growers' Association driven by the industry's need for an incorporated peak industry body to co-ordinate pressing research and development needs, and to provide a strong, representative voice for the industry.

AHSIA's focus is on three main areas:

1. Industry development & perception at government & public levels.
2. On ground Research & Development

3. Member Services

1: Industry development & perception at public & government levels

Develop and adopt an Industry Development Plan including risk management strategies. A current 5 year plan (2006-2011) is available on the RIRDC website http://www.rirdc.gov.au)
Develop policies, strategies and actions to address and respond to its members' needs and emerging industry issues.
Interact with state and federal organizations to ensure that the interest of its members are recognised and considered Interact with overseas organizations to ensure that the interest of its members in Australia are recognised and considered at an international level.
Monitor all forms of media coverage of the industry, and respond where appropriate.

2: On ground Research & Development
A research and development project focussing on a RIRDC & grower funded project which is aimed at solving Minor Chemical Permit issues and developing Best Management Practices for the Herb & Spice Industry. This project will run from 2004-2006. In support of this project 40 minor use permit applications are currently being reviewed by APVMA, and chemical residue trials are underway to establish a 'due duty of care' format which can assist in servicing our overseas markets.
A further project commenced July 1st 2006. This project with main collaborator DPIF (Queensland) will provide us with 1. Identification tools, including pictorial references, and management options for the main pests and diseases in herbs. 2. Identify the main seed borne diseases and their source. 3. Identify options to remove the issue of pre-harvest insects (both beneficial & otherwise) which is a problem for processors who receive bulk harvested herbs.

3: Member Services
Facilitate benchmarking and networking amongst its members and encourage a broader sharing of information and experience throughout the industry by the provision of activities such as Conferences, Workshops, discussion groups and regular newsletters. Activities - 3 monthly newsletter , Annual conference - September 2006 Adelaide, next discussion group Bundaberg May 15th.

Establish and maintain an information database accessible to its members in recognition of the need for a reliable and up to date information on agronomic, post-harvest, domestic and export markets An information database of publication extracts covering the top ten herbs is in the final stages of development.
Negotiate with other industry groups and private sector organisations for member benefits. Negotiation currently underway for affiliation with other synergistic grower groups.
Last Updated on Thursday, 05 March 2009 07:42