Fresh Source Winter

ISSUE 51

WINTER 2015 MAGAZINE OF BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED

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CAUTIOUS WELCOME

Hort Code Review

RELEASE

of G2 refurb images

P8

Your source of fresh information for the fruit and vegetable industry Print post approved pp 100001181

P10

$1M CASHED UP

Capsicum competition P16

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CEO COMMENT HORTICULTURE CODE The announcement of a review into the controversial Horticulture Code of Conduct is regarded as being well overdue by the Market wholesaling sector, who for years have had to operate under a mandatory code that was introduced without a proper prior assessment of whether it was justified, or its impact on the industry.

DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES

CONFERENCE INVOLVEMENT

The face of Brisbane Markets continues to develop with Stage 2 of the multi million dollar roofing project, to cover the Brisbane Produce Market, ahead of schedule.

BML and Brismark have joined their national bodies, the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA) and Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) to attend, exhibit and network at two major industry conferences.

Stage 1 is complete.

New tenant signage has been installed.

At the official review announcement on 3 June 2015, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Code had a lot of promise, but had not lived up to expectations.

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has also released designs for its Building G2 project and secured an Agreement for Lease for a new service station project.

Both wholesalers and growers would agree. Since its introduction in 2007 it has delivered increased regulatory and cost burdens for those working with the Central Market System.

It’s heartening to see such development reaching important milestones in BML’s $150 million upgrading of the site. See more from page 10.

Unfortunately, the review has already begun on the wrong foot.

Retailers involved in Brisbane Produce Market’s Your Local Fruit Shop (YLFS) have never had so much enthusiasm to give away a prize before with an in-store competition that could see their customers walk away with $5,000 in travel prizes and the chance to win $1 million.

Simply by excluding a wholesaler representative on the two person Review Panel, combined with comments from both Ministers Joyce and Small Business Minister Bruce Billson at the review launch has left the impression that this could again be a one-sided race to win votes.

Read more about it on page 8.

Both the Produce Marketing Association’s Australia-New Zealand Fresh Connections conference, in Melbourne, in late May, and the National Horticulture Convention on the Gold Coast, in June, have drawn strong wholesaler support.

A number of grower organisations have also held events. Look for the Conference Season feature from page 12.

CASHED UP CAPSICUM

Andrew Young, Chief Executive Officer, BML and Brismark

The Cashed Up Capsicum is part of the annual Winter Vegetables Campaign that should run until Sunday, 26 July 2015. Take a look at page 16 for more detail.

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 DESIGN Effigy p: 07 3040 4343 | PRINT Buckner Printing p: 07 3865 9677

Fresh Source is the magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited. New editions of the magazine are printed quarterly. Advertising and editorial inquiries are welcome and media outlets are invited to use material with or without acknowledgement. Fresh Source is printed on Australian made recycled stock.

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updates SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN Do you know of someone who would love to read Fresh Source magazine?

Brisbane Markets is giving away 50 commemorative ‘50 Years Brisbane Markets’ coffee table books, valued at $50 each, to the first 50 lucky subscribers who sign up for an electronic copy of Fresh Source Magazine before 1 September 2015.

Sign up at: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/publications/fresh-source/ or phone 07 3915 4200.

The book is a hard bound, 160 page publication featuring glossy photographs and some of the tales recorded from the past five decades on the Rocklea site.

Fresh Source turned 10 years old this year and along with its new look comes a modern way of viewing it, with many subscribers preferring their online copy so they have the news on their computer, iphone or tablet.

Fresh Source is free.

MOTORAMA PRESENCE ON SITE Coffee and cars have a lot in common, particularly when both are the topic of conversation with a car buff who spends three mornings a week at The Café, talking to Brisbane Markets workers.

Motorama’s Senior Sales Executive, Ian Blaikie is spending up to 12 hours a week based at a coffee table to catch up with people wanting to know more about what’s on offer and how to purchase it.

It’s all part of a new sponsorship arrangement with Motorama that will see much more hands on support for anyone serious about buying a new vehicle, used vehicle, servicing and looking for finance options.

Mr Blaikie is easy to contact, even when the coffee cup is empty. He will be onsite each Wednesday to Friday, from 7-10am or can be contacted on 07 3000 9736 or email brisbane.markets@motorama.com.au 4

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FORKIES… SAVE THE DATE Brisbane Markets will start a search for its Forklift Operator of the Year with a grand finale planned for Wednesday, 19 August.

Over three weeks, forklift operators will compete for prizes while raising awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace.

Drivers will be awarded points for displaying safe forklift driving habits while negotiating the course, rather than how quickly they completed it.

It’s the first time the event has been held with plans to make it an inaugural event.

CONTENTS 4

Fresh Updates 4 4 4 5 5

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Fresh Markets 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 10 10 11 11

BRISBANE MARKETS CEO A SURPRISED FELLOW A recent tour of the Brisbane Produce Market from some of Brisbane’s CPA Australia members turned into a surprise for Brisbane Markets Limited CEO Andrew Young.

The early morning tour ended in a morning tea at secondary wholesaler Simon George and Son’s boardroom where Mr Young was presented with a certificate to confirm him a Fellow of CPA Australia.

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12 Fresh Connections 2015 12 Wholesalers out in force 12 Wiggles to help our kids “Pick Right. Feel Bright!”

13 Speakers with a passion for fresh 13 Photo Gallery 13 Doing the same things in a different way 14 Avoiding the “bad mango experience” 14 Bananas fuel State of Origin crowd 14 Melon virus behind postponement 15 HortCon 2015 merges grower heavy weights 15 Strawberry growers meet

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Fresh Retailing 16 Pick the ‘Cashed Up Capsicum’ to win $1 million 16 Congratulations Hand picked campaign

Fresh Industry 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 20 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 25

Touring Brisbane’s CPA Australia members had a surprise up their sleeve.

QUIT SMOKING CAMPAIGN There has never been a better time to quit smoking for workers on the Brisbane Produce Market floor.

Not only has the ‘no smoking’ area been extended to include Building A and the area between Buildings A and B but now there is a helping hand to stub out the butt – and it’s free.

The program combines complimentary telephone counselling from Quitline (13 78 48) and nicotine replacement therapy.

Minister tours an upgraded Brisbane Markets Flowers and radio a great mix A healthy step ahead Markets Kitchen gains a celebrity chef New signs craned in Entry gate changes Horticulture Code background Cautious welcome to Horticulture Code review Supermarket Code needs signatures Building refurbishment to revitalise the area Service Station under construction Stage 2 roof upgrading progressed Solar project preparations

Feature: Conference Season

Only highly-experienced CPAs with at least 15 year’s full time experience in accounting, finance or business, with at least five of those in an executive position, qualify for such an honour.

Work Health and Safety Queensland is conducting a quit smoking program for workers on site who chose to sign up to the free program.

