print post approved pp 424022/00429
ISSUE: THIRTY-SIX JULY/2011
#
02-11
Magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited
Australian exports down while
Impor ts ri s e
p25
Mandatory Re viewCode of chemicals A ticking time bomb p14
has states called to action p19
New Queensland
food policy launched
p15
source
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c e o ’s Carbon Tax
Comme nt
The long-awaited release of details regarding the Federal Government’s proposal to introduce a Carbon Tax have raised many questions regarding the intended objectives and merits of the tax and its impact on the fresh produce supply chain. The emission reductions, which the tax is aiming to achieve, may reduce Australia’s emissions by as much as 20% by 2020 based on today’s emissions levels. However, in a global context, this level of reduction in itself represents a reduction of less than 0.5 of 1%. Of course Australia should do its bit, but the questions being asked by businesses are how quickly and at what cost? The general consensus is that the impact of the tax on Australia’s agriculture industries will be negative. While the Government has excluded certain on-farm emissions, additional costs will be incurred right throughout the supply chain. This includes increases in the costs of farm inputs and machinery as well as downstream cost increases in transportation, warehousing and maintenance of the cool chain. For many businesses, and for many industries, the option of passing costs on to consumers does not exist. In these situations, businesses will struggle under the burden of additional competitive pressures and increasing costs. This is obviously a fundamental flaw in the Government’s modelling of the impact of the tax.
3
is progressively worsening, making it difficult for Australian producers to compete in a global economy with the ongoing threat of cheap imports. The tax will impose a cost burden on Australia’s food production industries. As yet there appears to be few policy details which indicate that the Government is planning to do anything further to assist Australia’s food supply chains and further attention to these areas is both justified and necessary. Vale – Don Alroe The wholesaling sector of the fresh produce industry recently lost one of its leaders with the passing of Don Alroe. Don was a Market man, a true team player and a strong supporter of the Central Market System. He put back into the industry through his long involvement as a Board Member and Chairman of Brismark, and his associations at a representative level throughout the industry. His name lives on in the Markets through the business he founded, Don Alroe and Sons, which is now owned and managed by his son Paul.
Furthermore, where businesses do need to look at major capital expenditure to increase efficiencies of fuel or electricity usage, there is not enough lead My condolences go to Don’s family and time being given. To replace infrastructure such as my respects and tributes go to Don for cold rooms, plant equipment and building fitouts, his contributions to our industry over represents a major capital cost. Businesses need time Front cover: many years. to plan for this investment. After the difficult economic conditions and the season of natural disasters, there Australian Defence Force Private would not be many businesses in the horticulture Adam Skinner industry which would have the financial resources tohelps clean up the Brisbane Markets after the January spend on reducing their carbon footprint. 2011 flood. Photograph courtesy of Making matters worse is the current high value of Janine Fabre. CPL the Australian dollar compounded by the uneven Andrew Young, Chief Executive Officer playing fields in overseas markets. This imbalance BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED ABN 39 064 983 017 PO Box 80, Brisbane Markets, Rocklea, Queensland 4106 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au w: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES The Editor Brisbane Markets Limited p: 07 3915 4200 or 1800 631 002 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au
Fresh Source is the magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited. New editions of the magazine are printed four times a year. Advertising and editorial inquiries are welcome and media outlets are invited to use material with or without acknowledgement.
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Contents FRESH UPDATES FRESH WHOLESALING Brisbane Markets health check rev up. . . . . . . . . . . p6 All downhill for biker Ben. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p7 Come together campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p7
FRESH FROM THE MARKETS From boots to suits a well deserved recovery ������� p8 Greengrocers incensed by profiteering claims ����� p9 Brisbane Markets fronts flood commission. . . . . p10 Levee banks an option, says CEO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p11 Multi-million dollar levee analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p11 Thank you function a mark of appreciation. . . . . p12 Stage one of Fresh Centre nears completion. . . . p13 Wetlands spring back to life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p13
FEATURE: BUDGET Federal budget the same bare cupboard . . . . . . . p14 Government rejects R&D cut suggestion. . . . . . . p14 Agribusiness investment to build a prosperous regional Queensland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p15 New Queensland food policy launched. . . . . . . . p15
FRESH INDUSTRY Bundy’s reef guardians eat well. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p16 Compulsory Agriculture Census online. . . . . . . . p16 Fresh Connections conference highly recommended. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p17 Use of chemical carbendazium suspended. . . . . p18 Minimum disruption to phase out chemicals. . . p18 New magazine examines chemicals. . . . . . . . . . . . p18 Review of chemicals has states called to action � p19 Little Response Plan progress made. . . . . . . . . . . . p19
FRESH INDUSTRY: EVENTS FRESH INDUSTRY: BRIEFS ADVERTORIAL Linde backs Baoli all the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p24
FRESH EXPORT Australian exports down while imports rise. . . . . p25 Main reasons for Australian export falls . . . . . . . . p25
FRESH ENVIRONMENT Markets hosts carbon pricing scheme debate. . . p26 Climate tools online. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p26
Updates Fresh fruit and vegetable guides just got handier Brisbane Produce Market’s new fruit and vegetable guides just got handier now they are chocker block with storage, nutrition and recipe information. Shoppers who buy from their local greengrocers will be in no doubt as to what’s in season and how to prepare their fresh produce, with the new flyers being distributed to Brisbane’s best fruit and vegetable retailers. Some of the benefits include: • Colourful photographs of highlighted fruit and vegetables to make them easy to identify. • Nutritional information at your fingertips. • Seasonal chart that shows the best months to buy your fresh produce and what’s available. • Additional herb nutritional guide. • Storage tips, from how to properly refrigerate items to what types of bags or containers it should be kept in. • Easy to follow, nutritious recipes that are proven to taste great. The flyers will also become a new teaching aid for primary schools registered in the Fresh Net for Kids program, a free Brisbane Produce Market initiative tailored for Years 4 to 7 school children. Find out more about the program on page 28.
Your guide to fresh fruit in Queensland Seasonal Availability + Nutrition
Local Greengrocer
item to check seasonal availability. Use the calendar at the bottom of each fruit is available. An orange square signifies the month the
APPLE (GREEN)
APRICOT
EVENTS CALENDAR
Published by Brisbane Markets Limited.
AVOCADO
BANANA brisbanemarkets.com.au www.
ARTICHOKE A good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C and the mineral potassium.
A good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C and the mineral potassium.
D J F M A M J J A S O N
D J F M A M J J A S O N
The best greengrocer is in Paradise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p29 Retailers put tickets on themselves. . . . . . . . . . . . . p29
Local Greengrocer item to check seasonal availability. Use the calendar at the bottom of each vegetable is available. A green square signifies the month the
FRESH KIDS
FRESH RETAILING
SHOP AT YOUR
Published by Brisbane Markets Limited.
www.brisbanemarkets.com.au
APPLE (RED)
Fresh face teaches Brisbane kids a fresh message ��� p28 Healthy eating message for Bundy kids. . . . . . . . . p28
sl
Your guide to fresh vegetables in Queen
al Values + Storage + Recipes
nutritional content it favourite fruit is in season and what Use this chart to check when your is the best person rocer greeng local Your ons? l Values + Storage + Recipes offers. Have more questi Seasonal Availability + Nutritiona knowledge. to ask and they love sharing their vegetable is in season and what ite favour Use this chart to check when your questions? Your local greengrocer SHOP AT YOUR nutritional content it offers. Have more love sharing their knowledge. is the best person to ask and they
BLUEBERRY
BLACKBERRY
A good source of vitamins A, C and dietary fibre. D J F M A M J J A S O N
BREADFRUIT
ASPARAGUS
A good source of vitamins B6, E and folic acid and a useful source of vitamin C and potassium. D J F M A M J J A S O N
Good source of vitamin C and CHERRY thiamine, some dietary fibre, calcium, phosphorus, niacin and potassium.
