Summer 2021 Issue
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Ag-tech
GETS SMART AT GATTON
p9
Meet BML’s new team
p24
Bush tucker WINS GOLD p36
The magazine of
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CEO comment We’ve made to it the end of another tough year and I think everyone in the fresh produce industry should congratulate themselves on their resilience and dedication to keeping Queenslanders fed and healthy.
Sustainability It is pleasing to see that the federal government has finally made a commitment to deliver net zero emissions by 2050. It is clear that agriculture, and horticulture in particular, have been working hard to reduce their impact on the environment for decades, through research (page 12), certification (page 27) and farming practices (page 26). It seems the federal government’s plan will focus on technology-driven initiatives and hopefully we will see appropriate funding and grants to allow Queensland’s growers to take the next step towards a sustainable future. More locally, technology in agriculture has now found a new home in Queensland, with the state government’s announcement of the Gatton Smart Farm (page 9). It will be exciting to see the outcomes of the research and technology in action.
Wet weather La Nina is back and with it, rain events all along the east coast of Australia. With Paradise Dam overflowing (page 10) and plans afoot to secure a permanent water supply north of Bowen (page 11), it’s also heartening to see that the Granite Belt and Lockyer Valley have also received a drenching. Unlike previous wet weather on the Granite Belt where only small patches benefited from the precipitation, it would now be hard to find a dam that isn’t full. If all goes to plan, a bit of sunshine will dry out the dirt and help to finish off any vegetables that are still in the ground. In the Lockyer Valley, creeks and on-farm storage are full and the aquifers are filling. The rain didn’t impact supply too much, with only minor weather damage impacting the aesthetics of produce.
BML and Brismark Both BML and Brismark held their Annual General Meetings (AGM) recently, after what has proven to be a successful 2021 financial year. At BML, we have welcomed a new leadership team (page 18) and two new Industry Directors (page 19). You can read more about their perspectives on the company and the fresh produce supply chain on page 24. At Brismark, the continued strong performance of the Credit Service reflects the foresight of the organisation in 1974 when it was first established. Over a difficult year, the Credit Service gave certainty and support to the operations of wholesalers. You can read more about Brismark’s AGM on page 21.
Champion retires Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) said farewell to our retiring Chair, Tony Joseph AM, during our AGM, after over 50 years of involvement in the markets and almost 20 years at the helm of BML. Tony was heavily involved with our bid for the Brisbane Markets in 2001 when the Queensland Government announced its intention to sell and was one of a four-member Bid Committee that oversaw the successful bid and the subsequent transition of ownership and management of the site in September 2002. His exemplary service, consummate leadership and tireless dedication to BML are reflected in his lifelong commitment to the success and prosperity of the Brisbane Markets and the horticulture industry. You can read more about his history at the markets on page 19. On behalf of the BML Board, I would like to extend my thanks to Tony for his leadership, guidance and friendship over the past 20 years. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all!
Our thoughts are with those who face a tricky recovery where the wild weather and deluge was too much. Andrew Young, Managing Director and CEO - BML Chief Executive Officer - Brismark Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE
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Contents 6 Fresh Updates 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 14 15 15 16 16
Rebuilding after Niran: the road to recovery Award-winning map branches out New ag visa now in effect Changed approach to Pacific labour Ag-tech facility breaking new ground for horticulture Queensland unveils targeted quarantine Water flows through Paradise Reflections on 2021 in the Wide Bay Burnett Water in the pipeline project Opportunity flows for Bowen Saving water through automation Connecting with industry American leafminer breaches the border Serpentine leafminer detected in Lockyer Valley Mango shoot looper found in FNQ Tax deductions and rebates still on the table Fair Work pushes through piece rate decision Brad takes the chair for avocados
17 Fresh Markets 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21
A safety star is born New warehouse project for 2022 BML achieves strong end-of-year result Changing of guard at Brisbane Markets Limited Champion of the sector retires New faces for BML Board Mango Auction hits $1 million raised for charities Thanks to our sponsors: Service a credit to Brismark Fast track program sees markets users take up the jab
22 Feature: Forklift Operator of the Year
24 Fresh Perspectives 24 New era for Brisbane Markets Limited
26 Fresh Outlook 26 26 27 28 30 31 31
Retail prices to remain high into 2022 Sustainable practices commonplace Growers get sweet on reef certification Historic summit kicks off fresh strategy Quad bike rules now in play Hunger, a fact of life for too many Freshcare creates 2030 Vision
32 Fresh Initiatives 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 37 38 38 38
Gold medal win for bush tucker Campaign claims gold (and green) Avocado production up 150% Third phase of VegNET gets $1.4 million boost $28 million program to improve farm productivity for tree crops Outlook okay for mangoes Upselling mangoes to Australian consumers Kids sport the winner of latest ABC campaign Stars lend their influence Blending key to latest mushroom campaign Newest members make A better choice! Cherries get a pick-me-up
40 Fresh Export 40 41 41 42
Montague looks to export markets to bear fruit Potatoes face drop in exports New face for exporters and importers New project traces high-value exports
22 Finau finishes first in forklift challenge
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Fresh Source is the magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited. New editions of the magazine are printed three times a year. Advertising and editorial inquiries are welcome and media outlets are invited to use material without acknowledgement. Fresh Source is printed on Australian made recycled stock.
Foodbank Fights Food Waste with Brisbane Markets Foodbank works with Brisbane Markets to rescue food, reduce waste and fight hunger. Working together, more than 150 000 kilograms of fresh food is collected by Foodbank at Brisbane Markets each year and distributed to Queenslanders in need. That’s the equivalent of 270 000 meals provided to children and adults experiencing hunger. Donating surplus or imperfect food enables Brisbane Markets stallholders to directly provide benefits to people who are living in disadvantaged circumstances, while also having a positive impact on the environment.
Benefits to Stallholders: • Provide food directly to people in need • Save on your waste disposal costs • Positively impact staff morale • Help save our environment • Reduce the volume of food going into landfill foodbank.org.au @foodbankqld
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Rebuilding after Niran: the road to recovery After losing 100% of his banana crop to Tropical Cyclone Niran in March, Sebastian Di Salvo is now only one month away from full production. Mr Di Salvo owns Tropic Coast Farming on Queensland’s Far North Coast in Boogan. Farming bananas for 25 years, and cane for even longer, Mr Di Salvo has experienced natural disasters before. Cyclone Larry in 2006 and Cyclone Yasi in early 2011 both left their mark on his property. But Cyclone Niran, as Mr Di Salvo explains, was something else entirely. “When the damaging winds hit us, it was the worst predicament we could have been in. Following 12 months of low banana prices, the farm was vulnerable,” Mr Di Salvo said. Mr Di Salvo woke on Monday, 1 March 2021 and began his day like any other. He and his employees were working on the farm, gearing up for another busy week, when strong winds hit, which he later learned were from Cyclone Niran. The damaging winds came across three separate times and by 9.30am, 20% of his crop was lost. “At 11am, it came back again, and it just took the whole place out, completely wiped us out.” Mr Di Salvo and his employees spent the next few days assessing the damage. Walking around in shock, it was a devastating blow - one that resulted in a mammoth clean-up. 6
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Road to recovery: Sebastian Di Salvo from Tropic Coast Farming, Boogan.
“It took us about five weeks to clean up 160 acres of bananas. It’s been a hard slog for us, we’ve really felt it this time.” Once reality had sunk in, Mr Di Salvo knew he would need financial assistance to recover. The first thing he did was turn to the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Board (QRIDA).
loan and for an Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Grant of $75,000. When talking about the application process, Mr Di Salvo says it was seamless and easy. He believes having access to and receiving disaster recovery assistance is crucial because without the funding, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
“We’ve had a lot to do with QRIDA over the last 10 to 15 years because this isn’t the first time we’ve been wiped out,” he said.
“I think it’s very important that people who are affected get as much financial assistance as they can,” Mr Di Salvo said.
“QRIDA helped us with Cyclones Larry and Yasi, and we turned to them again after Tropical Cyclone Niran. At the end of the day, you’ve got to borrow the money to stay in it. Either that or you’ve got to get out.”
“We are primary producers. We are at the mercy of the weather, and QRIDA is there to help us for that reason, it’s a big help.”
Determined to rebuild his farm, Mr Di Salvo secured a QRIDA Disaster Assistance Loan of $250,000, with on the ground, local support from QRIDA’s Far North Regional Area Manager, Sam Spina, who helped him through the application process. “Sam will help you wherever he can, I can’t fault him. He does whatever he can for us at all times,” Mr Di Salvo said. Mr Spina met Mr Di Salvo on-farm and helped him with his application for the
Now, six months after Tropical Cyclone Niran, Tropic Coast Farming is looking to the future. “We’re just starting to process a little bit of fruit; we’re processing every fortnight. I think in another month, we’ll be back to full production. We’re on the road to recovery.”
Click or scan the QR code to find out more about QRIDA’s disaster assistance.
Award-winning map branches out Australian horticulture growers are being urged to contribute to the creation of a high-tech mapping tool to improve biosecurity preparedness and natural disaster response efforts.
UNE project lead, Professor Andrew Robson, said that the ATCM is already being used by many tree crop industries, providing a useful foundation for the new Protected Cropping Area Map.
better understanding industry extent (area and location of production) and improved preparedness to biosecurity threats and natural disasters, the full potential is yet to come.
The National Protected Cropping Map, delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the University of New England (UNE)’s Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC), will capture the location of commercial polytunnels, shadehouses, glasshouses and permanent nets in every state and territory of Australia.
“This map – built via the integration of industry data, image analytics, ground validation and citizen science – meets Australian mapping standards, is freely available and respects growers’ privacy by not including any personal grower or crop information,” he said.
This essential base layer of data will ultimately support decision making processes related to traceability, resource management and yield forecasting as well as major national initiatives such as water security, soil health and carbon storage.
The new map builds on the awardwinning Australian Tree Crop Map (ATCM), which received international recognition in July, when its creators, AARSC researchers Craig Shephard and Joel McKechnie, were awarded first place for dashboard maps in the 2021 Esri User Conference’s Map Gallery Awards. The Esri User Conference is the world’s largest event dedicated to geographic information system (GIS) technology. “We’re showing the world that the research tools and applications we’re producing here in Australia are of the highest standard,” Mr Shephard said. “The map gallery is central to the Esri conference and it’s one of the most wideranging and comprehensive collections of GIS work in the worlds, it can indicate trends and influences shifts in technical and cartographic practice. “This really is a career highlight for Joel and I, having our work recognised at Esri is the pinnacle. It puts our research centre AARSC and UNE on map, so to speak.” Mr Shephard and Mr McKechnie started developing the ATCM Dashboard in 2020, as part of the Multi-scale Monitoring Tools for Managing Australian Tree Crops: Phase 2 research project. This research is driven by the support of Hort Innovation and six Australian industries: avocado, citrus, macadamia, mango, banana and olive. The ATCM Dashboard was developed in response to the industry’s needs to better understand the extent (area and location of production) of their commercial operations. The tool is freely available and interactively summarises the extent of avocado, citrus, macadamia and mango orchards, banana plantations and olive groves, and supports these industries to make informed and timely decisions around biosecurity and natural disaster responses.
Hort Innovation Head of Research and Development, Byron De Kock, said no comprehensive national protected cropping map currently exists, and this new initiative will significantly help industries. “A concerning knowledge gap of most Australian agricultural industries is a lack of understanding of the distribution and area of individual crops,” he said. “Knowing where crops are located supports an improved response to biosecurity incursions including the establishment of exclusion zones and the coordination of on-ground surveillance, and for quantifying the area of crops affected following a natural disaster.”
All applications developed by Craig Shephard and Joel McKechnie as part of Multiscale Monitoring Tools for Managing Australian Tree Crops: Phase 2 can be viewed by scanning or clicking the QR code.
The new National Protected Cropping Map – which is being developed with the support of Protected Cropping Australia, Future Food Systems CRC and Greater Sydney and North Coast Local Land Services – will also help growers with production planning. Protected Cropping Australia Deputy Chair, Matthew Plunkett, said the industry body is excited about the national initiative. “Not having an accurate measure of production area can result in highly inaccurate pre-harvest yield forecasts, potentially causing poor forward selling estimates for both domestic and overseas markets,” Mr Plunkett said. “Identifying the location of specific farming systems also provides essential information around value, traceability, transport and market accessibility.” The protected cropping map will offer a user-friendly platform that is available online via desktop or mobile. The draft map is scheduled for completion in 2023, however users can go on the Protected Cropping Systems Survey site and see progress at any time. Whilst the development of the ATCM Dashboard provides participating industries with an immediate tool for
In the field: Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre’s Joel McKechnie validating established macadamia crops for the ATCM Dashboard.
