FS32 by Effigy Creative Pty Ltd

print post approved pp 424022/00429

ISSUE: THIRTY-TWO MAY/2010

02-10

Magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited

Resea rch shows “handle lychees with care” p14

climate chang e - why action now is a cost effective insurance

p20

Cr u nch time for overseas apple entry p18

source

YOUR SOURCE OF FRESH INFORMATION FOR THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY.

growers wholesalers

retailers exporters processors transporters secondary wholesalers

c e o ’s

Co m m e n t

Results on Track

Brisbane Markets Limited’s (BML) half year results again show an ongoing strong performance with dividends continuing to be paid to shareholders. We are now seeing our masterplanning work coming to fruition with further new developments about to commence.

The company achieved a realised profit after tax of $3.726 million for the half year and as at 31 December 2009, had net assets of $100.69 million. The report on page 6 highlights BML’s results. BML Board meeting in Bowen The BML Board of Directors headed north in mid May to meet with representatives from the Bowen District Growers Association (BDGA), discuss industry issues and view first-hand the infrastructure in the region. The two-day visit was a great success with both the BDGA and the BML Board gaining a better understanding of the opportunities and threats faced by the industry and the need to work collaboratively in dealing with these issues.

BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED ABN 39 064 983 017 PO Box 80, Brisbane Markets, Brisbane, Queensland 4106 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au w: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Marketing and Communications Manager Brisbane Markets Limited p: 07 3915 4200 or 1800 631 002 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au

The highlight of the visit was the BDGA Annual Dinner which included some fierce bidding for crabs to compete in the crab-racing contest. It was all in good fun with over $7,000 raised for the Glen McGrath Foundation, the funds from which go to breast cancer research. The BML Board has a memorandum of understanding in place with the BDGA, and a similar agreement with the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers. It is hoped that we will be working more closely with other growing regions in the future. Our thanks go to the BDGA Chairman, Carl Walker and Executive Officer, Denise Kreymborg for coordinating what was an enjoyable and successful trip. Fresh Centre gets the green light The BML Board has signed off on the planned refurbishment of Building F (formerly home to Growcom). The refurbished building will become “Fresh Centre”, the new commercial hub of the Brisbane Markets and home to both BML and the industry organisation, Brismark. A range of contractual issues are now being finalised with the construction company, Wiley & Co, with work set to progress over the coming month.

Fresh Source is the magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited. New editions of the magazine are printed bi-monthly. Advertising and editorial inquiries are welcome and media outlets are invited to use material with or without acknowledgement.

DESIGN Effigy p: 07 3265 4445 | PRINT Buckner Printing p: 07 3865 9677 | PAPER Dalton Paper p: 07 3326 6800

Fresh Source is printed on Australian made recycled stock.

Northern warehouse set to progress Construction of a new 4,700m2 northern warehouse, Building M1, to be built to the west of the IGA Fresh Distribution Centre, is set to progress. BML is finalising contractual details with Watpac Speciality Services, the construction company selected following a comprehensive tender process. Progressing construction of the new warehouse will represent a further significant milestone in relation to BML’s Masterplan for the site. See more on page 10. Retailer of the Year - Clayfield Markets Fresh A highlight at the recent Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner was the announcement of the Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Year. The coveted award was won by Clayfield Markets Fresh, a well deserved win.

Contents FRESH UPDATES News in brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p4 FRESH FROM THE MARKETS

Brisbane Markets Ag Hall on the move in 2011. . . . . . . . . p6 Half yearly profit figures released. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p6 History task force appointed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p7 A 2010 fire and ice gala dinner spectacular. . . . . . . . . . . . . p8 Sponsors make it possible. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p8 Industry leader’s suprise recognition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p9 New northern warehouse takes shape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p10 Visiting the Markets a surprising discovery. . . . . . . . . . . . p10

FRESH WHOLESALING

Future indusry leaders sample wholesalers’ hospitality. p12 Chinchilla Melon Festival preparations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p12 Lawerence, the politician’s pumpkin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p13 Research shows “handle lychees with care”. . . . . . . . . . . . p14 Bowen and Brisbane Markets relationship renewed. . . . p15 New guide for junior executive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p15

FRESH INDUSTRY Chemicals under review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p16 Brisbane Markets joins Primary Industries Week. . . . . . . p16 Who speaks when our industry comes under fire. . . . . . p17 Citrus Australia appoints new chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p18 Crunch time for overseas apple entry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p18 Unfair dismissals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p19 Climate change - why action now is a cost effective insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p20 Software bears fruit for small to medium businesses. . . p21 Water pipelines boom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p22 Funding boost to grow national strawberry plan. . . . . . . p22 Talking apples and pears. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p23 Rediscovering the pear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p23 Brisbane Markets a platinum partner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p24 Workplace breaches impacting town’s image. . . . . . . . . . p25 Grower visit to Brisbane Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p25

Congratulations to Carlo and Susan and their team who were winners ahead of an impressive field of finalists.

Andrew Young Chief Executive Officer

FEATURE

LONG RANGE WEATHER FORECASTING Talking about the weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p26 Long range weather forecasting - what’s it all about? . . . p26 The Winter outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p27

FRESH RETAILING

Clayfield Markets Fresh wins the big prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . p28 No excuse not to join Fresh Tastes in 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . p29

FRESH AND HEALTHY

Teachers give A+ to Queensland Kids Fresh Net. . . . . . . . p30 Sponsorships keep the healthy message alive. . . . . . . . . . p30

Updates Safer passage for buyers

Volcano little issue to fruit and veg exports

Brisbane Produce Market became a safer

Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption

place for members of the public in April,

grounded aircraft to and from Europe in

however it comes at a cost with public

April, leaving up to half a million dollars

entry reduced to two days per week.

worth of Australian food on the ground,

The shopping window for the public has become a one-and-a-half hour time slot on Thursday and Friday only, from 10.00am to 11.30am. All orders, forklifts and pallets are now removed from the trading floor by 10.00am each Thursday and Friday to avoid trying to work around visitor’s vehicles and pedestrians.

but much less fresh fruit and vegetables than would have been effected if it had occurred at a different time of year. Brisbane Markets Joe Saina, of AS Barr Exports, said Australia was fortunate that not much fruit was exported by air to Europe at this time of year, with mandarins and onions travelling by sea freight. Harrowsmiths International Pty Ltd’s Alistair Brown, said air space had tightened and there was little flexibility when booking air cargo, mainly due to the backlog of products that were taking some weeks to move in and out of Europe.