Subscribe for your chance to WIN Motorama presence on site Forkies…save the date Brisbane Markets CEO a surprised Fellow Quit smoking campaign

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HIA feature Senate alerted to rorted peak body funds How HIA handled the rorting AUSVEG calls to name and shame HIA funding figures More about HIA The Australian Chamber adopts a new business name Labour Hire in the news again Growcom appoints new CEO Ag applauds Federal Budget Promise “fair dinkum” on food labelling White paper vision for the North Labour hire issues being addressed Berry testing will not increase Fruit fly research boost New Biosecurity Act for 2016 Big changes for BGGA gala dinner Exploring opportunities to diversify Biosecurity review chief appointed Mareeba cleared of Panama disease NT melon growers turn to hay

Fresh Business 26 Conducting effective performance reviews

Fresh for Kids 29 Educational fun at Rural Discovery Day 29 Vegies good for both body and soul

Fresh Calendar

markets MINISTER TOURS AN UPGRADED BRISBANE MARKETS Solar energy, improved heavy transport passage to and from the Brisbane Markets and flood proofing were all on the agenda during Brisbane Markets’ talks with Mark Bailey, Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply.

Brisbane Markets Chairman Tony Joseph, Brismark Chairman Gary Lower and CEO Andrew Young took the opportunity to tour Mr Bailey, the State Member for Yeerongpilly during trading time, in late May. Mr Bailey is no stranger to the Brisbane Markets, having been a nearby resident and former Brisbane City Council councilor for Moorooka in his work life before his ministerial role.

However, it had been almost 10 years since the Minister’s last visit, and the site’s transformation after more than $100 million in development and refurbishment works was apparent.

Talks centred on the growing need to improve the movement of heavy transport to and from the Brisbane Markets.

From left, Brisbane Markets Limited’s Chairman Tony Joseph and CEO Andrew Young point out recent upgrades on the trading floor to local State Member Mark Bailey, Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply.

FLOWERS AND RADIO A GREAT MIX The Mother’s Day rush into the Brisbane Flower Market was again bigger than Valentine’s Day with extended trading times heavily patronised, assisted by a radio station competition to create even more foot traffic.

Nova 106.9 Radio Station sent its team members out to give away eight $50 gift vouchers, donated by the Brisbane Flower Market wholesalers, along with a range of giveaways to get people calling into the Sherwood Road site to browse the flowers on offer.

Brisbane Market Flowers’ Marion Martin (left) and Ruth Bradhurst (right) present a bunch of flowers to a Nova team member during Mother’s Day promotions.

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The most popular flower was still the chrysanthemum, along with “mum” themed bouquets of roses, carnations, lilies, and orchids including the stunning phalenopsis (moth), cymbidium and cyclamen varieties, alstro, gerberas, asters and freesias.

A HEALTHY STEP AHEAD If you think the Brisbane Markets work force is looking fitter and leaner, they may well be because some have just walked the same distance as the Italian coastline.

More than 100 people pulled on their walking shoes and took part in a four week Healthy Steps program, run by Brismark, with a pedometer on their belts to achieve more than 10,000 steps a day.

Look to the team at wholesalers Pershouse Produce for four champions with their team walking a total of 1,873,002 steps. Pacing behind was Morco Fresh with 1,801,164 steps.

The Markets Go Fresh and Healthy program currently has fitness classes each Wednesday.

In July, Brismark will be promoting ‘Fighting Fatigue’ by handing out some sleep and fatigue management packs.

The program is being run by Brismark, funded through the Queensland Government for ‘Healthier. Happier. Workplaces.’

MARKETS KITCHEN GAINS A CELEBRITY CHEF Celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo has been appointed Brisbane Markets Kitchen ambassador and will become a familiar face at media and product launches among other events hosted at the Brisbane Markets facility.

Ms Rizzo is no stranger to the professional kitchen facilities in the Fresh Centre, having cooked up and emceed at various launches in the past.

Celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo during a launch in the Brisbane Markets’ Market Kitchen.

You will also see the popular Queensland chef’s recipes appearing on Brisbane Produce Market recipes in the future, concentrating on clean, healthy foods using plenty of fresh produce and simple instructions.

“I have always had a passion for learning and teaching in my career as a chef, and after working in the Market Kitchen I am thrilled to endorse the space as one of Brisbane’s premium locations,” Ms Rizzo said.

Check out her full Markets Kitchen testimonial at: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/ market-kitchen/.

NEW SIGNS CRANED IN New LED display pylon signage has been positioned in two locations on the Brisbane Markets site as part of a signage upgrading project.

It’s the first time Brisbane Markets has used LED display in its pylon signage, with messages expected to capture the eye of travelers on busy Sherwood Road, Rocklea and visitors to the Commercial Centre shops.

Brisbane Markets’ Curzon Street entry is being remotely monitored.

ENTRY GATE CHANGES Brisbane Markets has changed its protocol on two of its entry points, with the Curzon Street gate, to the north of its Rocklea property, now being monitored remotely.

The change coincides with the redeployment of staff to the more frequently used Western Access Gate to provide a fully staffed service at this entrance.

A crane manoeuvres an LED display pylon signage into place at Brisbane Markets Commercial Centre.

The main gate entry, on Sherwood Road, remains staffed 24 hours a day and is the main access for non access card holders. fresh source

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CAUTIOUS WELCOME TO HORTICULTURE CODE REVIEW Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) and Brismark have both voiced a cautious welcome to an independent review of the controversial mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct, more than eight years since its implementation.

The Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce and the Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson announced the review in early June, saying it would produce a draft issues paper and provide recommendations to government following consultation with industry.

Fresh Markets Australia (FMA), which is the national representative organisation for Market wholesalers, said it was “poor form” for the Australian Government to notify a key stakeholder, which represents businesses with a turnover of $7 billion annually about a critical decision along with the general public through a media release.

LONG OVERDUE Meanwhile, BML joined with The Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA), who represents Australia’s Central Market owners, saying after years of battling red tape, the review was long overdue.

CMAA has also raised concern that the wholesale sector is not represented on the review panel despite the review set up to examine laws that regulate trade between fresh fruit and vegetable growers and wholesalers (traders).

Accountant and horticulturalist Mark Napper and Alan Wein will undertake the independent review on behalf of the government, with Mr Napper being a grower with substantial growing sector experience with AUSVEG, and current roles with Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited and Low Chill Australia Inc.

HORTICULTURE CODE BACKGROUND According to those who advocate for its support, every grower supplying a fresh fruit and vegetable wholesaler in Australia should comply with the mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct, a piece of legislation that sets out how trade must take place and what agreements must be signed between the Growers and Traders (wholesalers).

However, from its controversial introduction in 2007 both growers and wholesalers have found it restrictive, one sided and unworkable.

Major supermarkets managed to lobby their way out of being part of the Horticulture Code much to the dissatisfaction of wholesalers and growers who call the legislation anti-competitive.

