Annual General Meeting - 2018

The Company Secretary advised the meeting that the Board had considered the election rules for new directors at its meeting prior to the AGM, noting that no written nominations had been received. The Board resolved that nominations could be accepted from members present at the AGM and if there were more nominations than positions, the Secretary would conduct an election in accordance with the rules in the constitution.

The following nominations were received from members present:

As there were less nominations than positions available, the Company Secretary advised that all nominees were duly elected as directors.

Membership and fees

Members discussed membership fees and a membership strategy. It was resolved that no change was needed to fees and that the Board should set the fees for 2019-20 by May 2019.

There was some discussion as to whether foundation members should receive any additional benefits or recognition compared with ordinary members. The Board will consider this further.

Its was resolved to undertake a membership drive commencing prior to Christmas, but that this should be part of a broader communications strategy. The Company Secretary was asked to implement an electronic payment facility on the website prior to the membership drive.

Industry consultation strategy

The OFA and the certifiers would be asked to promote the membership drive among their members. The main narrative to be used is "please become a member to help us talk to government about the review of organic regulations".

AOIWG should be consulted on the membership drive and asked to join. They should also be advised of the AGM outcomes.

Directors were asked to review their profiles on the website and advise the Company Secretary of any amendments.

It was noted that the ATMAC project and the need to develop an export strategy would provide a basis on which to reinvigorate engagement with the industry.

The Board was asked to prepare a calendar of key dates for 2019 at its next meeting.

Organic exports strategy

A revised contract has now been executed that provides a workable arrangement for the ATMAC project. Policy Partners is working on a draft report and a revised project plan which, once accepted by the Department, will release the $100k grant.

Policy Partners has engaged Export Connect to assist with aspects of the project. A targeted strategy workshop will be convened on 5 December to help with the broad parameters for the strategy and the process. Then a broader AOIWG workshop will be held in February, with the objective of agreeing a draft export strategy by end of March for public consultation.

A final export strategy is due by end May 2019.

It was noted that Australian Organic had sponsored the ATMAC application and the former CEO was a member of the steering committee. It was resolved that the Chair of the steering committee (Chris McLoughlin) would request that Australian Organic nominate a replacement.

Sustainable growth strategy

David Mackay from Strategic Project Partners presented a proposal to develop an industry strategic plan, for which we could seek a funding contribution from the external stakeholders. The proposal involves:

• an assessment of opportunities for the organic food and beverages sector
• envisioning a shared view of future success for the industry
• developing a detailed implementation plan, business case and communications approach

It was agreed that the new board of directors would review an amended proposal from SPP, with a view to sending the document to AOL, NAASA, AOIWG and others to garner support.

Organic regulations and reform

Members discussed the need to develop a policy position on the review of organic export orders.

It was noted that the Government was due to respond to the review in the second half of 2018.

Organic education workshops

ORICoOp presented a proposal for OIA Ltd to support its organic education workshops. It was agreed that the Board would discuss the proposal at its next meeting.