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Updates
New ag visa now in effect The new federal government Agriculture Visa has been launched, with industry representatives welcoming the move. The visa officially came into effect on 30 September when the Australian Government amended the Migration Regulations to create the Australian Agriculture Worker Visa, which will be a stream of the Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa and will offer a four-year, multiple entry visa, targeting short-term and long-term workers. The visa will be available to low-skilled and skilled workers from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries and will also be available to workers from countries where there is a bilateral agreement in place. Any workers will also need to meet federal and state quarantine requirements. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, said the visa was the biggest structural change to the agricultural workforce in our nation’s history. “The visa will also be available to the fisheries, forestry and agricultural processing sectors and will target seasonal workers, skilled and semiskilled workers. “It will be open to applicants from a range of countries and we are already in talks with a number of countries in our region, including Indonesia, who are eager to participate. “It will complement the Pacific programs we have got in place which have been critical in supporting our primary industries to date. The Pacific will remain the key pathway for the sector to access workers for this harvest, with the government committing to double the number of Pacific workers in Australia by March 2022.” AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said his organisation worked closely with the federal government on the development of the visa, with ensuring the program’s integrity through high worker welfare standards central to these discussions. “The signing shows that the federal government has listened to industry’s concerns and acted. We will continue to work with government on the development of the visa to ensure it meets the needs of growers and workers,” Mr Coote said. “The new visa will only be successful if the health and safety of workers is protected. Workers who come to Australia to pick
Further detail on the new agriculture visa has been announced.
fresh produce do so to work hard and earn good money, but we also want them to enjoy the experience and feel safe while they work.” National Farmers’ Federation CEO, Tony Mahar, said his organisation had been campaigning for the visa for more than five years. “The ag visa is a bespoke instrument designed to specifically address agriculture’s many and varied skill deficits,” Mr Mahar said. “To be most effective the visa must be portable and allow workers to move between farms based on work demand. We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Littleproud and the government on the details of the visa and how it can best cater for farmers and workers.” The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance CEO, Michael Rogers welcomed the amendment, saying it will reduce the industry’s reliance on backpackers. “From a horticulture perspective, our sector has a large number of short-term, highly seasonal roles that often see workers move between employers and locations following harvest work,” Mr Rogers said. “The parameters for the ag visa are positive in enabling visa holders to pursue seasonal roles across the industry and return to these roles year on year. Importantly, the ag visa will be critical to both allowing the industry to develop a productive and returning workforce, and restructuring the sector’s harvest workforce.”
Changed approach to Pacific labour The Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) now come under a single, streamlined umbrella: the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM).
Further changes include a widening of the PLS recruitment areas to align with SWP, doubling the recruitment caps for SWP-approved employers with a good record, and removing the upper age limit for PLS workers.
The centrepiece of the change is a single streamlined application process for both the PLS, which provides employment for between one and three years, and SWP, which provides employment for up to nine months.
Click or scan the QR code to read more about PALM and apply to be an approved employer.
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Ag-tech facility breaking new ground for horticulture Automation, field-based sensors, weather station networks, protected cropping and supply chain tools are just some of the technologies that Australian horticulture growers will be able to test at a new $9 m Smart Farm facility, announced on 24 November. The Gatton Smart Farm will comprise a ‘hub’ in Queensland, and a series of ‘satellite’ farms where equipment that suits various crops or regional needs will be trialled. Being delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the facility will give growers unprecedented access to the latest ag-tech on the market. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, said the Smart Farm would be a centre of innovation where government, industry, commercial providers and researchers would partner to develop, test and adapt innovations to drive the development of high value products, export supply chains and automation. “Queensland has a global reputation for high quality, safe horticulture products,” Mr Furner said. “New technology is critical to further expanding markets and solving the
Smart choice: Michael Sippel (Lockyer Valley Growers Association), Jane Wightman (Hort Innovation), Mark Furner (Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities), Belinda Frentz (AUSVEG), Ian Layden (Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries).
challenges of labour management, product quality, climate variability and supply chain wastage.” AUSVEG Deputy Chair and Queensland vegetable grower, Belinda Frentz, said that the centre’s location in the heart of Queensland’s major vegetable producing region ensured its relevance and accessibility to growers. “The Gatton Smart Farm will be one of Australia’s leading vegetable research centres,” Ms Frentz said. “The work at Gatton will align with a number of flagship industry initiatives, including the revamped VegNET extension program and the industry’s updated export strategy, which recommends working with growers to optimise vegetable quality and to further develop export-ready products, and to consolidate existing export markets while investigating new opportunities for industry.”
In October, the Queensland Government announced it would be establishing regional quarantine facilities at Grantham, Dimbulah, and Claredale.
• Climate-controlled glasshouses and a retractable roof-protected cropping structure • Cold rooms with the latest controlled-atmosphere technology • Technologies that can reduce labour inputs through mechanisation and automation of operations during crop production • tools and technology to manage pests and diseases • Artificial Intelligence and data analytics for crop production
All research outcomes will be shared nationally through Hort innovation’s regional extension team and VegNet.
Queensland unveils targeted quarantine Dedicated quarantine facilities will allow more Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) workers into Queensland.
Technology to be featured at Gatton Smart Farm
According to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, workers at the facilities would undergo stringent quarantine arrangements in accordance with the current requirements set by Queensland’s Chief Health Officer.
“With capacities ranging from 80 to 240, these facilities will help our producers to fill seasonal jobs that help to supply high quality food for Australians, especially at peak times such as harvest and planting,” Minister Furner said. “Workers in these facilities will undertake a range of induction and training courses while in quarantine and will not attend work until after their 14 days quarantine is completed. These arrangements ensure there is a high level of protection afforded to the workers but also to the community.”
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Updates
Water flows through Paradise Bundaberg region farmers are breathing a sigh of relief after November’s above average rainfall filled Paradise Dam to the brim. On Monday, 15 November, Paradise Dam reached 108% capacity with 20,000 ML expected to flow over each day. Paradise Dam originally stored 300,000 megalitres (ML) when full, but since Sunwater lowered the spillway due to safety concerns, the dam can now only store 170,000 ML when full, which is 57% of its original capacity. In addition to Paradise Dam, several storages across Central Queensland and the Burnett region also received
good inflows. Water levels at Wuruma Dam, located on the Nogo River, rose from 28.1% to 34.9% of full capacity, while BjelkePetersen Dam, north of Kingaroy, rose from 6% to up over 22.3%. Nearby Boondooma Dam also rose from 24.1% to 33%. Fairbairn Dam, near Emerald, is also experiencing much-needed inflows, rising from 12.3% to 14.5%. News that Paradise Dam was overflowing was met with both happiness and disappointment from the local community. Bundaberg macadamia and lychee grower, Craig Van Rooyen, said the rain had been a blessing but the fact that Paradise Dam couldn’t store the extra water was a crying shame. “We live in a catchment which regularly goes through dry and wet periods and the purpose of a dam is to store water during wet times to see the community
The spillway of Paradise Dam before it was lowered by five metres.
through the next dry period,” Mr Van Rooyen said. “The dam is now full, but there is over 20,000 ML/day still flowing into the dam and every ML flowing into the dam right now is going straight to sea.”
Reflections on 2021 in the Wide Bay Burnett By Bree Grima, Managing Director, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers As we round out another year, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities that have presented themselves to the sector in the Wide Bay Burnett Region. Industry appears to now be taking COVID changes in their stride. From implementing health management plans to temperature checking staff and recording travel plans, our industry has been required to adapt to changing circumstances. Both interstate and intrastate lockdowns have had a large impact on sales with avocados and strawberries, among others, hit hard. Several producers have pulled up stumps earlier than usual due to these challenges and are now faced with uncertainties around planning for next season. With the labour shortage ongoing, uncertainties exist over who, and how many workers, will be available in the future. This year, we’ve also seen water allocations for Burnett River subscheme irrigators drop from 100% to 22% due to ongoing drought conditions and the issues surrounding Paradise Dam.
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We’ve been in this Paradise Dam loop for over two years now and, in that time, we have been involved with lots of media releases, campaigns, fundraisers, consultations, and social events. We engaged a world-renowned dam safety expert in RCC dams, commissioned a study into the future options of Paradise Dam, contributed to a commission of enquiry, commissioned an economic impact analysis (as part of a consortium), submitted several right to information applications (most of which were denied, some granted in part), and met with every member of parliament at state and federal levels that we possibly could. We have done everything possible to ensure our governments know where their food comes from, and without the financial and unwavering support we have received from the growers and agribusinesses in the industry we couldn’t have been as effective in our campaign as we have been so from us to you, thank you. Thank you for entrusting us to get your message across. Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers has been the representative for fruit,
vegetable, herb and nut producers in the Wide Bay Burnett for 73 years. Few grower groups have the history that we do, and we pause with gratitude for the thousands of farming families that have contributed since our inception. The vision and passion first set by Messrs E.G Radke and F Henrickson in that first meeting continue to be carried by the Directors and the passionate staff that deliver on that vision. We will continue to advocate for what is right and just, and ensure a profitable and sustainable future for all. We couldn’t do this without the support of the sector and organisations like Brisbane Markets Limited. We have enjoyed a fruitful (pardon the pun!) formal relationship with the markets since 2009 and they have supported us with corporate sponsorship and a memorandum of understanding. We sincerely value this relationship and thank the Board along with Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young, for their support of the organisation. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2022.
Water in the pipeline project A plan to resurrect a water pipeline project has been given legs with $5 million in federal funding and plenty of private investors backing the plan. The ambitious project would see water piped from the underutilised Burdekin Falls Dam, with the proposed 93 km pipe running underground from the Burdekin Bridge at Home Hill to Merinda on the edge of the Bowen district. Despite a failed 2009 Sunwater proposal and other schemes dating back to the dam’s construction in 1983, Bowen Pipeline Company (BPC) has 39 shareholders with the majority being farmers from the region. BPC has already attracted $5 million in federal funding to pay for a detailed business case to be completed by mid-2023. The scheme would be limited to trickle and drip irrigation users only, if built.
Water in the pipeline: Brent Findlay (Chair of Bowen Pipeline Project), George Christensen (Federal Member for Dawson), Andrew Wilcox (Whitsunday Mayor) with Carl Walker and Ry Collins (Bowen Gumlu Growers Association).
Opportunity flows for Bowen By Ry Collins, General Manager, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association
Anyone familiar with the horticulture industry and farming businesses will know the topic of water always raises interest: sometimes it’s anger, at other times it’s hope.
could have a significant impact, not only on horticulture but in creating the future opportunities and jobs required to continue to grow the North Queensland region.
It’s the most essential input for any farming business - whether it be fruit, vegetables, cane or cattle - and having surety in this input is critical to ensuring our regional farming business, and the communities they support, can continue to prosper.
First, I attended an update by the CEO of Bowen River Utilities, James Benjamin, on the Urannah Dam and irrigation scheme project, which continues to gain momentum and presents an opportunity to have a catalytic effect on a number of local industries.
Water security in North Queensland has been a key priority for Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) and its members for many years. Progressive tightening of measures to regulate existing water access combined with a greater understanding of climate challenges such as increasing salinity and evaporation, has created a level of uncertainty for many businesses.
The proposed irrigation scheme supported by the dam could create an economic boon for nearby Collinsville, while also providing the scale to boost the regional agricultural supply chain, which would in turn support existing local producers and other local business.
Having certainty is important as it effects the inherent value of farming businesses and their willingness to further invest, hire staff and plan for future growth. It’s important government at all levels continues to understand the importance of water to the agriculture industry and the flow on effect this has for prosperity in our region. Over the past month, I have met with the proponents of two key projects that
The second key project is the Bowen Pipeline Project. At the start of last month, BGGA joined Queensland Minister for Water and Regional Development, Glenn Butcher, and his team, along with a number of local Gumlu growers, on farm to discuss the state’s support of this project that plans to tap into the existing Burdekin Falls Dam driving a pipeline and irrigation scheme from Home Hill to Bowen. As a further affirmative show of support for this project, it was pleasing for this to be followed up by the federal
government with BGGA hosting George Christensen (Federal Member for Dawson), Andrew Willcox (Whitsunday Mayor) and members of the Bowen Pipeline Company at the farm of BGGA president, Carl Walker, to announce $5 million in federal funding support to progress the business case for the Bowen Pipeline Project. We’re excited by this announcement as it has the potential to not only support a significant number of existing agricultural businesses in the Bowen, Gumlu, Home Hill and Guthalungra regions but could provide new water and irrigation to land in the north of our region supporting future jobs, investment and even other economic opportunities such as the development of the Abbot Point State Development Area. Both projects present unique opportunities to support our region through addressing the need for water security whilst also providing a platform to support future industry growth and ensure high quality North Queensland produce can feed people across the country and beyond. As they say: just add water and watch things grow.
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Updates
Saving water through automation Australian scientists are looking for organisations to participate in research into an innovative new ‘smart watering’ approach to tree crops. CQUniversity (CQU) researchers, led by plant scientist Associate Professor Nanjappa Ashwath, have developed an automated sprinkler system that monitors soil water content of farms, paddocks, gardens and parks, in a bid to match plant needs to sprinkler operation to prevent water-wastage while saving money. The sensors are installed in the soil at 10 cm and below (30–40 cm), and monitor soil moisture every 15 minutes. “This information is then sent to our computer via the cloud. The data will be processed by a computer algorithm along with the collected weather data, plant data, and management specifications,” Assoc Prof Ashwath said. Assoc Prof Ashwath said that when someone waters a garden, paddock, farm or park, only a fraction of the added water is used by the plants. “The most part will evaporate, or get lost into the gutter via runoff, or leach into the soil to end up in local waterways,” he said. “If the amount of moisture in the rooting zone can be measured, water usage can be optimised and, most importantly, chemical runoff into adjacent water bodies can be prevented.” As an extension of the moisture sensors, the research team – which also includes Internet of Things (IoT) data scientist Dr Biplob Ray – developed a system that can control irrigation automatically using artificial intelligence. “The algorithm sends a signal to the sprinkler and tells it when to irrigate and how long to irrigate for. Sprinklers are connected to solenoids which open and close the water supply to the sprinklers,” Dr Ray said. “The computer algorithm we have developed controls the operation of the solenoid. Most importantly, our algorithm collects data, and it learns from past operations. This memory is used every time it tries to irrigate.” The sensor irrigation systems project is currently in the study phase and has been trialled by a number of stakeholders, including council-owned parks, to great success.
