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print post approved pp 424022/00429

ISSUE: THIRTY-THREE AUGUST/2010

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03-10

Magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited

n o i t a i d e M

Talks with Code

advisor p7

p14

morning Who’s making your

juice?

p13 Counting the

YOUR SOURCE OF FRESH

cost

of sabotage

source

INFORMATION FOR THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY.

growers wholesalers

retailers exporters processors transporters secondary wholesalers

c e o ’s

Co m m e n t

EKKA

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has maintained its close association with the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) through its ongoing sponsorship of the Brisbane Markets Agricultural Hall.

This year was another tremendous success with cooking demonstrations, kids cooking classes and giveaways.

BML works closely with Brismark and independent greengrocers to drive home the healthy eating message, with the children’s cooking classes being very popular.

Read more about it on pages 8 and 9.

Bowen reward The decision by the State Government to issue a $200,000 reward for information leading to a conviction of any person/s associated with the recent poisoning of seedlings in the Bowen region is to be applauded.

BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED ABN 39 064 983 017 PO Box 80, Brisbane Markets, Brisbane, Queensland 4106 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au w: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au

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PRINT Buckner Printing p: 07 3865 9677

The reports on pages 13 and 17 examine the issue in more depth.

Horticulture Code of Conduct Recently the mediation advisor appointed under the Horticulture Code of Conduct visited Brisbane as part of a series of industry visits he was making around Australia.

The mediation structure established under the Code is strongly supported

by BML and Brismark. It is one part of the Code which actually is workable.

The Mediation Advisor was able to confirm that since his appointment three-and-a-half years ago, he has received 42 enquiries, which on average is just 12 enquiries per year, nationally.

More details of the discussions with BML and Brismark are found on page 7 along with contact details for anyone requiring the services of the Mediation Advisor.

Fresh Source is the magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited. New editions of the magazine are printed bi-monthly.

Advertising and editorial inquiries are welcome and media outlets are invited to use

ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Marketing and Communications Manager Brisbane Markets Limited p: 07 3915 4200 or 1800 631 002 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au DESIGN Effigy p: 07 3040 4343

This was a very malicious act with far reaching impacts, and it is appropriate that the government does make it a priority to give police every assistance in resolving the crime.

material with or without acknowledgement.

Fresh Source is printed on Australian made recycled stock.

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PAPER Dalton Paper p: 07 3326 6800

3 Contents FRESH UPDATES

News in brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p4

FRESH FROM THE MARKETS

Western access road nears completion. . . . . . . . . p6 Tenants called to consider Fresh Centre. . . . . . . . p6 Talks with code mediation advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . p7 Ekka...600,000 and counting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p8 QKFN kids cooking classes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p9 Politician tries the hands-on approach . . . . . . . . . p10 Skilling up kids through a Market visit. . . . . . . . . . p10

FRESH WHOLESALING

Chemical loss could halt interstate sales. . . . . . . . p12 Delayed spicy levy talks at Brismark. . . . . . . . . . . . p12 Financial havoc from Bowen nursery sabotage. . p13 Counting the cost of sabotage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p12

FRESH INDUSTRY

Who’s making your morning juice? . . . . . . . . . . . . p14 Horticulture Award’s complexities bite!. . . . . . . . p14 Horticulture Code stays under the radar . . . . . . . p15 Farmers fear over rush for coal seam gas . . . . . . . p16 Nursery sabotage takes is financial toll on Bowen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p17 The business of vegetables now a DVD hit. . . . . . p18 Claiming the Gala Dinner date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p18 Added protection against exotic plant pests . . . . p18 Bundaberg growers explore the food chain. . . . p19 ‘Tis the season for an industry event . . . . . . . . . . . p20 AUSVEG convention produces the big names . . p20 Childers grower wins innovation award. . . . . . . . p20 Strawberry growers’ night of networking. . . . . . . p21 Fresh Connections connects industry leaders. . p21 Low Chill presentations had delegates asking for more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p22 Australian avocados on the world stage . . . . . . . . p22 Early table grape growers meet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p23 Tropical winter showcase so exotic. . . . . . . . . . . . . p23

New building construction commences BML has progressed construction of a new 4,718m² refrigerated warehouse.

The purpose-built facility is being constructed by Watpac Speciality Services and is due for completion by May 2011.

It’s one of a number of projects underway on Brisbane Markets 77ha Rocklea site as part of its $150 million Master Plan redevelopment to be carried out over the next 10 years.

There has also been progress on a new western access road and the refurbishment of Block F, which is to be known as Fresh Centre. For more details, read about it on page 6.

Andrew Young Chief Executive Officer

BUNDABERG IN THE NEWS

INDUSTRY EVENTS

FRESH EXPORT

World passion for Queensland mangoes. . . . . . . p24 Enexpected financial boost for exporters. . . . . . . p24 Chinese apples decision defended . . . . . . . . . . . . p24 ZESPRI launches three new kiwifruit varieties. . . p25

FRESH KIDS

Record year for the healthy eating message. . . . . p26 A message that sticks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p26

WEATHER

Long range weather forecast: the Spring outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p27

FRESH RETAILING

Fresh Tastes award season begins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p28 First win for Harvest on Hamilton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p28 Customers go wild for Nambour greengrocer. . p28 $26,000 in-store competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p29

CALENDAR

Whats on in Spring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p30

Updates Chinese imports through New Zealand AUSVEG is investigating if the rumours of Chinese produce finding its way into New Zealand and then to Australia are true.

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy said there is strong suspicion that processed vegetables from China and South America were finding their way into Australia through New Zealand.

The vegetables are labeled “Product from New Zealand – made from local and imported product”.

There is a free trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Mulcahy said it was not in the spirit of that agreement to have product from other countries coming through New Zealand in this manner.

Brisbane Produce Market watch Queensland’s largest newspaper The Courier-Mail has been running a Brisbane Produce Market article in its popular ‘tastes.com.au” food lift out each Tuesday to keep consumers up to date on what’s in season at their greengrocer.

The article also appears weekly on the Brisbane Markets website. Keep a watch out for it at www.brisbanemarkets.com.au.

Take a look at the report on the website each Monday to find out what you can

An apple a day could keep the doctor away A new CSIRO report, commissioned by Horticulture Australia Limited claims that eating apples daily may reduce the risk of a range of health problems including diabetes and high cholesterol - a key factor in heart disease.

The report, which reviewed 10 years of scientific research into apples, also found health benefits for asthma and allergy sufferers as well as weight loss. ‘’We’re often told apples are good for us, but what’s emerging now is the specific reasons why they are beneficial,’’ Associate Professor Manny Noakes of the CSIRO’s human nutrition program said. ‘’One really exciting part to come out of the report is that the polyphenols in the skin of apples can lower cholesterol by 5 to 8%, when eaten three times a day.’’

expect will be on special at your local greengrocer and which fruits are in season.

The report also tells us whether those fruits and vegetables are in plentiful or dwindling supply at the Brisbane Produce Market.

