In mid 2004, The Regional Development Company was engaged by the Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum (AlpValleys) to develop an agribusiness profile for the six local government areas of north-east Victoria (Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga).

The 2004 AlpValleys Agribusiness Profile resulted in a comprehensive inventory of north-east agribusiness, and identified competitive advantages and opportunities for agribusiness development. It also identified possible limitations to agribusiness growth.

A second element of the project was to assist AlpValleys to develop a business plan.

The business plan has been developed through:

• consideration of the findings of the 2004 AlpValleys Agribusiness Profile
• a facilitated session with AlpValleys board members to determine the strategic directions and operational actions
• a discussion with the treasurer and administration officer regarding financial data
• examination of the 2002-03 Business Plan and 2002-2005 Strategic Directions document.

Scope of the Plan

It was agreed by the AlpValleys Board that this Business Plan is to guide the directions of the organisation for the period 2005-2008.

Strategic directions have been established for the three year period. Detailed actions have been described for the 2005 year, with indicative priorities indicated for 2006 and 2007.

It is intended that this document will form the basis of a three year rolling plan, and at the end of each year, the plan will be reviewed to:

• monitor progress
• evaluate outcomes
• modify and refine future actions
• establish priorities and detailed action plans for the following year.

This process will ensure that a current business plan will be in place to guide the operations of AlpValleys.