Find out more about the Code at http://tinyurl.com/noegxvz.

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NO WHOLESALING EXPERIENCE CMAA spokesman Andrew Young noted that the independent review panel included significant growing sector experience and none relating to the Central Markets or fruit and vegetable wholesaling.

Brismark joined with FMA in calling the review a “significant win for the Market wholesaling sector, who for years have had to operate under a mandatory Code that was introduced without a proper prior assessment of whether it was justified, or its impact on the industry”.

While the review’s announcement is welcomed, FMA said that alarm bells have rung regarding consultation with the Market wholesaling sector and the credentials of the appointed “independent” review panel.

The wholesaling sector is urging Growers to support a workable and commercial outcome which doesn’t distort competition in the industry.

SUPERMARKET CODE NEEDS SIGNATURES The big supermarkets may have to answer to a grocery industry ombudsman in three years if they fail to sign up to a voluntary Grocery Industry Code of Conduct.

Metcash and Coles have come under renewed pressure to sign the Code, despite widespread calls from suppliers for a mandatory rather than a voluntary Code and for the appointment of an Ombudsman.

In contrast, the controversial Horticulture Code of Conduct that the wholesale fruit and vegetable industry is bound by is mandatory.

The Federal Government has supported the voluntary Grocery Industry code of Conduct which was largely written by the major retailers.

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reasons

to go digital with

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You can enjoy reading your Fresh Source magazine whenever and wherever.

There are five great benefits when you read your Fresh Source from your iPad, Android and desktop device:

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It’s portable: Take your Fresh Source magazine with you.

3

It’s adjustable: There’s a choice of viewing mode to zoom in on text and make reading as easy as possible.

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It’s subscribable: Subscribe online and you will automatically receive your Fresh Source magazine for free.

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It’s instant: You receive each issue as soon as it’s released – no waiting for the postie!

It’s searchable: Ideal for when you need to find that article in a hurry.

Visit www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/publications/fresh-source/ and sign up today. It’s free!

Note: Requires an internet connection to view. The magazine can also be downloaded and viewed off-line.

markets

BUILDING REFURBISHMENT TO REVITALISE THE AREA The Brisbane City Council (BCC) has granted Development Approval for the redevelopment of the brick building at the front of the Brisbane Markets, known as Building G2.

The aged building will be gutted ahead of building works to create a new ground level retail premises and level one office accommodation with lift and stair access.

BML has received two pre-commitments from:

The new office areas offer high exposure with visible street frontage, easy access to the CBD and close proximity to Queensland’s fresh produce marketing and distribution hub.

Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young said the refurbishment of Building G2 would be an important milestone in BML’s master planned upgrading of the site.

“This latest phase of development is aimed at reinvigorating the commercial precinct, transforming the Markets’ entrance and drawing people to the Sherwood Road site,” Mr Young said.

• Marketorganics.com.au – an organics supermarket that will provide a range of organic fresh produce, bakery goods, delicatessen lines and pre-packed meats. Development works are expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

In addition, it will also offer ready-made snacks, raw foods, hot and cold beverages and fresh juices.

• Anytime Fitness – a national gym operator providing 24-hour gym facilities.

Below Left: Building G2 and the small green space earmarked for redevelopment at the Brisbane Markets entry intersection.

Below Right: An architectural representation of the redeveloped area, invigorating the Brisbane Markets Commercial Centre.

SERVICE STATION UNDER CONSTRUCTION Brisbane Markets Limited has entered into an Agreement for Lease with Neumann Petroleum Pty Ltd to develop a new Puma Energy service station on the site of the former Brisbane Markets Service Station.

Puma Energy has a retail footprint of more than 270 service stations throughout Australia.

Barriers have gone up as works to demolish the existing service station

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building, hardstand and underground fuel tanks so as to create a greenfield site for construction.

Mr Young said the introduction of a Puma Energy service station was an excellent outcome for what was a redundant site and an important additional service for the 4,000 people who work or do business daily on the Brisbane Markets site.

The project should be completed in early 2016.

DID YOU

KNOW?

Projects valued at more than $100 million have been completed on the 77 hectare Brisbane Markets site in the past decade, with numerous further major development projects under consideration.

STAGE 2 ROOF UPGRADING PROGRESSED The Stage 2 works of a $10 million roofing project to cover the Brisbane Produce Market is ahead of schedule and due to be completed by the end of July.

The second stage includes a $3.7 million roof extension covering Building D to the Covered Unloading Area, some 2,500m2 in size.

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) is working with food manufacturing facility specialist, Wiley & Co, to provide added protection for the busy trading location with new roofing structures, signage and refresh for Buildings B, C and D. Stage 1, a $6.3 million project to upgrade 8,000m2 of roofing structures is undergoing its final touches, with the last of the line marking, new tenancy signage and safety signage being tweaked.

Further construction work is being planned for the southern ends of Buildings B and C which will provide

weather protection to the front of the Selling Floors at the end of these buildings.

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The work has also included repainting of the rear loading dock tenancy walls, replacement of the dock bumpers, treatment of the concrete surface to address cracking and deterioration and installation of hob protection.

Meanwhile, under the Covered Unloading Area, its skylights have been replaced, painting of the fascia and columns and installation of new LED lighting is complete.

The work also included installation of new bird netting.

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1 The first main trussed beam is placed at Building D as part of Stage 2 of the roofing project.

2 New signage was part of Stage 1, brightened by new lighting and freshly painted columns.

3 3 Forklifts drive beneath the crisscross of trussed beams between Building D and the Covered Unloading Area before the roof is built above.

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SOLAR PROJECT PREPARATIONS Brisbane Markets Limited continues preparation works to progress installation of a 1055kW solar system in the Markets, working with tenants to ensure as little disruption as possible to the operations.

Todae Solar has been contracted to work with Brisbane Markets Limited on the project, reported in the media as being the largest private solar roof installation in Australia.

The system will generate about 2-3% of the Market’s current electricity requirements.

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FEATURE

Conference Season FRESH CONNECTIONS 2015 Brisbane Markets took an active role at the annual Produce Marketing Association AustraliaNew Zealand conference in Melbourne, in May, joining 1,200 delegates for the annual event.

For the first time, the three day conference was divided into three, with one day set aside for conference, trade show and special interest group meetings, and or site tours.

The following pages take a look at the happenings from that event. For those wanting more information, the presentations are found at www.pmafreshconnections.com.au/.

WIGGLES TO HELP OUR KIDS “PICK RIGHT. FEEL BRIGHT!” The Wiggles will be the face of a campaign to encourage children into healthier eating habits after an announcement of their involvement in a “Pick Right. Feel Bright!” campaign at the Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA-ANZ) Fresh Connections conference.

