Fresh Source Spring 2015

ISSUE 52

SPRING 2015 MAGAZINE OF BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED

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SAFEST FORKLIFT Operator onsite

HORTICULTURE

P8

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

code review P12

SPRINGING into salads P17

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CEO COMMENT HORTICULTURE CODE REVIEW The Horticulture Code of Conduct Review panelists Alan Wein and Mark Napper have given their insights into the priorities they wish to see addressed when overhauling the much maligned Horticulture Code of Conduct (see page 12).

The Review Panel visited the Brisbane Markets on their fact finding mission in September, ahead of the close of submissions on 18 September 2015. The panel is on a quest for information in an attempt to produce a more workable piece of legislation.

All the focus is on the fruit and vegetable wholesaling sector.

Industry has forgotten the Code debate originated 16 years ago with a Federal Government enquiry into the way major retailers were dealing with their suppliers.

Somewhere in the debate, the supermarkets extricated themselves from the Federal Government’s focus, allowing them to grow more dominant yet remain free of any of the shackles of mandatory industry regulation.

In fact, the supermarkets drafted their own Code, which is voluntary, and despite being in place from February of this year, it is already showing cracks with Woolworths reacting negatively after the Australian Competition and

Consumer Commission recently called it and Aldi to account over the wording of their supplier agreements.

Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark joined wholesalers from across Australia to make submissions by the mid-September submission deadline in an attempt to bring some balance back to a debate that appears to quickly lose sight of commercial reality.

Some interesting facts were brought up some interesting statistics on the way: Without the critical role played by Central Market wholesalers - who do business with more than 90% of Australia’s commercial fruit and vegetable growing establishments - Australia’s fruit and vegetable supply chain would collapse.

The six Central Markets turn over $7 billion a year and are significant employment hubs, with more than 17,500 people employed directly or working on-site to buy fresh produce every day.

It is hoped that the current review panel can right a series of wrongs that are restricting the livelihood of more than 15,000 growers who send to more than 400 market based traders, through 12 million transactions annually.

The panel review team has stressed the need for transparency. The

wholesaling sector has proposed a range of changes to the Code to assist making it workable, while also addressing a number of areas identified as requiring improvement.

An effective Code that reflects the business needs of all stakeholders would improve commercial transparency in the fruit and vegetable industry, with better outcomes for growers and wholesalers.

The Review Panel has until 1 November to complete its review.

BFVG AND BGGA MOU The re-signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) and Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) highlights the ongoing ability which industry organisations have to work together cooperatively (see story page 19).

The MOU re-signings with Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark continue long standing relationships where we can work together on industry issues, and consult, all the while, strengthening the whole supply chain.

Andrew Young, Chief Executive Officer, BML and Brismark

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 HISTORY BOOK A LASTING GIFT If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that will stand the test of time, then pick up your copy of the Brisbane Markets Rocklea coffee table book, a 50 year history of Queensland’s Central Market hub.

WALL MURALS A GREAT BRANDING IDEA Stonefruit grower John Pratt, from Traprock, near the NSW border, saw the grower branding on Montague Fresh (Qld)’s new look section and wanted his brand to be part of it too.

The large murals with seasonal signage being used on the Brisbane Produce Market’s Building B section to link grower branding to the fresh produce being sold has set tongues wagging in the industry.

The business has paid for many of its growers to have signage made and placed on display so that the buyers connect with the providence of the product they are receiving.

The book is a 160 page, glossy, full colour publication that takes the reader on a journey from 1964, right through to the anniversary year of 2014, using the photographs and stories collected from the Markets community.

It’s on sale for $33 plus postage and handling. Order online at www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/bml50-year-coffee-table-book/, email admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au or phone 07 3915 4200 to order your copy.

NEWSREADER PROMO ON SITE Watch out for a Channel 7 promotion that has newsreader Sharyn Ghidella speaking from the heart of the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor.

The well-known TV personality, who grew up in Babinda, was on site to remind Queenslanders that the news covers stories from all the iconic places in the state.

Stonefruit grower John Pratt wants his brand on the Montague Fresh (Qld) walls.

Newsreader Sharyn Ghidella readies herself to film a promotion on the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor.

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CONTENTS 4

Fresh Updates 4 4 4 5 5

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SITE PHOTO AND FILM PERMISSIONS Brisbane Markets’ busy industrial site is home to more than 150 businesses, and not all of them appreciate being filmed or photographed without permission.

The best way to know what you can and can’t do on site with a camera is to seek permission from Brisbane Markets Limited with at least 48 hours’ notice.

If your application is successful, there will be some safety issues you will need to abide by.

Fresh Markets 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8

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Brooke Hodgkins has been crowned Queensland’s Mango Queen after her employer, Smart Berries, trumped the field with a $30,000 bid to buy the season’s symbolic first tray of mangoes at the annual Mango Charity Auction.

10 Spanning the gap 10 Final touches to roofing project 10 Site Master Plan reviewed 11 Service station excavation 11 Watpac appointed for $6 million refurbishment

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Feature: Horticulture Code of Conduct Review 12 12 13 13 14 15 15

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16 16 17 17 17

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Travel voucher a capsicum consolation Historic Chev with $1 million on board Top gong five years running Springing back the salad Radio crowd love their fruit shop

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

Smart Berries, from Mundubbera in the North Burnett, won the day with a final bid of $30,000 by Ms Hodgkins who was then crowned Queensland’s first Mango Queen since 2009.

A full wrap up of the event and continued fundraising campaigns will appear in your Summer 2015 Fresh Source.

What is the Horticulture Code of Conduct?

Why is the Code so maligned?

Why an issues paper?

Hort Code review panellists visit Wholesalers put their case Horticulture Code of Conduct history Mandatory versus voluntary Code timeline

Fresh Retailing

Australia’s juiciest, loudest and most colourful auction lived up to its name with a spirited bidding war at Brisbane Produce Market on 8 October 2015, with several bidders competing to be crowned Mango King or Queen.

100% of the proceeds from the auction will be shared between Diabetes Queensland and Life Education Queensland.

Sunrise beams from Brisbane Produce Market Hydrant ring main completed No smoking zones on-site Ocsober: Lose the booze launch Perth Central Market gains Brisbane’s support Solar power on the grid New access cards introduced Safest forklift operator on-site The 10 drivers

Fresh Development

For more information, email admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au or phone 07 3915 4200.

QUEENSLAND HAS A NEW MANGO QUEEN

Wall murals a great branding idea History book a lasting gift Newsreader promo on site Site photo and film permissions Queensland has a new Mango Queen

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Bowen IDO a country girl at heart Gala dinner part of Ag conference Bowen region at a glimpse MOUs strengthens fresh produce supply chain ACCC’s code clash with Woolworths Bundaberg region at a glimpse Quiet contributors to industry PM no stranger to Markets Melon industry levy Another banana plant infested Syrian asylum seekers requested Australia’s first fruit fly facility Apple money spent on theatre show Consumers turn to beetroot Aussies at world avocado congress Horticulture Mediation Advisor Resolving grower disputes

Fresh Business 26 Merge or acquire?

