Fresh Source Winter 2018 by Effigy Creative Pty Ltd

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CEO COMMENT

MARKET GROWTH

It makes me proud to see the incredible growth and robust performance achieved by Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) since taking industry ownership in 2002.

Much of that stewardship has come from determined strategy, handson-experience and prudent decision making.

This will continue over the coming financial year as BML progresses with further site upgrading and development projects.

DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Expect to see more warehouse construction work on the Brisbane Markets® site as the ground is broken to construct what is being called a benchmark setting facility on the site’s north-east.

Plans are being drawn up for another state-of-the-art warehouse that will ensure BML maintains its record of delivering the facilities which its tenants require to meet the needs of their customers and the fresh produce industry.

This follows the successful completion off two warehouse redevelopments, Building N and Building D (East), in the Northern Industry Precinct. Read more on page 9.

CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE

Australia’s wholesale markets have once again united under the Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets banner at last month’s Hort Connections conference, held in Brisbane.

Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers put together one of the best fresh produce displays seen at an industry event for many years, allowing them to showcase the quality and variety of fresh produce sent to us by our grower partners. Read more from page 12.

A BETTER CHOICE!

The 2018 Hort Connections also saw the launch of Australia’s first national retail brand, ‘A Better Choice!’ which should be a game changer for independent fruit and vegetable retailers across Australia. It’s hoped the national program will shape a positive future for independent retailers, the Central Markets and local farmers who supply them. Find out more from page 15.

HORTICULTURE CODE

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given all growers and wholesalers across Australia a timely warning that the 2017 Horticulture Code of Conduct has some teeth.

ACCC has taken action against a South Australian packing and wholesale business, the Mitolo group, for alleged breaches.

Growers are being urged to understand their responsibilities relating to the legislation, along with Australia’s 400 Central Market wholesalers who were early to embrace training so they understood their legal obligations. Read more on page 10.

MOU RE-SIGNINGS

The re-signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Bowen Gumlu Growers Association highlights our ongoing commitment to work cooperatively with other industry organisations.

Such MOU re-signings with Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark continue long standing relationships that demonstrate how we work together to consult on industry issues, which strengthens the whole supply chain. Read more on page 6.

Andrew Young, Chief Executive Officer, BML and Brismark

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FORKIES…SAVE THE DATE

Brisbane Markets® has begun a search for its 2018 Forklift Operator of the Year, with six weeks of safety observations culminating in the grand final, to be staged on Wednesday, 29 August.

Over the coming weeks, forklift operators will be rewarded with points for displaying safe work practices. Only the 10 highest scoring operators, from a pool of over 400 drivers, will make it through to the final challenge, where they will negotiate a difficult practical course as efficiently as possible while focusing on safety.

$3,000 is up for grabs in prize money for our safest driver onsite, $1,500 for second and $500 for third.

CHEP is the proud supply chain solutions sponsor.

WHOLESALERS ON ABC COUNTRY HOUR

The cold snap from mid-May had tongues tasting, then wagging about how great the citrus season has been this winter, with some of the comments caught on radio.

ABC Radio Country Hour presenter, Charlie McKillop, visited the Brisbane Produce Market to speak to Armstrong Bros’ Peter Allen.

Mr Allen is a big believer in the cold adding more flavour to the citrus, with some great offerings of lemons, mandarins and oranges reaching the trading floor.

SOLOMON ISLANDS VIP VISIT

Brisbane Markets® workers had never seen a motorcade quite like it when the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela, and his entourage visited Murray Bros in June.

The VIP arrived with great fanfare during his visit to Building B to meet the Murray Bros team, and to hold talks in the Fresh Centre training rooms with visiting seasonal workers from Gracekate Farm, on the Darling Downs. Gracekate Farm operators, Kerry and Simon McCarthy, are keen supporters of the Seasonal Worker Programme and were on hand to report back its success to Mr Houenipwela and Murray Bros’ General Manager Susan Lewis, who receives their vegetables.

Flashback: The 2017 judges at work with contestant 22, Shane Briggs, during last year’s Forklift Operator of the Year grand final.

ABC Radio Country Hour presenter, Charlie McKillop, interviews citrus salesman, Peter Allen, from Armstrong Bros.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela, and his wife, Madam Rachel (right) met with Murray Bros’ General Manager, Susan Lewis, on the section.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR

Brisbane Produce Market gave participating Hort Connections delegates a behind-the-scenes tour and a breakfast in June during a pre-conference tour leading up to the annual Australian and New Zealand horticulture event.

Industry members learned more about trading within Australia’s third largest Central Market, its remarkable development since industry ownership in 2002 and gave the opportunity to speak with wholesalers as they traded.

For more Hort Connections news, turn to pages 12-15.

COLOUR CODING YOUR WATER INTAKE

Feeling a bit parched? Brisbane Produce Market is encouraging growers from across Queensland to check if they might be dehydrated using one simple step - checking the colour of their urine.

