WildFlowers Australia

 Dr Audrey Gerber introduced her annual WFA President's report by focussing on the value of Research and Development and WFA's link with the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) .

Presidents report August 2010. 

A recent review of strategies for new and emerging industries highlights the value of Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) in primary industries as a key factor for increasing business productivity and ensuring industry sustainability (Bird, in press). The major funding supporting the Australian Wildflower industry comes from Rural Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), a federal agency which funds this valuable research, development and extension.

RIRDC defined five priority areas for research for the wildflower industry through consultation with the entire value chain, including growers, marketers and researchers. In the five-year plan from 2008-2013 funding is provided for:

developing profitable and sustainable production and management systems;

improving product quality through postharvest care and quality standards;

extending domestic and export market opportunities; expanding the product range;

and promoting research knowledge and adoption.

Through the past year WildFlowers Australia Ltd has assisted RIRDC and the industry in accomplishing these goals. In its simplest form this assistance is seen in the communication role that WildFlowers Australia has played in alerting members to funding opportunities. WFA board has assisted in writing and submitting research proposals, and offers financial administrative support in collecting and managing industry contributions. We are working with RIRDC to improve the distribution of information from completed research projects.

 To read the rest of the report please open the .pdf file below.

Dr Audrey Gerber began her annual report as follows;

WildFlowers Australia has set its vision to “grow a vibrant cohesive and profitable Australian Wildflower Industry” . The constitution goes further to state specific objectives within the main purpose “to represent, advance and promote within Australia and overseas the development and interests of the Industry”. The board is elected by the industry to do its best using limited resources and volunteer time to achieve these goals. A review of the activities in the last year shows that the board has acted well for the industry.

To read the rest of he report please open the .pdf file below.