AUSVEG Webinars
2023November 2023
Coming off the back of a difficult few years on the farm and with an uncertain horticultural season forecast for many regions in Australia, mental health awareness and education are crucial. The purpose of this webinar, run on 30 November 2023, was to provide a curated list of resources to improve your mental health on the farm, assist in where to reach out for support and how to help those around you.
Warren Davies, the Unbreakable Farmer, was the webinar’s MC and shared his personal experience struggling with mental health. Four panellists – Stephanie Schmidt, Richard Shannon, Dr Alison Kennedy, and Ginny Stevens – outlined the current mental health situation amongst Australian farmers, helping identify the first signs that you are struggling, and most importantly, shared realistic steps that you can take to manage and improve your mental health, and that of those around you.
Please view the webinar recording here.
April 2023
Respect@Work: new obligations to stop workplace sexual harassment.
Eliminating workplace sexual harassment has been a focus for many businesses.
As part of its pre-election commitment to implement all outstanding recommendations of the Respect@WorkReport, the Federal Government has released two significant pieces of amendment legislation: the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 (Respect@Work Act) and the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act).
These Acts introduce new legal frameworks impacting employer obligations in how workplace sexual harassment is prevented and addressed. Recent changes in work, health and safety laws will also play a part in framing how employers are to prevent unlawful sexual harassment.
This webinar was produced by AUSVEG and presented by Brooke West, Senior Associate from Ai Group Workplace Lawyers on 4 April 2023.
AUSVEG, in partnership with AI Group, recorded its third webinar in a series of grower briefings to update growers on how new laws will impact grower obligations in how workplace sexual harassment is prevented and addressed.
Please view the webinar recording here.
View the factsheet here.
Implications of Workplace Relations Reform – Enterprise Agreements
March 2023
AUSVEG, in partnership with AI Group, recorded its second webinar in a series of grower briefings to update growers on:
- Introduction to Enterprise Agreements
- The advantages and disadvantages of an Enterprise Agreement
- The process of making an Enterprise Agreement
- Enterprise Agreement Content
- Good Faith Bargaining and negotiations
This webinar was produced by AUSVEG and presented by Brooke West, Senior Associate from Ai Group Workplace Lawyers on 9 March 2023.
Find the related factsheets here.
March 2023
AUSVEG was pleased to partner with the Department of Home Affairs and VETASESS to present a webinar on the current visa programs in the horticultural sector. The webinar provided information for those interested in knowing more about the visa options available as well as providing updates for those already utilising the visa programs. Please note that all information is current as at March 2023 but is subject to change.
BIRO webinar info links click here.
To learn more about BIRO click here.
To see BIROs presentation click here.
To see VETASSESS presentation click here.
Watch the webinar here: AUSVEG webinar – Visas in Horticulture – Zoom
February 2023
AUSVEG has partnered with the Ai Group to deliver a webinar series covering the most recent workplace relations legislative reforms to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) implemented by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022.
This a first of a series of grower briefings around industrial relations, in partnership with Ai Group.
This important webinar will brief growers on:
• the workplace relations changes to be implemented;
• implications for members; and
• what members can do to prepare for their commencement.
This webinar will be presented by Brooke West, Senior Associate from Ai Group Workplace Lawyers.
The following topics were covered in the first webinar. Please find the relevant factsheets on each below:
- Sexual Harassment and Anti-Discrimination.
- Enterprise Agreement Making and BOOT.
- Fixed Term Contracts.
- Industrial Action and Bargaining Disputes.
- Initiating Bargaining and Termination of Enterprise Agreements.
- Jobs Advertisements and Small Claims.
- Multi-Enterprise Bargaining – Cooperative Bargaining Stream.
- Multi-Enterprise Bargaining – The Supported Bargaining Stream.
- Multi-Enterprise Bargaining – Single Interest Bargaining Stream.
- Pay Secrecy.
- Zombie Agreements.
24 November 2022
In this webinar we take a look at what factors have been affecting the markets, cost of inputs, and the climate and what tools exist to help vegetable growers keep themselves forewarned and forearmed.
Presentations:
- Market Trends in Vegetable Consumption and Price
James Parry, Freshlogic - Forecasting now and the years ahead
Rachel Davis, Bureau of Meteorology - The High Cost of Inputs
Andrew Whitelaw, Episode 3
You can download Rachel’s presentation here, Andrew’s presentation here, and James’ presentation here.
Emerging Technology for the Australian Vegetable Industry – Webinar
20 October 2022
In this webinar some of the leading agribusinesses operating in Australia showcase emerging technologies that will be hitting the market over the next 18 months.
