News Jenny's decades of dedication

Jenny’s decades of dedication

Jenny Treeby first joined the Dried Fruits Australia board as a way to give back to an industry that had already given her so much.

Now, more than 20 years on, Jenny has retired from the board and reflected on her decades in the industry. Jenny officially stepped down from her board position at the DFA AGM late last year, and DFA chair Mark King said she had been a great asset to the organisation. “She always put her hand up to help, whether attending biosecurity meetings, reading pages of reports or with constructive input at board meetings,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to travel with Jenny to Anuga, the biggest food fair in Cologne, Germany. We made work into an enjoyable task, and if anyone has stood at a booth for 10 hours they will know that it can become quite tedious but Jenny was always happy to hold the fort, while I got the coffee.” Mark thanked Jenny for her commitment and dedication to the Australian dried fruit industry. “I will miss her and the staff and board will miss her, but as she now works with the table grape sector, we will still see her around.”

A way to give back

Jenny’s contribution to the board began in 2000 when she received an invitation to a leadership skills program held at the CSIRO in Merbein.

“The two-day program was jointly run by the Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Grape Growers Council and the Dried Fruits Research and Development Council,” she said.

“I really enjoyed the program and when the offer was made to further hone my skills or, in my case actually acquire them, through a rural leadership program at Marcus Oldham College, I grabbed the chance.”

Jenny said she enjoyed the course, which expanded her network to other participants and commodity representatives from across Australia.

The course pushed her outside her comfort zone with radio interviews, negotiations, interpersonal skills and personal assertiveness skills. “Coming back, I felt that I should give something back to the industry that had invested in me and so I decided to stand for the board,” Jenny said.

“The rest is history.”

Jenny would go on to spend more than 20 years on the board, as well as serving on the Drying for Profit Committee, and chairing it for several years.

Her work included involvement in producing an occupational health and safety manual for the region with other horticulture industries, as well as starting the BMP booklets.

Reflecting on the highlights

Jenny said representing growers, being part of the board team – and not “the female board member” – as well as working with different chairs, CEOs and field officers to better position the industry and drive innovation were highlights of her tenure.

During her time on the board, Jenny also enjoyed the opportunities to go to South Africa, Germany and China to represent the industry and learn more about how other growers and industries work, think and live.

“The contacts and connections made on these trips have been unique, helpful and unforgettable,” she said.

Another highlight was representing DFA in biosecurity matters.

“As this is a relatively small industry, being co-operative, constructive and pragmatic has helped to get a good standing with other industries and governments,” Jenny said.

“Having a biosecurity levy implemented, a biosecurity manual, and frameworks in place for cost reimbursement in case of a response to an exotic pest incursion has put the industry in a good spot and I am proud to have been part of the driving force behind that.”

Change and looking to the future

It’s no surprise Jenny has seen her fair share of changes in the industry over the past 20 years.

“There’s been a move to different trellising, varieties and irrigation, and thus production methods, which has been good to see,” she said.

In addition to the changes to management practises on the blocks, Jenny has also witnessed organisational change, with DFA becoming leaner and sourcing outside funding, and changes to board memberships, chairs, CEOs and field officers creating different dynamics.

Through it all, Jenny said the industry maintained the strength it was built upon – sharing knowledge and information, and collaboration.

“It will be interesting to see what will happen with this industry in the future though,” she said.

“Properties might become amalgamated. Hopefully (the industry) can attract a younger set of growers with different skill sets that will further drive the industry.

“At this point in time – and without a crystal ball – it is a wait-and-see situation. In the meantime, I still believe that Australia produces the best dried fruit naturally and that it leads the world in best management practises.

“I am full of gratitude to this industry that has embraced me, trusted me and given me all these opportunities to grow and represent them. It might sound soppy, but I am incredibly proud of having been a part of an industry that is so collaborative and supportive as well as growing an awesome, healthy product in a very green way.” v

2021 DFA AGM

Dried Fruits Australia held its 2021 AGM at Willow and Ivie in Irymple in November.

The event gave a season overview for the members and invited guests in attendance, both in person and online.

Chair Mark King provided highlights of the 2020-21 year, and presented the annual report, which can now be found, along with financial reports, within the members only section at www. driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

Renominating board members Ashley Johnstone and Warren Lloyd were officially reappointed to the board for two years. The board also welcomed James Moriarty, who is a new grower representative joining the DFA board for the first time.

The DFA board farewelled Luke Lory, who did not renominate, and recognised the contributions of retiring board member Jenny Treeby, who stepped down after 20 years of service.