The MD of fresh fruit producer Piñata Farms, Gavin Scurr, has been unanimously elected as chair of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) for 2024. He brings more than 30 years’ experience to the role.
Scurr said he was looking forward to leading AFPA’s agenda to improve outcomes for the fresh produce industry.
“It is no secret within industry that the last three years have been incredibly tough for producers. It is more important now than ever, that the AFPA continues to lead the way with all stakeholders on developing and implementing solutions that will improve the operating environment for fresh produce growers,” Scurr said.
Piñata Farms is Australia’s largest pineapple grower, supplying Mareeba Gold pineapples to markets every week of the year. Piñata also grows and markets Honey Gold mangoes and a range of berries, including BerryWorld specialty strawberries and raspberries.
Scurr is also a director of Berries Australia representing Raspberries and Blackberries Australia, a director at NT Farmers, and the former chair of the Australian Mango Industry Association.
He replaces Scott Montague from Montague’s as AFPA chair.
“Over the last year, Scott Montague has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Chair of the AFPA, spearheading initiatives to tackle workforce challenges, progress the industry’s sustainability agenda and foster industry growth by enhancing access to new and improved export markets,” Scurr said.
APFA’s agenda for 2024 prioritises workforce policy, supports pragmatic sustainability solutions and enhancing technical market access to capitalise on growth opportunities in export markets.
“We know in industry that accessing export markets will be critical to improving the viability of the sector. There has been plenty of discussion so far this year about competition in the Australian marketplace, and one of the best ways to improve competition for the fresh produce industry is to increase our ability to reach more consumers in more markets.
“To do this we need a whole of Government approach and support for improved technical market access for fresh produce,” Scurr said.
The association membership is made up of the largest growers in the fresh produce industry, which represents half of the industry’s turnover annually. AFPA membership is at the CEO level of each of these businesses and advocacy from the AFPA covers a range of issues across horticulture.
“If we want to improve the outcomes for all fresh produce growers, we need to get the fundamentals right.
“That means we need to focus on developing a productive and returning workforce, ensuring we have access to the right markets and more consumers, and drive sustainability objectives that not only support improved environmental outcomes, but also ensure economic sustainability.
“I am looking forward to the AFPA continuing to provide focus, direction, and leadership on the issues that matter most to Australia’s fresh produce growers,” he said.