Presentations:
- Highly selective nucleopolyhedroviruses and other insecticides
Gary Leeson, Organic Crop Protectants - Precision agriculture and data management
Benji Blevin, John Deere - Integrated farm management and remote monitoring software
Dallas Gibb, Hitachi Vantara - Cold storage ethylene control to improve product quality
Scott Fletcher, AUSPAC Biotechnologies - Advancements in smart fertilisers
Jan Edwards, Incitec Pivot Fertilisers
Alternative farming techniques for vegetable growers – What’s out there?
29 September 2022
With a changing climate, increasing pest and disease pressure, and constantly rising input costs, it’s never been more important to be using the most efficient techniques to grow your crops.
In this webinar, three industry professionals working at the cutting edge of farm management techniques outline some emerging and evolving practices that may benefit you and your crops.
Presentations:
- Advancements in integrated pest management technology
Jake Byrne
IPM Consultant, Biological Services - Biofumigant crops for vegetable growers
Julie Finnigan
Technical Agronomist, Serve-Ag - Growing large seed vegetables using reduced tillage systems
Andrew Johanson
Sustainable Agriculture Manager, Mulgowie Farming Company
To download Julie’s presentation on biofumigant crops, click here.
To download Andrew presentation on reduced tillage, click here.
The Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) 2022 – In-person sessions
7 June 2022
The 2022 Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) was held in Brisbane on 7 June in conjunction with Hort Connections 2022.
The AVIS is a series of in-person presentations and online webinars that communicate the latest in industry research directly to growers.
This year, the AVIS in-person sessions focussed on a broad variety of topics relevant to vegetable growers, including developments in protected cropping, the latest findings from the Soil Wealth Integrated Crop Protection project, strategies to increase export market access opportunities, and resilience and mental health for farmers.
If you missed out this event, AUSVEG has created this YouTube playlist showcasing the recordings and presentation slides from all eight sessions.
Watch the playlist on AUSVEG’s YouTube channel, or below:
In this session, Zarmeen Hassan discusses AUSVEG’s national vegetable extension network, VegNET, and lets you know how to get in touch with your local representative.
In this session, AUSVEG’s Zarmeen Hassan discusses the Owner Reimbursement Costs system and what to do if there is a detection of a biosecurity threat on your property.
In this session, Nicky Mann and Tony Bundock from Protected Cropping Australia discuss some of the options growers should consider when planning to move to protected cropping systems.
In this session, Nick Macleod of Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) presents on the history of market access research and it’s importance to Australian agriculture.
In this session, Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)’s Peter Leach presents on the use of irradiation as a phytosanitary treatment and its role in Australian agriculture.
In this session, Penny Measham from DAF moderates a Q&A panel of industry experts who discusses the role of market access in Australian agriculture.
In this session, Gordon Rogers of Applied Horticultural Research and Carl Larsen of RM Consulting Group (RMCG) host a panel of growers to discuss their role in the Soil Wealth ICP project and the value of hosting demonstration sites on their properties.
In this session, Warren Davies discusses the importance of mental health the everyday life of a farmer by talking about his own mental health journey.
Looking Forward: Horticulture Supply Chain and Traceability Solutions
May 2022
In this webinar, led and moderated by an AUSVEG representative, three Australian technology and service providers discuss the benefits of integrating origin verification and IoT into horticulture supply chains. The webinar will also discuss how growers can gain better access to international markets to distribute their product in more places. This part of the conversation will focus on the Asian market, and the nuances of that market, and what specialist help is available in navigating that type of expansion.
The discussion will cover the benefits, details and barriers associated with these services and welcomes a Q&A discussion at the end. The discussion will be held within the context of typical supply chain risks and relevant events that have impacted horticulture supply chains to remain relevant.
American Serpentine Leafminer: Are you prepared?
September 2021
A webinar hosted by AUSVEG as part of the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar online series.
American serpentine leafminer (ASLM) is a harmful new pest that has just arrived in the country. You will learn from three industry and scientific experts of American serpentine leafminer as they each present on the pest. They will cover all the areas that are necessary for you to prepare for this new important pest. These experts will explain the nature of the pest and the broad range of crops that it attacks, including vegetables, ornamentals and other valuable commodities.
International expert, Robert Senn will discuss the European experience of managing ASLM, while three local experts, Dr Greg Chandler, Penny Goldsmith and Dr Peter Ridland will explain current and past projects that are preparing the Australian vegetable industry for this pest, what to look for, and the future of management, including what beneficial insects may help to control it.
Speakers:
- Robert Senn, Syngenta Global Technical Manager for Insecticides
- Penny Goldsmith, Senior Agronomist at River District Co-operative (ORDCO)
- Dr Greg Chandler, Hort Innovation R&D Manager for Biosecurity
- Dr Peter Ridland, The University of Melbourne Honorary Research Fellow
Horticulture and the international trade landscape
August 2021
The fourth and final webinar of our Agriculture Series, hosted by Western Union Business Solutions and the Export Council of Australia, sponsored by Telstra. This panel discussion explores the impact of sea and airfreight disruptions on supply chains.
