Current News

Conference 2021: 15-16 June 

Fruit Growers Tasmania will be holding its 30th annual Winter Conference at Launceston's Tailrace Centre on 15-16 June 2021. The conference program will feature an inspiring mix of leading national and international speakers providing information on the latest research findings, production techniques, emerging technologies and the current priorities and challenges relating to fruit production in Tasmania. There truly will be something for everyone.

Visit the FGT website for more information

The Department of Health and Agriculture Victoria are organising Information Sessions for Horticulture Industry in Yarra Ranges to help farmers prepare for COVID Safe Inspections and make sure they are following current guidelines and implementing COVID Safe Plans and strategies.

These inspections will be conducted at random and will be focused on the farm work (trimming, picking and packing), farm accommodation, farm transportation and labour providers.

Before COVID Safe Inspections get underway, this is an informal opportunity to come and seek advice from the Department of Health, AgVic and other government agencies.
 
Information sessions will be held in three locations – Lilydale, Monbulk and Yarra Glen on 25,26 and 27 of May. Choose session time and location which suits you better and register for the session. All the details and links to registration are in the attachment.

Download the brochure for more information

Please download the attached article that appeared in the recent Australian Tree Crop magazine featuring Cobram & District Fruit Growers Association President Tony Siciliano and General Manager, Karen Abberfield.  Tony and Karen discuss how the increased Queensland Fruit Fly (Qfly) pressure is of great concern for growers and the need for continued effective and widespread management of the pest.

Download the Australian Tree Crop article here...

The Federal Budget saw some benefits to Australia’s growers.  Workforce, trade and biosecurity were big winners with major funding announcements for each.
Some of the highlights include –

• The Federal Budget increases direct spending within the agriculture related portfolios by $850 million. This comes after an increase of $1.27 billion in the October 2020 budget.
• $8.4 million to improve collection, analysis and forecasting of agricultural labour force data.
• $3.6 million for Fair Farms program to promote fair employment practices in horticulture.
• $198.2 million to support Australian export businesses by increasing Australia’s presence at the WTO, and advocacy and coalition building on international trade matters with likeminded countries.
• $371 million over four years for Australia’s biosecurity

A more detailed breakdown of the budget and its announcements for Australian agriculture is below -

Workforce

• $10.1 million for a pilot AgUP program to co-fund industry initiatives that build skills and enhance career pathways in farming.
• $8.4 million to improve collection, analysis and forecasting of agricultural labour force data.
• $5.3 million for AgCAREERSTART program to incentivise school leavers to undertake farm placements.
• $3.6 million for Fair Farms program to promote fair employment practices in horticulture.
• $1.3 million in R&D into attraction and retention of agricultural workers.
• $1 million to develop resources for farmers to implement modern workplace practices.

• $285 million for stronger skills for skills reform to establish 15 industry-owned Skills Enterprises (agriculture being one industry).