5

New bananas undergo taste test Scientists have gone on a global search to discover which varieties of overseas-grown bananas are suitable to be cultivated and consumed in the Queensland market.

The Australian market is dominated by two varieties, the Cavendish and Lady Finger.

Cavendish bananas make up 95% of production.

Feedback from industry and retailers suggests by offering a wider selection of bananas, the opportunity exists to increase sales and consumption.

Researchers from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) selected 15 types of bananas from 200 varieties grown overseas.

The bananas have been grown at DEEDI’s South Johnstone Research Station in North Queensland and were taste-tested by consumers.

The Queensland banana industry is forecast to produce about 300,000 tonnes of fruit in 2010/11 valued at $460 million.

In for the count Montague Fresh’s salesman Ryan Philipson (aka Chicken) is as comfortable in front of a camera as he is in the middle of a boxing ring.

An SBS film crew visited the markets to interview the welter weight as part of its documentary on tent boxing.

Titled ‘The Real Fight Club’, the two-part series follows Fred Brophy’s troupe, the last tent boxing troupe in the world, across some of the most fascinating and beautiful parts of Queensland.

Director Caspan Pieters said the documentary was an extraordinary chance to capture the unique sub culture before it was gone forever.

With the tent boxing in full swing, Ryan has fights scheduled in Mt Isa, Birdsville and Fernvale over the next two months, then its back into the ring to further his professional career.

Win for Australian rugby team from seasonal workers Tongan seasonal workers visitors aren’t just making a difference in the orchards; they are also having an impact on the footy field.

Thirty-six Tongans have been in the Queensland citrus town of Mundubbera since April picking fruit under the second phase of the Australian government trial.

The scheme is designed to give Pacific economies a boost and provide a reliable work force for the Australian horticulture sector.

Montague Fresh’s Ryan Philipson being filmed by an SBS team for its documentary on tent boxing.

Mundubbera is finding that the bolstering of its rugby team is an unintended bonus.

from the

Markets Western access road nears completion After months of road works, Brisbane Markets western access road is nearing completion with traffic lights now installed and a security gate, gatehouse and flood warning devices soon to be added.

While the new Sherwood Road entry will release the pressure for heavy vehicles entering the Brisbane Produce Market at its main gate, located further to the east, the new roadway and associated works have opened up a whole new area to the Markets that was once grazing land for cattle.

Watpac Limited is constructing the 4,718 square metre warehouse, which should be completed in early 2011.

The road upgrade, car spaces and building platform are part of the 10-year $150 million master plan redevelopment for the Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) site.

The road entry will flank 600 new car spaces.

It will flow traffic toward the northern (city) end of the Markets, just metres from where a new building platform is taking shape, next to the existing IGA Fresh building.

Brisbane Markets’ new western access road nears completion.

Tenants called to consider Fresh Centre The three-story building, once known as Block F or the Growcom building, will form part of a new commercial precinct and will be the heart of the vital new business precinct.

The three-story building, once known as Block F or the Growcom building, will form part of a new commercial precinct and will be the heart of the vital new business precinct.

Both Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark offices, including the Credit Service, will relocate to the refurbished building which will also include a demonstration kitchen and history collection room amid its commercial offices in the 4,000 square metre site.

Potential business owners can visit the building’s display office by contacting Property Manager Tricia Williams or Property Administrator David Peterson on 07 3915 4200.

The Fresh Centre building undergoing refurbishment.

7

Talks with code mediation advisor Australia’s Horticulture Mediation Advisor (HMA) David Newton has received only 40 inquiries since the Horticulture Code of Conduct came into effect in 2007 and only five requests for mediation, none of them based in Queensland.

Mr Newton, who is also the Produce and Grocery Industry Code of Conduct (PGIO) ombudsman, and his assistant mediation adviser and assistant ombudsman Bianca Keys, met with Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young and Brismark General Manager Ian Main to talk through the services available for wholesalers and growers.

To request a mediator, either party can make an application to the PGIO or the HMA by sending an application fee of $50 and by providing all the contact details for both parties and any other information that is useful.

For more information, contact 1800 206 385 or visit www.hortcodema.com.au.

The visit was also a timely reminder for Brisbane Markets wholesalers to ensure their written agreements, also known as Horticulture Produce Agreements or HPAs, with growers are signed and legal.

2. What outcome the person writing the letter is seeking 3. What action will resolve the dispute.

Totally Independent and Impartial • Brisbane Daily Fruit and Vegetable Market Reports

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• Waste Verification and Digital Photography

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BA

N E MA R

T

• Quality Inspections and Loss Assessments

• Established Interstate Network For All Services

KE

If matters are not resolved within this time, either party can contact the Horticulture Mediation Adviser (HMA) and ask to have a mediator appointed. The mediator will then arrange a meeting with both parties to assist them to resolve the matter.

• Outturn and Pre-Export Inspections and Assessments

• Independent Produce Assessments and Downgrading

UC

D

• Historic Market Data and Market Intelligence Reports

PR O

Under this Code the other party has three weeks (21 days) from the date of the letter to try and resolve the matter with the person that has written to them.

• Temperature Monitoring and Logger Recovery

RS

1. What the dispute is about

Fruit & Vegetable Marketing Consultants

YO

One party can send a letter (Notice of Dispute) to the other that outlines

S

The system works like this:

Fresh market information

B RI

Mr Newton said that disagreements can arise and when they do, the Code’s dispute resolution scheme takes effect, where one person requests mediation and the other person must attend. He said non-attendance was a breach of the Code and may involve legal consequences.

E S U RV

E

Ph (07) 3379 4576 Fax (07) 3379 4103 Infocall 1902 262 580 E-mail adminmis@ausmarket.net.au Web www.ausmarket.net.au

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from the

Markets Ekka…600,000 and counting The 2010 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) attracted more than 600,000 people over its 10 days, with the annual event’s success spilling into the Brisbane Markets Agricultural Hall where thousands of people lined up to learn more about fresh produce.

REBECCA FRIEBERG (LEFT) AND THERESA SCHOLL OF ANTS FRUIT MARKET SHOW HOW EASY IT IS TO PREPARE FRESH PRODUCE.

The hall’s main attractions were the Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes greengrocer cooking displays and the hundreds of mini chefs who joined the kids cooking classes.

Some of the State’s finest fresh produce was displayed and many Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers were generous contributors to the groups who arranged them.

The Brisbane Markets team managed both the Queensland Kids Fresh Net (QKFN) kids cooking classes and the Fresh Tastes display kitchen and this year both areas had mini facelifts.

STAFFING THE CLAYFIELD MARKETS FRESH COOKING SESSION WERE (FROM LEFT) SINEAD CURRIE AND SEL ISLER OF EFES ONE TURKISH RESTAURANT, WHOLESALER DEREK BAREA AND GREENGROCER CARL LICASTRO.

An unsightly brick wall was revamped and a new chalkboard paint job was added to the Fresh Tastes area - with positive comments from the public.

