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issue 37 jun 2016 ISSN: 1838-7829

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OF AFFAIRS Bringing to light the MMA's incompetent Emergency procedure protocol.

CONTENTS 02 What’s on 03 President’s message 14 Around the markets 16 Melbourne Market Golf Day 18 Hort Code 20 Spilling the beans on beans 22 Recipe 24 Market Spotlight – children in

FIRE IN THE MARKET

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OF AFFAIRS Don't miss out on this year's Fresh State Gala Ball!

Register your table now!

the market

26 FSL mid year special general meeting

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ADVERTISING 07 TWFS 10 Art & Style / MMCS 23 MIB 26 Ironbark 27 Toyota Material Handling 28 Bayford Volkswagen Epping

PUBLISHED BY:

freshstate.com.au tel: 03 9408 6627

HORT CONNECTIONS An update on the recent conference.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Jason Cooper jason@freshstate.com.au

DESIGN: Flying Dog Designs fddesigns.com.au

PRINT: Revolution Print revolutionprint.com.au

EDITOR / ADVERTISING: Bernadette Kelly comms@freshstate.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bernadette Kelly

DISTRIBUTION: Fresh State of Affairs is produced by Fresh State Ltd and is a free publication.

PROOFING: Tony Nigro tonyn@freshstate.com.au

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s ’ t n e Presid MESSAGE

Welcome to edition 37 of Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State has been through a particularly busy time and the year is rapidly marching on. Another successful annual Charity Golf day has been and gone, raising over $60,000 for the Debra charity, and the Hort Connections conference was held in Adelaide in May. Behind the scenes, the Fresh State board and staff have been involved

The new Horticultural Code of Conduct is now in force. It’s important to remember that the code is compulsory and heavy fines can be incurred if you are not compliant. Fresh State’s involvement in the consultation process was extensive, to ensure the new code reflects the interests of our members and a balanced perspective between the needs of growers and wholesalers. Many of our members took advantage of the opportunity to attend the Fresh State training sessions to get themselves up to speed with the new code.

THE FIRE RAISED A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MARKET’S EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND DUTY OF CARE AS LANDLORDS, AND LEFT A NUMBER OF WHOLESALERS AT A DISADVANTAGE THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN. in strategic planning meetings and hosted the mid-year special general meeting to keep members informed and updated.

The fire raised a lot of questions about the market’s emergency procedures and duty of care as landlords, and left a number of wholesalers at a disadvantage through no fault of their own.

Don’t forget to mark in your diaries the Fresh State Gala Ball to be held at Peninsula Docklands on Saturday August 26. The ball gives us all a chance to dress up, kick up our heels and enjoy ourselves. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, and there will be a new award presented to a Buyer of the Year! You don’t need to be a wholesaler to attend, all are welcome. What better way could there be to get together and celebrate our industry?

Shane Schnitzler President Fresh State Ltd.

In this edition of the magazine, we take a closer look at the handling by the MMA of the buggy fire that took place in the market on March 1.

DISCLAIMER: Fresh State Ltd makes this magazine available on the understanding the users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. Before relying on, or altering any business practices, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purpose and should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.

This magazine contains views and recommendations that do not necessarily reflect the views of Fresh State Ltd. Fresh State does not in any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability or otherwise of any in-

formation published in Fresh State of Affairs. Fresh State Ltd specifically disclaims all and any liability for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to accuracy, error or omission or any other cause.

In addition, by using the information in this magazine, each user waives and releases Fresh State, its staff and agents from any and all claims relating to the use of this document. In no event shall Fresh State Ltd be liable for any consequential damages resulting from using the information in Fresh State of Affairs. © Fresh State Ltd 2017

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Fresh State Ltd. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: The Editor Fresh State of Affairs Magazine Store 36, Melbourne Market 35 Produce Drive Epping VIC 3076

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A BUGGY BELONGING TO A RETAILER IGNITED AND WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. AT THE TIME OF THE ALARMS BEING ACTIVATED, THE AREA AROUND THE BUGGY WAS CLEAR. MMA STAFF AND MARKET USERS CONGREGATED AT A SUPPOSEDLY SAFE DISTANCE TO WATCH.

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At around 7.15am on Wednesday March 1, an electric buggy caught fire in the parking bay next door to LA Produce in store 48 and opposite the Food Fella’s cafe towards the north end of the market.

