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Print post approved pp 100001181

issue: FORTY SEVEN WINTER /2014

02-14

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MAGAZINE OF BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED

WHOLESALERS

WIN

11

top industry award

n

Brisbane Markets strategic pla

unveiled

6

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CEO comment Who cares?

With all the effort made by the Federal Government to support research and

Despite this, the only focus you will see

While health care costs escalate, and

on how to grow the Australian vegetable

Australians increasingly suffer from

industry is through exporting.

obesity and diet related illnesses, there

development in the horticulture industry, Australia’s vegetable export performance and the focus on increasing production

has been in the doldrums for many

and developing export markets, you

years, as Australia is a high cost producer

would think that at some point more

– competing in an export market with

questions would be asked about

numerous low cost competitors.

increasing the health of Australians.

You would think they would also look at the benefits of spending more of the Research and Development (R&D)

3

Yes, we do need to focus on exporting, but we must be realistic about what we can achieve.

is little being done which demonstrates that any meaningful advocacy or strategies are in place which establishes goals to increase the per capita consumption of vegetables in Australia.

No matter how you look at it, from both the perspective of the Federal Government and the Australian Vegetable industry, this just

millions on preventable health care

Having said this, I am certainly quick to

through increasing the per capita

advocate for the export of high quality

consumption of vegetables –

lines into export destinations, and

here in Australia!

promote the role which Central Markets

It is with great sadness that we learnt of

can play as a consolidation point and

the passing of Arch Martin on 26 June

distribution hub in serving high end

2014. Arch had a 70 year association with

markets.

the Markets and in recent years was

The Go for 2 & 5 campaign about a decade ago was supported by research that, on average, Australian adults were eating less than half of the

It remains logical however, that national

recommended five serves of vegetables

vegetable industry organisations and

per day for good health (The Queensland the Federal Government rethink their attitude towards increasing per capita figure was 2.1 serves per day).

Australia’s per capita consumption

consumption volumes.

of vegetables is relatively low and

An Australian Bureau of Statistics report

the trend in relation to changes in

on the Profiles of Health, Australia

consumption levels is flat. The reality

2011-13 highlighted that only 8.2% of

is that an increase of around 100%, or

Australians are consuming the daily

a doubling of the current consumption

recommended intake of vegetables!

levels, would be required to have Australians eat the recommended intake volumes.

doesn’t make sense!

Vale

appointed by the Brisbane Markets as the Chairman of the Brisbane Markets History Task Force. Arch was pivotal in the establishment of the Brisbane Markets History Room and in helping with the publication of the 50 Years at Rocklea coffee table book.

My sincere condolences are extended to Arch’s wife, Betty and his family. Arch will be sadly missed.

By any measure this is a material disaster, both for the vegetable industry, which would benefit greatly through increased

This is not a new revelation –

consumption, and the Australian

these figures have been around for

Government, which has to substantially

at least a decade.

fund the cost of poor dietary choices.

BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED ABN 39 064 983 017 PO Box 80, Brisbane Markets, Rocklea, Queensland 4106 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au w: www.brisbanemarkets.com.au ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES The Editor Brisbane Markets Limited p: 07 3915 4200 or 1800 631 002 e: admin@brisbanemarkets.com.au DESIGN Effigy p: 07 3040 4343 | PRINT Buckner Printing p: 07 3865 9677

Andrew Young, Chief Executive Officer

Fresh Source is the magazine of Brisbane Markets Limited. New editions of the magazine are printed quarterly.

Advertising and editorial inquiries are welcome and media outlets are invited to use material with or without acknowledgement.

Fresh Source is printed on Australian made recycled stock.

Contents Fresh Updates

updates

p4

FRESH MARKETS Brisbane Markets unveils strategic plan . . . . . . . . p6 Code still on the political agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p7 G20 Summit preparations on site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p7 New look trading floor being planned . . . . . . . . . p8 A reinvigorated Commercial Centre . . . . . . . . . . . p8 History Flashback: Curzon Street pot holes. . . . . p9 50 year celebrations ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p9 Brismark directors’ awards no surprise. . . . . . . . . p10 Central Markets and Chamber meet. . . . . . . . . . . p10 Industry’s top wholesaler award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p11 Young achiever encourages others. . . . . . . . . . . . . p11 Lindsay Bros move onsite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p11 Vale Archibald (Arch) Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p12 Cairns AUSVEG convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p13 Fresh Connections in Auckland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p13

Sensational strawberries in season It’s strawberry season in Queensland again, with the growers taking time out to hold a dinner at the Sunshine Coast Function Centre, Caloundra in May to talk about the season ahead.

Queensland has a predominantly dry winter with warm days and cool starry nights.

Strawberries thrive in this climate and with the variation between the maximum and minimum daily temperatures produce

FRESH INDUSTRY

berries with great flavour from late May to October.

Fresh Produce Safety Centre opens. . . . . . . . . . . . p15 Conference launch ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p15 Be careful what you wish for. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p16 Chemical companies responsible choice. . . . . . . p17 Industry News Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p18 HAL to transit to a grower RDC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p20 Big response to ag White Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p21 White Paper goes green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P21 Australian Chamber call for fairer legislation. . . . p23 Succession or Exit Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p24 Potential impact of budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p25

There are 200 strawberry growers in Queensland. The industry is worth

FRESH EXPORT Japanese Free Trade Agreement welcomed. . . . . p26

FRESH RETAILING Exhibiting at Fine Food Queensland. . . . . . . . . . . . p28

FRESH KIDS Kids Go Fresh & Healthy events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p29 Name Ben’s friends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p29

FRESH EVENTS What’s in the calendar?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p30

about $180 million to the Queensland economy. It is estimated that there are 5000 jobs required during the Strawberry harvest season.

New director for Brismark The Brismark Board has welcomed a new member to its team with former director Craig Spencer taking up the position after a gap of many years.

Mr Spencer is a director of private companies with interests in fruit and vegetable wholesaling and exporting.

He is the principal of the Carter & Spencer Group with his family having had a long association with

Returning Brismark director Craig Spencer, of the Carter & Spencer Group.

Brismark and the Markets.

Mr Spencer is one of an 11-member team, which includes Chairman Gary Lower, Deputy Chairman Tony Joseph, Deputy Chairman Mark Murphy and directors Peter Tighe, Drew Armstrong, Stephen Edwards, Mark Clarke, Mark Moore, Noel Greenhalgh and Hamish Montague.

Burnett region on display

5

All the colour and tastes of the Burnett region were on display in June at Parliament House in Brisbane with Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett and Minister for Police and Community Services and Member for Bundaberg, Jack Dempsey, hosting a promotional night.

