A free EnviroVeg
information session designed specifically for vegetable growers is set to
provide Queensland growers with new information to tackle a number of environmental
challenges confronting the industry, AUSVEG Environment Coordinator Darcy Boyd
said today.

AUSVEG is the
national peak industry body representing the interests of over 9,000 Australian
vegetable and potato growers.

Mr Boyd said
that AUSVEG would be holding a free soil health information session in Gatton on
November 26. This session will provide Queensland vegetable growers with the latest
information on soil health, disease management and other environmental issues
within the industry and outline practical solutions.

“EnviroVeg
has been developed as the industry’s own environmental management program,
which places EnviroVeg in a unique position to best service the needs of
Australian growers looking to manage their farms in ways that are sensitive to
the environment,” Mr Boyd said.

The session
will feature presentations from two leading horticultural researchers. This
includes; Stephen Harper, Principle Research Scientist with DEEDI Gatton, who
will discuss nutrient budgeting and fertiliser use specific to growers in the
Lockyer Valley, as well as Dr Victor Galea, Senior Plant Pathologist with
University of Queensland, who will present on the development and outcomes of a
disease forecasting systems for a range of vegetable crops.     

Growers will
also have the chance to hear from leading supply chain company Syngenta, as
well as specialist seedling producer Boomaroo Nurseries. AUSVEG Environment
Coordinator, Darcy Boyd, will outline the EnviroVeg program and the tools
growers can use to improve environmental outcomes on-farm.

“Growers who
want to improve their approaches to soil management and disease control, whilst
at the same time looking after the environment should definitely attend the
information session,” Mr Boyd said.

The free EnviroVeg
information session will run from 3.00pm – 5.30pm on November 26 at the Foundation
Building, University of Queensland, Gatton.

“Growers
care passionately about the environment as it is the source of their income and
their livelihoods. The EnviroVeg Program offers growers the chance to not only
improve environmental practices on-farm but also to improve the profitability
of their businesses and make them more sustainable long-term,” Mr Boyd said.

For more
information or to register to attend the free information session, please
contact Darcy Boyd, AUSVEG Environment Coordinator on (03) 9822 0388 or email darcy.boyd@ausveg.com.au.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Darcy
Boyd, Environment Coordinator, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0401 212 262, Email: darcy.boyd@ausveg.com.au