The Board has responded swiftly to cut its costs to account for reduced revenue streams as they seek a sustainable financial model for the organization. I hope for AMGA members, and the industry as a whole, that the effectiveness of the organization is not diminished and that the HIA model delivers the outcomes that growers expect and importantly deserve.”
It is important to understand that what’s been achieved in the Australian industry during the last 18 years was due to the hard work of many people throughout that time. I had the privilege to lead and support talented teams in the R&D program, the marketing program, and in repre- senting industry to government and regulators. Unfortunately the changes at HIA mean many of these people are no longer working in the indus- try either. I also had the pleasure to lead mul- ti-national project teams with members made up from over 20 countries. These various teams have consistently generated stunning outputs that have resulted in significant commercial benefits for the mushroom supply chain in Australia and elsewhere around the world.”
You said you will stay on as ISMS President, but that’s not a full time job, is it?
“Yes, I will remain President and its not even a part-time job. What many people don’t realize is that ISMS is a purely volunteer organization. Virtually all of the travel costs, and most of the time required to run the oranization is contributed by the individuals on the executive committee with support from their employers. All the money raised by corporate and associate membership fees, and external project funding is used only for ISMS projects, operating expenses, and meeting venues. Consequently, I will be busy over the next few months developing my new professional life, and establishing some trading and consulting companies,. Amongst all that, I am hoping to be able to allocate a bit more time to ISMS activities in the lead up to our 19th Congress in Amsterdam. Once I have things ready to go I will be intouch with people..
If income levels for AMGA have been reduced, will that touch on international projects as well? “Up until recently, AMGA was contracted by HAL/HIA (Horticulture innovation Australia) to manage the R&D and marketing programs for the mushroom industry in Australia. Many of those projects were international projects that bene- fitted the Australian industry, the mushroom industry in other countries that contributed funds to the projects, but also the global mushroom business in general. Unfortunately, many of the international projects like the highly beneficial
‘Mushrooms and Health Global Initiative’ are now in grave risk of not being renewed. I believe it is essential for all mushroom businesses around the world to find a way to act cooperatvely and collaborate to jointly fund mutually beneficial projects I will make a few comments in this regard at the ISMS Congress.”
What are your plans now? “After the initial shock related to the board’s decision, I have now reached a position where I am extremely excited to be able to pursue some private commercial opportunities. Career-wise, I feel at the peak of my powers and will continue working while people want to utilize my skills particularly in the marketing of mushrooms. What’s most exciting is the opportunity I will have to work with some of the amazing business people that I have been lucky enough to meet in the mushroom industry over the last nineteen years. My intention is simply to deliver benefits to individuals and companies large and small.
So, you will probably stay within the mushroom industry then? “That’s my intention at this stage, but who knows what may come along over the next few years. What we have been able to do in the mushroom industry in Australia can be adapted to other horticultural products and industries whether in Australia or overseas. I also see a significant quantum of untapped potential in the third food kingdom so I have a vision to unlock some of that value in the ensuing years. Its been said to me many times recently that as one door closes another opens. I am looking forward to the next adventure wherever that might take me. There are some enormous opportunities to do some very efficient and effective initiatives on a global scale and within local businesses. My passion to promote the mushroom brand around the world has not diminished in any way and I look forward to findings ways to continue making that happen! I think time will show that it was a win-win decision. I have left an organisation and an industry that has grown and prospered enormously over the last two decades. A strong foundation and platform for continued growth has been put in place so I believe the future for the industry is very positive. I wish whoever comes after me the very best and a wonderful future for all those asociated with the industry. It is an exciting time to be in the industry.”
Greg Seymour’s had his last day at the AMGA office on February 5th. If you would like to talk to Greg he can be contacted through his private email address:
gregseymour1@bigpond.com or mobile +61 4 1488 7970 or, for matters concerning ISMS:
president@isms.biz
MUSHROOM BUSINESS 21
“Many international projects are now
in grave risk of not being renewed”
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