Agribusiness Gippsland and the East Gippsland Food Cluster are set to amalgamate in early 2019 to form a single unified entity to support Gippsland’s important $7 billion food and fibre industry.

The move comes after extensive consultations with members and other stakeholders across industry, government, research, education, and community around the benefits of joining forces.

The proposed amalgamation was unanimously endorsed by both organisations at the recent annual general meetings of both organisations. The single entity will be known as Food and Fibre Gippsland.

Agribusiness Gippsland chairman, Stuart Quigley, said the amalgamation provides an opportunity to combine the strengths and resources of both organisations to support better outcomes for the sector.

“Gippsland’s food and fibre sector is a key part of the Gippsland economy, and there are many opportunities to support sustainable growth and achieve productivity gains,” Mr Quigley said.

“Expanding the collaborative effort and having a single ‘go-to’ organisation will really support this.”

East Gippsland Food Cluster chairman, Damien Gannon, said Food and Fibre Gippsland will be a member-based not-for-profit network which will work to support the best outcomes for the agrifood sector and the Gippsland community.

“The principles of collaboration and innovation are key, as well as being able to respond to very diverse needs and aspirations across the sector,” Mr Gannon said.

“There are a lot of very exciting initiatives already underway, and they will certainly continue without interruption. We will, however, be very keen to hear about and respond to further opportunities.”

The first board to take Food and Fibre Gippsland forward will include three representatives of the current boards of Agribusiness Gippsland and East Gippsland Food Cluster. These are Stuart Quigley, Nicola Pero, Kate Wallis, Damien Gannon, Andrew Bulmer and Sallie Jones. An independent chairman will also be appointed