The Dehydration Chart has been made available to growers in the Bowen-Gumlu and Bundaberg regions to encourage farm workers to drink more water to protect them against deadly dehydration in our harsh Queensland sun.

If you’re after some of the colourful charts for your bathroom doors, send your request to communications@brisbanemarkets.com.au

Fresh Updates

4 Forkies…save the date

4 Solomon Islands VIP visit

4 Wholesalers on ABC Country Hour

5 Behind-the-scenes tour

5 Colour coding your water intake

Fresh Markets

6 Mother’s Day blooms in abundance

6 Grower partnerships reinforced

6 A Pit Stop in the health race

7 Jazzing up the Gala Dinner

7 Ministerial rockmelon kick-start

7 Trade booths spilling with information

8 Stage 1 capital raising exercise success

8 A Master Plan that transformed the site

8 Fire Ring Main completion

9 Specialist’s logo a common sight

9 Markets’ busy warehouse development

Feature: Horticulture Code of Conduct

10 She’ll be apples!

10 Alleged Code breach a timely reminder

10 Formal dispute resolution

Feature: Industry Conferences

12 Brisbane Markets®’ role in 2018 Hort Connections

12 A taste of things to come

12 2018 Hort Connections

14 Gala night honouring our people

14 Speakers look to the future

14 Freshcare Supply Chain Standard launch

15 National retailer brand ‘A Better Choice!’

15 A brand with consumer appeal

Fresh Industry

18 Cook ups, gala dinner and conference talks

18 About the Bowen Gumlu region

19 A magical BGGA gala dinner

20 Bundy growers racing in style

20 Bundaberg’s all-round growing conditions

22 Changes to Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Laws

22 Diseased citrus intercepted

24 Fruit and vegetable consumption rises

24 Eating the rainbow

24 BuyFruit box a workplace favourite

Fresh Business

26 Markets announces new charity partner

26 Strawberry quality excellence

26 Education in action through Postharvest Course

27 Costly fee recovery model scrapped

27 Government visit prompts seasonal debate

28 Queensland’s time to shine

Fresh Calendar

30 Save the dates

30 Approaching events

30 Public holiday closure

Pershouse Produce’s Robbe Mann (right) speaks to Hort Connections delegates during a tour of the Brisbane Produce Market.

MOTHER’S DAY BLOOMS IN ABUNDANCE

Mother’s Day never fails to draw a crowd to the Brisbane Flower Market with thousands of people calling into the Rocklea hub to pick up bouquets for their Mum in May.

Preparations began many weeks into the lead up of the Sunday, 13 May 2018 event with additional orders arriving from across Australia, along with stunning varieties flown in from Europe, Africa and Central America.

Thousands of chrysanthemums were trucked in, including the popular disbud variety that is a fluffy version of the traditional Mother’s Day flower.

Other popular bunches included roses in many colours, white Asiatic lilies, gerberas, asters, carnations, freesias and alstroemerias (Peruvian lily).

Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for Brisbane Flower Market, eclipsing Valentine’s Day and the busy Spring wedding seasons.

GROWER PARTNERSHIPS REINFORCED

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) have signed new threeyear Memorandums of Understanding with Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark to continue the partnership.

The two MOUs are the continuation of a decade-long relationship that sees the signatories work closely with the Brisbane Markets® on industry issues.

Both BGGA and BFVG members are welcome visitors to the Brisbane Produce Market site while Brisbane Markets® representatives have had a long association sponsoring and attending regional events to support the Growers.

A PIT STOP IN THE HEALTH RACE

Both women and men have learned more about their health through a Men’s Pit Stop in June, to encourage the 4,000 people who work or do business at the Brisbane Markets® ’ to do their part to reduce preventable ill health.

Brismark partnered with the Queensland Department of Gastroenterology to run the initiative which was designed to reduce the incidence of preventable illness among men.

Just like you give your car a service, the Men’s Health Pit Stop gave each participant’s health a once-over to identify any requirements for ongoing maintenance.

Screening stations included blood pressure, coping skills, waist measurement, alcohol consumption, skin checks, smoking, bowel cancer and testicular cancer discussions.

Making Mother’s Day an outing for the girls were (from left) Scarlett Gordon, eight, her Mum, Andrea, and sister, Lola, five, of Oxley.

Women joined the Men’s Pit Stop heath checks, although statistically, men are more likely to smoke and drink more, avoid routine check-ups and ignore health problem symptoms.

Jazzing up THE GALA DINNER

About 500 industry guests jazzed it up at the biggest night on their social calendars – the Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner.

The late July event was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, and included a big night of comedy, great food, dance, and for something special, a touch of 1920s flare.

Celebrated comedian, Lawrence Mooney, took to the stage.

