The Victorian Olive Council was formed in 2002 principally in response to the Victorian State Government who, noting the extent to which the olive industry had grown in the state, wished to speak with a single entity which had the authority to represent and speak on behalf of the state industry.
The Council represents all stages in the olive process - from growers, to fruit and olive oil processors, to marketers, wholesalers and retailers. Key industry suppliers are also represented. The Victorian Olive Industry includes olive oil, fruit processing in it's various forms and olive fruit based value added products.
Role
The Council role is to represent the olive industry state wide, to interact with the state government and to act as a conduit for the Australian Olive Association. In summary, the role is to provide support for the National Peak Body with a focus on the needs of the Victorian industry. The current emphasis is on the following issues*:
- Water supply and irrigation practice
- Chemicals use
- Industry funding
- Industry communication
- Practical training and information
- Product marketing
- A realistic, enforceable code of practice [including quality control standards]
- Consumer education
*Not ranked in any order of priority.
Membership
The Council members include representatives from most stakeholders in the Victorian industry. It is a volutary council of people appointed to look after the interests of the associations or business entities represented and consequently does not have an open membership. Grower representation includes regional associations as well as the significant group of large and corporate entities. Processors, marketers and suppliers to the industry are also represented. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Council should contact the Council Secretary in the first instance.
The VOC currently has an interim structure comprising the President plus anominated representative of each Regional Association plus a nominated representative (ony one vote per association) and up to four specialists.
Council Meetings
The Council meets on a regular basis throughout the year to monitor the Working Groups, ensure interaction with the Victorian Government is satisfactory, to monitor the performance and any issues arising within the state industry and to address any other matters relating to the National Peak Body. The Council 's objective is to meet at least four times per year, with two in Melbourne and two in different Victorian regions. Much of the Council's activities is carried out through four active Working Groups which meet as required.
Working Groups
Committee of Management
Responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the Council.
Marketing Committee
The Marketing Committee focus is on optimizing the significant advantages and benefits of Victorian olive products and promoting these to consumers through trade shows, promotional events, media, etc. The group is also assisting in the development of the national consumer awareness campaign.
Education and Training Committee
The committee aims include:
- providing member olive growers and processors with access to effective resources at reasonable charges;
- keeping wholesale, retail and individual consumers advised of the benefits of olive oil;
- educating the consumer on how to use store and maintain the quality of olive products;
- educating the consumer on the assessment of oil quality and label interpretation;
- promoting the use of more informative labelling;
- teaching marketing principles to assist business growth for all olive products;
AGM 2007
The Annual General Meeting of the VOC was held on 11 December 2007 at the offices of Grimsey Associates, L2 766 Elizabeth St Melbourne. A copy of the President's Report is on this site.
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