Country of Origin Labelling update

The following information has been provided to AUSVEG by the Australian Government’s Country of Origin Food Labelling Taskforce. AUSVEG hopes this provides clarification for growers looking to implement the new Country of Origin Food Labelling Laws in effect as of 1 July 2016.
A Country of Origin Labelling online tool for food has been launched. This tool is easy to use and will assist in choosing an appropriate label for a food product planning to be sold in Australia. The tool will help you determine if you need a label, and if you need a standard mark that features graphics as well as text. It will then find, customise and download an appropriate label for your food product. Once you’ve downloaded an appropriate label, you can then save it, and print or manipulate it before affixing it to your food product prior to sale.
A link to this online tool is available from www.business.gov.au/foodlabels.
The tool has been tested by internal and external stakeholders and any further suggestions you may have to improve it are welcome.
The Country of Origin Food Labelling Taskforce would also like to inform that section 22 of the Information Standard does not fully reflect the policy adopted by Australian governments for a very narrow range of foods – namely those made in a single overseas country with at least some Australian ingredients that were subsequently packed in Australia. A detailed notice is available here.
Please contact originlabelling@industry.gov.au for any further information about these or any Country of Origin Food Labelling reforms.

 

New ICP fact sheet: Silicon for Crop Health

 

Silicon is an available nutrient for all plants grown in soil, with its content in plant tissue ranging from 0.1%-10%. Although it is not currently classified as an essential nutrient for plant growth, recent research suggests that silicon may have a significant role to play in plant health.
Read this fact sheet to learn more about the benefits of silicon on crop health and subsequent production, including improved nutrient availability, plant resistance to pest and disease pressure, and improved resilience to environmental stress. Guidance on how to choose a silicon product is also provided. Click here to view the fact sheet.
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.

The Soil Wealth project is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

 

 

UPDATE: Soil Wealth Farm Walk postponed

 

The Soil Wealth farm walk and field day which was to be held on Thursday 7 July at Bulmer Farms at Lindenow has been postponed due to a predicted east cost low and heavy rain with potential flooding. The farm walk and field day will be rescheduled for later in July.
For more information, please contact Stuart Grigg on 0400 860 763 or at stuart@sgaghortconsulting.com.au

The Soil Wealth project is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

 

 

Zebra chip and Tomato potato psyllid update

The Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (PBCRC) has released its latest newsletter, including a case study on Zebra chip and a pest profile on the Tomato potato psyllid (TPP).
Zebra chip, caused by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, is vectored by the TPP and can also be spread by infected seed potato. The characteristic symptom of Zebra chip is an alternating pattern of dark and light bands in fried potato slices. With the potato industries in both New Zealand and the United States suffering significant economic losses due to Zebra chip, it is vital that Australian potato growers continue to be protected from this devastating disease. For the PBCRC’s full case study on Zebra chip, please click here.
The TPP (Bactericera cockerelli) is a sap-sucking insect that feeds on tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli and nightshade plants. As well as causing feeding damage, it is a vector for Zebra chip disease. Should this pest become established, the associated control costs to the Australian potato industry would be significant. The PBCRC is currently undertaking a number of research projects to enhance Australia’s preparedness against the impact of the TPP. For the PBCRC’s full profile on the TPP, please click here.
To read the PBCRC’s full newsletter, including stories on other important biosecurity issues, please click here.

This communication was funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Potato Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

 

54th Australian Export Awards – Applications now open

The Australian Export Awards (AEA) is a national program that honours Australian businesses for their export achievements and contribution to Australia’s economic prosperity.

Enter for your chance to:

  • Boost your profile and reputation among local and international customers.
  • Distinguish yourself from your competitors as an AEA winner/finalist.
  • Increase your profile with the Australian Government and your state/territory government.
  • Attend a masterclass hosted by business experts and top exporters.
  • Critically review your business during the application process and uncover ways to improve export strategies and operations.
  • Gain media exposure for your achievements.
  • Network with other exporters.

Enter the AEA through your state or territory’s export awards program. There are 12 national award categories, entry is free and the application process is straightforward. Visit www.exportawards.gov.au for more information and to apply.

 

2016 Young Grower Industry Leadership & Development Mission – South America

Young vegetable levy payers are encouraged to apply for the upcoming 2016 Young Grower Industry Leadership & Development Mission to South America! Please click the image below to view the full flyer for this mission.
If you’re a vegetable levy payer, under the age of 35 and would like to visit some of South America’s leading growing operations in Chile, Argentina and Brazil, express your interest by emailing AUSVEG via info@ausveg.com.au or call (03) 9882 0277.

The 2016 Young Grower Industry Leadership & Development Mission is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

 

Bayer releases new technical report on aphid control in potatoes

As an inventor and manufacturer of key insecticides, fungicides and herbicides, Bayer conducts and commissions regular trial work and other scientific research into the effective protection of potato crops against pests, infection and other threats.
Now Bayer is making more of that information – and the insights it provides – available to all potato growers and industry partners. You can access the first of the Effective Potato Protection technical reports regarding the optimal timing for in-season aphid control here.

 

Winner of Toro booth competition announced

On behalf of Toro Australia, one of Australia’s leading suppliers of irrigation products, AUSVEG is pleased to announce the winner of the competition held at Toro’s booth at the 2016 National Horticulture Convention.
Catherine Scott from Nannup, Western Australia, has won a Waeco CFX-50 fridge freezer with cover (valued at $1558 RRP). AUSVEG would like to extend its congratulations to Catherine, and thanks Catherine and all delegates for participating in the 2016 National Horticulture Convention.

 

 

AUSVEG in the media

The 2016 National Horticulture Convention continued to make headlines this week, with print and broadcast media reporting on the National Awards for Excellence, the Practicalities for Exporting Vegetables Symposium and the hot-button issues covered by expert speakers at the Convention.
AUSVEG’s advocacy for potato growers following Oakville Produce being placed into administration was also noted on broadcast media this week. AUSVEG has previously asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to become involved in the administration of Oakville to ensure that growers are treated fairly when a buyer is found for the organisation.
This week, AUSVEG also made public comment on the announcement of a $6 million investment into regional capacity building programs for the vegetable industry, and Australia’s new Country of Origin Labelling scheme.

Communication of levy funded R&D activities is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy, National Potato Levy and funds from the Australian Government.