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<pre>Hi Roger,

You are absolutely right! You obviously understand the process of
introducing a National Levy, which is very encouraging.

Just a couple of points though. It was never implied or suggested that
the proposed levy would be voted on just by AOA members (it can't be),
therefore it does not matter how the AOA are structured (from a levy
point of view). Myself and/or Gerry King will be visiting each state to
consult with hopefully as many growers as possible. I will give as much
prior notice as I can about the meetings as it is very important that
everyone has an opportunity to attend and have input.

The only AOA Board member on the national levy sub-committee is myself.
(elected to the AOA Board in October). Wayne Singleton was originally
on the committee, but has decided not to continue. Each state has
nominated someone as a collaborator who I can work with directly (these
are not AOA Board members).

I offered to pursue the concept of a national levy as a State-based levy
was something that was part of Olives S.A.'s strategic plan 3 years ago.
When I became President I wanted to review the OSA Strategic Plan and
start to implement parts of it. A lot of money went into creating the
plan and I felt that we should implement it ASAP, otherwise it was a
waste of money. However, the more I looked at the outcomes, the more I
realised that in order to achieve outcomes for members/industry
participants we needed to have money.

During the course of this year, and after much discussion with
Government reps and other industry players it appeared that there would
be much more support for a National levy rather than a State-based one.
It is simpler, fairer and provides for a more unified approach to the
industry rather than each state going about their business individually.
There are some things that need to be sorted out nationally for the good
of the whole industry; R&D and Market Promotion are a couple of them.

RIRDC have been very supportive of the industry for quite some time, but
their funding is waning for olives and it is time for us as an industry
to step forward and show that we were serious players, in for the long
haul. Government are not saying that they won't fund us any more but
rather, they are happy to match any contributions we make dollar for
dollar, which is an excellent outcome for this industry.

What happens to the money raised is a matter for the Olive Industry
Advisory Council which is independent of the AOA. The AOA can nominate
members to this committee (through the Minister) and Horticulture
Australia Ltd also nominates people to the committee. It is the role of
this committee to ensure that HAL do their job correctly and that the
Industry gets value for money.

I'm not for one minute silly enough to think that taking this on is
going to improve my popularity, quite the opposite I expect, however,
what I do hope is that people look at this with an open mind and not
with "AOA loathing goggles on", as even though a levy is part of the AOA
plan, it is not something that is controlled by the AOA. And also
keep in mind that I won't be asking people to contribute to something
that I myself won't be contributing to as well. I'll also be paying the
levy and have a vested interest in ensuring that it is fair and
equitable.

As far as the AOA is concerned, part of my presentation at the Brisbane
National Conference talked about the absolute necessity for any
agricultural enterprise to have good representation at both State and
National Levels. It is evidenced in all of the Horticultural/farming
organisations I researched. I'm more than happy to send you a copy of
my presentation so you can read and research this for yourself.

Unless there is another body which is prepared to step forward and do
this job, we should stop complaining about the voluntary efforts of the
existing and previous boards and just get on with it. It would be
advantageous if people would get involved and be proactive rather than
complaining around the edges, as this is a very ineffective approach.

Sure, where the AOA is concerned, there are personality clashes and egos
involved, but this should not be what stops us from pulling together for
the sake of the Australian Olive Industry.

What I have noticed from my short time on the Board as there is more
support out there for the AOA than I first thought and that there is a
small minority that have axe's to grind. On looking back and asking
questions, it seems to me that along the way feelings have been hurt,
and egos dented.

The history of the AOA has at times been challenging, but there have
also been some great outcomes. I'm not suggesting that we are all going
to get along famously, but I would like to see this chat group, which is
international, return to a more grove focussed debate. Now this does
not mean that I'm trying to stifle debate, but rather direct it to the
person(s) concerned, not to the world as it only serves to expose our
inadequacies as an industry. Some of the content on this chat group is
very slanderous, insulting, hurtful and reeks of school yard
"tattle-tailing".

Sorry for the long winded response, I'm not directing any of this at you
personally as I don't know you yet, but I want you and other readers to
understand a little more about the history of the proposed levy,

It is important that we act in a cohesive and unified manner in an
industry that is adequately funded and effectively directed.

Cheers!

Lisa


-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Farquhar [mailto:rogfarlandsc@...]
Sent: Saturday, 11 October 2003 5:37 am
To: OliveOil@egroups.com
Subject: [OliveOil] Re: to market to market..

g'day Gil

My understanding is that for any levy to be introduced the Govt will
have to be convinced that it is needed and that it has been voted on by
a clear majority of the entire industry not just AOA members. If the AOA
want to introduce a levy they would have to properly restructure their
organisation so that they can clearly demonstrate that they are
representative of all growers.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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<pre>G'day lisa

good to hear the AOA are debating their own forum, do you think the
directors will engage in debate?


authentically yours





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<pre>> The history of the AOA has at times been challenging, but there have
> also been some great outcomes.

such as?

membership has halved in the last three years.

the much lauded QA regime? stillborn.

one person sub-comitteees continue to be the order of the day

countervailing tarrifs? not a whimper.

kicking an admitted fraudulent operator off the AOA executive? nope.

so seriously, what are these "great outcomes" you speak of?

?
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<pre>Hi Roger,

Naturally I can't speak on behalf of the other Directors, but I'm happy
to engage in constructive debate.

Cheers!

Lisa


-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Farquhar [mailto:rogfarlandsc@...]
Sent: Saturday, 18 October 2003 6:21 am
To: OliveOil@egroups.com
Subject: [OliveOil] re:response to Roger re: national levy

G'day lisa

good to hear the AOA are debating their own forum, do you think the
directors will engage in debate?


authentically yours





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




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Post message: OliveOil@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: OliveOil-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: OliveOil-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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</pre>
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