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“Based on our experience, this system can easily save 10 to 30% of the water used by any farms, paddocks, parks or gardens, meaning not only are they helping to save water, but are also proving significant cost-savings,” Assoc Prof Ashwath said. “Public park systems, like many paddocks and farms, are constantly exposed to various pressures such as rainfall events, temperature variations, gusty winds, changes in relative humidity and plant’s ability to use water (such as winter versus summer). “Furthermore, the parks are established on a variety of soils. Since the composition and depth of soils differ significantly from one park to the other, and the type of plants, grasses and trees also differ, predicting the water requirements of the parks system would become extremely complicated. “Through a number of trials, our systems have proven to combat those hurdles. “Soil moisture maps have allowed us to identify locations of interest within the park so these locations could be used to install moisture sensors. The moisture sensors and the micro-weather stations were then connected to the IoT system for continuous and real-time monitoring. “The signals received from the soil monitoring systems (both Dual EM and IoT-based moisture sensors) were calibrated to actual soil moisture content by taking soil samples from representative locations. “The soil profile, localised weather data and calibrated dataset from both Dual EM and IoT-based moisture sensors were then used to build a computer model based on machine learning to manage the watering system of the public parks. “Algorithms have been written to regulate sprinkler irrigation for the specific parks or locations, allowing the owners to control sprinkler irrigation without having to second-guess or waste water,” Assoc Prof Ashwath said. “In our machine learning-based approach, our model not only learns for making better decisions in the future, but it can also predict total water usages for a specific time. “At the end of the day, this holistic ‘smart watering’ approach will save water resources and minimise seepage and
Good sense: the sensors in action underground.
nutrient leaching, while ensuring that parks, paddocks, gardens and farms meet the expectations of the end-users.” Assoc Prof Ashwath said the project has the potential to be rolled out to other organisations that would benefit from irrigation research. “This study can be applied to parks, paddocks, farms and other sites, and CQU is calling on businesses and/or organisations to get in touch if they’re interested in getting involved. “We know that water is a precious commodity, so water-saving initiatives like this one can only be a good thing.” A version of this article first appeared in Tree Crop magazine and you can read the original at https://bit.ly/3onTHYu.
Organisations interested in participating in automated irrigation system research should contact CQU’s director of research, Leslie Walker, at l.walker@cqu.edu.au.
Connecting with industry By Dr Olive Hood, Regional Extension Manager for Northern Australia, Hort Innovation
As one of Hort Innovation’s Regional Extension Managers, I’ve been busy over the last couple of months connecting with growers, researchers and others involved in the horticulture industry. I’d like to share a couple of highlights from some of these recent visits and efforts made to deliver impactful investments for the horticulture sector.
New papaya project In August, I attended the launch of the new papaya extension and communication project – a three-year investment being delivered by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. This investment is tasked with supporting Australian papaya growers in adopting improved practices on-farm and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry news, information, resources and technologies.
The program will improve knowledge, awareness, skills and aspirations of papaya growers and other supply chain stakeholders to increase the profitability and sustainability of the Australian papaya industry. The project team is working collaboratively with the papaya industry, relevant stakeholders and value chain members to co-design and implement a program that focuses on (1) Agronomic practices which improve input efficiencies, (2) Integrated pest and disease management (particularly Papaya meleria virus and Phytophthora) and (3) Improved post-harvest value chain management practices.
Mango Roadshows In October, I attended and presented at the Mareeba and Ayr 2021 Mango Roadshows hosted by the Australian Mango Industry Association as part
of their best practice management investment. The focus of my presentation was the Hort Frontiers Strategic Partnership Initiative, which facilitates collaborative cross-industry investments that are focused on longer-term, complex and traditionally underinvested themes identified as critical for the industry’s future. The presentation was geared towards the mango industry’s interests and initiatives in carbon accounting and ag-tech. Great discussion with attendees followed indicating the industry’s appetite for innovation. I’m always happy to have a chat, so if you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to get in touch at olive.hood@horticulture.com.au.
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Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 13
Updates
American leafminer breaches the border The exotic pest American serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii) has been detected in Torres Strait and Cape York. It was detected during plant health surveys being conducted by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment. Although American serpentine leafminer is not currently widely established in Australia, there have been multiple detections in Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula of Cape York, as well as Kununurra in Western Australia and Katherine in the Northern Territory. American serpentine leafminer poses a significant threat to Australia’s agriculture and nursery industry as it affects a wide host range of common horticultural crops and ornamental plant species. American serpentine leafminer is a fly whose larvae feed internally on plant tissue, particularly the leaf.
They have been found to seriously affect solanaceous crops (such as potato, tomato and eggplant), as well as crops in the Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae and Fabaceae families. Infestation of plants would most likely be detected through the presence of serpentine (winding and twisting) leaf mines, usually areas of white with black and dried brown, in the surface of leaf tissue. The national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests has determined that it is not technically feasible to eradicate American serpentine leafminer from Australia. However, regulatory controls will help reduce further spread and the impact to industry. Industry and the general public are strongly encouraged to report suspect detections of American serpentine leafminer to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
A close up of American serpentine leafminer, which is just 1-2 mm long. IMAGE: Merle Shepard, Gerald R. Carner and P.A.C Ooi, Bugwood.org For more information, including pictures and how to identify American serpentine leafminer, click or scan the QR code.
Serpentine leafminer detected in Lockyer Valley Serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) has been detected in celery, spinach and wombok crops in the Lockyer Valley. Serpentine leafminer poses a serious economic threat to South East Queensland’s horticulture and nursery production plant industries. It has a wide host range including vegetables, ornamentals and weeds. With the tell-tale signs of infestation appearing in a similar manner to its American cousin (see story above), serpentine leafminer can only be identified from other leafminers through DNA diagnostics or microscopic examination of the flies. The Queensland Government is working with industry to address the serious threat posed by the serpentine leafminer to Queensland’s plant industries. Industry and the public are urged to report suspected detections of serpentine leafminer to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23. Integrated pest management options are likely to be more effective than chemical suppression in the control of serpentine leafminer with beneficial parasitoid insects already detected in crops with leafminer.
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Summer 2021
Leaf damage caused by serpentine leafminer larvae. Click or scan the QR code for more information, including pictures and how to identify serpentine leafminer.
Mango shoot looper found in FNQ Mango shoot looper (Perixera cf. illepidaria), an invasive pest from Asia which has not previously been detected in Australia, has been found in Mareeba, Mutchilba and Biboohra. Mango shoot looper larvae feed voraciously on tender shoots, flowers and immature fruit of mango and lychee trees, and can severely damage tree canopies. The insect completes its full life cycle in 15-19 days, and the larval period is typically eight or nine days. In Far North Queensland, the moth has been observed causing significant damage on mango plants, which includes totally stripping back flowers and damaging young fruit. Severe infestations may cause 80-100% leaf and flower damage on affected trees and significant crop losses due to damage
to flowers and immature fruit. In Queensland, the pest has not yet been detected on anything other than mango, but growers in potentially affected industries should be alert for signs of the pest. Mango shoot looper does not affect the quality of mature mango or lychee fruit. No fruit supply issues are anticipated; mangoes and lychees will continue to be available on both the domestic and export markets and are safe to eat.
Mango shoot loopers feeding on mango flower.
The national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests has determined it is not technically feasible to eradicate the mango shoot looper from Australia.
For more information, including pictures and how to identify mango shoot looper, click or scan the QR code.
If you suspect a mango shoot looper infestation, please report it to Biosecurity Queensland by calling 13 25 23.
Tax deductions and rebates still on the table By Murray Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, Brisbane Markets Limited
There are a range of tax incentives, rebates and funding available to businesses in the fresh produce industry. Here’s just a taste of what could be utilised by your enterprise.
Tax deductions for business assets The temporary full expensing of assets initiative is still available until 30 June 2022 to support businesses and encourage investment. This initiative includes a range of tax depreciation incentives that you may be able to claim for your business’s assets. Temporary full expensing allows eligible businesses to claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of eligible new depreciating assets and secondhand assets purchased. This is also applicable to improvements made to some assets. The asset must be first used or installed ready for use for a taxable purpose by 30 June 2022.
For further information, visit https://bit.ly/3x2yaIN.
2023-24, and will close to application on 31 December 2024.
Rebates available for irrigation bills
For further information or to make a claim, please visit: https://bit.ly/3wOn35S.
Queensland’s growers using irrigation can apply for a rebate on their irrigation costs.
Negative gearing – how does it work?
As part of the Queensland Government allocation of $81.6 million to provide financial support to irrigators until 2024, the Horticulture Irrigation Pricing Rebate Scheme provides a further 35% rebate on top of the 15% cent discount applied to calculate prices for all irrigation customers supplied by Sunwater and Seqwater. Rebates are available to customers who have been issued tax invoices (irrigation invoices) by Sunwater, Seqwater or Pioneer Valley Water Co-operative Limited in which some or all of the prices have been calculated to include a discount of 15%. The rebate is available in relation to irrigation water charges for the threeyear period 2021‑22, 2022-23 and
Negative Gearing is a commonly used term for a situation where an individual or business makes an investment, and the expenses incurred exceed the income earned from the investment. This loss would typically be tax deductible to the investor. When the investment is made, there is often an expectation that there will be a capital gain on the sale of the investment at a future time, and the overall gain made will exceed the losses incurred during the period of owning the investment. As with any investment decision, there is risk involved so you should consult your financial advisor prior to making any decisions. Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 15
Updates
Fair Work pushes through piece rate decision The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has found that “existing pieceworker provisions in the Horticulture Award are not fit for purpose” and that “they do not provide a fair and relevant minimum safety net as required by the Act”, resulting in the provisional decision to introduce a minimum wage floor for all piecework arrangements.
The loss of these workers will put a handbrake on agriculture’s growth, at a time when our country can least afford it.” According to Growcom, the decision would achieve the opposite effect of the intention of the Australian Workers Union, who applied to the FWC to make the change, with many employers no longer able to afford to offer piece rates due to the impact of paying hourly rates to unproductive workers. “Most significantly, the decision is also another blow for individual workers within our industry who are only trying to get ahead, and who will now have far fewer employment options where they can make great money through their own hard work and initiative,” Mr Barnard said.
Prior to the decision, the Horticulture Award stipulated that piece rate payments must allow the average worker to earn 15% more than the minimum wage.
“This is the second successive change the FWC has made to the Horticulture Award, against the advice of the industry, which works against the interests of workers.”
Under the new arrangements, all piece rate workers are entitled to the $25.41 minimum wage and must be paid per hour worked rather than based on the amount of produce they harvest per day.
He cited a 2019 decision to introduce overtime provisions into the horticulture award as a similar decision that worked out poorly for workers.
While under the new arrangements less competent workers may be paid more than previously, those workers who have enjoyed a high income because of the speed and accuracy of their work could now earn significantly less. According to the National Farmers Federation (NFF), the decision to introduce a minimum wage floor will push many farmers’ wage costs to unsustainable levels and could drive horticulture’s most capable workers away from the industry. “Farmers want to ensure workers are paid fairly and they also want to be able to reward their most productive workers,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.
According to Growcom, 60% of employers said they had staff members resign over a reduction in their hours because farmers could not afford the overtime provisions. “If they can’t wear these increased costs of offering piece rates, then our real concern is that we’ll see another exodus from horticulture of the most willing and motivated workers right in the middle of a severe labour shortage when we need them the most,” Mr Barnard said. Submissions in response to the proposed changes were due in November, with a final determination expected in December 2021.
“The increase in wage costs, most farm’s largest input, threatens to make the most productive workers unaffordable.
Brad takes the chair for avocados Avocado grower, Brad Rodgers, has taken over from Jim Kochi as Chair of Avocados Australia. Mr Kochi has stepped down after 12 years of service but will stay on the Board as the Director for North Queensland.
He expressed his sincere thanks to Mr Kochi for his years of service. “We have been very fortunate to have Jim in this role for the last decade,” said Mr Rodgers.
Mr Rodgers has been an avocado grower for five years and served as a Director for Western Australia for three years.
“His commitment, passion, experience, knowledge, quick-witted humour and empathy have been a great mix and all stakeholders owe him a huge thank you and congratulations.”
Prior to farming, Mr Rodgers has 30 years’ experience as a certified financial planner and, before that, was an army engineer.
Mr Kochi said it has been a pleasure serving as Chair and that he has enjoyed dealing with all the people concerned with the role.
Along with his wife, Jacinta, Mr Rodgers acquired a farming property at Manjimup WA in 2015 and produces Hass avocados, black truffles and premium wine grapes.
“I have enjoyed working with all the people within the industry and having a role to play in allowing positive things to happen to make the Australian avocado industry the success that it is now,” Mr Kochi said.
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Avocados Australia’s new Chair, Brad Rodgers.