27 Managing different generations

Fresh Export 28 Trade week an October success 28 Strong attendance at industry forum 28 China Free Trade Agreement

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Fresh Calendar

Mango Queen Brooke Hodgkins with the symbolic first tray of mangoes.

markets HYDRANT RING MAIN COMPLETED The Brisbane Markets site is better prepared for a fire incident after Stage 2 works on a dedicated hydrant ring main were completed.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) needs an instant and localised water supply to fight fires, and the fire ring provides just that.

The project included installing the fire ring main throughout the Brisbane Produce Market, near the Brisbane Flower Market and its nearby buildings, and constructing a pump station at the end of the Commercial Centre, near the Brisbane Flower Market entry.

The final stretch was installed through the Brisbane Flower Market and Fresh Centre car parks and connected to a pump station at the Fresh Centre.

Subsequent stages are planned which will result in the ring main servicing the whole of the northern part of the site.

SUNRISE BEAMS FROM BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET The timing couldn’t have been any better when Channel Seven’s Sunrise weather presenter, Edwina Bartholomew arrived at the Brisbane Produce Market on the same day as the Forklift Operator of the Year challenge.

Australia got to see six live crosses from the trading floor with The Dancing with the Stars and Sunrise weather host interviewing our characters at different locations.

The five member Sunrise team crew were thrilled with all the stories and colour offered to them, topped off with a live cross discussing the Forklift Operator of the Year challenge as well as meeting some of the contestants.

Sunrise weather presenter Edwina Bartholomew and her team filmed live from the Brisbane Produce Market.

Completing the hydrant ring main to keep Brisbane Markets fire ready.

NO SMOKING ZONES ON-SITE Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has widened its no smoking zones in and around the Brisbane Produce Market with some areas deemed too high risk to light up a cigarette.

BML has been working with its tenants for some years to reduce the hazards of cigarette smoke, with cigarette smoking also puts others at risk from fire and passive smoke inhalation.

Just as a reminder for those visiting or working on site, smoking is not permitted around the Brisbane Produce Market and is only permitted in an area which is safe and free of other hazards.

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OCSOBER: LOSE THE BOOZE LAUNCH No, it’s not a typo.

Brisbane Markets became the launching pad for Ocsober, throughout the month of October, with Queensland’s biggest sporting names joining in to address the state’s growing drub problem.

Life Education Queensland used the Market Kitchen to invite some sporting greats to juice 10 litres of apple juice, representing the average amount of pure alcohol consumed by Australians aged 15 and over in one year.

Brismark organised a display of fruit and vegetables to the value of $120.

This is equivalent to the average amount of money spent on alcohol in Australian households each month.

Just some of the names juicing up their support were Brisbane Bronco Petero Civoniceva, Health and fitness expert Asha Burnley, Olympic pole-vaulting champion Tatiana Grigorieva, Olympic swimming star Julie McDonald and former National Rugby League player Shaun Berrigan.

To find out more about the program and Life Education Queensland, visit www.ocsober.com.au.

PERTH CENTRAL MARKET GAINS BRISBANE’S SUPPORT Fruit and vegetable wholesalers and growers trading at Perth’s Central Market, better known as Market City, have received support from Brisbane Markets in their bid to buy the fresh fruit and vegetable market.

The Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Western Australia is leading an industry bid to gain ownership of the 51 hectares of land it sits on, 16 kilometres south of the Perth central business district.

The WA Chamber was looking at the privatisation of markets in other states, such as the Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) operation, as potential models to operate under.

Brismark managed a similar bid leading up to 2002, and after a fierce bidding war, was successful in seeing BML take ownership of the Rocklea site from the Queensland Government.

A shortlist of bidders for the Perth facility was finalised in late September, with a sale planned for early 2016.

Olympic pole-vaulting champion Tatiana Grigorieva (left) and Olympic swimmer Julie McDonald sample the apples in the Market Kitchen during an Ocsober promotion.

SOLAR POWER ON THE GRID Brisbane Markets Limited’s $2 million project to install one of the largest private rooftop mounted solar installations in Australia is up and running on Buildings R, J1 and K1.

An energy monitoring system has been put in place to provide ongoing data relating to the electricity generation from the 3,350 panels, each 315 watts.

The project is generating 1055kW of power and is on track to provide about 2% to 3% of the total power usage on the Brisbane Markets site.

NEW ACCESS CARDS INTRODUCED Works are underway to upgrade the Brisbane Markets site’s access control to new “Gallagher”software that will introduce License Plate Recognition technology.

Stage one has begun with Brisbane Markets’ 4,000 access card holders having upgraded to a new card to enter and exit boom gates, pedestrian doors and gates.

The card is already handier allowing faster processing of vehicle movements through access points, improved customer management and they even carry access card expiry reminders.

Further changes will occur before the end of the year when the second phase of the project, the introduction of license plate recognition, is progressed.

Perth’s Central Market, better known as Market City. Brisbane Markets has become a model as to how industry could take ownership of the site.

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markets

SAFEST FORKLIFT OPERATOR ON-SITE David Macdonald was named the first Brisbane Markets Forklift Operator of the Year after taking out the grand final in a thrilling obstacle course round on the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor in August.

Mr Macdonald was one of 10 finalists vying for the title as the safest driver on what is the largest congregation of forklifts found on a worksite in Queensland.

The competition was held in association with Toyota Material Handling and CHEP who work with the drivers of more than 400 registered forklifts on the Sherwood Road Site.

Mr Macdonald, 36, of Ormeau, who works for Brisbane Markets provedore Rigas Enterprises, said he had entered the competition as a way of comparing his forklift driving skills against his peers.

OTHER WINNERS He was joined on the winner’s podium by second place recipient, Justin Brady, who is a forklift driver for wholesaler Keith Lind Pty Ltd, and third place recipient Lui (Wati) Etevati, who is a forklift driver with wholesaler Murray Bros.

In the four weeks leading up to the 19 August competition, Work Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors worked with Brisbane Markets Limited safety

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1 The forklift challenge judges enjoy the barbecue and a laugh. From left, BML’s Jessie Field and Work Health and Safety Queensland’s Tony Sheehan and Warren Stackman.

officials observing and marking the finalists during the busy mornings of trade to whittle the participants down to final 10.

MULTIPLE SKILLS It took multiple skills to even make the final rounds. During the tension-filled grand final, the forklift drivers had to negotiate a final obstacle course that saw a challenging layout test the best of skills in forklift operation.

The inaugural competition will become an annual reminder for the 4,000 people who do business daily at the Brisbane Markets site to keep safety top of mind and to raise the benchmark on forklift safety through friendly competition.

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2 Brisbane Markets Forklift Operator of the Year, David Macdonald holds the inaugural trophy high.