D J F M A M J J A S O N
BROCCOLI A good source of vitamin A, B and B2, and contains some calcium, phosphorus and iron.
A good source of antioxidants, with some Vitamin A and C. D J F M A M J J A S O N
D J F M A M J J A S O N
CUSTARD APPLE
CUMQUAT
A good source of fibre and vitamin C with some starch making it a good staple. D J F M A M J J A S O N
DATE
It’s almost Ekka time again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p30
A good source of vitamin C and a useful source of potassium and dietary fibre. D J F M A M J J A S O N
FIG
Excellent source vitamins A and C. Very good source folacin and Vitamin E.
D J F M A M J J A S O N
CAULIFLOWER
A good source of vitamin C and a good source of dietary fibre. D
A good source of vitamin C, B6, dietary fibre, magnesium and potassium. D J F M A M J J A S O N
A good source of iron and fibre, with some vitamin C. D J F M A M J J A S O N
A good source of dietary fibre, a good source of vitamin C and also contains some potassium. D J F M A M J J A S O N
BEANS (GREEN/BROAD/FLAT) BEETROOT
BROCC
A good source of potassium and fibre with some vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6. D J F M A M J J A S O N
COCONUT
Very good source vitamin C and E; contains thiamine, dietary fibre, iron, riboflavin and niacin. D J F M A M J J A S O N
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Good source vitamin A, C and dietary fibre D J F M A M J J A S O N
CABBAGE
Good source dietary fibre and folic acid.
Exc vitamin
D J F M A M J J A S O N
J F M
CAPSICUM
CARR
A good source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, E and some saturated fat. D J F M A M J J A S O N
GOOSEBERRY
Excellent source of vitamin C. Moderate source of dietary fibre, iron, potassium and riboflavin. D J F M A M J J A S O N
CELERIAC A good source of vitamin C and dietary fibre. D J F M A M J J A S O N
Excellent source vitamin C and dietary fibre D J F M A M J J A S O N
CELERY
Excellent source vitamin C; good source B6, E and potassium.
Exce goo
D J F M A M J J A S O N
J F
CHINESE CABBAGE
CHIN
5 5
Big machinery arrives Brisbane City Council arrived with a 12 tonne trax tipper to clean up Oxley Creek, that was strewn with broken pallets, export containers and flood related rubbish after the January 2011 floods.
Vale – Don Alroe Brisbane Markets have lost a wellknown identity with the passing of Don Alroe, formerly of wholesaler Don Alroe & Sons. Don’s involvement with the Brisbane fruit and vegetable market began when he was employed as an office clerk for a firm at the old Roma Street site more than 50 years ago.
land
COFLOWER
cellent source B group ns; good source vitamin C and folic acid.
ellent source of vitamin A; od source of dietary fibre. M A M J J A S O N D
NESE SPINACH
dietary fibre,
Oxley Creek backs onto the western side of Brisbane Markets’ 77ha property at Rocklea, and is one of the major tributaries of the Brisbane River. Turn to Pages 10-12 for an update on the Brisbane Markets flood recovery.
New Markets display for industry events Brisbane Produce Market has a new display system to feature at trade shows and industry events around Australia. The portable system had its first outing at the 2011 AUSVEG
He stayed with that firm for over 20 years before going into his own business with friend Bill George (formerly BG Brisbane).
Convention in April, and the
Don and Bill traded as Alroe & George for five years before amicably dissolving the partnership when Don was then joined by his sons in the business.
It’s been a busy few months for
Don officially retired some years ago but for many years retained his interest with his wealth of knowledge invaluable to the ongoing success of Don Alroe & Sons, which today has son Paul at the helm.
Fresh Connections 2011 conference in June.
industry events. Take a look at what has been happening on pages 20 and 21 and what is coming up in the Calendar on page 30.
Going bananas over price After weeks of people going bananas over the price of the golden fruit, some saying the high price per piece of fruit was too much to swallow, supplies are improving and prices are expected to fall in August.
Don was also heavily involved in industry matters and for 11 years was on the Brismark Executive. Four of those years were as president and two years were as vice president.
The five-year supply low following February’s Cyclone Yasi was compounded by cold Queensland weather and a wet NSW.
His funeral at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on the Gold Coast, was attended by many within the Markets community as a sign of respect for the gentleman who had done so much for the industry.
Find out more about the Australian Banana industry on Page 20.
M A M J J A S O N D
ROT
The area had been inaccessible for some months needing time to dry out and the required equipment to be available.
Don is survived by his wife, Margaret, and children, Julieanne, John, Jennifer, Paul and Sonya and their extended families.
Many greengrocers were selling bananas at a loss to keep the prices down for customers.
Wholesaling Brisbane Markets health check rev up Brisbane Markets wholesalers and buyers found out what got their hearts racing at a pit stop health check. The health check in the Central Trading Area, is an initiative of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). The mostly male workers who do business daily on the Rocklea site had the opportunity to see their results and the importance of keeping themselves in good working order through regular check-ups and leading a healthy lifestyle. Up to 130 delegates from the 2011 Fresh Connections conference – the largest fresh fruit and vegetable industry marketing gathering in Australia – also stopped by for the free medical checks as part of a market tour and breakfast. The conference delegates, wholesalers and buyers, along with Brisbane Broncos players Ben Te’o and Peter Wallace,
BRISBANE BRONCO’S BEN TE’O HAS HIS BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED BY ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE NURSE MANAGER JUSTINE POWELL DURING PIT STOP.
U DID YO ? KNOW
and The Honourable Phil Reeves MP, Queensland Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport, vied for a physical road worthy certificate of health following checks on their chassis (waist); oil pressure (blood pressure); exhaust (smoking); and duco (skin cancer). The Pit Stop initiative was supported by Brismark, the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries and GlaxoSmithKline. Those participating in the event were issued with a pass or fail rating, with those failing the tests advised to visit their general practitioner for a more thorough consultation. The car-themed event included a free healthy breakfast and a chance to look over a Kapiris Bros top fuel bat mobile dragster.
KAPIRIS BROS TOP FUEL BAT MOBILE DRAGSTER NEAR THE PIT STOP MARQUEES, IN THE CENTRAL TRADING AREA.
A report released as part of International Men’s Health Week, in June, stated that only one in 20 men were eating the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables and two thirds of Australian men are classified as overweight or obese.
7
All downhill for biker Ben Brisbane Markets employee Ben Power, 18, has been selected to represent Australia in the National Junior Downhill Team at the World Downhill Mountain Bike Championships at Champery, Switzerland in August/September 2011. The downhill mountain biking enthusiast works for secondary wholesalers, exporters and retailers Summer Harvest Pty Ltd, and started his racing about four years ago. Downhill mountain biking is an extreme discipline where competitors race the clock down a mountain track, typically containing obstacles such as natural rock formations, steep drops, chutes, terraces, jumps and trees.
father, Harvey Power is a partner with Terry Williams and Mike Streeten. He’s not the only Brisbane Markets employee to target grueling downhill runs as a form of sport. Ben regularly trains with Gary Poole (Murray Bros), Nick Marentis (Cumming Produce) and Mick Dopson (In-Fruit). In the lead up to the World Championships, Ben will compete in the World Cup Series race at Val di Sole, Italy in late August 2011 before racing in Switzerland for a round of the IXS Cup prior to the World Downhill Championships at Champery.
Ben’s 2010/11 competitions have seen him crowned Queensland State Series Champion – Under 19 Men; Colorado USA State Champion – Under 19 Men; and become ranked fourth in Australia – Under 19 Men. It’s expensive but the costs have been defrayed through sponsorship from Banshee Bikes, a Canadian bike manufacturer and a range a mountain bike companies. However, the biggest support comes from his employer, Summer Harvest Pty Ltd of which his
DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKER BEN POWER PREPARES FOR THE NATIONAL JUNIOR DOWNHILL TEAM AT THE WORLD DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SWITZERLAND.