Plum that fights the effects of age

Counting their blessing after Cyclone Ului

A commercial agreement has just been

While cane farmers are still counting their losses from the wild weather

signed for a plum bred by Queensland

caused by Cyclone Ului, some fruit and vegetable growers are counting

scientists that could help fight the effects

their blessings that they were not harder hit.

of aging and lifestyle diseases.

Bowen's horticulture industry was spared the devastating impacts

The Queensland Government has

of the cyclone with most reports surrounding debris and some

partnered with Nutrafruit Pty Ltd to see

farm infrastructure.

the Queen Garnet plum produced as a high-antioxidant fresh fruit variety and as a nutraceutical ingredient. Researchers have determined that one glass of Queen Garnet plum juice

Most growers had not planted seedlings so crops in the region were mainly unaffected. However, growers in the Mackay and Proserpine area were not as fortunate with reports of banana plantations being wiped out.

contains as much antioxidants as drinking

For more information on weather, take a look at the Long Range Weather

two small glasses of red wine, six cups of

Forecasting feature on pages 26 and 27 in this edition of Fresh Source.

tea or 12 glasses of orange juice.

Conferences galore

Gas exploration idea choking growers

April, May and June have become the

Growers concerned they are being pushed out of prime cropping lands

busiest months of the year with a range

have a fresh wave of concern with the announcement that the Queensland

of conferences and industry events sponsored and attended by Brisbane Produce Market.

Government is asking for tenders to explore potential sites for the underground storage of greenhouse gases from coal-fired power stations. Mines and Energy Minister, Stephen Robertson, said there was 66,000 square kilometres of land being explored including the Roma-Wandoan

Watch out in the next Fresh Source

and Chinchilla-Moonie areas in the state's southern region.

edition for a full run down on the big

He has assured farmers that existing property rights will be respected.

events, including the Australian Chamber

However, AgForce president John Cotter says the State Government will

Conference, Australian Low Chill

have to guarantee water quality is not going to be affected.

Stonefruit Conference, Bowen District

"The most valuable thing this nation owns is water and much of that is

Growers Gala Dinner, Ausveg Congress

underground," he said.

and the Fresh Connections Produce

Mr Cotter says he remains sceptical that underground storage of gas

Marketing Association conference.

will be safe.

from the

Markets Brisbane Markets Half yearly Ag Hall on the profit figures move in 2011 released Devotees of the ever popular Brisbane

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) is on

Markets Agriculture Hall at the Royal

track for another strong year with its half

National Show, the Ekka, will see it’s last

yearly results showing a realised profit

year in the tired aging building.

after tax of $3.726 million, excluding the

Research by the Royal National

impact of property valuations.

Agricultural and Industrial Association of

In what has been a difficult year for

Queensland (RNA) has shown the hall to

many Queensland businesses,

be the third favourite pavilion at the Ekka,

BML has worked hard across all divisions

with patrons flocking to it each year.

to deliver its strong first half of the

The Brisbane Markets Agricultural Hall is a Mecca of activity each year with over

financial year result, and positioning itself for future growth.

1,000 children donning chef’s hats and

Brisbane Markets CEO, Andrew Young,

learning how to cook fresh produce in

said BML continued to consistently

a fun and educating experience. Local

deliver returns in line with company

Fresh Tastes retailers also dazzle show

projections.

visitors with their cooking prowess, not to mention the fantastic tasting samples handed out to hungry showgoers.

Shareholders received an interim dividend of 4.25 cents per share, fully franked plus a special dividend of

During the 10-day Ekka, the hall is

0.5 cents per share, also fully franked,

also home to a number of grower

in respect of the half year ended

associations, youth exhibits and other

31 December 2009.

industry bodies.

Mr Young said BML is progressing

This year’s Ekka will be held

a number of capital expenditure

5 – 14 August 2010.

projects, including the development of a new western access road, car parks and building platform, a new northern warehouse and the Fresh Centre Development, which involves the refurbishment of the three-storey Building F, formerly home to Growcom.

VISITORS TO THE BRISBANE MARKETS AGRICULTURE HALL HAVE ONE MORE YEAR LEFT TO VISIT THE OLD BUILDING BEFORE IT RELOCATES TO NEW PREMISES.

History task force appointed Former Brisbane Markets wholesaler

The current historical collection has yet

and consultant Arch Martin has been

to be catalogued.

appointed chairman of a Brisbane Markets History Task Force that will oversee the collation of Brisbane’s fresh fruit and vegetable market history.

Mr Martin said he was looking forward to the task of seeing what had already been collected, helping identify photographs and working on ways to

He is joined by a team of wholesalers

present the history to the Brisbane

including Brisbane Markets Limited

Markets community.

(BML) Chair Tony Joseph and

For more information email

Brismark Chair Gary Lower, aided by

history@brisbanemarkets.com.au

BML CEO Andrew Young and a small administration team. The work has already begun, locating the many photographs and donated items

RISBANE MARKETS HISTORY TASK FORCE CHAIR ARCH MARTIN EXPANDING THE HISTORICAL COLLECTION

stored in both BML and Brismark storage areas and relocating them to a newly

the collection’s progress and helping source and review information using his wealth of Market contacts and experience. Mr Martin has been involved in the Brisbane Markets since 1941, starting in the Turbot Street days. He served as a Queensland Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables Board member from 1956, including being a foundation member of the Trust that planned and built the current Brisbane Markets at Rocklea.

• Quality Inspections and Loss Assessments

• Established Interstate Network For All Services • Waste Veriﬁcation and Digital Photography

N E MA R

• Outturn and Pre-Export Inspections and Assessments

• Independent Produce Assessments and Downgrading

AS Barr, in 1984, and returning as a

• Historic Market Data and Market Intelligence Reports

• Temperature Monitoring and Logger Recovery

PR O

before selling his wholesale business,

Totally Independent and Impartial • Brisbane Daily Fruit and Vegetable Market Reports

He served in a range of board positions

Fruit & Vegetable Marketing Consultants

representing the task force, overseeing

Fresh market information

Mr Martin will play a pivotal role in

Gate Complex.

B RI

appointed history room in the South

E S U RV

consultant with his business and another well known identity, Murray Livingstone, who only recently passed away.

Ph (07) 3379 4576 Fax (07) 3379 4103 Infocall 1902 262 580 E-mail adminmis@ausmarket.net.au Web www.ausmarket.net.au

from the

Markets A 2010 fire and ice gala dinner spectacular The who’s who of Brisbane Markets wholesalers and industry guests poured into the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre for the Brisbane

Sponsors make it possible

Produce Market’s Annual Gala Dinner, creating a “Fire and Ice” spectacular GALA DINNER SUPPORTERS JOHN AND BELINDA HEYDEN, FROM PRISTINE CLEANING, STRIKE A FIERY POSE.

to remember. Over 550 guests were treated to a night of glamour, fire and ice that included aerialists, fire dancers and live dance music into the night.

