ABA Committees
GOOD GOVERNANCE
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
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
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
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 onitor event finances . The committee members ’ input ensures the events provide a balance of learning and social networking . Chair : Neale Bennett
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
ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024 | 13