Come together campaign A photo of Brisbane Markets wholesalers beamed down from billboards across Brisbane as part of ‘Come together campaign’, to help bolster Brisbane’s flood recovery and bring business and tourists back to the city. The boys from Lamanna Bananas, Pershouse Produce, Premier Fruits and other wholesalers from the Brisbane Markets, also featured in newspaper and TV commercials produced by Brisbane City Council that aired throughout April and May. Among the playful arm wrestling, fruit tossing and back slapping was the message that a strong sense of community spirit is a great selling point for Brisbane nationally and internationally. It showed Brisbane is an easy and friendly place to do business. The $3.5 million promotion can be seen at www.togetherbrisbane.com.au
from the
Markets From boots to suits a well deserved recovery Recovery after the January 2011 floods was still fresh on the minds of Brisbane Produce Market workers in May as they removed their work boots to don suits and frocks for the annual Brisbane Produce Market Gala dinner. The ‘Boots to Suits’ themed dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre was the Queensland fruit and vegetable wholesalers’ night of the year, with 600 sponsors, retailers, wholesalers and tradespeople turning out to raise a glass after months of flood recovery. The night was a tribute to all involved in the massive Brisbane Markets clean-up. Most had spent days working alongside contractors and volunteers to pull the site into working order.
WHOLESALERS AND GROWERS NETWORKING ON THE NIGHT WERE (FROM LEFT) DAVID PERSHOUSE, OF PERSHOUSE PRODUCE, TRUDY AND CARL WALKER, OF BOWEN DISTRICT GROWERS ASSOCIATION, AND PETER TIGHE OF J H LEAVY.
Special guest Queensland Premier Anna Bligh was on hand to announce the annual Brisbane Produce Market Retailer of the Year, with the award going to Birkdale greengrocers Nick and Vanessa Pavlou of Paradise Fruits. As winners, Paradise Fruits received a trophy and a $10,000 promotional prize. They took out the award for excellence from 140 independent greengrocers who participated in 2010.
QUEENSLAND PREMIER ANNA BLIGH (CENTRE) WAS JOINED BY (FROM LEFT) BRISBANE MARKETS CHAIRMAN TONY JOSEPH AND HIS WIFE, MAREE, MS BLIGH’S HUSBAND GREG WITHERS AND BRISBANE MARKETS CEO ANDREW YOUNG.
The evening’s highlights included dinner, dancing and some magical entertainment from illusionists Soul Mystique.
ILLUSIONISTS SOUL MYSTIQUE MESMERISED THE AUDIENCE WITH THEIR MAGICAL DANCE AND QUICK CHANGE ACT.
THE WINNER’S LIGHT SHONE BRIGHTLY ON RETAILER OF THE YEAR NICK PAVLOU, OF BIRKDALE’S PARADISE FRUITS, WHILE IN THE BACKGROUND, FROM LEFT, QUEENSLAND PREMIER ANNA BLIGH AND WIFE VANESSA PAVLOU CHEER HIM ON.
Greengrocers incensed by profiteering claims Independent greengrocers, who are already heavily discounting fruit and vegetable prices, were incensed at media claims they were profiteering from the fluctuating values of fresh produce in the wake of Queensland’s natural disasters.
“Such media reports and price suggestions, which are not substantiated, do enormous harm to the industry and lead consumers to think they can’t afford to eat healthy food.”
Brisbane’s Sunday Mail raised the ire of greengrocers in June with a headline “Buyers Get the Rough End!” claiming mark ups of 300%, including pineapples that were 14 times more in price than what the grower received for growing them. Parts of the story were repeated the next Sunday, further inflaming the situation.
Brisbane Markets Limited Director Peter Betros, an experienced greengrocer through the Toowoomba based business Betros Bros, said most greengrocers were struggling to make a living and meet the overheads of running their business.
Brisbane Markets buyers said the claims were disturbing and bordering on scurrilous. Mt Gravatt greengrocer Joe Hanuman, of the Crispy Carrot, said the accusations hurt retailers with customers admitting they were deterred from buying and eating fresh produce because they believed the price was inflated.
He said despite the restrictions in supply which have resulted from the difficult climatic conditions over the past six months, and the resultant increases in prices which have occurred, fresh fruit and vegetables remain the best value for money healthy eating option available. “You can find extremes in any price story and it looks like that is what
9 the journalist has done in this case,” Mr Betros. “Unfortunately such reporting has the ability to hurt many people in an already challenged industry during one of their most difficult seasons on record.”
CLAYFIELD MARKETS FRESH CARLO LORENTI: “INDEPENDENT GREENGROCERS ARE SUFFERING AND SACRIFICING PRICES.”
“Most of us are heavily discounting to keep price consistency for our customers in what has been one the toughest years in my 33 years’ experience, and this is the last thing we needed,” Mr Hanuman said. “Bananas are just one example where we are barely covering our costs, and sometimes losing, to keep our prices down. Where does the profiteering come into that?” Award winning retailer Carlo Lorenti, of Clayfield Markets Fresh, invited the journalists behind the Sunday Mail article to spend a day in the life of a greengrocer at his store, but his offer was not taken up. He said the open invitation would have been eye opening when an outsider saw the price sacrifice that most greengrocers offered every day just to keep people walking through the doors. “The independent greengrocers are suffering and sacrificing prices at a time when there is a strong push to encourage people to take the healthy option to eat fresh,” Mr Lorenti said.
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from the
Markets Brisbane Markets fronts flood commission Brisbane Markets has given a statement of witness to the independent Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, set up to examine the unprecedented flood disaster that impacted 70% of the state and the Brisbane Markets in January. The Commission will fully investigate the floods, including land use and development in flood-prone areas. It is considering Brisbane’s food supply chain and most likely the future of the Brisbane Markets, at Rocklea. Brisbane markets CEO Andrew Young said the submission discussed flood warnings, contingency planning before and during the flood, the estimated damage, performance of insurers, response to the flood event and also detailed flood mitigation strategies. “For many, the construction of the Wivenhoe Dam promised to remove the further threat of any major flooding in Brisbane in our lifetime,” Mr Young told the Inquiry. “When the Brisbane Markets was sold by the State Government in 2001/02 by way of an open public tender, the information memorandum issued by the State Government stated that “measures have been taken by all levels of government to minimise the threat of flood damage in the future”.
U DID YO ? KNOW
“The report went on to say that, ‘Wivenhoe Dam will have the effect of reducing a major flood event such as the 1974 Brisbane Flood from 10,150 to 5,000 cubic metres per second. This is equivalent to a reduction in flood height of 2.9 metres in the vicinity of the Brisbane Markets’.” Mr Young said this confirmed that the government had expected a dramatic reduction in the level of flooding as result of the Wivenhoe Dam construction. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The January 2011 flood waters reached 9.17 metres, only 1.83m below the 1974 flood level. He said the flood warning system in January 2011 was “far from satisfactory, and appears to have reflected the ongoing expectation by the State Government that major flooding would not be an issue in the city of Brisbane”. The Inquiry will produce an Interim Report in August with a final report expected in February 2012. Public submissions provided to the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry earlier this year can be found at www.floodcommission.qld.gov.au/ submissions.
Total loss from the January 2011 flood across the Brisbane Markets is estimated in excess of $100 million. BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET AS THE FLOOD WATERS RECEDED IN JANUARY 2011.
11
Options must be considered A private consultant’s report on ‘flood proofing’ Brisbane that proposes that infrastructure such as the Brisbane Markets, could be protected by levee banks, has been welcomed by Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young. The report from engineering consulting firm, GHD, recommends three key solutions to Brisbane’s flood issues back-flow valves on some of the city’s storm water drains, the use of levees around specific high-value infrastructure (such as the Brisbane Markets), and possible implementation of flood mitigation dams on the Bremer River and Lockyer Creek, upstream of Ipswich. “The levee bank proposal has merit,” Mr Young said. “It’s certainly worthy of consideration for valuable infrastructure that can’t be quickly or easily relocated.” Mr Young says the report’s recommendations weren’t a surprise, given suggestions made about the Markets in the past.