The Brisbane Markets Community would like to

The Gala Dinner is an annual event,

thank the following sponsors

hosted by Brismark and Brisbane Markets

for making the 20010 Brisbane

Limited. It is a night of dancing and

Produce Market Gala Dinner

networking for the Market’s community

possible:

Many of South East Queensland’s top

Major Sponsors

30 finalist greengrocers were also in

Zupps Truck Centre

attendance to hear the announcement

Toyota Material Handling Wiley & Co Hopgood Ganim Schultz & Burns Projects

MAJOR BRISBANE MARKETS SPONSOR ZUPPS TRUCK CENTRE, ROCKLEA, HOSTED A TABLE OF 10, HEADED UP BY GENERAL MANAGER, MICHAEL GLEESON, PICTURED WITH HIS WIFE ANNA.

of the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Year. Read about the winner and Fresh Tastes program on pages 27 and 28.

Pty Ltd Civil Unlimited Crisp Power & Control Densway Transhipping Sponsors Carbon House Origin Energy JJ Richards Westpac Banking Corporation Effigy Design Buckner Printing Good Fruit & Vegetables Supporters AustSafe Super CHEP Pristine Cleaning Ironbark Software

GLAMMED UP WHOLESALERS (FROM LEFT) WERE TERRI CLARKE FROM FAVCO; FRANCESCA LASPINA FROM ROMEOS; AND CAMERON KEDWELL FROM PERSHOUSE PRODUCE.

Industry leader’s surprise recognition Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew

• Lobbying at all levels of

“He is a policy driver, a visionary

Young received an unexpected

government for a fairer and

and a media voice in guiding

accolade from the fruit and vegetable

workable Horticulture Code of

Queensland’s fruit and vegetable

wholesale industry at its annual

Conduct, working closely with

Brisbane Produce Market dinner

the Central Markets Association

when he was recognised for 20 years

of Australia, Australian Chamber

“His policy position and strategy has

of outstanding leadership.

representatives, grower associations

influenced the industry’s direction

and the Brismark Board, as well as

on a national wholesaling level,

More than 550 of Mr Young’s peers, and his family, were on hand to see the industry leader recognised through a slideshow tribute and presentation of a plaque. Mr Young had thought he would be on stage to hand out awards to the finalists of the Brisbane Produce Market’s Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Year competition but instead became

liaising with politicians and keeping the issues top of mind in the media. • Actively addressing issues impacting the marketing sector of

Australian United Fresh Wholesaler of

lobbying and the media.

the Year award for his leadership and

• Providing research after conducting

• Overhauling the Brismark Credit

Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, the UK

• Successfully steering Queensland’s only central fruit and vegetable market, with an annual trade of approximately 600,000 tonnes valued at more than $1 billion, with

Service, which is now the largest

up to 3,500 people working or doing

credit service in any Australian

business on the site on a daily basis.

Central Market. • The formation of Landacq Limited,

Brisbane Markets Limited Chairman Tony Joseph paid tribute to Mr Young

which later became the vehicle to

who he said had led the charge to

purchase the Brisbane Markets site

form stronger relationships with

from the Queensland Government.

growers, grower associations, retailers

• The development of a 10-year

service to the industry.

an International Central Markets

and Europe.

including:

Mr Young sits on a range of industry

industry forums, government

The gathering heard how over

and Australia, with achievements

taking his lead on policy position.”

boards and in 2005 was awarded the

study tour throughout the USA,

face of wholesaling in Queensland

with Australian wholesaling chapters

the horticulture industry through

the one who was honoured.

two decades he had changed the

wholesale market place.

and other supply chain partners.

$150 million dollar Master Plan for

“Andrew Young is a leader from

the aging Brisbane Markets 77ha

whom people from across Australia

site at Rocklea.

take direction,” Mr Joseph said.

A SURPRISED BRISBANE MARKETS CEO, ANDREW YOUNG (RIGHT) ACCEPTED AN AWARD FROM BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED CHAIRMAN TONY JOSEPH, RECOGNISING 20 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP.

from the

Markets New northern warehouse takes shape Construction of the proposed northern

a further significant investment in the

warehouse, Building M1, to be located to

industry by BML.

the west of Brisbane Market’s IGA Fresh Distribution Centre, is set to commence over the coming weeks. Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has formalised leasing arrangements with KP (Qld) Pty Ltd and Peter Kedwell Enterprises Pty Ltd. The tenancy arrangement is the culmination of two years’ work since

The building will be constructed using insulated panel and will have direct access to Sherwood Road via the new western access road. It is anticipated that construction will be completed by early 2011. Visitors to Brisbane Markets will notice further big changes over the next few

expressions of interest for tenancy of

months as Brisbane Markets Limited

the building were first called, and the

(BML) progresses its 10-year $150 million

comprehensive planning and design

master planned redevelopment, with a

processes that progressed over the past

western access road, new gatehouse and

12 months.

car parks.

Watpac Limited has been contracted

Spokesperson for the companies

to construct the building, following a

tenanting the new warehouse, Peter

competitive tender process.

Kedwell, said he was excited about the

The warehouse, which will have a

prospect of moving into a state of the art,

lettable area totalling 4,718m² represents

purpose-built facility.

Visiting the markets a surprising discovery Hundreds of grower groups or

To arrange a visit, contact Vanessa

overseas missions visit the Brisbane

Kennedy, Brisbane Markets Industry

Markets annually.

Liaison Officer on 07 3915 4200,

It is an invaluable opportunity for growers to: • Meet with their wholesaler • See how their product is marketed • Compare their product quality, sizing and packaging with their competitors • Inspect the cool chain process • Discuss industry issues, industry food safety requirements, product specifications and terms of trade.

0438 388 111, 1800 631 002 or email vkennedy@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

Brismark’s COMMITMENT to Growers Our wholesalers have a demonstrated commitment to growers trading in the Brisbane Produce Market. Just some of the hands-on initiatives to support growers include: • • • • • • •

Sponsorships Conference participation Grower kits Grower delegations Dedicated Industry Liaison Ofﬁcer Grower Hotline Handy publications

Brismark and its members have worked hard over many years to put systems in place to provide the highest levels of service for produce marketing and distribution.

