The Burst
This is an archive of our electronic newsletter called The Burst. Simply click on the edition number to view the newsletter.
Link to: SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to receive The Burst
– all the latest industry and R&D news for the Australian Berry industry.
2021
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- FAO declares 2021 International Year of Fruits & Vegetables
- The Lost Crop Register has captured over $41m in losses from horticulture producers in the last month. Have you logged your losses?
- The administrators of HARPS have released a revision of the HARPS Standard Version 2.0 for public consultation and grower feedback.
- FSANZ need your input to understand the primary production and processing of berries, leafy vegetables and melons food safety culture, and impacts of COVID-19
- Masterclass in Horticultural Business starting soon – scholarships available for members of the berry industries
- NSW Consultations now open:
- Land Use Planning Strategy
- Coastal Harvestable Rights Review
LABOUR NEWS:
- Useful COVID-19 training and induction video available from Safe Farming Tasmania
- Agribusiness exemption for Qld & NSW extended until 31 March 2021
- FarmReady Hub has a range of resources and helps to prepare workers for jobs in ag
COVID-19:
- At the time of publication, the situation in NSW is still evolving – get the latest information directly from our COVID-19 HUB.
BIOSECURITY NEWS:
- Approval given to research a biopesticide that can target the FAW caterpillar stage
- New Biosecurity Plan for the Berry sector
- Queensland Fruit Fly outbreak in WA
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- If you’re looking for grant or loan funding opportunities, visit this aggregated information database – AgFunding Database – online at Farm Table
- The Lost Crop Register now recording losses topping $48m – make sure you record any monetary losses you experience due to labour shortages
- All WA Berry Growers are invited to an industry meeting on 5 March – live Vietnamese translation will be available (Cuộc họp người trồng WA Berry với bản dịch tiếng Việt)
- Qld: ChemClear are coming in June – register your unwanted Agvet chemicals now
- Qld: QFF partners with Airbnb to grow Qld Agritourism
- NSW: NRAR returns to Coffs Harbour with continued focus on compliance
- NSW: Webinar about growing blueberries in substrate with a focus on nutrition requirements on 12 March
- NSW/Vic: Farmers encouraged to join funded trials to improve phone coverage in rural areas
- WA: Green Snail baiting & inspection time is here
LABOUR NEWS:
- COVID-19 vaccination and the workplace – guidance from FWO and Safe Work Australia
- Victoria announces a series of new initiatives including the Seasonal Harvest Sign-On bonus
- Agribusiness exemption for Qld & NSW extended until 31 March 2021
- Qld: Free industry training on offer for Farm employers to induct new workers
- WA: Recruitment options factsheet available
COVID-19:
- At the time of publication, borders are mostly open – get the latest information directly from our COVID-19 HUB.
BIOSECURITY NEWS:
- QFF Outbreak in the Riverland, SA
- Khapra beetle – lets keep it out
- National Fruit Fly Symposium online 4-6 May 2021
- Tougher new biosecurity penalties announced by the Australian Government
- DAWR still wants to hear from you about the sterile insect technique policy
DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR ALL FLOOD AFFECTED FARMS IN NSW
- Find out what you need to do and what you are eligible for
EXPORT NEWS:
- The Australian Government has announced the extension of IFAM to the end of September 2021
- New plant export legislation starts at 3am on 28 March 2021
- Austrade announces new services to help business grow overseas
EVENTS:
- NSW: Berry Plant Protection Fair – Bucca, 28 April 11-4pm
- Online: Global Berry Conference – Morocco, 7-8 April
- Online: Strawberry Symposium – Italy, 1-5 May
- Online: Climate Research Strategy for Primary Industry Forum – Australia, 29-30 March
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- Permit extension issued for Trichlorfon in berries
- ChemClear are collecting unwanted AgVet chemicals across Queensland in July & August
- Quad Bikes and Side-by-Sides are the largest cause of injury on farms – how can you be safe on these vehicles
LABOUR NEWS:
- National Roadmap to guide Ag Workforce vision has been released by the government
- Jobseeker changes
- Jobkeeper comes to an end on 28 March
- National Farmers Federation implores workers to report underpayment
- Victorian seasonal worker incentives
- Relocation assistance for taking up horticulture work
COVID-19:
- At the time of publication, borders are mostly open – get the latest information directly from our COVID-19 HUB.