It is the third year that Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) and Bundy Pride have showed off some of their finest produce to members of the Queensland Parliament with 80 people in attendance.

This year the team worked with the Parliamentary Kitchen staff and chefs to give everyone a taste of the region.

It was a great opportunity for the BFVG organisers to speak with Queensland Ministers about issues facing horticulture while sharing an antipasto platter.

on show to Queensland Some of the fresh produce Bundaberg region. the from ians ntar iame Parl

Exporters welcome Reverse Trade Mission

Bowen’s gala dinner shindig

Brisbane Markets hosted 40 delegates from five key Asian

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) has always

Markets last month as part of an AUSVEG 2014 Reverse Trade Mission, just before the start of the AUSVEG National Convention.

The visitors from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan arrived in four mini buses, were greeted by a team of exporters and shown the colour and movement of the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor and exporter facilities.

The tour was followed by a breakfast and a tailor made Queensland Trade and Investment forum so the group could hear more about the opportunities that await them.

put on a good shindig when it’s time for its annual gala dinner and this year was no exception.

The event included an industry breakfast and farm tour for partners of BGGA to network with local growers in the region.

The Bowen and Gumlu area is the largest winter-growing region in Australia, worth about $450 million annually.

During the months of September to October, the region produced 90% of Australia’s fresh tomatoes and 95% of Australia’s fresh capsicums.

The region also produces melons, beans, corn, mango, pumpkin, zucchini, squash, chilli, eggplant and cucumbers.

Lockyer Growers’ group grows strength Brisbane Markets is becoming a sponsor of the Lockyer Valley Growers (LVG), a group of horticultural producers within the boundaries of the Lockyer Valley district.

The LVG’s membership is on track to reach 50 producers with plans to employ a full time Industry Development Officer in the weeks ahead.

Local growers who have volunteered their time to be part of the first management committee include Linton Brimblecombe (President), Sharron Windolf (Treasurer), Michael Sippel (Secretary), Anthony Staatz, David McNeil, Troy Qualischefski, Kerry Hauser and Matt Hood.

Guests at the BGGA gala dinner included (from left), Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young, Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited’s Economic Development Manager Denise Kreymborg, tropical fruits grower and Queensland Horticulture Industry Development Group representative Ian Groves and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers chairman Geoff Chivers.

markets Brisbane Markets unveils strategic plan The Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) Board has adopted a Strategic Plan to cover the five year period from 2014/15 to 2018/19.

The plan highlights BML’s mission and the Board’s strategic focus on sustaining the business through growth and diversification.

Six strategic priorities are identified including: • Site utilisation; • Business diversification off-site;

A clear five-year direction for Brisbane Markets is contained in the BML Board’s Strategic Plan.

• Relationship management; • Capital and asset management; • Human resource development and retention of expertise; and • BML profile, stakeholder relationships and positioning.

A significant part of the plan is devoted to the operation, maintenance and development of the existing Brisbane Markets site.

Board Chairman Tony Joseph said the Board and BML’s management acknowledged the need to look off-site to sustain the longer term growth of the business.

There is also a focus on service delivery, the ongoing strong relationship with Brismark and tenant engagement.

The plan represents a comprehensive analysis by the Board of the strategic directions required to achieve the ongoing effective and profitable operation of the company,” Mr Joseph said.

“The Board highlights this through its stated collective ambition which is to achieve growth through diversified property ownership, management, development and service delivery on the current site and in off-site locations.”

He said this included the delivery of off-site services and potential ownership of assets away from the Brisbane Markets.

SITA Australia appointment SITA Australia took over Brisbane Markets’ waste management services in May having been appointed a five year contract following a competitive tender process.

Along with the change of company also come some changes to how Brisbane Markets handles its waste.

SITA is investigating competitive disposal rates and decreased volumes of general waste through a number of recycling initiatives.

7

Code still on the political agenda Brisbane Markets continues to keep the controversial Horticulture Code of Conduct on the political agenda, this time during a visit from Opposition Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon and local Federal Member Graham Perrett, Member for Moreton.

The politicians met with Brismark directors and management during a tour of the Brisbane Produce Market and stayed for a coffee in The Café to talk over business.

The meeting follows on from a trip to Canberra earlier in the year so Brisbane Markets Limited chairman Tony Joseph and Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young could join their

Discussing the Code of Conduct were (from left) Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young, Brisbane Markets Limited Chairman Tony Joseph, Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett and Opposition Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon.

The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries counterparts to speak one-on-one with the decision makers

wholesalers to deal with further unworkable red tape and

within the Federal Government about the anti-competitive

additional costs.

nature of the legislation.

Mr Fitzgibbon said he would take up the topic with others

The Horticulture Code of Conduct is a restrictive, mandatory

in the industry to find a way to develop a new, workable and

piece of legislation that was controversially introduced to

commercially based document.

wholesalers in 2007, leaving growers, pack houses and

Turn to page 22 for more news on The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries call to repeal the Code.

G20 Summit preparations on site In November, Brisbane will host the G20 Leaders Summit in November, with preparations being put in place for the world leaders having an impact on the Brisbane Markets’ community.

The 4,000 delegates and 3,000 media members will all need accommodating, and expect their good platters of fresh fruit and vegetables during the 10 day event.

However, substantial security measures in the CBD, Southbank precincts and Brisbane Airport could mean traffic delays of up to seven hours, with an impact on the transport of fruit and vegetables.

Brisbane Markets held “Preparing for the G20” information seminars in July to discover what impact the event will have on Market business and what security procedures need to be put in place to make fresh produce deliveries.

An update of the summit can be found at www.police.qld.gov.au/G20, www.g20.org and www.qld.gov.au/g20 or by contacting the G20 External Engagement Team on: (07) 3015 3460 or G20.info@police.qld.gov.au.

markets New look trading floor being planned Brisbane Produce Market selling floor tenants are a step closer to upgrading the Central Trading Area with the Brisbane Markets Limited Board finalising plans for a $6.5 million project to provide additional roof cover and building replacements.

Plans are underway to cover the open space between Buildings B and C and the Covered Unloading Area.

Moves to finalise the project come after a series of workshops and planning with wholesalers who were offered a range of options that would best ed Computer generated artist’s impression of the propos t is due to roof cover at the Central Trading Area. The Projec commence later this year.

suit their business needs.

Included in the scope of work is the refurbishment of the facades to the Selling Floor buildings.

Stage one involves planning and design development work with construction planned to begin later this year.