There was plenty of toe tapping music from the start to

MINISTERIAL ROCKMELON KICK-START

The melon industry used the Brisbane Markets® to launch the North Queensland melon season in May after an isolated listeria outbreak in New South Wales that saw rockmelons removed from the menu.

Rockmelon sales plummeted by 50% in May and exports were also impacted by the listeria incident in the southern states.

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, drew the State’s media to the Brisbane Produce Market to slice, share and savour the taste of rockmelons to assure the community that eating the juicy orangecoloured fruit was safe.

finish, including a pianist, jazz trio and nine piece band, Oz Hornz.

The event also included the 40 Years’ Fresh Produce Industry Service Awards, which were presented by Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner.

The night was presented by Brisbane Market Limited and Brismark who thank major sponsors Toyota Material Handling, Origin, Motorama, HopgoodGanim Lawyers, SBP Australia, Suez, Crisp Power & Control and RBC/HP.

Find out more in the Spring edition of Fresh Source.

TRADE BOOTHS SPILLING WITH INFORMATION

More than 20 Brisbane Markets® -associated businesses have taken part in the third Markets Business Expo in two years, that saw the Brisbane Markets® ’ Fresh Centre auditorium crowded with trade booths that spilled with giveaways and information.

Tenants met with suppliers to learn about a range of topics, from organics recycling, site safety, coldrooms and insurance, to pest control, forklifts, pilates and yoga, superannuation and information technology.

The Brisbane Markets Limited organised event was teamed with a free breakfast and coffee, legal advice and two social media seminars, held by the Social Media Marketing Institute.

Minister for Agriculture, Mark Furner (left), joined 2017/18

Melon Association Chairman Mark Daunt for a rockmelon launch on the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor.

From left, David Peterson, of Toyota Material Handling discusses forklifts with Paul Joseph, of Alfred E Chave, during the Brisbane Markets Business Expo.

A MASTER PLAN THAT TRANSFORMED THE SITE

Over the past 16 years, Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has transformed the Brisbane Markets® from the long-held rigidity of being Queensland Government-owned to being owned, managed, and developed by an active industry-based company.

On taking ownership in 2002, BML immediately put its growth plans in place, and began preliminary

STAGE 1 CAPITAL RAISING EXERCISE SUCCESS

Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has issued a Prospectus as part of a capital raising process.

BML is looking to raise up to $38.4 million to support the ongoing development of the site. This includes the construction of the new 5,587m2 Montague warehouse, together with a number of other projects.

BML has already secured $22.44 million of the total amount to be raised through agreements for the placement of shares to “sophisticated” investors.

To raise the balance, BML will be progressing with a Rights Issue to existing shareholders, together with a Public Offer to provide an investment opportunity to those who are not currently shareholders.

If you want to be provided with further information regarding the capital raising, please confirm your interest by return email to shares@brisbanemarkets.com.au

investigation into developing the facilities and expanding the site.

BML has invested $155 million into site construction and upgrading projects to match the growth and evolving needs of the industry.

The original plan has been regularly reviewed and actioned over the past 11 years with the result being a safer, more agile and modern Market hub that has become the envy of Market authorities around the world.

FIRE RING MAIN COMPLETION

A project to install a dedicated fire ring main around the Brisbane Markets® Rocklea site sees the massive undertaking of installing kilometres of pipe come to an end.

The work began in 2013 and involved five stages that saw piping installed under building awnings and through the mezzanine levels of the Brisbane Produce Market Central Trading Area, including connections to hydrants and hose reels.

Brisbane Markets Limited has worked closely with Queensland Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services, hydraulic engineers and installers to deliver the ambitious project that provides necessary fire safety infrastructure for the Brisbane Markets®

Aerial photographs from 2002 (left) to 2018 (right) highlight the dramatic development of the Brisbane Markets® Site which has occurred since BML took ownership.

SPECIALIST’S LOGO A COMMON SIGHT

Reams of multiple SBP Australia Pty Ltd logos wrapped around fencing that border state-ofthe-art warehouse developments have become a common sight at the Brisbane Markets® over the years.

The logos were recently bordering the Building N and Building D (East) warehouse redevelopments, and as of May, are synonymous with the multi-million dollar Montague Group (Building C1) warehouse that is taking shape.

As the building contractors, SBP Australia will be installing coldrooms, ripening rooms, a consumer packaging area, battery charging area, loading and finger docks and offices over two levels.

The Montague Group will also be installing a warehouse refrigeration system that is an environmentally friendly ammonia glycol system, one of the best compromises available when balancing operating costs, safety and environmental impacts.

However, SBP Australia has been involved in constructing temperature controlled warehousing on the Rocklea site since the last 1980s.

In the early days, it was known as Schultz and Burns Projects.

MARKETS’ BUSY WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT

Progress has been made on new warehousing across the Brisbane Markets® site.

A benchmark setting warehouse is under construction, one is in its planning stages, and both the Building N and Building D (East) warehouse redevelopments are complete.

