Current News

The 2021 Strategic Agrichemical Review Process (SARP) survey for apples, pears and cherries is now open. Growers are encouraged to participate, as the SARP will provide an updated view of current priorities and gaps regarding pest, disease and weed control.

• Assess the importance of the diseases, insects and weeds that can affect each industry
• Evaluate the availability and effectiveness of fungicides, insecticides and herbicides (pesticides) in the control of these plant pests
• Determine any gaps in the current pest control strategy
• Identify suitable new or alternative pesticides to address the gaps.

Power outages can significantly impact farm businesses. Loss of power disrupts critical farm infrastructure such as livestock water systems, electric fences, milk-harvesting equipment, automated feeding systems, heat or refrigeration, and irrigation systems.

• Wednesday, 15 December 12:00 to 1:00 pm-  Register or join the webinar here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to joining the meeting. Download the full brochure here..

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way farms operate, and we know this hasn’t been easy. With the season’s harvest moving into full swing under challenging conditions, it’s important to protect your workers, family and regional communities by having safety covered. The links to further information in the attached document can assist producers in keeping across and navigating the latest requirements.

Policy arrangements for Goulburn inter-valley water trade have changed significantly for 2021-22. This webinar will discuss the 2021-22 arrangements and the implications for Goulburn inter-valley trade (IVT) this year. An update will also be provided on the Murray delivery shortfall risks for this season. Download the full brochure here.

• Tuesday, 7 December. 1 – 2 pm: Book here

Current restrictions in Victoria

Visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website for more information on current Victoria restrictions.

From 18/11/2021, many COVID restrictions eased statewide as we entered Phase D, a vaccinated economy. 
For more details see: How we work: Victoria | Coronavirus Victoria

• All agricultural workers must be double vaccinated from 26/11/2021.
• If you have unvaccinated workers, including those who have arrived from interstate, they must get their first vaccination immediately.
• If you have a COVID-19 positive worker on your farm, the guidelines have changed.  You no longer have to close your site for a week.  See details here: Confirmed case in the workplace | Coronavirus Victoria
• To confirm your workplace actions see https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-11/Workplaces-business-industry-contact-management-guidance-2021-11-18.pdf  This is an easy to follow matrix to help you, the employer, determine who must be tested for COVID-19

From 1 November 2021, if you have new employees start and they don't choose a super fund, you may have an extra step to take to comply with choice of fund rules. You may need to request their ‘stapled super fund’ details from the ATO.

A stapled super fund is an existing super account linked, or 'stapled', to an individual employee so it follows them as they change jobs. This aims to reduce account fees, avoiding new super accounts being opened every time an employee starts a new job. If you don't meet your choice of super fund obligations, additional penalties may apply.

Please visit the ATO website for further information.