BIOSECURITY NEWS:
- QFly eradicated from Dalkeith
- New QFly incident in Coolbellup brings new fruit management requirements at Perth Markets
- National Fruit Fly Symposium, 4-6 May – save the date
- New Fall Armyworm project announced by Hort Innovation
CHEMICAL NEWS:
- New Rubus permit issued for Afidopyropen
- Growcom unveils new look Infopest agvet chemical database service
- Qld ChemClear collection – register before 13 June
- APVMA issue recall notice on Genfarm Panzer 540 herbicide
- Read the latest Ag Chemical Update
EVENTS:
- NSW: Berry Plant Protection Fair – Bucca, 28 April 11-4pm
- NSW: Soil Biology Workshop – Wollongbar, 19 May 10-12pm
- QLD: Reef Water Quality Program Information Sessions – Online & in person from 18 May
- WA: Transitioning to substrate Workshop (strawberries) – Bullsbrook, w/c 24 May 2021
LABOUR NEWS:
- Important survey on the use of Piece Rates – PLEASE PARTICIPATE
- Week of action in Bundaberg region to support seasonal workers – report from Border Force
- FWO updates Horticulture Showcase
- QLD: Support payments, Back to Work Incentive scheme, Check In Qld App & #pickqld
- VIC: Seasonal worker incentives, subsidised quarantine & seasonal sign-on bonus
- Federal Relocation Incentives – for taking up horticulture work
COVID-19:
- At the time of publication, borders are mostly open – get the latest information directly from our COVID-19 HUB.
HORT INNOVATION NEWS:
- Meet the Regional Extension Team
- New plant biosecurity community established
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- 2021 Federal Budget update – what’s in it for Agriculture?
- Draft Strategic Investment Plan – now a combined plan for all of the berry industries – needs your review and feedback now
- National Fruit Fly symposium calls for national strategy commitment
- WA: Green Snail baiting update
- WA: Officially Qfly FREE
- Qld: Last chance to register your unwanted AgVet chemicals for collection
- Tas: Agriculture Minister confirmed
LABOUR NEWS:
- Federal Relocation Incentive Scheme relaunched as AgMove
- Piece Rate Visual Agreement tool from the Fair Work Ombudsman
- WA: New Labour Scheme Facilitator & update on SWP from Melissa Denning
- Qld: Schemes from the state government to incentivise workers, Check In Qld App free for all businesses to use, SafeFarm FREE induction training extended until 30 June 2021
- Vic: Key seasonal workforce initiatives
COVID-19:
- At the time of publication, borders are mostly open – get the latest information directly from our COVID-19 HUB.
- Victorian Update
EXPORT NEWS:
- DAWE Consultation sessions – register now
- Austrade ASEAN Market Briefing – webinar & slides available
- Agri-Business Expansion Initiative explained
- IFAM Briefing – 23 June 11.30 – 12.00pm register to join in
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- Director positions available at Hort Innovation and Plant Health Australia
- Superannuation changes to 10% on 1 July
- NSW: Beehives deliberately doused in fuel killing thousands of bees
- QLD: Emergency On-Farm Water Infrastructure rebate is back
- Events: Qld Berry Industry Fair 8 July, NSW Managing hydroponic crop water in substrate systems 16 July
- NSW: State of the art facility supports advanced nutrition research in Blueberries
- Rubus: New permit issued
LABOUR NEWS:
- Public consultation process open to examine future arrangements for the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS)
- Did you know that if you employ Pacific Islander workers that you must provide induction and training in their language?
- Fatal dismount from moving tractor leads to $150,000 fine
- SafeFarm free induction training still available until 30 June – make the most of inducting your new workers before the free period ends
COVID-19:
- At the time of publication, borders are mostly open – get the latest information directly from our COVID-19 HUB.