3 BML chairman Tony Joseph (right) with the 10 finalists after presenting a $1,000 cheque to winner David Macdonald.

4 Contestant Lui (Wati) Etevati manoeuvres his forklift through the obstacle course, helping take out third place.

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MEET THE SPONSORS

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THE 10 DRIVERS

THE TOP DRIVERS WHO MADE IT TO THE10 FINAL POSITIONS WERE: David Macdonald – Rigas Enterprises Dennis Laurens – RW Pascoe Pty Ltd Justin Brady – Keith Lind Pty Ltd Lindsay Rosenthal – Murray Bros Lui Etevati (Wati) – Murray Bros Peter Haddock – GNL Produce Ricky Fisher – Ross & Co Fruit & Vegetables Pty Ltd Ryan Phillipson – Montague Fresh (Qld) Pty Ltd Wade Lacey – RW Pascoe Pty Ltd 8

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Wayne Kemp – Montague Fresh (Qld) Pty Ltd

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COMING TO BRISBANE Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Saturday 7 November 2015 Cnr Merivale and Glenelg Streets South Bank, Brisbane

COST

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Registrations close Friday 30 October 2015 Morning tea and lunch included

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development Final touches are underway to complete the Central Trading Area roofing project.

FINAL TOUCHES TO ROOFING PROJECT The final touches of the $10 million Central Trading Area roofing project are underway as additional weather protection for the selling floors at the ends of Buildings B and C is completed.

Stages 1 and 2 of the roofing project to cover the Brisbane Produce Market has involved a range of additional work from Brisbane Markets Limited including bird netting, smart LED lighting, installation of a public address system, new awnings, signage, painting and line marketing.

The final stage has been the construction of two new

SPANNING THE GAP Stage 1 of the Central Trading Area roofing project involved the erection of 4,000m2 of roof structures, individually supported by a single row of 10 columns that span the open areas between Buildings B and C and the Covered Unloading Area.

Stage 2 saw the construction of an additional 2,600m2 structure between the Covered Unloading Area and Building D. All three structures combine to create cover over the entire area between the three buildings.

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marshalling areas at the southern ends of Building B and C. In addition to providing a safe entry location for pedestrians, the structure provides additional weather protection for the selling floor at the ends of the buildings.

The end result is a safer, well-lit, dynamic setting which directly supports the trading practices of wholesalers and buyers.

SITE MASTER PLAN REVIEWED Brisbane Markets’ Site Master Plan has some exciting projects planned for the years ahead.

Earlier in the year, tenants provided feedback on the type of expansion and needs for increased warehousing space over 1,000m² over the coming three to five years.

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) CEO Andrew Young said the master planning process allocated areas for future redevelopment and growth and sought to maintain the ongoing focus on site upgrading and redevelopment.

The revised plan has flagged a need for new warehouses, as well as providing additional covered buyer car parking, a multi-level car park and additional refurbishment projects.

SERVICE STATION EXCAVATION

An artist’s impression of the proposed Puma Energy service station for Sherwood Road.

The old Brisbane Markets service station site on Sherwood Road may have the barricades up but behind them, there has been a hive of activity preparing the site for construction of the new Puma Energy Service station.

All buildings, hardstand, slab and underground fuel tanks have been removed.

A 30-year term has been signed with Puma Energy for the proposed new service station which is expected to be completed by mid 2016.

WATPAC APPOINTED FOR $6 MILLION REFURBISHMENT Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has announced Watpac Specialty Services has been contracted to progress construction and refurbishment works that will further modernise its Commercial Centre precinct.

BML is undertaking a $6 million project that will see an aged brick building, known as Building G2, turn into a modern facility, with a 24 hour gymnasium, organic food retailer and commercial offices.

A side view of Building G2 with barricades up at the start of redevelopment.

Watpac’s Specialty Services began work on the site in late August with the project management being provided by Suters Architects.

The upgraded building will stand adjacent to a new service station, also under development, and will include an improved streetscape including redesigned footpaths, new road surfaces, landscaping and parking.

There are changed parking and pedestrian arrangements around the site, at the entry to the Brisbane Markets, during the redevelopment.

DID YOU

KNOW?

Brisbane Markets Limited bought the Brisbane Markets Rocklea site in 2002, making a long standing commitment to develop and improve it to ensure its relevance in the fresh produce supply chain.

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Horticulture Code of Conduct Review The much maligned Horticulture Code of Conduct is under review and both Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) and Brismark have joined wholesalers from across Australia to comment on an issues paper that was released in August.

A Review Panel, led by grower Mark Napper and franchise code author Alan Wein, with no wholesaler representative in sight, were given four months to advise on how to right the wrongs of one of the most controversial pieces of legislation ever placed on the horticulture sector.

WHAT IS THE HORTICULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT? The Horticulture Code was established in March 2007 to regulate trade in horticulture produce between growers and traders of fresh fruit and vegetables and to provide an alternative dispute resolution procedure.

It targeted just the wholesaling sector, leaving out large retailers, processors and exporters, creating an unlevel playing field for the industry.

This feature takes a look at the Code, its history, the key players and the industry’s concerns should an already unworkable piece of legislation become even more prescribed and inflexible.

WHY IS THE CODE SO MALIGNED? Unfortunately, while the intent was for “clarity” and “transparency”, the Horticulture Code of Conduct was poorly drafted to reflect a number of unworkable requirements demanded by growing sector representatives at the time, and is impractical in its application. Parts of it are largely unworkable.

It is enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at great time and monetary costs to the wholesaling sector.

For all the additional cost that went into changing trading systems, it did not put more marketing power or money in the hands of growers, it did not promote market efficiencies and it did not advance the global competitiveness of Australian growers.

It does not address the financial issues caused by overproduction and the resulting glutted markets and depressed prices that occur.

While the vast majority of disputes within the industry relate to disagreements on product quality, there are still no uniformly accepted national grade standards, and this is not addressed by the Code.

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s easier for Australian wholesalers to be able to import fruit and vegetables than try to negotiate with growers under the present Horticulture Code of Conduct because of its prescribed and inflexible legislative requirement.

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WHY AN ISSUES PAPER? Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark lobbied hard for a review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct from its inception in 2007 but the regulation became too hot to handle for a succession of governments.

The issues paper is part of a regulatory process that informs the two person Review Panel on the various elements of the Code that it must consider when altering or choosing to leave the Code as is.

The current Code has a sunset clause of April 2017. It must be reviewed before that time or it will cease to exist.

Consultation August and September 2015

The time line set for the review: Issues paper released 3 August 2015

Issues paper submission close 18 September 20015 Completed review 1 November 2015

DID YOU

KNOW? Brisbane Markets is not opposed to a code of conduct, but the current Code must be revised. Both growers and wholesalers must be treated fairly and be able to operate their businesses the way they need to.

HORT CODE REVIEW PANELLISTS VISIT Independent consultants have visited Brisbane Markets as part of the Federal Government’s review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct.

He, and Review Panel member Mr Napper would be concentrating on transparency issues, compliance, dispute resolution and quality issues along with additional subjects raised during stakeholder consultation.

BML and Brismark have also taken the lead in working with the other Central Markets through Fresh Markets Australia (representing the six Australian chambers) and the Central Markets Association of Australia (representing the six fresh produce Central Market authorities).

Brisbane Markets told the panel that a Code should promote good commercial practice – not establish a regulated environment which reduces flexibility and which may otherwise be impractical.

Review Panellists, Alan Wein and Mark Napper, walked through the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor, using the visit as a time to gain a better understanding of the fresh produce wholesaling system. Both heard of many issues that have arisen since trading under the anticompetitive and inflexible Code came into being in 2007.

