APVMA announces new policy on recall notifications

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has introduced a new policy that will see the national regulator publish information about voluntary and compulsory recalls of chemical products on its website.

The policy is a change from the APVMA’s previous position, which allowed chemical companies to decide if their recalls were published on the APVMA website, and follows investigative work by The Weekly Times to publicise the previous system.

For more information on this policy change, please see the APVMA’s media release or click here to read an article on the change in The Weekly Times.

To view all current voluntary and compulsory recalls, please visit the APVMA website.

Vegetable Feature Article

InfoVeg TV – Episode three now live!

The third episode of our YouTube series InfoVeg TV is now live!

This episode focuses on Growing Leaders, the vegetable industry leadership and development program funded by Hort Innovation using grower levies and funds from the Australian Government, and features interviews with Growing Leaders founder Jill Briggs, past graduate Daniel Hammond and Hort Innovation’s Tim Archibald.

To view the episode, please click here.

InfoVeg TV is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

Upcoming VegPRO events

Negotiations and influencing course – Melbourne, VIC

This fast-paced, intensive two-day negotiation training aims to enhance participants’ negotiation and influencing capabilities. It includes insights into human behaviour and the frameworks, tools and techniques that will allow participants to best achieve their objectives, including:

  • understanding what drives the negotiating parties;
  • knowing how to adapt negotiating styles; and
  • identifying and employing tactics and counter-tactics.

This workshop is for levy-paying growers or those who work with levy-paying vegetable growers.

Date/time: Tuesday 25 July and Wednesday 26 July, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Location: Cliftons Melbourne, 440 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

For more information or to register for the event, please click here or email sophiel@rmcg.com.au.

Developing valued, visible vegetable products – Clayton, VIC
Have you got a ready supply of vegetables and wonder how you can make more profit from them? Maybe you want to know how to process kohlrabi to make a product as sexy as cauliflower rice? Well, this is a workshop that may have the answers for you.

Date/time: Friday 4 August, 8:30am – 4:00pm
Location: Food Innovation Centre, Monash University Clayton Campus, Level 2 (217) Green Futures Building, 13 Rainforest Walk, Clayton VIC

Speakers at the workshop will include Dr Hazel MacTavish-West (MacTavish-West P/L), Dr Angeline Achariya (Food Innovation Centre, Monash University), Susie White (Eat.Drink.Innovate) and other industry experts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the Food Innovation Centre, including the Virtual Supermarket Theatre and the 3D Prototyping Packaging Design Centre.

This workshop is free to Australian levy-paying vegetable growers only, but others may attend for a fee. To register, please click here, or email sophiel@rmcg.com.au or hazel@mactavishwest.com.au. You can also click here to view the event flyer.

VegPRO is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

Soilborne Disease Master Class Tasmania

The team delivering projects VG15010 and VG15009 are pleased to present the third Master Class on soilborne disease management in Tasmania.

This two-day Master Class will explore the latest biological, cultural and chemical options for managing soilborne diseases in vegetable crops and, most importantly, provide tools for implementing these options within a risk-based approach on-farm.

Watch the video to hear vegetable growers and advisors from the 2015 Master Class discuss how they have changed the way they manage soilborne diseases.

The Master Class will be held on 30 and 31 August in Tasmania at the Devonport Convention Centre.

With only 30 places available, please register your interest early with Sandra Marques on 02 8627 1040 or at sandra.marques@ahr.com.au.

To find out more about the Soil Wealth and ICP projects visit the website, or join the Community of Practice online. You can also follow the projects on Twitter @SoilWealth and @ProtectingCrops.

This communication has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

The Front Line – Vegetable and Potato Biosecurity Bulletin: New edition out now

A new edition of The Front Line – Vegetable and Potato Biosecurity Bulletin is now out.

The Front Line is an e-newsletter giving the latest updates on vegetable and potato biosecurity.

The latest edition looks at outcomes from the recent biosecurity roadshow, updates on biosecurity planning focus groups and other important industry updates.

To view the latest edition, please click here. To sign up to receive future editions, please email madeleine.quirk@ausveg.com.au.

AUSVEG kicks off RIRDC Study Tour

AUSVEG National Manager – Science and Extension Dr Jessica Lye will depart today on a Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Study Tour to the United States.

This study tour is funded by RIRDC as part of the 2016 Victorian Rural Women’s Award, and will allow Dr Lye to gain a valuable insight into vegetable and potato pests of concern, including those which have not yet been found in Australia.

Keep an eye out on AUSVEG’s communication channels for updates on the trip, and subsequent industry workshops arising from this study tour.

Managing Fruit Fly in Vegetable Crops with Dr Jenny Ekman (webinar recording)

Fruit flies are one of the most serious pests in horticulture. They can breed rapidly, disperse widely and successfully infest most fruiting vegetables. The larvae not only destroy infested fruit, but are a major quarantine issue for both domestic and international markets.

A webinar was recently presented by Dr Jenny Ekman on strategies available to growers to manage fruit fly in vegetable crops, including the fruit fly lifecycle, monitoring, use of protein baiting, male annihilation techniques and netting.

