AUSVEG Deputy Chair Belinda Adams and AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside appeared in media stories this week covering newly announced amendments to visa programs that are helping Australian growers fill their labour needs. These amendments will allow backpackers to stay longer in Australia and work longer with individual companies, and have extended seasonal worker visas from all participating nations to allow for work periods of nine months. For more, see stories in Good Fruit & Vegetables, Business Insider Australia, and Fresh Fruit Portal.

Mr Whiteside also appeared in media this week congratulating mushroom grower Chris McLoghlin on receiving the Young Farmer of the Year and the Excellence in Technology awards at the 2018 Kondinin Group and ABC Rural Australian Farmer of the Year Awards. Mr Whiteside said that Chris had proven himself as an innovative businessman and strong advocate for the Australian organic industry. For more, see the full story in Good Fruit & Vegetables.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 7 November 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!