DARREN MINTER Sunraysia Region Grower Representative
Darren is Managing Director of Minter Magic , a large almond , asparagus and citrus property situated in lraak , Victoria . Darren is a major shareholder in the Red Cliffs Almond Growers Co-op , started in 1985 . He is also member of the Australian Asparagus Council and a member of Citrus Australia . Darren holds a Diploma of Production Horticulture and was the VFF Victorian Apprentice of the year in 1988 ( Fruit Section ). In addition to being an ABA Board Grower representative for the Sunraysia Region , Darren serves on the Plant Improvement Committee , R & D Forum Committee and Water Committee .
STEPHEN BECKWITH Swan Region Grower Representative
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Business Degree and is currently the General Manager of Indian Ocean Farms , which includes three properties in Western Australia . Stephen joined the almond industry in 2019 after spending six years with the Berry Division of the Costa Group , as Regional Manager Tasmania and Regional Manager Western Australia . Prior to this Stephen was Operations Manager of the Sumich Olive Oil Division in Western Australia for 10 years . Stephen is a past Chairman , Treasurer and Director of two local Community Banks and has been involved with numerous industry and community groups , including Industry Advisory Committees . Stephen is a member of the ABA Production Committee , Conference Committee , a proxy member of the Audit Committee and the current Chair of the ABA Chemical Taskforce .
NIGEL CAREY Marketing Representative
Nigel is the CEO of Nut Producers Australia , having previously been General Manager Operations , with responsibility for managing NPA ’ s Export Sales and Marketing activities and Group Operations spanning both almonds and pistachios . He has been with NPA for 12 years , following an extensive agri-marketing , operations and management career in Tasmania .
Nigel ’ s qualifications include an MBA and GAICD , and he has served as a member of the ABA Processing Committee .
DAMIEN HOULAHAN Marketing Representative
Damien is the Executive General Manager of Olam Orchards Australia . Damien has the responsibility of overseeing almond operations for Olam in Australia . This has included building a team to manage the orchards exclusively from 2012 , the building of the new almond processing facility and the global marketing of Olam almonds from the Australian orchards . In addition to this role in Australia , Damien is also a member of the Olam International Edible Nuts Management Committee which includes the global cashew and peanut businesses . Damien is a member of the Market Development Committee , Audit and Risk Committee , Remuneration Committee , Almond Centre Committee and the Conference Committee .
2020 / 21 ABA ANNUAL REPORT
PAUL THOMPSON Marketing Representative Paul Thompson has over 25 years in management and leadership roles . His responsibilities have included manufacturing facilities , commodity trading and brand marketing . For the past nine years Paul has been Managing Director at Select Harvests . Select Harvests is a grower , processor and marketer of almonds . Paul is passionate about the Australian almond industry and believes the industry needs to increase its engagement with the local community , increase international market penetration and build a global sustainable competitive advantage .
BRENTON WOOLSTON Marketing Representative Brenton Woolston is Managing Director of Almondco Australia Ltd , a 100 % dedicated almond processing and marketing company . Brenton was appointed to Almondco as Marketing Manager in 2001 and was promoted to Group General Manager just over a year later . In 2012 Brenton commenced his leading role as Managing Director . He continues to lead and manage a sustained period of significant growth and success in Almondco ’ s long history and is a strong advocate for promoting Australian almonds as a premium , food safe product on the world stage . Brenton has been an active industry participant , by providing long service as a Director of the Almond Board of Australia ( ABA ) and was Chairman from 2007 to 2009 . Mr Woolston also held the position of President of the Australian Nut Industry Council ( ANIC ) from 2006 to 2009 . Brenton has represented and presented on behalf of the Australian almond industry at several international conferences and events .
2021 / 22 ABA ANNUAL REPORT
9