“Brisbane Markets has proposed the need for a flood study before to look at the use of levee banks in conjunction with other flood mitigation measures, like raising the ground level within parts of the site, or raising critical infrastructure, such as electrical distribution boards.” Mr Young says protection of the Markets isn’t just a Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) or Brisbane City Council issue, but also needs to be considered by the State Government. “The report is talking about protecting critical infrastructure. The Markets are critical infrastructure in terms of serving the whole state of Queensland in relation to the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables,” he said. “Furthermore, the location and development of the Markets was the State Government’s responsibility right up until 2002, when the site was sold to BML. The State Government cannot simply wipe its hands of its responsibilities just because it sold the site.”
AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE FLOODED ROCKLEA MARKETS.
Multi-million dollar levee analysis Brisbane City Council would need to undertake a multimillion dollar risk-based flood management analysis before establishing if levees would be appropriate around the Brisbane Markets. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said council would investigate the option but warned it was not a “silver bullet” and could cause further flooding to neighbouring properties.
from the
Markets Thank you function a mark of appreciation It may not have been possible to thank all the tenants, contractors, staff and volunteers who helped Brisbane Markets recover after the January 2011 but Brisbane Markets went some way toward showing its appreciation with a “Thank you” breakfast in May.
Rescue (Northern NSW), QFRS Aviation Brisbane Airport and Volunteering Queensland, together with contractors, volunteers, Market tenants and staff, was outstanding.
Brisbane Markets Chairman Tony Joseph addressed the gathering and talked about how appreciative all market people were of the community spirit shown by those who helped in the recovery. A photographic presentation of the extent of the devastation and the efforts of the workers pulling the site back into shape emotionally moved participants. Waters rose to a depth of 1.5 metres in the Central Trading Area and up to 3 metres in some warehouse areas during the inundation.
SPECIAL GUESTS AT THE THANK YOU FUNCTION WERE, FROM LEFT, INSPECTOR GEOFF SHELDON (MT OMMANEY POLICE) AND SENIOR SERGEANT BILL SALM (SHERWOOD POLICE).
An estimated 12,000 tonnes of flood debris, waste produce and building demolition material was removed from the site in the first week of the clean-up operations. “The response by government agencies to the disaster was exceptional,” Mr Joseph said. “We had immediate priority to reestablish the site to facilitate the distribution of fresh produce to communities across Queensland, and with the support we received, we were operating again within 60 hours of the flood waters receding.” Mr Joseph said the assistance received from the Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Tim Mulherin, Brisbane City Council and various government agencies including Disaster Management Team, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Queensland Rural Fire Brigade, Australian Army Reserves and Disaster Response Team, NSW Fire and
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE OFFICERS AT THE FUNCTION WERE (FROM LEFT) CAPTAIN STEVEN SPARK, LT COL MICHAEL BOND C.O AND MAJOR DAVIE CHARLTON.
BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED PROPERTY MANAGER TRICIA WILLIAMS CHATS WITH STEVE HOGAN, CLIENT DIRECTOR AT VANTAGE PERFORMANCE.
13
Stage one of Fresh Centre nears completion Stage 1 of Brisbane Market’s refurbished Fresh Centre building is almost complete. The original façade on the 1964 building has undergone some obvious modernisation while the internal office space, once home to banana ripening rooms and offices, has been gutted and replaced with open spaces taking advantage of natural light flooding through all levels. Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark will move into the top level which will also house a history collection room. Level one is dedicated to office space
while the ground level will incorporate offices, a retail café, two training rooms, a demonstration kitchen, the Market service centre and serviced offices. Stage 2 will focus on upgrading the carpark between the Fresh Centre and Commercial Centre on Sherwood Road, and realignment of the fence line, allowing a new, safer access for the public into the Market. Meanwhile, work continues on the 4,700m2 warehouse development, adjacent to the IGA Distribution facility. This $10 million project is expected to be completed in August.
Wetlands spring back to life The establishment of a new signalised intersection on Sherwood Road forms part of a major site upgrade within the Brisbane Markets. Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has spent $8.5 million building a new road into the Markets, improving access into the site and easing congestion at the existing main entry gate on Sherwood Road. The project has also given a new lease of life to what previously was a cow paddock bordering Oxley Creek. Along with the construction of the new intersection and roadway, BML has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars
revegetating the adjoining wetland area with native plants, reeds and grasses including many bird attracting species. Like other entry points to the Market site, the new road has controlled entry only for Brisbane Market Access Cardholders.
FRESH CENTRE – JUNE 2009, BEFORE THE EXTERNAL MAKEOVER.
FRESH CENTRE – JUNE 2011 WITH MODERNISATION WELL UNDERWAY.
ef a t u r e
Budget
Federal budget the same bare cupboard Growers can expect little change in the 2011/12 financial year with the Federal budget containing virtually no new funding or major agricultural initiatives, in what can be described as the usual ‘bare cupboard’ approach to the portfolio. The budget was the first major test for the new Federal Agriculture Minister, Joe Ludwig, the end result falling well short of expectations but in line with the Minister’s conservative approach. The Commonwealth Bank reports new policies directly targeted at agriculture are limited, with much of the focus on climate and the environment. However, some economy-wide initiatives, such as changes to company tax rate and superannuation requirements, will have a significant impact on the agricultural sector. The bank’s full breakdown of the budget can be found at www.commbank.com.au in the Agri Commodities section. Fresh in this year’s Budget was $44.1 million drought pilot extension and some $19.1 million for biosecurity infrastructure spending.
Government rejects R&D cut suggestion
The Federal government has rejected advice from the Productivity Commission to halve its financial contribution to rural research and development (R&D) corporations, such as Horticulture Australia Limited. Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig on Wednesday announced it would not amend its current funding levels, which was the focus of a Productivity Commission report. The move to maintain current funding levels has been welcomed by grower
The $251 million for R&D spending to match various industry levies was a prior commitment as was $845 million for water infrastructure projects and water sustainability. Shadow Agriculture Minister John Cobb, said this year’s Budget deserved closer inspection because no new money was announced. He said the Budget was a series of rehashed and reshuffled funding promises. Regional areas will gain some additional assistance: • $4.3 billion for regional infrastructure including transport, water, health, education and communications. • Of those monies, $1.8 billion will go towards infrastructure upgrades for rural health services and hospitals and $500 million to rural education and training. Overall, the Federal Budget has spared the agricultural sector from major cuts, but has failed to deliver a visionary approach that recognises agricultural industries as a key pillar of the economy.
associations, who say any loss to funding would have been a loss to continuity and expertise in the research community. “R&D plays a vital role in supporting the sustainability, competitiveness and productivity growth of Australia’s rural industries,” Senator Ludwig said in a statement. “A reduction in government funding would lead to an overall reduction in the amount of R&D undertaken, which would have adverse impacts for the performance of the rural sector.”
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Agribusiness investment to build a prosperous regional Queensland The Queensland Government has committed $310 million to agriculture, food and regional economies in its 2011/12 State Budget. Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said the budget objective was to rebuild, replant and reconstruct rural and regional Queensland in the wake of January's devastation. Much of the funding is to support rural communities while $110 million would be invested in agribusiness research and development to continue to drive productivity and innovation within the sector.
"More than $413 million has already been invested in capital programs to make Queensland home to the best science technology research centres in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Mulherin said. "We are investing $3.5 million to deliver the Biosecurity Queensland strategy which includes a single Biosecurity Bill for this state." Rural and regional Queensland will see money for recovery from the floods and Cyclone Yasi.
in the Queensland budget yet again. It said the Queensland Government’s inaction on protecting prime farmland was disappointing. Agforce said the Queensland Government had let landholders down by delaying legislating to protect strategic cropping land from mining and other developments. The State Government, farmers and miners have been working together on criteria to identify key farmland to be protected.