The kids cooking classes drew a great deal of positive media attention with Channel 10 filming a full session, while Channels Nine and Seven featured ‘bites’ on various news programs throughout the show.

Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young said the event is the union of a core message between the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland and the Brisbane Markets, to support the promotion and development of Queensland’s primary industries.

“Sponsorship of the Ekka provides Brisbane Markets with a tangible link to the South East Queensland community – along with fulfilling the organisation’s objective to promote the role and the importance of fresh fruit and vegetables to the consumer,” Mr Young said.

MAKING MUSHROOMS SCRUMPTIOUS ARE CHEF CARMEL CARMICHAEL AIDED BY BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET’S EVAN BAREA.

WHOLESALER VINCE MAILLI, OF BG BRISBANE, HANDS OUT RECIPE CARDS DURING A FRESH TASTES GREENGROCER COOKING SESSION.

9

display kitchen Nine Fresh Tastes reta ilers donated their time and produce to educate the public on ea sy home cooking reci pes with 54 demonstrations during Ekka.

Tha nks to: Ants Fruit Market

Ashgrove Fresh Belmondos Bluewater Fresh Boonah Fruit Supply h Clayfield Markets Fres Fa ncee Fruit & Deli Fruity Capers Rode Fresh

e also aided by The demonstrations wer members and Brisbane Markets sta ff ive members Brismark Junior Execut e Mail li.

Chris Deveney and Vinc

QKFN kids cooking classes Over a thousand children donned chef hats to create vegetable pizzas at the kids cooking classes during the 10 action-packed days of the 2010 Royal Queensland Show.

The mini master chefs made artwork they could eat, entered watermelon eating and mandarin peeling competitions, enjoyed fruit and vegetable quizzes and received Queensland Kids Fresh Net (QKFN) pencil cases filled with Brisbane Markets goodies.

Head chef Andre Tabet, from Food Circus, kept the children enthralled with his sense of humour and infectious style.

MINI CHEFS (FROM LEFT) ANJU KAMINGA, BRONTE CATHCART, NELLE MUNDIE AND GRACE CRILLY, FROM MILTON STATE SCHOOL DURING A COOKING CLASS.

A KIDS COOKING CLASS HELPER READIES THE CHILDREN FOR A FUN FILLED COOKING CLASS WHERE THEY GET TO EAT THEIR CREATIVITY.

Did you know?

The Brisbane Markets Agricultural Hall may stand another 12 months after this year’s event but is earmarked for upgrading as part of the $2.9 billion, 15-year Bowen Hills RNA Showgrounds Redevelopment.

from the

Markets Politician tries the hands-on approach

Skilling up kids through a Markets visit

The election was done and dusted as the Fresh Source magazine went to print but Brisbane Markets played its role in pre-election media time with the country’s cameras spotlighting its fresh produce.

Thousands of agricultural students could be learning more “real world” skills in their classes in the years to come after a group of teachers visited the Brisbane Produce Market to gain some advice.

Federal politician Tony Abbott was at the centre of the attention after he called in to visit the Brisbane Produce Market.

The teachers, from the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts Gateway Schools Program, were visiting sites around Brisbane so they could improve scientific and mathematical skills for high school agricultural students to better prepare them for their future careers.

The hands-on politician donned a leather apron and tried his hand at moving a full pallet of produce on a couple of sections during the hour-long walk around the selling floor.

Brisbane Markets board members and a throng of aids and media flanked the politician as he chatted with wholesalers, tasted the bananas, posed for photographs and stopped for a coffee at the Market Snacks Café.

Food security and environmental issues were top concerns for politicians heading into the election.

It was one of numerous delegations that take place in the Brisbane Markets annually.

The same week, 15 Foodworks retailers took the opportunity to see for themselves how the Central Markets operated before settling into the Brismark training room for a workshop.

Brisbane Produce Market regularly runs tours for grower organisations who also take the opportunity to breakfast and take part in a speaker forum, gain resources and network.

To find out more about taking part in a tailored Brisbane Markets tour contact Industry Liaison Officer Vanessa Kennedy on 07 3915 4200 or email vkennedy@brisbanemarkets.com.au.

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott gives the thumbs up after moving a full pallet on the Brisbane Produce Market floor.

Brismark’s COMMITMENT to Growers Our wholesalers have a demonstrated commitment to growers trading in the Brisbane Produce Market.

Just some of the hands-on initiatives to support growers include: • • • • • • •

Sponsorships Conference participation Grower kits Grower delegations Dedicated Industry Liaison Officer Grower Hotline Handy publications

Brismark and its members have worked hard over many years to put systems in place to provide the highest levels of service for produce marketing and distribution.

Brisbane Markets, Sherwood Road, Rocklea, Brisbane, Qld 4106, PO Box 70, Brisbane Markets, Qld 4106 Ph: (07) 3915 4222 Fax: (07) 3915 4221 Email: admin@brismark.com.au Web: www.brismark.com.au

BMK9585/C

To find out more about your Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers, visit www.brismark.com.au or phone the free Grower Hotline on 1800 631 002.

Wholesaling Chemical loss could halt interstate sales Brisbane Markets wholesalers want to see Biosecurity Queensland work with growers to help them prepare for the possible loss of two key chemicals that control fruit-fly.

A large variety of produce grown in Queensland is reliant upon the use of Dimethoate and Fenthion to enable fresh produce from fruit fly regions to be sold into the southern states.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) review into the use of these chemicals is expected to be completed in September and could result in their loss or tough new regulation.

Brismark General Manager Ian Main said that if, as is widely expected, their use is banned or restricted, the results could be catastrophic for the Queensland industry.

“A systems approach is the development of auditable systems of growing and handling practices that reduce the risk of fruit-fly contamination to levels acceptable to the biosecurity agencies in the receiving states.

“Despite the convening of a number of workshops and plenty of discussion, no systems have been developed to date.”

Mr Main said the development and approval of acceptable systems should be the first priority of every grower and industry organisation involved in the production of fruit-fly susceptible fresh fruit and vegetables in Queensland.

Bowen and Gumlu District Growers Association (BDGA) is one of the few grower associations working with Biosecurity Queensland on a response.

“Regulatory agencies have advised that the only viable alternative that could be developed in the near term to allow interstate trade to continue is a systemsbased approach,” Mr Main said.

Delayed spicy levy talks at Brismark The Australian Herbs and Spice Industry Association (AHSIA) was forced to suspend its proposed herb and spice levy consultation process just days before its Brisbane Markets workshop, one of five delayed in Queensland.

AHSIA president Roberty Hayes said the process was interrupted by the calling of the late August federal election, making any consultation processes inappropriate during a caretaker government period.

Participants around the country, at scheduled meetings, were to discuss managing biosecurity risks at the same time as the levy discussions.

Mr Hayes said stakeholders would be informed if the process was to continue.

13

Financial havoc from Bowen nursery sabotage Brisbane Markets wholesalers were among the first to hold meetings with Bowen and Gumlu District Growers Association (BDGA) after the devastating sabotage of a plant nursery that will wreak financial havoc on the area’s growers.

