Chestnuts Australia Inc is undertaking a formal industry vote in relation to a proposal to amend the Chestnut statutory levies-charges.

President of Chestnut Australia Inc (CAI), Brian Casey, said after discussions with many of the growers - who are largely based in Alpine and Indigo shires - there was consensus from the executive committee for CAI to conduct a ballot to seek grower-levy support to increase the total levy and adjust the allocations to specifically increase the amount of funds available for investment in research and development.

The proposal was tabled at the CAI annual general meeting held in Wangaratta last month.

As a chestnut grower and levy payer, CAI is now seeking input through a formal vote on the proposal to adjust the Chestnut statutory levies-charges.

“The proposal is to increase the overall levy-charge total to 14 cents, from the current 11 cents," Mr Casey said.

"The allocations would be adjusted to 2.5 cents from 5 cents in marketing, from 4.5 cents to 11.0 cents in research and development, to 0.0 cents from 1.0 cents for the EPPR levy and a PHA levy of 0.5 cents at the first point of sale."

Detailed information packages are being sent to Chestnut growers/levy payers, on the Chestnuts Australia Inc grower/levy payer list.

The formal vote is now open and is set to close on Friday, 31 October.