Industry development councils work on promotion, market development and research that benefits their industry. A council is made up primarily of producers, but can include a minority of representatives who are other types of industry representatives.
Councils may create a fund from a levy paid by producers. Except for some general supervision by government, a fund is entirely controlled by a council and expenditures are made from the fund at the council’s discretion.
Councils are governed by the Farming and Fishing Industries Development Act and Regulations. Guidelines are available to help producers meet government requirements for establishing and operating a council.