HISTORY - STRUCTURE - PHILOSOPHY - PROFILES

HISTORY
SQP was established in 2001 by a group of like-minded growers who were dissatisfied with returns they received on high protein, high screenings grain and worked together to achieve a premium over prices at the time.

From 2001 to 2007 membership has increased from the original 65 to over 190 current members. Coupled with new ventures undertaken by SQP, the co-operative is experiencing high growth and increased membership every year.

The 2008/2009 financial year saw SQP turnover in excess of $60 million and 184,000 tonnes. This represented over 50% of the grain from the wide membership region of that season.

STRUCTURE
SQP is owned by, and responsible to, the grower membership that is its base. The current membership base spans Western Victoria - from Geelong to Nhill - with operations based in Ballarat and Horsham. A Board of eight Directors, elected from within the membership, oversees the co-operative's activities.

See Profiles for further information on the people involved in SQP.

PHILOSOPHY
Adding value to every member, everyday through every season.

PROFILES

BOARD:

		Doug Laidlaw: Chairman Doug Laidlaw was elected Chairman of Southern Quality Produce Co-operative Limited on December 12th 2008. Doug has served as a board member of the Co-operative since November 3rd, 2004.

		Adam Walton: Deputy Chairman Adam Walton is the Deputy Chairman of Southern Quality Produce Co-operative Ltd, Adam has been a board member since November 2005. Adam operates a large scale farming operation near Rokewood, Victoria producing grains, wool, sheep and pig meat.  Adam completed a Diploma in Farm Business Management from Marcus Oldham in 1995, and was President of the Grasslands Society of Victoria from 1999 – 2001.

		George Burdett: Board Member George Burdett is a founding member of the SQP Board. He has been managing the family farm at Wickliffe since 1966, with a short break for National Service. He is married to Barbara with two daughters, Kristin and Ayesha. The main farming activity is cropping (wheat, canola, barley, pulses and oats) with some sheep. George was the Wickliffe Fire Brigade captain and has served on many community committees. His main outside interests is travel, both within Australia and overseas.

		David Blackburn: Board Member Mr David Blackburn has been a Director of Southern Quality Produce Co-operative Ltd since 11th November 2001, which he chaired from inception until November 2005. He has over 30 years experience in the operation of a mixed-farming business south of Lake Bolac, Victoria producing wool, sheep meat, beef and grains. David is also a Director of Zirky’s Apartments (Mt Hotham) Pty Ltd, and has held the position of Group Officer of the Westmere Fire Brigades’ Group in Region 16 of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) since June 1999.  David has completed an Innoven Leadership Effective Company Director Course.

		Garry Meek: Board Member Garry was appointed a founding Director of SQP on 11th November 2001 and re-elected on the 4th December 2003. Garry has operated a mixed-farming operation near Mininera, Victoria for 20 years.

		Rod Laidlaw: Board Member Rod Laidlaw is a grain and livestock producer, based near Tatyoon, Victoria; a member of the Victorian Farmers Federation and an active member of the CFA. Being active in local sporting clubs, school councils and community groups, Rod also  holds a Diploma of Financial Markets from the Securities Institute of Australia (SIA) of which he is also an affiliate member, and has completed an Innoven Effective Company Director Course. Rod was Chairman of Southern Quality Produce Co-operative Limited from November 2005 until December 2008, having been a Director of the Co-operative since inception.

		Warwick Read: Board Member Warwick was elected to the SQP Board 3rd November 2004. He holds an Associate Diploma of Marketing and a Certificate in International Trade and has previously worked as Wool Buyer for Modiano International. Warwick is now partner in a family farming enterprise, located at Carranballac & Stoneleigh in Western Victoria, undertaking cropping, wool and fat lamb enterprises.

		James Leishman: Board Member James (Jamie) Leishman is the most recent addition to the SQP Co-operative Board. He farms with his sons in Nerrin Nerrin primarily involved in cropping and fat lambs. Jamie has a wealth of farming and district knowledge and extensive business experience, which contributes significantly to the SQP Co-operative Board. Jamie is Chairman of the Co-operative Finance Committee.

		Michael Porter: Executive Officer Michael joined SQP as Executive Officer in Dec 2008. He has previously worked in corporate areas in Melbourne and within the Australian Defence Force. He farms in Streatham area and north of Stawell.