AUSVEG has today launched a 1800 Agronomist hotline for vegetable growers, an industry-driven initiative which will be introduced on a national basis to provide technical information and address gaps in knowledge across the industry.

AUSVEG spokesperson Andrew White said the hotline would provide vegetable growers with unparalleled access to technical agronomy information and would benefit many vegetable growers across Australia by providing them with technical insights relevant to their circumstances.

“This is a unique and innovative initiative for the Australian vegetable industry that will be particularly useful for those growers that cannot afford to employ a full-time technical agronomist on staff or are unable to easily access technical information relevant to their circumstances due to the remoteness of their farm,” Mr White said.

“Technical advice will be provided through the service by a leading Australian agronomy service provider. The hotline will provide a useful resource for growers to obtain technical advice in a range of areas, including pest control and identification of pest problems, weed control, nutrition, post-harvest, seed / genetic selection, protected cropping and other on-farm technical issues,” Mr White said.

“Growers will be provided with up-to-date information relevant to their circumstances and may also be guided to the industry’s Knowledge Management R&D database located on the AUSVEG website for additional information where it’s appropriate,” he said.

The pilot project is being funded by Horticulture Australia using the National Vegetable Levy with matched funds from the Australia Government.
AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body representing Australia’s vegetable growers.
Mr White said that the service would become a valuable industry resource.
“The industry felt that a 1800 hotline was the easiest and most cost-effective way to address potential lack of access to technical information on a national basis. The service provides an avenue to access technical information that will assist those growers who would otherwise be unable to access such information,” Mr White said.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew White, Manager of Industry Development & Communications, Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0409 989 575, Email: andrew.white@ausveg.com.au
Media Release