A safety star is born Armstrong Bros has taken out the inaugural Safety Star Award for an initiative created and implemented by their forklift operators, Joe Kalolo and Noa Seualuga. Held in conjunction with the Brisbane Markets Safety Month, the award was proudly sponsored by Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited. To enter the competition, businesses were required to describe an innovative solution they had put in place to address a WHS risk or issue that they had identified. Mr Kalolo and Mr Seualuga identified that high pallets of produce being stored at the corner of the Armstrong Bros consolidation area was a collision risk, given it impeded the vision of vehicles turning from the roadway between Buildings B and D. In consultation with the floor staff, they created a policy whereby pallets and stock are stacked no higher than shoulder level to provide adequate line of site for forklift operators and reduce the risk of collision.
New warehouse project for 2022
“Our management team was very excited and supportive of our ideas and encouraged us to make more suggestions in future,” Mr Kalolo said. Mr Noa said, “We just wanted to set an example for everyone inside the market of how our actions can have a positive impact. “Safety at Brisbane Markets is really important. People can die from a collision with a forklift, it’s a real hazard. Thinking about safety is a normal part of our job, we do it every day. But it is still nice to be recognised and rewarded for the work we do.” Armstrong Bros General Manager, Lachlan Armstrong, said he was impressed with the pair’s initiative. “I’m very proud of Joe and Noa for winning us this competition,” Mr Armstrong said. “Not only did they have the idea to begin with, but they have also really followed through with it. They have proactively made sure that this has been kept up. It’s great to see them thinking about safety and knowing that they can make a real difference at Brisbane Markets.” The top three entries received a gift card to ‘Shout Lunch for Safety’ for their teams, with second place winners, R.W, Pascoe receiving $200 while
Armstrong Bros safety stars: Lachlan Armstrong, Joe Kalolo, Phil Gardiner, Tom Armstrong and Noa Seualuga.
third placegetters, Pershouse Produce, received $100. Armstrong Bros received the 2021 Safety Star Award Trophy and a $300 gift card to shout the team lunch. “It was great to see so many people come up with safety initiatives and roll them out at their business. The competition will definitely become an annual feature of Brisbane Markets Safety Month so people should get their thinking caps on in preparation for next year,” Brismark HR and Business Services Manager, Lisa Dwyer, said.
Brisbane Markets Limited has announced its latest warehouse development, with the 5,987 m2 Building H1 set to progress from December 2021. Construction on this $23.2 million project will commence in January 2022. The tenant of the warehouse will be the entity which will be formed following the merging of two very successful secondary wholesaling businesses, Fruitlink and Suncoast Fresh. Construction works are due to be completed by the end of December 2022.
Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 17
Markets
BML achieves strong end-ofyear result Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) announced its results for the year ended 30 June 2021 at its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 10 November, recording a net profit after tax of $18.45 million. The company recorded an underlying operating profit before tax of $18.85 million, representing growth of 17.88% when compared to the prior year.
Retiring Chair, Tony Joseph, and Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young, during BML’s 2021 Annual General Meeting.
Retiring Chair, Tony Joseph, said BML’s strong financial outcome and solid growth was testament to the strength and experience of industry-based ownership of the Brisbane Markets.
land leases, increase to 148,143 m2. This figure has shown an upward trend over time as a number of older properties have been refurbished and as new premises, predominantly warehouses, have been constructed, creating additional revenue streams for BML.
“The results are also a reflection of the ongoing hard work, prudent decision making and sound investment strategies implemented by the BML Board and Senior Management team, who are all well equipped to make the most of Brisbane Markets’ considerable opportunities into the future,” said Mr Joseph.
Major site improvements during the course of the financial year included the practical completion of the $19.5 million Building E1 facility, an independent sewer network for the South Gate Precinct, and the project planning and conceptual designs for a new warehouse, Building H1, at South Gate West (read more on page 17).
Ongoing development and upgrading of the Brisbane Markets site has continued to be a priority for BML, which recorded total asset growth of 7.19% and net asset growth of 7.5%. At 30 June 2021, total assets stood at $423.45 million with net assets of $206.05 million.
BML’s strategic investment in Perth Markets Group Limited and the South Australian Produce Market Limited also contributed to the company’s net profit.
BML’s continued investment in creating new lettable space has seen the total lettable area within the site, excluding
Changing of guard at Brisbane Markets Limited After leading Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) for 20 years, retiring Chair, Tony Joseph has handed the reins of the company to incoming Chair, Anthony Kelly.
The company has declared a final dividend of 8.25 cents per share fully franked, bringing the total dividend paid in respect of the 2021 financial year to 16.75 cents per share fully franked.
Mr Joseph said that the success of BML was a testament to the loyalty and dedication shown by the collective efforts of the Board of Directors, both past and present, and BML’s management and staff, and that this will ensure that Brisbane Markets continues to be Queensland’s heart of fresh produce. “It has been a privilege to be part of BML’s growth and transformation over the years. I have been fortunate to work with such a talented Board and management team throughout my tenure,” Mr Joseph said.
The changeover occurred during BML’s Annual General Meeting in November. Mr Kelly has been on the Board since Brisbane Markets were acquired by BML and has served as Deputy Chair over many years. He is also a Non-Executive Director of Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited and has substantial experience in the fresh produce industry. The Board also appointed Peter Tighe, who was re-elected unopposed to the Board, to the position of Deputy Chair. Mr Tighe also has significant market experience as a secondgeneration wholesaler with 40 years’ experience in fruit and vegetable wholesaling. He is currently a consultant for Global Fresh Australia and New Zealand. During the AGM, Mr Kelly thanked Mr Joseph for his long and dedicated service to the company and the markets, and his leadership over the past 20 years.
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Changing the guard: Retiring BML Chair, Tony Joseph, passes the torch to new Chair, Anthony Kelly.
Champion of the sector retires For 20 years, Tony Joseph AM has led Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) as its inaugural Chair. In 2002, Mr Joseph was involved in Brismark’s bid for the purchase of the Brisbane Markets site and, as chair of BML, oversaw the transition of ownership of Brisbane Markets from a state government-owned entity to being a commercially operated, unlisted public company. However, Mr Joseph’s involvement in the industry and Brisbane Markets started decades before that historic purchase. Mr Joseph is the third generation of his family to be involved in the fresh produce industry. His grandfather grew bananas and pineapples on the Mid North Coast of NSW while his father branched out into wholesale distribution. Upon moving to Brisbane in 1967, Mr Joseph began work at the markets as a tomato salesman for P. Erikson and Son. He was called up for national service and served in the army before returning to the markets in 1973. At this point, the family’s wholesale operations had purchased W.E. Potters and Alfred E. Chave, and Mr Joseph became manager and fruit salesman at the combined entity, Potter Chave. When the family business was winding
The Joseph family: Tony Joseph (second from left) with, from left, his son Anthony, wife Maree, granddaughter Stella, daughter Catherine, granddaughter Layla, grandson Henry, and son Paul.
down, Mr Joseph offered to purchase the Alfred E. Chave part of the business and, in 1975, entered a business partnership with his soon-to-be father-in-law, Simon George Snr. When Mr George retired, Tony’s family, his two sons Anthony and Paul, two daughters Nicole and Catherine, and wife Maree, became more involved in the business. Mr Joseph’s service to the fresh produce industry is not limited to his work in his own business and at BML. From 1983 to 2017, he served on the Brismark Board, in roles that included President, Vice President, Treasurer and Deputy Chairman. He was also the wholesalers’ representative on the Brisbane Market Trust from 1985 to 2002 and has served as a director of the Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Limited. In 1998, Mr Joseph received the AUF Industry Section Award – Wholesaler Section and in 1999 was awarded
New faces for BML Board Two new faces have joined the Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) Board, ready to serve as part of the new-look team leading the fruit and vegetable industrybased owner and manager of Brisbane Markets. Brismark confirmed the appointment of two new Industry Directors, Nicole Radice and Stephen Edwards, as part of BML’s 2021 Annual General Meeting. In accordance with BML’s Constitution, Brismark appoints four Industry Directors to the BML Board, with Mrs Radice and Mr Edwards joining Bruce
Hatcher and Stuart Lummis in these positions. Mrs Radice is a Partner in the corporate advisory and governance practice of HopgoodGanim Lawyers, specialising in the areas of corporate law, corporate governance and due diligence. Mr Edwards is Deputy Chair of Brismark and also Managing Director of Murray Bros, one of the larger wholesalers in the Brisbane Markets. You can read more about BML’s new leadership team and Directors in Fresh Perspectives on page 24.
the Australian Chamber Meritorious Service Award, both for his outstanding contribution to the wholesaling sector of the fresh produce industry. Outside of his tireless work for Brisbane Markets and the industry, Mr Joseph is also a passionate supporter of Queensland Rugby League and the Surf Lifesaving Foundations, and has served as a director of the Brisbane Broncos Football Club and Brisbane Broncos Leagues Club. In January 2021, Mr Joseph was appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) as part of the Australia Day 2021 Honours List. While he has now retired from his role at BML and the day-to-day operations of Alfred E. Chave are in the hands of his sons, Tony Joseph AM is sure to continue to be a champion of the fresh produce industry and a common sight at Brisbane Markets.
The new-look BML Board is as follows: • Anthony Kelly, Chair • Peter Tighe, Deputy Chair • Bruce Hatcher, Director • Stuart Lummis, Director • Nicole Radice, Director • Noel Greenhalgh, Director • Stephen Edwards, Director • Andrew Young, Managing Director and CEO
Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 19
Markets
Mango Auction hits $1 million raised for charities A new Mango Monarch was crowned in September, after the virtual Brisbane Produce Market Mango Auction reached the milestone of raising over $1 million for charities since 2002. This year’s symbolic first tray of mangoes was won by Domenico Casagrande, from Megafresh in Chandler and Carina, who secured the title of 2021 Mango Monarch thanks to his generous $10,100 winning bid. After the decision was made to cancel the live event and hold it virtually, the Brisbane Produce Market community rallied online, raising a total of $27,444 for Redkite, who assist families of children with cancer. Newly-crowned Mango Monarch said the annual Mango Auction is the perfect way to give back to the community. “I love mangoes – they’re my favourite fruit. We used to eat them off the tree at home when I was growing up,” Mr Casagrande said. Mr Casagrande said mangoes marked the beginning of summer, which is an exciting time of year for local shops, who do a lot to support their communities.
“I’m a family man and we have a family business, so it’s important for us to support charities like Redkite as they support other local families,” he said. Mr Casagrande encourages consumers to go to their local store to buy their produce this summer so they can continue to give back. As for what he’s going to do with the mangoes? “I’m not sure yet – I’ll probably just eat them!” Mr Casagrande said. Brisbane Markets Limited Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young, said that with the 2020 event cancelled due to the health pandemic and the 2021 event moved online, it was more important than ever to reach the $1 million milestone.
Mango King Dom Casegrande, from MegaFresh Chandler and Carina, with the his symbolic first tray of mangoes.
“Mango season is a very special time in Queensland, signalling that summer and Christmas is on its way, and our annual Mango Auction is the perfect way to celebrate,” Mr Young said. “Raising over $1 million for Queensland charities since 2002 is an achievement the markets community should be proud of and we are delighted to be able to support Redkite this year.”
In the spotlight: The new Mango King was featured in the Courier Mail.
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Service a credit to Brismark Brismark, the membership organisation of Brisbane Produce Market’s primary wholesalers, held its Annual General Meeting on 27 October, which was well attended by Member Principals. Despite the continued impacts of COVID-19, strong performance and growth saw Brismark’s net operating profit before tax increase to $2.286 million, with the reported profit incorporating the organisation’s shares in BML being $5.802 million. The organisation’s net assets at 30 June 2021 were $54.432 million. According to Brismark Chair Gary Lower, the strong results were partially due to the performance of the Credit Service, which recorded a throughput of $686.865 million, an increase of 3.26%. “It is testament to the Credit Service team and its dedication to pursuing buyers defaulting on payments that this year’s bad debt payout was zero, with $13,381 in bad debts recovered during the year,” Mr Lower said. “Since it was established in 1973, the Credit Service has proved time and again its significant value and continued relevance; and as financial and economic factors remain unsteady and continue impacting the fresh produce industry, it is not just good fortune, but also the good planning and risk management of amenities like the Credit Service that hold us steady.”
Brismark Chair, Gary Lower, during the Annual General meeting on 27 October.
The Brismark Board structure has been revised, with the number of directors reducing from eleven to nine over two years. As part of this reduction, long-serving Director Peter Tighe ceased as a director. “Peter has been an outstanding contributor to Brismark with over 25 years of service to the Brismark Board and its members over a 30-year period. On behalf of the Board, I thank Peter for his support and dedication,” Mr Lower said. The 2021/22 Brismark Board consists of Chairman, Gary Lower (J Allen Ltd), and elected Deputy Chairman, Mark Murphy (United Lettuce), appointed Deputy Chairman, Stephen Edwards (Murray Bros), CEO Andrew Young and Secretary Joady Raph. Eight Directors support the Board, being Lachlan Armstrong (Armstrong Bros), Troy Beaton (HE Heather & Co), Mark Clarke (Favco), Noel Greenhalgh (R W Pascoe), Hamish Montague (Montague QLD), Mark Moore (M&D Vegetable Specialists), and Paul O’Toole (O’Toole Produce).
Brismark’s 2021 Annual Report.