Brisbane Markets, Sherwood Road, Rocklea, Brisbane, Qld 4106, PO Box 70, Brisbane Markets, Qld 4106 Ph: (07) 3915 4222 Fax: (07) 3915 4221 Email: admin@brismark.com.au Web: www.brismark.com.au

BMK9585/C

To ﬁnd out more about your Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers, visit www.brismark.com.au or phone the free Grower Hotline on 1800 631 002.

Wholesaling Future industry leaders sample wholesalers’ hospitality Some of Australia’s future horticultural

Participants from Queensland included

leaders sampled the hospitality of

Cherie Gambley (Department of

Brisbane Markets wholesalers during

Employment, Economic Development

a Growing Leaders National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program workshop.

and Innovation - DEEDI), David Carey (DEEDI), Ewen Holzberger (Austchilli),

The six month program, delivered

Lisa Crooks (Riverview Herbs) and Max

through Horticulture Australia Limited,

Horvarth (Horvarth Hydroponics).

chose Brisbane Produce Market as a tour and workshop destination during its first

The course covers leadership

three-day Brisbane residential.

skills, handling conflict, effective

Brisbane Produce Markets sponsored an

communication, efficient meetings,

early morning tour and hosted one-day

high performance team building,

of the intensive workshop days for the

managing change, media training and

13 students.

involved hosting an industry dinner.

GROWING LEADERS NATIONAL VEGETABLE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED (SEATED FROM LEFT) MELBOURNE WHOLESALER VINCENT BRANCATISANO, RIJK ZWAAN AUSTRALIA’S HARRY SINGH TURNER, WOLFIE’S FARMS’ BRODIE WOLFENDEN AND FLAVORITE HYDROPONIC TOMATOES’ CHRIS MILLIS.

Chinchilla Melon Festival preparations The world renowned Chinchilla Melon Festival may be 10 months away but Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers have already begun discussions with committee members to assist in its development. Four festival committee members spoke with wholesalers and Brisbane Markets marketing team to gauge their ideas on how to make the February 2011 festival even more successful than previous years. The award winning festival is heavily sponsored by the Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers and attracts thousands of people to Chinchilla for events such as melon skiing, melon ironman, melon bungee, melon bull’s eye and pip spitting. The next anual event will be held from 17 to 20 February 2011.

Lawerence, the politician’s pumpkin It’s not often a pumpkin almost as big

Lawerence the Pumpkin was soon snapped

as Cinderella’s coach is transported into

up by Brisbane Produce Market wholesaler

Brisbane Produce Market, and even more

David Pershouse, of Pershouse Produce,

surprising that the giant gourd was lovingly

and retailer Mark Griffiths, of Milton Fruit

nurtured by a leading Queensland politician.

Bowl, who paid a combined $1,000 for the

The arrival of the quickly dubbed

outstanding gourd.

“Lawerence the Pumpkin”, fresh from the

Lawerence was put on show on the Brisbane

gardens of the State’s Deputy Opposition

Produce Market Central Trading Floor to

leader Lawrence Springborg, raised plenty

raise more funds for the RFDS before

of media interest for Brisbane Produce

being transported to Milton Fruit Bowl,

Market and money for the Royal Flying

and eventually put out to pasture.

Doctor Service (RFDS).

It’s said that the real Lawrence

The 304kg whopper was first introduced to

has taken back the seeds and

the public at the Inglewood Show where

will be attempting an even

the Springborg family set the record for

bigger pumpkin for next

growing Queensland’s largest pumpkin, a

year’s Inglewood Show.

massive 120cm in diameter and 72.5cm high. The media attention it gained gave Mr Springborg the idea of selling his prize pumpkin for charity.

SIZING UP HIS PUMPKIN OPTIONS, DAVID PERSHOUSE, OF PERSHOUSE PRODUCE, ATOP THE GIANT GOURD, BETTER KNOWN AS LAWERENCE THE PUMPKIN.

scale / printer series

Customer targeted visuals LCD with wide viewing angles and less screen reflection. Advertising capability. Easy setup Wireless as standard TCP/IP networking, POS functions as standard, cash drawer ready, no license fees required for software functions. Faster user learning & operation Intuitive 7” LCD touchpad screen, floating operator and multi-operator. Bar code scanning by USB and cash drawer ready. Business Support & Data Management Virtual receipt: past and present. Reporting journals by day/ week/month/product/operator. Reports can be retrieved by back-of-house as often as required to monitor operator workload (vendor supplied software required).

May2010_Freshsource_Half_HeatandControl.indd 1

Contact Heat and Control ICP Division Ph: 07 3877 6426 icp@heatandcontrol.com.au

14 Apr 2010 09:10:11

Wholesaling Research shows â&#x20AC;&#x153;handle lychees with careâ&#x20AC;? Brismark has undertaken a research project that will help improve the eating experience of lychees for consumers and hopefully boost sales for Queensland growers. The wholesaler service organisation partnered with Horticulture Australia Limited to assess the quality and handling of fresh lychees in retail outlets during the busy post Christmas season. The research which involved surveying 50 lychee retailers quickly identified the need to implement education on correct

Limited retail knowledge While 92% of respondents employed a range of measures to combat browning issues, their knowledge of what caused browning and how best to address it was extremely limited. Limiting the size of lychee displays was cited as the most popular way to address browning issues. The single biggest need identified was for an improvement in retailer education on correct handling practices for lychees.

handling practices so that the fruit could

Recommendations

be delivered to consumers in the best

The recommendations to industry

possible condition to enhance their

include developing a fruit and vegetable

eating experience.

retailer handling education program as a

Examining the processes

priority, along with a consumer handling

The research involved examining

education program.

lychee handling processes at the retail

The potential outcomes of these

level and assessing fruit and vegetable

recommendations are significant to

retailer knowledge of issues affecting

the lychee industry and will see the

lychee quality.

improvement of product quality at fruit

It also reported on the affects of handling of lychees which affected the visual quality of the fruit along with an analysis of lychee in-store displays and presentation. The results indicate that the number one quality issue for fruit and vegetable retailers is fruit browning, particularly during display.

and vegetable retailers and may see the consumer demand for lychees increase.