The projects include:

• A $17.5 million Montague Group’s Building C1 facility that was more than 18 months in its planning, with the 5,587m2 facility tipped to be Australia’s most modern refrigerated warehouse on its completion.

• Conceptual designs for a state-of-the-art, purposebuilt 5,800m2 refrigerated warehouse in a move that will substantially change the streetscape and land use on Sherwood Road, at Rocklea.

• Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with family-owned fresh produce company, Darling Group, to build the J.H. Leavy & Co. branded warehouse.

• The 1,500m2 Building N warehouse redevelopment, which was completed for Alfred E Chave Pty Ltd, includes a roof linking its Building P warehouse.

• The completed H. E. Heather & Co. warehouse redevelopment which includes an updated public amenities block, giving new purpose to a once-dated eastern end of Building D.

Over the years, the business has grown from maintenance, coldroom installation and racking systems to include specialist industrial, commercial and residential construction, right across Australia.

Despite its growth, SBP Australia still constructs everything from portable offices to large cold storage facilities, specialising in the fresh produce sector, and can service regional areas and major cities right across Australia and overseas.

For more information, visit www.sbpa.com.au, email info@sbpa.com.au or phone 1300 272 254.

The SBP Australia logos cordon off the Building D (East) project earlier this year – the logos being a common sight at the Brisbane Markets®

Horticulture Code of Conduct

SHE’LL BE APPLES!

Growers have a new, eye catching reminder to place on their refrigerators letting them know who to call if they have a dispute with their Brisbane Markets® wholesaler.

The “She’ll be apples” Dispute Resolution Magnets are the latest Brisbane Produce Market promotion to get concerned growers picking up their phones when they have an issue.

The long-running Dispute Resolution Hotline has operated for almost 15 years. It’s a thorough option without the costly formal process available under the

Code, which is still open to complainants if they are unhappy with the results.

The service is free and can be accessed by phoning 1800 631 002.

FORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Did you know that if you choose to take out a formal, costly complaint under the 2017 Horticulture Code of Conduct, both the grower and the trader must first attempt to resolve the dispute?

If they cannot resolve the dispute after three weeks, then either party can ask a mediator to help. Both must each pay half the costs of the mediator as well as their own costs of attending the mediation, unless they agree otherwise.

ALLEGED CODE BREACH A TIMELY REMINDER

Australian wholesalers are urging their growers to become better acquainted with the Horticulture Code of Conduct in the wake of the competition watchdog, the Australia Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC), instigating proceedings against the Mitolo Group.

The ACCC alleges family owned potato and onion packing and wholesaling company, based in South Australia, has breached seven clauses under the Code where growers had to sign.

It is the first litigation since the Code was introduced in April 2017.

Brisbane Markets Limited CEO, Andrew Young, said the ACCC’s action is a timely reminder for growers and wholesalers who are trading fresh produce that they must have a written agreement that complies with the Code.

Mr Young said that Brisbane Markets® wholesalers were among the first in Australia to receive Code training before its introduction, organised by Fresh Markets Australian (FMA). However, grower associations were slow to provide information to their growers on their obligations.

“As an industry, we must all stand by the law and work together toward the Code delivering greater clarity and transparency in our trading arrangements,” Mr Young said.

“Growers have a big role to play by ensuring they also do their part in understanding what is required of them and ensuring they, and their wholesalers, are following the Code.”

Mr Young said the industry would be watching the proceedings with interest.

Industry Conferences

BRISBANE MARKETS®’ ROLE IN 2018 HORT CONNECTIONS

Brisbane Markets® wholesalers joined 3,000 industry leaders and horticulture participants at the Hort Connections conference, held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in June.

Both Brisbane Markets Limited, working with its industry body, Central Markets Association of Australia, and Brismark, working with its industry body, Fresh Markets Australia, joined forces again this year.

Under the ‘Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets’ banner, the Brisbane Markets® contributed toward sponsorship of the trade show and helped create one of the largest and most colourful stands on site from the 200 trade displays on show.

Contributing wholesalers included J H Leavy, Lind and Sons, R W Pascoe, Montague Fresh (Qld), Ireland 53, Romeo’s Marketing Queensland, HE Heather and Co, BG Brisbane, Favco (Qld) and Murray Bros, along with fellow sponsors CHEP and Toyota Material Handling.

Hort Connections provided great opportunity for Brisbane Markets® representatives to hold meetings, show case their wares and catch up with industry contacts who had travelled from across Australia and New Zealand to attend.

A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME

The Hort Connections trade show was a taste of things to come for foodies, with delights such as broccoli latte served up, deep fried insects and avocado chips with avocado and banana smoothies.

People flocked to try the new tastes with up to 50 people standing in front of the Hort Innovation stand where the vegetable and caffeine treats was served.