Fast track program sees markets users take up the jab Brisbane Markets users have been able to access a fasttrack vaccination program run by Brisbane Markets Limited (BML). The program was part of a trial run by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Queensland Health to support COVID-19 vaccinations in critical agribusiness supply chains.
A survey of tenant principals in the market showed strong support for vaccinations, with results indicating that at least 80% of Brisbane Markets workers had been vaccinated by the end of October 2021. Through the program, BML has achieved 95% vaccination of staff members.
Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 21
Feature Finau finishes first in forklift challenge A new Forklift Operator of the Year has been crowned after a tightly contested grand final at the Brisbane Produce Market on Wednesday, 27 October, with Alfred Finau from Costa Farms taking out the top spot. The event saw the top ten contestants battle it out over a timed, practical course, losing precious seconds for every error they made. Mr Finau took out the top prize of $3,000, with a spectacular final time of 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Futi Naea from Romeo’s Marketing came second with a time of 4 minutes and 14 seconds, scoring $1,500 for his efforts. Competition stalwart, Ziggy Chmielarski from Murray Bros, who has only ever missed one event over the years, walked away with a time of 4 minutes and 30 seconds, securing him third place and $500. After coming third last year, the win was personal for Mr Finau, who had the goal of securing the title so that he can go head-to-head with his brother Na’a, who won the event in 2019. “When Na’a won, he shared his winnings with me, so now I get to repay the favour!” he said. “Last year, I let the pressure get to me and missed a few key things which cost me points. This year I was more composed and strived to stay focused on the job at hand. “I look forward to entering again next year so that I can battle it out with Na’a to see which of us really is the best forklift operator in the family.” The event is hosted by Brisbane Markets Limited, with the support of event sponsors Toyota Material Handling, The Drug Detection Agency, SBP Australia and Brismark.
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Summer 2021
2021 Forklift Operator of the Year, Alfred Fin au, with his brother Na’a who won the title in 2019.
or of the rklift Operat the 2021 Fo g in ur d au in se: Alfred F On the cour rand final. g on iti et p Year com
Top ten: the grand fina l competitors gather to celebrate Alfred’s win.
Brisbane Markets is home to the largest concentration of forklifts on any site in Queensland with 386 registered forklifts and 1,072 forklift operator permits active on site. Originally launched to promote forklift safety, the competition has steadily gained traction and is now a fanfavourite fixture in the Brisbane Produce Market events calendar. Forklift operators participated in a month-long observation period, where they were scored on their adherence to safety and traffic rules on the Brisbane Markets site. After collating over 1,000 scoresheets, the entrants were narrowed down to the top 10 who competed in the grand final obstacle course in front of the crowd that gathered within the Brisbane Produce Market to watch the spectacle. Mr Finau encouraged other forklift operators to get involved in the event, even if they feel nervous. “I’ve been working at Brisbane Markets for 15 years and I only just built up the courage to enter last year, but now I think everyone should just give it a go!” he said.
red And the winner is … Alf
won the title. Finau finds out he has
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Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 23
Central Markets are important links joining on e vast horticulture supply chain. Fresh Perspectives provid es an insight into this rich and varied industry, focusi ng on the characters, and characteristics, of the wo rld of horticulture.
New era for Brisbane Markets Limited With the retirement of inaugural Chair Tony Joseph, the Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) Board has undergone a transformation with new leadership and new blood amongst its Directors and a clear mission to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and services to facilitate the marketing and distribution of fresh produce.
Leading the pack Both the new Chair, Anthony Kelly, and Deputy Chair, Peter Tighe, have served on the BML Board since 1999 when it was known as Landacq Limited – the investment company created to explore opportunities for an industry-driven markets precinct. Mr Kelly’s start at the markets occurred when he took on a role in the export/ import division of the Carter & Spencer in 1987. He then led the wholesale division and worked his way up to Director of the Group. “It was a great learning experience, and I loved every minute of those days. Working in the fresh produce supply chain is a very unique experience,” Mr Kelly said. “I have been ‘hands on’ in the markets and have been involved in industry bodies for long periods of time, including my recent election to the Board of Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited and chairing their advisory panels for international trade and market access. “This extensive experience provides me with a solid understanding of the fresh produce supply chain and Brisbane Markets. I think I have a strong understanding of what market
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businesses need to be successful, and if they’re successful, BML is successful.” Mr Tighe’s association started much earlier in life, when he used to join his father on the selling floor as a 17-yearold after his father purchased J.H. Leavy & Co in 1971. Along with his extensive experience as the principal of J.H. Leavy & Co, which he recently sold to Global Fresh Australia Pty Ltd, Mr Tighe served as a director of Brismark from 1988 until the conclusion of Brismark’s AGM in October this year. “Understanding all the facets of BML and its ownership role in managing the entire site for all of the tenants has been a constant learning curve. It continues to be a rewarding and challenging position that I enjoy to this day,” Mr Tighe said. 2022 will mark the 20th anniversary of BML’s purchase of the Brisbane Markets site from the state government, and both Mr Kelly and Mr Tighe said it was a very exciting time at the markets and both wanted to play their part in the historical milestone. “By that point the markets were in my veins, I loved the passion of the people who worked here and those that put their hands up to contribute to the purchase,” Mr Kelly said. “I was president of Brismark at the time of acquisition so initially being on the BML Board felt like a natural progression for me.” Mr Tighe said, “I joined the BML Board because the mission to purchase the site was something I wanted to be involved with. It provided an exciting plan for the future of the market and all the businesses that called it home.”
New directors, long history The two new Brismark-appointed Industry Directors, Nicole Radice from HopgoodGanim Lawyers and Stephen Edwards from Murray Bros, will provide a fresh perspective for the BML Board but their association with the markets extends back decades. Mrs Radice has considerable experience as a practicing lawyer with a focus on corporate governance, having been with HopgoodGanim for over 24 years, and first became involved with the markets at the time of its acquisition from the state government. “Since then, I have worked with BML and Brismark in a number of areas, such as advising on capital raisings, preparation and review of contracts, and the acquisition of interests in the Perth and South Australian central markets,” Mrs Radice said. “I feel my involvement as an external adviser has helped me to develop an understanding of the business and joining the Board provides an opportunity to continue to enhance my understanding and to use my skills and experience in a more involved way. “The Board and Management team at BML are of an exceptional standard, so I am very confident that my transition into the role will be well supported by the hard work and dedication of those I am joining.” Mr Edwards said that the growth of Brisbane Markets had instilled a desire to contribute to the process as a director.
While his 25 years’ experience of overseeing the growth of a range of services, including import and export logistics, prepacking, ripening and thirdparty logistics, and the challenges and benefits those services bring, is sure to prove beneficial to the BML Board, Mr Edwards understands the importance of juggling differing responsibilities. “The reality is that when you put your hand up to be a director, you have to learn to wear multiple hats and, over 25 years, I’ve learnt the process and the discipline of being focused on the specific hat you’re wearing at any given time,” Mr Edwards said. “When acting as a Director of BML I must and will be solely focused on what is in the best interests of BML Shareholders and stakeholders.”
Looking to the future When considering the future, it is important to reflect on successes and improvements that have been made, by BML, individual businesses and the markets as a whole, over the past 20 years. “Brisbane Markets is much more professional now. The management and infrastructure has improved greatly,” Mr Tighe said. Mr Kelly agreed, saying “Much has changed since the purchase of the site. The professionalism of the businesses who offer outstanding facilities for postharvest handling stands out. “Developing these facilities has required large investment and that can only happen if there is confidence in the industry and in the Brisbane Markets site at Rocklea. I believe that confidence has grown exponentially since acquisition, because tenants have seen the management of the site improve substantially.” According to Mr Kelly, the greatest opportunities in the fresh produce industry come from improving the speed of the supply chain by continually increasing investment in logistics. “The central market system is in many ways the backbone of the supply chain for horticulture,” Mr Kelly said. “Volume and pricing continue to improve despite years of naysayers predicting otherwise. The central markets offer growers more choice and confidence. “Most central markets in Australia, including Brisbane Markets, are now
considered iconic sites and are classified as essential services, because they play a huge role in our economy and provide employment to many people.” When it comes to BML’s future opportunities, growth is essential to ensure the supply chain is strengthened. “BML’s growth over the last 20 years has been very strong and we must continue to grow in sync with stakeholders and the needs of the industry,” Mr Kelly said. “Further expansion and updating our current infrastructure within the markets precinct present great opportunities for BML, along with the management of our off-market investments such as Perth Markets,” Mr Tighe said.
Anthony Kelly
Both Mr Kelly and Mrs Radice said that rising costs will present a challenge for the organisation. “The post-COVID decade will throw up unique challenges with signs already of increasing building and maintenance costs along with wage inflation,” Mr Kelly said. Mrs Radice agreed, saying “In the current climate there is a significant amount of pressure on construction costs and availability of materials, and this may present a challenge for BML”.
Peter Tighe
For Mr Edwards, BML’s management of the markets infrastructure is both a challenge and an opportunity. “The challenge is keeping the infrastructure up to the task of meeting the needs of developing services,” Mr Edwards said. “The type of services we can offer all have stringent requirements for high quality infrastructure, such as temperature-controlled warehousing and high levels of quality assurance. “If we want to increase the volume of produce throughput on the same market footprint, then it’s a matter of continuing to develop that footprint to cater for those increasing volumes.
Nicole Radice
“BML needs to keep up with the demand for developing services and working out how, logistically, that works with the flow of product through the markets.” However, all Board members agreed that BML was up to meeting the challenge. “This organisation has a great ethical culture that permeates throughout and is well placed to execute on any opportunity that presents,” Mr Kelly said. Stephen Edwards
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Retail prices to remain high into 2022 The farmgate value of horticulture production is forecast to reach $12.4 billion in 2021-22, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) September 2021 Outlook for agricultural commodities. Retail prices of fresh fruit and vegetables are expected to remain at high levels, despite improved winter growing conditions boosting Queensland production and improving yield prospects for the spring and summer production in the southern states. The high cost of getting produce to market, elevated household demand for fruit and vegetables, continued decreases in access to seasonal workers and rising overheads for businesses throughout the fresh produce supply chain have all contributed to ABARES’ prediction of high retail pricing. In June, retail prices of fruit and vegetables rose by around 5% as a result of a shortage in pickers, extreme rainfall on Australia’s east coast and the impact of Cyclone Niran on banana crop yields. 2021-22 is expected to remain similarly priced.
Year-on-year changes to fruit and vegetable consumer price index, June quarter, 2000 to 2021. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Scan or click the QR code to read the Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter report.
Favourable seasonal conditions are expected to maintain high labour demand in most regions, with ongoing labour shortages expected to offset any price falls that typically occur during times of favourable seasonal conditions.
Sustainable practices commonplace The majority of farmers surveyed in an Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) study are using sustainable land management practices to improve the natural resource base and drought resilience. ABARES’s acting Executive Director Jared Greenville said the findings of the Natural Resource Management and Drought Resilience – survey of farm practices demonstrates the agriculture sector’s commitment to sustainable land management.
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“The findings show just how much sustainable land management has become the bread-and-butter of most farming enterprises,” Dr Greenville said. “For example, 84% of farmers retain stubble, and nearly 70% are reducing reliance on pesticides and optimising fertiliser use. “Over the last five years, a significant number of farms we surveyed had taken part in the National Landcare Program, and over half had taken up new land management practices as a result.”
According to the survey, many farmers are now employing drought resilience strategies, with 64% improving on-farm water retention and 37% of farms had diversified their agricultural enterprises over the last three years to increase their resilience to drought. To read the survey results, click or scan the QR code.
Growers get sweet on reef certification As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef (the Reef) is an icon worthy of protection. Many growers have already adopted management practices that will protect the Reef for years to come, but don’t realise they are operating at or above best practice. To recognise these efforts and improve water quality on the Reef, sweet potato growers are working with Growcom to accelerate adoption of the Hort360 Reef Certification initiative. Hort360 is a best management practice program for the horticulture industry that provides growers the opportunity to become certified and showcase their stewardship of the Reef. In the southern region of the Reef, two third-generation farming families are among the first in the horticulture industry to be Reef Certified. Rodney and Brodie Wolfenden of Wolfies Farm at Rossmoya, in the Fitzroy Basin region, were proud to have their commitment to soil health and irrigation efficiencies recognised through the Reef Certification process. Although already Freshcare Environmental accredited, they reflected on their motivation to take the additional step of being Reef Certified. According to Rodney Wolfenden, Hort360 Reef Certification was an easy fit for his farm. “We’ve been farming sustainably because we believe that it’s better for the soil and the environment. It’s better for us because it gives us the best results, so this program closely aligns with how we’ve been managing our business,” Mr Wolfenden said. The benefits of their approach to soil health - through cover cropping and encouraging soil biology - included reduced pest pressure and, consequently, a reduction in reliance on chemicals. “We have observed less pest pressure as a direct result of our approach,” Mr Wolfenden said. Bundaberg sweet potato growers, the Zunkers, were also one of the first to come on board. They were, in fact, the first grower in the horticulture industry in the Burnett Mary region to be Reef Certified. Ethan and Emily Zunker, from Windhum Farms at Qunaba (between Bundaberg and Bargara), took on the responsibility of getting both their
Sweet on the reef: Brodie and Rodney Wolfenden from Wolfies Farm, at Rossmoya.
macadamia and sweet potato farms Reef Certified.
of growers see that they are already operating at or above best practice.”
