Fruit Growers TasmaniaBusiness Development Manager
Oct. 2013 - Feb. 2018Hobart, Tasmania, Australia · On-siteFruit Growers Tasmania (FGT) is the leading industry body supporting the State’s pome, stone-fruit, summer fruit and berry producers and associated industries. With the fruit industry worth over $200m annually, Tasmania has a unique biosecurity position in the world, providing direct access into key protocol markets of China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. My role strategically focused on export market development and maintenance, key stakeholder, strategic communication and political engagement. • Worked with key stakeholders such as Plant Horticulture Exports and Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, Biosecurity Tasmania, Departments of State Growth and Primary Industry, Tas TAFE, Skills Tas, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, CSIRO and other peak bodies. • Chairman – Tasmanian Export Facilitation Group. • Develop effective strategic communication strategies across State, national and international media including through social media. • Act as media spokesperson for industry matters. • Regular liaison with peak industry bodies to support national export outcomes. • Participation on overseas trade missions. • Manage work, health and safety and industrial relations issues. • Act as member of national Strategic Investment Advisory and Expert Advisory Panels under Horticulture Innovation Australia. • Hosting Tasmanian stands at major trade fairs such Asia Fruit Logistica (Hong Kong) and others in China, Middle East and Japan.