Current News

• Additional IFAM funding keeps supply chains open to mid-2021: On 6 October, the Australian Government announced it is committing an additional $317.1 million in funding for the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM). With $95 million to directly address upcoming seasonal demand and $222.1 million to extend IFAM to the middle of 2021, the funding injection will help keep international supply chains open. Visit the IFAM webpage for more information and all IFAM-supported flight details can be found in the IFAM Flight Schedule Outbound and IFAM Flight Schedule Inbound.

• Austrade briefing on disrupted supply chains and changing consumer behavior- The extension of IFAM gives Australian businesses more time to re-engineer their business models and adjust to a different and tougher trading environment created by COVID-19. 

• Register your interest to access IFAM support- Exporters still need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and should keep in regular contact with freight forwarders to access IFAM-supported flights and to apply for IFAM grant support. Further information on how IFAM works is available on the IFAM webpage.

• CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program now open for SME applications: Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is on the hunt for Food and Agribusiness SMEs looking to invest in R&D to grow their business. The next round of its free, SME-focused, online learning program - Innovate to Grow. Applications for the next round of Innovate to Grow close on 16 October. Visit the CSIRO website for more information.

• Funding boost for drought water infrastructure rebate- More farmers will be able to take advantage of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme thanks to a $50 million funding boost. Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt said the $100 million scheme would be available this financial year to drought-affected livestock producers and horticulturalists with permanent plantings. Read more of this Country News article...

JobKeeper flexibilities
The JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act have been extended to 28 March 2021 (with some changes). Some flexibilities remain for legacy employers that are no longer receiving JobKeeper payments. The Fair Work website has info and resources to help you understand the changes and your options.

Workplace legal advice program
The workplace issues arising out of the coronavirus outbreak can be complex. The Workplace Legal Advice Program helps employers deal with issues and get on with running their business. It gives eligible employers access to free, confidential legal advice. The FAQs explain who’s eligible and how you can get involved.

Solutions to the COVID-19 restrictions limiting the supply of seasonal labour in Victoria will be discussed during a special Rural Press Club of Victoria webinar.  The webinar is free of charge.

Moderated by national agribusiness journalist Sue Neales, the webinar will hear from a panel of growers and industry experts including Victorian Shadow Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh, fruit grower Peter Hall and Australian Fresh Produce Alliance chief executive Michael Rogers. Register now! 

Click here to view the promotional blog..