The first half of 2021 has brought sweet relief to the VegNET – Gippsland project and Regional Development Officer Bonnie Dawson as growers and industry members have been able to reacquaint themselves with each other in person. In this column, Bonnie provides an update on recent activities in the Gippsland region.

On-farm biosecurity

In February, Gippsland played host to Callum Fletcher and Zarmeen Hassan from AUSVEG. Their visit presented an opportunity to bring growers, agronomists and industry representatives together for an open discussion and to share insights regarding recent pest incursions and threats, particularly that of fall armyworm.

The informal nature of the meeting provided an opportunity for three-way information exchange – an overview of current knowledge and resources from AUSVEG Biosecurity Coordinator Callum, updates ‘from the field’ courtesy of the agronomists and growers in the room, and sharing of tips and knowledge between them. This was a worthwhile gathering, and there is enthusiasm for further similar occasions to be organised. If you want to make sure your operation is represented in these discussions, please contact myself (details can be found on the next page).

Going forward, Callum and myself will be supporting growers to develop or update on-farm biosecurity plans to minimise the ongoing threat of incursions of pests, weeds and disease foreign to the region or property. Support is available for growers who have acknowledged their need for these plans but have yet to get them done.

AUSVEG’s Callum Fletcher and Zarmeen Hassan with Graeme Hine and Ray Evans from Hine Produce in Lindenow.

Protecting waterways

AUSVEG EnviroVeg Coordinator Danielle Park spent a week in Gippsland in March and visited 10 different growing operations. Each of these growers indicated they will be completing EnviroVeg self-assessments online this year. Having this many growers in the region responding to the self-assessment will enable a regional profile to be drawn that identifies Gippsland’s strengths, and identifies any gaps for targeted extension activities going forward.

By the time this issue has gone to print, Schreurs & Sons will have played host to a farm walk at their Middle Tarwin property. Schreurs & Sons have implemented a number of features on their new farm and adopted practices that increase the efficiency of their nutrient use, as well as protect the surrounding environment from any potential off-site impacts.

Silt traps, plantings of native grasses and shrubs which integrate into the property’s wetlands and recycling of irrigation runoff and therefore nutrients all minimise the impact of nutrients being exported off-farm and impacting the natural environment. The growers also heard from a representative of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, who shared their perspective on the effectiveness of Schreurs & Sons’ efforts.

From an industry perspective, it is hoped that this engagement with the CMA, other authorities and the broader community will improve their understanding and perception of the industry’s impact on the local environment.

Growers were also invited to share ideas on how the industry can better engage with the local community and authorities to improve their understanding of on-farm practices.

Workforce development

Collaboration between VegNET and Food & Fibre Gippsland’s Employment Program has enabled filming and production of a series of videos that showcase the breadth of career opportunities in the local industry.

Four vegetable growing businesses have been featured – Bulmer Farms, Flavorite, Schreurs & Sons and Hussey & Co – with a total of 26 videos and different roles being produced. These videos have already received a positive response over social media and will also be shared through other avenues, including with local schools and careers teachers, employment agencies, Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs), neighbourhood houses and government agencies.

Mulgowie Farms in Maffra hosted a farm tour and information session for community members who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD). This was organised by Agriculture Victoria.

Following the farm visit, lunch was provided at the Valencia Creek hall, where a collection of other local organisations were available to share insights into the local community and information about available resources to support integration into the industry and community.

Despite being held at the tail end of the season, all involved felt that this event is a worthwhile model to pursue over the coming year to increase engagement with a potential, readily available local workforce.

Find out more

Please contact VegNET – Gippsland Regional Development Officer Bonnie Dawson from Food and Fibre Gippsland on 0407 683 938 or email bonnie.dawson@foodandfibregippsland.com.au.

VegNET – Gippsland is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

Project Number: VG19001

Cover photo: Filming at Hussey & Co’s Newry farm for the ‘This is my job’ series.