AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside appeared in print media this week, commenting on the difficulties faced by growers in finding reliable access to local labour. Mr Whiteside noted that labour costs affect Australia’s ability to be competitive in export markets and said that while Australian growers want to employ local workers, in many parts of the country the domestic workforce simply isn’t there. To read Mr Whiteside’s full comments, have a look at the story in the Australian Financial Review.

Mr Whiteside also appeared in print commenting on the move by the Australian Blueberry Growers Association to write an industry code of conduct, aimed at helping growers understand their legal and ethical obligations as the urban fringe increasingly impacts on growing areas. Mr Whiteside said the blueberry industry should be applauded for taking the initiative to ensure growers were up-to-date with best-practice farming. The full story is available in the Weekly Times.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 3 April 2018.