The Australian Garden Council (AGC) and the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) are delighted to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by both organisations. The MOU is to outline a collaborative and mutually supportive relationship utilising the assets and skills that sit within both parties.
The AIH was created in 1960, to be the professional, representative body for horticultural practitioners across Australia. It’s development was created to encourage and enhance relationships with affiliates and like-minded organisations to deliver the highest quality and productive results to any horticultural project. Membership with AIH is supported by a diverse professional development program that also promotes qualified, experienced professionals to government, commercial and private sectors.
In November 2015, The Australian Garden Council was launched at Parliament House in Canberra, prompted by a number of federal MP's to promote gardening and gardens across the nation. Until this launch, gardening had not been mentioned in our national parliament for more than 25 years, despite the rich garden history and popularity of gardening across the continent. This presents the untapped potential for Australians to become more involved in gardening at home, growing their own produce and improving their psychological and physical health. At the same time this provides opportunities for us to grow our garden industry, expand garden tourism, education and horticultural exports of all sorts.
The AIH and AGC are headed up by some of the best in the industry; landscape architects, gardeners, horticulturists, nursery-business representatives and associated technologies, horticultural media... the list goes on. With years of experience at the helm, the objectives of this MOU are:
- To cooperate in efforts by the respective organisations, to support anyone entering into and advancing their careers in horticulture in Australia.
- To support the growth and development of Australia’s garden and horticultural industry, including youth and community involvement and community gardening.
- To support marketing and relevant promotion of horticulture as an activity, business, and career.
‘It is both highly desirable and fitting that our two organisations established a cooperative working relationship to benefit our mutual aims and objectives, our members, the gardening community and Australian society in the 21st Century of mutual partnerships.” Graham Ross AM, VMM, Founding Chair, AGC
“Horticulture is an incredible and very rewarding industry and our skills are needed now more than ever in this changing world. Having our two organisations working together to promote, educate and represent the horticultural community will certainly benefit the industry, the members and the horticultural community.” Michael Casey, President, AIH
Both organisations look forward to a long and fruitful relationship to not only grow gardening and horticultural interest, involvement and futures across Australia, but continuing professional education and network support throughout careers. This industry deserves the drive and experience of both boards, and together will continue to support some of Australia’s youngest, best and brightest green thumbs, contributing to this incredible industry.
To learn more about AIH, becoming a member or taking part in some of their fantastic educational sessions, visit their website here.