Richard Clayton elected AFPA Chair for 2025

AUSTRALIA – The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) has announced Richard Clayton, Managing Director of Australian Produce Partners, as its new Chair for the 2025 term.

Clayton, who brings decades of experience in the fresh produce industry, succeeds Gavin Scurr of Piñata Farms.

In a statement following his appointment, Clayton expressed gratitude and a commitment to tackling the pressing issues facing the sector. “I am honored to take on the role of AFPA Chair and look forward to working with industry leaders, government, and retailers to create a thriving future for Australian fresh produce. My priority is to support growers by improving our sector’s viability while ensuring we continue to deliver quality produce to consumers at home and abroad,” he said.

Clayton praised outgoing Chair Gavin Scurr for his significant contributions to the alliance throughout 2024.

“Gavin Scurr has provided outstanding leadership, driving the AFPA’s efforts to address workforce and sustainability challenges and enhance technical market access for Australian fresh produce. I sincerely thank Gavin for his dedication and the progress he has achieved for our industry,” Clayton said.

Under Scurr’s leadership, the AFPA worked to navigate challenges such as labor shortages and sustainability concerns while seeking to improve access to international markets.

These initiatives have laid the groundwork for Clayton to address ongoing concerns in the sector.

Clayton highlighted the difficulties facing Australia’s fresh produce industry, including rising input costs and declining fruit and vegetable consumption.

“The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, plagued by rising input costs while at the same time we are seeing an overall decline in the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in Australia. These challenges, coupled with ongoing pressure to make fresh food cheaper, changes to industrial relations, migration reform, and new environmental sustainability reporting, continue to put pressure on the industry’s growth,” he stated.

The AFPA has emphasized the need to address these challenges through collaborative efforts among growers, suppliers, and policymakers.

Improving workforce stability, expanding technical market access, and implementing practical sustainability measures are key priorities for the alliance in 2025.

The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance is a vital industry body representing the country’s largest fresh produce growers and suppliers.

Its members include prominent companies such as Perfection Fresh, Costa Group, Mackays, Montague, Driscoll’s, and many others. Together, they contribute significantly to the domestic and export supply of fresh produce.

Clayton’s leadership is expected to steer the organization through a period of economic and environmental pressures while ensuring the industry’s long-term viability.

As Clayton stated, “We remain committed to delivering fresh, high-quality produce to consumers, no matter the challenges ahead.”

 

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