You can watch the webinar recording and download the presentation here.

To find out more about the Soil Wealth and ICP projects visit the website, or join the Community of Practice online. You can also follow the projects on Twitter @SoilWealth and @ProtectingCrops.

This communication has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

Riverina Vegetable Innovation Field Day

VegNET will run a vegetable innovation field day in Yoogali (via Griffith) to showcase the latest innovations in vegetable production and allow growers to hear from experts in the field.

The innovation day will include demonstrations of the RIPPA robot in the field and discussions on the use of drones in irrigated vegetable production, solar power technologies and growing vegetable businesses through VegNET. There will also be free glovebox guides on managing pest and disease disorders.

Presenters on the day will include Salah Sukkarieh (University of Sydney, Australian Centre for Field Robotics), Dr John Hornbuckle (Deakin University), John Cochrane (Glynncorp Electrical) and Matthew Plunkett (Local Land Services).

Date/time: Wednesday 19 July, 10:00am – 2:30pm
Location: 86B Hawkins Road, Yoogali (via Griffith) NSW

For further information, please click here, or contact Matthew Plunkett on 0428 978 390 or at veg.network@lls.nsw.gov.au. You can also click here to view the event flyer.

VegNET is delivered by Local Land Services in New South Wales and is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

New R&D reports available on InfoVeg

InfoVeg is a comprehensive database that has been designed to bridge the gap between researchers and growers. It acts as a resource for growers to easily access technical information and research funded by the research and development national vegetable and potato levies.

The following reports have been published recently on the InfoVeg database:

  • VG16035 – Training growers in direct consumer engagement – scoping report
  • VG16027 – Vegetable trend forecasting and analysis
  • VG16010 – New breeding technologies and opportunities for the Australian vegetable industry

Please click here to access the InfoVeg database.

The InfoVeg database is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable and potato research and development levies and funds from the Australian Government.

Asia Fruit Logistica – applications closing Friday!

Exporting vegetable growers are invited to apply to attend the premier fresh produce trade show in Asia. Asia Fruit Logistica will be held from 6-8 September 2017 at the Asia-World Expo convention facility in Hong Kong, with anticipated travel dates for participants being 3-9 September. Applications must be submitted to AUSVEG by 5:00pm on Friday 7 July 2017 (AEST).

AUSVEG has a limited number of funded positions available for levy-paying vegetable growers to exhibit at the 2017 Asia Fruit Logistica – if you are interested in exhibiting and being part of the AUSVEG delegation to this world-class trade event, please contact AUSVEG on 03 9882 0277 to discuss the options available.

To download the application form, please click here. Applications can be submitted via email to export@ausveg.com.au.

VG16061 is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

Potato Feature Article

Controlling pink rot in Australian potatoes

Pink rot is a serious soil and tuber-borne disease, which is prevalent in Tasmania, south-east South Australia and areas of Victoria that receive substantial rainfall.

Caused by the fungus Phytophthora erythroseptica and sometimes by P. cryptogea, pink rot infects all below ground parts of a potato plant and can be spread by symptomless tubers as well as water. In its early stages, pink rot causes a leathery look to the infected tuber; when exposed to air, the cut tubers turn a characteristic pink colour within 15 minutes of cutting and then turn black over a couple of hours.

SARDI Senior Research Scientist Barbara Hall was involved in two projects funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (now Hort Innovation) on controlling pink rot. Her key message for managing soilborne diseases such as pink rot is to avoid relying wholly on fungicides and to use all tools available, including crop rotation, water management and inoculum reduction.

A full interview with Mrs Hall, including her detailed findings on managing pink rot, is available on page 31 of the latest edition of Potatoes Australia magazine. To read this edition, please click here.

Potatoes Australia is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the fresh potato research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

New edition of Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook now available

Hort Innovation has now released the latest edition of the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook, providing statistics for 75 horticultural categories over the year ending 30 June 2016. To access the handbook, click here.

The Handbook is an analysis that reconciles available data on production, international trade, processing volumes and fresh market distribution. The distribution channel modelling has drawn upon Freshlogic’s THRUChain modelling system to ensure that fresh supply accommodates the sum volumes distributed by retail and food service channels.

This edition of the Handbook has incorporated comments and feedback received from industry on the previous edition and Freshlogic consultation with industry representative bodies to provide the most up-to-date representation of Australian horticulture to 2015-16. Additional feedback is encouraged so Hort Innovation can continue to improve the Handbook, and comments can be sent to feedback@horticulture.com.au.

Communication of levy-funded activities is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable and potato research and development levies and funds from the Australian Government.

Freshcare and GLOBALG.A.P. to host combined event

Freshcare Ltd and GLOBALG.A.P. are hosting a combined conference and networking function on Tuesday 8 August 2017 at the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour hotel in Sydney, celebrating the theme of ‘Partnering for Global Assurance’.

The full-day conference program is set to deliver updates from Freshcare, GLOBALG.A.P. and the fresh produce industry. The event will provide valuable insights into current and future initiatives, developments in food safety best practice, on-farm assurance and certification options available in Australia and overseas.