PMA-ANZ CEO Michael Worthington told delegates the internationally renowned entertainers had signed to help campaign to engage children with healthy eating habits, and counter the 5,000 plus junk food advertisements seen by the average child of the developed world each year.

The announcement came after a presentation

by USA produce marketing king Jeff Dunn, President of Packaged Fresh.

Mr Dunn told delegates that marketing strategies used to sell soft drink or fast food to children could also work to sell fresh fruit and vegetables to those same children.

The joint CMAA and FMA fresh produce stand at the Fresh Connections conference.

WHOLESALERS OUT IN FORCE Brisbane Markets and other Central Market wholesalers turned out in force at the annual Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Connections conference.

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) joined with the Central Markets Association of Australia, and Brismark with Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) to produce a combined trade display, surrounded by bins of fresh produce and giveaways.

The day of conference sessions was set aside for speakers who mainly covered the digital future of the industry and how best to market products, grow the company and innovate.

Both BML and Brismark delegates also used the conference as an opportunity to meet with their national bodies for annual talks.

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He is one of the founders of the successful ‘FNV’ and ‘Eat Brighter’ campaigns from the US, which used Sesame Street characters to help launch the message to children to eat more colourful fruits and vegetables.

The Australian ‘Pick Right. Feel Bright!’ version will be rolled out among growers and retailers across Australia.

Fresh Markets Australia representatives, from left, John Roach and Shane Schnitzler, of Melbourne Markets, and Gail Woods, of Brismark, show off their “Pick Right. Feel Bright!” badges in support of the Wiggles campaign. Photo courtesy Fairfax Media – GF&V.

DOING THE SAME THINGS IN A DIFFERENT WAY Futurist and digital strategist Chris Riddell gave delegates at the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand Fresh Connections conference a digital experience.

Mr Riddell used facts and images to tell delegates that the evolving digital revolution is neither minor nor temporary.

“Rather than creating problems, it continues to create exciting opportunities and solutions across the board for all industries,” he said.

“Increasing efficiencies, improving processes, streamlining staffing, speeding up communication, opening up new markets, reinvigorating existing markets… the list goes on.”

Mr Riddell encouraged the fresh produce to open up to using digital to create an “experience” for future customers and consider making data driven decisions.

“Data is the new oil, the new currency and privacy is the new green,” Mr Riddell said.

Futurist and Digital Strategist Chris Riddell says the opportunities for business in this exciting new world are both complex and immense.

SPEAKERS WITH A PASSION FOR FRESH The Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand Fresh Connections conference saw a variety of business talent from across the globe with key messages on how to market fresh produce in our current age.

These included specialised marketing agent Dan’l Mackey Almy who discussed the need for marketing and sales to work together. She became known for the catch cry of spending 15 minutes with her to explain why we should all be on Twitter and actively using it.

Cathy Burns is the Produce Marketing Association president after a 30-year career in the supermarket industry.

Other speakers included Professor David Hughes, who is Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London, as well as President of Packaged Fresh Jeff Dunn and futurist and digital strategist, Chris Riddell.

Presentations will be made available online at http://www.pmafreshconnections.com.au/

PHOTO GALLERY

Lindsay Australia’s Peter Wilson (left) and Mark “Robbo” Robinson attended the event.

Photo courtesy Fairfax Media – GF&V

Brisbane Markets Limited’s Vanessa Kennedy catches up with Queensland based Saul Windiate, from Profresh Systems before he spoke at an export workshop.

Photo courtesy Fairfax Media – GF&V.

Queensland wholesalers were well represented with, from left Christine and Craig Spence, and Colette Tayt, from the Carter Spencer Group, having made the journey to attend the Melbourne conference.

Photo courtesy Fairfax Media – GF&V.

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AVOIDING THE “BAD MANGO EXPERIENCE” Consumers who have had a “bad mango experience” will sometimes not buy another one for four-to-six weeks.

That was the message for growers at the Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) conference held in Darwin in May, where industry was encouraged to work together to ensure mangoes were marketed to their best potential.

“Our challenge is meeting the quarantine protocols and doing it efficiently so they can afford them,” Mr Scurr said.

“We think it’s achievable to have one in five Australian mangoes being exported in five years’ time.”

The 10th Australian Mango Conference focused on four key issues including forecasting, mango quality, supply-chain engagement and consumer marketing.

Australia exported a record number of mangoes last season, with over one million trays sent to markets around the world.

It is just the beginning according to the industry, which is planning to double exports from 10% of the national crop to 20% over the next five years.

AMIA chair Gavin Scurr said that consumers who were asked around the world said that they loveed Australian mangoes, so he believed there was a massive demand for them.

BANANAS FUEL

STATE OF ORIGIN CROWD The banana industry couldn’t hold back its anticipation as delegates from the Australian Banana Industry Congress 2015 queued with the Melbourne fans to attend the second game in the three-game State of Origin rugby league series.

The Melbourne based conference took on a rugby league theme throughout the event.

Test rugby league player and banana industry ambassador Billy Slater recorded a youtube message to encourage delegates to sign up, leading up to the three day biannual event.

There was plenty on the conference program that related to the footy field with Leading NRL coach Craig Bellamy a key speaker.

There was also plenty of talent away from the rugby theme at the 11th congress held, for the first time in a capital city.

The Crown Promenade venue, at Southbank, was the hot seat for discussions including speeches from former Victorian premier The Hon Jeffrey Kennett AC, celebrity chef Miguel Maestre and Boost Juice founder Janine Allis.

Brisbane Markets banana wholesalers attended, one of the best networking opportunities for the keen salesman to speak to their growers, with the event occurring every two years.

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AMIA chair Gavin Scurr.

MELON VIRUS

BEHIND POSTPONEMENT The Australian Melon Industry Association conference and field days were postponed until 2016 after the discovery of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus in the Northern Territory.

The time frame for testing of seed for CGMMV before the planting window for the Conference was too narrow, making it difficult to have enough new melon varieties available at the field days.

There was also a need to minimise plant, equipment and human traffic on farms until strong quarantine practices are established.

HORTCON 2015 MERGES GROWER HEAVY WEIGHTS Australia’s first HortCon 2015 was held at Jupiter’s Casino, on the Gold Coast from 17-20 June, drawing up to 1,200 participants from the vegetable, apple and pear industry, a first for the associations to conference together.

AUSVEG, the industry body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers, joined with Australia Apple and Pear Limited (APAL), the industry body representing Australia’s more than 600 commercial apple and pear growers.

The event included a Reverse Trade Mission over more than 40 buyers from Asian nations, and a trade show of about 100 exhibitors, including a combined display involving Brisbane Markets in a combined Central Markets Association of Australia and Fresh Marketing Association stand.

Other events included a gala night and awards for excellence, NextGen surfing session for under 35’s and a Women in Horticulture session.

A full update of winners and speakers will appear in your Spring Fresh Source.