The Brisbane Markets delegation was on the ground just days after growers had planted up to seven million seedlings that died in the paddock, the victims of a malicious herbicide sabotage at the Supa Seedlings Nursery.

Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Year Carlo Lorenti, of Clayfield Markets Fresh joined wholesalers Tony Joseph, of Alfred E Chave, Peter Tighe, of J H Leavy, David Pershouse, of Pershouse Produce and Brismark Industry Liaison Officer Vanessa Kennedy to meet with affected growers.

Up to 40% of the area’s September tomato, egg plant, cucurbit, capsicum and melon crop was destroyed after someone placed herbicide in the nursery’s irrigation system.

BOWEN GROWER JAMIE JURGENS, OF VJ’S, CHECKS THE DEAD SEEDLINGS WHERE ROWS OF CAPSICUMS WERE EXPECTED TO BEAR FRUIT IN SEPTEMBER.

SUPA SEEDLINGS NURSERY STAFF MEMBERS SANITISE HUNDREDS OF SEEDLINGS TRAYS TO ELIMINATE ANY TRACE OF DANGEROUS HERBICIDE.

In a further blow to up to 30 affected growers, there are concerns that the transient labour force so widely used by Bowen growers will move on to more fertile fields, causing future labour shortages and costing the community up to $50 million in lost tourism and services.

Costs farm gate: $23.5 million Costs community: $50 million THE BRISBANE MARKETS VISITORS CHECK THE REMAINING DAMAGED SEEDLINGS THAT WERE EXPECTED TO DIE WITH EXPOSURE TO THE SUN.

Production land affected: 350 hectares Expected fresh produce lost: 16,200 Crop types lost: • Tomato 4 million, • Capsicum 2 million,

The State government has posted a $200,000 reward for information. A Queensland Police task force is calling on anyone with information to Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Read more from BDGA’s Denise Kreymborg on page 17.

Where: Bowen, the largest wintervegetable growing region in Australia What: Sabotage of 40% of the area’s crops

The nearby Donnelly Farming hydroponic tomato crop, connected to the same irrigation supply, was also wiped out. The Donnelly’s lost 16,000 truss tomato plants, their only crop for the year.

It is the fourth act of sabotage on the area’s horticulture industry in eight years.

Counting the cost of sabotage

• Melons 500,000, • Cucurbits 200,000, • Eggplant 400,000

TRAYS OF DEAD SEEDLINGS.

• Smaller amounts of cherry tomatoes

Industry Who’s making your morning juice?

Juice drinkers are being asked to check the labels on their bottles to see if they are drinking Australian product or an imported juice thinly veiled as being ‘Australian Owned’ or ‘Made in Australia’.

Citrus Australia Ltd is alarmed at how confusing and misleading labelling on fruit juices can be and is renewing its calls for simpler and more accurate product information.

“At the moment consumers should look for ‘Product of Australia’ or ‘Not From Concentrate’ on juice cartons, and ‘Product of Australia’ or ‘Australian Grown’ in the fresh produce section,” chief executive officer Judith Damiani said.

“You can back up Citrus Australia’s call for mandatory frank and informative labelling by sending us examples of misleading or deceptive food labels, especially fruit juice, that you come across.”

Send your examples to admin@citrusaustralia.com.au or post the label to PO Box 5091 Mildura VIC 3502.

Horticulture Award’s complexities bite!

Growers are struggling to adhere to tough new industrial relations changes that came into effect this financial year.

Modifications to the Horticulture Award were introduced by the Federal Government at the start of the year, but many of the financial and administrative implications have only taken effect from 1 July. The major impact is resulting from increases to the casual loadings, penalty rates and allowances paid to staff.

While Queensland growers struggle to understand the new pay rates and restrictions, Northern Territory Horticultural Association's CEO Kate Peake said their growers transitioned to the modern award pay system from not having had an award system at all and were finding it difficult to make sense of the changes.

"That scenario hasn't been replicated elsewhere in Australia, so it's been a really significant shift in practice for us, and clearly that is a cost to their business and a challenge for them," Ms Peake told ABC Radio.

"There are industrial relations experts across the nation who are struggling with this, and it's no surprise that growers are finding it difficult."

The process to move to the new award has been a complex process that has been driven by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC).

Any Queensland employers needing to understand their new obligations can contact the Brisbane AIRC office on 07 3000 0399 or email Brisbane@fwa.gov.au.

15

Horticulture Code stays under the radar Wholesalers and growers across Australia have lived through another federal election with still no promise of changes to the controversial mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct, despite years of lobbying and government reviews.

The legislation was introduced in May 2007 under a cloud of debate. It was the result of a pre-Federal Government election promise in 2004 to implement a mandatory code to provide greater transparency in the relationship between growers and wholesalers.

Many others within the industry thought, mistakenly, that it would also extend to the major retailers.

It took three years to introduce and once operational, industry called for an immediate review as the Code was unworkable, inflexible and anticompetitive.

Over the years and through another election, two reviews were held, one being in 2008 as part of a Senate enquiry into Australian grocery prices.

At this time, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) made 13 recommendations to improve the Code. It recommended an independent Horticulture Code

Committee obtain feedback from industry before implementing the recommended changes.

A further document regarding the ‘Implications of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recommendations to amend the Horticulture Code of Conduct’ report was handed to the Federal Government late last year.

The Code remains a prescriptive, inflexible piece of regulation that, to date, has cost the industry millions of dollars to discuss and implement and with little benefit.

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14 Apr 2010 09:10:11

Industry Farmers fear over rush for coal seam gas Farmers and environmentalists have joined forces on Queensland’s Darling Downs to try to stop the rush to harvest coal seam gas.

The Darling Downs is one of Australia’s most productive farming regions, but it is fast becoming home to drilling rigs as some of the world’s biggest energy companies search for millions of tonnes of methane, from coal.

Growers are worried that thousands of gas wells are going to damage their ability to grow food and it will poison their waterways, particularly as mining companies push into more productive cropping areas of the Darling Downs.

Rural consultant George Houen, who represents some of the 200 to 300 farmers who expect to have gas wells or pipelines on their properties, told ABC Radio that mining had always been an activity which directly affected only a small number of landholders at any single time.

“Now, suddenly, you’ve got this enormous, tremendously increased level of activity and it is intruding into properties on a scale never before seen,” Mr Houen said.

The rich farming land and vital water of the Surat Basin is worth around $2 billion.

The area produces lettuce, broccoli, melons, stone fruit and grapes.

Meanwhile, contamination of underground water in Cougar Energy’s pilot underground coal gasification plant near Kingaroy is also thought to be threatening the livelihood of local farmers.

In June, the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management ordered Cougar Energy to close the plant after test bores detected benzene and toluene in the groundwater.

Cougar met Queensland authorities to establish when Kingaroy operations could resume after subsequent testing confirmed the original tests were incorrect.