Mr Wein said it was timely to look at the legislation since the dynamics of the sector had changed over the past 10 years, with large retail chains now involved in direct farm-gate purchasing of produce.

It said the Code imposed significant and onerous requirements on a wholesaler if they are to fully comply, including follow up with growers who do not want to comply and additional day-to-day administration.

There is more information about the review at the Department of Agriculture website at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/hortpolicy/code-of-conduct.

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WHOLESALERS PUT THEIR CASE

1.

There are 10 key factors that Australia’s fresh produce wholesalers highlight in relation to the review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct:

The Code is discriminatory and inflexible. It discriminates against more than 1,600 primarily small businesses that operate as fruit and vegetable traders (wholesalers).

The current Code demands methods of operation that are inconsistent with how growers and wholesalers do business, and how they want to do business.

Compliance costs are onerous. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) turns a blind eye to growers who pick and choose if they want to operate under the Code and who face no penalty for non-compliance.

3.

5.

7.

It has given imported fruit and vegetables a commercial free kick because of the bureaucratic red tape that applies only to Australian grown produce.

Quality transparency is paramount to achieve Class One pricing, with the FreshSpecs standards on the Fresh Markets Australia website, which is included in the wholesalers Terms of Trade.

The ratio of complaints to transactions is low (.0000583%) with the cost to taxpayers of managing Code issues raising serious questions about its performance.

There are about 12 million transactions between growers and wholesalers every year. Over the past five years, that is about 60 million transactions – resulting in just 21 inquiries and 35 complaints to the ACCC. The low level of inquiry, mediation requests and formal action demonstrate that commercial interactions between growers and wholesalers are working. It is not, as some would try to spin it, evidence that the dispute resolution system is “too hard” for growers to use or that growers fear “retribution” by wholesalers. It’s been in place for more than eight years.

9.

The wholesaling sector has proposed a range of changes to the Code to make it workable.

See www.freshmarkets.com.au for more details.

2.

Fresh produce wholesalers make an enormous contribution to the Australian economy, and if not properly functioning, Australia’s fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain would collapse.

More than 90% of Australia’s estimated 17,000 commercial fruit and vegetable growing establishments do business with a Central Market.

More than 50% of all fresh produce consumed in Australia is handled by a market wholesaler.

If the Code was followed to the letter, each week Australian wholesalers would be forced to return or reject about 40,000 tonnes (2000 semi-trailer loads) of fresh fruit and vegetables received from growers who refuse to sign Horticulture Produce Agreements or who choose to operate outside the strict requirements of the Code.

4.

6.

Pricing transparency is available to growers through independently compiled market price reports.

Time is up. After eight years under the Code, and three reviews, it is too late to argue the same issues from the past with mere anecdotal evidence.

Pre-Code agreements between growers and wholesalers have been operating under the Code for the past eight years. Growers can tear up their pre-Code agreements at any time.

8.

10.

The two-person review panel includes a person with substantial experience and skills as a grower and a grower representative, with the review committee brief focussed on grower experiences/issues, failing to address issues of concern to wholesalers.

There is no person with wholesaling/ trader experience on the panel.

Retail chains operate under a flexible voluntary Code!

The current situation is anti-competitive.

The industry needs a fair, commercial and workable outcome.

HORTICULTURE CODE OF CONDUCT HISTORY The Horticulture Code of Conduct Issues Paper, released on 3 August 2015, contained a concise explanation of the controversial horticulture regulation’s beginnings, but perhaps omitted some significant parts of its history.

The real history is far more complex and started not surprisingly with a Federal Government appointed committee recommending a mandatory code to regulate the major retailers.

After 16 years of controversy, coinciding with the predicted rise of the supermarkets and numerous

reviews, the wholesaling industry not only lost the battle for equality but has become the regulation whipping post, shackled by legislation and cast as the villain.

As for the major retailers? They recently wrote their own voluntary Code, which was agreed to and signed off by the Federal Government.

These supermarkets, who have direct relationships with growers just as wholesalers do, are excluded from the Horticulture Code of Conduct while the inflexible, prescribed, mandatory code remains on solely on the wholesaling sector.

Meanwhile, numerous reviews of the horticulture code have only

proven that the current system is not working and the legislation requires overhauling and such a move is long overdue.

While it may be improved upon, the imbalance within the horticulture industry will remain if such prescribed, inflexible legislation continues to limit trade and the industry’s growth on just one sector of the industry.

What is clear is that with a review process which started in 1999 with a Joint Parliamentary Select Committee recommending regulation of the retail chains, after numerous reviews they remain free from the scrutiny given to the wholesaling sector.

MANDATORY VERSUS VOLUNTARY CODE TIMELINE DATE

EVENT

CODE TYPE

SECTOR INVOLVED

1999

Federal Government Joint Committee report “Fair Market and Market Failure”

Recommended: Mandatory

Major retailers

Dec 03

Buck Report - an independent review of the Retail Grocery Industry Code of Conduct

Recommended: Mandatory

Full supply chain, including major supermarkets and wholesaling sector

Jul 04

Govt response to the Buck Report

Decision: Voluntary but if it doesn’t work, mandatory

Full supply chain, including major supermarkets and wholesaling sector

Sep 04

Agriculture Minister Warren Truss comments

Prefer: Voluntary

Full supply chain, including major supermarkets and wholesaling sector

Oct 04

Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson media release

Commitment: Mandatory

Full supply chain, including major supermarkets and wholesaling sector

Feb 05

Retail Grocery Industry Code of Conduct introduced

Voluntary

Full supply chain, including major supermarkets and wholesaling sector

Jul 05

Ag Minister Hon Peter McGauran media release

Mandatory

Fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale sector

Jul 05

Horticulture Code regulation impact statement terms of reference

Mandatory

Fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale sector

Apr 06

National Party back benchers push Ag Minister Peter McGauran

Mandatory

Full supply chain, including major supermarkets and wholesaling sector

Sep 06

Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane media release

Suggested: Enforceable voluntary

Fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale sector

Sep 06

Federal Government

Mandatory but would come at a $25 million cost a year in red tape

Fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale sector

Mar 07

Federal Government

Mandatory Code of Conduct becomes law

Fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale sector

Feb 15

Federal Government

Voluntary

Major retailers (supermarkets) drafted by the sector for the sector fresh source

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retailing Gabba Fruit Market customer Jacqui McLaren was thrilled to took home a $5,000 travel voucher at the Cashed up Capsicum Prize Draw.

TRAVEL VOUCHER A CAPSICUM CONSOLATION Gabba Fruit Market customer Jacqui McLaren took home a $5,000 travel voucher at the Cashed up Capsicum Prize Draw in August, narrowly missing out on a life-changing $1 million that was up for grabs.

Ms McLaren was one of five finalists to make it through to the Cashed Up Capsicum draw, held on the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor, in a South East Queensland wide competition backed by Brismark, Brisbane Markets Limited and Your Local Fruit Shop (YLFS) fruiterers.

The five finalists entered the on-line competition after shopping at one of 103 local fruit shops participating in the competition.

More than 30,000 entries were received over five weeks in the competition that encouraged YLFS customers to spend over $10 and enter.

