History
A public meeting was held to gauge interest for the formation of a new peak industry body to represent the interests of lucerne producers and the associated industry. Unanimous support of over 100 attendees for the model presented saw the formation of Lucerne Australia in October 2005.
Although there have been bodies that have represented the interests of the lucerne seed industry in the past, the industry arrived at a point where it felt it was no longer truly represented. Bodies such as SAFF (South Australian Farmers’ Federation) Small Seeds Committee had over the years been very active in the representation of the industry. SAFF Small Seeds then had linkages through to a national level via the GCA (Grains Council of Australia). Representation through SAFF and consequently the GCA saw the voice of the lucerne seed industry diluted amongst the interests of other seed and grain commodities.
Immediately prior to the formation of Lucerne Australia, grower representation was largely left in the hands of the ASF (Australian Seeds Federation), which is primarily a seed marketing and processing representative body.
The projects that the executive & sub committees have completed since the inaugural meeting are:
- Formalised constitution and establishment of data base of members
- Appointment of executive officer (Charlie Crozier)
- Surveyed growers /members and prioritized issues
- Developed web site and produced quarterly newsletter for better communication to members and industry stakeholders
- Developed a relationship with the APVMA (Australian Pesticide & Veterinary Medicines Association) and is now recognised as an industry body to consult with on relevant issues
- Gain representation on the RIRDC pasture seeds committee
- Formed Dodder Management Plan in conjunction with NRMB & White Clover Growers Association
- Overhauled phytosanitary scheme in conjunction with PIRSA, SARDI, Growers, Marketers and AQIS
- Representation as required by the executive committee or executive officer at Field Days
- Lucerne variety seed & herbage yield & persistence trial established.
- Received RIRDC funding for “Economic Analysis of the Australian Lucerne Seed Industry”. ($10,000 RIRDC funding)
- Granted RIRDC for “Development & assessment of leafcutter bee survival, management & reproduction in Southern Australia”. ($46,500 RIRDC funding)
- Representation on the Tintinara / Coonalpyn water allocation planning committee
- Representation on the Tatiara water allocation planning committee
- Representation on the South Australia Irrigators Council, National Irrigators Council
- Worked with SA Govt. to develop a practical policy for alfalfa sprout seed production and regulation.
- Working with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to develop a national Primary Production and Processing Standard for Seed Sprout industry.
- Regular participation in the Australian pollination industry workshops in Canberra; from this a $391,000 Pollination industry Action Partnership project was developed
- Developed a White Fringe Weevil Trial & ongoing research has been conducted with the industry
- Provided access to study tours for members to the USA
- Surveyed grower members on cost and techniques of honey bee pollination in lucerne crops
- Lobbied State & Federal parliaments of member’s issues, such as drainage and the reflows projects.
- Organised & hosted a Conference / expo called “Irrigation for the Future” (08) with White Clover growers & MacKillop Farm Management Groups ($10,000 RIRDC funding)
- Organised & hosted a Pollination Symposium (09) with HISPIC (Honey Industry strategic planning committee implementation committee ($8,000 RIRDC funding)
- Setaria & Panicum trial set up & secure funding with the aid of RIRDC ($40,000 RIRDC funding)
- Apply for Funding from RIRDC for a 3 year centre pivot trial (Drop tube irrigated lucerne seed, herbage yield & plant persistence evaluation)
- Lucerne Leader quarterly newsletter, upgraded to more professional publication
- Executive meeting summary out to members monthly, to keep abreast on what is going on at executive level
- Developed strategic plan for LA & hosted industry workshop to gain feedback from industry stake holders
- Developed a web based forum for growers to better communicate with one another
- Developing network with plant breeders, to be able to give growers & members better feedback on what is happening at an experimental lines
- Providing strategic help with pollination trials with Australian Bee Services
- Joined AG excellence Alliance to improve LA exposure in the agriculture industry & funding opportunities
- Member survey on Golden Dodder