Dried Fruits Australia (DFA) has welcomed its new chief executive officer Justin Lane.

Justin brings with him decades of experience in horticulture and industry extension, and steps into the role following Thomas Cheung’s departure after three years with the organisation.

Justin said he looked forward to getting involved, connecting with growers and the broader industry, and helping to progress the industry.

“It’s good to see the industry starting to bounce back and it’s exciting to step into the role at this time. There are a lot of opportunities for growth,” he said.

“That is one of the things I’m most excited about stepping into this role.”

DFA chair Mark King welcomed Justin to the role and said his experience in the horticulture sector would be an asset to the dried grape industry.

“Justin’s parents Mick and Susie were citrus and dried fruit growers at Coomealla,” Mark said.

“I remember meeting Mick in the 1980s. He was drying gordos on the rack and was known for the large crops he grew.”

Justin is proud of his historic ties to the dried grape industry, with both his grandfather and father growing dried fruit.

“I helped out Dad for a long time on the block – after school, on the weekends and school holidays,” he remembers.

Mark said Justin was well-known in Australia’s dried grape growing region across northwest Victoria, southwest New South Wales and into South Australia.

“He has great communication skills and has been in the agricultural sector for some years,” Mark said.

“He is well connected with other peak industry bodies and has also been involved in marketing overseas.

“I am sure he will be a great asset for DFA and we are fortunate to have him as our new CEO.”

Justin grew up in Coomealla and, after graduating from Coomealla High School, picked up a technical assistant role with NSW DPI at the Dareton Research Station.

It was during this time he completed his Agricultural Science degree with Charles Sturt University, with a focus on horticulture and irrigation.

He later worked as an extension officer with the former Sunraysia Water Authority before moving to a farm management role.

Most recently, Justin worked as an extension officer with Mildura Fruit Company for about 11 years, and had a shorter stint as regional business manager with Muirs.

Justin said these roles helped him form strong connections with growers and industry personnel across the growing district, as well as an understanding of some of the important issues affecting growers.

“I already know a few growers in the area, as well as our producer members on our board, but I’m looking forward to getting to know more growers and industry staff and to do the best job I can to assist continued progress, development and growth of the industry,” he said.

Growers will have an opportunity to meet Justin at a field walk event in Merbein later this month.

Stephen and Malcolm Bennett will open their property to industry to take a closer look at how mechanised pruning impacts the cordon. The Bennetts have been using a lidar-guided mechanised pruner for several seasons.

The event will be held at 209 Cowanna Avenue, Merbein, on Friday, 31 October, from 10.30am with light refreshments provided.

Anyone interested in attending should email admin@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

The event is funded by Hort Innovation through dried grape research and development levies and funds from the Australian Government.