Daniels to focus on establishing an effective advisory network across Australia’s diverse vegetable crops and growing regions
Ausveg has announced the appointment of David Daniels as national agrichemical manager to lead its agrichemical program.me
In this new Ausveg role, Daniels will work closely with growers, plant science companies, industry partners, innovators and regulators to identify and fill the gaps in pest and disease management in the vegetable industry.
Daniels brings significant horticulture industry experience having spent 13 years at Citrus Australia as the general manager – market development, leading Citrus Australia’s market development and market access programme. David also had responsibility for agrichemical MRL management, prioritising grower needs in engagements with regulators, agrichemical companies and industry stakeholders, while advocating for market access, and representing grower interests in domestic and international forums.
This appointment has been driven by vegetable grower-identified needs, and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA’s) increasing scrutiny of the agrichemical toolbox within food and fibre industries. According to Ausveg the approval of new chemistry is not keeping pace with the rate at which existing products are being removed for use or restricted in Australia and internationally.
As a starting point, the national agrichemical manager will focus on establishing an effective advisory network across Australia’s diverse vegetable crops and growing regions. This network aims to facilitate a two-way flow of information, enabling the identification and communication of emerging pest and disease challenges within the sector.
Given the varied climatic conditions and production systems across regions, crop specific and localised expertise is essential for effective advice. By fostering strong connections between growers, the VegNET program, agronomists, and regional industry bodies, the advisory network will support timely responses to threats and promote the adoption of best practices.