When asked about the changes adopted as a result of the Reef Certification process, Mrs Zunker explained that they’ve only had to make minor tweaks to their existing management practices.
The Hort360 GBR is funded through the Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Program and delivered by Growcom. The program is free and participation is not limited to Growcom members.
“I’ve migrated the paper-based system into online documents, and incorporated the additional records required to be Reef Certified which is calibration of fertiliser equipment and weather data,” she said.
Click or scan the QR code to find out more!
Reef Certification involves benchmarking farm management practices, working through the certification requirements with a facilitator, and then an independent third-party audit. The audit is only required to be undertaken every three years, and currently the cost of an audit is funded through Growcom’s Hort360 Reef program. Reef Certification focuses on water quality outcomes with a strong alignment to existing food safety quality assurance and environmental systems, such as Freshcare Environmental. In fact, any growers who are Freshcare Environmental accredited can become Reef Certified without an audit. Hort360 Facilitator in the southern reef region, Michelle Haase, is extremely happy with the level of interest in Reef Certification demonstrated by growers. “It’s been a tough 18 months for our industry and I appreciate that taking on additional certifiable activities can be a real stretch,” Ms Haase said. “I’m here to help, and once we go through the questions of the Reef module in Hort360, the majority
Common practices that lead to Reef Certification Do you already do the following? If so, you’re already on the way to meeting the conditions for Reef Certification.
crop growth stage leaf, soil and sap testing
fertigation systems accurate spray records and automated record keeping
use of ag-tech such as soil moisture
probes, drones, weather stations, etc
grassy inter-rows, headlands, contour banks, riparian vegetation or grassed verges near waterways
use of side throw slashers to mulch tree line
mixed species cover cropping sediment traps and tail-water dams to capture any runoff
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Outlook
Historic summit kicks off fresh strategy The future of Queensland’s fresh produce sector and supply chain was the focus of a summit held at Brisbane Markets in October. The historic Future Fields Summit brought together, both inperson and virtually, 120 industry experts and opinion leaders to help chart a course for the Queensland fresh produce sector and supply chain over the coming decade.
In her address to the Summit, Growcom’s Chair, Belinda Frentz, affirmed the organisation’s commitment to the industry through Future Fields.
The event was held to kick start the development of a new industry strategic plan, called Future Fields, which is being driven by Growcom with support and funding from the Queensland Government. According to Growcom’s Manager - Policy and Advocacy, Richard Shannon, the summit was a resounding success, with a wide array of stakeholders and interest groups represented. “The Queensland Government is working collaboratively with the fresh produce sector to develop a shared vision for the future of the industry and supply chain for the next decade, and to agree on a strategy and program of work to turn that vision into reality,” Mr Shannon said. Growers, supply chain partners and other stakeholders around the state will have their chance to influence the direction of Future Fields through an online survey and a series of regional workshops.
Brisbane Markets Limited Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Young, speaking at the Future Fields Summit.
Workshops were held in Bundaberg, Munduberra, Emerald, Bowen, South Johnstone and Mareeba in November with further workshops in the Lockyer Valley, Granite Belt and the Sunshine Coast planned for early in 2022. “Whether you can make it to a workshop or not, we’re also seeking responses to a survey. We want to know what your vision is for the future of the industry and supply chain, and how we should measure our success,” Mr Shannon said. “We’re also keen to understand what one assumption or belief that underpins the current fresh produce supply chain that you think will be most challenged or undermined over the next 10 years.”
Setting the scene: Growcom Manager - Policy and Advocacy, Richard Shannon, discusses the development of Future Fields – the fresh produce sectors’ shared vision for the future.
Get involved Everyone in Queensland’s fresh produce supply chain is being encouraged to complete a short, four-question survey to provide input into the future of the industry. Click or scan the QR code for further information and to complete the survey.
Attendees at Future Fields workshopped the challenges and opportunities for the fresh produce sector over the next decade. 28 FRESH SOURCE
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Outlook
Quad bike rules now in play New safety standards for the use of quad bikes came into effect during Queensland’s Safe Work Month. Now, if you want to buy a new or second-hand imported general-use quad bike, it must be fitted with operator protection device (OPD). This means all general-use ATVs must have an OPD fitted into the bike or integrated into its design. These OPDs can be either an ATV Lifeguard, manufactured by Ag-Tech Industries; a Quadbar, manufactured by QB Industries; or a device that offers the same, or better, level of protection for operators. At this stage, existing quad bikes owned by Australian farmers do not need to be retrospectively fitted with an OPD. ATVs must also meet requirements for lateral stability and front and rear longitudinal pitch stability. For lateral stability, quad bikes must meet a minimum tilt table ratio of 0.55, this means it must not tip onto two wheels on a slope of less than 28.81 degrees. The minimum tilt table ratio for front and rear longitudinal pitch stability is 0.8, meaning it must not tip onto two wheels on a slope of less than 38.65 degrees. Queensland’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman, said that general use quad bikes will now be required to meet more stringent stability. “These changes are absolutely vital to improve the safety of quad bikes and help reduce the high number of quad bike related deaths and injuries in Australia,” Minister Fentiman said.
The second stage of quad bike safety standards are now in place.
Prepare safe • Decide if a quad bike is really the right vehicle for the activity. • When you purchase a new quad bike, use the hang tag information to compare the stability of different models. • Ensure you are properly trained before you ride a quad bike. • Maintain the bike so it is in safe condition.
“Over the past 10 years, 166 people have died in quad bike related incidents, and sadly six people have been killed this year.
• Read the owner’s manual and observe the manufacturer’s safety warnings and recommended use of the vehicle.
“Many of the people who died were working at the time, on farms and at other rural workplaces. In fact, from January 2011 to 21 December 2018, Safe Work Australia found that 62 fatalities occurred whilst the rider was using their quad bike for work purposes.
• Before you leave for a quad bike ride, always tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return.
“Due to the nature of rural work, quad bikes are often driven over rocky or uneven ground, crossing slopes, towing attachments, or carrying heavy or unstable loads. All these things increase the risk of a rollover significantly.
• Always wear a helmet.
“While the new safety standard will go a long way to help reduce serious injury or fatality when using quad bikes, there are still responsibilities that fall into the hands of the rider and workplace management.” Queensland’s Office of Fair Trading, together with their interstate counterparts and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, will ramp up quad bike safety compliance as one of their shared national priorities.
Wear safe • Wear protective clothing and gear such as goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves.
Ride safe • Never let children ride quad bikes that are meant for adults – even as passengers. • Do not carry any passengers on quad bikes that are meant for one person. • Quad bikes are not all-terrain vehicles so they cannot go safely on all types of terrain. Avoid riding on rough terrain or steep slopes. • Ride on familiar tracks and beware of obstacles. • Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To read more about the quad bike changes, click or scan the QR code.
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• Always supervise children near any quad bike activity. • Always carry a mobile phone or radio device so you can contact help in the case of an emergency.
Hunger, a fact of life for too many Foodbank has revealed one in six Australian adults haven’t had enough to eat in the last year and, even more shockingly, 1.2 million children have gone hungry. The Foodbank Hunger Report 2021, released in October, shows that more than half of people impacted by severe food insecurity go a whole day every week without eating. The report, now in its 10th year, highlights that the pandemic continues to deliver challenges that are exacerbating preexisting issues in our community. In addition to those who were already struggling before COVID-19, the pandemic has caused others to experience vulnerability for the first time. In fact, more than one in three of last year’s food insecure Australians (38%) had never been in that position before. According to Foodbank Australia’s CEO, Brianna Casey, “This is especially disheartening in light of the gains made last year when the federal government’s Coronavirus Supplement was able to reduce poverty for so many.” Ms Casey says the issue of food insecurity in Australia has never been more prominent. “The global pandemic has put a spotlight on the crisis that for too long has gone under society’s radar,” Ms Casey said. The report highlights that food insecurity is not restricted to the ‘obvious’ vulnerability groups in the community, such as homeless people and the unemployed. It shows people of every age, living alone, in families and in groups, are susceptible.
Gollagher Bros’ Stephen Gollagher, with Foodbank’s Zoe Templeton.
“Although Foodbank is now providing food relief to a record one million people a month, we know many experiencing hardship feel there are others worse off and don’t ask for help. “That is heartbreaking to know, and if there is one thing I can stress, it’s that there is no shame in asking for help and, in fact, it’s exactly what we’re here for. Life happens to us all, and we’re here for everyone.” The Foodbank Hunger Report provides a snapshot of the prevalence and depth of the issues of food insecurity as well as insights into the day-to-day experience of people in our community who are doing it tough. Foodbank Queensland is a Brisbane Markets access-approved service provider, so the process for donating fresh produce is easy and straightforward. Simply call Bob McMillan on 0427 157 665 or visit bit.ly/2ULQw1z to arrange for Foodbank Queensland to collect your donation from the location of your choice.
Food insecurity is shown to affect people in cities right through to those in remote areas and it affects more people in some form of employment (64%) than those who have none. “The key findings in this report are indeed confronting, but we can’t fix a problem we don’t understand or acknowledge,” said Ms Casey.
Click or scan the QR code to read the Foodbank Hunger Report 2021.
Freshcare creates 2030 Vision Freshcare has unveiled a new strategic plan, to be used as a roadmap for the continued development of a robust and trusted certification system for Australian fresh food producers.
products in Australia and excellent produce that should be exported. Freshcare certification shows exporters that our growers meet the same level of rigour, if not better, than other markets.”
Titled Freshcare 2030 Vision, the plan has been developed in accordance with a national agricultural plan released by the Australian Government, which aims to lift the sector’s output to $100 billion by 2030.
The strategic plan is structured around three strategic pillars – engaged communities, leading science and technology and sustainable future – which provide a framework for its implementation and delivery.
“Freshcare’s strategic plan is about engaged communities, providing science and technologies that underpin our standards, expanding our growers access to local and global markets,” said Freshcare chief executive, Jane Siebum.
“The goal is to build security for the industry and producers by providing greater access to local and global markets,” Ms Seibum said.
“We have an abundance of great
supplied through domestic markets and is investing to ensure its assurance standards for the Australian fresh produce and wine grape industries continue to underpin growth in these sectors. You can read the Freshcare Future Focused: Vision 2030 strategic plan and watch a video about their vision by clicking or scanning the QR code.
According to Ms Siebum, Freshcare currently certifies approximately 80% of Australian fresh produce Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 31
Gold medal win for bush tucker Pockets Herbs has won a gold medal for their unique native offering, karkalla, which is marketed under their ‘Native Foods with Currie Country’ brand. Pocket Herbs took out the gold medal as part of the ‘From the Earth’ section of the delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards 2021. At Brisbane Markets, Pocket Herbs supply Kingpak and Gollagher Brothers with a range of native and non-native bush foods, as well as microgreens, gourmet leaf and rare edibles. Pocket Herbs Marketing Manager, Lily Reid, said the Pocket Herbs team were over the moon to win the gold medal. “The gold medal puts karkalla on the map! Not only is the award a big win for Pocket Herbs, it’s a big win for the native foods landscape at large,” Ms Reid said. “Over the past few years, we have worked hard learning how to best grow this much-loved native food, the award felt like a big pat on the back and confirmation that we are heading in the right direction.”
Karkalla pairs well with seafood, and is often sauteed, blanched, stir fried, or steamed. The salty flavour of the karkalla leaves makes them a suitable substitute for salt or fish sauce in recipes. Pocket Herbs has partnered with local traditional owners, Currie Country, to cultivate, grow and develop the ‘Native Foods with Currie Country’ brand to celebrate Australian foods, inspire and build shared knowledge around the history, land lore, medicinal uses and traditional preparation techniques of native produce.
like Pocket Herbs, to showcase native foods locally and globally. Native foods are underrepresented in the culinary landscape and in home-cooking; these plants are versatile, healthy and represent the area’s rich history.”
“Ultimately our mission is to support chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists and others in the food service industry in using native foods creatively,” Ms Reid said. “The Native Foods with Currie Country range will be underpinned by regular educational material, onsite tours catered to our customers and their clientele, and the release of regular online and social media content. “It is important for Australian producers,
Award-winning bush tucker: Karkalla is a native plant, that has small, slender leaves and sprawling stems. The smooth, dark green leaves are juicy, succulent and have a wonderful natural saltiness, reminiscent of the ocean.
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Campaign claims gold (and green) The people have spoken. A grower-funded campaign that aims to get more Australians buying avocados has taken multiple accolades in what may be one of the industry’s most impactful initiatives yet. Funded by Australian avocado grower levies and delivered through Hort Innovation, the ‘Our Green Gold’ campaign aired in television breaks during the Olympics and Paralympics, across social media and radio, and on billboards throughout major cities including a mural painted in iconic Kings Cross. Starring comedian and actor, Nazeem Hussain, the campaign has reached over 17.6 million Australian consumers to date with more activity scheduled over the coming months to support the WA Hass crop and the Shepard variety season. So far, the initiative has taken the prestigious Seven Network Best Ad of Tokyo 2021 competition, the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) Creative Collection Award and was an Inside FMCG top marketing pick of the year. Queensland-based Avocado grower, Daryl Boardman, said the campaign reflected what growers wanted to convey to consumers, that avocados are quintessentially Australian and can be enjoyed at every mealtime. “It’s great to see such a positive response to the campaign, we hope that whenever people see green and gold, they think of Aussie avocados,” Mr Boardman said. “The whole concept has really resonated with Australians because avocados are such an important part of our dining culture.” Hort Innovation avocado champion, Matt Dwyer, said the award-winning campaign was an excellent example of levy funding in action.
