Welcome to this evening, the 11th Annual General Meeting of your local Agribusiness Forum, the Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum.

In response to our Vision to be recognized as the primary and most effective advocate for growth in agribusiness in the Alpine Valleys and on behalf of the AAVAF Board I am pleased to present the Chair’s Report for the most successful year of 2007 – 2008.

During the year the Agribusiness Board undertook a review of the organizations and has developed a dynamic Strategic Plan to take the organization into the future. This process was capably led by Greg Hayes, one of our board members.

The 3 strategies for worked toward achieving our Vision are:

• Acting or working strategically in everything we do
• Communicating effectively
• Operating in partnerships

The projects, partnerships and people we have been involved with this year has been extensive. Without doubt one of the highlights of the year has been the partnerships AAVAF have maintained and valued with organizations including the North East Catchment Management Authority, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Regional Development Victoria, The CEO’s, Economic Development Managers and Councillors from Wangaratta, Alpine, Indigo, Wodonga, Benalla  and Towong Shires, State and Federal Governments, North East Water, Latrobe University, Charles Sturt University, Plantations North East and TAFCO.

The Forum has instigated and managed a range of projects across the region including:

• Appointing a Drought Services co-ordinator who has worked across the region in consultation with the local government community recovery committees.
• A $120,000 Evergraze project in partnership with Australian Wool innovation and 6 Landcare groups on 8 farms across the region.
• Managed a Wine Industry feasibility study identifying 90 wineries for a proposed saving of $2m.

The Forum co-ordinated, partnered and facilitated a range of workshops on topics including:

• ‘Environmental Services’ workshop with NECMA, CSU, North East Water, DPI and Plantations Victoria for 130 attendees. The papers from this workshop are available on the AAVAF website ‘Tree Change’ seminar with 120 attendees, run in conjunction with Latrobe University and Local Government Councils.
• ‘Outlook’ conference for 120 attendees looking at post tobacco opportunities with Alpine, Wangaratta Shires and TAFCO.
•  2 Winery effluent workshops with 50 participants in conjunction with CSIRO.
   Biofuel workshop for over 80 participants.
•  ‘Capturing Capital’ workshop with DPI and NECMA to an audience of 120 people.
•  ‘Rural Futures’ forum for 60 young farmers in partnership with DPI at Rutherglen.

The forum has also:

• Maintained a strong partnership with North East Catchment Authority with the Executive Officer position being funded for a further 3 years.
• Acted as a conduit for local government, particularly via Economic Development managers from Wangaratta, Alpine and Indigo Shires.
• Assisted Alpine Valleys Leadership program run a leadership program for 14 participants to assist the community in the post tobacco period.
• Introduced investors into the region including:

Timber Corp, looking for investment in Forestry and Horticulture
Kanimatsu and Kilta Pty Ltd, looking for investment in VIC Super, Forestry and Horticulture.

• Provided letters of support for economic and sustainability growth initiatives to a range of agribusinesses including Caring for our Country applications.
• Advanced the promotion of excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship in North East Victoria through the annual AAVAF Agribusiness Leadership Awards.
• Used the media; North East Farmer, ABC, The Age and Border Mail to promote the organization and its activities.
• Promoted and grown our membership base with increasing interest from members to nominate for board positions.

In conclusion:

The success of the year would not have been possible without the dedicated, skilled and professional commitment of the Staff. On behalf of the board I would like to thank the team we have enjoyed working so closely and successfully with, namely, Lachlan Campbell, Rod Grant, Jim Moll, Vanessa Grant, Anne Shaw and Jeff Hirth.

AAVAF has and continues to be a driving force for the future of the Victorian Agribusiness Council. Minister Joe Helper is supporting the VAC with funding to review the role of Agribusiness groups across the state. We will maintain a close involvement in this process of promoting the merits of regionally based agribusiness groups.

I would like to thank the Board for their tireless and focused commitment to advancing Agribusiness in the North East of Victoria. The Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum is a well respected organization locally and across the state.

This year is the end of my 3 year term as Chair and I would like to sincerely thank my fellow board members for the support they have given me during this exciting time with the Alp Valleys Agribusiness Forum. I would also like to congratulate the Board on their commitment to innovative and sustainable growth of agribusiness and their attention to sound governance of the organization.

Thank you

Julie de Hennin
Chair, Australian Alpine Valleys Agribusiness Forum
October 2008

Senior Agribusiness winner Anna & David Benvinu of Milawa Mustards receive award from Mark Roffey & Barry Bird of Bendigo Bank

New & Emerging Winner Ben Clifton of Beechworth Cider with Brian Thompson of DPI

Bernadette Thomas from UMAG receives award from Richard Rijs

Richard Rijs, Ben Clifton & John Brown

Highly Commended TAFCO George Barrel presented award by Barry Bird & Mark Roffey from Bendigo Bank