ACCC allows continuation of SA oyster research levy

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued a determination allowing the South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) and five oyster hatcheries to continue collecting a levy from South Australian oyster growers.

"Funds collected from the levy are used for research and development for the South Australian oyster industry, contributing to the viability and competitiveness of the industry," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said today.

"Consumers may benefit from higher quality of oysters produced."

The levy has been operating successfully since 1999 and continues to receive widespread industry support. 

Oyster growers can seek a refund of the levies they have paid in any year but will not have access to the results of research undertaken if they do. However SAOGA says that in the 10 years of the levy's operation no grower has sought a refund.

The levy has been set at $1 per 1000 oyster spat since its inception. The reauthorisation granted by the ACCC allows SAOGA to increase the levy each year, indexed to the inflation rate. This will allow SAOGA to maintain funding levels to support research and development at their current levels in real dollar terms.

The ACCC's decision to reauthorise the oyster levy arrangements affirms its draft decision issued in August 2010.

More information regarding the SAOGA application, including the reasons for the ACCC’s decision, will be available by following the links to the public registers link on the ACCC website, http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/929177