A free EnviroVeg information session designed specifically for vegetable growers is set to provide Victorian growers with new information to tackle environmental challenges confronting the industry, including vital soil health concerns, AUSVEG Environment Coordinator Darcy Boyd said today.

Mr Boyd said that AUSVEG would be holding a free soil health information session in Cranbourne on October 22 to provide Victorian vegetable growers with the latest information on soil health and other environmental issues within the industry and outline practical solutions.

“EnviroVeg has been developed as the industry’s own environmental management program, which places EnviroVeg in a unique position to best service the needs of Australian growers looking to manage their farms in ways that are sensitive to the environment,” Mr Boyd said.

“This session will provide growers with a range of tools that will assist them on-farm, including information on the role that soil carbon plays in maintaining healthy and productive soils.”

“Growers who want to improve their approaches to soil management whilst at the same time looking after the environment should definitely attend the information session, which will also include presentations by a number of leading agribusinesses from the supply chain.”

The session program includes a presentation by soil health expert Dr Ian Porter, Principle Research Scientist in Plant Pathology with DPI Victoria, as well as speakers from DuPont, Incitec Pivot, and specialist vegetable seedling producer Boomaroo Nurseries.

The free EnviroVeg Information Session will run from 3.00 – 5.30pm at the Amstel Golf Club, at 1000 Frankston-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne.

AUSVEG is the national peak industry body representing the interests of over 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.

Mr Boyd said that growers who joined the EnviroVeg Program would benefit because it allowed them to benchmark their results against previous years, as well as gain valuable feedback on their practices.

“Growers care passionately about the environment as it is the source of their income and their livelihoods. The EnviroVeg Program offers growers the chance to not only improve environmental practices on-farm but also to improve the profitability of their businesses and make them more sustainable long-term,” Mr Boyd said.

For more information or to register to attend the free information session, please contact Darcy Boyd, AUSVEG Environment Coordinator on (03) 9822 0388 or email darcy.boyd@ausveg.com.au.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Darcy Boyd, Environment Coordinator, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0401 212 262, Email: darcy.boyd@ausveg.com.au