A major rural lobby group, AgForce said the farm sector had missed out
New Queensland food policy launched Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin has launched a food policy for Queensland to further build the State's multi-billion dollar food industry.
for food stemming from population growth and rising affluence in developing countries presented significant opportunities for Queensland as a food exporter.
"As part of the 2011/12 State Budget, the Queensland Government has made an initial allocation of $2 million to support initiatives related to the policy," Mr Mulherin said.
"The policy, which we are releasing for public comment, is first and foremost an economic development policy to maximise the economic growth of businesses across the food sector.
"With Queensland's food value chain worth $18.7 billion to the State economy and a workforce of around 267,000, it's critical we plan for future growth in the industry." Mr Mulherin said increasing demand
"The 'Food for a Growing Economy' policy puts our plan to grow Queensland's food industry on record," Mr Mulherin said. "Through this policy, the Bligh
Government intends to deliver on its commitment to develop an investment framework to maximise growth in Queensland's food sector. "The policy is built around seven themes that recognise the links between food and areas such as environmental protection, health and land use planning.” Food for a Growing Economy: An Economic Development Framework for the Queensland Food Industry can be downloaded from www.deedi.qld.gov.au and consultation is open until 16 August, 2011.
Industry Bundy’s reef guardians eat well Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetables Growers (BFVG) is joining forces with Bundaberg Christian College to promote the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and other important marine environments. The Reef Guardian Schools Program, of which Bundaberg Christian College is part, encourages schools to commit to the protection and conservation of the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
how they are grown, and the benefits of healthy eating. Thanks to the Bundaberg Regional Council’s “Community Grants Program”, Bundaberg schools have the opportunity to receive the healthy eating message during terms one and two. Through a partnership with Brisbane Produce Market, BFVG is also able to present the program to local primary school students.
Meanwhile, local farmers have been quietly going about the business of implementing sustainable farming practices to produce healthy food. BFVG is showcasing the work farmers are already doing to protect this important resource, by taking the students on farm. Students will learn the importance of healthy eating and a healthy reef. Students have already received a classroom presentation on fresh fruit and vegetables, where they come from,
Compulsory Agriculture Census online Bundaberg growers have taken part in a compulsory Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Agriculture Census along with 175,000 agricultural businesses across Australia. The confidential census is held every five years, with this year’s closing date for information mid July. The collected information is collated to provide data to be used on industrywide activities such as formulating policy decision making and planning for the future of the industry.
For the first time, this year's Agricultural Census form was able to be completed online. Anyone failing to lodge their documents is urged to phone the Agricultural Census Help Line on 1800 647 011 Freecall (excluding mobile phones) between 9am and 5pm or visit www.abs.gov.au/agcensus2011. Preliminary data will be released in November 2011 with final data released from June 2012.
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Fresh Connections conference highly recommended BY DENISE KREYMBORG, INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, BOWEN DISTRICT GROWERS ASSOCIATION There is renewed enthusiasm for the future of fresh produce in Australia after attending the 2011 Fresh Connections PMA Conference, in Brisbane. The conference showed there are so many areas of opportunity for the horticulture industry to grow and develop into a powerhouse industry, nationally and through exports. During this year’s event, I was also invited to attend the ‘Dialogue with the Minister’ event, where the Hon Tim Mulherin addressed key challenges as part of his Horticulture 2020 initiative. A steering committee and working
Gangster dinner Gangsters turned out for the Bowen and Gumlu District Growers annual gala dinner with the ‘Armed, Dangerous and Notorious’ theme encapsulated with silk suits, diamond rings, guns, booze, gambling and broads. The fun 1920’s gangster and bootlegger ‘above the law’ atmosphere night included presentations and a gangster robbery, with all proceeds going to the Salvation Army appeal.
WHOLESALERS, NEALE CULLEN (LEFT) AND SON BRETT, OF GNL PRODUCE, AT THE GANGSTER THEMED BOWEN DINNER.
group series are being put together to drive the Horticulture 2020 initiative. Key priorities are supply chains and markets, productivity and the environment, workforce development, biosecurity, policy, legislation and regulatory reform, transport and infrastructure and cross-industry collaboration. On the home front, the Bowen/ Whitsunday region is seeing full production after a shaky start to the season. No one expected the industry to take such a battering from seasonal weather changes and natural
disasters, however, growers have taken up the challenge, picked up the pieces and kept going. We are looking forward to the usual great quality produce seen in seasons past for the rest of the production year. Bowen and Gumlu District Growers would like to thank Brisbane Produce Market for becoming a Platinum Partner again this year, a sponsorship that continues to allow BGDGA the ability to deliver industry development initiatives in the region.
Industry Use of chemical carbendazim suspended The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has permanently suspended the use of the fungicide carbendazim due to occupational health and safety concerns, residues in food and public health concerns. The APVMA found the chemical posed an undue risk to the public or workers, so has suspended its use on grapes, cucurbits, citrus fruit, custard apple, mango, pome fruit, stonefruit and turf. In addition, the APVMA is also proposing to withdraw other registered uses on bananas, strawberries,
sugarcane setts, ginger seed pieces, red clover and subterranean clover due to a lack of adequate data to enable residue risks to be further evaluated. It is proposed that use on roses will also be withdrawn. Current uses on macadamia nuts and pulses will remain, subject to amended label instructions. The APVMA invites public comment on the proposed regulatory outcomes, with consultation closing 5 August 2011. There are currently 15 carbendazim products registered for use in Australia.
Minimum disruption to phase out chemicals Federal Agricultural Minister Joe Ludwig has committed that the phasing out of agricultural chemicals, like dimethoate and fenthion, will cause minimal disruption to the ongoing trade in potentially affected crops. Mr Ludwig told delegates at the 2011 AUSVEG National Convention that he encouraged growers to continue to work to prepare for the potential phase out of the chemicals, and to consider viable alternatives.
His encouragement came with an admission. “The government recognises the registration and regulation of agvet chemicals is not working as effectively as it should,” Mr Ludwig said. “It has committed more than $8.75 million to cut red tape further, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
New magazine examines chemicals Low and high chill stonefruit growers across Australia have a new industry journal. The Australian Stonefruit Grower will be available only by email or from the websites of industry groups, Summerfruit Australia Ltd and Low Chill Australia.
It will include articles of benefit to high-chill and low-chill growers. The current edition reports on the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s review of spray drift and changes to the use of the chemicals dimethoate and fenthion.
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Review of chemicals has states called to action The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (AVPMA) is reviewing the uses of the insecticides dimethoate and fenthion, which play an important role in the control of fruit fly and vegetable crops.
Seasonal window – a revised seasonal window for field grown strawberries from south-east Queensland will allow the fruit to be exported under an Interstate Certification Assurance protocol between 9 June and 19 August.
A National Response Plan was developed by all governments and affected industries. The plan aims to secure ongoing trade with little disruption to supplies of commodities considered to be ‘at risk’ from changes in chemical uses as a result of the reviews.
Irradiation – Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved irradiation as a phystosantiary measure for breadfruit, carambola, custard apple, litchi, longan, mango, mangosteen, papaya and rambutan. Persimmons are going through the FSANZ approval process for use of irradiation as a treatment. Research is being done on the effects on tomato, capsicum, zucchini, honeydew melon, rockmeon and one stonefruit.
