Members of the Victorian vegetable industry will learn about potential energy savings on their farms when leading Australian researcher, Dr John Cumming, speaks at an EnviroVeg and Biosecurity Information Session in Cranbourne today.

Dr Cumming, of InfoTech Research, will discuss enhanced energy efficiency for vegetable farms, the benefits of energy audits, and economic initiatives aimed at reducing costs related to energy use.

Arranged by AUSVEG as part of the EnviroVeg Program, the workshop will be held today, Tuesday 2 September 2014, from 3:30pm to 5:40pm in Cranbourne, Victoria.

“The workshop will provide Victorian vegetable growers, agronomists and industry service providers with a valuable opportunity to hear about the latest research findings on these issues, and to discuss how these can be integrated into their crop management practices, directly with the experts,” said AUSVEG Environment Coordinator, Tim Shue.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

Mr Greg Bennett, Territory Sales Manager in Victoria from DuPont, will join the workshop to present on product stewardship strategies and resistance management.

“With the industry facing a host of challenges, growers are now more than ever looking to adopt new farming practices that will help boost productivity, and ultimately, long-term viability,” said Mr Shue.

“The AUSVEG EnviroVeg Program aims to raise awareness of environmental best practice, providing practical R&D information to Australian vegetable producers to deliver strong benefits for their operations.”

AUSVEG Biosecurity Coordinator Mr Dean Schrieke will present at the information session regarding on-farm biosecurity and practical measures growers can implement to prevent pest and disease incursions on their property. AUSVEG Environment Coordinator Mr Tim Shue will provide an update on the EnviroVeg program.

The workshop will be catered and is free to attend for all vegetable levy payers.

Those interested in attending the workshop are asked to contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277.

EnviroVeg is funded by Horticulture Australia Limited using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funding from the Australian Government. The AUSVEG Biosecurity Program is a joint initiative by Plant Health Australia and AUSVEG.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Tim Shue, Environment Coordinator, AUSVEG; Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0404 799 166 E-mail: tim.shue@ausveg.com.au