The networking function will wrap up the conference day, providing a social opportunity for delegates to connect with colleagues and guests.

The Freshcare Forum + GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR Stop is being held as a consecutive event to the Fresh Produce Safety Centre Conference celebrating the theme of ‘Science + Culture = Safe Food’, which will be held on Wednesday 9 August 2017 at Sydney University.

Delegate registrations and event packages are now available. For more information, please see the Freshcare website or email events@freshcare.com.au.

Fair Work Ombudsman launches supply chain guides

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched tools to help prevent the exploitation of workers in contracted labour supply chains, including workers in agriculture and horticulture.

Accessible on the Fair Work website, the new resources include guidelines to select a potential contractor, help on mapping existing contractors and subcontractors, information on how to conduct a general self-audit of your business, and checks for small business owners to minimise the risk of hiring a non-compliant contractor.

AUSVEG encourages all growers and other industry members who use labour contractors to review these practical guides, and the other information available on the Fair Work website, to ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities and to be certain that their contractors are doing the right thing.

Postharvest management of vegetables workshop

Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers is organising a workshop to help growers, packing shed managers, QA officers and vegetable supply chain business representatives optimise their handling and storage of fresh vegetables to help them maximise quality and minimise produce losses through postharvest management.

Date: Wednesday 16 August 2017
Location: Orora Packaging, Charlie Triggs Drive, Thabeban QLD 4670

For more information, please click here, or contact Michelle Haase on 0427 716 218 or via email at bfvg.info@bfvg.com.au.

Save The Date: Northern Australia Food Futures Conference 2018

The Northern Australia Food Futures Conference will run from 2-4 July 2018 at the Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory.

Focusing on science and technology for development, the conference will see participants involved in farm tours, workshops and thought-provoking networking opportunities.

For more information, please click here or visit the Food Futures website.

Preparing your business for the new Horticulture Code of Conduct

On 1 April 2017, the new Horticulture Code of Conduct came into effect. The Code replaces the previous mandatory Horticulture Code and is regulated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

If you trade in horticulture produce, you must comply with the terms of the new Code. AUSVEG strongly urges Australian growers and packers to familiarise themselves with their requirements under the new Code. The ACCC has prepared sample horticulture produce agreements for growers and packhouses to use online.

You can find more information about the new Code on the ACCC’s website, or by contacting the ACCC.

ACCC Infocentre: 1300 302 502
Small business help line: 1300 302 021

Current project opportunities with Hort Innovation

Hort Innovation advertises opportunities to become a delivery partner on research, development and marketing projects for Australian horticulture on its website and on tenders.net.

Join Hort Innovation’s delivery partner mailing list to receive email notifications of new opportunities by registering through its delivery partner registration form.

The relevant documentation for each opportunity is available on tenders.net. To access this information, you will need to become a member by registering on the tenders.net registration page.

Please find below a table of current project opportunities directly relevant to the Australian vegetable and potato industries. For more details on any of the projects, or for information on other project opportunities across horticulture, please visit tenders.net.

Request for proposal Export facilitators 5pm (Sydney time)
Tuesday 11 July 2017
Request for proposal Area wide management of vegetable diseases: viruses and bacteria 4pm (Sydney time)
Tuesday 18 July 2017
Request for proposal Australia Fresh Collaborative Market Development Program 5pm (Sydney time)
Friday 26 April 2019
Request for proposal Asian market intelligence & data insights 5pm (Sydney time)
Tuesday 30 July 2019

 

Communication of levy-funded R&D is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable and potato research and development levies and funds from the Australian Government.

 

New Minor Use permits

Permit ID Description Date Issued Expiry Date Permit Holder States
PER82456 Actives: Mancozeb, Metalaxyl-M
Crop: Snow peas, sugar snap peas and field grown capsicums, chillies and paprika
Disease: Downy mildew		 27-Jun-2017 30-Sep-2020 Hort Innovation All states except VIC

All efforts have been made to provide the most current, complete and accurate information on permits. However, AUSVEG recommends that you confirm the details of any permits at the APVMA website.

Users are advised that while the pesticide can be applied legally under the APVMA minor use permit, there can be a significant delay until the maximum residue limit (MRL) gazetted by the APVMA is adopted in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Until this occurs the MRL may not be recognised and a zero tolerance may be imposed for residues of the pesticide resulting from its use according to the APVMA permit.

Please be aware that in the absence of a MRL in the Food Standards Code, the use of the pesticide according to the permit may result in the suspension of the produce in the marketplace. Please check the FSANZ website or the Australian Government ComLaw website to confirm if there are MRLs established by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Please consult APVMA documentation before applying any product to your crop. For more information contact the APVMA on 02 6210 4701.

If an adverse experience occurs as a result of using the permit, please fill out a Non-Performance Reporting Form for Horticultural Pesticides and return to jodie.pedrana@horticulture.com.au. To download a Non-Performance Reporting Form for Horticultural Pesticides, please click here.

This communication has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.