Green-golden child: Nazeem Hussain was the face of the Australian Avocados Green Gold campaign.
Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. Avocados Australia CEO, John Tyas, said there has been a significant increase in avocado production and supply in 2021. “This year we’re seeing a massive increase in production with a lot of young plantings coming online,” he said. “We’re expecting about 120,000 tonnes over the next 12 months. It’s going to be a massive crop around the country.” Currently, Hort Innovation is investing $15.7 million in research, development and marketing projects on behalf of the avocado industry, targeting everything from biosecurity measures to fruit quality initiatives and efforts to maximise yield.
“From the outset, our avocado grower advisory group helped shape the campaign, and working together with Hort Innovation and partner agencies TBWA Sydney and Atomic 212, we have seen some great results. Australian avocados have never been more popular with our research showing two in three consumers are more likely to purchase avocados after seeing the campaign,” Mr Dwyer said. According to the 2019/20 Horticulture Statistics Handbook, there are currently over 750 avocado growers in Australia producing 87,546 tonnes per year valued at $450 million across
Want to know more about Australia’s avocado production and consumption? Click or scan the QR code to download Avocados Australia’s “Facts at a Glance”.
Avocado production up 150% Australians are now consuming 4 kg of avocados per person per annum, and by 2021/22 this figure is likely to rise to 5 kg per person. The good news is that Australian avocado growers are more than able to meet demand. According to Avocados Australia CEO, John Tyas, Australian avocado lovers are currently in heaven, due to a strong
supply with new plantings from the past five years now bearing the fruits of growers’ labour. “Consumers right now can buy quality Australian avocados and, because of the nature of supply, they’re awesome value for money right now,” Mr Tyas said.
production is expected to continue to increase to about 170,000 tonnes by 2026, more than double the 2020-21 crop. “Australia’s production from now until Christmas is expected to be up 150% more than last year,” he said.
Mr Tyas said that the updated long-term forecast suggests Australia’s avocado
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INITIATIVES
Third phase of VegNET gets $1.4 million boost Vegetable growers across Queensland are set to benefit from the next generation of a national extension program aimed to boost productivity and deliver the latest research and development on-farm. The new $14.1 million VegNET 3.0 program is being delivered through Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and funds from the Australian Government, and led by Australia’s peak vegetable industry body, AUSVEG. AUSVEG CEO, Michael Coote, said that having a nationally-coordinated VegNET program will help ensure that growers all around Australia will have access to a consistent, industry-focused extension program that will put their needs first in their efforts to be productive, profitable and more competitive in an everincreasingly global marketplace. “VegNET is an important program for our industry,” he said. “Australian vegetable growers are world-leaders in the production of high-quality, healthy vegetables and are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and grow more sustainably and develop their businesses.” “AUSVEG is well-placed to work with well-trained regional development officers, who are strongly supported, to deliver a high-performing, consistent and efficient VegNET program that will meet vegetable growers’ needs.” Mr Coote said a strong extension network that connects growers with local, regional and international experts will be an important element to the
industry’s future success. “While growers are facing significant issues with labour shortages, rising input costs and an increasingly volatile climate, the industry is well-placed to overcome these challenges and take advantage of the research and services on offer in Australia to improve its productivity and increase its value,” he said. In Queensland, the VegNET Regional Development Officers are partnered with Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (Far North Queensland), Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (Bundaberg) and Lockyer Valley Growers Inc (SEQ).
Queensland will be undertaken by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA). “Working with growers to help them solve challenging issues in the field, in the shed or in the business is a key focus for VegNET,” said Ry Collins, General Manager of BGGA. “The close ties with our grower network and the experience we have developed in extension will support the continuation in delivering good value to growers. We welcome the opportunity to continue working on VegNET with AUSVEG and Hort Innovation to help vegetable businesses in our region improve the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of their businesses.”
The nominated Regional Development Officer for Southern Queensland is Zara Hall. “This project builds on the activities and networks created through VegNET 1.0 and 2.0 to address high priority regional challenges, including pest management, cost of production and new markets. Lockyer Valley Growers Inc is looking forward to building on the activities and networking developed through previous iterations of VegNET,” Ms Hall said. “Activities that will be conducted through the project will include regular grower seminars, working lunches, study tours and workshops, as well as regional communication materials including the quarterly Lockyer Valley Growers newsletter and fortnightly e-newsletter.” On-the-ground extension in North
Lockyer Valley Regional Development Officer, Zara Hall, on the job.
$28 million program to improve farm productivity for tree crops A new research and development program launched by Hort Innovation aims to arm growers with the tools they need to produce more fruit and nuts per hectare.
Hort Innovation Research and Development Manager, Dr Adrian Hunt, said, “The program will optimise the orchard system to help produce more fruit or nuts per hectare.
The five-year $28 million National Tree Crop Intensification in Horticulture Program will develop the needed systems to increase the intensity of orchards whilst improving production, quality and profitability outcomes for growers.
“The program will investigate scion rootstock combinations, orchard design, vigour and canopy management strategies for optimal light interception. Orchard automation is also a key industry goal and the program will provide insights from a tree physiology perspective to facilitate this transformation.”
Initially, the program’s focus is on almonds, avocados, citrus, macadamias and mangos. These are important crops to Australian horticulture and have strong potential for improved productivity through crop intensification.
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The program involves an international collaboration of leading research providers from Australia, New Zealand, USA and Spain – creating a transformational international research program.
Outlook okay for mangoes Mango supply is tipped to be slightly heavier than last year, but not by much as inconsistent weather and labour shortages continue to take their toll. According to Australian Mango Industry Association CEO, Brett Kelly, numbers will be similar, if not up on last year’s total crop. “The general overview that I’m getting from growers is that last year we were down in total volume - we did about 7.2 million trays. This year we’ll be up, but not significantly, although it’s still a little bit early to tell how that will go,” he said. “The flowering and harvest all seems to be looking okay. In some areas a little bit better, some areas a bit down depending on variety and region. But at this point now, the season is looking okay and demand is very strong.” Mutchilba mango grower, John Nardi, has experienced a very unusual growing season this year, with inconsistent weather impacting flowering in some varieties. “Weather has been all over the place so we’ve had a very mixed flowering,” he said. “Some trees have even had three flowerings, so you’ve got big fruit, medium sized fruit and then tiny fruit setting now. It’s been all over the place.”
An unsual growing season may take its toll on mango supply.
was a bit unusual as well,” he said. “I think we will be down between 20-30% on our Kensington Prides, down similar numbers on our Keitts, but our R2E2 crop will be similar in volume to last year. That’s a very individual thing, grower by grower. There’s no consistency this year, every grower is very different.” Mr Nardi said crops varied quite a bit this year, with some flowering earlier, some later and for some not at all. “The Kensington Pride for some growers who got that early flowering are probably two weeks ahead of last year, whereas the later flowering and the Keitt crop probably look a little later than last year,” he said. “We’re about three weeks off our Kensington Prides, and that’s probably two weeks ahead of last year at this point.
Mr Nardi has 24,000 trees planted on his 237 ha farm, where he produces three different varieties of mango: R2E2, Kensington Pride and Keitt.
“R2E2 looks similar timing for us but the Keitt usually start in late January/early February and it’s really hard to see when that’s going to fall. I think they’ll come through okay, but it’s a bit early to tell how that timing is going to work at this stage.
“We need cold weather at the correct time to put trees into flowering mode and that varied quite a bit this year. Last year
“Overall, I still think it will be a good season, and fruit quality will be great.”
Upselling mangoes to Australian consumers Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) will be leading a new project aimed at increasing the demand and consumption of fresh Australian mangoes. Funded through Hort Innovation, the supply chain engagement project will work towards developing and organising activities involving key supply chain stakeholders to build interest, excitement, and an understanding of the mango industry. AMIA CEO, Brett Kelly, said he is excited to be leading the initiative. “We tend to concentrate on the back end of the business a lot, which is critical in terms of quality, compliance and best practice, but one of the areas that I want to get a bit more attention for our growers is understanding the front end,” he said.
“So understanding the marketing, the selling of the product, what the consumer wants, how to negotiate contracts, and all those things that ultimately lead to better profit and sustainability. “We’re hoping to achieve a stronger link from our growers with the actual retailers, because that’s where the product is sold, where pricing is determined, where all the marketing is, so it will mean better feedback communication and a better outcome.” Andrew Burns will begin as AMIA’s Supply Chain Engagement Manager to ensure that the project continues to run smoothly during the peak of the mango season. Mr Burns has a long history of experience, having been general manager, sales and marketing manager,
Building excitement for mangoes: AMIA’s new Supply Chain Engagement Manager, Andrew Burns.
and integration manager for Norco Foods/Norco Co-operative Limited, and was the national sales operations manager for Arnott’s. The contract for this project will run until September 2022.
Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 35
INITIATIVES
Kids sport the winner of latest ABC campaign The latest promotion by the award-winning team at A better choice! (ABC) has seen $32,000 go directly to grassroots youth sporting organisations from their local fruit and veg shop. The Local Youth Sports Initiative was born from a desire to recognise the work local fruit and veg shops already do to support their local community while providing assistance to local sporting clubs to help them get back on the field after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
U9 Easts Gold Rugby Union Team: After two seasons of disruption, the under 9s team will use their sponsorship money to keep their jerseys (which can only be done for teams with paid sponsors) and buy a new kit to ensure training starts with a bang in 2022.
ABC National Program Manager, James Patrick, said the idea for the campaign was spawned from the desire of the program’s participant stores to do more for the smallest members of their local community. “The team here at ABC agreed, and that’s how the initiative was created. The little guys, supporting the little guys, in big ways – it was a natural fit!” Mr Patrick said. Over 300 budding sportspeople were nominated from across the country, and Mr Patrick said the initiative reflected the long-standing connection between local fruit and veg shops and community sport. “Whether it’s donating half-time oranges or providing the quality food that keeps these little athletes strong, the connection between our retailers and their sporting community has always gone hand-in-hand,” he said. In Queensland, ten $500 sponsorships have been awarded (see table below) and a further 55 runners-up who will win $100 are yet to be announced.
Queenland’s sponsorship winners Nominee
Nominating ABC Retailer
Hawks Volleyball Club
Westridge Fruit & Vegetables
Oakey Junior Rugby League Club
Betros Bros
Nambour Little Athletics Club
Erbacher Fruit & Vegetables
Currimundi Soccer Club
B Fresh @ Warana Markets
Kiarra Milligan (U18 – Diver)
Crispy Carrot
Wests Juniors AFL Club
Amazons Family Fresh Markets
U9 Easts Gold Rugby Union team
Feast on Fruit and Delicatessen
Carina Girls Cricket Team
Zone Fresh Gourmet Markets
Aspley Devils Basketball Team
Top Spot Fruit Mart
Shibukai Martial Arts Club
Skippy’s Farmhouse
36 FRESH SOURCE
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Oakey Junior Rugby League Club: The smallest club in the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League competition, the Oakey Bears has seen player numbers reduced due to the disrupted 2020 season. The club will use their sponsorship money to implement new initiatives to grow its membership so local kids can continue to play for their local team.
Kiarra Milligan, Under 18s Diving: Kiarra is an elite diver with the Queensland Academy of Sport Juniors. With no competitions held during COVID, she has continued to train six days a week while studying for her Year 12 exams. Kiarra will use her sponsorship to assist with travel costs associated with competing.
Stars lend their influence
Nomination results
To help promote the Local Youth Sports Initiative, ABC recruited the help of three powerhouse Australian women to represent the initiative: an Olympian, a chef and a world champion netball player! Mariafe Artacho del Solar is an Australian Beach Volleyball player and a medal winner at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Laura Sharrad was runner-up for Australian Masterchef, along with being a restaurant owner and TV personality.
>300
nominations
47
different sports
Natalie von Bertouch has made 76 senior appearances for Australia and won gold twice at the Netball World Championships. The three superstars know first-hand the impact local sport has on the morale, confidence and happiness of young athletes and want to do their bit to help kickstart their seasons.
32%
girls teams
47.5% mixed teams
“It’s been heartbreaking to see youth-sport around the country put on hold. As a mum with three young kids, I know the impact this would have on them. I was really excited to team up with local fruit and veg stores across the country to help kids start their seasons off on the right foot,” Ms von Bertouch said.
20.5% boys teams
To watch the national TV advertisement for the Local Youth Sports Initiative, click or scan the QR code.
45
cash sponsorships
135
runner up awards
Campaign results
9 million people reached
Sporting influence: Laura Sharrad, Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Natalie von Bertouch gave their support for the program on organic social channels, in the media and through paid advertising.
