The Victorian Farmers Federation’s Horticulture Group has elected Orrvale pome fruit grower Rien Silverstein as its leader for the coming year.
Ms Silverstein was elected unopposed at the Group’s annual general meeting and conference.
Ms Silverstein said she was excited about her appointment as president of the group and was looking forward to leading the Victorian horticultural industry through challenging times ahead.
"The horticultural industry faces significant challenges. Growers need the support of the nation’s largest state farm lobby group more than ever before," she said.
"I’m grateful to have been elected to lead the VFF Horticulture Group and I’m looking forward to putting a strong case forward to ensure governments understand and support Victorian horticulture.
"Through my position I will have the opportunity to represent all growers, large and small, and to help ensure policy is relevant for today and able to lead us to a sustainable future.
"In accepting the Presidency I will continue to work with growers across the state to ensure their voice is heard and that the Victorian industry remains viable moving forward."
Ms Silverstein has eight years experience on boards for the fruit industry, including GMW Water Services Committee, Australian Women in Agriculture, Women in Horticulture, and a number Government Advisory Committees.
She was elected as the vice president of the VFF’s Horticultural Group in 2008-09.
She has also served the VFF as a representative and Board member of Fruit Growers Victoria and the Northern Victorian Fruitgrowers Association.
She is also a partner in Silver Orchards, a pome and stone fruit orchard in Orrvale, near Shepparton East, with her husband Maurice and sons.
Swan Hill stone fruit grower Gaye Tripodi has been elected deputy president; Yarra Valley fruit grower Carolyn Burgi has been re-elected treasurer; executive committee members will be Therese Schreurs, a vegetable grower from Clyde, and Owen Brinson a flower grower from the Yarra Valley.
