AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside appeared in print media this week following concerns that a proposed rail trail between Crookwell and Goulburn could pose a biosecurity risk to Crookwell growers in the certified seed potato industry. Mr Whiteside urged the New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet to undertake a biosecurity risk assessment and implement a biosecurity plan. You can read the full story here.

Mr Whiteside also appeared in print media commenting on Australia’s new country of origin labelling system, saying that AUSVEG hopes online retailers take a proactive approach in promoting the country of origin of fresh produce, instead of using a loophole allowing them to not display country of origin on their websites. His earlier comments about country of origin labelling for fast food restaurants also received new coverage, with the full story available online on the Good Fruit & Vegetables website.

AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote appeared in print commenting on the upcoming elimination of almost all tariffs on Australian fruit, vegetables and nuts exported to China. Mr Coote noted that there was still a lack of market access for the majority of Australia’s exported vegetable commodities preventing them from reaching the Chinese market, but that AUSVEG had recently submitted a market access application for carrots which is currently with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. For more, see the full story on The Weekly Times.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 24 April 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!