Two free meetings for vegetable growers in the Northern Territory will be held next week in Darwin and Katherine on March 7 and 8 respectively, featuring presentations on tropical plant diseases and an update on the wider horticultural industry in Australia.

The Vegetable Levy Payers Meetings will be held in the following locations:

• Darwin – Thursday 7 March, 2:30pm-4:30pm (Berrimah Farm – John England Building, Berrimah Farm, Makagon Road, Berrimah NT 0828)
• Katherine – Friday 8 March, 11:00am-1:00pm (Knotts Crossing Resort – Corner of Giles Street & Cameron Street, Katherine, NT 0851)

These meetings are being conducted by AUSVEG to update Northern Territory growers on how and where their levy funds are being invested into vegetable industry Research and Development (R&D) projects.

“With the Northern Territory’s proximity to increasing markets in Asia, horticultural production in the region is set to go from strength to strength,” said AUSVEG Spokesperson, Hugh Gurney.

AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body representing Australia’s 7,000 vegetable growers.

These Levy Payers’ Meetings will also feature an update on recent R&D in the vegetable sector.

“As the climatic conditions of the Northern Territory differ from other growing regions in Australia, the challenges facing local growers are unique. As a result of this, Denis Persley, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland (DAFFQ), will speak to growers about the latest tools in managing tropical virus diseases in vegetables,” said Mr Gurney.

“Pests and diseases that undermine the viability of vegetable crops are a significant problem for growers in the region who are contributing a vast amount to the Australian food basket.”

“Mr Persley is a leader in the field and I am confident that his latest research in plant virology will be of value and great interest to all growers in the Top End,” said Mr Gurney.

To RSVP to the Darwin or Katherine Levy Payers’ Meetings on March 7 or 8, please contact AUSVEG on (03) 9822 0388, or e-mail info@ausveg.com.au with your full name and contact details.

MEDIA CONTACT: Hugh Gurney – Spokesperson, AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0410 047 432, Email: hugh.gurney@ausveg.com.au.