Stage two involves conducting a review as to whether wholesalers support a new Selling Floor building which would require the demolition and redevelopment of Building D. However, if there is insufficient wholesaler support for this option, the open space between Building D and the Covered Unloading Area will be covered to create a totally covered Central Trading Area.

A reinvigorated Commercial Centre Brisbane Markets Commercial Centre Level 1 refurbishment has received its finishing touches, with works now complete.

It’s the final part of a two-stage project that has involved refurbishing the shopping centre and offices, reinvigorating the busy precinct.

The Level 1 commercial accommodation has 14 new office suites created, with approximately 50% of those offices now taken up.

The installation of a lift, new amenities and all new finishes has produced accommodation of a standard to rival professional offices in the CBD.

Refurbishment of the Com mercial Centre, on Sherwood Road, has reinvigo rated the site.

history flash-back

9

Curzon Street pot holes In 2014, Brisbane Markets celebrates 50 years at the Rocklea site. Here is a flashback to 1966, taken from one of the magazines contained in Brisbane Markets History Collection.

The 1966 Queensland Fruit and Vegetable News, produced by the Committee of Direction praised the new Rocklea Market site, just six months into its opening. However, there was a catch. It read: The envy of all Australia is the new Brisbane Market which was described by the Sydney Morning Herald as a tourist attraction and is hailed by other cities as a model of planning, efficiency and foresight by the instigators.

The Brisbane Market is truly the “Pride of Brisbane” and has lived up fully to all expectations since this multi-million dollar project was launched. But, like the good ship that was spoiled for the sake of a penny’th of tar, the Brisbane Market finds itself in a similar position. It has a black spot – 150 yards of Brisbane Council road which is a main access to the Market.

The infamous “Black Holes of Rocklea” is known officially as Curzon Street; the link road to Tennyson Siding and the most convenient entry and exit for traffic to and from the city.

The Queensland Fruit and Vegetable News photographer claimed it was necessary to take a photo showing the water in the pot holes as any motorist who knows the road would not believe the holes have any bottom in them.

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50 years celebrations ahead Brisbane Markets is readying for a range of 50 year celebrations to take place in the coming months.

Plans are afoot to release of a 160 page coffee table book and a 10 minute DVD, hold a Markets barbecue and a commemorative breakfast. The Brisbane Markets History Room is also receiving a refresh.

Watch for details, times and invitations as

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Brismark directors’ awards no surprise

BY BRISMARK GENERAL MANAGER GAIL WOODS This year’s respective recipients of The

work in strengthening and supporting the

Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable

horticultural industry as a whole, along with

Industries Limited’s ‘Meritorious Service

his proven business success certainly makes

Award’ and the ‘Young Achiever’s Award’,

Stephen a worthy recipient of this award.

Stephen Edwards from Murray Bros and Hamish Montague from Montague Fresh (QLD), are Brismark directors.

Hamish has supported the initiatives of The Australian Chamber and the State Chamber, Brismark, both at local and

(See articles page 11).

national levels.

The winning of these awards did not come as a surprise to me, having known the amount of hard work Stephen

He has been a strong advocate of promoting and improving the operating environment of the industry particularly

and Hamish put into everything they

to young people, encouraging them to be

do. I would like to acknowledge their

active members and to participate in the

achievements from my perspective.

wholesaling sector; including his own staff.

Stephen’s Meritorious Award for Service is a testament to his promotion and support of The Australian Chamber, the State Chamber, Brismark, and the Central Markets.

He has also been at the forefront of industry innovation both at a product level for his organisation and with the development of an IT platform for retailers and consumers. I believe

I would like to particularly mention

this Young Achievers Award rightly

Stephen’s dedicated work on the operation

acknowledges his contribution.

of the Horticulture Code of Conduct.

I would like to congratulate Stephen

It is my view that his innovative leadership

and Hamish as recipients of the awards

style, strong and loyal commitment to the

that acknowledge their outstanding

wholesaling sector and his interest and

achievements in this industry.

Central Markets and Chamber meet Brisbane Markets Limited, as a member of the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA) and Brismark, as a member of The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Limited have met with their counterparts in Auckland.

The Australian Chamber holds its conference and awards night dinner in conjunction with the annual Produce Marketing Association’s 2014 Fresh Connections conference.

CMAA and The Australian Chamber produced a joint trade display.

The conference was also a good opportunity to discuss regulation and industry issues that affect both Chamber and CMAA members in the six Central Markets throughout Australia.

Some of the Market represen tatives attending the joint CMAA and The Australian Chamber meeting were, from left, Brismark Director Hamish Montague and General Man ager Gail Woods, Brisbane Markets and Brismark CEO Andrew Young and Adelaide Produce Market’s Angelo Demasi.

Industry’s top award for Brisbane wholesaler

11

Brisbane Markets wholesaler, Stephen Edwards, of Murray

the industry’s ongoing response to the controversial

Bros, has been awarded the nation’s top fruit and vegetable

Horticulture Code of Conduct.

wholesaling honour – the 2014 Meritorious Service Award.

This highly regarded award was based on criteria that

Mr Edwards received The Australian Chamber of

included promotion and support of the Australian and

Fruit and Vegetable Industries Limited honour at

State wholesaling sector representative organisations,

the Produce Marketing Association’s 2014 Fresh

interest and involvement in the total horticulture industry,

Connections conference, held in Auckland in June.

business and personal ethics and regular at industry conferences and related activities.

The award came as a surprise to the unassuming managing

Mr Edwards holds a Bachelor of

director who was not aware

Laws degree and was originally a

he was up for nomination

Partner at a law firm before moving

against wholesalers from

into the wholesaling business.

across Australia.

His transition to Brisbane Markets

His selection comes

has been a success. Together with his

after being an Australian

business partner, he has grown his

Chamber Director from 2008 to 2013 and a key contributor to

The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Limited 2014 Meritorio us Service Award winner Stephen Edwards, of Murr ay Bros.

business, Murray Bros, since the mid 1990s to a point where it has quadrupled in size since his involvement.

Young achiever encourages others It was a double surprise for Brisbane Markets wholesalers at this year’s Produce Marketing Association’s 2014 Fresh Connections conference with another wholesaler taking out a prestigious honour, this time the Col Johnson Young Achievers Award 2014.

Hamish Montague is an Executive Director and Business Manager of Montague Fresh (QLD), a national firm that specialises in production, processing and wholesaling. He started his career in 1993 in the Melbourne Markets before moving to the Brisbane operation in 2006.

He has been a Brismark Board Member since 2012 and is its The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables Industries Limited representative, attending meetings across the country.

Mr Montague was commended on his work to improve the wholesaling industry for younger people as his young family experiences first-hand the difficult conditions that central market operations can impose upon its community members.

