Australia: Garlic industry body aligns with Ausveg to strengthen national advocacy

The interests of Australian garlic growers will now be the domain of the national vegetable body Ausveg, following a strategic alliance. The move follows Ausveg's merger with Onions Australia in 2023, creating a body that now represents vegetable, onion, potato and garlic producers. Ausveg said the peak body for garlic production, the Australian Garlic Industry Association (AGIA), will retain its distinct status and identity to continue delivering services and programs for its grower base. The widening of the Ausveg umbrella comes as the organisation has withdrawn its membership of the National Farmers' Federation Horticulture Council. Ausveg chief executive officer Michael Coote said the agreement between Ausveg and the AGIA was another step forward in bringing together similar but distinct horticulture industries. "This alliance with AGIA is another opportunity to expand our advocacy to government, and other stakeholders, on behalf of the wider vegetable industry," Mr Coote ...