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STRAWBERRY GROWERS MEET About 250 guests attended Queensland Strawberry Growers Association’s (QSGA) annual dinner at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort in May. The annual networking evening draws Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers who use the opportunity to socialise with their growers.

This year speakers included Luigi Coco, President QSGA and Stuart Burgess, Industry Services Manager for Horticulture Innovation Australia.

A number of industry members walked away winners having taken out awards for excellence. Of the 10 awards bestowed, two came as a surprise to two long serving association members: • Outstanding Contribution to Industry by a Grower – Luigi Coco • Hall of Fame Award – Robert Viscona.

1 Rebecca Scurr and Jadon Craig, of Pinata Farms attended the dinner. Their colleague Jason Dipple was awarded the honour of outstanding achievement in on-farm management practices to improve fruit quality.

2 Wholesaler Nick Dreyer (left), of Ross and Co congratulates QSGA President Luigi Coco for being awarded for his Outstanding Contribution to Industry by a Grower.

3 Brendon Hoyle, of Strawberry Fields, Palmview, (left) celebrates with Bernie Carmichael and Merv Crowe after being awarded the Excellence in sustainable and biological farming practices award.

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$

The Brisbane Produce Market’s ‘Hand picked at your local fruit shop’ campaign was a finalist in the Innovative Marketing Award, at the 2015 National Awards of Excellence in June, as part of the National Horticulture conference.

PICK THE ‘CASHED UP CAPSICUM’ TO WIN $1 MILLION

The program that was launched in March is helping Brisbane Produce Market retailers take on the supermarkets with its new industry identifier “Your local fruit shop” popping up on social media, billboards, in advertising and in participating fruit shops.

Your Local Fruit Shop (YLFS) stores have really splashed out on their colourful 2015 Winter Vegetable Campaign with a competition offering $5,000 in travel prize and the chance to win $1 million.

Over covering months, the campaign to have consumers look for “fresh”, “quality” and “local” will be expanded, making it a winner with more than 100 retailers who have signed up for the program.

e Cashed sicum to

The Cashed Up Capsicum is an in-store competition that began on Monday, 22 June 2015 and runs for five weeks, until Sunday, 26 July 2015.

During that time, customers who shop in a YLFS store and spend a minimum $10 per transaction will receive one entry into the competition.

In addition, each store will have a winner who will receive a $100 voucher to spend in store.

million

The “Cashed up Capsicum” competition is a core component of the 2015 Winter Vegetable Campaign and is designed to reward the loyalty of existing and new customers of stores in the YLFS Retailer Program.

Find out which stores are taking part by visiting www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/greengrocers/

You can also visit Brisbane Market’s Hand picked Facebook page: www.facebook.com/handpickedforqueensland

d also win re voucher h of travel 16

CONGRATULATIONS HAND PICKED CAMPAIGN

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Winter 2015

r your chance TO WIN

DID YOU

KNOW?

A milestone has been met with the 100th fruit shop in South East Queensland having joined the Hand Picked Campaign.

The successful ‘Your Local Fruit Shop’ identifier can be seen in-store, on billboards, advertisements, facebook and signage, with the mark confirming for consumers they can expect “fresh”, “quality” and “local” product.

$ $ Pick Cashed Pickthe the Cashed UpCapsicum Capsicum to Up to WIN $1 million WIN $1 million You could also win $100 could in storealso voucher You win $5,000 travel $100 in worth storeof voucher

$5,000 worth of travel spend $10 in store for your chance TO WIN conditions and tochance find a TO WIN for terms spend $10 and in store for your

participating store, visit forwww.yourlocalfruitshop.com.au terms and conditions and to find a

participating store, visit Capsicum_A2.indd 1

3/06/2015 12:46 pm

industry

HORTICULTURE INNOVATION AUST SENATE ALERTED TO RORTED PEAK BODY FUNDS An unnamed peak horticultural body, named in a secret report concerning its mismanagement of horticultural levies, became the focus of a Senate inquiry in May. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA) CEO John Lloyd was called before the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee to discuss the report that outlined transparency issues.

According to Western Australian Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds, HIA provided the confidential report into the management of a particular peak body’s accounts, which was “quite dismal and quite shocking reading in terms of the failure of basic accountability, accounting and transparency in the use of that commodity’s funds”.

Senator Reynolds kept her questions to Mr Lloyd on the report “very generic so it will not identify the commodity,” she said.

HOW HIA HANDLED THE RORTING Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA) CEO John Lloyd told the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee that it responded to a peak body’s accounts mismanagement by: • Appointing auditors PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PwC) to have a look. It found about half the money that was paid to that organisation could not be reconciled or found in an accounting sense.

• Immediately freezing that organisation – not to the detriment of the growers. There were ongoing projects, but HIA took decisions out of that organisation and placed them in the CEO’s hands for nine months.

18

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Winter 2015

• Appointment a new CEO, who was a HIA executive.

• Imposing funding and restrictions on the industry until a second PwC audit satisfied that the systems and processes were in place.

In addressing Western Australian Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds question on why HIA was sure the situation wasn’t being repeated by other peak bodies, Mr Lloyd said consultation funding was no longer being paid.

“Fraud is always an issue and our fraud controls both internal and external are being heightened, but this matter cannot happen again in our new structure,” he said. “We do not pay this money.”

Make the connection DESIGN • WEB • PRINT

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TRALIA FEATURE AUSVEG CALLS TO NAME AND SHAME

HIA FUNDING FIGURES

AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s 9,000 vegetable growers, has called for the rogue operator or operators in horticulture to be “named and shamed” after news broke of a Senate inquiry into the mismanagement of horticultural levies.

The grower owned Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA) represents 43 industry groups covering about 80 different commodities and 56 levies collected in over 105 different ways.

“Both HIA and the Senate Levies Inquiry should identify those referred to in recent hearings rather than shielding them from public scrutiny,” said AUSVEG CEO, Richard Mulcahy.

“We are sick and tired of wearing the blame for the actions of a few who should have been severely dealt with when they were identified as being out of line.

“Instead the entire 43 Peak Industry Bodies have suffered financially because of the actions of a few and there is no justice in that situation,” he said.

HIA RESPONDS Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA) CEO John Lloyd has refused to name the industry body that was audited for missing funds.

Chief executive officer John Lloyd said it happened three years ago, under the past structure of Horticulture Australia Limited.

“The great thing about our new industry structure is that we don’t pay that kind of money for consultation anymore, so it can’t happen in the new organisation,” Mr Lloyd said.

Pressed on whether other peak industry bodies were unable to account for how they spent the grower levies allocated to them, he said that the anonymous peak body was the worst.

“It was not AUSVEG,” he said.

It is eligible as an $8.6 billion industry to receive $43 million worth of government co-contribution.

Industry levies themselves are just over half that amount.

There is an additional $15 million to $17 million of marketing levies, which are not matched by Federal Government funding as the Research and Development funds are.