He also encourages younger people to “be involved”.

Mr Montague is known for his innovative approach whether at the product, wholesale or business development levels of business to benefit all those in the supply chain.

Lindsay Bros move onsite ASX listed company, Lindsay Australia Limited, has established a transport depot at the Brisbane Markets in a move that shows a confidence in the site’s development and growth.

It has subleased 70% of the George Spencer building on the north west of the site, with handy access to the Brisbane Market’s Western Corridor access road and all major transport routes south, west and north of Brisbane.

and Vegetable Industries The Australian Chamber of Fruit s Award 2014 award ever Achi g Youn son John Col Limited e Fresh (QLD). tagu Mon of e, tagu Mon ish winner, Ham

Lindsay Australia employs around 1,000 people Australia wide. The company’s annualised revenue is approximately $320 million per year. The company has around 1,100 shareholders.

Vale Archibald (Arch) Martin Respected Brisbane Markets identity and History Ambassador Archibald (Arch) Johnston Martin passed away on 26 June 2014, with the Markets Community celebrating his life at a Memorial Service at the Toowong Uniting Church.

Mr Martin had a long standing association with the Brisbane Markets, with almost 70 years in the industry having started work at his father’s Turbot Street family business, AS Barr, in late 1941.

He was a third generation wholesaler,

Respected Brisbane Markets identity and History Ambassador Arch Martin at his AS Barr section in April, 1984.

with his maternal grandfather, Alexander (AS) Barr, operating from the Roma Street Market from the late 1800s then from 1906, in the Turbot Street Market. His father, Archibald Martin Senior, bought the business in 1934 on Alexander’s death. Arch Martin Junior, and his sister, Annetta, bought the business on Arch Senior’s death in 1962 and operated it until 1984.

Mr Martin simplified his long career into three sectors: 20 years plus as a wholesaler in Turbot Street with AS Barr; 20 years as the owner of AS Barr Pty Ltd in Rocklea, selling the business in 1984; and 20 years as a consultant with Mr Fresh and Associates.

More recently, he worked with BML and Brismark as Chairman of the Brisbane Markets History Task Force before being appointed the Brisbane Markets History Ambassador.

Mr Martin was passionate about the Markets and spent many years representing this sector of the industry.

DID YOU KNOW?

This included his involvement as a Director of The Queensland and/or The Australian Chambers of Fruit and Vegetable Industries over a period of 30 years, while he also served on the original Brisbane Market Trust.

In recent years, he was the driving force behind the Brisbane Markets History Collection and a regular speaker at service clubs and community groups to

The late Arch Martin’s story of life in the Brisbane Markets, from the early days in Turbot Street to the move to Rocklea in 1964, is captured in a short piece of film in the Brisbane Markets History Room.

educate the community on the importance of the Brisbane Markets and the Central Markets system.

Mr Martin is survived by his wife Betty, children Elizabeth, Kathryn and Peter, 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

13

A Cairns AUSVEG Convention Brisbane Markets wholesalers and administration team members flew north to Cairns for the staging of this year’s AUSVEG National Convention.

More than 1,000 delegates attended the three day event at the Cairns Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Brisbane Markets Limited was a part sponsor, joining with the Central Markets of Australia Association to promote its wholesalers at the trade show and host a welcome event.

Speakers at the convention and the National Awards for Excellence evening included a strong line up of politicians, each with a message for attendees on subjects from regulation and biosecurity, to environmental concerns and importance of Australia’s primary industries.

James Cook University lecturer Breda McCarthy visits the CMAA trade display to learn more about Central Markets.

The awards night recognised the most deserving of the industry’s peers with 14 honours handed out.

Queensland grower Belinda Adams took out the Grower of the Year Award, in recognition of the significant role she has played in the management and ongoing growth of her Gold Coast family business, Coastal Hydroponics, and her inspiring involvement in the broader industry.

Catching up at the AUSVEG Convention welcome reception were (from left) Brisbane Market’s Rod Heinrichsen, of United Lettuce and Kalfresh, and Adelaide Produce Market Director and grower Danny De Ieso.

Other Queenslanders included David Nix, for Community Stewardship, OneHarvest for Innovative Marketing and Melinda Brimblecombe who took out the Women in Horticulture Award.

Fresh Connections in Auckland Brisbane Markets joined hundreds of other Australian horticulture growers, wholesalers and suppliers to head to Auckland last month for the annual Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Australia-New Zealand Fresh Connections conference.

The Fresh Connections conference and trade show is the leading fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industry event in the Australian and New Zealand.

A line-up of global An opportunity to meet: From speakers took to the left, Brismark’s Julie Willis, NSW Chamber’s Colin Gray and Brisbane stage, ranging from Markets’ United Organics repre sentative Rachel Davis at the Fresh Connections experts on cutting-edge welcome reception. technology, to others speaking about the trends set to shape the future of the global fresh produce industry.

Plant and Food Research’s Science Leader Dr Allan Woolf explains the research being carried out on persimmons during a post conference tour of the facility.

It was the first time the event was held in New Zealand, with the conference an opportunity for a range of organisations, including The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Limited, to hold annual meetings and talks with others.

Highlights included a retail tour at the start of the conference, closing with a grower, packing shed and research facility tour on its completion.

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industry

15

Fresh Produce Safety Centre opens its doors The doors of a new organisation have swung open to fill

Staff members will work with all sectors of the fresh produce

the gap in the expertise of horticulture food safety in both

supply chain, from growers, input suppliers, processors,

Australiaand New Zealand.

packers, transport, wholesalers/agents, retailers, through to

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Limited officially opened its doors after registering its business name in May. Any outbreak of food-borne illness (even if not originating from on-farm) will impact the entire fresh produce sector.

Fresh produce safety and traceability is of the utmost importance for all levels of the supply chain including growers, packers, processors, distributors, wholesalers and

peak industry bodies, quality assurance, compliance and training organisations, researchers and research institutions, extension and outreach personnel and others.

Its goals are to: • Call for and manage food safety research projects that are highly relevant to industry • Provide food safety information, news, education and outreach to the industry

retailers.

The centre is being hosted by the University of Sydney

• Engage with regulatory and other organisations for

under a project with the Produce Marketing Association

effective and efficient food safety management leading

of Australia and New Zealand (PMA A-NZ).

to enhanced food safety outcomes.