The results showed minor levels of contaminants well within Australian drinking water standards and up to 600 times less than those in the air at a suburban petrol station.

The state’s Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister, Stephen Robertson, said while the circumstances of each project would be evaluated individually, the Cougar contamination incident raised concerns for the future of the whole sector.

17

Nursery sabotage takes its financial toll on Bowen

BY BOWEN AND GUMLU DISTRICT GROWERS ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER DENISE KREYMBORG July saw the sabotage of over seven million seedlings in a Bowen nursery with a potential impact on the horticulture industry around $23.5 million in losses with a flow on to the local community upwards of $50 million.

This incident has the potential to devastate many growers in the Bowen region.

The seedlings were to go to 30 local growers producing tomatoes, capsicums, melons, zucchini, eggplant and pumpkin.

A vital statistic out of this region is that Bowen is the largest winter growing vegetable region in Australia.

Over the months of September and October on average 90% of tomatoes and capsicums come from Bowen.

There has been a frenzy of questions for the industry in Bowen surrounding the detail of the incident in the hope that a perpetrator will be caught.

Bowen District Growers Association (BDGA) and I have been working closely with industry, police and media to support the investigation.

Media reports on the sabotage have been broadcast around Australia and as far afield as London, USA and Sweden.

People need to talk to their local greengrocer or retailer and ask if they stock Bowen/Whitsunday produce and buy an extra tomato, capsicum, zucchini or eggplant.

It is one way consumers can support Bowen growers after such a severe blow to an already fragile industry that just can’t afford an incident such as this.

The BDGA is also grateful for the enormous amount of support received from wholesalers, grocers, Brisbane Produce Market, AUSVEG and State based industry organisations, the continued support of State Minister for Primary Industries Tim Mulherin and the Federal Agricultural Minister Tony Burke, all the media involved and many others within the industry over the past month.

Most growers already have their back against a wall with many BDGA members unable to break even last year, let alone this year now that their September crops have been destroyed.

We can only hope that anyone with any information contacts crime stoppers in order to help apprehend the perpetrator so that this type of incident doesn’t occur again.

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BDGA, in recent media releases, has stated that the future of the district was the difference between a person buying one extra zucchini or tomato next time they shopped.

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Industry Bundaberg in the news The business of vegetables now a DVD hit Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) has launched a DVD called “The Business of Vegetables” that presents case studies of successful and passionate individuals working in the Australian vegetable industry supply chain.

Twenty case studies were filmed in six key vegetable growing regions across Australia by a film crew from Central Queensland University.

The underlying themes of all case studies are job roles, career progression, lifestyle benefits, personal development, and leadership activities.

It highlights innovative farm practices, supply chain functions such as packaging and retailing, and benefits associated with working in the industry including travel, the opportunities to up skill and a great lifestyle.

Claiming the Gala Dinner date Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) is claiming Saturday, 25 September for its annual 2010 Gala Dinner.

Brisbane Produce Market is a ruby sponsor this year but there are more sponsorship places to be secured in the lead up to the biannual event, to be held

at the Bundaberg Civic Centre.

Up to 500 people are expected to attend with visitors from across Australia’s horticultural industry invited.

For more information, contact the BFVG office on 07 4153 3007 or email bfvg.info@bfvg.com.au.

Added protection against exotic plant pests A new manual being distributed will give growers and farm managers in Bundaberg’s diverse horticultural industries added protection against exotic plant pests.

Working in partnership, Plant Health Australia and the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Co-operative (BFVG) have produced a Biosecurity Induction Manual for Bundaberg Horticultural Farms.

It is a simple training manual for new workers, and will help growers and farm managers implement biosecurity best practice on their property, protecting not just their own livelihood, but that of their industry and their community.

A supplementary brochure has also been produced to raise awareness of biosecurity in the region, and is being distributed through local caravan parks, tourist information centres and backpacker hostels.

For more information visit the Plant Health Australia website. or contact Peter Hockings on peter.hockings@bfvg.com.au.

19

Bundaberg growers explore the food chain A group of Wide Bay fruit and vegetable growers took up a unique opportunity to follow their produce through the food chain, from their farms, to Brisbane Markets, and explore processing plants, warehouses and retailers on the way.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) and Brismark helped organise the two-and-half-day road trip, assisted by Horticulture Australia Limited funding.

The journey was designed to boost the farming community’s business acumen.

SIMON GEORGE AND SON’S BEN GEORGE (LEFT) TOUR GUIDES BUNDABERG FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWER’S BRIAN LARKIN AND AUSTRALIAN MELON ASSOCIATION SECRETARY LEANNE MCLENNAN THROUGH THE WAREHOUSE.

Participants reported a range of outcomes from the visit, including improved wholesaler relationships, sourcing new contacts and forming mentoring arrangements between experienced and new growers on the tour.

The group also took the opportunity to gain contacts, gather up information resources to share with other growers and received a better understanding of all facets of the supply chain.

“For the first time, our growers were led through the whole buying, selling and value adding process with some of the key players in the industry speaking directly to them, from the Brisbane Produce Market through to the retailers and food caterers,” Mr Peterson said.

“Growers face so many challenges in their industry, and at times they must wonder why they have so many regulations and practices to follow.

BFVG Executive Officer Peter Peterson said the journey was an eye opener for growers, even though many had been farming for most of their lives.

“A tour like this brings the whole picture together. It gets growers off the farm and directly in front of the people who are using their product.”

BUNDABERG SNOW PEA GROWER TAMMIE LAUMANN CHECKS OUT THE QUALITY OF PRODUCE AT FANCEE FRUIT, ONE OF BRISBANE’S LEADING RETAILERS, DURING HER SUPPLY CHAIN TOUR.

FROM LEFT, BUNDABERG’S BRIAN LARKIN, PETER TREASURE AND FANCEE FRUIT’S DAVID VEDALAGO AND MICHAEL CROUCH DISCUSS THE BIG ISSUES AT A RETAIL LEVEL.

e r u t a fe

Industry events

‘Tis the season for an industry event It may be a quiet year for industry conferences in comparison to past years but what events have been held in the past few months have been hard hitting for industry attendees.

This four-page feature takes a look at the industry events Brisbane Produce Market has attended, covering topics of vegetable sales and stone fruit imports through to industry dinners and North Queensland tropical fruit displays.

AUSVEG convention produces the big names The 2010 AUSVEG National Convention drew 650 Australian and international industry delegates to the Gold Coast, many of them taking the opportunity to visit the Brisbane Produce Market trade display.

The three-day event featured a range of social activities, visits from sporting celebrities as well as a meaty program to keep vegetable growers up with the latest research and issues management.

Special guests included former Governor-General Michael Jeffery, Independent Senator for South Australia Nick Xenophon, Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke and Elders Ambassador and cricketing legend Glenn McGrath among a sea of other keynote industry speakers.

Up to 70 other businesses joined Brisbane Produce Markets in the trade display area.

AUSVEG chairman John Brent said the convention was not just about networking, awards and speaker sessions. AUSVEG would continue its support for the industry by providing a voice for all its members and member associations.