Bowen and Brisbane Markets relationship renewed Bowen District Growers Association

The BDGA agreement includes a

has always known how to put on a

range of marketing and promotional

shindig but, as Fresh Source went to

opportunities for both organisations.

print, Brisbane Markets Board Members joined the fun of the crab races at the

Over the past two years, both

organisation’s lively annual gala dinner.

organisations worked together on

The night, and earlier farm tours,

industry issues; supported a dispute

was a fitting relationship booster after

resolution framework for members; and

Brisbane Markets recently renewed its

identified opportunities where both

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

could benefit through co-operation.

with the organisation, extending the friendship a further two years. The agreement is one of two MOUs with Queensland grower

The MOU included an annual $10,000 sponsorship package to assist the growers fund projects and support

organisations, with a second being

the work of its Industry Development

signed with Bundaberg Fruit and

Officer. See the BDGA report on Page

Vegetable Growers in 2009.

24 for more details.

BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED CHAIR TONY JOSEPH, AND DAUGHTER NICOLE, WITH THEIR RACING CRABS AT THE BOWEN DISTRICT GROWERS ASSOCIATIONS FUNDRAISING GALA DINNER. NICOLE’S NO 13 TOOK OUT LINE HONOURS.

New guide for Junior Executive Lavender and Sons Principal and Brismark Board Member Gary Lavender is to guide the Brisbane Markets Junior Executive

the industry super fund for rural and regional Australia

Committee over the coming year, but in a new twist, a Junior Executive member will chair the meeting. Mr Lavender replaces former Board Member Derek Barea, who sold his wholesaling business in 2009. The Junior Executive Committee was established as a training ground for up and coming younger members of the Brisbane Produce Market community who are looking to take more responsibility and possibly nominate as a Brismark director in the future.

Your IndustrY super Fund AustSafe Super is a true blue industry super fund established by people in the country for people in the country. Make sure you’re with a fund that carries this symbol.

c all 1300 131 293 or visit www.austsafe.com.au ^Based on independent research by SuperRatings. Fees may vary in the future. Austsafe Pty Ltd ABN 96 010 528 597 AFSL 314183 RSE Licence L0002035 is the Trustee of AustSafe Super ABN 92 398 191 503 RSE Registration R1005509 SFN 147 555 940 SPIN ASF0001AU

ASS1030

Industry Chemicals under review Two chemicals commonly used to treat

However, a National Response Plan is

produce for Queensland fruit fly are being

being developed to look at the issue and

reviewed by the Australian Pesticides and

a Response Coordination Committee

Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

is examining systems based measures

and will most likely become restricted or prohibited in the future.

to allow the interstate trade in many important lines of produce to continue, such as strawberries.

There is no suitable chemical to replace dimethoate and fenthion.

Brismark General Manager, Ian Main, said the new approach was likely to

The news has not been well received by

impact the the way Central Market

the Queensland strawberry industry which

Wholesalers operated.

relies on the chemicals at various times of

He said Brismark had established links

the year to allow it to send fruit south to

with the committee to keep informed of

the larger Sydney and Melbourne markets.

its progress.

Brisbane Markets joins Primary Industries Week Brisbane Markets joined farmers and their associated

"The strength of the sector should also be celebrated with a

organisations right across Queensland to celebrate the 15th

gross value product estimated to be an impressive 8% higher

annual Primary Industries Week, held in late April.

than last year," he said.

The Brisbane Produce Market Queensland Kids Fresh Net Team helped educate up to 550 Brisbane primary school children who attended a Rural Discovery Day at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds. The event was one of many celebrations, including award ceremonies across the state to draw attention to the $13 billion primary industries sector and the significant economic growth of both regional and urban Queensland. Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin even called into the Brisbane Markets to meet with wholesalers and discuss their role in the future of the industry. "One in eight jobs in the Queensland workforce is either partially or entirely supported by the agricultural supply chain, so it is a critical area of employment and growth, particularly in regional Queensland,â&#x20AC;? Mr Mulherin said.

BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S VANESSA KENNEDY (CENTRE) SPREADS THE GO FOR 2 & 5 MESSAGE WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HER FRIENDS DURING PRIMARY INDUSTRIES WEEK.

Who speaks when our industry comes under fire? The horticulture industry is

In previous years, Fresh Produce

This position is supported by the

facing damage from the lack of an

Watch would have made comment

results of the Australian Chamber

appointed industry advocate who can

but this organisation has been

of Fruit and Vegetables Industries

speak on its behalf when it comes

dissolved through industry political

Fresh Test program which highlights

under attack for not being clean and

power plays.

ongoing high levels of food safety

green enough.

The government body, Australian

compliance.

The phones rang hot the day after

Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines

Queensland's fruit and vegetable

Channel Nineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 60 Minutes and the

Authority (APVMA), had initially

grower body, Growcom, and the

ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7.30 Report programs reported

sent information to the 60 Minutes

Australian Macadamia Society also

the grievances of a fish hatchery

program, which was not used, and

later condemned the report.

owner in Noosa who claimed she,

refused to comment on camera.

her fish and her animals were being

The APVMA was heavily critized by

poisoned by deadly and body-

the 60 Minutes program for its lack

deforming sprays from a nearby

of comment and thus a one-sided

macadamia farm.

report was produced.

The chemicals were identified as

The following day, the APVMA

endosulfan and carbendazim.

released a statement saying,

The 60 Minutes program included scenes of deformed people from

"The proposition that the Australian public is at risk from ... endosulfan

The two bodies said there had been a review of pesticides in the macadamia industry, which is due for release in late May or early June. They also said there had been a significant increase in the use of integrated pest management in the past five years.

and carbendazim is not supported

The issue has not gone away.

by the evidence."

The fish hatchery owner has begun

Noosa fish hatchery, in an unproven

The APVMA said both chemicals

legal proceedings against the

link suggesting the farmer was using

were little used in Australia, with

macadamia farmer. Shine Lawyers

chemicals responsible for illnesses

endosulfan accounting for less

solicitor Rebecca Jancauskas said the

and a two-headed fish embryo.

than 1% of insecticide sales and

action was to recover compensation

carbendazim just over 1% cent of

for the significant financial losses

fungicide sales.

that the owner had suffered, together

across the world along with footage of the macadamia farm near the

Concerned consumers wanted to know from retailers and the Brisbane Markets if the chemicals used on

Ausveg Chair, Richad Mulcahy, took

their fruit and vegetables would

to the television on Channel Nineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

cause their children to become as

Morning Show to assure consumers

sick as the animals featured on the

vegetables were safe.

60 Minutes program. With little warning of the one-sided media report, Brisbane Markets joined a throng of horticultural organisations voicing concern that a body was required to speak on behalf of industry...but who?

with recognition for the ongoing harm that has been caused to her hatchery and her business. No doubt we will hear a lot more on this issue.

Industry Citrus Australia appoints new chair Citrus Australia re-elected growers Kevin

Ms Chapman, previously the Deputy

Cock and Kevin Parr to serve on the

Chair, is a grower director with

Board at its first Annual General Meeting

experience in citrus and grape growing.

in Renmark, South Australia.