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HISTORIC CHEV WITH $1 MILLION ON BOARD

A finalise was chosen from each YLSF region, including: Frank Hocart, of Mermaid Beach, who shopped at Earth Markets Robina Veronica Percival, of Red Hill, who shopped at Ashgrove Fresh Fruit Markets Linda Flavell, of Luluin, who shopped at Erbachers Fruit & Poultry Sarah Watts, of Collingwood Park, who shopped at Harvest Markets Booval, and Grand finalist Ms McLaran, of Woolloongabba.

Ms McLaren told Channel 7 newsreader and compere Bill McDonald that a win would mean so much to her family, with her dream to buy a home for her parents.

The five finalists in the Cashed Up Capsicum competition may have only had eyes for the winning capsicum, displayed among 499 other great looking red and green capsicums during the prize draw.

However, visitors to the site had all eyes on a 1946 Chevrolet truck, fully restored by long time wholesaler and Chev enthusiast Paul O’Toole, of O’Toole’s Produce.

Mr O’Toole donated the use of the truck that became a focal point for the competition draw and fell easily under the spotlight of visiting TV cameras.

The capsicums were displayed on the red cedar tray of the historic Chev, which Mr O’Toole has commercially registered for mobile advertising, events promotion and the delivery of his own bulk bins and crates for Brisbane clients.

However, with 500 capsicums to choose from, and the $1 million cashed up one remaining hidden for another year, Ms McLaren was still ecstatic over her win.

Retailer Advisory Committee member Len Catalano, of Spuds and Plums, told the audience what it means to be an independent fruit shop and why the YLFS brand is so important to support.

MC Bill MacDonald (left) and Len Catalano, of Spuds and Plums, pose beside the historic Chev laden with capsicums – one worth $1 million.

TOP GONG FIVE YEARS RUNNING

RADIO CROWD LOVE THEIR FRUIT SHOP

Fresh Sensations Capalaba, owned by the Nicolaou and Mousikos families, has received another win from the Redlands Retailer Awards.

Iconic Sunshine Coast fruit and vegetable family the Erbacher’s have proven that longevity in business does not mean loss of ‘freshness’.

The business took out the top gong in the category of Fresh Food and Convenience, with the popular shop received this accolade for the fifth year in a row, inducting them into the Gallery of Honour.

The business was announced as the 2015 92.7 Mix FM Best Fruit and Veg Shop on the Sunshine Coast as voted by listeners ringing in or voting online.

Chris Nicolaou gave a heartfelt thank you speech on the night and was even thanked by the Redland City Mayor, Cr Karen Williams who also happens to be a regular customer.

“Our family have operated a fruit shop on this site for over 40 years and to still be seen as a favourite by locals, it rewards our classic service with quality produce motto, which has been our business model the entire time,” said Tanya Erbacher.

“We are now officially retired from the category of Fresh Food and Convenience at the Redlands Retail Awards and we hope to see another Your Local Fruit Shop take our place,” said Chris Nicolaou.

Erbachers Fruit & Poultry can also boast one the oldest buying brands in the Brismark Credit Service with the EE code standing for the initials of patriarch, Eric Erbacher.

SPRINGING BACK THE SALAD Winter is officially over, and with spring in the air, fruit shop customers’ thoughts are turning to lighter meals packed full of delicious fruit and vegetables.

The Your Local Fruit Shop program has turned the spotlight on the best of Queensland grown spring produce including tasty asparagus, creamy avocados,

juicy pineapples, flavour-packed mushrooms to get customers busy in the kitchen.

New seasonal campaign “Spring Salads” are being promoted with celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo having created tailored spring recipes that are found instore and on the YLFS website at http://www.yourlocalfruitshop.com.au/ and on facebook.

Celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo works on Brisbane Produce Market’s new spring salad recipes.

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industry BOWEN IDO A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART For a Melbourne born and bred girl, Bowen Gumlu Grower Association’s new industry development officer Anna McCowan has spent plenty of time in the country.

She has notched up more than seven years in the agricultural industry, working in places such as Charleville, Cloncurry and Charters Towers.

“It’s so great to be close to the ocean after so much time out west,” Anna said.

“Much of the work with Landmark, State Government and on cattle stations has been working with animal farming so the idea of being enveloped in the horticulture industry is certainly a great change and one I’ve been looking forward to.”

The agricultural degree qualified professional is the new face and voice of BGGA, having taken up the role in August, arriving just in time for the annual gala dinner to get to know the growers she will be working so closely with.

Anna’s role involves facilitating the horticulture development of Bowen and Gumlu by assisting better access to information, research and development outcomes and training opportunities.

The work involves development of programs and initiatives across priority areas to deliver outcomes and support efforts to build a strong and united industry in the region.

GALA DINNER PART OF AG CONFERENCE The annual Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) gala dinner drew plenty of industry people to its night of food, entertainment and music, with the event held in conjunction with the inaugural Agriculture Futures Conference.

More than 150 people attended, with the night show casing local produce with a seven course degustation.

The usual farm tour and get-togethers organised by BGGA at this time of year became part of the inaugural Agricultures Futures Conference, to promote and build the capacity of the Whitsunday’s agriculture sector.

The three focus key areas during the conference were Investment, Innovation and Export.

The conference was organised by BGGA, Whitsunday Marketing and Development, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Department of State Development.

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BGGA’s new industry development officer Anna McCowan.

BOWEN REGION AT A GLIMPSE Bowen is the largest winter vegetable growing region in Australia sending fruit and vegetables to domestic markets and exporting to international markets. BGGA is the first point of contact for growers and industry in the region.

It is estimated that the region contributes more than $450 million to the $9 billion Australian horticulture sector, which is the fastest growing sector in the agriculture industry.

The region employs about 3,200 skilled and unskilled workers a year.

Its main vegetable product is from April/May through to November and its mango production kicks in from November to December.

MOUs STRENGTHENS FRESH PRODUCE SUPPLY CHAIN Bowen/Gumlu and Bundaberg growers have reconfirmed their long standing relationships with Brisbane Markets.

The MOU re-signings encourage the BML and Brismark Boards to continue their relationships with the BGGA and BFVG Boards to work on industry issues, consult and strengthen the supply chain.

Whitsunday campaign launched at our Rocklea site and was one of the first to support the region after suffering at the hands of disastrous cyclonic conditions over the past decade.

Both Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) have re-signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) that see these two important regions in the fresh food industry supply chain work more closely with the Brisbane Markets.

BML and Brismark CEO Andrew Young said the value of consultation between Brisbane Markets and both BGGA and BFVG’s Boards and staff members was key to strengthening the relationship.

“We were also one of the first to send food and monetary aid to Bundaberg after it experienced devastating floods in 2013,” he said.

Growers from both regions have been sending fresh produce to a Brisbane Central Market for almost 150 years, in the early days by rail and sea.

“The free-flowing dialogue and support has extended far beyond the boardroom table and joint submissions on industry issues,” Mr Young said.

“Brisbane Markets was a key supporter of the Made in

“We have rolled out our successful children’s education program in both regions, attended functions together, hosted delegations, sat on committees shoulder-toshoulder and will continue to work toward improving the supply chain together,” Mr Young said.