MORE ABOUT HIA Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA) is a not-for-profit, grower-owned Research and Development Corporation (RDC) for Australia’s $9 billion horticulture industry.

It invests more than $100 million in research, development and marketing programs annually.

HIA was established following the acceptance of the recommendations of an independent review of Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) in 2014.

The financial and other assets of HAL were transferred to HIA under the Horticulture Marketing and Research and Development Services (Transfer of Industry Assets and Liabilities) Regulation 2014.

Ref: www.horticulture.com.au fresh source

Winter 2015

19

industry

LABOUR HIRE IN THE NEWS AGAIN

By Brismark General Manager Gail Woods

It seems like it was only a few months ago we were reporting on labour hire businesses being in the news for all the wrong reasons.

ABC’s Four Corners investigation into exploitation of workers in fresh food industries aired on Monday, 4 May and subsequently turned the spotlight on rights and responsibilities of both businesses and employees.

As a result of these allegations being bought to light, the South Australian Government has launched a parliamentary inquiry into labour hire practices in South Australia.

The Victorian Government has followed suit, saying it will begin an inquiry into labour exploitation in the second half of this year.

We are all extremely concerned by the issues raised by ABC TV’s Four Corners program regarding workers in the food industry.

However if your business uses labour hire services, then you need to be aware of your responsibilities in relation to those workers while they are working at your workplace.

No matter what is reported in the media, the obligation is still with you.

Both the on-hire business and host organisation have obligations in relation to workplace health and safety.

As a host organisation, you also have obligations to ensure that on-hire employees working in your workplaces are not subjected to discrimination or sexual harassment.

It is important to be aware that as a host organisation, you may still be liable for contraventions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (s550).

For example, if on-hire employees do not receive the correct wage or entitlements – you are involved in that contravention either by act of omission, directly or indirectly.

Brismark Members have access to human resources and industrial relations advice from our Business Services Team and can access free and confidential advice.

THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ADOPTS A NEW BUSINESS NAME

The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables Industries Limited has a new business name, which will support the organisation’s long standing reputation in the industry.

Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) will become the new face and name of The Australian Chamber.

This rebranding is a big step and not something the Australian Chamber Board has taken lightly.

FMA’s mission, aims and values remain – they will continue to represent the six fresh produce Market Chambers and their Members nationally.

This is an exciting time for FMA as they modernise their look and in particular highlight the role of the fresh produce marketing sector in Australia.

For more information, visit freshmarkets.com.au

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Winter 2015

RECYCLING YOUR recycling your PAPER AND CARDBOARD paper and cardboard CUTTING DOWN cutting down your waste YOUR WASTE

SUEZ environnement and Brisbane Markets make it AND easyBRISBANE for you toMARKETS put SITA AUSTRALIA MAKE IT EASY YOU TO PUT YOURuse. your paper andFOR cardboard to good PAPER AND CARDBOARD TO GOOD USE.

Our smart, integrated and reliable solutions to Our smart, integrated and paper reliableand solutions to collect, recover and recycle cardboard collect, recover and recycle paper and cardboard from the markets, cut down waste and transform fromvaluable the markets, cut down waste transform it into new resources to helpand protect our it into valuable new resources to help protect our environment for future generations. environment for future generations.

For information on best practice

For information on best practice waste management solutions, waste solutions, contactmanagement SUEZ environnement. contact SITA Australia.

13 13 35 suez-env.com.au

industry

industry bites GROWCOM APPOINTS NEW CEO New Growcom CEO Pat Hannan met with Brisbane Markets in the first few weeks of establishing himself in the role.

New Growcom CEO Pat Hannan.

Mr Hannan stepped into the position after 40 years of work experience in senior roles in the public and private sectors, as well as extensive consulting experience within Australia and overseas across a range of disciplines.

He replaced Alex Livingstone, who joined the organisation in 2005 and took over the position of CEO in 2008 until his resignation in May. In announcing the change, Growcom Chairman Jonathan Shaw said Mr Hannan would bring his experience from having worked with State and Commonwealth primary industry departments, as well as consulting work for private and non-for-profit companies.

Pat’s key strengths lie in strategic leadership and business management/ development with a critical focus on building and managing relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.

AG APPLAUDS FEDERAL BUDGET The Federal Budget, released in March, has been applauded by some agricultural peak bodies for its mix of assistance, infrastructure and tax breaks that are good for Queensland.

However, there are still concerns.

Drought is expected to affect growers on western properties, the peak bodies warn, and there is still no clear direction for agriculture as the industry still waits for the release of the Agricultural Competitiveness and Northern Australia White Papers.

WHITE PAPER VISION FOR THE NORTH The Prime Minister unveiled a vision for northern Australia in June with the release of a white paper that sets out an ambitious development policy for the next 20 years.

The government is planning to spend more on dams and roads, cut red tape for business and offer easier access to foreign workers to open up the economic prospects of northern Australia.

Upgrades of airstrips, at least eight major roads and rail freight have also been earmarked.

Meanwhile, the horticulture industry still awaits the release of the long overdue Agricultural Competitiveness white paper.

The Agricultural white paper was an election pledge made by the Coalition from opposition to provide a detailed policy road map for the agricultural sector’s future in making it one the nation’s five economic pillars.

PROMISE “FAIR DINKUM” ON FOOD LABELLING Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has promised Australia will have “fair dinkum” country of origin food labelling despite the World Trade Organisation ruling a similar scheme in the USA breached guidelines.

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Public consultation is underway with an online survey available at www.industry.gov.au/cool and is open until Friday, 3 July 2015.

A variation of the iconic green-andgold kangaroo logo is one of six graphics consumers are being asked to choose from to act as the new mandatory country-of-origin symbol for all Australian food products.

The new labelling guidelines are in the wake of years of industry lobbying and a nationwide hepatitis A outbreak from frozen berries imported from China.

LABOUR HIRE ISSUES BEING ADDRESSED There is a call for all labour hire companies in the food sector to be properly accredited and regulated.

The Produce Marketing Association has brought together Coles, ALDI, Woolworths and Metcash, along with the National Farmers Federation to broker a deal to stamp out dodgy hire companies, through accreditation.

BERRY TESTING WILL NOT INCREASE Testing of frozen berries will not be increased as a result of the hepatitis A scare earlier this year because a food standards inquiry has found they remain a low-risk food.

Thirty-four Australians became ill with hepatitis A earlier this year in an outbreak linked to Nanna’s frozen berries imported from China.

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) established a review into the low-risk rating it applies to the food that determines the testing regimen at the border.

That review reported late yesterday and determined that berries were a low-risk food and found there was no need to change the risk or testing status of the berries.

Michael Worthington, CEO of Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand, said all retailers wanted to see the end of labour hire firms that blatantly break our employment laws.

“Improved management practices, tighter regulation and even some form of accreditation, will go a long way to solving the problem,” Mr Worthington explained.

