AUSVEG Weekly Update – 14 February 2018

There has been confirmation of a new biotype of currant lettuce aphid in Victoria that is able to break resistance on Nasonovia-resistant lettuce varieties.

AUSVEG is one of six commodity groups and four representative bodies to form the new Horticulture Council representing Australian growers.

These focus groups will contribute to a report which will be used by the industry to lobby the government for better labour supply options.

As international trade is constantly evolving, the data underpinning the analysis of the Vegetable Industry Export Strategy 2020 is updated every year.

Early bird registrations for Hort Connections 2018 end Wednesday 28 February, so register now for the best rates to attend the biggest event in Australian horticulture!

The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation is calling for submissions on its foodborne illness reduction strategy targeting Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on a proposal to change maximum residue limits (MRLs) for some agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

The Australian Farmer, a comprehensive compendium of knowledge about Australian agriculture and the agrifood sector, is now available for free to the entire industry.

AUSVEG is excited to announce that leading research consultancy Applied Horticultural Research has renewed its Strategic Partnership, continuing its support for the Australian vegetable industry.

The Hort Innovation Concept Portal turns ideas for levy investment into projects that deliver tangible benefits for the industry.

AUSVEG SA will be hosting a workshop for growers interested in learning more about the export process and how to become export-ready.

A new chemical handling for growers workshop has been announced for SA in early March, alongside the workshops in Tasmania throughout February and March.

Among the key findings, the report noted seasonal workers offer 20 per cent higher productivity on average compared to backpackers.

In 2018 AUSVEG will be supporting exporting vegetable growers to attend and exhibit at major international trade shows, and applications to FHA 2018 are still open!

Growers who wish to lodge an objection to the increase to the EPPR levies can now access an online survey.

AUSVEG SA and IPM Technologies are inviting South Australian growers to attend a field walk through an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) trial site.

The 2018 AUSVEG Communications Survey is a chance for all industry members to contribute to the direction and content of AUSVEG communications.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has released an advisory notice relating to its intention to revise costs charged to exporters of horticultural products.

The Future Farmers Network and AustSafe Super are offering a scholarship to help a young farmer attend the ABARES Outlook 2018 conference.

VegPRO is coordinating a free two-day workshop to help growers improve their negotiations and influencing skills in all facets of their business.