ACCC’S CODE CLASH WITH WOOLWORTHS The Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) has clashed with Woolworths after it told the media it had raised issues with the major supermarkets over poorly worded supply agreements.

The ACCC told the media it had concerns as to the manner in which some retailers, in particular Woolworths and Aldi, are presenting new Grocery Supply Agreements (GSAs), which might give the impression that the supplier is not able to negotiate the terms of the GSA. The voluntary Food and Grocery Code of Conduct came into effect in February, with the supermarkets writing

their own rules to ensure retailers deal with their suppliers ‘in good faith’, after years of complaints from farmers and food manufacturers about unfair treatment.

In what are the first cracks in the fragile agreement, Woolworths hit back at the ACCC in the media over what it calls a “minor wording issue” was raised with them relating to a letter sent to a number of its suppliers.

The company said it was “surprised and disappointed that the ACCC today decided to issue a press release which failed to recognise our prompt actions some weeks ago”.

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industry

QUIET CONTRIBUTORS TO INDUSTRY

By Peter Hockings, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG)

Spring’s horticulture production from the Wide Bay Burnett region looks to have a positive start, particularly in the Bundaberg area, with the Announced Allocations for the Lower Burnett Irrigation Scheme and Groundwater supplies mostly ranging from 85% to 100% of allocation.

The region is undergoing further expansion into horticulture production, so there are definitely businesses looking ahead with a positive outlook.

New plantings for avocados, sweet potatoes, macadamias and mangoes are particularly evident around the district, and I suspect we may soon see a renewed growth in subtropical banana production.

DEDICATED TO OUR INDUSTRY Queensland’s horticulture industry has thousands of dedicated individuals contributing their part through many aspects including variety development, agronomics, cold chain management, transport logistics, pest and disease management, market access and biosecurity, growing and marketing of produce.

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I was recently given yet another reminder of the many ‘quiet achievers’ that help the growth and development of our Industry.

In July BFVG joined with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) to celebrate the retirement of another of industry’s quiet achievers - Mr Jerry Lovatt.

Like so many others have done in the past (I wish we could list them all), Jerry dedicated his entire career to the Queensland horticulture industry - all 48 years of it!

Jerry began working for the Department (of Primary Industries) in 1967. He was moved around the State a bit but finally settled at Bundaberg in 1980.

GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS Some of Jerry’s major achievements include significant contribution to the Agrilink Kits (a production reference tool), working with Jeff Barnes in trialing varieties to help establish tomatoes as a major commodity for the region, working with John Maltby and Craig Henderson and the rest of Department’s team in helping to cement sweet potatoes as a major commodity of the region, and the compilation of the ‘Bundaberg Production Horticulture Statistics’ for 30 years.

The production statistics were compiled by Jerry by liaising with growers and transport companies.

They helped truly demonstrate the expansion rate, significance and importance of the Horticulture Industry to Bundaberg and Queensland.

These figures were instrumental in the department establishing the Bundaberg Horticulture Research Station in 1986, and have been an invaluable asset for BFVG in our promotional and advocacy role throughout this 30-year period.

Jerry’s contribution serves as a reminder to us all of the many, many dedicated quiet achievers that work diligently to progress our industry in so many areas, on so many different levels.

Quiet achiever retires. After 48 years working for Queensland’s agriculture department, extension officer Jerry Lovatt has retired.

BUNDABERG REGION AT A GLIMPSE

The region is estimated to have an annual farm gate value of more than $500 million, it injects over $1 billion into the local economy and plays an integral role in the nation’s food security.

The Bundaberg area is one of the largest production horticulture regions in Australia growing a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs.

The Bundaberg region’s farm gate production has doubled in value over the past 10 years. There has also been massive growth in value-added products and the region has the capacity to continue this industry growth.

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industry

industry bites PM NO STRANGER TO MARKETS Australia’s new Prime Minister is no stranger to the Brisbane Markets or the horticulture industry, with Malcolm Turnbull having visited the site in 2013.

At the time, Mr Turnbull spent his time speaking to wholesalers and holding a press conference before grabbing a coffee from Buzz Café.

Mr Turbull announced a cabinet reshuffle in mid-September 2015, just a few days after winning a leadership challenge in the Liberal party room to take on the top job from Tony Abbott, who had visited the Brisbane Markets on a number of occasions.

The National Party’s Deputy Barnaby Joyce remained the Minister for Agriculture.

SYRIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS REQUESTED Australian fruit and vegetable farmers are putting their hands up to take literally thousands of Syrian asylum seekers to help fill chronic rural labour shortages.

The Voice of Horticulture says the Federal Government’s decision to resettle 12,000 Syrian asylum seekers could be good news for the horticulture industry which has a history of working with migrants and will be calling out for labour.

The horticulture industry currently employs more than 60,000 people across Australia and the forecast increase in production will require a growth in the number of full time and part time workers.

Newly appointed Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (centre) shares a joke with wholesalers Hamish Montague (left) and John Hunter at Buzz Café in 2013.

MELON INDUSTRY LEVY

ANOTHER BANANA PLANT INFESTED

The peak body for the Australian melon industry has begun a new push for a grower levy to secure crops against further disease outbreaks.

A third banana plant infested with Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4) has been discovered on the already quarantined property.

The deadly CGMMV remains a threat to the nation’s growers, while NSW and Victoria also face a threat from Melon Necrotic Spot Virus.

Grower information sessions have been conducted in September, information is on the industry website and information packs were sent to registered growers.

Voting on the proposed levies will begin in October.

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The horticulture industry is the third largest agriculture industry by value and the largest agriculture industry employer.

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Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed another positive sample from a different area of the same farm where two previous positive detections had been found.

The quarantined Tully Valley farm is the only location where it has been confirmed in North Queensland.

The TR4 pathogen is carried in soil, water or plant material and is a major threat to the global banana industry.

APPLE MONEY SPENT ON THEATRE SHOW Horticulture Australian Innovation Limited (HIA) has assured Apple and Pear Australia Ltd levy payers that their programs would not be affected after one of its former staff members faced court for misappropriating $277,000.

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST FRUIT FLY FACILITY The construction of Australia’s first facility to combat fruit fly has now begun in Port Augusta, South Australia.

The $3.8 million National Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) facility will aim to combat the spread of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) in major horticulture growing regions.

Fruit fly is a major problem for horticultural crops in all of Australia’s mainland states, except South Australia, which currently remains fruit fly free.

Construction of the facility is expected to take 10 months. The $3.8 million centre is one part of a $47 million investment over the next five years to support the national fruit fly management program.

HIA took its former marketing services manager Luke Christopher Westley to the NSW Supreme Court over the misappropriation of levy funds.

The judgment in the case said between 2014 and July 2015, Mr Westley used his position to make payments without authority, including towards costs and expenses associated with a Sydney theatrical production called Avenue Q.

Mr Westley was the executive producer of that production. He was also responsible for marketing apples and pears at HIA and for administering the apple and pear marketing levy paid by growers.

HIA is a not-for-profit, growerowned Research and Development Corporation for Australia’s $9 billion horticulture industry. It invests more than $100 million in research, development and marketing programs annually.