The industry is exploring more nutrient-rich drinks and snacks offerings to reduce food waste.

2018 HORT CONNECTIONS

Brisbane Markets® turned out in force at the second annual Hort Connections conference in Brisbane, in June.

The three day conference was a hectic schedule of speakers, tradeshow and special interest group meetings, and site tours, including a visit to the Brisbane Produce Market.

The following pages take a look at the happenings from that event.

Brisbane wholesale representatives, from left, Leo Anastasios and Gary Moore, of J. H. Leavy and Co. display fresh produce at the Hort Connections trade show.

Mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables, direct from the Brisbane Produce Market, were on display at the Australia’s Fresh Produce Markets stand.

People flocked to try the avocado smoothies, just some of the tantalizing flavours on offer at the Hort Connections trade show.

SUEZ and Brisbane Markets are putting your waste to good use

We provide smart and reliable solutions to collect recover and recycle paper and cardboard into valuable resources

For information on best practise waste management solutions, contact SUEZ today

SPEAKERS LOOK TO THE FUTURE

The horticulture industry was told it must change if it wants to survive as the world pushes ahead into a major technical change that is revolutionizing the way we do things.

Award winning global futurist, Chris Riddell, spoke in the opening session of the Hort Connections conference.

Mr Riddell said that success would not come from simply digitizing our companies or updating a website, but from a cultural shift in creating an ‘incredible’ experience for customers.

One of Australia’s leading science communicators, Julian Cribb, had his own warnings when he joined a panel discussion on the State of the Nation.

He was flanked by AUSVEG CEO, James Whitehead, Produce Marketing Association Australia New Zealand CEO, Darren Keating, and University of Queensland’s Dr Jimmy Botella to discuss the current and future state of horticulture industry.

Mr Cribb told growers they must cease talking about horticulture and agriculture and start relating to people using the word “food”.

The discussion touched on moving food production to cities, sourcing new edible plants for our menus, and the challenges facing production growth and the Australian farmer.

Waste management was also high on the agenda and the importance of sustainable production and pushing yields higher.

GALA NIGHT HONOURING OUR PEOPLE

Brisbane Markets® delegates joined Australian and New Zealand’s horticulture industry’s leading thinkers and celebrated individuals for the staging of the Hort Connections 2018 National Awards for Excellence.

The evening included a heart-felt, posthumous award in honour of South Australian wholesaler Paul Pogas, who was presented with the Fresh Markets Meritorious Service Award, for his commitment to the industry.

Mr Pogas’ contribution until his passing in 2017 was fondly remembered.

He had served on the South Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables for 21 years, four as president, and was a Director of the South Australian Produce Credit Service from 2005.

The celebratory evening saw 10 awards bestowed on award recipients including the T&G Global Marketing Team taking out the PMA-Produce Plus Marketer of the Year for its promotion of the low carb potato, called the Lotatoe.

Other award recipients include:

Grower of the Year: Scott Samwell, SA

Young Grower of the Year: Chris McLoghlin, Vic

Community Stewardship: East Gippsland Innovation Days, Vic

Innovation Partner: Terry Martella, WA

Researcher of the Year: Jessica Page, Vic Women in Horticulture: Rachel Mackenzie, Qld

Environmental Award: Frank and Dianne Sciacca, Qld

Industry Impact: Danyang Ying, Vic

Exporter of the Year: Dicky Bill Australia, Qld

FRESHCARE SUPPLY CHAIN STANDARD LAUNCH

Freshcare announced the release of its Freshcare Supply Chain Standard – Edition 1 at the Hort Connection tradeshow – a document designed to address the challenges of food safety and quality compliance for the fresh produce supply chain.

The publication is comprised of prescriptive business specific compliance criteria and covers businesses involved in:

• Packing & Handling (including Pre-pack/Re-pack)

• Storage

• Ripening

• Transport & Distribution

• Wholesale

• Brokerage & Virtual Brokerage

• Provedore

For more information, visit the FreshCare website at www.freshcare.com.au.

Award winning global futurist, Chris Riddell, warned digitizing your company is about creating a cultural shift to provide an ‘incredible’ experience for your customers.

From left, Freshcare’s General Manager – Industry Development, Claire-Hamilton Bates, and Director and Brismark General Manager, Gail Woods launch the ‘Freshcare Supply Chain Standard –Edition 1’ document.

NATIONAL RETAILER BRAND ‘A BETTER CHOICE!’

South-East Queensland’s Your Local Fruit Shop retailers are among the first to welcome a new national program designed to encourage consumers to shop for fresh produce at their local independent retailer.

The ‘A Better Choice!’ program was launched at the Hort Connections conference in June with a busy promotional campaign already being rolled out nationally.

The program is a joint initiative by Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) and the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA) that will see the Australia’s fresh produce wholesaler working hand-in-hand with industry partners to conduct a range of branding and co-promotional activities.