It is expected the APVMA will release the preliminary Review Findings report for dimethoate for public comment sometime in July with the report on fenthion to follow in the months after. Alternatives being explored by the dimethoate and fenthion response coordination include:
Cold treatment – A list of cold treatments for international export is being formulated and to be included in state/territory entry conditions. Glass house – A system is to be put in place to prove pest free place of production for glass house grown tomatoes grown in Guyra, NSW. Pre-harvest treatments – Following extensive trials, the Calypso, R2E2 and honey gold variety of mangoes will be added to the list that does not require a pre-harvest treatment for consignment to fruit fly sensitive markets. All states are examining the Measures for Fruit Fly Risk Management manual for treatments that aren’t currently accepted in their jurisdiction and what data is needed to accept those treatments. It can be viewed at www.domesticquarantine.org.au. A system for tomatoes and capsicums grown in the Bowen area is being written. NSW is developing a combination of hot water shower and cold storage disinfection treatment for capsicums and chillies.
Little Response Plan progress made Brismark General Manager Ian Main said a dimethoate and fenthion Response Coordination Committee may be speaking with industry stakeholders each month but little progress is being made. He said 12 months ago the States and Territories were asked to detail a National Response Plan with reviews completed in 2010. It wasn’t until March 2011 that Biosecurity Queensland announced it had drafted a plan and was waiting on final approval. At the time of writing this issue, the plan had yet to be approved. Mr Main said Horticulture Australia Limited was assessing funding for the 2011/12 financial year including low dose methyl bromide fumigation, irradiation data packages, ozone treatments, ethyl formate and combination treatments. The use of the chemical Delegate is also being investigated.
Industry events Industry conferences fill the calendar The fruit and vegetable industry has had one of its busiest few months on record with the staging of some of the biggest conferences on the industry calendar. Fresh Source takes a look at the highlights in what has been bountiful few months of information exchange and networking.
AUSVEG convention a sell out Brisbane Markets played a key role in the staging of the 2011 AUSVEG National Convention in Brisbane recently, with an industry breakfast and tour of the Markets attracting some of Australia’s most well-known politicians. The political lineup continued throughout the three day event, culminating in a sold-out gala celebration where invited guests and delegates saw a number of growers, and members of the wider Australian vegetable industry, honoured for excellence in their field. AUSVEG Chairman John Brent congratulated the award winners and said he was thrilled with the success of the event, with close to 1,000 delegates attending the conference.
The Innovative Marketing Award, presented by the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA), of which Brisbane Markets Limited is a member, was won by the Mitolo Group. The Premier’s Award was won by David Anderson of Shoalwater, WA. Luis Gazzola of Gazzola Farms in Somerville, VIC, won the AUSVEG Lifetime Achievement Award, and the AUSVEG Industry Leader Award was won by Andrew Meurant of Elders. Brisbane Markets wholesalers also attended the event and supported a CMAA display, helping to provide a consistent message on the benefits of Australia’s Central Market system.
Fresh Connections The Fresh Connections 2011 Conference and Trade Show was held in June and attracted over 750 delegates to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Australia and New Zealand. Hosted by PMA Australia-New Zealand, The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries and the Australian Fresh Fruit Company (AFFCO), Fresh Connections 2011 was the major networking, educational and business event for the entire fruit, vegetable and floral industries in the Australia and New Zealand region. Conference sessions were designed
to assist industry in addressing critical business challenges and opportunities. Topics included consumer trends, marketing, the potential benefits to the industry of increasing consumption of fresh produce, and emerging market opportunities in China. Brisbane Produce Market played a lead role in hosting a breakfast for 130 delegates at the start of the busy program, with representatives also staffing a trade display. The event announced the industry launch of Fruit and Vegetable Week, set for 14-20 November 2011.
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A fruit bowl of conference information Mangoes
ABGC PRESIDENT CAMERON MACKAY (LEFT) AND CEO JONATHAN ECCLES WITH SOLO ROUND THE WORLD SAILOR AND YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR JESSICA WATSON.
In April, the Australian Mango Industry Association met in Darwin with delegates being addressed by experts at the conference sessions, and out in the paddock on two field trips. The conference drew 180 delegates who heard discussions on three new mango varieties in the pipeline which are to be released shortly. Other topics included the industry’s future directions, fruit marketing, pest control and new developments in technology. Awards were presented to people who had made outstanding contributions including previous chairman Joe Moro, inaugural chairman Jeremy Gaylard and researcher Dr Elias Chacko. Strawberries In May, Queensland Strawberry Growers held its annual conference dinner at the Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters Golf Resort, in Caloundra with a strong turn out of growers, wholesalers and industry guests.
THE NEILSEN COMPANY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR YAHYA KANJ PRODUCED EYE OPENING DATA AT BOTH THE BANANA CONGRESS AND 2011 FRESH CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE.
Bananas The Ninth Australian Banana Industry Congress was held at Coolum with nearly 400 delegates attending despite the impact of Cyclone Yasi on the industry in the far north. Cameron MacKay, president, Australian Banana Growers Council (ABGC) said although growers at the Congress were upbeat, they were not home-free yet. When the cyclone hit on the night of 3 February 2011, the industry came to a “shuddering halt” as Mr MacKay put it. This year marks the ABGC’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Around the world sailor and Young Australian of the year, Jessica Watson officially opened the event.
THE WHO’S WHO OF AUSTRALIAN AND QUEENSLAND POLITICS ON THE BRISBANE MARKETS TRADING FLOOR DURING THE AUSVEG CONVENTION. CENTRE IS FEDERAL LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION TONY ABBOTT, AND RIGHT, CAMPBELL NEWMAN, QUEENSLAND LEADER OF THE LNP.
Melons Brisbane Markets extensive marketing program came under the spotlight at the 2011 Melon Marketing Forum, held at Jupiter’s Casino in Townsville in early July. Brisbane Markets Industry Liaison Officer Vanessa Kennedy was a guest speaker at the forum, taking the opportunity to discuss some of the avenues available to promote melon varieties and outlining the great marketing work being carried out through the Central Market system. The event attracted growers from across Australia with discussions centring on the introduction of a proposed melon levy, with funds possibly for future melon marketing.
FOOD BANK CHIEF JOHN WEBSTER SORTS THROUGH THE DONATED PRODUCE DURING THE STAGING OF THE 2011 FRESH CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE, IN BRISBANE.
Industry briefs Locking the gate to keep out mining
Brisbane Markets helps struggling Monto
Two-headed fish embryo report released
Rural landholders in the South Burnett region have resolved to “lock the gate” on Queensland Bauxite (QBL), which is proposing to develop a bauxite industry on the region's fertile red soils.
Brisbane Produce Market has aided struggling Monto farmers explore ways it can take a stronger role in the fruit and vegetable industry as a means of bolstering the North Burnett region’s flagging economy.
A final report of the Noosa Fish Health Investigation Taskforce has finally been released following lengthy investigation into a range of fish health problems at the Sunland Fish Hatchery, including fish deaths and abnormalities.
Up to 60 North Burnett residents joined Brisbane Market’s Industry Liaison Officer Vanessa Kennedy and representatives from the fruit and vegetable industry at the Monto Fresh shed to discuss the potential of turning the area’s fertile ground into viable fresh produce production lands.
A two-headed fish embryo and accusations that spray drift from a macadamia farm had played a part in causing the abnormality aired on Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes program, without solid data to back up the claims.
The company was recently granted an Exploration Permit for Minerals (EPM) by the Queensland Government, and has been contacting local landholders seeking access to begin drilling. A well attended community meeting in Kingaroy called to air concerns resulted in local residents resolving to “lock the gate” and not to co-operate with QBL requests for access to discuss exploration or begin drilling until two fundamental issues are resolved with the State Government.
Government legislation, exacerbated by recent long periods of drought, has caused a downturn in Monto’s development. The area was also hard hit economically after the deregulation of the dairying industry. The shed meeting, organised by the North Burnett Regional Council was held to discuss diversification within the region.
