MEET FGVL'S NEW IDO!!!

Bonjour to all members of Fruit Growers Victoria Litd. from Veronique Froelich.

I am the new Industry Development Officer, and have started an initial 2 month period with FGVL pending the outcome of the selection and review of the HIA Orchard Action project.

Born in Alsace, East of France, I am now based in Koonoomoo, 10 km North of Cobram, where I established a 70 ha plum orchard in 2002-2004. I have been directly involved in all activities from irrigation to strategic planning, Freshcare certification to QFF control (I wish), grafting to environmental protection and everything in between.

Marketing my fruit under their fresh and dried forms on the export markets is the area where I particularly focused my efforts over the past 4 years. This required me to become aware of the culture of my various Asian customers and their particular needs, in order of course to attract their business. Climatic extremes have been challenging to my business, so new varieties have been critical to keep afloat. When I am not in my orchard, I like to spend time with my son Pierre, who is now flying solo in Melbourne doing a diploma in Agriculture. It must be in the blood…

I look forward to working with growers from both the North and South regions of Victoria and learning what areas you would like me to work on.

Feel free to contact me on 0418 379 746