Full details on the conference can be found in the AUSVEG website www.ausveg.com.au or in its July/August Vegetables Australia magazine.

Childers grower wins innovation award Childers grower Andrew Philip, of SP Exports, has taken out the Brisbane Produce Market Innovation Marketing Award at the recent AUSVEG National Convention for his work with a drip-free tomato variety.

The product also won the innovation award at the 2008 Fruit Logistica for being the world’s first full flesh and non-leaking tomato.

A CHEQUE FOR $7,140, PROCEEDS FROM A MUD CRAB AUCTION, RAISED WITH THE AID OF BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET WHOLESALERS, WAS DONATED BY BOWEN AND GUMLU DISTRICT GROWERS ASSOCIATION’S DENISE KREYMBORG TO THE MCGRATH FOUNDATION. FORMER WORLD CLASS CRICKETER GLENN MCGRATH (CENTRE) AND ELDERS TONY DYNE WERE ON HAND TO RECEIVE THE CHEQUE.

STANTHORPE GROWER ROSS CANNAVO (LEFT) AND BUNDABERG GROWER MAX HORVARTH LOOK THROUGH THE FRESH SOURCE MAGAZINE AT THE BRISBANE PRODUCE MARKET STAND DURING AUSVEG CONVENTION.

Mr Philip was absent at the award night, leaving Marketing Manager Colin Hudson to receive the award from Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young.

Other competitors included Candy Michaelis for a SA Grown Branding and Marketing Program; Joe D’anastasi, of Glenorie Hydroponics, NSW; Rick Butler, of Butler Market Gardens, Victoria; and Western Potatoes Pty Ltd, of West Perth, WA.

Strawberry growers’ night of networking Brisbane Markets wholesalers joined Queensland Strawberry Growers’ Association (QSGA) members on the Sunshine Coast for a night of networking at its annual conference catch up.

It was the first time the event, that draws wholesalers, industry representatives and growers today, was a networking function rather than a sit down meal.

Guest speaker Don Hartley, an industry veteran, talked about the early days of packing boxes layered with ferns and how strawberries were sent by rail, as far south as Sydney.

His speech focused on the way the industry had changed from the days farmers struggled to find healthy strawberry runners.

Another guest, Don Hutton, a senior experimentalist with the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, was presented with an appreciation award for his many years of service to the industry.

21

Fresh Connections connects industry leaders The annual Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Connections conference has become the who’s who of the horticulture industry, with this year’s Melbourne event drawing international delegates as well as horticultural leaders from across Australia.

technology, social networking, farm economies, proprietary varieties, research and development, industry trends and business strategy.

The PMA Conference has become the major networking event for the horticulture industry.

Brisbane Produce Market was a sponsor of the three-day conference that attracted 700 delegates to the Melbourne Convention Centre in June to hear about industry and marketing issues.

Key speakers from large retail chains such as Costco, IGA Fresh, Franklins, Woolworths and Tesco provided opinion.

Panel sessions and speaker topics covered CEO emissions, promotion, business succession, water

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e r u t a fe

Industry events

Low Chill presentations had delegates asking for more Two presentations at the 2010 Low Chill Stonefruit Conference, in Ballina, kept up to 300 delegates so interested that there was a call for more information and longer discussion sessions on the subjects.

The first was a discussion on The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) review into the use of chemicals, dimethoate and fenthion, which protect against fruit fly.

Low Chill Australia Communications Manager Col Scotney said the four-day conference and trade show at the Ballina RSL Club was such a success because it was a conference organised by growers for growers.

Conference papers can be found by visiting www.lowchillaustralia.com.au.

The talk made it clear why it was important growers only used tested, approved and safe chemicals that were registered and a background on the APVMA was given.

However, the biggest concern surrounded an APVMA review of the registered chemicals, with the outcome leading to either tougher regulation of the chemicals or cancelling their use.

The other was a Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) researched discussion on who the customers were who were buying summerfruits and what they were saying about the product.

BRISBANE WHOLESALER FRANCESCA LASPINA, OF ROMEO’S MARKETING (LEFT), TALKS WITH HORTICULTURE AUSTRALIA LIMITED MARKETING MANAGER AGNES BARNARD.

HAL Marketing Manager Agnes Barnard touched on the amount people are willing to spend, discussed which fruits were more popular and where people were buying their product from, and why.

Other speakers touched on introducing Californian summerfruits to Australia, issues facing high chill stonefruit and a range of grower issues, from climate to growing advice.

LOW CHILL STONEFRUIT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER COL SCOTNEY (LEFT) AND SUMMERFRUIT AUSTRALIA INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER DOM CUTRI CHAT AT THE LOW CHILL STONEFRUIT CONFERENCE IN BALLINA.

Australian avocados on the world stage Australian Avocados is claiming 9 to 12 September, 2011 to host an industry congress that is held in a different part of the world every four years.

The VII World Avocado Congress Organising Committee has chosen Cairns for the world event.

The Committee said the Australian location was a great opportunity to see an avocado growing country that is usually hidden away by distance.

The conference will focus on learning the latest techniques for growing, finding out all about avocado marketing and how the economy and climate change are going to impact on the industry.

23

Early table grape growers meet Early table grape producers joined wholesalers and industry members at an early August conference in Brisbane to discuss industry quality, consumer experiences and retail data.

The event, held at Rydges Hotel at South Bank, featured speakers such as Freshlogic’s Martin Kneebone, Yahya Kanj from The Neilsen Company and Avocados Australia’s Joanna Embry.

Tropical winter showcase so exotic It may have been winter but there was nothing wintry about the North Queensland tropical delights that were put on show in Brisbane recently to showcase the exotic food being produced.

Brisbane wholesalers joined chefs, food buyers and food media to taste, touch and learn more about the produce that has not traditionally made it to main stream cooking, particularly in the cooler months.

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) hosted the Queenland-grown showcase at Bretts Wharf restaurant, organising celebrity chef Alastair McLeod to cook up some of the ingredients for participants to try.

a greater market awareness and greater consumer demand would result in the long term.

The event was a great opportunity for Brisbane wholesalers to catch up with their North Queensland growers, who had a range of exotic fruits on display.

A display of native foods showed off some of the flavours of the foods emerging onto the Market so that

“Proudly supporting the Market Precinct and Community”

TULLY EXOTICS GROWER PETER SALLERAS (LEFT) SHOWS SOME OF HIS CROP TO BRISBANE MARKETS WHOLESALER CRAIG CHARD, OF SO CRISP, AT DEEDI’S QUEENSLAND GROWN WINTER PRODUCE SHOWCASE.

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Export World passion for Queensland mangoes

Unexpected financial boost for exporters

People around the world are gaining a passion for Queensland mangoes with this season’s exports improved by 25%.

Horticulture exporters received an unexpected end of financial year lift after a Federal Government refund of Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) over charges, back dated to between 1 July and 15 September 2009.