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arket users were first alerted to the fact of the fire by an evacuation alarm over the public address system. A buggy belonging to a retailer had ignited and was engulfed in flames. At the time of the alarms being activated, the area around the buggy was clear. MMA staff and market users had congregated at a supposedly safe distance to watch.

The scene was disturbing on a number of levels. At that point in time it was apparent that no one seemed to be in charge. The fire was not being addressed and nor was any actual evacuation taking place. In addition, within the enclosed space of the market and the office, the smoke and fumes from the fire were building up fast, with the potential to add breathing issues to an already dangerous situation.

INSIDE, WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SMALL, EASILY MANAGED INCIDENT WAS ALLOWED TO ESCALATE TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT THE FIRE ACTIVATED THE BUILDING’S SPRINKLER SYSTEM. Some people did as the alarms directed and evacuated outside, however, the scene out the back was business as usual, with no sign of direction from emergency wardens, until eventually an MFB fire truck arrived and firefighters took over. Sometime later another fire truck arrived, followed by a police vehicle.

Inside, what should have been a small, easily managed incident was allowed to escalate to such a degree that the fire activated the building’s sprinkler system. This event caused water damage to LA Produce stock and the gas was turned off at Food Fellas and Orino’s café. Finally, the entire trading floor complex was evacuated for approximately four hours. As a result, traders lost stock and operations were disrupted, causing unnecessary damage and loss of productivity to a number of businesses.

Only meters from the burning buggy, a fire hose was left untouched. The MMA have explained that this was because MMA staff were concerned about the electricity supply to the buggy. Surely personnel who are properly trained for an emergency would be

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Communication style and frequency, or the lack of it, is the key to relations between the market tenants and the MMA as landlord. Post-incident, this should have been the MMA’s opportunity to take responsibility and acknowledge lessons learned. Yes, the market users could have better responded to the emergency alarm, but it was market users who lost stock and staff time while the MMA failed to offer any active supervision or direction.

WHAT WAS APPARENT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE INCIDENT WAS THE INADEQUACY OF EMERGENCY TRAINING.

aware of the need to check for a plugged in electricity supply?

Despite that obvious failure, the next course of action taken by the MMA staff might still have appeared reasonable, were it not for the staff having to waste valuable time reading the instructions on chemical fire extinguishers before finally directing them towards the fire.

What was apparent throughout the entire incident was the inadequacy of emergency training. The evacuation alarms were ignored by many and there were no MMA fire wardens to effectively deal with the fire or to facilitate an evacuation procedure.

After the incident had eventually been resolved and the area deemed safe, the communication to return did not happen, and the eventual communication that came the next day included an inflammatory rebuke to the traders for not evacuating upon hearing the alarm. The MMA were quick to point out that tenants ignored the fire alarms and that a member of the MMA’s staff was injured as a result.

The lack of communication at the time, combined with mismanagement that resulted in loss of stock and productivity to traders, was ignored.

It seems the combative approach is a standard fallback position for the MMA. If they want to enforce something from their exhaustive list of regulations or to implement yet another new rule, they are quick to spread the message. So why is it, when obliged to react to a hazardous situation, the MMA not only took no responsibility for their own lack of action and incompetence, they were quick to actively lay blame at the feet of the tenants.

The fire inside the market served to highlight a number of issues. It was disappointing to note that the majority of wholesalers and visitors to the market ignored the evacuation alarm that day.

Even more disappointing was the obvious deficiencies in the MMA’s ability to facilitate their own documented procedures.

Communications, training and cooperation are the elements that can make or break an emergency situation.

If this incident had been of a more significant nature, the consequences might have been truly disastrous! Perhaps the buggy fire should serve as a wake-up call for all concerned, and perhaps the MMA might look at their well-documented procedures (see page 7) and make an effort to clean up their act.

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ON THE MMA WEBSITE THERE IS AN ‘EMERGENCY PROCEDURES GUIDEBOOK FOR TENANTS’ Under the heading ‘1. Who controls an Emergency Incident?’

The document specifies the role of the Emergency Control Organization (ECO), comprising of a dures designated Incident Commander, Chief Warden – cy Proce n e g r e nts Em security operations and wardens-market relations for Tena k o o b e Guid officers. It also states that one of the tasks of the wardens is to ‘facilitate the safe evacuation from the facility if required’.

2.0 Version ts e Marke Melbourn

Under heading ‘1.2 Identifying The ECO’ the document states that the chief warden and wardens can be identified because they are wearing a blue uniform with a red vest.

