Dear Olive Growers,

I am writing to you on behalf of your industry association Olives SA regarding funding arrangements to support the future development of your industry:

Firstly, Olives SA is seeking your support to establish an ‘Olive Industry Fund’ under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act. This is a ‘voluntary contribution’ scheme, where growers pay a ‘levy’ based on the tonnes of fruit produced. Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) is supportive of this proposal and is assisting with the logistics of its establishment.

The Olive Industry Fund will finance activities at National, State and Regional levels that will benefit the South Australian industry. Activities include research and development, the collection of benchmarking statistics, biosecurity, building supply chain awareness, and market development activities Important national programs include the code of practice (standards) and label integrity which will be backed by the ACCC, and national consumer education and awareness programs. The Fund will cover membership by all SA growers of both Olives SA and the Australian Olive Association (AOA).  The Olive Industry Fund will assist industry to move forward and become a competitive force in both the international and domestic markets.

Olive growers are being asked to contribute approximately 1% of the value of their crop to the Olive Industry Fund to support the olive industry. The contributions deducted by olive processors will be collected by PIRSA, they will be passed on to Olives SA for use as determined by the industry. The amount of the contribution is in line with that paid by other industries utilising this scheme.  The proposed collection system also ensures fairness and equity regardless of enterprise size.

As key stakeholders in this industry, your input to the consultation process will be vital for the future of the SA olive industry. I strongly encourage you take the time to read the attached discussion paper, and to attend one of the information sessions being held throughout the State, or to make a submission about the proposed Olive Industry Fund.

Secondly, Olives SA is seeking your support for interim funding arrangements for the 2008/09 year, that will move the Olives SA membership fee structure in line with the National (OSA) membership fee, and thereby achieve a more equitable payment system ahead of the implementation of the proposed Olive Industry Fund during 2009. 

The fee structure for the 2008/09 year has been determined at $20.00 per hectare (including GST), which gives growers membership to both Olives SA and the AOA. 

A membership form can be downloaded here.

Yours sincerely,

Lisa Rowntree
President, Olives South Australia Inc.