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tim Mulherin said overall, the investigation found that there was no definitive link between chemicals and the events that occurred at the hatchery or in the Noosa River. “It had been my intention to release this report when it was completed a year ago, but I was unable to due to outstanding legal obstacles. These have now been resolved which means I am able to provide the report to the courts and the public,” Mr Mulherin said. The report is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
Mark Derriman from Queensland Bauxite told the meeting that the concerns of the local landholders have been noted, and that as a result, exploration would only occur where landholders have given consent or on roads and public land. NORTH BURNETT REGIONAL COUNCIL DEPUTY MAYOR CR PAUL LOBEGEIER CHAIRED THE MONTO SHED MEETING.
Name change for hydroponic association The Australian Hydroponic and Greenhouse Association has changed its name to Protected Cropping Australia (PCA).
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The name change is the first in reflecting the broader Australian hydroponic and greenhouse industry through transition from an incorporated association to a professional board structure. The Australian protected cropping industry is valued at $1.3billion farm-gate value and consists of over 1,600 growers on 1,300 hectares.
Beetroot move to New Zealand a blow Golden Circle’s parent company, Heinz Australia, has decided to relocate production of beetroot from facilities in Northgate in Brisbane to its facility in Hastings, New Zealand. The Northgate cannery in Queensland produces more than 180,000 tonnes per year of canned pineapple and beetroot, fruit juices and cordials, jams and sauces. The company announced that the decision will lead to 160 job losses in Brisbane, 140 in northern Victoria and 38 in New South Wales. Lockyer Valley beetroot producer Linton Brimblecombe, says the community was outraged over the district’s iconic industry being forced to switch to alternative crops. He said it was bitter blow for the nine growers who have built a solid reputation for one of the tastiest ingredients of the hundreds of thousands of burgers daily eaten around Australia. The decision also affected producers leasing or share-farming around the beetroot venture. While the gross income associated with growing beetroot in the Lockyer was about $10m, growers said that was just part of the story. Some 809ha of the 8000-plus hectares in the Lockyer was now at risk of being taken out of production, growers said.
'Once-in-a-lifetime' La Niña ends One of the strongest La Niña events on record has finally ended, after playing a major role in the record breaking rainfall and flooding seen through eastern and northern Australia over the past year. By many measures, this was one of the strongest La Niña events on record, surpassing those seen in the 1970’s and rivaling the 1917 event. La Niña events are characterised by colder than usual sea surface temperatures through the central and eastern Pacific Ocean (near South America), along with warmer than usual waters near the Australian continent.
With the La Niña event now fading and the arrival of the dry season across northern Australia, the likelihood of another major flood event has drastically reduced. "Looking ahead to next spring and summer, it's not yet clear whether we will see La Niña conditions redevelop, or even return to the drier El Niño pattern. The scientific consensus is for neutral conditions into spring, although it is still a little too early to tell which way things will swing," said Alex Zadnik, Senior Meteorologist at Weatherzone.
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Export Australian exports down while imports rise The drop in Australian fruit and vegetable exports and the rise of imports has placed pressure on Brisbane Markets export businesses to diversify into other lines of work if they are to remain viable. AS Barr Export’s Joe Saina said in the 2010 calendar year fruit and vegetable exports had fallen by 35% since 2002,which was a drop of $275 million. Tonnage dropped from 566,000 tonnes in 2002 to 347,000 tonnes in 2010. “It gets worse. The 2011 export figures will show a further reduction in the vicinity of 25% off the 2010 dollar sales figures, due to higher competition and weather related supply problems, and the strength of the Australian dollar.” Mr Saina said. “There are major falls in all fruits except avocado, cherry and mango which had only modest increases.” He said this compared with an increase in fresh produce imports of $92 million (28%) from the 2005 calendar year compared to 2010. Some $337 million or 186 thousand tonnes of fruit and vegetable imports
were received in 2005 compared to five years later valued at $429 million for 217 thousand tonnes. There were major increases in imported fresh citrus, onions, avocado, dates and grapes, along with increased demand for counter seasonal produce such as navel oranges and mandarins, and increased penetration of New Zealand avocado, kiwifruit and onions. “Put simply, if Australia wants access to export markets with locally produced fresh produce, we need to fully participate in the global economy by allowing fruits and vegetables into Australia from various countries,” Mr Saina said. “If Australia accepts that export markets off shore remain difficult to access then we can continue to protect local producers by restricting imports. “Unfortunately, many of these questions are cultural and political in nature with conflicting interests playing on the minds of decision makers including voters,” he said. “The debate will continue on whether Australia wants to risk the capacity and sustainability to produce our own fresh fruits and vegetables versus having access to other markets and paying high prices locally.” Joe Saina, MBA, is the deputy chairman of the Australian Horticulture Exporters Association, sits on the Ministerial task force for AQIS – horticulture reform and is an International Trade Committee with Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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Main reasons for Australian export falls • Australian product is less competitive with shed door cost of production too high; transport technologies allow goods to be shipped further and remain fresher; and there is development of new varieties widening seasonality that is adopted by competitor nations. • Significant development in horticulture by southern hemisphere producers in South America and Africa. • Australian producers are seen by off shore importers as “Supermarket Centric” referring to the dominance of supermarkets in Australia as the most important outlets for locally produced fresh produce. • Deregulated business environment and fragmented fresh produce production for export, allowing off shore importers to play Australian exporters/ producers against each other pressuring prices down. • Systemic failure of the Australian governments to negotiate reasonable market access of Australian product to export markets; • A culture inconsistency within the Australian quarantine bureaucracy counterproductive to successful horticulture exports. • A strong Australian dollar.
Environment Markets hosts carbon pricing scheme debate The national spotlight fell on Brisbane Markets during the July release of the Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) with Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey broadcasting live from the Central Trading Area to Australia’s media networks on the subject.
the CPRS when it is launched but there will be direct impacts. Mr Hockey reported the feedback from wholesalers, saying there were concerns for additional costs, in particular a 10% increase in electricity, which could result in job losses to help pay for it.
Mr Hockey and Federal Member for Brisbane, Teresa Gambaro, met with wholesalers and buyers to hear their views on the CPRS, better known as the carbon tax, to be introduced in 2012, and to discuss their concerns. Members of the media toured with the politicians, capturing the handshakes, smiles and some of the dialogue concerning their businesses and personal positions on film. Prime Minister Julia Gillard had announced the CPRS the day before. The scheme will make about 500 big polluters pay an initial $23 for every tonne of carbon they put into the atmosphere.
U DID YO ? KNOW In comparison to other agricultural sectors, horticulture has a small environmental impact relating to climate change. While agriculture emissions amount to some 16% of all national industry emissions, horticulture comprises just 1%of this total. Source: Horticulture Australia Limited
SHADOW TREASURER JOE HOCKEY (CENTRE) BROADCASTS A MESSAGE LIVE FROM THE MARKETS WITH WHOLESALERS (FROM LEFT) PETER TIGHE, OF JH LEAVY AND STEPHEN EDWARDS, OF MURRAY BROS.
Set to kick off on July 1 next year, the tax will rise by 2.5% a year until the pricing mechanism shifts to a market-based Emissions Trading Scheme in 2015. To compensate households for price increases, nine out of 10 will get tax cuts or increases in government payments. Horticulture and other agricultural industries will not be directly involved in
MARKET’S CAFÉ OWNER JOHN LAWRENCE IS INTERVIEWED BY ABC TV REPORTER KATHY MCLEISH AND A CAMERA MAN ON THE CARBON TAX.
Climate tools online Discussions on climate change can be hard to understand and terms are used that are not fully understood. Complex economic models can confuse the terms even further. Horticulture Australia Limited has an online resource, called Climate Tools, to better explain how it all works. The site is found at www.horticulture. com.au/areas_of_Investment/Environment/ Climate/climate_tools.asp. It features a Climate Change Research Strategy for primary industries.