27.8 million impressions
*preliminary figures only, further data to be collated
Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 37
INITIATIVES
Blending key to latest mushroom campaign A better choice! (ABC) is partnering with the Australian Mushroom Growers Association (AMGA) this summer, to help promote their summer campaign ‘Mushrooms + Mince = The Blend’. According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s State of Industry Report 2020, the average Australian eats 25kg of beef a year, with 30% of it being minced. This is proof that our multicultural society loves their spaghetti bolognese, taco night or burgers on the BBQ in summer – which is the focus for the Aussie campaign launch. With beef mince recipes, in particular, being considered an ‘easy everyday’ meal to prepare, The Blend provides a simple way for families and seniors to achieve their health-related goals, by simply substituting some mince for mushrooms. The objective of the campaign is to educate consumers about the mushroom + mince blend, to increase their consideration and purchase intent of mushrooms to be include as a staple
ingredient in all minced meat dishes. Celebrity chef, Adrian Richardson, has been made an ambassador to help explain the concept. Adrian is a TV cooking personality and star of Good Chef, Bad Chef and former cooking shows Secret Meat Business and Boys Weekend, owner of La Luna Restaurant in Melbourne and the author of MEAT. Mr Richardson has built his career by cooking great meaty dishes, and his role as ambassador is to reassure audiences that cooking with a mushroom and mince blend enhances the meaty flavour while adding juiciness to minced meat dishes. ABC member stores in Queensland will display marketing collateral such as posters, entry pads and wobblers – to be erected on the mushroom displays instore, promoting ‘The Blend’ campaign and giving consumers an opportunity to win one of four Weber® Family Qs and helping increase mushroom sales this summer. ABC’s National Program Manager,
Newest members make A better choice! Two new Queensland retailers have joined the national retail program, A better choice! Charlies Market and The Farm at Nobby’s have both joined over 500 member stores across the country to ensure they can take advantage of the large-scale marketing campaigns of the national program while retaining complete independence in their business. The program represents Australia’s largest group of independent retailers and promotes the importance of shopping local for the freshest produce available. Charlies Market has a new owner, aptly named Charlie Scuderi, and along with store manager Johnny Tabet and their team, plan to take their store to the next level with an expanded offering, readyto-go meals and a fresh renovation. The Farm at Nobby’s opened its doors on the Gold Coast in November 2018, 38 FRESH SOURCE
Summer 2021
Celebrity chef, Adrian Richardson, demonstrating The Blend in action.
James Patrick, said, “It’s great to be able to partner with AMGA and promote mushrooms in our member stores. Independent retailers represent over 10% of all fruit and vegetables sold in Australia and are big advocates for great produce and supporting all growers big and small that sell through the Central Markets of Australia.” ABC will also carry out a digital campaign leveraging social media and weekly consumer e-newsletters to promote the campaign and all things great about mushrooms, contributing to AMGA’s digital strategy over the threemonth campaign.
after local father and son team, Kevin and Dylan Wooster, saw a gap in the market for a high quality local fresh produce offering available 7 days a week.
Cherries get a pickme-up
“It just makes sense to join the ABC program as it is another way of providing exposure to our business,” Kevin said.
Cherry season is in full swing and consumers are being urged to have a summer fling.
Both stores will now be able to access all the ABC program has to offer, including national tv, radio and digital media campaigns, managed social media presence, merchandise, social media and website content, and in-store point of sale material to help promote the benefits of shopping local.
A joint initiative of A better choice!, Hort Innovation and Brisbane Produce Market cherry wholesalers, the new ‘Your Summer Fling - Pick Me Up Today’ campaign will promote the launch of cherry season across South East Queensland.
Along with the marketing benefits, ABC retailers also have access to free and discounted business, HR and recruitment services from Brismark. To find out how the ABC program can benefit your business, contact Queensland’s ABC team on (07) 3915 4222 or email communications@brismark.com.au.
Participating retailers will have the opportunity to hold a free fresh tasting event in their shop, provided by a professional food tasting demonstrator, along with receiving a recipe brochure, cherry tasting stand, posters and digital promotions.
About “A Better Choice” ‘A Better Choice’ is the first national program designed to encourage consumers to shop for fresh produce at their local independent retailer. The program aims to make the consumer question their buying habits. Are they choosing price and convenience over quality and experience?
Central Markets supporting Independent Retailers By shopping at their local fruit and veg Shop, consumers are making…
A better choice! A better choice of available products A better choice for freshness A better choice for knowledge and service A better choice to support your local community A better choice for you and your family
A joint initiative by industry group Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) and the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA), the program draws on marketing and business data from hundreds of independent retailers across Australia to create a national marketing and advertising strategy. As part of the program, FMA and CMAA work hand-in-hand with state chambers and industry partners to conduct a range of co-promotional activities that engage consumers and highlight the benefits of shopping at independent retailers. ‘A Better Choice’ is simply that, a better choice for retailers, consumers and the industry. Collectively we can keep the Aussie fruit and veg industry thriving for generations to come.
WE ARE VERY SOCIAL! Check us out by visiting: www.abetterchoice.com.au Facebook and Instagram
Get in touch with your local ‘A better choice!’ representative to find out more about the program. communications@brismark.com.au
Montague looks to export markets to bear fruit Fruit grower and wholesaler Montague is rebuilding after a challenging 2020, when bushfires, pandemic lockdowns and trade disruptions hit its export business. According to Montague Managing Director, Scott Montague, the company acted quickly in the face of these challenges, using the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) to rebuild supply chains to Asia. Montague is working with Austrade to explore new export opportunities in Japan and Korea. It is also forging ahead with plans to open an office in China, one of its most important markets. “We have a clear strategy to expand our business for the future, both here in Australia and internationally – and it’s starting to bear fruit,” Mr Montague said. Montague owns 500 hectares of apple, pear, citrus, grape, stone fruit and cherry orchards. The company also works with 80 growers across Australia.
From orchard to overseas: Batlow apples ready to be distributed around the world by Montague.
maintained,” Mr Montague said.
Montague relies on airfreight to transport stone fruit to Asia. Like other exporters, when Australia closed its borders, Montague turned to the Australian Government’s IFAM.
China is an important market for Montague. It started exporting stone fruit to the country after the China-Australia free trade agreement came into force in 2015.
This temporary, targeted, emergency support measure is keeping global air links open while the world responds to COVID-19. IFAM has reconnected nine Australian ports to 58 international destinations since April 2020.
Trade disruptions affected exports in the 2020–21 summer fruit season. Despite this, Montague remains committed to China and believes there is significant room to grow.
Montague uses IFAM to export stone fruit to China, Malaysia and Singapore.
In December 2021, the company will open its first office in China. It is partnering with a firm that has built the Montague brand for five years.
“Without IFAM ensuring that air links are kept open during the pandemic, airfreight would be virtually impossible for us. Airfreight delivery is over 50% of our stone fruit export business,” Mr Montague said.
“We want to invest in promoting our brand in China. There is a groundswell of acceptance for Australia’s clean, green produce in China. We are keen to increase our investment by fulfilling the demand for our fruit,” Mr Montague said.
Montague is also adapting to the new trade environment. It is using sea freight to export citrus and table grapes to Asian markets. “We’ll put stone fruit on the water to China, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore. Table grapes will also go by sea to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Sea freight is significantly cheaper per carton than airfreight. It is a viable option for us as long as vessel schedules are 40 FRESH SOURCE
Summer 2021
Scan or click the QR code to find out more or to access IFAM, which has been extended until mid-2022.
Potatoes face drop in exports While potato exports have continued to supply international markets, market and logistical disruptions have led to a 6% drop in total export value and an 8% drop in volume. From January to June 2021, potato export volumes fell from 32,686 tonnes to 30,759 tonnes compared with the same period last year. Export value has also dropped from $24,241,214 to $22,420,507 over the same period. Australian potato exports demonstrate clear seasonality, with export value peaking in March and exports continuing throughout the year. For the majority of the 2020/2021 financial year, potato export results have been below those of the corresponding month in the previous financial year (see Figure 1). The main export destination for Australian potatoes is South Korea, followed by the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. South Korean imports have continued to grow in the first six months of 2021, with trade increasing 26% in volume to 16,513 tonnes and increase 24% in value to $9,642,314 (see Figure 2). While demand for Australian potatoes continues to grow in a range of export markets, COVID-19 disruptions are impacting potato exporters. Growers continue to face challenges with increases in freight costs, reduced freight capacity, inconsistent sailing schedules and difficulties in securing containers. In addition to these challenges, growers are also facing rising input costs. Over the last few months, cardboard and packaging prices have increased, along with other imported farm inputs. These expenses are on top of the labour shortages, due to international travel restrictions and the increased regulatory charging regime for export certification that commenced on 1 July 2021.
Source: AUSVEG
New face for exporters and importers By Lesley Shield, CEO, Australian Horticultural Exporters’ and Importers’ Association I have taken on the position of CEO of Australian Horticultural Exporters’ and Importers’ Association (AHEIA). I would like to acknowledge the great work of outgoing CEO, Andréa Magiafoglou, over the last two years, she will be missed. I have been involved in exporting and importing of fresh fruit and vegetables for over 40 years. I started working at Brisbane Markets in 1979, where I was involved in exporting from Australia to New Zealand and Asia, exporting from New Zealand to Asia, and importing avocados and citrus from New Zealand to Australia. I know what exporters and importers go through to get their products to a market and the stress involved when something
goes wrong - like flights cancelled at the last moment, trucks and ships running late, failed inspections and unforeseen regulation issues in Australia and overseas. I understand what it is like to have timelines enforced and documentation presented correctly, ensuring that the loading of the airline pallets or containers have the correct weights and are balanced. And at the other end, I understand about the happy customer or the dissatisfied customer with quality complaints and the customer who decides not to pay for some reason.
AHEIA and help members who I look forward to meeting and discussing what else they would like the AHEIA to do on their behalf. AHEIA advocates with foreign and domestic government departments along with industry stakeholders on behalf of Australian fresh produce exporters and importers. Issues covered could include quarantine and trade protocols, service delivery from Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment and costs surrounding those services or just keeping members informed about overseas markets and their competition.
I hope that my experience over the past 40-odd years will contribute to the
Summer 2021 FRESH SOURCE 41
Export
New project traces high-value exports A traceability pilot for high-value exports led by Citrus Australia has attracted $770,000 in funding from Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s Food to Market program.
In addition to protecting Australian export brands through the innovative labelling of boxes and bags, the pilot project will include isotope testing of Australian fruit.
The project will utilise leading tracing technology, isotope testing, cool-chain tracking and orchard mapping to enhance traceability.
“What isotope testing will enable is the ability to differentiate the place of origin of Australian citrus fruit using science to prove provenance down to the individual farm and region,” Mr Hancock said.
Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said the aim is to safeguard the industry from fraudulent activity and ensure the integrity of high-end citrus exports is protected. Australia exports more than $500 million of citrus each year to over fifty countries. “By participating in this pilot, we have the opportunity to work through the real-world application of emerging technology on farm and through the supply chain,” Mr Hancock said. “We hope to further progress the integration of traceability into the everyday operations of citrus businesses in the future, whether they be farm to customer marketing, proof of origin or tracing a biosecurity outbreak.” The pilot project comprises three components, one of which will build on the successful traceability project led by Citrus Australia last year, which traced fruit from Nu Leaf I.P. orchards in Mildura through the Mildura Fruit Company (MFC) packhouse and on to international consumers. Mr Hancock said the new project would further integrate traceability technology at MFC, utilising additional automation to reduce human data entry. Unique serialised GS1 Digital Link-enabled QR code labels will be added to both bags and cartons of fruit making them traceable by sales unit from end to end.
“It not only protects them from deliberate food fraud, but can provide evidence in disputes from export partners, and domestic and international claims of food borne illness.” The isotope testing component will be conducted by New Zealand isotope science specialists, GNS Science. The third component of the project is the further development of a national online crop mapping platform, which will improve both the accuracy of Citrus Australia’s national crop figures, and Citrus Australia will work with the University of New England to enhance the citrus component of the Australian Tree Crop Map Dashboard, which was recently awarded first place at the global Esri User Conference (see page 7 for more details). “Digitising the mapping will help improve the traceability to farm for biosecurity and food fraud related issues and is a step in understanding the flow of citrus from farm to packhouse to market,” Mr Hancock said. “This sets us up well to track and trace issues across the supply chain and is a good model for other industry interactions such as nursery, food waste and transport and logistics when associated with our industry.”
MFC General Manager Perry Hill said MFC was committed to protecting both the fruit its growers produce and the brands it exports from counterfeiters in overseas markets. “We see the introduction of unique labelling to our cartons and bags as a critical step forward in our overall protection efforts,” Mr Hill said. “The acceptance of QR codes around the globe through the pandemic, provides a unique opportunity for marketers to enhance the customer experiences across all products and markets, and fresh citrus is no exception. “The adoption of this technology by MFC and the wider citrus industry, provides opportunities for direct and targeted marketing, to show our customers the conditions under which the fruit is grown, and locations where the product they are buying is sourced. “Tracing the product back to its source provides the customer with knowledge and comfort, to make informed buying decisions about the authenticity and provenance of the product.” There is also an additional emphasis on increasing the scan rate by overseas consumers. A marketing campaign for premium fruit brands and varieties will be utilised to raise customer awareness. “In a way the pandemic has assisted our cause here in that people are far more familiar with using QR codes to access information, so we hope to see a significant increase in scan rates across the supply chain,” Mr Hancock said.
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The new traceability project builds on the success of Citrus Australia’s 2020 pilot project which saw more than 400,000 kg of fruit traced and verified from Australian orchards right through to international retail markets.
Click or scan the QR code to watch the pilot traceability project in action.
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