Know Need To What You

y Occurs.

Emergenc When An

Under ‘6. Tenant Emergency Procedures Flow-Chart’ there is a direction to ‘follow direction of Wardens’.

On the day of the buggy fire there was no evacuation facilitation until well after the fire brigade had arrived and the fire had been extinguished. There were no MMA staff wearing blue uniforms with red vests. There were no wardens offering directions for people to follow. All this once again begs the question of what the MMA say they will do and what they actually do.

ce to: Complian n 010 Legislatio AS3745:2 and Safety e Health Workplac 6100 .au P: 03 9258 ournemarket.com ket.com.au ar www.melb t@melbournem es workrequ any form or by uced in any tion storage, be reprod via informa tten tion may recorded sion in wri this publica otherwise, the express permis Pty Ltd. No part of or nic ctro hout rvices means, ele ieval system, wit T © EvacSe retr . COPYRIGH mailing or es Pty Ltd rvic cSe form of Eva

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http://www.melbournemarkets.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ Emergency-Warden-Guidebook-Version-2.1.1.pdf

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2017

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OUR INDUSTRY | OUR NIGHT

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SA

produce market visit

As part of the Hort Connections conference, delegates were offered a comprehensive tour of the South Australian Produce Market.

Leaving the Adelaide convention centre at 5.30am, guests were ferried to the market by bus. On arrival, each was issued with an obligatory hi-vis vest, and taken through the safety briefing.

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tour through the growers pavilion and the market stores provided the conference delegates with a welcome opportunity to discuss industry issues with growers and wholesalers, and before the completion of the visit guests were treated to a delicious breakfast cooked by none other than Callum Hann, of Masterchef fame, while APML CEO, Angelo Demasi, presented a detailed history and overview of the market operations.

Situated on a 22 hectare site, the site is home to over 100 businesses including market stores, a growers pavilion and warehouse space. The site is open for business 24/7, with the bulk of trading happening between 4am and 8am

Monday to Saturday. It is owned by Adelaide Produce Markets LTD (APML) an unlisted public company which is majority owned by South Australian horticulture industry members.

250,000 tonnes of fresh produce worth $590 million is traded annually, and 80 percent of the market wholesale traders are also growers.

With a strong focus on marketing and an obvious pride in their facility, it’s clear that the rich history of the South Australian Produce Market will continue to flourish and prosper towards a bright future.

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2017 saw the blending of two industry conferences, PMA Fresh Connections and the National Horticulture Convention. Over 2500 conference delegates included growers, supply chain members, government stakeholders and industry service providers, making Hort Connections 2017 the largest horticultural conference to ever be held in Australia.

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eld at the spacious Adelaide awards acknowledge and recognize Convention Centre, in the outstanding contributions to the sector picturesque river precinct, Hort in the categories of Grower of the Year, Connections 2017 opened on Monday Marketer of the Year, Young Grower May 15 with a welcome reception and of the Year, Industry Impact Award, Trade Show. 150 exhibitors were set up Environmental Award, Community to show their wares to a captive industry Stewardship Award, Innovation Partner audience. To cap off an exciting opening THE NEXT TWO DAYS COVERED A night, the FMA and CMAA played host JAM-PACKED PROGRAM, INCLUDING to a cast of several hundred stayers in AN ARRAY OF SPEAKER SESSIONS the R Bar downstairs.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN! hortconnections.com.au

ON ALL THINGS RELEVANT TO THE

Tuesday kicked off FRESH PRODUCE INDUSTRY, FROM the conference proper with a ONIONS TO IRRIGATION TO BUSINESS Perfection Fresh Display breakfast sponsored in the Trade Show

by Perfection Fresh INNOVATIONS. and featuring the energetic and entertaining founder of the Beechworth Award, Women in Bakery chain, Tom O’Toole, speaking of Horticulture, and his principles for business success. The Researcher of the Year. next two days covered a jam-packed program, including an array of speaker On behalf of the FMA, sessions on all things relevant to the Shane Schnitzler fresh produce industry, from onions presented The to irrigation to business innovations.

Meritorious Service Delegates spread themselves far and Award to Trish Skinner wide attending tours, meetings, lunches, from Market West and and dinners and of course exploring the the FMA Col Johnson trade show.