During the last mango season, Australia exported almost 4,000 tonnes of mangoes valued at $15 million, with about 80% from Queensland-based companies.

Exports increased to our major, existing markets including Hong Kong (up 33%), the Middle East (up 11%) and New Zealand (up 207%).

There was also significant growth in developing markets, including China (up 958%), Indonesia (up 503%), Russia (up 154%) and Canada (up 137%).

The $790,000 refund resulted from AQIS over charges last year.

The Australian Horticultural Exporters Association (AHEA) had pushed the Joint Industry – AQIS Horticultural Export Ministerial Taskforce to agree to the one off payment to assist horticultural exporters.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the State had benefited from the expansion of new and existing markets.

AHEA CEO and Industry Co-chair of the Horticultural Export Ministerial Taskforce Maxwell Summers said this was “the best good news story for horticultural exporters in a long time”.

Mr Mulherin said the Queensland Government was partnering with mango producers, exporters, and interstate and national agencies as part of its Global Markets Initiative to boost the export capacity of mango businesses.

A number of Brisbane Markets exporters are members of the AHEA, which is seeking stronger support. Anyone interested in membership can contact the association on 03 9210 9380 or email ahea@ahea.com.au for details.

Chinese apples decision defended Tasmanian apple growers have started exporting to China at the same time there is a wave of controversy to allow Chinese apples into Australia.

Biosecurity Australia has defended its decision to give the final go ahead for China to import apples to Australia.

It said under an Import Risk Analysis

released in June, there would be additional measures to inspect produce in China.

The first shipment is expected to be made by November 2010.

The horticulture industry is concerned that the fruit could introduce the Suzuki fruit fly.

ZESPRI’S EARLY SEASON GOLD 3 VARIETY.

25

ZESPRI launches three new kiwifruit varieties New Zealand company ZESPRI Group Ltd has introduced three new kiwi fruit varieties that will be licensed to be planted or grafted this season.

The varieties include early-season Gold (Gold 3); a potentially longstoring Gold (Gold 9); and a new sweet Green (Green 14).

The move follows a 10-year development program, which included on-orchard research, storage, shipping and global taste tests.

For the red kiwifruits, two new varieties are undergoing on-orchard grower trials.

More than 50,000 potential new varieties had been part of the program, more than 10,000 had made the initial shortlist, 40 went to initial growing trials, four made it to on-orchard trials, storage, shipping and taste tests and only three have reached the stage of commercialisation.

“Gold product then achieves premiums of more than 100 over other varieties – something no other horticulture marketer has ever managed to achieve.”

ZESPRI Chief Executive Lain Jager said the new varieties provided new opportunities for growers interested in green varieties, gold or both.

“In gold, we have the world’s best performing horticulture product,” Mr Jager said.

“Gold orchards are highly productive, yielding approximately 22% more fruit per hectare than green kiwi fruits.

A TE PUKE ORCHARD, IN NEW ZEALAND, IN PREPARATION FOR GRAFTING ZESPRI’S NEW KIWIFRUIT VARIETIES

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Kids Record year for the healthy eating message The Queensland Kids Fresh Net (QKFN) program, co-funded by Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) and Brismark, is looking at another record year in terms of numbers of students reached by the healthy eating message.

Up to July 2010, the QKFN team had visited more than 60 schools and educated over 3,500 students in the greater Brisbane area.

A further 1,000 students had booked in to receive the presentation for the remainder of the year.

Brisbane Market’s Marketing and Communications Manager Maree Peterson said the influence of television shows such as Masterchef and My Kitchen Rules had a positive influence on primary school children.

“Each school visit, the team takes in a sample of fruit and vegetables,” Mrs Peterson said.

“No longer do the students cast a blank look when a bunch of broccolini or a bulb of fennel is held in the air.

“More often than not, the team is greeted with many hands being raised, followed by a great deal of chatter regarding how it was used in a particular recipe on Masterchef.”

Mrs Peterson said the fresh interest in cooking meant that the Crunch Time presentation, that focuses on the Year 5 to 7 students, had been so successful with students interacting and discussing ways in which various fruits and vegetables can be prepared.

“Educating students at an early age about how easy it is to prepare fresh and healthy food options, using fresh fruit and vegetables, is crucial for the students to develop and maintain healthy lifestyles,” Mrs Peterson said.

The two presentations available are the Apples aint Apples program, for Years 2 to 4 and Crunch Time, for the older students.

SAINT OLIVER PLUNKETT STATE SCHOOL YEAR 3 STUDENTS LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HEALTHY MESSAGE.

A message that sticks A Queensland Kids Fresh Net (QKFN) program initiative, started in the second half of 2009, involves the handing out of a fun and informative pencil case pack to each student in the program.

Included is a range of kids recipe brochures, fun toys and an apple magnet with some great tips on healthy eating.

Close to 10,000 healthy eating pencil cases have been distributed to primary school children since mid 2009.

More information on

these free programs, visit

www.brisbanemarkets.com.au

27

Long range weather forecast.

The Spring outlook

BY HAYDEN WALKER, LONG RANGE WEATHER FORECASTER The following long range weather forecasts are for the spring months of September, October and November: SEPTEMBER

Peninsula Carpentaria

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

General: Moderate rains above average.

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains above average.

General: Good rains above average.

General: Light to moderate falls above average.

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains below average.

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

Far North Coast - Barron

General: Reasonably good to good rains above.

Far North Coast - Herbert

General: Good rains above average.

General: Good rains above average.

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

Central Coast

General: Reasonably good rains above average.

General: Good rains above average.

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains about average.

General: Varying light/ moderate to reasonably good.

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

General: Varying light/ moderate to reasonably good.

General: Light to moderate falls above average.

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains above average.

General: Light to moderate falls above average.

Port Curtis

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains above average.

General: Good rains above average.

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

Moreton South East

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

General: Good rains above average.

General: Good rains above average.

Darling Downs

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains above average.

General: Reasonably good to good rains above average.

General: Reasonably good to good rains about average.

Maranoa

General: Light to moderate rains about average.

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains average.

General: Light to moderate falls below average.

Warrego

General: Light to moderate falls about average.

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains above average.

General: Light to moderate falls below average.

General: Moderate to reasonably good rains above average.

General: Moderate rains above average.

General: Light to moderate falls about average.

Central Highlands/ Lowlands Upper and Lower Western

Far South West

Note: Rainfall dates are a guide for each month and an update can be obtained on a short term basis.

In the present state of this research no guarantee can be given as to the accuracy of this forecast.

A longer term forecast can be supplied by contacting Hayden Walker on 0408 846 890 or visiting the website www.walkersweather.com.au

Retailing Fresh Tastes award season begins The Brisbane Produce Market Fresh Tastes awards program began in May with 10 Retailer of the Month accolades to be awarded from May through to December.

Winners are determined by mystery shopping results - scoring on product quality, merchandising and customer service.

The greengrocer with the highest score for that month is announced in the first week of the following month.