CONSUMERS TURN TO BEETROOT Promotion of beetroot as a ‘superfood’ has led the vegetable to become a kitchen staple among Australian consumers who purchase vegetables primarily for their nutritional health benefits.

That’s according to new consumer research from Project Harvest.

The industry-funded research, which is conducted by Colmar Brunton and tracks consumer attitudes towards vegetable purchases, has found that interest in beetroot has boomed among shoppers that are interested in its nutritional benefits following its promotion as a superfood in Europe.

AUSSIES AT WORLD AVOCADO CONGRESS More than 50 Australians travelled to Peru for the VIII World Avocado Congress in September, participating in congress sessions and field visits, visiting orchards in different regions and networking with international researchers and growers.

After the congress, some of the Australians participated in a post scientific tour to Chile, just days after the country experienced an earthquake measuring 8.4 on the richter scale.

More than 1,000 people from 26 different countries attended the congress.

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RESOLVING GROWER DISPUTES

By Brismark General Manager Gail Woods

Growers are an extremely important part of the Brisbane Produce Market community and services have been continually developed to improve communication and understanding between growers and wholesalers, and to facilitate improvements and efficiencies in the horticulture industry.

Growers have at least three main avenues to seek support in the event that they feel they have a dispute to be heard regarding their business in the Market.

For more than 15 years, Brismark has operated a free confidential and responsive Dispute Resolution Service specifically designed to investigate dispute issues.

Brismark has a Complaints Officer who is responsible for providing the service. If necessary, additional market information is supplied by Market Information Services (MIS), whose information sheds light on

what the Market is selling for at nominated times. MIS also supplies comment on the quality of fruit when asked to provide inspection reports.

On a positive note, this Dispute Resolution Service is rarely used, even though it has been advertised widely through this publication, on Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited websites as well as at industry conferences.

Likewise the office of the Horticulture Mediation Advisor which was set up to assist in industry dispute resolution nationally, has seen a low take-up rate for support when you consider there are over 15,000 growers suppling to Australia’s Central Markets.

Since 2007 HMA has received 89 enquiries (over 25% in the first year), and has appointed a mediator on 14 occasions, with only 12 mediations conducted under the Horticulture Code of Conduct.

be addressed to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC).

Since 2009, the ACCC has received 30 enquires (after 189 in 2007/08) and 46 complaints (after 101 in 2007/08). These have resulted in enforceable actions for breaches of the Code on nine occasions (six in 2008 and one each in 2009, 2010 and 2013).

Interestingly, since being given the power in 2010, the ACCC has conducted 15 Code audits, with one revealing non-compliance and two warning letters were sent.

The Horticulture Code of Conduct has now been operating for over eight years, and millions of transactions have been conducted over that period.

Good commercial business relationships between a grower and their wholesaler is the foundation stone to resolve disputes clearly reducing the need for external support.

Alternately, enquiries and complaints have been able to

HORTICULTURE MEDIATION ADVISOR On the 7 March 2007, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran announced the appointment of the Horticulture Mediation Adviser to administer the dispute resolution process under the Horticulture Code of Conduct.

The Horticulture Mediation Adviser is the contact for all inquiries relating to mediation under the code. The mediation adviser’s role is to help parties resolve disputes and, on request, appoint mediators from a specialist panel of experienced mediators across Australia.

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Straightforward disputes may be able to be resolved over the telephone at no charge, or a simple $50 application fee can proceed the dispute to a face to face or telephone mediation.

Mediation is a negotiation process with a neutral third party that can help you come to a commercial agreement that both of you can live with, without the time and cost of court or other processes.

Visit www.hortcodema.com.au for more information.

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business MERGE OR ACQUIRE?

By Andrew Malins – Affinity Accounting Plus

The seemingly perpetual growth of large retailers is undoubtedly creating pressure for many operators in centralised markets, just as it has provided opportunities for others.

As the fresh produce industry changes in line with consumer habits, every business will need to adapt to the new consumer patterns.

Whether you like it or not, your business is being affected and you either adapt or have it forced upon you. That includes everyone along the supply chain and the businesses servicing that chain.

A GENUINE MERGER? Often, businesses will seek to merge or acquire. While it’s debatable whether there is any such thing as genuine merger (one business culture usually prevails over the other), there are significant benefits to acquisition which make the option worth actively considering, such as the following: • Access to a wider customer base or a new market/sales channel; • Achieving critical mass, cost sharing and reduction; • Obtaining key staff or capabilities; • Diversification of product lines; and • Vertical integration of some or all of the supply to retail/ consumption chain.

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ACQUISITION PURPOSE

QUESTIONS TO ASK

The purpose of an acquisition should usually be to create a business which is greater than the sum of the two parts and growth which would otherwise take longer and be more difficult.

So where is your business heading?

Is it in a growth or stagnant market? How are you going to get to the next step on the path to ultimate sale/exit? A merger or acquisition might be what you need to propel your business to the next step if approached properly.

A successful acquisition is of course not as easy as simply putting two businesses together, because on paper they suit each other.

There is a long history of unsuccessful acquisitions in all industries, they take planning and work to be successful, however if you don’t consider the option, you can be sure your competitors will.

If they aren’t considering an acquisition, they may be considering selling or would sell to the right buyer.

Ultimately, the goal of all business owners is to grow the business and then sell (even if that is to the next generation).

DID YOU

KNOW?

In the same way that you need to be flexible and open to change in order to grow your business, those same principles apply when considering a merger or acquisition, the only difference being that both business owners need to be open to change more or less at the same time.

Keep your mind and options open to take advantage of the opportunities, as and when they arise.

The horticulture industry is Australia’s third largest agriculture sector with a farm gate value of $10 billion. This is half the value of broad acre and cropping sector, but only marginally smaller than the livestock sector.

MANAGING DIFFERENT GENERATIONS

By Sal Trujillo, Brisbane Markets Limited Human Resources Manager

Over the past few years there has been an abundance of information and different views in relation to the management of a multigenerational workplace.

There are five generations in the workplace: The Builders (born 1925 – 1945), The Boomers (born 1946 – 1964), Generation X (born 1965 – 1979), Generation Y (born 1980 – 1994) and Generation Z (born 1995 – 2009).

The challenges in managing these generations in the workplace stem from the different mindsets, attitudes, expectations and communication styles of workers born in different eras.

The issues may be aggravated by new technology and work patterns that mix workers in the changing business environment.

The Builders are the current Australian seniors who are characterised by their desire to get things done properly and tend to like measuring output, cutting costs, and benchmarking productivity.

The Boomers are competitive and think workers should pay their dues.

They tend to be radical thinkers, consumers and travelers; their spending habits and lifestyles have a direct influence on the economy.

As this generation eases out of the workforce, it will potentially leave a significant management void.

Generation X are said to be more skeptical and independent-minded.

They tend to live from week to week financially, and are between the Boomers who refuse to let go and Generation Y who are more technologically savvy willing to move up to more senior roles.

Generation Y are the most formally educated generation who don’t seek a job as much as they seek an opportunity. This generation tends to have multiple expectations of an employer – they are interested in the workplace culture, teamwork, variety, fun, training, management style, feedback, flexibility and technology.

Generation Z is the first generation never to have experience the preinternet world. They are already technology-focused.

