Australian citrus growers can now access more details on the proposed new representative model for the country’s citrus industry, the Australia Citrus Growers (ACG) has announced.

An Information Memorandum setting out details of the proposed new organisation and the transition period is now available on the Australian Citrus Growers website and copies will be mailed to growers, the ACG said.

Following three years of consultation with industry, the members of Australian Citrus Growers have the opportunity to vote next month on the recommendation to establish a new organisation, ‘Citrus Australia Ltd’, the ACG said in a press release.

ACG President Mark Chown says Citrus Australia will provide a fresh, more commercial approach to representing the Australian citrus growing industry while maximising grower investment and returns.

“Citrus Australia will be a grower-owned and -directed organisation representing the interests of growers on a regional, national and international front,” he said.

“Growers can participate in Citrus Australia not only through direct membership and voting rights, but also through a number of national and regional committees that will be set up to advise the Board. Regional forums will be conducted annually by the company and grower members are also eligible to nominate for the Board.”

Seven proposed directors of Citrus Australia - four grower directors and three independent directors - have been selected to bring appropriate, professional skills and experience to the new model, Mr Chown added.

The seven inaugural directors of Citrus Australia are Tania Chapman, Kevin Cock, Greg Dhnaram, Kelly Jones, Michael McMahon, Kevin Parr and Michele Phillips.

“This spread of skills will allow a more market-focused approach and more professional engagement with growers, governments, the supply chain and consumers,” Mr Chown said.

A majority (75%) vote in favour of the establishment of Citrus Australia is required at the special general meeting being held on 14 October 2008 for the new organisation to replace ACG.

“I urge growers to advise their local delegate to that meeting of their support for the new organisation. Growers are then able to join Citrus Australia direct by completing the membership application form contained in the Information Memorandum,” Mr Chown said.

Growers should visit the ACG website www.australiancitrusgrowers.com to view the Information Memorandum and draft constitution.

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