EXPORT NEWS:
- AFPA publish their response to the Agricultural Cost Recovery changes for Exporters
- IFAM Briefing – 23 June 11.30 – 12.00pm register to join in
2020
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Berry NextGen Supply Chain Field Trip – 18 February – SEQ
- Moving from Soil to Substrate – 19 February – Woolgoolga NSW
FEATURES:
- 2020 International Year of Plant Health
- GROWER SURVEY: Improving supply chains for horticulture products
- Coffs Harbour area berry growers invited to Fertiliser Stewardship Group Workshop 20 February
- Strategic Agrochemical Review Process starts for all berry crops – we need your input
CLIMATE, DROUGHT & BUSHFIRE INFORMATION:
- Check out the latest BoM Climate outlook issued 16 Jan 2020
- Resources to assist with managing scarce water supplies
- Assistance for Primary Producers affected by bushfires
- NSW Special Disaster Grants of up to $75,000
- A message of support from Hort Innovation
AND IN OTHER NEWS:
- Labour News updates
- 12th International ISHS Vaccinium Symposium – Canada August 28 – September 3, 2020
- Strawberry News
- All Berries News
- Blueberry News
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Berry Industry Information Day – 10 March – Launceston, TAS
- Bee Pollination Expo 2020 – Tuesday 10 March – Woolgoolga, NSW
- Running Brilliant Meetings – 19 March – Launceston, TAS
FEATURES:
- Leadership Programme available for a Rubus Grower – do you have the desire to grow your skills?
- BIOSECURITY ALERT: Fall Armyworm makes its way to Australia’s mainland
- Alternative pollinators for the industry after bee populations seriously damaged by fires
- Woolworths Organic Growth Fund invests heavily in Australian farms with more on offer
- Kaufland stops expansion in Australia
- Queensland – draft requirements for new or expanded cropping and horticulture activities in the Great Barrier Reef catchment under the Reef protection regulations – time to have your say
PEST, DISEASE & CHEMICAL ACCESS UPDATE:
- Methidathion (Suprathion 400 EC Insecticide) – registration cancelled
- Read the latest Ag Chemical Update
- Your industry needs your input – please complete the SARP survey today – deadline extended to Friday 13 March
AND IN OTHER NEWS:
Labour News
Packaging News
Export News
- Berries Australia joins forces with other Horticulture bodies to make joint submission to the Department of Agriculture’s consultation on the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement Plant Exports Certification 2019-2020
- Export Control Bills Package 2019 – Passed by Parliament
BIOSECURITY NEWS
- Fall Armyworm reaches Carnarvon and Bundaberg
- QFly outbreak in Perth
- cesar launch PestCase series of videos
EXPORT MARKET UPDATES:
- WA Government Supported Air Freight into Singapore up to 23 May 2020
- International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) proposals
- China grants access for US blueberries
- Asia Market Update Series Online Seminar: China
BERRY INDUSTRY NEWS
COVID-19 State Updates
HORT INNOVATION NEWS
- Join Hort Innovation for an exclusive Brain Dates webinar on the consumer market environment for horticulture growers during COVID-19
ATO Scam Alert:
Please warn your employees about a scam targeting the JobKeeper payment
AgVet Chemical News:
- the Adverse Experience Reporting Program
- the Recall process for AgVet products
- Agvet Chemicals Regulatory Reform – your feedback is requested
- COVID-19 pesticide training exemption for NSW
In Labour News:
- Fair Farms now backed by all three major retailers
- Fair Work Ombudsman’ Hort Showcase available in 36 languages
- Labour Hire – Queensland – make sure your agency is correctly licenced
- Labour Hire – Victoria – new information campaign for labour-hire workers and an enforcement exemption for all applications submitted prior to midnight on 30 June 2020
- FWO has a dedicated COVID-19 website to help employers understand their responsibilities
- Temporary changes to the Fair Work Act
- Workplace Legal Advice Program pilot
- National Agricultural Workforce Strategy consultation extended to 3rd August
From Hort Innovation:
- Catch the latest Insight Webinar focused on the impact of COVID-19 on produce in the Foodservice sector
- Check out the new International Trade Hub
- Applications are open and supported for a number of scholarship’s for Berry growers to complete the Masterclass in Horticultural Business
- And we’re all in the mood for some good news – watch the latest TV advert in the new The Good Mood Food initiative from Hort Innovation
A round-up of industry news:
- Strawberry Industry News
- DAF Market Trends working group outputs
- Blueberry Industry News
- Tumbarumba Blueberry Farm FOR SALE
- Latest Blueberry Marketing Program
- Rubus Industry News
Important News for all NSW growers – Be informed about NRAR Water Rules
- NRAR’s compliance checks and action will get water users a level playing field
- Wednesday 24th June – webinar on learning how to comply with NSW water laws
COVID-19:
- The COVID-19 hub on our website is continually being updated and expanded to provide an access point for all growers across the country to get the latest information
WEBINAR EVENTS:
- The NSW Marine Estate Clean Coastal Catchments project is inviting you to the next Fertiliser Stewardship Group’s webinar on Friday 17 July at 10.30am
- The latest Blueberry Rust Workshop is also taking place this Friday – register now to attend
- For WA growers, there are two online workshops coming soon
IN OTHER NEWS:
- New Quad bike safety standard fact sheet from the ACCC
- Now is the time to become a change maker: Nuffield applications are now open for 2021
- The state of plant biosecurity in Australia
- Masterclass in Horticultural Business offering online study options
LABOUR NEWS:
- Using Labour Hire – a useful video from the FWO Horticulture Showcase
- Increase to the minimum wage announced
- Penalty charged for the underpayment of Mushroom workers
- FWO extends unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave at half pay
- The Victorian Ag Workforce Plan unveiled
HORT INNOVATION NEWS:
- Trade assessment panels
- My Market Kitchen
- Women in horticulture scholarships
- Category & Consumer Impact Monitor
- Hort Innovation signs a new agreement with the Government
COVID-19:
The COVID-19 hub on our website is continually being updated and expanded to provide an access point for all growers across the country to get the latest information
AGM EVENTS:
- ABGA will be holding their AGM online 14/10/20 from 2pm
- SAI will be holding their AGM online on 15/10/20 from 10am
- RABA will be holding their AGM on 15/10/20 from 2pm
- Please REGISTER to attend these events – Zoom meeting details will be provided to all registrants.
IN OTHER NEWS:
- Export Advices have been issued
- Women who work in the Horticulture sector are invited to apply for funding grants to support their participation in a leadership development program
- Another Permit has been issued to tackle Fall Armyworm in Berries
- An update from the Permits to Label project sees a series of Minor Use Permits surrendered
- Two Strawberry permits renewed
LABOUR NEWS:
- Backpacker tax ruled not discrimatory
- WA Labour webinar available to view on YouTube
- Qld Farms Health Management Plans explained on Podcast
- Qld Workplace Essentials workshops & webinars back on
- Qld Granite Belt audits about to occur
- NSW-Vic Border region permits now available for seasonal workers
HORT INNOVATION NEWS:
- Secure your voting rights now
- Hort Innovation to establish a Levy Payer Register
- Get a Good Mood Food update
- Plant Biosecurity funding has been renewed
LABOUR NEWS:
- Tips for using Labour-hire in Queensland
- NSW launches HelpHarvest web portal
- Fair Work Ombudsman update on compliance activities
- Queensland launches #pickqld campaign
- State governments invest heavily to attract Aussie workers to horticulture jobs during COVID-19 pandemic
- Sage advice on managing workers – especially young backpackers
COVID-19:
- The COVID-19 hub on our website is continually being updated and expanded to provide an access point for all growers across the country to get the latest information
PEST & DISEASE MANAGEMENT:
- What is the notification process following detection of fruit fly larvae in produce sold interstate?
