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<pre>on 19/4/03 2:22 AM, Lambros Karavis at lkaravis@... wrote:

> Hi to all,
>
> You've seen Roger's suggestion that you read the AOA Draft Strategic
> Plan. I suspect that many of you cannot be bothered, especially at
> Easter time and so close to harvest time. It is very interesting and
> will affect most growers and processors. So, with my apologies and
> your permission, I've prepared a critical but hopefully constructive
> overview of the plan.
>
> Key Points Summary:
> 1. The document title is "Australian Olive Industry Strategic Plan
> 2003-2008" but in reality it is a Strategic Plan 2003-2008 for
> Australian Olive Association Limited, the peak industry body.
> 2. Significant new funding initiatives are proposed affecting all
> growers, with quite substantial revenue streams to be managed by the
> AOA.
> 3. There are a number of real shortcomings, not least of which is the
> lack of any financial forecasts to indicate proposed AOA expenditures
> on industry programs they want to manage.

----------------- the rest is in the original posting ----------

I agree with your comments but there are also other issues. Of concern to me
is also the fact that many regional associations, and even the Victorian
Olive Council, are not properly constituted to be fit agencies that will
control growers access to the AOA.

Many growers do not belong to any regional association for very good
reasons, but they are the backbone of the olive industry.

I think the proposed "strategic plan" will lead to the demise of the AOA if
it is implemented and I will fight any compulsory levy to fund the AOA.

The timing is bad as we are under pressure processing a crop that is
ripening very quickly because of the drier than average season.

Regards

Sil Garoni


SIL GARONI
ALPINE OLIVES
"MULLAGONG"
R M B 1097 WODONGA
VICTORIA 3690
PHONE 0418 690616
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