Young Achiever’s award to Peter Koukas Tuesday night offered the chance from D&G Fresh Fruit for people to wind down with their Distributors. colleagues with the Dupont Australiana Theme night, while Wednesday’s finale, It’s expected that the the glittering Gala Ball had a huge new combined format Hamish Montague (Montague Fresh Qld) with turnout of 1250 people, all dressed will continue with Tony Siciliano (VFS Produce) & Phil Brancatisano up in their formal wear. The ball was future conference locations to be (The Grape House) enjoying the Gala Ball a chance for people to relax after rotated around the country. With the busy conference schedule, to be the inaugural Hort Connections entertained by Adelaide’s talented trio, conference heralded as such The Three Waiters, and to hear the list of a great success, South Australia and nominees and winners of the prestigious Adelaide have certainly set a high national awards for excellence. The standard for other states to follow.

Gala ball singing waiters

Fresh State CEO Jason Cooper with FMA Secretary Gail Woods and Fresh State & FMA Chairman Shane Schnitzler

Produce Display at the FMA trade show stand

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AROUND THE MARKET 09

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01 Andrew Corbett (Old Oak Orchards) and Tony Mecca (Mecca Brothers).

02 Damian Taranto (Costa Farms).

03 Heider Hussaini and Sukhdeep (Antonello Produce).

04 Rahul (Art and Style).

05 Julian Cook (Mackays Marketing), Diego Luppino (DNG Luppino at Dandenong Market) and Joe Manariti (La Manna Premier Group).

06 Mohammed (Country Supermarket).

12 Simon and Aldo (BRP Wholesalers).

07 Kevin Komen (Costa Farms).

13 Tess and Tala Gautusa (Market and Grower Supplies).

08 Veli Velisha and Tony Arena (Veli Velisha).

14 Phil and Jordan (VB Sculli).

09 Wally and Ronnie (Mumford).

15 Phung (Cong Phung Tran).

10 Steve Russo and Rikki Kirwan (Tripod Farmers Group).

16 Wes Arnott and Jim Fuller (The Great Australian Mushroom Company).

11 Cathy (Covini) and Mark Santalucia (Fresh Max).

17 John Gatto and Tony Russell (R Anguey Pty Ltd).

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Team DEBRA

On Friday March 24, the grounds at the Heidelberg Golf Club were at their magnificent best under a stunning blue sky. 118 golfers and 32 bowlers joined forces to raise funds for DEBRA Australia as part of the Melbourne Market Charity Golf and Bowls day.

A

Tom Connell & Eliza Baird

host of helpers from The Melbourne Market Lions Club, Fresh State, and the friendly, helpful staff at the Heidelberg Golf Club, were on hand to ensure the day ran smoothly.

company on course. Sam Cutrale from team Ramrod (Perfection Fresh) hit an elusive hole in one on the 6th. It might have won him a new BMW or Toyota Forklift, if only he’d been on the 2nd or 13th hole at the time.

Football legends, ex Hawthorn players, Robert (Dipper) DiPierdomenico, Gary Buckenara and Chris Mew, and ex-Bombers, Paul Van Der Haar, Terry Daniher and Jason Johnson were sold off, with the highest bidding team winning the right to enjoy their

Lions club volunteer, Rick Blackburn, stayed busy cooking the generously donated sausages from Provincia Food Store of Safety Beach. The delicious snags proved so popular that supplies were quickly exhausted and more had to be sent for.

THE MELBOURNE MARKET CHARITY GOLF AND BOWLS DAY COMMITTEE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT A TOTAL OF $60,000 WAS RAISED FOR DEBRA. AFL Legends

Judging from the bowler’s smiles, a good time was being had by those out on the green, with beginner’s enjoying the game alongside more seasoned players.

The entertainment continued into the evening, with

guests enjoying a buffet dinner while being hosted by guest MC, Dipper.

DEBRA presented a moving video which left everyone in no doubt as to the importance of raising funds and awareness to help improve the daily lives of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) sufferers. The footballers shared personal sporting memories in a nostalgic panel discussion, followed by an auction of a day at the football for six in a corporate box at Etihad stadium (donated by CHEP), a silent auction of sporting memorabilia hosted by Gary Buckenara, and the awarding of raffle prizes.

The Melbourne Market Charity Golf and Bowls day committee are pleased to announce that a total of $60,000 was raised for DEBRA. Stay tuned to mark the date for what promises to be a bigger and better day in 2018.