She holds tertiary qualifications in

Following the meeting, the directors

accounting and business management

appointed Tania Chapman as Chair and

and is a member of the Australian

Kevin Parr as Deputy Chair.

Institute of Company Directors.

Crunch time for overseas apple entry Australian apple and pear growers are extremely concerned with a provisional final Import Risk Analysis (IRA) potentially opening the way for apples to arrive from China.

because of the fear of fire blight disease. An interim document from the World Trade Organisation given to the Australian Government has concluded that Australian quarantine restrictions

Australian Apple and Pear Association

breaches world trade rules by keeping

Limited (APAL) spokesperson on

the kiwi apples out.

biosecurity issues and chairman of the Fire Blight Task Force, John Corby said the concerns of growers had been ignored in the process. “With three diseases, in particular oriental fruit moth, apple brown rot and European canker, the IRA does not specify which provinces have an unacceptable risk, but rather

APAL General Manager, Tony Russell, says the industry hasn't seen the report. “At this point it is still only an interim report which is still subject to review by the two parties and we will wait until we see the final outcome from the dispute panel before we decide on what happens,” Mr Russell said.

recommends that China is responsible

“To be honest, I think it will be a

for advising Biosecurity Australia before

government decision not an industry

an appropriate protocol is established.

decision anyway.”

“During the China IRA process, the Australian apple and pear industry has on many occasions communicated its concerns regarding the pest and disease risks of the different regions in China. Clearly our concerns have been disregarded in this final risk analysis.” Meanwhile, New Zealand apples are a step closer to entering Australia. Australian orchardists are worried parts of the industry could be wiped out if apples are imported from New Zealand

Unfair dismissals BY BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER RENAE LONG As an employer, you are bound to

other exception is the employee’s

to FWA within 14 days of being

follow laws, codes and regulations

remuneration cap of $108,300.

dismissed. If the claim is not received

when considering terminating an employee. When performance managing your staff, there is an important process in which you should follow to avoid risks, and changes to legislation that have occurred since 2009.

These are three significant factors for an employer. The salary cap relates to the minimum remuneration for an employee. Over this amount the employee may be subject to different rules as

within this time, then the claim should be rejected on those grounds. Many of the new conciliation processes through FWA are conducted via phone, with most resolved prior to the conciliation.

they do not have instant access to

However, the trend seems to be going

It is important as an employer that

the provisions under the National

down the path of increased claims of

you are aware of the legislation, Fair

Employment Standards (NES) of

unfair dismissal in FWA.

Work Act (FWA) 2009.

Fair Work Act 2009.

The test for unfair dismissal includes

There are exceptions to the Act under

The employee is only eligible to make

harsh, unjust, unreasonable and/or

the Small Business Fair Dismissal

application to Fair Work Australia

the application of the Small Business

Code, which classifies a small

(FWA) if they are covered by a Modern

Fair Dismissal Code.

Award and/or have an enterprise

If laws and processes are not followed,

business as having fewer than 15 full time employees and/or less than 15

agreement that applies to them.

employees as per head count as of

The processes within FWA have

of employees, a compensation

January 2011.

changed since 2009 and you should

payment or a consideration of

make yourself aware of these changes.

amounts for a payout.

employee’s probationary period

For example, an employee who wishes

If you are looking at dismissing an

of six months, there is a genuine

to submit a claim for unfair dismissal

employee, always review the potential

redundancy exception and lastly, the

must now submit an application

outcomes and associated risks.

There are no changes to the

there is a possibility of reinstatement

Further information For further information regarding these changes, visit: http://www.fwa.gov.au/ http://www.workplacerights.qld.gov.au/choices/dismissal/index.htm NOTE: This article is intended as a source of information only. No reader should act on any matter without first obtaining professional advice.

Industry Climate change - why action now is a cost effective insurance BY CARBON HOUSE CEO ROD GLASS Every Australian business has to deal with

The experts rolled out one argument

risk and in many cases we are able to

after another with the general public

insure against these risks.

drawing conflicting conclusions from the

There is the risk that an employee may be

same facts. As with all arguments where

hurt, that the general public may be hurt

the right answer probably lies between

on your worksite or the risk of a motor

the two protagonists, Australians are left

vehicle accident.

wondering what is going on.

We are able to pay to reduce this risk

When we make decisions on insurance,

through insurances and we do so even in

we gather all information and make

the face of significant premium rises.

a decision for our business with the

Our businesses pay these premiums even though these risks may not materialise;

assistance of our insurance broker or agent.

hopefully people will not be hurt and

The insurance industry watchdog is the

accidents will not happen.

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority

The threat of climate change is a real risk for Australian business. The insurance payment is a national program called the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Climate change is about increasing greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Last year we consumed about 75 million

(APRA) which advised that life insurance premiums to December 2009 were over $39 billion, with total assets underpinning these premiums in excess of $242 billion. Australian people pay $66 billion for the Medicare levy not including private health insurance premiums.

tonnes of coal to produce electricity.

This cost is for life insurance alone; what

We use over 20 billion litres of fuel and

cost do we put to reducing the probability

14.5 billion litres of diesel, with the

that climate change is real; balancing the

Government collecting 38.143 cents per

fact that it might not be real.

litre. We have increased our emissions

If climate change is real, theconsequences

for energy and transport by over 30%

for business is catastrophic, with a range

since 1990 and the Government taxes have

of scenarios from minimal to the CSIRO

increased in line with that.

and Al Gore’s claim of sea level rises of

The climate change debate in this

6 metres.

country has polarised Australians like no

The cost of climate change to Australian

other issue.

business is likely to be $16 billion per

Australians enmasse have made decisions

year; 41% of life insurance or 24% of

with little or no information, quoting

health insurance.

whichever expert to back their opinions

What price do Australians put on saving

and the perceived effect on them.

Australia?

Software bears fruit for small to medium businesses Information technology firm,

handled automatically by the web host.

specifically forwarded to the agent

Ironbark Software, has come up with

This integration of local applications

and that agent has agreements in

a new solution for labelling fresh

and web based allows for high speed

place with the grower/ pack house.

produce that provides transparency

capture of pack out data, independent

“The focus has been to address

and efficiency across the whole

of Internet speed (bandwidth).

those pack houses that require

supply chain.

