AUSVEG Weekly Update – 8 January 2019

In this edition: Grower case studies on cover cropping and soil DNA testing, attend trade shows in Japan and Berlin, Hort Connections news and more!

Feature stories

Deon Gibson optimises production with cover cropping

Research into cover cropping aims to combine new practices that growers like Tasmania’s Deon Gibson can use to improve yields and ultimately increase prices.

John Cresswell minimises disease risk for a sustainable future

Tasmanian potato grower John Cresswell has been using the PreDicta Pt service for more than a decade, seeing improvements in quality, yields and farm practices.

Industry news

Help enhance Australia’s traceability framework through Ag Department survey

You can now provide feedback on the principles which will shape the National Traceability Framework being developed to support Australia’s strong food safety reputation.

Applications open for $10,000 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship for uni students

The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship is an initiative supporting full-time university students of agriculture by providing a bursary and networking and professional development opportunities.

Register for Hort Connections 2019 now to take advantage of early bird rates!

We’re less than six months away from Hort Connections 2019, and this is a great chance to benefit from reduced registration fees.

Hort Innovation talking to industry about its new company strategy

Hort Innovation is developing a new Strategic Plan, which will be launched in mid-2019. Learn more and contribute on its website.

Levy-funded research reports on impact of potato seed quality and handling on production

Hort Innovation has recently funded research to assess Australian potato seed management and handling practice, review research and identify best practice.

Fresh Produce Safety Centre announces new Directors

New Directors Brendan Hayes and Dr Jocelyn Eason bring practical expertise and extensive experience in horticulture and food safety to support the FPSC’s work.

Make sure horticulture is represented in next election with NFF survey

With a federal election set to be called in the first half of 2019, contribute to this NFF survey to help represent horticulture and growers.

Reduce the risk of incidents and injuries on quad bikes with WorkSafe Victoria resources

WorkSafe Victoria has released videos and other resources to help you identify and control the risks of using quad bikes on your farm.

Pitchford Produce transitions entire farm to IPM production with levy-funded project

Graeme Pitchford has transitioned his entire farm to IPM production in partnership with IPM Technologies and E.E. Muir & Sons. Learn how in this video!

ABARES launches program for 2019 Outlook conference in Canberra

The ABARES Outlook conference is the agriculture sector’s premier information exchange and networking event. The 2019 program has now been launched!

Apply now to attend Berlin Fruit Logistica with industry-funded mission!

The 2019 European Industry Leadership and Development Mission will visit Berlin Fruit Logistica and protected cropping growing regions in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

Apply to attend Foodex in Japan in 2019 – Applications closing soon!

In 2019, AUSVEG will be supporting exporting vegetable growers to attend and exhibit at Foodex in Japan. Apply now to participate!

Help push for an ag visa by registering your labour needs with the National Harvest Labour Information Service

Registering your job requirements will give the government valuable information and help it understand the depth of the labour shortages facing Australian growers.

Hort Connections 2019: Speaker applications open!

Those interested in presenting at the Hort Connections 2019 conference in Melbourne from 24-26 June are invited to apply via the online application form.

Weekly round-up

New and revised Minor Use permits applicable to the vegetable industry for the week ending 8 January 2019.