MEET THE BOARD
Meet the Board - Marketers and Chairman
In the last edition of In A Nutshell the grower directors on the ABA board were profiled . Now it ’ s time to meet the marketers and chairman .
PETER HAYES CHAIRMAN
Q . How long have you been involved in the almond industry ?
I have been the Independent Chairman of the Almond Board of Australia since early 2020 . I am based in Adelaide and have had a career in viticulture , wine and irrigated crops with a strong focus on whole of industry R & D , innovation and extension . This career has seen me work across horticultural education , investment in R & D for the wine sector , as Director of Viticulture with Rosemount Estate , and with private clients in the UK and India , along with those in Australia . Beyond these career appointments , I have had extensive involvement across several decades with industry representative bodies , higher education and research institutions , and intergovernmental organisations .
Q . What prompted you to join the ABA board ?
I ’ ve always had an interest in industry development and industry peak bodies , especially in horticulture and irrigated agriculture . When the ABA Board decided to recruit an independent Chair , it seemed an excellent opportunity given the dynamic and progressive nature of the industry .
Q . Do you have a highlight from either being on the ABA board or working in the industry ?
Perhaps the most interesting aspect has been the quality and range of discussion around both industry strategic issues and current operational pressures . The board has diverse interests from growing to processing and marketing , and despite the sometimes competing interests , members strive and achieve consensus on key issues . It ’ s very collegiate in that sense .
Q . What ’ s one priority that you are hoping to see the ABA board focus on in the coming year ?
Concentration on our strategic plan and consolidation of progress made in establishment of the ACE orchard . Political and social pressures shall be ongoing around water , biodiversity , and the broader sustainability issues , so we need to continue with important engagement and communications around these fundamentals . The market and trading environment remains challenging , so the board and it ’ s committees are obliged to maintain a high level of focus on these issues , seeking to consolidate in traditional markets , recover in declining markets , and initiate efforts where new prospects are identified . The short crop in 2023 appears likely to be followed by a rather larger crop in 2024 ( current weather permitting ) so that presents both opportunities and challenges .
Q . What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ?
Gardening , photography , travel , family ( two grandchildren ) and I retain my long-term interest in wine and food ; viticulture and wine has been a large component of my career , and its social aspects and personal contacts remain of interest , here and internationally .
DAMIEN HOULAHAN OFI
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Q . How long have you been involved in the almond industry ?
I have been involved since 2010 . My role is the Global Head for the almond business for ofi . This includes our orchards in Australia and California and our hulling and shelling in Australia and almond packing and trading in California . I am currently based in Fresno , California .
Q . What prompted you to join the ABA board ?
I like to be able to contribute and participate at an industry level .
Q . Do you have a highlight from either being on the ABA board or working in the industry ?
A highlight has been seeing the industry evolve from In A Nutshell - Autumn 2024 Vol 25 Issue 1 a niche smaller horticultural industry to being a major player on the Australian agricultural landscape .
Q . What ’ s one priority that you are hoping to see the ABA board focus on in the coming year ?
We must continue to focus on Australian almond quality and drive projects and research at the grower level to ensure we continue to enjoy a strong reputation in international markets .
Q . What do you enjoy doing in your spare time ?
Spending time with family preferably on the ski slopes – doesn ’ t happen often these days though .
Q . What is the best way to eat an almond ? I am partial to a flavoured snack almond .