EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Granite Belt Growers Association is overseen by a committee of nine members. Our Executive Committee has a wealth of experience, in a wide range of areas, across the horticulture industry, each offering a unique set of skills and viewpoint. Meet our experienced and enthusiastic Executive Committee below:
Angus Ferrier
PRESIDENT
Angus is a passionate and innovative farmer who runs Rosemary Hill Orchard, a family-owned and operated stone fruit orchard producing early season peaches, nectarines and plums. Prior to joining the family orchard, Angus spent 10 years in the construction industry as a Project Manager.
Nathan Baronio
VICE PRESIDENT
Nathan is the Sales and Marketing Administrator at Eastern Colour, a family-owned and operated farming enterprise producing a range of fruit for over 40 years including apples, pears, strawberries and blackberries. With a background in marketing and sales, Nathan is passionate about collaboration in order to increase marketing activities and sales performance of the members of the Granite Belt Growers Association.
David Andreatta
TREASURER
David runs a 450 acre gourmet tomato and capsicum farming operation with his wife Jessica at Ballandean. David is also Director at Kool Country Packers which operates a stand-alone tomato and capsicum packing facility for a number of growers in the region. Prior to farming, David was employed as an accountant and stockbroker for over 10 years.
Justin Heaven
SECRETARY
Justin is currently the Manager for Export, Food and Agribusiness with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, Food Leaders Australia. Prior to this role, Justin worked with the Qld Department of Agriculture as a Senior Industry Development Officer for Horticulture for over 6 years. Justin has extensive experience across agriculture and natural resource management policy and programs.
John Patane
COMMITTEE MEMBER
John is the Managing Director of Wallaroo Produce, a third generation family-owned and operated horticultural enterprise, specialising in the production of capsicums, chillies, wombok, eggplant and cucumbers. With production located on the Granite Belt as well as additional farming land located in Allora, John has assisted the growth and sustainability of Wallaroo Produce by securing water entitlements, upgrading water infrastructure and implementing new processes and systems in the packing shed.
Daniel Nicoletti
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Daniel is a third-generation apple producer who has been working on the family farm, Nicoletti Orchards, for the past twenty years. Along with wife Toni, Daniel now manages the 100 acre apple farm that produces Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Sundowner and Fuji varieties sold through the major supermarket chains, Brisbane markets and also used in cider production.
Trent Vedelago
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Trent is the Production Manager and Director of Fonlea Orchards, a third-generation family owned and operated apple orchard. The orchard is run across three properties and produces Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Kanzi, Envy and Modi varieties.
Ben Sweet
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Ben is the Operations Manager at Sweets Strawberry Runners, a family owned and operated commercial nursery, supplying runners to clients across Australia.
Connie Taylor
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Married to Raymon Taylor in 1999, we are 4th Generation vegetable growers . Together with Ray – we have bought our business into the 21st century with progress growth over the 21 years, increased knowledge in soil nutrition, innovation in our water management and Integrated Pest Management just to name a few. We grow a range of vegetables including Ice-berg Lettuce, Wombok, Celery, Silverbeet, Cauliflower and Broccoli. We crop all zones twice a year over 700 acres and we rotate these zones to produce for 12 months of the year.
SUPPORTING LOCAL GROWERS
Membership is open to companies or individuals directly engaged in the growing of horticulture produce within the Granite Belt region