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CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS: Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

GOLF WINNERS: Il Gambero Restaurant

RUNNERS UP: Bitza

Team members: Xavier DiMattina, Hayden Kennedy, Derek Humphry-Smith, Chris DiMattina Result: Gross 60, Nett 52.75

Team members: Ron Evans, Clinton Evans, Toby Filice, Jimmy Papapostolou Result: Gross 65, Nett 55.5

Shootout winner: Daryl Little from team DQ International

Longest Drive: Ross from Brolec

Bowls winners: T Rutty, M Mackenzie, D Rutty, J Nicholson

Australia

Winners are grinners!

RAFFLE PRIZE DONORS: > $1400 Medallion Club for four people at Etihad stadium with car parking – donated by Toyota Material Handling > $1200 Team of four entry to the 2018 Melbourne Market Charity Golf Day – donated by Fresh State Ltd > $1000 1hour helicopter ride for two people over Melbourne – donated by Timeless Watches > $1000 1 hour helicopter ride for two people over Melbourne – donated by Brolec Pty Ltd

Mel & Andrea (DEBRA)

> $1000 Ladies’ watch – donated by Timeless Watches

Simone, Lauren, AFL legends & friends

> $1000 Men’s watch – donated by Timeless Watches > $750 Medallion Club for six people with car parking at Etihad stadium – donated by CHEP > $500 Golf for four people (over 18 holes and double cart hire) – donated

by Heidelberg Golf Club > $200 BMW 218i remote controlled car – donated by Doncaster BMW > $200 Food voucher – donated by Provincia Food Store > $200 Food voucher – donated by Provincia Food Store Tee Sponsors

VB SCULLI MELBOURNE

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2017

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HORT CODE

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OF CONDUCT

THE NEW CODE COMES WITH HEFTY FINES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE The 2017 Horticultural Code of Conduct took effect from April 1, 2017, replacing the previous code that has been in effect since 2006. The new code is the outcome of extensive consultation, submissions and research from industry representatives. Working on behalf of our member’s interests, Fresh State, with FMA, lobbied vigorously for a fair, commercial and workable outcome to the review of the previous code.

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n explanatory statement issued by the Ministry for Agriculture and Water Resources notes that the key aspects of the code are to require growers and traders to trade under written horticulture produce agreements, to deal with each other lawfully and in good faith, and to provide a dispute resolution procedure.

wholesaler workshops, and distributed relevant information about the Code.

The new code will offer increased flexibility and a reduction in the prescriptive clauses which contributed to making the previous code unworkable, however, it will impose new requirements on traders and growers, with monetary penalties for

THE NEW CODE WILL OFFER INCREASED FLEXIBILITY AND A REDUCTION IN THE PRESCRIPTIVE CLAUSES. The message from the ACCC is that if parties demonstrate that they are working towards understanding the Code and implementing its requirements, they will be prepared to recognise and facilitate a phasing in period of up to 12 months. Fresh State and the FMA have developed new pro-forma terms of trade and HPA documents, established a dispute resolution framework; conducted

breaches. Every trader and grower exchanging transactions are now required under the code to have a written horticulture produce agreement in place.

To assist our members to avoid penalties by becoming fully compliant with the code, Fresh State hosted nine 90 minute training sessions in April. The sessions were delivered by a professional training organisation and were offered free

of charge to members. Those who attended the training sessions will be supplied with copies of the ‘Terms of Trade’, and ‘Horticulture Produce Agreement (HPA)’ documents.

Fresh State have invested over 150 thousand dollars in the review, training, and document development processes to give members a better more workable code and the ability to comply almost immediately.

Further training can be arranged for a fee per company.

Extensive information about the new code can be found at: https://www.accc.gov.au/business/ industry-codes/horticulture-codeof-conduct

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PENALTIES UNDER THE NEW CODE

A party failing to deal with another party in good faith.

COURTS CAN IMPOSE PENALTIES IF THEY FIND A PARTY HAS BREACHED CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CODE. BREACHES OF THE CODE ATTRACTING PENALTIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

A trader failing to advise the grower that they reject produce within 24 hours after rejecting the produce.

An agent selling a grower’s horticultural produce other than on an arm’s length basis without the grower’s consent.

A trader failing to disclose necessary information. For example, a trader not publishing a terms of trade document or refusing to report to the grower as required.

Trading in horticulture produce without entering a horticulture produce agreement.