It also provides links to resources to learn more about: · Horticulture carbon footprinting, including a farm gas calculator · Fact sheets to better explain climate change · Information taken from past workshops and projects on the climate change, and · A carbon dictionary to help understand carbon terms
So much more than just a market
To find out more about the Brisbane Produce Market visit www.brisbanemarkets.com.au
or phone the free Grower Hotline on 1800 631 002.
With involvement in every sector of the industry, the Brisbane Produce Market is: • An avid promoter of fruit and vegetables to consumers through its Fresh Tastes, Queensland Kids Fresh Net (QKFN), Go for 2 & 5 and Marketfresh.com.au programs • Committed to encouraging excellence in the independent green grocer sector through the Fresh Tastes retailer development program • Committed to ensuring wholesalers and growers continue to have good working relationships and maintain an understanding of each other’s concerns and issues • Constantly updating its facilities and looking for better ways to do business • Committed to the long-term viability of Australia’s horticulture industry
BPM9586/B
The Brisbane Produce Market is Queensland’s fresh fruit and vegetable hub, trading over 625,000 tonnes of produce each year and ensuring the most efficient and effective marketing and distribution of Queensland’s fresh fruit and vegetables.
Kids Fresh face teaches Brisbane kids a fresh message Brisbane kids have a fresh face putting not the fresh produce message. A new presenter, Yvonne Klette, joined the Brisbane Produce Market team in May. Yvonne has set to work travelling to South East Queensland schools, visiting up to six classes a week to talk about fruit and vegetables through the Queensland Kids Fresh Net program.
WHAT DO KIDS KNOW ABOUT EATING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES? QUEENSLAND FRESH KIDS FRESH NET PRESENTER YVONNE KLETTE IS FINDING OUT.
The public relations professional and mother of a school-aged child said the response to the two fruit and five vegetables message from Years 2 to 4, and the more industry focused paddock to plate messages for the years 5 to 7s, was really hitting the mark. “The kids are interested in knowing the stories and funny facts that go along with the fruits and vegetables they eat
and are full of questions and surprises in every class I teach,” Yvonne said. “One of the keys has been to get the kids to sample some of the more unusual pieces of fresh produce, to encourage them to experiment, and to discuss the recipes they can use and how to enjoy more healthy food in their diets”. The QKFN Program has reached over 3,500 students in 50 schools already this year and is on track to reach up to 7,000 students by the end of 2011. More than 800 Queensland primary schools are registered in the program. This gives them free access to an interactive website, work sheets, information and healthy eating competitions throughout the year.
Healthy eating message for Bundy kids Brisbane Produce Market’s healthy eating message for kids has rolled across Bundaberg primary schools thanks to a Community Grants Program, backed by Bundaberg City Council. Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers picked up the Queensland Fresh Kids Fresh Net (QKFN) Program, offering primary students classroom sessions, with the healthy eating message then reinforced by a farm visit. BUNDABERG SCHOOL CHILDREN ON A HEALTHY EATING FARM VISIT WITH SPECIAL GUEST, BAZZA BANANA.
The Brisbane Produce Market developed the Fresh Net program in 2003 with Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ (BFVG)
implementing it within the region in 2009. Throughout the program, 15 school presentations were given, reaching 955 students with 13 on-farm tours organised, involving 577 students. Naomi Guppy, BFVG program presenter said that during 2009, BFVG delivered the classroom presentation to over 2,200 school children. Local growers gave up their time to share their expertise with more than 1,000 students from 26 local schools having an on-farm experience in 2009.
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RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Retailing The best greengrocer is in Paradise Nick and Vanessa Pavlou, owners of Birkdale Fair store Paradise Fruits, are the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Year.
a $10,000 promotional prize. The prize money included a colour editorial in the Courier-Mail congratulating the team at Paradise Fruits.
The announcement was made at the annual Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The award was presented by special guest, Queensland Premier the Honourable Anna Bligh, who officially announced the store as the Retailer of the Year.
Nick is proud of his small team of dedicated staff who maintain an exceptionally high standard, which has seen their store take out the prestigious award for the first time.
Paradise Fruits received a trophy and
SHOP AT YOUR
Local Greengrocer 2011 has heralded a change in thinking for the Fresh Tastes branding that has been used by Brisbane Produce Market retailers for over five years. Fresh Tastes, as a brand, did not invoke any response with consumers as it was the internal title used to brand the program. A new tagline, ‘Shop at your local greengrocer’ will be implemented across all materials. This message is clear, concise and is designed to encourage customers to support their independent greengrocers.
Paradise Fruits is located at Shop 15, Birkdale Fair, Corner Mary Pleasant Drive and Birkdale Road and is open 7-days a week.
AWARD WINNING PARADISE FRUITS TEAM, FROM RIGHT NICK PAVLOU, IVA MOLLER, DAVE KRAMER AND KRIS MULHOLLAND.
Retailers put tickets on themselves Brisbane Produce Market recently entered into an agreement with New Zealand company Phototicket to bring their easy-to-use greengrocer ticketing system to registered retailers.
refurbished store iFruit, purchased the product before the Market launch. John is a vocal advocate for the system and has offered his store as a visual recommendation for those interested.
The ticketing product is an easy software system for stores to update their signage as needed. It can also be a display system supplied as a total solution, including all headings and numbers.
For more information, please contact Amy Kearns on 07 3915 4200.
This promotion was launched at Brismark in mid June and many retailers stopped to have a chat and booked in a visit from Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Amy Kearns to visit their store with further information. Kenmore greengrocer, John Zenonos, owner of newly
PHOTOTICKET ‘BLACK DISPLAY SYSTEM’ ON SHOW AT JOHN ZENONOS’ KENMORE STORE IFRUIT.
events
Calendar 4-6 August NATIONAL CHERRY, APPLE & PEAR CONFERENCE ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTRE, SA Contact: Lucy Gregg on 03 6231 1944, 0408 977725 or email bdm@fruitgrowerstas.com.au The conference and hort expo focuses on “Growing Smarter, Growing Stronger” and is aimed at production based issues for growers.
4-9 September VII WORLD AVOCADO CONGRESS CAIRNS CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, QLD Contact: Kim Nicholls on 07 3858 5413 or email kimn@eventplanners.com.au Up to 1,000 domestic and international delegates to hold industry discussions and take part in a world class tradeshow.
7-9 September ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, HONG KONG, CHINA Contact: www.asiafruitlogistica.com/ Asia's leading trade show for the international fresh fruit and vegetable business with 304 exhibitors from 30 countries.
9 September MAREEBA DISTRICT FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS DINNER MAREEBA INTERNATIONAL CLUB, QLD Contact: Jo Moro on 07 4092 6099 or email moro_joe@hotmail.com.au Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers will host the gala dinner with up to 300 industry people in attendance.
Farmers recognised in 2012 2012 will be the Australian Year of the Farmer. The year’s objective is to promote the role farmers play as environmental managers, creating and delivering sustainability through best practice management. Its website says Australia's farmers should be recognised and celebrated: for feeding the nation, for leading the world in farming techniques and innovation, and for sustaining the vital agribusinesses that underpin our economy. To learn more about becoming involved in the national celebrations go to www.yearofthefarmer.com.au.
It’s almost Ekka time again Growers and interstate guests will join thousands of people pouring into the Brisbane Markets Agricultural Hall at this year’s Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) to check out the fruit and vegetable displays and cooking sessions, using some of the State’s finest fresh produce. The Ekka is being held 11-20 August at Bowen Hill’s RNA Showgrounds. Plans were afoot to demolish the Brisbane Markets Agricultural Hall to allow for redevelopment, but the building is still standing and will once again be spilling with fresh produce. The Ekka is one of the largest agricultural shows in Australia, attracting more than 600,000 people over 10 days. This year the Agricultural Hall will host grower organisations, youth exhibits and other displays by industry bodies. Brisbane Markets Retailer Development Program greengrocers will support about 60 cooking demonstrations while up to 40 kids cooking classes will be held aided by Brisbane Markets staff and members of the Brismark Junior Executive team.
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