Conservative candidates strongly in favour of the single-desk selling arrangements for Australian wheat exports have won two out of three district elections at WA grain handler CBH Group.
Conservative candidates strongly in favour of the single-desk selling arrangements for Australian wheat exports have won two out of three district elections at WA grain handler CBH Group.
The conservative candidates are in favour of returning CBH to its core gain handling functions, following its investment in Asian flour mills in recent years.
CBH has also attracted criticism from some grain growers over its successful application for a one-off wheat export licence last year, which they believe has helped to undermine the single desk system.
By contrast, CBH believes its strategic initiatives were a sensible response to changing conditions in the grains market, including the Iraq trading scandal that engulfed monopoly wheat exporter AWB.
The board elections highlight the bitter divisions in the farming community over the future of the single desk, which is under review by the federal government.
The WA Farmers Federation supports the single desk while the state's second major farm group, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association, is opposed.
The new members of the CBH board are Kevin Fuchsbichler, who defeated incumbent director Colin Butcher, and Trevor Badger, who defeated David Adams.
Messrs Fuchsbichler and Adams were endorsed by single-desk support group, the Wheat Growers Association of WA.
In the Esperance zone, incumbent director Steve Tilbrook was re-elected.
An announcement from CBH Group is pasted below:
CBH Group Director Elections 2007
The results of the CBH Group Director elections for the Kwinana, Albany and Esperance zones have been finalised with Kevin Fuchsbichler being elected in the Kwinana zone, replacing former Director Colin Butcher, and Trevor Badger being elected in the Albany zone, replacing David Adams. Steve Tilbrook was re-elected in the Esperance zone.
Returning Officer, David Woolfe, said around 48 per cent of growers in the Kwinana zone, 53 per cent of growers in the Albany zone and 63 per cent of growers in the Esperance zone voted in this year's elections.
"The number of candidates put forward this year combined with the percentage of growers voting in each zone is very pleasing and clearly demonstrates that growers are continuing to take an active interest in their industry and the future of their co-operative," Mr Woolfe said.
"There were a number of high quality candidates who put their names forward for these elections and I thank them for nominating. I would hope that they will continue to be actively involved in helping to create a strong and sustainable grain industry in Western Australia."
CBH Group Chairman, Tony Critch said all candidates were well respected and accomplished individuals who keenly contested this year's elections.
"I particularly acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by Colin Butcher and David Adams to the CBH Group and grains industry during their tenure as Directors," Mr Critch said.
"Colin was elected to the CBH Group Board in 2004, while David was first elected to the Grain Pool Board in 1993 before joining the CBH Group Board in 2002, following the merger of the two organisations.
"Both have been wonderful ambassadors for the WA grains industry and have successfully represented the best interests of growers to help strengthen their co-operative and secure their future.
"On behalf of the CBH Group Board, I would like to welcome both Kevin and Trevor to their new roles and we look forward to working together as a group to continue to represent the best interests of our 5,500 grower shareholders.
"There have been many changes and challenges facing the industry over the last few years and new changes and challenges will continue to present themselves as we head towards the future.
"The Board will continue to ensure the sustainability and strength of the co-operative and to provide growers with not only the best returns, but to secure the best future for all Western Australian grain growers."
The formal declaration of incumbent directors will be made at the CBH Group AGM on Wednesday, 4 April 2007.
