Planning is well underway for industry participants to formally consider a proposal to implement a statutory research and development levy for the Australian herb and spice industry.

Australian Herb & Spice Industry Association Ltd (AHSIA) president Robert Hayes says the levy is being proposed to ensure ongoing development and future viability within the industry.

“Thanks to a strong focus on healthy eating habits and consumer demand for new, exciting, natural flavours for their food, the culinary herb and spice industry has experienced strong growth over the last 20 years and further market growth is certainly possible,” said My Hayes.

“It is important to also recognise that this growth is underpinned by ongoing research work undertaken by AHSIA in partnership with the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) on behalf of all industry participants.

“This R&D work includes applications for Minor Use Permits for crop protectants for herbs and spices, minor use applications for new softer and more effective crop protectants, and the development of new biocontrol agents, activities which are central to product integrity for all growers and other
supply chain participants – processors, wholesalers, retailers (small and large) and ultimately the consumer.”

Whilst we get a lot of ‘bang for the few bucks’ raised from industry, through matching and in‐kind support from the R&D corporations, government and research providers, the fact is that this is research fundamental to the industry's future, and yet amazingly it is being carried by a relatively few active players in the industry who contribute both financially and with their time.

“This situation is simply not sustainable, and sooner rather than later the culinary herb and spice industry will need to implement a more efficient and equitable method of raising future R&D funds.”

The first of the regional consultation meetings on the levy proposal will be held in conjunction with the forthcoming Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference 2010, scheduled for 4.30 pm on Wednesday 30 June at Chisholm TAFE’s Cranbourne Campus in Victoria. A full schedule of regional meetings will be circulated together with the levy proposal discussion document in early July.

To assist in this objective, McFarlane Strategic Services has been commissioned to assist AHSIA and RIRDC to develop a national statutory levy proposal and to undertake a broad industry consultation with all industry stakeholders in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Government’s Levy Principles and Guidelines.

During the levy consultation process industry participants may also contact Peter McFarlane at any time on mobile: 0418 839 836, and e‐mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ENDS
For further information on AHSIA and levy consultation process, please visit the AHSIA
website: http://web.ahsia.org.au

For further media comment please contact:
Robert Hayes, president,
Australian Herb and Spice Industry Association Ltd
Mobile: 0418 376 258, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Peter McFarlane, levy consultant
McFarlane Strategic Services
Mobile: 0418 839 836, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it