See Page 20 for Gail Wood’s column for a background on the Labour Hire issue.

Michael Worthington, CEO of Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand.

FRUIT FLY RESEARCH BOOST Macquarie University researcher Associate Professor Phil Taylor and The Centre For Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation have received $3.7 million in funding as part of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Program.

The Centre For Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation will transform the way that horticulture industries combat invasive fruit flies that threaten Australian crops valued at $9 billion per year.

It will run over five years, in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, the University of Western Sydney, the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, the CSIRO, the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, Ecogrow Environment and the NSW Department of Trade and Investment.

NEW BIOSECURITY ACT FOR 2016 Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act), which is expected to come into effect in early 2016, will improve Queensland’s biosecurity preparedness and response capabilities.

The state government is continuing to consider feedback from the public consultation on the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) held last year, which informs the development of the regulations.

Under the Act, the government will focus on biosecurity risks that impact human health, social amenity, the economy or the environment.

The Act deals with pests, diseases and contaminants.

For more information, phone the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au/biosecurity/about-biosecurity.

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industry

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES TO DIVERSIFY

By Sarah Simpson, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA)

The Bowen Gumlu region has swung into action with some packing facilities up and running.

The region experienced a dry wet season with lower than average rainfall, however water allocations remain relatively unchanged from 2014.

As we step into a new year of production, the thought on many growers’ minds is Biosecurity.

The recent detection of the devastating Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) on an isolated property west of Townsville, left many anxious of the prospect of this virus in Queensland.

This saw many businesses developing and implementing on-farm hygiene practices and biosecurity plans.

This detection is a reminder to horticultural producers and industry in the region of the vital importance of biosecurity measures in the battle to prevent the spread of exotic pests and disease.

Biosecurity Queensland information sessions initiated by Growcom, were held in early May providing the opportunity for local growers and industry to be updated on the current situation.

The Bowen Gumlu region is CGMMV free and business as usual.

BIG CHANGES FOR BGGA GALA DINNER For those who love attending the annual Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) gala dinner, expect some big surprises this year for the much loved Bowen event.

For the first time, the dinner will be held in conjunction with Whitsunday Marketing and Development, and has become a highlight of the annual Agriculture Future - Innovation, Investment and Export Opportunity Conference.

The conference is being held in Bowen from 21-22 August at the PCYC, corner of Hay and Queens Road, Bowen. The dinner will also be held at the PCYC on Friday, 21 August, following the daytime speaker sessions.

BGGA Industry Development Manager Sarah Simpson said it was a great opportunity to share resources and explore the opportunities present for further development of agriculture in Australia.

24

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As part of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday MIW Food and Agritourism Project, two regional workshops focusing on Paddock to Plate initiatives were held in Bowen.

This project is funded by Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Councils, Queensland Government, Mackay Tourism, Whitsunday Marketing and Development and BGGA. It was great to see such a wide array of producers and supply chain members at these workshops.

These workshops allowed producers to explore potential opportunities that are present in the value add space and opportunities to diversify their existing farm business.

DID YOU

KNOW?

The Bowen based Agriculture Future Innovation, Investment and Export Opportunity Conference sessions on Friday, 10 July, will concentrate on investment, innovation and export opportunities.

Industry tours will be held on Saturday, 11 July to showcase the broad scope of agricultural industries in the region.

BIOSECURITY REVIEW CHIEF APPOINTED

NT MELON GROWERS TURN TO HAY A number of Northern Territory farmers infected by the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) will be growing hay this year instead of melons while Queensland growers face a new challenge after having discovered it on a north Queensland farm.

The Queensland Government has appointed former NSW Department of Primary Industries executive director Renata Brooks to head its review of the biosecurity capabilities.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne said Ms Brooks was ideally placed to lead the review, having extensive senior experiences in biosecurity service delivery, organisational change, governance and risk management.

The plant virus has nearly eradicated the Northern Territory’s melon industry and has been declared impossible to eradicate.

The Queensland CGMMV outbreak appeared to be isolated to a Charters Towers watermelon farm, which has now been quarantined.

Mr Billson said the review team, which also consisted of two independent members, would consult with industry and land management stakeholders, as well as federal, state and territory biosecurity agencies and local government.

CGMMV does not pose a risk to human health, but makes members of the cucurbit family unsaleable.

It is not only a risk to Queensland’s $90 million melon industry, but also to growers of cucumbers, zucchinis, pumpkins and squash.

MAREEBA CLEARED OF PANAMA DISEASE Deloittes has been engaged to conduct an independent procedural review of the Panama disease diagnostic systems and processes used by Biosecurity Queensland and the University of Queensland.

Only one farm in Queensland’s north has been confirmed to be harbouring Panama disease after a Mareeba farm had its five-week quarantine lifted although other farms may be infected.

Further complex testing of the Mareeba property proved negative to the disease, also known as Panama Tropical Race 4.

The diagnostic work initially showed a positive in early April, but after further surveillance and testing samples, the results were negative.

The false positive has prompted an immediate review of the testing test.

The disease remains at Tully and there might still be other infected properties yet to be identified. Panama disease tropical race 4 can live in the soil for decades and it can be years before symptoms become apparent.

YOUR BUSINESS MATTERS Evolving Customer requirements Increased competition Finding the right staff Consolidation IT systems

These are just some of the issues that are currently affecting Small and Medium Business.

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25

business CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

By Sal Trujillo, Brisbane Markets Limited Human Resources Manager

Performance reviews are a common tool utilised by organisations with the aim of positively impacting on the motivation, commitment and performance of the employee, as well as linking the employee efforts and the overarching goals and strategic plans of the organisation.

The performance review is just one element of effective performance management.

Make notes about achievements and issues that you want to raise and possible solutions. Creating an agenda will also ensure that all material is raised and discussed.

The overall goal of performance management is to ensure that the organisation and all its processes, teams, employees are working together to achieve a common goals.

3. C ONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW

Achieving good performance goes beyond the performance review, it involves setting key performance areas, recruiting and inducting the right person for the job, setting clear goals, measuring progress, providing regular feedback, removing obstacles to achieve desired outcomes and reinforcing good performance.

When conducting the interview:

However, the process adopted in conducting the performance review can have a significant negative outcome resulting in the employee feeling hurt, angry, demoralised or worse; leaving the organisation.

DO:

To facilitate effective performance reviews, managers and supervisors should consider the following:

• Listen and ask open-ended questions

1. O RGANISE AND COMMUNICATE

DON’T:

Advise the employees when the process will commence. Allow enough time for employees to prepare, ensure the location is private and always offer support in completing any relevant documentation.

• Generalise

• Problem-solve • Focus on the entire year • Be specific • Ask for opinions and suggestions

• Give feedback/set goals • Blame • Do all the talking • Select/focus only on recent activities • Make false promises

2. PREPARE

4. FOLLOW UP

Thoroughly preparing for the review will increase the quality of the feedback provided to the employee.