The new organisation has set up a website at http://freshproducesafety-anz.com/

Meet the directors The new Directors of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre Limited have elected Michael Worthington as the interim Chair of the Board. The seven Directors of the Board are: • Dr Michael Butcher, Pipfruit NZ Inc. (based in New Zealand)

• Dr Robyn McConchie, University of Sydney (based in NSW)

• Ms Allison Clark, Houston’s Farm (based in Tasmania)

• Ms Catherine Richardson, Zespri International (based in New Zealand)

• Mr Joseph Ekman, Fresh Produce Group (based in NSW)

• Mr Michael Worthington, CEO PMA A-NZ (based in Victoria)

• Ms Belinda Hazell, Optimum Standard (based in Tasmania)

Fresh Produce Safety Cen tre Limited interim chairman Michael Worthington during a visit to Brisbane Markets.

Conference launch ahead The Fresh Produce Safety Conference will be held on 11 August 2014 at Sydney University’s Camperdown Campus with the theme: Accelerating Australian & New Zealand Food Safety Research.

The conference is twofold. It’s to launch the newly-established Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC), and to conduct outreach on current food safety issues for Australia and New Zealand.

The conference will attract over 100 people involved in the fresh produce industry and food safety research in Australia and internationally.

For more information, visit www.freshproducesafety-anz.com/conference_2014/

Be careful what you wish for!

BY Sarah Simpson, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA)

In our last Fresh Source column, we were

Bianca Fullarton, BGGA Regional

complaining about the lack of rain we

Workforce Development Officer has

have had in the Bowen and Gumlu region.

been working tirelessly in this space,

Our growers prayed for some rain and we most certainly got some, thanks to

building relationships with our local primary and high schools.

Cyclone Ita who dropped rain down the

This has seen several initiatives

coast in mid-April causing heavy falls and

developed, such as the Bowen State High

localised flooding. While this created

School Teacher Tour which attracted

some setbacks, the region is resilient and

13 teachers. A Seed, Grow and Show is

back to business as usual!

currently working with more than 120

BGGA staged its annual Industry Breakfast, Farm Tour and Gala Dinner on 13 June

Year 6 students to grow crops and then enter them into the Bowen Show.

2014 which turned out to be a great night.

These activities provide the opportunity

Queensland’s Horticulture Industry

to engage and educate local students

Development Group (Horticulture IDG)

so that they are aware of the career

moved its June meeting to Bowen so that

opportunities the local production

they could attend these events.

horticulture industry presents.

The Horticulture IDG was setup by the

At the end of May, BGGA attended a

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries

Careers Day at the local high school to

and Forestry (DAFF) to progress issues

promote the career opportunities in the

relating to the future prosperity of the

horticultural industry.

Queensland horticulture sector.

This careers day was the first one with

The Horticulture IDG is comprised

our new career display used to showcase

of industry leaders and successful

the range off employment opportunities

horticulture business people.

for people within the industry.

Over the years, BGGA have attempted to be more involved with the local schools, however it has not had the staff capacity to achieve this effectively.

BGGA’s career display at the Bowen State High School Career Day. The tractor was provided

by Whitsunday Ag Services .

Chemical companies make the responsible choice

17

The co-operation of a range of chemical manufacturing companies has just made cleaning up dangerous chemicals on the farm a whole lot easier and cost effective.

Australia’s leading agvet chemical manufacturing companies are signing up to participate in the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs.

Fifteen companies have signed an agreement with AgStewardship Australia to allow both programs to manage their waste responsibly.

About ChemClear Some 98% of all the chemicals collected through ChemClear

For a complete list of manufacturers who are par t of the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs, visit drummuster.com.au and chemclear.com.au.

Under the agreement, each manufacturer will apply a levy on eligible agvet chemical products at 4c per L/kg at the point of sale. This levy cost is then passed on to the distributor then onto the customer.

The levy allows farmers and chemical users to return their eligible empty containers to any of the 780 drumMUSTER sites around Australia for free.

Users can also take advantage of ChemClear, which collects unwanted or out-of-date agvet chemicals by calling on users to register their obsolete products with the program.

The program then schedules collection runs based on demand for disposal across Australia.

There are now 108 companies on-board.

are used as an alternative fuel source. The remaining chemicals are destroyed by Plasma Arc Technology.

What to do on the farm It’s easy to move your chemical drums and containers from the farm.

• drumMUSTER accepts containers between 1L-205L in both plastic and metal.

• Users are required to make sure the containers are empty, rinsed clean and dried before returning them.

• Once containers are collected, they are recycled into new things again like plastic stakes, wheelie bins and benches.

Is this a good look for your industry?

Burn or bury those

r chemical waste!

cycling... not you old attitudes on re

You can’t ignore it any more, most QA programs require responsible waste management. On our websites you can locate your nearest drumMUSTER collection site with an interactive map. You can also find out the status of the next ChemClear collection in each state. It’s quick and simple.

1800 008 707 | www.drummuster.com.au 1800 008 182 | www.chemclear.com.au

Industry news bites Chance to comment on fenthion restrictions Australian growers have long heard of the

the document making recommendations

dangers of using the insecticide fenthion,

to take regulatory action to reduce risks to

with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary

human health and the environment.

Medicines Authority (APVMA) making recommendations to further restrict the chemical’s use.

APVMA’s Preliminary Review Findings Report

Growers have until l2 August 2014 to make a submission.

The report can be found at http://tinyurl.com/mqvhhr6

was released in May for consultation, with

InfoVeg Radio for growers AUSVEG has launched ‘InfoVeg Radio’, a Research and Developmentfocused podcast specifically for Australian vegetable producers.

The InfoVeg Radio will provide industry information in an audio format so that vegetable growers can more easily digest the latest research findings.

The podcasts would be around 10 minutes long. Growers with tractors equipped with a USB input in the cab stereo can also listen to the programs while out in the field.

Green paper on developing our North The Federal Government has released a green paper on developing northern Australia, saying the region’s economic potential must be harnessed.

The Green Paper is designed to be a discussion document and a precursor to the Government’s White Paper on development in the north.

The document sets out six key policy directions, including establishing special economic zones, changes to Indigenous land tenure and a study into potential dam sites.

A copy can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ oqm6o75. Public submissions on the Green Paper can be lodged online until 8 August 2014.

Onion growers’ levy doubles The levy on onion growers has doubled after a campaign by the onion industry.

The Federal Budget papers in May confirmed the levy would increase from $2 a tonne to $4, in line with the push from the onion industry.

Past chair of Onions Australia, Brian Bonde, said the levy will be used for much needed research and development and for a marketing campaign for onions.

He said that the onion is sometimes the forgotten vegetable, but is used in most sorts of cooking and is a stable in any pantry.

19

Get the Australian advantage The not-for-profit organisation that administers Australia’s only country-oforigin certification trademark, the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo, has launched an initiative to promote country-of-origin branding.