• Create mixed-aged teams to facilitate a learning environment where both younger and older workers can learn from each other.

• Facilitate mentoring between different age employees to encourage more cross generational interaction.

• Accommodate different learning styles including PowerPoint presentations, interactive workshops and technology based forms of learning.

To effectively manage the different generations, the key for managers is to be able to effectively address and take advantage of the differences in values and expectations of each generation. Accordingly, the following should be considered:

• Develop incentive plans and reward systems that target all the different needs of each generation.

• Work on the culture of the organisation to cultivate adaptability. This will shift the various assumptions and norms within the organisation.

Implementing and constantly monitoring these initiatives will place leaders in a good position to include the forthcoming generation “Generation Alpha” (This generation begins with those born in 2010). This generation is predicted to be the most formally educated generation in history, beginning school earlier and studying longer.

• Build collaborative relationships by encouraging discussion and consultation with your staff members. Partnering with your staff and having the ability to listen to their advice provides a good opportunity to improve systems while acquiring commitment from staff members.

• Don’t stereotype, don’t confuse character issues with generational traits.

• Learn about your employees.

Through regular discussions, performance review process, team meetings, employee surveys and by studying the demographics of your current workforce you can identify what employees want out of their jobs. Determining preferred communication styles, what motivates them, what rewards they prefer, and planned professional paths can assist in redefining business strategies.

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export TRADE WEEK AN OCTOBER SUCCESS Australian Horticultural Exporters Association (AHEA) has held a trade event as part of Queensland Trade Week celebrations, 6-16 October 2015.

The ‘Horticulture Exports – Before You Start’ workshop drew growers and those from the horticulture sector wanting to learn more about trade. It was held at the QHealth Conference Centre, Cooper Plains on 13 October.

The event was tailored to the needs of fresh horticultural exports, and provided real commercial considerations on export markets.

Participants heard from exporters actually trading in key markets. They talked to trade commissioners and understood opportunities developing through Free Trade Agreements, product extension and e-commerce.

The event was facilitated by the AHEA, funded

by Austrade and supported by the Queensland departments of Agriculture and Fisheries and Trade and Investment Queensland.

CHINA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Australia and China’s horticulture industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on trade.

Horticulture Innovation Australia and the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association signed the memorandum as a demonstration of the long-term commitment to building the horticulture trade relationship between Australia and China.

The MOU is one part of the Australian horticulture industry’s holistic trade strategy, including identifying opportunities arising from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Similar forums are being planned for the Lockyer Valley and Bowen Gumlu region.

STRONG ATTENDANCE AT INDUSTRY FORUM Australian Horticultural Exporters Association (AHEA) has reported strong attendance at its August annual industry forum, held in Melbourne.

Over the past 12 months, AHEA has restructured.

The organisation continues to represent horticultural exports however now includes imports into its market access and trade discussions under its new constitution, promoting the trade of horticultural produce both ways.

EXPORT STATISTICS An in-depth report was tabled for fresh fruit and vegetables, year ending June 2015, where exports increased 8% to $802 million while imports increased 11% to $429 million, bringing a two way trade to $1.23 billion.

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Table grapes and citrus have continued to dominate the export category accounting for 80% of the total volume exported, 71% by value.

It was also noted that higher unit values were seen for products including cherries, peaches and nectarines, mangoes and strawberries with a volume gain of around 30%.

The loss of Vietnam trade did temper the overall growth, particularly table grapes which accounted for 80% of the fruit trade to Vietnam.

Australia exports of vegetables increased 1.1% by volume to 161,175 tonnes worth $172.3 million.

Almost 50% of the volumes were carrots, followed by onions and potatoes. Asparagus remaining the third largest export by value.

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YOUR LOCAL FRUIT SHOP

calendar Labour Day holiday

8 OCTOBER Brisbane Markets Mango Auction Brisbane Produce Market, Rocklea, QLD Contact: Brisbane Markets Limited on (07) 3916 3200 or email admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

An exciting annual event that brings the Market community together to raise money for Diabetes Queensland and Life Education Queensland, with the highest bidder of the first symbolic tray of mangoes crowned the 2015 Mango King.

13 OCTOBER Horticulture Exports – Before you Start workshop QHealth Conference Centre, Coopers Plains, QLD Contact: RSVP your attendance by emailing your name and company to ahea@ahea.com.au by 10 October.

A workshop held as part of Trade Week (from 6-16 October) to draw growers and those from the horticulture sector wanting to learn more about trade and to meet commissioners and export professionals.

31 OCTOBER-14 NOVEMBER AUSVEG 2015 Women in Horticulture Tour Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany Contact: Expressions of interest to AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277, or email info@ausveg.com.au.

The 2015 Women in Horticulture Industry Leadership and Development Mission will visit key vegetable production areas across the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany.

NOVEMBER

16-18 NOVEMBER TropAg2015

1 DECEMBER

DECEMBER

OCTOBER

5 OCTOBER

Brisbane Markets Christmas Drinks The Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets, Rocklea, QLD Contact: Brisbane Markets Limited, on (07) 3915 4200 or email admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

An invitation only annual get-to-together with tenant principals, sponsors, suppliers and key industry members

3 DECEMBER Brisbane Markets Christmas Barbecue The Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets, Rocklea. QLD Contact: Brisbane Markets Limited, on (07) 3915 4200 or email admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

A fun-filled Christmas themed barbecue held on the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor for its community.

25 DECEMBER Christmas Day Public holiday

26 DECEMBER Boxing Day Public holiday

2016 MELON CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED The Australian Melon Industry has announced dates and a venue for its conference, to be held in Mildura, from March 16-18 2016 after the cancellation of its 2015 event.

The conference is to be held on-farm and will provide a combination of research science and practical demonstrations to give delegates an opportunity to gain information at every level of the industry.

It will consist of two field days, an industry dinner and will be followed by a district and winery tour on the last day.

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD Contact: Registration and accommodation details on 02 9254 5000 or registration@tropagconference.com.au This is the inaugural International Conference on Advances in Agriculture and Food for the Tropics and is a scientific look at the advances and controversies in tropical agriculture research.

17 NOVEMBER Brisbane Markets Limited AGM The Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets, Rocklea, QLD Contact: Brisbane Markets Limited, on (07) 3915 4200 or email shares@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

Annual General Meeting of Brisbane Markets Limited with all shareholders invited.

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Spring 2015

YOUR LOCAL FRUIT SHOP IS AOK READY It’s back! The Act of Kindness (AOK) Mango Retailer charity promotion is taking place in 2015 in Your Local Fruit Shop (YLFS) participating stores throughout South East Queensland.

YLFS stores are asking people to buy $2 mango stickers to place on a mango tree, with all funds raised supporting Diabetes Queensland and Life Education Queensland. Which YLFS store will raise the most?

2015 AOK fundraiser was announced at the Brisbane Market’s Mango Auction on 8 October 2015 and concludes on 8 November 2015.

Now you’re cooking...

MARKET KITCHEN COMMERCIAL KITCHEN, TRAINING & MEETING ROOMS FOR HIRE

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• Commercial cookery • Cooking demonstrations • Small-scale food manufacturing

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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

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