Ensure you follow up by addressing any issues identified in the performance review. Follow up the employee’s progress against the goals set within a reasonable time and keep a record of discussions and decisions made.

Consider seeking the supervisor’s feedback and observation of the employee’s work performance, reviewing current position

26

description, progress on goals, training received and previous performance review.

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Winter 2015

DID YOU

KNOW?

Federal Small Business Minister Bruce Billson told the National Press Club in late May: “Small business is the new black, the new kale of the café scene, the yogalates. Everyone is talking about small business and isn’t this terrific?”

Mr Billson claims the government’s focus on small business is not a passing fad.

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for kids EDUCATIONAL FUN AT RURAL DISCOVERY DAY Hundreds of Brisbane primary school students attended the 2015 Rural Discovery Day to celebrate and experience first-hand the best that Queensland primary industries have to offer.

The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) hosted the educational event as a precursor to the annual Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).

The annual event was held at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds in May. The Brisbane Produce Market has been an exhibitor at this event for nearly a decade.

The educational presentations, delivered by Brismark’s Amy Kearns helped students learn more about where fruit and vegetables come from, their nutritional goodness and provides an opportunity to touch and taste different fruit and vegetables.

A number of Your Local Fruit Shop (YLFS) members were invited to attend.

Sam Fichera, from Rode Fresh, made time to help teach the kids from Northside Christian College (with a special Italian twist) about unusual vegies and also helped explain the process of how he works to choose the best produce for his customers.

Another special guest, Healthy Harold from Brisbane Markets’ community partner, Life Education Queensland was invited to assist at the presentations and meet the students.

Healthy Harold delighted the kids with wristband giveaways and competed with them in mandarin peeling competitions.

Special thanks to Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers, JH Leavy and Co and Viva Produce for providing delicious mandarins and bananas for the kids to enjoy.

VEGIES GOOD FOR BOTH BODY AND SOUL Buying vegetables isn’t just a great way to stay healthy – it can also make you feel better about yourself, according to the latest report from consumer research study Project Harvest.

1

The project, which tracks consumer attitudes towards fresh vegetable purchases, has identified that buying vegetables makes Australians feel healthy, fresh, responsible and organised.

Project Harvest is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

2 1 Brismark Senior Marketing and Communications Officer, Amy Kearns (middle) celebrating the tasty mandarins with children from St Joseph’s primary school, Bracken Ridge.

2 Healthy Harold meeting some distant cousins, the alpacas!

3 Sam Fichera from Rode Fresh met with kids from his local school, Northside Christian College.

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calendar 19 AUGUST

Future Farming: AIS Greenworks PCA Conference

Brisbane Markets Limited’s Forklift Operator of the Year

Jupiter’s Casino and Convention Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland

Brisbane Markets, Sherwood Road, Rocklea, Qld

Contact: Registration and contact details at www.pca2015.org.

Join the top hydroponic and greenhouse experts in the world, and allied trade and industry for a conference, trade show and networking. Held concurrently with the ICESC 2015 International Convention and Exhibition for Soilless Cultivation.

10-11 JULY Agriculture Future – Innovation, Investment and Export Opportunity Conference PCYC, Hay and Queens Road, Bowen, Queensland Contact: Whitsundays Marketing and Development on 07 4948 5900 or admin@wmdl.com.au.

The conference will explore the opportunities present for further development of agriculture in Australia.

16-17 JULY Agriworld Australia 2015 Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW Contact: Phone 2 9211 2460, email agriworld@infosalons.com.au or visit http://www.agriworldaustralia.com.au/conference/ Bringing the agrifood industry together from farm to fork and provide the networking, business opportunities, information sharing and education required to ensure export growth opportunities aren’t missed.

AUGUST

7-16 AUGUST 2015 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, Qld Contact: www.ekka.com.au or phone 07 3253 3900.

More than 400,000 people will see the best of Queensland on show with more than 10,000 animals, 23,000 competition entries, a smorgasbord of award-winning food and wine and hours of free family entertainment.

Ekka’s gates open at 9am daily and close at 9pm.

12 AUGUST Ekka Royal Queensland Show holiday

Contact: Kelly Turner on 07 3915 4200 or email kturner@brisbanemarkets.com.au An inaugural event with forklift operators competing for prizes while raising awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace. Drivers will be awarded points for displaying safe forklift driving habits while negotiating the course, rather than how quickly they completed it.

21 AUGUST Bowen Gumlu Growers Association annual gala dinner PCYC, Hay and Queens Road, Bowen, Queensland Contact: Phone Sarah Simpson on 07 4785 2860, 0427 701 225 or email IDM@BowenGumluGrowers.com.au For the first time, the annual gala dinner will be part of the annual Agriculture Future - Innovation, Investment and Export Opportunity Conference, with the Friday evening dinner featured after the day’s speaker sessions.

1 SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

JULY

5-8 JULY

Asiafruit Congress AsiaWorld-Expo Convention Centre, Lantau, Hong Kong Contact: http://www.asiafruitcongress.com/ International congress attracting up to 600 decision makers from across Asia’s horticultural industry who use the one-day event to gain information and network.

2-4 SEPTEMBER Asiafruit Fruit Logistica AsiaWorld-Expo Convention Centre, Lantau, Hong Kong Contact: http://www.asiafruitlogistica.com/ An international trade exhibition that in 2014 attracted 8,100 top decision-makers from 64 countries with 478 companies exhibiting from 38 countries.

28 SEPTEMBER- 2 OCTOBER XI International Mango Symposium Double Tree by Hilton, Darwin, NT Contact: Conference Logistcs on 02 6281 6624, email mango2015symposium@conlog.com.au or visit http://mango2015.com.au/ The Symposium is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the International Society for Horticultural Science and includes plenary sessions, workshops and sponsor display.

30

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Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets 385 Sherwood Road, Rocklea www.brisbanemarkets.com.au | admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au Phone: 07 3915 4200 | Fax: 07 3915 4291

Toyota Material Handling is the forklift leader in Australia’s fresh fruit and vegetable markets.

1. Proven performers in the fruit and vegetable markets environment 2. New and used forklift purchase, rental or lease options 3. Superior service and parts back-up and support 4. Massive range with Toyota Material Handling’s world leading products 5. Flexible finance deals through Toyota Finance 6. Stability of dealing with the world’s largest forklift company

To make the smart choice and discover how Toyota Material Handling can make a difference to your operations, contact your local branch.

Hand Pallet Trucks

Power Pallet Trucks

Order Pickers

Walkie Stackers

Toyota Material Handling offer • New Sales • Pre-owned • Rentals • Finance • Service and Parts

Reach Forklifts

Battery Counterbalance

1800 425 438 www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au

Engine Counterbalance

Skid Steer Loaders