- Corteva to launch new organic insecticide to the Australian market\
- APVMA extends another permit for use on Blueberries and Rubus
- Glyphosate safety remains unchanged – letter from CropLife CEO Matthew Cossey
- APVMA launches its Stakeholder Engagement Framework
- Sterile fruit flies contribute to a reduction in Queensland fruit fly population in two test areas
- WARNING: Unsolicited seed packages arriving by post
OPTIONS FOR UPSKILLING & BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION:
- Women in Horticulture Scholarships still available – deadline extended to 9th October
- Interested in Protected Cropping? Graduate courses now open for enrolment
- Smart Farms Small Grants Round 4 is now open for submissions until 9th October
- Thought about PYO but not sure if it is a good idea – let these growers tell you more
HORT INNOVATION NEWS:
- Extraordinary General Meeting called for 9th October
- Don’t forget to Secure your voting rights now for this years’ AGM
- Get the facts on pollination: Manual now available for the Blueberry industry
AGM EVENTS:
- ABGA will be holding their AGM online 14/10/20 from 2pm
- SAI will be holding their AGM online on 15/10/20 from 10am
- RABA will be holding their AGM on 15/10/20 from 2pm
Don’t forget to REGISTER to attend these events – Zoom meeting details will be provided to all registrants.
LABOUR NEWS:
- Annual Wage Review: 1 November increase includes the Horticulture Award
- Relocation subsidy to take up a new job
- State Updates: WA, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, NSW, Queensland
COVID-19:
The COVID-19 hub on our website is continually being updated and expanded to provide an access point for all growers across the country to get the latest information
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- AGMs bring new committee members
- Women in Technology Awards – Jodi Neale is recognised for her work on the Australian Strawberry Breeding Program
- ACCC announces changes to the Food & Grocery Code
- Queensland Reef Credit Scheme officially launched
- Export PEMS system now available on your mobile phone
- AgTech Strategic Plan triggers $2.4 million investment
- IFAM extended until mid 2021
PEST & DISEASE MANAGEMENT:
- Fall Armyworm reaches NSW
- Get on top of Fruit Fly early
- APVMA launches new Spray Drift guidance documents
HORT INNOVATION NEWS:
- Qld innovative Berry company awarded Churchill Fellowship
- Extraordinary General Meeting outcomes
- International Market Access Assessment Panel meets again on 25th November
- Annual reports now available for 2019/20 – download them here
- Masterclass in Horticultural Business open for 2021
CELEBRATE NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY:
- #AgDayAU – Share the love on Social Media on Friday 20 November
LABOUR NEWS:
- Horticulture Award 2020 now fully in force – make sure you’re using the rates
- TAS restarts SWP with Tassie Government covering quarantine cost
COVID-19:
- The COVID-19 hub on our website is continually being updated and expanded to provide an access point for all growers across the country to get the latest information – check the latest Border Restrictions and keep up with what you need to manage workers in your state.
INDUSTRY EVENTS:
- NSW Fertiliser Stewardship Group Webinar 20 November 10:30 AEDT – learn about common chemical, physical and biological soil constraints that can affect crop production.
- Rubus SARP industry consultation workshop open to all Rubus growers 26 November 10:00 AEDT
- Bugs you really don’t want – Five key pests are discussed focusing on what to look for and how to manage them 24 November 17:00 AEDT (16:00 Qld Time)
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- Help the Fight Food Waste CRC to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of the Australian food industry by completing this 15-minute research survey.
- A handy summary has been produced which outlines the different funding schemes, loans, grant & subsidies that are currently available to support primary producers in Queensland
- A blueprint for national cooperation on fruit fly has been released covering 2020-2025
- Western Australia commits $25m to Healthy Estuaries WA focusing on improving the health of 7 key estuary systems
- Small-to-medium sized enterprises in WA – including primary producers – can now apply for vouchers to the value of $10,000 to engage experts to help them to grow their business.
