The vegetable industry is a proud campaign partner of Australian Made, Australian Grown, which uses the famous green and gold logo to help consumers exercise their preference for buying Australian products.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is the most recognised and trusted product symbol of Australia and helps consumers identify genuine Australian made products quickly and easily.

All Australians can benefit from buying Australian grown. It creates jobs, boosts the economy and improves our standard of living. The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo also assists farmers and businesses in promoting their products in both the domestic and export markets.

Research released by Roy Morgan in July 2007 shows that over 80 percent of consumers believe it is important that the fresh or processed food they buy is Australian grown. Research in late 2006 also found that over three quarters of consumers would like to see the logo used on fresh and canned foods.

It is easy to understand why, and now, with products clearly labelled with the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo, buying truly Australian produce is even easier.

The number of businesses using the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo is increasing at a record rate, and support from major Australian retailers is as strong as ever. That makes it much easier for consumers to find and buy Australian made and grown products.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown logo clearly establishes that a product is Australian and therefore enables businesses to capitalise on the consumer goodwill associated with being Australian. It is the centrepiece for a major collective effort by business to promote Australian products to the world.

All goods promoted in association with the trade mark must meet a two part compliance test as set out in the Trade Practices Act and the campaign's own Code of Practice. Breaches of the Act are a serious matter. Licensees agree to be bound by rules and conditions that relate to record keeping and compliance, and are subject to auditing by the campaign.

AUSVEG strongly supports the Australian Made, Australian Grown campaign and believes that the logo is an effective way to identify Australian grown vegetables and increase consumer awareness.

Our support was demonstrated by the September 2007 tractor rally in Tasmania in support of this initiative and better food labelling laws.

The Australian Made, Australian Grown initiative is the result of the success of the Fair Dinkum Food campaign when Tasmanian vegetable growers drove from Tasmania to Canberra for the historic tractor rally in 2005.

Both these campaigns captured the attention of the public and made it easier for consumers to recognise and buy Australian grown vegetables.

AUSVEG is dedicated to ensuring the future for all vegetable growers, and part of this future requires a solid brand foundation and the promotion of Australian grown produce. We view the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo as a fundamental requirement for this.

Please show your support by joining the Australian Made, Australian Grown campaign and ensuring the continued awareness of locally produced vegetables.

For more information and access to research findings, the Code of Practice and joining the campaign, visit www.australianmade.com.au