A party failing to return a payment within 14 days after an agreement is terminated where the payment was received for the purposes of trade that would have occurred under an agreement terminated within a cooling off period under an agreement.

Refusing to attend mediation.

THE ACCC CAN ALSO ISSUE INFRINGEMENT NOTICES WHERE IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT A PERSON HAS BREACHED CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CODE.

Failing to keep records as required by the Code.

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n it c g omes h s t , o bang for your buck ther fre e ma a al y not v i r be ano ther vegetable to

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eans are versatile, low in calories and a nutritional powerhouse. Beans are a source of vitamin C, K, and A, manganese, potassium and iron. They contain riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and beta-carotene, and are rich in protein, fiber and antioxidants. All that goodness may also reduce your risk of developing nasties like heart disease and cancer, and assist with maintaining correct blood sugar levels.

Grown as a food for centuries, green beans originated in Peru.

Migrating tribes took them to the rest of South and Central America before Spanish explorers brought them to the rest of the world in the 16th century. Beans are sensitive plants to grow. Cold, wet weather can have a negative effect on supply and price.

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Green beans are known as string beans, green beans, snap beans or pole beans.

They are picked while still technically unripe. Most modern varieties of green beans have had the inedible string cultivated out of them. Of the two major groups, bush beans grow on short plants that mature and produce fruit over a short period, while pole bean plants grow as vines and need to be supported.

Bush beans are easier to grow, but pole beans are more disease resistant and yield more beans. There are dozens of cultivars of both types. Pods can be round or flat, and come in multiple colors: green, purple, yellow, or mottled.

Among the most common varieties of green bean found in Australia are flat beans, snake beans and round beans.

The round beans are sold as machine picked or the more aesthetically pleasing (and higher priced) hand-picked. Yellow round beans are known in Australia as butter beans, elsewhere as the yellow wax bean. Green beans should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They are best eaten fresh as the skins will toughen over time.

THE MAIN SUPPLIERS OF BEANS WITHIN THE MELBOURNE CENTRAL MARKET ARE ANGUEY, FERRINDA FRESH, PREMIER, ROSENGAL, LATTORES, RED RICH FRUITS AND G FERLAZZO & CO.

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Featured Recipe

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GREEN BEAN PECAN SALAD This a very flavourful and crunchy salad with green beans, toasted pecans and blue cheese. Great for entertaining.

PREP TIME: 10 MINS COOK TIME: 10 MINS EXTRA TIME: 1 HOUR CHILLLING SERVES: 4 READY IN: 1 HOUR 30 MIN

INGREDIENTS: > 500g fresh green beans, trimmed and halved > 30g blue cheese, crumbled > 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced > 4 to 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil > 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar > 50g chopped pecans, toasted > salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place green beans in a steamer over 2cm of boiling water and cover.

Cook until tender but still firm, about 2 to 6 minutes. Allow to cool.

In a medium bowl, combine beans, onion, blue cheese and pecans.

Stir in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Season with salt and pepper.

Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Source: All Recipes http://allrecipes.com.au/recipe/1610/greenbean-and-pecan-salad.aspx /

23

With the end of the financial year looming, many of you have insurance covers to be renewed including Liability* and Rental Bond* cover.

Mark Perree and his team at Melbourne Insurance Brokers (MIB) have been assisting wholesalers and growers for seventeen years.

MIB can assist you with the folowing: Business Property* Providing cover in the event of damage to Fixtures/Fittings (including cool rooms) and Stock caused by events such as fire, smoke , water or storm damage.

Revenue Protection for your Business* Protect your cashflow from any downturn as a result of an insurance event, more commonly known as Business Interruption.

* All of the above covers are required as part of your lease.

CYBER ATTACKS Yes, there is insurance for virtually everything including against tech savvy crims who want to hold you to ransom like we saw with the recent Wannacry virus attack.

FORKLIFTS AND BUGGIES Whilst Forklifts are virtually indestructible, they are subject to theft, damage to other vehicles and damage to property. Of course we have seen both a forklift and a buggy on fire in recent times so, Forrest Gump was right, it does happen! A Commercial Motor Policy will provide the cover needed.