It supports over 500 independent fruit and vegetable retailers nationally by engaging consumers and highlighting the benefits of shopping at independent retailers.

The ‘A Better Choice!’ logo is a striking image that is to become synonymous with buying only the freshest produce that has been grown in Australia.

A BRAND WITH CONSUMER APPEAL

FMA Chairman Shane Schnitzler said the national ‘A Better Choice!’ program will benefit growers, wholesalers, retailers and associated fresh produce businesses.

“A Better Choice! offers retailers the opportunity to come together and share the benefits of a national marketing strategy to shape a positive future for independent retailers, the Central Markets and local farmers who supply them,” he said.

“This program has been developed following indepth research and feasibility studies to learn more about consumers’ shopping habits and what matters most to them when it comes to purchasing fruit and vegetables.”

Mr Schnitzler said a national consumer sentiment survey found the key motivators for consumers to shop at their independent retailer were the freshness of produce (92%), supporting a local business (90%), and trust in the quality of the produce (86%).

The ‘A Better Choice!’ program will help to highlight to consumers how they can better support local fresh produce growers and independent retailers

From left, FMA Chairman Shane Schnitzler, and CMAA Chairman, Angelo Demasi are interviewed by business emcee, Toby Travanner, during the Hort Connections launch of ‘A Better Choice!’ national retail program.

Freshness, quality, range and service are all qualities that the general public acknowledge are the advantages of buying fruit and vegetables from independent retailers.

National Independent Retail Program

- incorporating -

Central Markets supporting Independent Retailers

By shopping at their local Greengrocer or Fruit Shop consumers are making…

A better choice!

A better choice of available products

A better choice for freshness

A better choice for knowledge and service

A better choice to support your local community

A better choice for you and your family

industry

COOK UPS, GALA DINNER AND CONFERENCE TALKS

By Cherry Emerick, Industry Development Officer, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association

The Bowen Gumlu region is in the heart of its winter harvest, with some excellent produce reaching the Brisbane Markets® and the plates of hungry consumers right across Australia.

I can still smell some of our best grown fresh fruit and vegetables sizzling on the barbecue as it became a star attraction at the Bowen Agricultural Show, in late June.

The region was on show with some fabulous fresh produce displays, with visitors taking the opportunity to taste the produce during a cook up, with the aid of the Grand View Hotel chef.

GALA DINNER SUCCESS

Just a month before, the best that the region had to offer was on the plates of up to 120 guests at the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) annual gala dinner.

This year’s event included a farm visit from Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, and his team, earlier in the day, allowing our members to speak one-on-one about their industry issues.

WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

There have been plenty of kilometres travelled in the past quarter, with my attendance at the Efficient Farming Forum held in Mareeba, with robotics, food safety and security, foreign ownership and

weather change high on the agenda.

Up to 250 people joined the Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group to stage the important event.

GETTING EXPORT READY

The Burdekin Shire Council has held an Export Ready Forum involving Bowen growers.

There is strong interest in our region for export, and a recent project, by Hort Innovation, has been funded to increase Australian vegetable exports by supporting growers.

Its funding includes the establishment of an Export Ready Facilitator role, which couldn’t have come at a better time.

HORT CONNECTIONS

In June, I attended the Hort Connections conference, held in Brisbane, which is the premier event for the horticulture industry.

The event included a huge trade show, the opportunity to hear industry speakers and for me to hold talks on industry issues.

The event included coveted AUSVEG industry awards. Both BGGA president, Carl Walker, and I were nominated for different awards, and while not receiving the top honours, were incredibly humbled to have had our names added to the finalists list.

ABOUT THE BOWEN GUMLU REGION

In mid-winter, the majority of fresh produce that Australians are consuming has been grown in the Bowen Gumlu region, with about 65 farms comprising the nation's largest winter growing district.

In addition, up to 70-90% of all tomatoes and capsicums grown in Australia during September and October come from the area.

There is a great diversity of product, including beans, capsicums, chillis, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, squash and zucchinis.

In the peak growing season, up to 3,500 people, including backpackers, are employed to pick, harvest and pack up the fresh produce in what is a $450-million-a-year industry.

Crops stretch for kilometres in the fertile Bowen Gumlu soils, with its main vegetable production from April/ May through to November.

A MAGICAL BGGA GALA DINNER

There was a little bit of magic in the air at the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association annual (BGGA) gala dinner in June as more than 120 guests were wined, dined and entertained.

Magician, Eric Summons, emceed and delighted the guests at the Port Denison Sailing Club, including Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, State Member, Dale Last, and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Andrew Wilcox.

BGGA President, Carl Walker, said the event was specifically held at the peak of the growing season to provide growers and industry stakeholders with an occasion to let their hair down and enjoy each other’s company.

Highlights included a raffle for the Bowen Police-Citizens Youth Club, a presentation of historic box stencils for the Brisbane Markets Arch Martin History Room and live music throughout the evening.