First win for Harvest on Hamilton Wavell Heights greengrocer, Harvest on Hamilton was announced as the Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Month for May. This is the first award for both the store and the 2010 Fresh Tastes program which recognises excellence in fruit and vegetable retailing.

Customers go wild for Nambour greengrocer Wild About Fruit on Mapleton Road in Nambour was awarded the Fresh Tastes Retailer of the Month for June.

The Barry family are now second time winners in the Fresh Tastes monthly award program.

Harvest on Hamilton is owned by award winning partners Nathan Sologinkin and Ben Kennedy.

Peter and Kathy Barry, along with their

They also boast a loyal and capable team, led by Manager Gavin Neal.

which is proving to be a successful formula.

Nathan and Ben attribute the shop’s success to both the dedicated staff and the quality produce on offer.

Produce Market selecting the best

“Delivering quality service is the key, we buy superior produce at the Brisbane Markets every day and it is good to know the team at the store are showcasing our range and taking care of the customers,” Mr Sologinkin said.

Bec manages staff and looks after our

HARVEST ON HAMILTON STORE MANAGER GAVIN NEAL (LEFT) WITH HIS STAFF MEMBERS.

A FAMILY AFFAIR IN NAMBOUR WITH (FROM LEFT) PETER BARRY, BECKY BARRY AND KATHY BARRY WITH ‘WILD’ TEAM MEMBERS CHLOE BASSET AND JONATHAN MATTISKE.

daughter Rebecca, work in the store, all bringing different skills to the business

“I do all the buying at the Brisbane produce at the best prices. Kathy is on top of all the business administration and customers,” Mr Barry said.

“When we win an award like Retailer of the Month it just shows us that our hard work is paying off.”

29

$26,000 in-store competition Queensland’s biggest fruit and vegetable giveaway ran through the month of July with participating Fresh Tastes greengrocers from Brisbane and its surrounds now preparing to hand out tonnes of fresh produce to their winners.

Stretching up to Yandina on the Sunshine Coast and as far south as Robina on the Gold Coast, 26 greengrocers gave away a total of $26,000 worth of fruit and vegetables, with lucky winners taking a year’s supply of fresh fruit and vegetables valued at $1,000 from each store.

The competition was coordinated and partly funded by the Brisbane Produce Market specifically for independent greengrocers participating in its Fresh Tastes program.

Storeowners have commended the promoters for setting an attractive prize which can be easily managed by the store

owners. Aspley’s Top Spot Fruit Mart owner Barry Haskins was a vocal supporter of the competition.

Brisbane Markets Limited CEO Andrew Young, is a leading supporter of the competition

“The Fresh Tastes team asked me about the $1,000 prize and I know I gave my opinion that it will be best to use over 12 months with a maximum spend of $60 per week on fresh fruit and vegetables, and they certainly listened,” said Mr Haskins.

concept and said he was pleasantly

“I will definitely consider implementing this model in our own promotions as well.”

retailers’ participating in such a

surprised at the commitment shown by the greengrocers.

“We were excited to be involved in a promotion of this size. It has never been done before and to have 26 of our Fresh Tastes generous way is beyond our initial expectations,” said Mr Young.

“The $1000 competition was well received by my customers. Promotions like this can help in the generally slower winter months.”

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ASS1030

events

Calendar

What’s on in Spring 5-7 September

8-10 September

27-30 October

NFF 2010 NATIONAL CONGRESS

ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA

ALMOND INDUSTRY ANNUAL

NATIONAL FARMERS FEDERATION

Convention and Exhibition Centre,

CONFERENCE

The Grand Hyatt, Melbourne, VIC

Hong Kong, China

Setts Bar & Function Centre,

Contact: Claudia Bach on

Mildura, NSW

+49 30 3038 2373 or visit

Contact: The Almond Board of

www.asiafruitcongress.com.

Australia on 08 8582 2055 or

Contact: Barry Neame, Consec-Conference Management on (02 6251 0675 or email nff2010@consec.com.au Conference that focuses on the responding and adapting to change in modern farming and the political implications, production technologies and evolving consumer-driven demands.

10 September

More than 250 exhibitors from Asia and the rest of the world are due to

The theme is “Coming out of our

take part at the three-day trade show.

Shell” and is will bring together over

More than 3,500 trade visitors

200 delegates from all facets of

are expected.

the industry.

25 September

31 October to 3 November

BUNDABERG FRUIT AND VEGETABLE

MAREEBA DISTRICT GROWERS FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWERS ANNUAL DINNER

admin@australianalmonds.com.au.

GROWERS ANNUAL DINNER

Bundaberg Civic Centre,

CITRUS AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Bundaberg, Qld

Peppers Pier Resort, Hervey Bay, Qld

Contact: Peter Peterson on

Contact: Phone 03 5023 6333 or email

Contact: Joe Moro on 07 4092 6099 or email mdfvga@bigpond.com.

07 4153 3007 or email

admin@australiancitrusgrowers.com.

Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers will host the gala dinner with up to 300 industry people in attendance.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable

for the Australian Citrus industry,

Growers will host the gala dinner

featuring international and national

with up to 500 industry people

speakers with a focus on industry

in attendance.

marketing issues.

Mareeba International Club, Mareeba, Qld

peter.peterson@bfvg.com.au.

Annual conference and trade show

2010 Mango Auction set for October The annual Brisbane Produce Market Mango Auction, in support of children’s charities Life Education Queensland and Redkite, will be staged in October.

The date for the event changes annually according to the mango season, and this year’s event will be held on Thursday, 14 October 2010.

Last year Australia welcomed its first Mango Queen with Susan Lorenti of Clayfield Markets Fresh making the winning bid for $45,000.

REIGNING MANGO QUEEN SUSAN LORENTI OF CLAYFIELD MARKETS FRESH.

TRUST ZUPPS

FOR TRUCKS RUCK RUCKS

• Convenient Rocklea location - ideal for Brisbane • 24 hour after sales and parts support Markets operators • Vehicle servicing between 7am & 11pm every working day or Saturday morning.

• Nobody beats Zupps on price • Full range of FUSO trucks from the 2 tonne CANTER (only requires car license) to the heavy duty FIGHTER range

• In field service unit can come to you – saves you time and money

Zupps Trucks Centre Rocklea 143 Marshall Rd, Rocklea

zupps.com.au/trucks

Ph: 3277 9355 A/H: Graham 0407 377 706 Brendan 0400 705 224 Brendon 0407 646 529 Brain 0427 266 541 Daryl 0408 882 168

*Source: Logistik Journal 2009

Guess who’s the number one forklift choice in the Australian markets?

It really is no surprise that Toyota Material Handling sells more forklifts than any other company in the Australian Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Markets.

With Australia’s biggest range of forklifts and the commitment to customer service and after-sales

support you’d expect from the market leader*, we guarantee to deliver the best quality material handling solutions all year round, no matter what the season. So give us a call and get a fresh forklift deal today.

1800 425 438 www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au

S O L U T I O N S

F O R

E V E R Y

P A L L E T®