The Food Industry Association of WA (FIA) will be voluntarily wound up before Christmas following a vote members at a Special General Meeting held on October 11 2011.
The FIA Board has reluctantly called for voluntary closure of the Association due to a lack of ongoing funding.
Following a comprehensive review earlier this year, the Board recognised that the organisation’s strategic and operational plans required further commitment and support from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) during the next three years if it was progress to a more sustainable model.
As part of the review a number of other options were also explored including new revenue streams, co-location, amalgamation and other funding sources.
Following a meeting with the primary funding body, DAFWA advised the FIA that it was  unable to commit to the higher level of funding which was critical to the organisation achieving sustainability in the long term.
As a result a Special General Meeting was called in accordance with legislative requirements and a vote taken by members at the meeting to voluntarily close the FIA.
Arrangements have been made for food industry businesses to have industry representation through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA. An officer from DAFWA will operate out of CCIWA as a dedicated resource and will provide ongoing support for the food industry including;
A single point of contact for information and advice
- Fortnightly newsletter with relevant industry information, grants and networking opportunities
- Ongoing advocacy with the State and Federal Governments on behalf of the industry and
- Improved access to policy, economic and industry information and services.
The Food Industry Advisory Group, a joint policy group between the FIA and CCIWA started earlier this year, will continue to address issues and advocate on behalf of the local food industry.
On behalf of the Board we would like to thank the industry for its support during the past four years and encourage you to continue to be an active participant in the industry through the CCIWA and the Department of Food and Agriculture.
Rebecca Moore
CEO Food Industry Association