The national campaign calls on businesses to ‘Get the Australian advantage’ and leverage shoppers’ preferences for buying Australian products.

Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive Ian Harrison said that while many businesses were suffering under fierce competition from cheap imports, those making and growing genuine Aussie products had a card up their sleeve that could help them get ahead.

For more information call 1800 350 520.

Veggycation a healthy message

Working your way through the mine field of what can and can’t be said about why vegetables are good for you is becoming easier.

Following on from the success of the Veggycation workshop held in Brisbane last year, more vegetable growers from across Australia are attending information sessions on smarter ways, using the latest images and tools, to promote their fresh produce.

Queensland farmers, wholesalers and greengrocers are being invited to see what tools are available for them to help them encourage consumers to eat more of their wares.

More information on the ‘Veggycation’ program is available at www.veggycation.com.au.

Aussie GM bananas trialed A project from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to develop pro-Vitamin A-enriched bananas is about to reach a whole new level, with a world-first human trial in the United States.

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The project is aimed at improving nutrition in African nations, with transgenic bananas grown in northern Australia.

The QUT project, led by Professor James Dale and backed with close to $10 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to lift the health and well-being of millions of Ugandans and other East Africans.

“Human trial is a significant milestone for this project which started in 2005 and should see provitamin A-enriched banana varieties being grown by Ugandan farmers around 2020,” Professor Dale said.

phone 07 3379 6188 sales@freshcomputers.com.au www.freshcomputers.com.au

HAL to transit to a grower owned RDC The Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL)

Other recommendations include:

Board met in Cairns in June to work through

• Rationalise and strengthen planning

the transition that will see the organisation become a grower owned Research and Development Corporation.

The meeting followed the release of an independent review of HAL conducted by ACIL Allen into the organisation that is currently the research, development and marketing body owned by 43 horticulture peak bodies.

Many of the peak body representatives met in Sydney at the end of May to be briefed on the report. The transition option was one of nine

• Streamline industry liaison/Research, Development and Extension principles • Improve project management and reporting • New HAL is to engage in marketing on a fee for service basis, and only on the request of the body representing the industry that contributes marketing levy funds • Improve direct communications with growers

recommendations contained in the report.

• Greater levy efficiency and transparency

HAL Chairman Selwyn Snell said he was

• Improved internal accountability and

extremely pleased with the outcome and was

processes.

looking forward to working with Members,

Horticulture groups have mostly welcomed

growers and other key stakeholders on the

the review with some expressing concern

transition process.

that the devil was in the detail.

Another of the report’s other key

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulchay said his

recommendations was removing the existing

Board had endorsed the initiative and looked

Industry Advisory Committees (IAC) from

forward to being involved in the process of

decisions about research and development

its implementation.

investment.

Citrus Australia’s CEO Judith Damiani said

The report’s summary described IACs as

her organisation was supportive but was

“costly, unwieldy and conflicted”,

looking forward to more details of how the

and that external advice

new model would work.

was essential.

Apple and Pear Australia Limited’s John Lawrenson said he is hopeful for a closer relationship with growers and HAL but believes the challenge will be in whether the mechanisms are in place so that this can happen.

An executive summary of the final report are available at the HAL website at http:// www.horticulture.com.au/news_events/

DID YOU KNOW?

Hal_Review.asp

The ACIL Allen review evaluated that Horticulture Australia invests $100 million annually in programs across 43 industries.

industry

21

Big response to ag White Paper

White Paper goes green

The first consultation stage of the Agricultural

What’s next for the Agricultural Competitiveness White

Competitiveness White Paper process has drawn

Paper now that so many submissions have been received?

to a close with more than 600 submissions.

The key themes will be considered as part of the

Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said it was

development of the Green Paper, which is the next step on

encouraging to see such significant interest in the issues

the way to the final White Paper.

paper consultation process with a high level of participation

Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Green

from agricultural industries right across Australia.

Paper will assess the critical issues and opportunities for

“The Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper taskforce

improving the competitiveness of our agriculture sector

visited 33 regional and metropolitan centres throughout

and will include some possible policy directions for

Australia, talking directly with about 900 farmers, producers

consideration.

and other industry representatives,” Mr Joyce said.

“Australians will have a further opportunity to comment on

Brisbane Markets added its input into the document after

the ideas distilled from the now completed first stage of

a meeting with Brisbane Markets and Brismark CEO

consultations and presented in the Green Paper when it is

Andrew Young.

released around mid-year,” Mr Joyce said.

Recurring themes arising from the consultation process included: • profitability (including international competitiveness, information and power imbalances – including supermarkets and processors) • financing (including taxation, debt, attracting new capital) • the image and contribution of farming to the nation • input costs (including regulatory burden, utilities, fertilisers, biotechnology) • infrastructure (including road, rail, ports, water and communications) • skills and workforce (including training, employment arrangements, visa programs) • farm ownership (including succession, and entry and exit pathways)

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• market access and market development • biosecurity • research, development and extension.

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23

industry Australian Chamber calls for fairer legislation The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries has

This is despite the fact that they also purchase produce directly

called for fairer horticulture legislation in the wake of further

from growers and despite the ongoing claims which are made

recent allegations against the supermarket chains, and a total

about their dealings with suppliers.

lack of government action to fix the broken and unworkable mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct.

Supermarket chain Woolworths has come under fire after growers supplying them were asked to pay 40 cents per “crate” to support a marketing campaign involving celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver.

AUSVEG, the national body representing vegetable and potato growers across Australia made complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and to Mr Oliver.

The Australian Chamber said the issue coincided after an 11 June 2014 Australian Financial Review article which cited a KPMG report highlighting an accusation of profit gauging by the major supermarket chains.

The accusation relates to the claim that food and grocery suppliers are now “handing over $1 in every $4 of gross sales on discounts, rebates and promotions to the grocery chains”.

In a letter to the Ministers, The Chamber writes: “The Horticulture Code of Conduct has not met the objectives for establishing the Code since it was introduced some seven years ago.

“Its existence was based on untruths and a poor interpretation of the facts; it is inflexible and unworkable in its application and creates distortions in the market for fresh produce – while adding costs to how wholesalers and growers operate.”

The Chamber said that disputes between growers and the Buyers of fresh produce, be that a retail chain or a wholesaler, would be more appropriately handled by a single Small Business Ombudsman, as has been proposed by the Federal Government.