Brisbane Markets® wholesalers are regular participants at the annual dinner to catch up with their growers and industry attendees.

The MND and Me Foundation is committed to helping create a Queensland where all people impacted by Motor Neurone Disease have equitable access to quality services and support. The right solutions at the right place at the right time.

We are dedicated to achieve this by creating a service offering that meets the changing needs of people living with MND.

The current service offering includes:

Service Coordination – ensuring no one faces MND alone

Research Funding – providing grants and funding towards a cure

Supply of Equipment (short/medium term) – ﬁlling the access gap between prescription and delivery

Tailored Support Groups – reaching people in metropolitan and regional areas across Queensland

Access to Health Professionals – demonstrating individual solutions for individual needs

Home Improvement and Care Grants – improving quality of life

Carer Services – facilitating mental health and wellbeing for adults and children

Every day, two Australians are diagnosed with MND and two Australians die from MND. There is no cure or treatment and the average life expectancy is 2.5 years.

Please help us ensure that no Queenslander has to face Motor Neurone Disease alone.

Reach out and take that next step and join us to become part of the solution.

Cementing a great industry partnership, Brisbane Markets Limited’s Vanessa Kennedy poses with the 2017/18 BGGA executive, from left, Laurie Land, Carl Walker (president) and Dale Williams.

The Stackelroth Farm team worked hard to raise funds for the PCYC. From left are Stevie Lee Vico, Belinda Williams and 2018/19 Deputy President, Michelle O‘Regan.

Jamie and Melita Jurgens, of Veejays Kalfresh, take a break from networking during the BGGA gala dinner.

BUNDABERG’S ALL-ROUND GROWING CONDITIONS

By Bree Grima, Managing Director, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers

What a busy first half of the year it’s been for the Industry!

The beauty of representing a region such as Bundaberg that boasts year-round growing conditions is that something is always being planted, grown or harvested at any given time.

We’ve had an influx of workshops and up skilling opportunities come through the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) office.

We were pleased to report more than 1500 people came through the doors at the BFVG Agrihub for the ‘Robots, Drones and Sensors’ presentations at the 2018 Bundaberg Agrotrend Event.

The Agrihub, which we’re hoping will be a permanent fixture, presented master classes on agricultural technology with practical demonstrations.

BUNDY GROWERS RACING IN STYLE

BFVG also assisted with a number of trials in the region including biofumigants and plastic alternatives and we’re keen to see the outcomes of these in the coming months.

BFVG INDUSTRY GALA DINNER

Have you booked your ticket for the biennial BFVG Industry Gala Dinner on Saturday, 13 October, 2018?

Tickets are on sale now at www.bfvg.com.au and we are also seeking sponsors to make this night truly memorable.

Numbers will again be capped at 530 and given this year the Cooperative is celebrating its 70th Anniversary, tickets will sell extra fast.

This year we’ll also be incorporating the inaugural Growers Harvest Expo which will be held 7am-2pm on the day of the dinner.

Bundaberg growers dusted off suits or pulled their best frocks on to attend one of industry’s fun charity events with the staging of the Austsafe Super Race Day.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) members had perfect weather for the event at Thabeban Park, with the event raising money for the RACQ LifeFlight and the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

The event included a charity auction, major raffle and a Fashions of the Field competition.

It’s an opportunity for producers to get a firsthand look at emerging technologies, new products and equipment.

ADVOCACY

BFVG continues to work at a local and state level to ensure the region’s issues and opportunities are heard loud and clear.

Of particular importance to us are changes within the Terms of Reference for water pricing, a reduction in itinerant workers to the region and the roll out of the labour hire licensing scheme. We are also working closely with agricultural groups to understand the potential impacts that renewing three Licences to Prospect for unconventional gas in our region could bring. We plan to build a campaign to protect prime agricultural land.

From left, Tony O’Mara, of AustSafe Super, Alan and Joanne Loeskow, of Sunfam & Relmay Farms, Scott Norval, of Pacific Gold Macadamias and Tracey Norval, of Bagara pose at Bundaberg’s Super Race Day.

CHANGES TO CHAIN OF RESPONSIBILITY (COR) LAWS

By Brismark General Manager Gail Woods

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) says the Chain of Responsibility laws will change in mid-2018. The time to act is now.

If you operate in the logistics or transport industry, it is vital to understand your obligations to ensure you and your employees are protected from possible breaches and liability.

CHANGE OBJECTIVES

The aim of these changes is to ensure we all play a vital role in ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of people within the transport and logistics industry.

For example, if you or one of your employees are loading goods onto a truck for transport, you will now be responsible for properly restraining the product on the pallet, and must understand the weight of the load to ensure it is within the weight requirements of the heavy vehicle.

If this process is not correct you could be held liable for breaches.

WHO WILL BE CONSIDERED LIABLE?

