DRIED Fruits Australia has a new man at the helm and a new industry field officer on the frontline to help drive the dried-grape market forward, through a strong focus on supporting growers.
Recently starting together were new chief executive officer Thomas Cheung and field officer Stephen Kelly.
Both Thomas and Stephen bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the industry and have a strong focus on growth, innovation and supporting growers.
Thomas steps into the role of retiring chief executive Anne Mansell, while Stephen will continue the work of former field officer Stuart Putland.
Having started his career in the dried fruits industry, Thomas says he is looking forward to contributing more and working with the people who make up the industry to “strategically build a brighter future”.
“I have been involved with the dried fruit industry in one way or another for more than 22 years,” Thomas says.
He says he is excited by the opportunities that exist in the industry and he is motivated to see the industry progress together.
To do that, both new appointments will work closely with growers and stakeholders to address the five key priorities of DFA, including extension, innovation, marketing, variety development and biosecurity, and sustainability.
“I hope our industry can be profitable to growers, processors and investors; innovatively reduce production cost; actively promote our superb quality and unique product to achieve best possible prices; and be a responsible and sustainable industry,” Thomas says.
MEET THE TEAM
Thomas Cheung, chief executive
How long have you been involved with the dried grape industry and in what capacity?
I have been involved in the dried fruits industry in the past 22 years, starting with Angas Park Fruit Company back in 2000. I have been heavily involved with procurement, sales and marketing, import and export in the dried fruit business.
What drew you to the industry?
I always wanted to be in the position to be able to contribute more to the industry and my dream has come true.
What is it you like about the dried grape industry?
People, people and people again. We have got a group of hard working growers, corporate investors and processors. Working with them collaboratively, we together can build a sustainable, innovative and prosperous industry for many new generations to come.
What are your priorities as CEO of DFA?
There are five pillars of priority for DFA:
• Extension program: Work and communicate with growers and members closely
• Innovation: Plant and equipment/tool (i.e. fully automated/mechanised)
• Marketing promotion: Enhance and promote our unique premium product to both domestic and overseas markets
• Variety development and biosecurity: Continue to develop suitable varieties for our dried fruit industry and commit to protecting our industry
• Sustainability: Responsibly manage water, soil, fertiliser and chemicals to ensure our industry is a sustainable and positive contributor to our environment
What challenges do you see/want to focus on to progress the industry?
There are many challenges we are currently confronting, including shortages of skilled labour; inconsistent supply; outdated equipment and tools. I believe the key for the industry to address these challenges is to be more inclusive, collaborative and progressive.
What do you see for the future of the dried grape industry?
I believe that we have passed the most challenging point of time in the industry and we are building our way up again. Continuous growth of our crop intake volumes is a clear indicator and we are looking up to an annual crop intake volume of 25,000 tonnes in the next three to four years’ time.
Stephen Kelly, field officer
How long have you been involved with the dried grape/horticulture industry and in what capacity?
I commenced working in dried fruits in July 1995 as the Australian Dried Fruits Association field officer, operating the Drying for Profit Program. In July 1997, I joined Agriculture Victoria as a winegrapes field officer.
What is your working background?
I grew up on a family farm, driving tractors and woolclassing for pocket money in school holidays. After university, I worked as a regional economist for the Soil Conservation Service in Cobar, before taking up a role at Buronga as a Landcare co-ordinator for two years.
After my roles in dried fruits and wine grapes, I took up a statewide role as senior project evaluation officer with Agriculture Victoria. I continued with project facilitation and evaluation through my own private consulting business for five years. In 2012 I started My Solar Company Pty Ltd providing standalone and grid-connected solar panel installations.
I still maintain an interest in the solar industry, designing systems for approvals in NSW for two Sunraysia businesses.
What drew you to the industry?
I have kept an eye on the developments in the industry since my first foray into the industry development role. When this opportunity recently came up, I grabbed it immediately.
What are you most passionate about/interested in when it comes to the dried grape industry?
The potential for early season varieties.
What is it you like about the dried grape industry?
The collaborative approach of the whole industry.
What challenges do you see the industry facing and how can these be addressed?
To keep young people engaged in the industry through adopting new approaches. To extend the harvest window through increased plantings of earlier varieties.
What are your priorities in your role as field officer?
To get to know as many growers as I can over the next six months or so and find out how Dried Fruits Australia can best help them.
What do you see for the future of the dried grape industry?
The future looks bright. Lots of new varieties are available and there is ample demand for Australian fruit.
