Executive update Welcome to the October 2023 edition of Groundswell, where we bring you the latest news and updates from Victoria’s horticulture industry. Spring is now well and truly underway, and we hope it has been a strong start to what is sure to be a very busy season for our members and their businesses.
Simon Gomme President, NGIV
Craig Taberner CEO, NGIV
The last week of August saw NGIV set up shop in Queen’s Hall, Victorian Parliament House for our Annual Horticulture Showcase. We worked tirelessly through the week to advocate for the industry and engage with Members of Parliament, highlighting Victorian horticulture’s vast scope and the benefits it provides to all people across the state. During the Showcase, we spoke to representatives from across the political spectrum, with the understanding that NGIV’s vision for a united, growing and sustainable industry is strengthened with bi-partisan support. We were thrilled to welcome the Hon. Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Agriculture, as our esteemed Guest of Honor. Joining her, we had the Hon. Peter Walsh MP, Leader of the Nationals, along with a panel of horticultural personalities who shared their passion for horticulture and the highlight the benefits it provides for all Victorians. We’re committed to encouraging MPs to prioritise key areas that matter most to us. We encouraged them to: 1. Commit to improving Victoria’s Green Infrastructure for future climate resilience. 2. Strengthen the resilience of the horticultural industry. 3. Nurture our workforce for future skills and growth. 4. Celebrate the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) and acknowledge its cultural and economic contribution to Victoria.
5. Support the important work of horticultural educators. 6. Open doors to international market access and exports. Highlights of the Showcase included the immersive garden designed by MIFGS Achievable Gardens alumni Josie Wilson and Suzannah Kennett Lister – which prompted many comments from impressed MPs – and our Horticulture Appreciation Day panel, featuring emcee Claire Hooper, Brett Ratten, and Chloe Thomson, who spoke about their passion for plants and how the industry has influenced their lives. We also had horticulture experts from NGIV member businesses on hand to share their knowledge and engage with decision makers about our state’s industry and highlight the role their businesses play. We thank all members and partners who supported this week, whether as industry spokespeople, suppliers or otherwise – we couldn’t have done it without you. We’re thrilled with the level of engagement we had throughout the Showcase, and we expect to keep many fruitful conversations going over the coming months. We’re looking forward to coming together with Victoria’s top breeders, growers and allied businesses for this year’s Australian Horticultural Trials. They’ll be showcasing the very latest innovations in container, bedding, indoor and outdoor plants and allied products. The event will take place between 5 and 8 December 2023, with exhibitor on-site
NGIV is proud to partner with Australia’s top breeders, growers, and allied businesses, for the Australian Horticultural Trials 2023. Visit www.horticulturaltrials.com for more details. 04
GROUNDSWELL OCTOBER 2023
