The ABA Board is supported by specialist committees that have their own terms of reference and are linked to the Board by an ABA Director chairing each committee and ABA staff providing support .
also provides input into best production practices and technologies showcased on the orchard . The facility provides the opportunity to push the boundaries in search of significant developments to production systems . The Centre is a collaboration between industry , researchers and commercial suppliers . Chair : Brendan Sidhu
PLANT IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE :
The Plant Improvement Committee is the industry reference group for the almond breeding and evaluation program . It provides guidance on the desired characteristics of new varieties , assists the establishment of trial sites and with the assessment of results . It also provides input into the decisions of which selections are released as commercial varieties and the conditions of their commercialisation . The committee guides the ABA ’ s high health status budwood program that ensures nurseries have access to pathogen tested material to produce superior nursery trees that enhance orchard establishment . Chair : Luke Stoeckel
WATER COMMITTEE :
The Water Committee drafts industry policy for the ABA Board to consider and endorse . The committee also develops strategic actions to bring about positive change to the water market and other government policy that impacts on the pricing , availability and deliverability to almond and other irrigators whilst being mindful of the need for a healthy riverine system . The committee provides input into submissions prepared by the ABA . These submissions - where possible - seek to offer solutions to issues of concern . The ABA acts to gather the support of other Peak Industry Bodies to support our submissions . Chair : Darren Minter
INPUT SURETY AND COST
CHEMICAL COMMITTEE :
The Chemical Committee monitors the chemicals available to Australian almond production and identifies chemicals with the potential to expand the options for chemical rotation , efficacy and efficiency and pursue registration through APVMA . The committee will develop appropriate measures for chemical application to ensure MRL compliance in the domestic and export markets for consideration by the ABA Board . The Taskforce will comprise growers , technical staff from processors , senior technical people from major agrochemical companies and agronomists from retailers . Representatives from government bodies will be co-opted for guidance on issues as required . Chair : Stephen Beckwith
CONFERENCE AND R & D FORUM COMMITTEES :
The Conference and Forum Committees provide advice on the Conference and R & D Forum themes , venue , dates , schedule , presentation topics , presenters , master of ceremonies , sponsors and monitor event finances . The committee members ’ input ensures the events provide a balance of learning and social networking . Chair : Neale Bennett
AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE :
The Audit Committee monitors the ABA ’ s financial position and systems , risk and statutory / regulatory compliance including the external audit and annual budget processes . The committee reviews all ABA expenditure , accounts receivable and payable , and other elements of the extensive financial reporting that is provided to the Board meetings . The committee members also decide on the investment options available for the ABA ’ s cash reserves . The members are also involved in the approval of large financial transactions . Chair : Damien Houlahan
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE :
The Remuneration Committee makes recommendations to the Board on matters relating to remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer and ABA staff in general , their performance and the staff composition , structure and operation of the organisation . Chair : Peter Hayes
COMMUNICATION GOOD GOVERNANCE
2022 / 23 ABA ANNUAL REPORT 11