HORT INNOVATION NEWS:
- The strategic investment planning process gets an overhaul, based on feedback from growers
- An update on the progress of the Levy Payer Register proposed by Hort Innovation
- Don’t forget that the AGM for Hort Innovation is coming up on Friday 27 November at 12pm AEDT
LOST CROP REGISTER:
- The NFF Hort Council in conjunction with Growcom, have launched a Lost Crop Register to capture information from horticulture about the impact of labour shortfalls.
NSW DISASTER ASSISTANCE:
- Disaster assistance has been made available for a number of local government areas in Northern New South Wales through jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
LABOUR NEWS:
- The Seasonal work (SWP/PLS) trial program has been extended in Queensland until 4 March 2021
- Big Victorian Harvest program launched by Agriculture Victoria
- South Australia’s government announces $4.45m boost to create a multi-pronged approach to fill vacancies
- In a cheeky trans-Tasman move, Tourism Australia launches a campaign to attract Kiwis to work in Australia
- NSW Government launches a $15m initiative for upskilling Agriculture
- AFPA releases its plan for Australia’s Hort Harvest workforce
- In Qld, the FarmReady Hub is launched to help address skills and labour shortages
- Thankful4Farmers launches Go and Pick campaign to attract school leavers to rural jobs
COVID-19:
- At the time of publication, the situation in NSW is still evolving – get the latest information directly from our COVID-19 HUB.
BIOSECURITY NEWS:
- Serpentine Leafminer has been detected in Queensland – find out more about this significant pest and how to identify it
- Be a biosecurity warrior – a new campaign launched by the departments of agriculture and primary industries across Australia
ACCC NEWS:
- The ACCC’s Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry Report recommends the introduction of an unfair trading practices prohibition
HORT INNOVATION NEWS:
- A further FAQ about the Levy Payer Register proposed by Hort Innovation
- Check out the new Directors, Chair, and Deputy Chair elected at the AGM for Hort Innovation
2019
- Welcome to the new industry development & communication project from Berries Australia
- Australian Pollinator Week – 10-17 November – Get involved in your community
- Documentary film made by Driscoll’s – The Last Harvest
- Bureau of Meteorology launches Climate Guides by region
- LABOUR NEWS – FWO Updates, Qld Govt prosecutions under Labour Hire Laws, ABARES Farm Survey Results, NFF Response to ABARES Survey, Backpacker Tax ruled invalid
- Chemicals needed for farming but so is cooperation
- NSW Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) Coffs Harbour compliance campaign enters Phase 2
- Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 from 11 October 2019
- AgriFutures™ Horizon Scholarship applications now open
- HORT INNOVATION NEWS – AGM 22 November, Annual fund reports now available, Latest Minor Use Permits
- It’s time to get bush fire ready
- Report released from the Inquiry into Wage Theft in Western Australia
- National Landcare Program: Smart Farms Small Grants Round 3 Closes 19 December
- Property Identification Reform: View the Berries Australia submission to the consultation
- Future Drought Fund: Have your say
- LABOUR NEWS – Regional Agriculture Migration Package, Christmas parties & safety, Sun Safety at work, Victorian Labour Hire rules now in force, Qld: Changes to Workers Comp
- Masterclass in Horticultural Business: Apply now for 2020
- HORT INNOVATION NEWS – New Board Members New podcast: bust myths and boost business
DROUGHT & WATER EFFICIENCY FOCUS:
- QFF welcomes additional drought declarations across SEQ
- Getting help with managing drought – there is a lot of assistance available
- Latest climate outlook from the BoM issued 12 Dec 2019
- Assorted tools & resources to help you manage your water more efficiently
IN OTHER NEWS:
- Are you ready for FRESHCARE 4.1?
- Be Quad Safe this Summer
- Masterclass in Horticultural Business: Apply now for 2020
- Labour News
- Amended Minor Use Permit: PER87797 FOR CONTROL OF APHIDS IN STRAWBERRIES
- HORT INNOVATION NEWS – Horticulture Sustainability Framework
And finally – Berry Nog for Christmas thanks to Driscoll’s USA
