A free EnviroVeg information session designed specifically for vegetable growers is set to provide growers in the Werribee district with new information to tackle environmental challenges confronting the industry, as well as the benefits that can achieved in managing for healthy and productive soils, AUSVEG Environment Coordinator Darcy Boyd said today.

Mr Boyd said that AUSVEG would be holding a free soil health information session in Werribee on 29 October to provide vegetable growers with the latest information on soil health and other environmental issues within the industry and outline practical solutions.

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

“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.

“This session will focus on the physical and biological characteristics of healthy soils and include practical techniques that can lead to improved yields and profitability for growers in the long term.”

“Growers who are interested in improving their approaches to soil management whilst also looking after the environment should definitely attend the information session, which will also include presentations by a number of leading agribusinesses from the supply chain.”

The session program includes a presentation by soil health expert Dr Ian Porter, Principle Research Scientist in Plant Pathology with DPI Victoria, as well as speakers from DuPont, Incitec Pivot, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and specialist vegetable seedling producer Boomaroo Nurseries.

The free EnviroVeg Information Session will run from 3.00 – 5.30pm at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee, at 601 Heaths Rd, Werribee.

Mr Boyd said that growers who joined the EnviroVeg Program would benefit because it allowed them to benchmark their results against previous years, as well as gain valuable feedback on their practices.

“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 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