Mr Findlater said the web host also

minimal administration overhead

The solution, called eFreshPak, is a

facilitated the rapid update of market

and investment in computer

piece of software designed to provide

returns and sales results by brokers

technology yet deliver the services

data on growers, pack houses, freight

and market agents eliminating the

that competitive larger pack houses

forwarders and agents/merchants.

need for re-entry of data.

employ,” Mr Findlater said.

Ironbark Software Managing Director,

The agent ‘portal’ can only access

Chris Findlater, said eFreshPak was

pack out data that has been

designed for the small to medium pack house that required functionality and smooth integration between capture of pack out data, pallet control and marketing. He said the system comprised of a local installation for stock control and dispatch manifests, and RF (electromagnetic wave) wireless scanning and label production for carton and pallets (including Serial Shipping Container Code labels). This is seamlessly integrated with an Internet-hosted ‘cloud’ application

Manage the LOT Better Streamline Operations with Ironbark Fresh Produce ✓ WMS & 3PL ✓ Lot Tracking ✓ Pallet & Crate Control ✓ Packhouse System ✓ Farm Management

For: ✓ Medium & Large Enterprised ✓ Distributors/Traders/Brokers ✓ Agents & Sales Floor

providing the pack house with functions for sales orders and consignments, market returns, grower Recipient Created Tax Invoice (RCTI) and averaging of market returns. This hosted application provides the administrative functions such as backups and extensive reporting. Freight forward advices and emails are

1800 649 524 Call Us for a FREE Demonstration www.ironbark.com.au

Industry Water pipelines boom Over the past year, water pipeline

could start as early as 2011. The proposed

construction has boomed. Water pipeline

130 km of large diameter pipeline will

projects have been completed and are being proposed to lead from key water catchment areas to supply towns, as

carry approximately 45,000 ML/a of water to the Bowen Basin.

associated infrastructure for desalination

Esk Shire. In November 2009, the

plants, and as replacement infrastructure

construction of a 38 km pipeline and a

for the upgrade of inefficient irrigation channel systems.

pump station was completed with an initial capacity to deliver 200 ML/a of water

Queensland

from Wivenhoe Dam to Toowoomba’s

Rockhampton to Yeppoon. In July 2009, the

Cressbrook Dam.

$50 million 34km water pipeline project reached a milestone with the laying of the

Sunshine Coast to Brisbane. For the first

final contracted pipe work that connects

time, a connection will be made between

the Rockhampton and Yeppoon water

the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane water

supply service.

sources, protecting both regions from

Cloncurry. In November 2009, the

localised droughts.

construction of 38 km was completed. The pipeline interconnects with the existing North West Queensland Pipeline to deliver up to 1,500 ML of water. Connors River Dam. Works on the proposed Connors River Dam and

The Northern Pipeline Interconnector (NPI) Stage 2 has recently commenced and will be approximately 48 km and extend from the existing NPI Stage 1 Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant at Eudlo to the Noosa

associated water pipelines, located

Water Treatment Plant near Cooroy on the

approximately 100 km east of Moranbah,

Sunshine Coast.

Funding boost to grow national strawberry plan The Department of Employment,

Improvement Program - Subtropical

but they are not entirely suited

Economic Development and

Regions will hopefully establish a

to Australian growing conditions,

Innovation (DEEDI) has signed a

world-leading, cost-efficient program

or changing domestic consumer

$2.6 million agreement with

to drive the industry forward.

requirements,” Mr Mulherin said.

Minister for Primary Industries,

“About 10% of strawberries sold

Tim Mulherin, said Queensland was

domestically are Australian-bred

to develop a range of high-quality,

varieties and we want to increase that

high-value strawberry varieties suited

to 20 per cent by 2015.”

Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) that could see the state’s strawberry industry worth up to $500 million annually within a decade. The aim of the three-year program

to important growing regions in sub-

was to breed strawberry varieties

tropical environments.

suited to Australian conditions. The National Strawberry Varietal

The Minister said DEEDI had been breeding strawberries for Australia’s

“The Australian strawberry industry

sub-tropical zones since the early

was built using overseas varieties,

1990s.

Talking apples and pears BY DAVID CHENU, HORTICULTURE AUSTRALIA LIMITED (HAL) GENERAL MANAGER – MARKETING An apple a day keeps the doctor away The 2010 apples campaign uses the old adage ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ to illustrate that apples really are a superfood. In 2010, Aussie apples will return to the television with a commercial that contains real-life doctors talking to the

undertaken on apples, 2010 Search for Australia’s Healthiest School, redevelopment of apples website, public relations, stores campaign incorporating major retailers and independents and a range of local activities organised by State Associations. Support Aussie apples

camera in a very tongue in cheek way,

With the import of apples becoming a

telling Australians to think before they

harsh reality, work is being done behind

eat an apple a day because if they do,

the scenes to ensure a stronger Aussie

their livelihood will be threatened.

Apple brand.

With on air dates from mid May to end

During the first half of the 2010 season,

June, the commercial will be seen on

HAL will be conducting a series of one

both free to air and Pay television.

on one interviews with a range of

Other key elements to support the 2010 apple campaign include the use

Market wholesalers and retailers to gain feedback.

of: on-line and social media, outdoor

These interviews are critical in ensuring

posters, launch of CSIRO 2010 apple

that HAL’s ongoing promotional program

report, quarterly e newsletters updating

not only grows demand of Aussie Apples

Health Professionals on recent research

but supports wholesalers and retailers.

Rediscovering the pear 2010 will see a return to the “rediscover the pear” campaign that began in 2009. The campaign was developed as a result of extensive consumer research and has very positive results to date. The major themes of the campaign were education and versatility, educating the consumer on topics such as testing ripeness, to ensure the eating experience was as positive as possible, and then supporting this by showing the consumer all the ways in which pears could be enjoyed, with the ultimate aim of driving demand. For further details on the apple and pear national levy funded campaigns, please contact Michelle Toft at Horticulture Australia Ltd on 02 8295 2375 or michelle.toft@horticulture.com.au.

Industry Brisbane Markets a platinum partner BY BOWEN AND GUMLU DISTRICT GROWERS ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER DENISE KREYMBORG Bowen District Growers Association Inc

Bowen and Gumlu region by improving

(BDGA) is pleased to announce that once

water quality.

again Brisbane Produce Markets will continue its platinum partnership with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed recently. The MOU means the continuation of a great working relationship with Brisbane Produce Markets for a more sustainable future for the horticulture industry. The BDGA values the importance of all levels of the industry working together.

