AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside appeared in online and on broadcast media this week discussing the potential for the cost of fruit and vegetables to double over the next decade due to rising labour and energy costs. For more, see the full story on the ABC News website.

Mr Whiteside also appeared on broadcast and in online media in response to the Fair Work Commission’s recent changes to overtime for casuals employed under the Horticulture Award. Mr Whiteside said the decision to provide growers with only two weeks to implement changes had surprised the industry and will force small- and medium-sized businesses to rush changes, which could lead to mistakes and accidental non-compliance. For more, see the full story on the North Queensland Register website.

Following news of animal activists entering farming properties and businesses illegally, as well as bringing Melbourne’s CBD to a standstill earlier this week, Mr Whiteside appeared on broadcast media condemning their actions. He said it was appalling that these activists have attacked agriculture producers and their livelihoods, and said AUSVEG stands strongly alongside all farmers across the country. For more, please see AUSVEG’s media release.

AUSVEG National Manager – Michael Coote also appeared in online and on broadcast media to comment on the increase in international demand for Australian-grown vegetables. Mr Coote said that this increase is particularly impressive considering that Australian vegetables are typically lower-priced products that are being grown in a high-cost environment. For more, see the full story on the FreshPlaza website.

AUSVEG National Manager – Communications Shaun Lindhe appeared in print and online media discussing the increased price of celery in recent weeks. Mr Lindhe noted that February was the sixth consecutive month where celery had seen a price above the three-year average, and explained that a reduced supply of the vegetable due to poor weather was driving this increase. For more, see the full story in The Weekly Times.