AUSVEG Weekly Update – 30 January 2018 In this edition: Objection period for EPPR levy proposal, IPM field walk, biosecurity updates, grower case studies and more! Feature stories Objection period for EPPR Levy increase proposal now open (29 January – 14 March 2018)Growers who wish to lodge an objection to the increase to the EPPR levies can now access an online survey. Field walk at IPM trial site (Virginia, SA)AUSVEG SA and IPM Technologies are inviting South Australian growers to attend a field walk through an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) trial site. Industry news Win $1,000 in John Deere tools by taking part in the AUSVEG Communications Survey!The 2018 AUSVEG Communications Survey is a chance for all industry members to contribute to the direction and content of AUSVEG communications. Reminder: Report plant pests using the Exotic Plant Pest HotlineIf you find something you believe could be an exotic plant pest, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Fruit fly found in TasmaniaAdult fruit flies have been found on Flinders Island and larvae discovered in mainland Tasmania, with a control zone established. Prevention better than cure for David Nix and biosecurityLearn about Queensland potato grower David Nix and his on-farm biosecurity practices protecting him from pests and diseases. DAWR advises of intent to revise and increase export chargesThe Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has released an advisory notice relating to its intention to revise costs charged to exporters of horticultural products. Mitsui Chemicals shows support for Australian vegetable industryMitsui Chemicals, a global leader in chemical production, has shown its support for the Australian industry through entering into a Strategic Partnership with AUSVEG. Agrichemical prioritisation visits in Queensland, New South Wales and TasmaniaAUSVEG’s Patrick Arratia is visiting vegetable growers around Australia to speak with them about their plant pest and disease concerns. Agronico signs up to partner with AUSVEGLeading Tasmanian seed potato business Agronico has signed up to support the industry by becoming a Strategic Partner with AUSVEG. Mental health profile – Ok To TalkOk To Talk pairs individuals with an extensive nation-wide database of professional psychologists based on their specific needs. Soil Wealth facilitates cover cropping trial in Koo Wee RupThe Schreurs and the Soil Wealth and ICP team trialled Caliente Mustard, rye corn and sorghum as summer cover crops to act as soil conditioners. Lisa Brassington takes a masterclass in horticultureLisa Brassington from Peninsula Fresh Organics in Victoria was one of 21 students to undertake the inaugural Masterclass in Horticultural Business in 2017. Victorian Government offering companies funding for food innovation and Asian export developmentVictorian businesses can apply for up to $50,000 in funding to develop their food innovation capability or expand into Asian markets. Report plant pests using the Exotic Plant Pest HotlineReport plant pests early. If you find something you believe could be an exotic plant pest, call 1800 084 881 immediately to report it. Increase in agriculture sector reports and inquiries to ACCCThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported a 25 per cent increase in agricultural reports and inquiries. Churchill Fellowships for horticulture research – Applications open soon!Under a new partnership with Hort Innovation, three Churchill Fellowships will be offered annually for the next four years. Foodex and FHA in 2018 – Applications now open!In 2018 AUSVEG will be supporting growers to attend major international trade shows. Apply now to attend Foodex Japan and FHA 2018! Weekly round-up Minor Use permit changes (week ending 30/01/18)New and revised Minor Use permits applicable to the vegetable industry for the week ending 30 January 2018. Hort Innovation project opportunities (week ending 30/01/2018)Hort Innovation project opportunities for the week ending 30 January 2018. The week’s top stories (week ending 30/01/18)Summary of the week’s top media stories covering Australian horticulture and agriculture, as well as related topics. Share