Once again, the Bowen District Growers Annual Gala Dinner with a “Casino Royale” theme is upon us. A full report, with photographs will appear in the next Fresh Source magazine. This is a huge event for the industry, with many guests attending from interstate. BDGA hosted the Brisbane Produce Markets Board of Directors and the event included a sponsorship/partnership

Building and maintaining good

breakfast and industry tour in the

relationships with government, industry

morning prior to the gala dinner.

bodies and the supply chain is the key to a sustainable future for the industry. The industry partnership program in Bowen and Gumlu supports industry projects such as Biodegradable Mulch Film trials, Fruit Fly Market Access projects, Efficacy and Irradiation Trials, Climate Change initiatives, improved on-farm systems management and the incorporation of new technology and innovation and environmentally friendly farming techniques. This year, many growers are focusing their attention on improving already best practice on farm management systems. Through the Federal Government Reef Rescue initiative, growers are upgrading water quality systems to include better management of nutrients, pesticides, irrigation and general soil management. Growers are paying particular attention to making sure there is minimal runoff from horticulture production in the

BDGA PRESIDENT CARL WALKER AND HIS WIFE TRUDI WERE RECENTLY GUESTS AT THE BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET GALA DINNER. BRISBANE MARKETS BOARD MEMBERS WERE SHAPING UP TO ATTEND THE BDGA DINNER AS FRESH SOURCE WENT TO PRINT.

Workplace breaches impacting town's image Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers say the region's

“Unfortunately there appears to be an element in our

reputation has been damaged by ongoing reports of

industry who simply do not comply with regulations and

workplace breaches in the industry.

legislation which then brings both our industry and our

Workplace Ombudsman, Don Brown, met with workers

region into disrepute.

in April after a rise in complaints about farm working

"The sooner we can tidy it up, the better off the whole

conditions, particularly concerning backpackers.

industry and the whole district will be.”

Mr Brown’s program involved speaking with employers

The Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman team

and labour hire companies in an effort to educate them on

spent a week in the region examining the treatment of

their responsibilities and regulations.

farm workers.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Executive

The visit follows a series of stories media articles about

Officer, Peter Peterson, said everyone was affected by the

the alleged mistreatment of fruit pickers, particularly

reputation being hit by the workplace breaches.

foreign backpackers.

"The whole district is suffering from an image issue

“At the end of the day it’s about making sure employees

associated with what's been going on, or what's been

and contractors understand their rights and obligations

reported," Mr Peterson said.

regarding staff and how they are treated,” Mr Peterson said.

Grower visit to Brisbane Markets A planned grower visit from Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Grower (BFVG) members was delayed by weather with a new visit scheduled for the 15-member team on 22-24 June. The two-and-a-half day visit is a jointly funded project between BFVG, Brisbane Markets and Horticulture Australia Limited. It was hoped to run the tour in March but the continual rain associated with the deluge from Cyclone Ului meant growers were waterlogged. Seats are still available for the visit that will include a Brisbane Produce Market tour, speaker’s forum, visits to retailers, processing plants and informative dinners. Any grower interested in being part of this Brisbane Markets discovery tour can contact BFVG Executive Officer Peter Peterson on 07 4153 307 or email bfvg.info@bfvg.com.au.

feature

Talking about the weather

Stop and chat with any grower and at some stage, the subject of the weather will turn up, whether it’s a

Long range weather forecasting Long range weather forecasting – what’s it all about?

BY HAYDEN WALKER, LONG RANGE WEATHER FORECASTER Planning and preparing for future weather

These solar winds have a profound

trends is an asset to any farmer.

influence on the world's radio

plea to the sky to stop or

Long range weather forecasting is one the

start raining, a comment

oldest professions in history and has been

on how it’s been and

conducted on many bases such as planets,

sometimes a guess at

moons and tides to name a few.

what the weather is going

transmissions and weather. They have high-energy charged particles that bombard the earth causing ionisation of the upper layers of the atmosphere, polar auroras, significant distortion of

You may be familiar with the household

the earth's magnetic fields, and a charged

names of Clement Wragge, Inigo Jones

particle "tail" which extends into deep

Either way, the weather can

and Lennox Walker, three men who

space on the shadow side of the earth.

make or break any grower

were the pioneers of long range weather

to be like.

with an outdoor crop as years of drought and recent floods have proven.

forecasting throughout Australia. With their weather predictions they were

In layman terms, the magnetic field from

adamant, that what was happening

the sun effects our magnetic field at the

In this edition of Fresh

throughout the world was correlated to

Source, we take a look

the sun’s surface.

at long range weather forecasting and hear

Layman’s terms

What’s the theory behind it?

poles and equator, thus causing a shift in the barometric pressure, producing high and low pressure systems. Since November 2009, we have seen a

predictions from an

The world's weather is very much

huge increase in sunspot activity hence

expert for the Winter

influenced by the activities of the stellar

the good rainfall which has graced us.

months ahead.

hydrogen fusion reactor, that we call the

Hayden Walker lives in Bundaberg, is wellrenowned for the accuracy of his long-range weather

"sun". The primary process which powers the sun is the fusion of hydrogen gas to

Futhermore, one must take into

form helium, with the subsequent release

consideration the planetary positions.

of vast amounts of energy.

This is very well documented by the late

predictions, and plays a

The interior of the sun is estimated to

major role in predicting

be several million degrees celsius, with

extreme weather events up

surface temperatures around 6,000

to five years into the future.

degrees celsius. This star has a mass

He is the son of Lennox

Planet positions an important key

332,830 greater than that of earth and a

Inigo Jones who predicted in 1953, that there would be drought conditions from 1982 to the early 2000’s. His forecast was based on these planetary positions and was correct in his assumption.

mean diameter of 1,392,000 km compared

Today we still forecast the weather on

to the 12,753 km diameter of earth. Even

the above principles and people from all

Weather Forecaster, and

though it is located at a mean distance of

walks of life obtain our forecasts.

the fourth-generation

some 149,600,000 kms from earth, it is our

Whether it be a bride, farmer, grazier

of a remarkable lineage

primary source of life and energy.

or corporate concern, the public turn a

of forecasters.

The sun's corona and huge solar flares

business risk into a business asset.

produced from sunspots and the sun’s

Forecasts are usually prepared 12 months

magnetic fields, project hundreds of

in advance, however depending on the

thousands of kilometres from the sun's

client’s need an extended forecast can

surface and stream into space.

also be available.

Walker, the world-famous Australian Long Range

Long range weather forecast: The Winter outlook The following long range weather forecasts are for the winter months of June, July and August: JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

Peninsula

General: Light falls about average.

General: Confined to a few showers.

Carpentaria

General: Light falls about average.

General: Confined to a few showers.

Far North Coast - Barron