FROM THE EXECUTIVE
From the Executive ...
“
It was yet another example of the industry ' s key players being able to put aside competitive tensions and collaborate at a high level for the common good .
4
Peter Hayes , ABA Chairperson and Tim Jackson , ABA CEO
Industry gathers to set common goals
THE ABA conducted its first industrywide nut quality workshop in Mildura earlier this month . Grower representatives from all regions as well as key researchers and representatives from all the marketers and processors gathered to workshop common problems and goals around managing the quality of product being produced . With more than 80 % of the crop now exported to more than 50 countries under the generic ‘ Australia ’ banner , it was a chance to reflect on what drove that success and potential points of difference that can continue to drive demand . The day which was designed and facilitated by Industry Development Manager Deidre Jaensch kicked off by reflecting on what was discussed at the previous workshop in 2011 when heavy rains broke the Millenium Drought . While many of the aspirations discussed back then remain relevant today , the two major differences impacting quality today identified were the arrival of the carpophilus beetle and the prolonged on-farm storage required due to processing capacity contracts . NPA CEO Nigel Carey gave a detailed overview of the expectations and challenges from the marketing end of the supply chain . This overview was critical to the proceedings that followed and
In A Nutshell - Winter 2024 Vol 25 Issue 2
allowed researchers and growers to gain a frank insight into the reality of selling almonds around the world . The participants were also provided with a high-level scoreboard on quality issues from the aggregated data provided by processors . An interactive day that followed and fleshed out a wide range of challenges and opportunities which the ABA will now filter through and discuss with the relevant ABA committees . It was yet another example of the industry ’ s key players being able to put aside competitive tensions and collaborate at a high level for the common good .
As the previous ABA CEO Ross Skinner said in 2011 , “ a rising tide lifts all boats ” and that was most certainly the attitude that prevailed throughout the day . The quality workshop will also assist the industry in shaping the priorities of our research and development investments in the coming years .
Stepping down
After more than four years at the helm our chairman Peter Hayes will be stepping down early next year . The board have been working behind the scenes to recruit the next chair and will be making an announcement at the Almond