Speakers:
- Dianne Tipping, Export Council of Australia
- Sue Tomic, Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia
- Ryan Densley, Moffatt Fresh Produce
- Tom McGrath, CT Freight
Looking ahead: Setting the direction of levy investment for the next five years
24 August 2021
Hort Innovation is in the process of developing the next five-year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the Australian vegetable industry. The vegetable SIP is the roadmap that ensures levy investment decisions align with industry for research, development, extension, and marketing (Domestic and International) investment priorities.
An important part of the process is listening to what growers have to say.
Hort Innovation, in collaboration with AUSVEG, hosted a webinar on Tuesday 24 August and provided an update on the SIP renewal process, allowing the vegetable industry and growers to provide final input.
Speakers:
- Mark Spees, Industry Strategic Partner, Hort Innovation
- Adam Briggs, Head of Data & Insights, Hort Innovation
- Brei Montgomery, Head of International Trade, Hort Innovation
- Byron De Kock, Head of Research & Development, Hort Innovation
- Jane Wightman, Head of Extension, Hort Innovation
More than a SIP: Collaboration key for future industry investment opportunities
28 April 2021
Did you know that the vegetable industry has a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) that provides the roadmap to guide Hort Innovation’s investment of levies and government contributions?
In 2021, Hort Innovation is engaging with vegetable growers and industry stakeholders to develop a refreshed SIP for the vegetable industry that will span from 2022-2026. The vegetable SIP will lay the foundation for decision making in levy investments, representing a balanced view of stakeholders from within the industry, helping Hort Innovation prioritise and implement relevant R&D, marketing and export needs over the next five years.
Hort Innovation and AUSVEG hosted a webinar to provide an overview of what the SIP renewal process will look like for the vegetable industry and how input can be provided.
Speakers:
- Nathan McIntyre, National Marketing Manager, AUSVEG (MC)
- Matt Brand, Chief Executive Officer, Hort Innovation
- James Whiteside, Chief Executive Officer, AUSVEG
- Mark Spees, Industry Strategic Partner, Hort Innovation
- Adam Briggs, Head of Data & Insights, Hort Innovation
- Brian Ramsay, Managing Director, Inovact Consulting
Take back control: Diamondback Moth Webinar – hosted by AUSVEG and Bayer
12 March 2021
Diamondback Moth (DBM) has been described as one of the most destructive insect pest of brassica crops across the world. In order for industry to have the most up to date information on best management practices AUSVEG together with Bayer is bringing together a range of experts in a webinar solely focused on DBM control in Australia.
Download presentation slides here:
- Zara Hall – Lockyer Valley Growers
- John Duff – Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland)
- Troy Mulcahy – Bayer CropScience
Knowledge is key: Serpentine Leafminer Webinar January 2021 – hosted by AUSVEG and FMC
28 January 2021
Serpentine leafminer is a harmful new pest that has just arrived in the country. It has already established itself in some vegetable growing regions in NSW and QLD and has the potential to spread further in the coming months.
Download presentation slides here:
Serpentine Leafminer Webinar video series
14 December 2020
Export Finance: Prepare for 2021
18 November 2020
Are you financially prepared for export in 2021?
Following a disrupted 2020, what challenges and opportunities does 2021 have in store? Uncertain economic conditions, currency fluctuations, export marketing budget constraints and an increased need to de-risk your export operations.
Join our specialist panel as they discuss the outlook for 2021, currency trends, export marketing funding opportunities and practical tips to better manage the financial risks associated with exporting, help protect profits and better prepare your business for exporting in 2021.
Fall Armyworm arrives in Australia: What it means for you.
23 September 2020
International and national experts discuss the arrival of a significant new pest to Australia, fall armyworm (FAW), and what it means for your business.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Exotic leafminers webinar series
16 July 2020
Hort Innovation, cesar, Plant Health Australia, University of Melbourne, the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, and AUSVEG have developed an industry webinar series focusing on exotic leafminers. In these videos, Madeleine Quirk (AUSVEG) provides an introduction on why exotic leafminers pose a threat to Australia’s horticulture industries, Dr. James Maino (cesar) discusses regional risk and potential impacts of exotic leafminers across Australia, Dr. Elia Pirtle (cesar) outlines surveillance strategies to help you keep an eye out for potential incursions of exotic leafminers, and Dr. Peter Ridland (University of Melbourne) and Rohan Burgess (Plant Health Australia) discuss biological and chemical control strategies for exotic leafminers.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4