It said that this initiative should now be ‘fast-tracked’ to cater for disputes between the likes of all producers of agricultural

The Australian Chamber has written to Federal Government

products (not just the fruit and vegetable industry), and the

politicians noting while over 400 Central Markets based

Retail Chains, as well as addressing the very small number of

wholesalers are regulated by the industry specific mandatory

complaints against Market Wholesalers which presently come

Horticulture Code of Conduct, no similar Code, or regulation

under the Horticulture Code.

exists for the major supermarket chains.

Who is the Australian Chamber?

The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Limited is the national industry body representing wholesalers and supporting businesses in Australia’s six central fruit and vegetable Markets.

Collectively its members employ in excess of 8,000 people and have a combined turnover of some $7 billion at wholesale prices.

business Succession or Exit Planning

BY ANDREW MALINS – AFFINITY ACCOUNTING PLUS Whether you plan for it or not, one day

disadvantaged when the inevitable exit

you will leave your business.

time arrives. If your business partner

A succession, or exit plan outlines who will take over your business when you (or

decides to exit the business first, then the consequences may be even worse.

a business partner) leaves. Having a plan

There are many free templates and a lot of

means that you can decide when and

information available which you can utilise

how you leave and what will happen to

to get you started, remember that the more

the business when you do.

scenarios you cover, the more prepared

Whether you decide to sell up, retire or

you will be when the event occurs.

have to leave due to health reasons, it’s

I prefer to look at all aspects of the end

important that you plan for that day.

of business planning together to cover

Many of us get to retirement age without either enough money or an exit plan for our business. Most business owners just assume that they will sell their business to fund their retirement without knowing

the following so that all are consistent with each other and cover all aspects.

• Succession or Exit Plan • Estate plan (wills and power of attorney)

how much the business will be worth or

• Partnership or shareholders agreement

whether there will be a buyer with the

• Retirement planning

funds to acquire it.

Getting all of the elements right can

If you have a business partner, the plan

seem daunting. However, the most

should include and be consistent with the

important step is getting started and

terms of the ‘partnership’ or shareholders

nominating a trusted advisor to keep you

agreement that you have with them.

accountable and progressing.

Not planning for your business exit

Once you have these in place, review and

almost guarantees that either you or

adjustments can be easily made on an

your family will be inconvenienced and

annual basis.

25

Potential impact of budget on employment related matters

BY SAL TRUJILLO, BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Some recently announced Federal Budget

• A Commonwealth Grant Scheme will be

initiatives are likely to have implications on

introduced to subsidy higher education

employment related matters. These initiatives

courses at the diploma, advanced diploma

include:

and associate degree level and will make

• Since July 2014, people under 30 years of age

funding available for courses provided by non-

will have to wait six months to be able to claim Newstart or Youth Allowance • Young people will not be able to claim Newstart until the age of 25 and along with Youth Allowance, which is a maximum of $414.40 per fortnight; the payments will be frozen for three years • Since July 2014, jobseekers who have been unemployed for more than a year and are not studying or training, will have to undertake 15

university providers, including private colleges • The super guarantee will be paused for the next four years. While the rate will increase from 9.25% to 12% as planned, the time frame will change. The rate increased to 9.5% on 1 July 2014 but will remain there until 30 June 2018.

The initiatives pertaining to the Newstart or Youth Allowance, HELP Scheme, and pension could potentially deliver an influx of young and matured age workers willing to enter and remain

hours on the Work for the Dole program. This

in the workforce.

will increase to 25 hours per week from July 2015

Accordingly business owners will need to

• Graduates will be required to pay back their Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

consider and review existing procedures to implement effective ways to attract and select the

sooner and the debt will be higher as the

right calibre of candidates for vacant positions.

Federal Government plans to apply higher

Organisations need to take note of the $10,000

interest rates

incentive which the government will pay to

• 16,500 job losses in public service over four years, including 2,000 as a result of budget changes • The pension age will rise from 67 to 70 by 2035 • The Senior Supplementary payment ($876.20 per year for singles and $1,320.80 combined for couples) was scrapped at the end of June 2014 • A new program will offer employers up to

businesses that employ a person over 50 years of age. Such funds can be utilised to retrain or further develop the skills of new and existing employees. Training on technology currently being utilised in the workplace will need to be considered for those employees re-entering the workforce.

Business leaders should review and consider the introduction of flexible working arrangements

$10,000 (pro-rated for Part Time Employees)

such as job sharing, part-time appointments and

over two years to take on workers over 50

flexible working hours. These initiatives can be utilised as an incentive to attract and retain the skills and knowledge within the organisation.

export Japanese Free Trade Agreement welcomed The Australian Horticultural Exporters

Ms Christoe said that compared to other

Association (AHEA) has welcomed the Prime

agriculture industries, the outcomes for

Minister’s announcement of the Economic

horticulture look good and are a stronger

Partnership Agreement between Australia

outcome in some commodities than the

and Japan.

recent Korea FTA.

AHEA Executive Director Michelle Christoe

“While details are still in negotiation, for

said the conclusion of the Japan Free Trade

horticulture it appears we have immediate

Agreement (FTA) negotiations represent a significant milestone in trade negotiations and a major opportunity for horticulture.

elimination of many of the tariffs, with others phased out over five, 10 or 15 years,” she said.

“For example, for fruit: mangoes (3%),

“This is an important move for Australian

grapes (7.8%) and cherries (8.5%) will have

trade as Japan is a major trading partner,”

elimination of tariffs when in season; and

Ms Christoe said.

citrus (16%) and apples (17%) will decrease

“While Japan is the second largest export

over 10 years.”

destination for horticulture, worth

Ms Christoe said vegetables currently

$64 million primarily due to citrus,

represent a smaller export market.

exports have not varied much for

Asparagus (3%) and carrots (3%) will

the past 10 years as pricing have

be immediate elimination and onions

been non-competitive.

(8.5%) over five years.

“Reductions in tariffs help to level the playing field for Australia with

“Much of Australia’s fresh produce is counter seasonal, such as table grapes and

other nations who have already achieved FTA

cherries, therefore non-competitive and with

agreement, such as Chile.”

the added benefits of proximity and taste is

More food is imported than grown domestically in Japan (40% food self-sufficiency).

appealing to Asian countries,” she said.

There is a sour note to the news: Limited access from Tasmania for cherries and apples has difficult protocols that require costly compliance measures.

Ms Christoe said the AHEA and industry are working to overcome these issues to facilitate trade in conjunction with working with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on supporting the free trade agreements.

Australian Horticultural Exporters Association Executive Director Michelle Christoe welcomes Japan Free Trade Agreement.

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retailing Exhibiting at Fine Food Queensland Brisbane Produce Market, along with wholesalers So Crisp, United Organics, Infruit Provedores, and Oz Grown were part of the 180-strong exhibitors who showcased their produce for three days to 5,000 visitors at the Fine Foods Queensland tradeshow.