The covers noted above are provided under a Business Insurance package which can be extended to include cover for: • Loss of Money • Theft • Glass breakage • Tax audit

Contact Mark & his team at MIB today (or tomorrow if you’re busy today …)

9686 0688

melbourneinsurancebrokers.com.au

24

issue 37 jun 2017

OF AFFAIRS

LI KET GH T

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

R A M

S P OT

IE

TT AS

RO

M

CE

RS

Family is the glue that holds many market businesses together and it’s also quite often the key to commercial success.

EN

SER

RICK, 7 – SENSERRIC

K

E GR

EN

G

M A

FF

ER

Bringing children to work at the market is an opportunity for parents to spend time with their kids while encouraging them to engage with the family business and learn about the industry.

The rules at the Epping facility prevent this, with children under the age of 15 prohibited.

Jim Fuller, from The Great Australian Mushroom Company, sums up the general feeling when he says, ‘My daughter used to come to Footscray D with me all the time. She can operate our systems as well as the other MA ITH VINCE AND VINCENT staff and she’s a very hard worker. The Epping market is a safer environment than Footscray was. It’s frustrating that the kids can’t come in. They get to help out, earn pocket money, and learn a work ethic.’ Jim’s daughter, 13 year old Cheyenne, adds, ‘I like working here but it’s frustrating when I’m not allowed to come. My school break is when I can spend time with Dad and it’s fun.’

I–

AD

VJ M

SM

NO

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M IN

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any wholesalers today carry on proudly with businesses that go back as far as great grandfathers. Given the emotional connections, it’s not surprising that the issue of children in the market provokes a strong reaction.

I, 1 0W

F AF

ER

In 2016, the MMA made an exception to allow children in for just one trading day. For traders, this seemed a token gesture, and totally inadequate as a means of engaging children in any meaningful way.

This year, the MMA allowed children in to the market for two successive days on April 11 and 12, during the April school holidays. The MMA have provided the visiting children with safety vests and nametags and have committed to children in the market for two further days, on September 26 and 27.

YL

E DY L

AN

SAL V I, 4 W

I T H DA D R A H

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AN

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From a market trader’s perspective, nothing holds truer than the old adage, ‘The Children are our future’. Four days in a year is not enough, but in terms of continuing the tradition of succession within the market, it is hopefully a step in the right direction.

25

C H E YE N N E

OM C OMPANY

in the market

13

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BRINGING CHILDREN TO WORK AT THE MARKET IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARENTS TO SPEND TIME WITH THEIR KIDS WHILE ENCOURAGING THEM TO ENGAGE WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS AND LEARN ABOUT THE INDUSTRY.

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26

OF AFFAIRS

MID YEAR SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

OF AFFAIRS

OF AFFAIRS

The 2017 Fresh State mid-year meeting was held on April 4 at Casa D’Abruzzo, Epping. Prior to the commencement of formal proceedings, members were treated to a cooked buffet breakfast, giving them a chance to catch up socially in a relaxed setting away from the pressures of work at the market.

T

he meeting opened with a welcome by President, Shane Schnitzler, and an introduction and overview of Fresh State Limited activities from CEO, Jason Cooper.

Steve Grillo presented a report on United Voice and Grant Nichol gave an update on the wholesaler’s advisory. Jason Cooper then explained the purpose and process of the bad debt fund. Shane Schnitzler discussed the latest achievements of Fresh Markets Australia and went on to explain some key points of the ACCC’s new Horticulture Code of Conduct.

New MMA chairman, Peter Tuohey, and Chief Operations Manager, David Whitchelo, were

invited into the meeting. Members made the most of the opportunity to ask questions and a lively session ensued.

Peter Tuohey expressed his willingness to work together with Fresh State and wholesalers to improve landlord/tenant relations.

Fresh State would like to thank the members for attending and assisting us to keep you informed and up to date with the latest industry and market developments.

issue 37 jun 2017

27

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

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

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

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

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1800 425 438 www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au

Elevated Work Platforms

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Proud Business Partners of Fresh State Your Volkswagen Partner

Bayford Volkswagen Epping 350 Cooper Street, Epping LMCT8954 Tel. 9409 9000 bayford350@bayford.com.au ~Manufacturer’s campaign driveaway price for MY17 new vehicles. ~#Vehicles must be sold and delivered by 30 June 2017. While stocks last. Options and metallic paint may be available for an additional cost. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Volkswagen Group Australia reserves the right to change or extend all offers. οApp-Connect is compatible for selected apps with the latest smartphone versions of iOS and Android. ¥ Safety technologies are not a substitute for the driver's responsibility of the vehicle.