Ethnic groups to get more say in herb and spice industry future

Tuesday, 30/11/2010

Fresh coriander is one of the herbs produced by Asian gardeners (Henrique Vicente)

The Herb and Spice R and D levy proposal is getting a makeover in a number of different languages.

The Australian Herb and Spice Industry Association has extended the submission period to translate documents and reach the industry's ethnic growers.

President Robert Hayes says during the consultation period the association became aware of a number of ethnic groups involved in the industry, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodia and Laotian growers.

"We have had the proposal and submission forms translated into Chinese, we're doing so with Vietnamese and we're just trying to establish what other ethnic groups may be involved in the industry, so that we can give them a full opportunity to consider the proposal and make a submission."