The biennial event provided an opportunity for Brisbane Marekets’ secondary wholesalers and provedores to establish business contacts and develop new opportunities with key decision makers from the food service, hospitality, retail and general food industries.

Infruit Provedores Principal Mark Murphy said his company’s involvement was a huge success.

“The interest was overwhelming, with everyone looking for unique, fresh and quality produce,” Mr Murphy said.

“It had to be the best produce as these buyers bought for top restaurants and food manufacturing businesses around the state.

“We have been able to develop some meaningful business relationships that we did not have before we attended the tradeshow.”

The display was in a prime location – at the only entry/exit point to the tradeshow.

With four businesses, each having a unique space on a collective ‘Fresh Produce Lane’, the display created an impact for visitors on arrival.

The Brisbane Produce Market also sponsored the smoothie and juice competition and the ‘Restaurant of Champions’ run by the Australian

Fresh Produce Lane: a spectacular array of fresh produce on display at the Fine Foods Tradeshow in Brisbane.

Culinary Federation.

DID YOU KNOW?

Brisbane Produce Market runs a retailer development program to help South East Queensland’s greengrocer experts pass on some of their knowledge using some easy to use tools.

Check out the flyers, tips and recipes at http://www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/greengrocers/ While you are there, check out the new A Taste of Footy recipe guide with some delicious recipes, supported

by Diabetes Queensland.

kids

29

Kids Go Fresh & Healthy events 2014 is proving to be a busy year for the Kids Go Fresh & Healthy team who attended two special events to spread the word about fruit and vegetables, resulting in the healthy eating message reaching hundreds of children.

In March the team attended “Moo Baa Munch – getting down to the farm” at Corinda State High School. The fun educational and interactive event was hosted by AgForce and illustrated the importance of agriculture to students and families from metropolitan areas.

The three-day event was attended by more than 1,000 secondary and primary students.

member Amy Kearns Kids Go Fresh & Healthy team ic students at Rural iast hus ent of s clas presents to a Discovery Day.

On the first two days, the team faced wet and windy conditions in a leaky marquee to demonstrate the supply

to more than 130 primary school students about the

chain and the huge variety of employment opportunities

importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables and the

within the horticulture industry. With drier conditions on

benefits of shopping at your local greengrocer.

the third day, the team spoke to some enthusiastic primary school students about healthy eating.

It was especially rewarding to present to a number of home school students who would not normally get the

In May, the team moved to the Brisbane Showgrounds,

opportunity to participate in one of our healthy eating

at Bowen Hills, for Rural Discovery Day. The team spoke

presentations.

Brisbane Produce Market has developed a set of fun

The 10 best names will appear on a series of collector

fruit and vegetable characters to promote healthy eating

cards which will be available from a number of school

choices among children and enlisted the support of its

tuckshops and independent greengrocer towards the end

Healthy Eating Ambassador and rugby league player,

of the year.

Ben Hannant.

Primary schools across Queensland were asked to name Ben’s friends for a chance to win a school visit

by Mr Hannant.

events AUGUST

8–17 August 2014 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, Qld Contact: www.ekka.com.au or phone 07 3253 3900 More than 400,000 people will see the best of Queensland on show with more than 10,000 animals, 23,000 competition entries, a smorgasbord of award-winning food and wine and hours of free family entertainment. Ekka’s gates open at 9am daily and close at 9pm. Some attractions within Ekka may finish earlier.

11 August The Fresh Produce Safety Conference Law School Foyer conference room, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Contact: Interim Executive Director Emma Walters on 02 8627 1058, Interim Chair Michael Worthington on 03 8844 5536 or visit http://tinyurl.com/n4yz3mb The conference topic is ‘Accelerating Australian and New Zealand Food Safety Research’ and is to launch the newlyestablished Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC). It will be held from 9am to 4pm.

13 August Ekka Royal Queensland Show holiday

17–22 August International Horticulture Congress (IHC2014) Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Qld Contact: Congress Secretariat, ICMS Australasia on 0 7 3255 1002, info@ ihc2014.org or visit http://www.ihc2014. org/index.html This is the second IHC to be held in the southern hemisphere. The program includes plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, training schools and tours.

There will be 43 symposia covering a wide range of topics on all aspects of horticulture, arboriculture and medicinal and aromatic plants.

26 August 50 years of Rocklea Barbecue Brisbane Produce Market trading floor, Brisbane Markets, Qld Contact: Kelly Turner on (07) 3915 4200 or kturner@brisbanemarkets.com.au A barbecue with entertainment for the Brisbane Markets’ community to mark 50 years of Brisbane Markets moving to the Rocklea site.

The Brisbane Market was officially opened at Rocklea on 26 August 1964 by the Premier of Queensland, Hon Frank Nicklin with the new site hailed the most modern in Australia.

DID YOU KNOW?

Trading began a few days later, on 31 August 1964.

The gates opened at 7am and closed at 3pm.

There was congestion and grumbles on the first day, being the first time buyers were separated from the fresh produce before official opening time. However, it only took 12 minutes to clear the queues on entry time.

SEPTEMBER

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

3–5 September ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA AsiaWorld-Expo convention centre, Hong Kong Contact: http://www.asiafruitlogistica. com/ An international trade exhibition that attracted 6,500 top decision-makers from 64 countries last year..

11 September 50 years of Rocklea Anniversary Breakfast Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets, Qld Contact: Kelly Turner on (07) 3915 4200 or kturner@brisbanemarkets.com.au Invitation-only breakfast event, including a book and DVD launch, to commemorate 50 years of Brisbane Markets moving to the Rocklea site.

OCTOBER

11 October Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Gala Dinner Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets, Qld Contact: BFVG Executive Officer Peter Hockings on (07) 4153-3007 or peter. hockings@bfvg.com.au A biannual event that draws growers, wholesalers, suppliers and industry to the Bundaberg region to toast the region’s successes, eat, drink and be entertained.

Frank Nicklin was a fruit-grower who became the Queensland premier. He is pictured officially opening Brisbane Markets’ Rocklea site on 26 August 1964. In 1968 George Francis Reuben (Frank) Nicklin was knighted, and in a rare concession to formality chose to be dubbed ‘Sir Francis’.

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7 Boola Place, Dee Why, NSW 2099

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

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

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

Hand Pallet Trucks

Power Pallet Trucks

Order Pickers

Walkie Stackers

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

Reach Forklifts

Battery Counterbalance

1800 425 438 www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au

Engine Counterbalance

Skid Steer Loaders