Under the changes to the CoR laws, legal obligations are placed on all parties in the supply chain. This includes employers, directors, and officers of companies, consignors (senders), consignee (receivers) and any employees responsible for loading and unloading of goods.

This also includes loading managers, supervisors or anyone who manages the premises where goods are loaded or unloaded.

If you are a party in the heavy vehicle transport supply chain and you exercise (or have the capability of exercising) control or influence over any transport task, you have a responsibility to ensure you comply with the CoR laws.

ARE YOU COMPLIANT?

To ensure you are compliant please check your safety management system. It should include all the requirements of CoR with a focus on fatigue management, maintenance of heavy vehicles, mass management, load restraint, speed management, and drug and alcohol management.

Not sure what you need? Check out the NHVR website www.nhvr.gov.au

Brisbane Biosecurity officers intercepted illegally imported citrus budwood harbouring citrus greening disease in early July.

However, the industry is no stranger to imported disease incursions that threaten Australia’s production of 750,000 tonne of citrus annually with an export value of around $460 million.

The destructive citrus canker bacteria has been discovered in nine potted plants at various Northern Territory locations.

Queensland has imposed travel restrictions on citrus movement from the Northern Territory and Western Australia in its efforts to halt the disease spreading.

Citrus growers in the Emerald region were devastated by the disease in 2004.

However, the Northern Territory’s detection is markedly different from the 2004 outbreak in a commercial citrus area with the latest outbreak restricted to the home and garden sector in far north Australia.

Applications are being called for the Premier of Queensland Export Awards 2018 to reward the dedication of those engaged in international trade.

For more information, visit www.tiq.qld.gov.au/awards/.

Under new Chain of Responsibility Laws, loading goods onto a truck for transport has new liabilities attached for others in the supply chain.

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EATING THE RAINBOW

South-East Queenslanders have been eating a kaleidoscope of fresh produce into winter, with ruby league great Sam Thaiday heading up a colourful Your Local Fruit Shop (YLFS) campaign.

The “Eat the Rainbow to Support Your Local Fruit Shop” promoted the health and wellness benefits associated with consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The campaign came with great incentives, offering customers the chance to win a year’s supply of fruit and vegetable from their YLFS store along with a number of minor prizes.

In store, customers snapped a picture of the campaign wobbler and uploaded it to their Instagram to enter the major prize draw.

A series of information educational blog articles, recipes and social media posts were published on the YLFS website and social media.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION RISES

Australians eat more than 100 kg of fruit and vegetables per capita, but IBISWorld’s analysts warn that when the price of fruit and vegetables firms, people forget their healthy eating pledges and reduce consumption.

If you try hard to eat your two fruit and five vegetables a day, you are part of a trend that is seeing our nation expected to chomp on more nutrition-filled fresh produce than the current consumption levels.

Growers have Australians over 50 to thank for pushing the national per capita consumption higher, who chomp on more fruit and vegetables than any other generation.

retailing

Health and fitness influencers were engaged to promote the competition and posted their rainbow creations on Instagram.

Even Sam Thaiday posted a video of his own rainbow creation on Instagram.

Check out more at www.yourlocalfruitshop.com.au.

BUYFRUIT BOX A WORKPLACE FAVOURITE

BuyFruit, the online fruit and vegetable box service operated by select Your Local Fruit Shops, is spilling with much-loved winter favourites in the cool season, with mandarins, apples, pears, bananas and oranges delivered with a click of a button.

Workplaces across South East Queensland are having the fruity boxes delivered to their reception desks or staff rooms that sees some of the best offerings from Your Local Fruit Shop keeping staff members healthy and feeling appreciated. The boxes are available in a range of sizes for those looking for home, school or aged care facility sized packs that suit the number of hungry fruit lovers who enjoy a healthy bite.

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

An example of a creative blogger who encouraged consumers to “Eat the Rainbow to Support Your Local Fruit Shop”.

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STRAWBERRY

QUALITY

EXCELLENCE

Cool conditions have dropped the production of strawberries in the lead up to the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), which is being staged from 10-19 August 2018, but consumers will be spoiled for quality.

Recent cold temperatures may have reduced the volumes being harvested. However, there has been plenty of sunshine throughout July assisting the strawberries to gain a better taste.

The Ekka is synonymous with the sale of the sundaes, with last year’s creamy delights using 6.2 tonnes of fresh Queensland grown strawberries.

MARKETS ANNOUNCES NEW CHARITY PARTNER

Brisbane Produce Market has announced a new charity partner with the appointment of the MND and Me Foundation.

Both Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) and Brismark have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a 12 month period to work with the charity.

The MND and Me Foundation supports people and their families living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Queensland. MND has touched the Markets recently, with Patricia Hunt, wife of long-serving Brismark and BML employee, Stephen Hunt, having lost her life to the disease in 2016.

The new charity joins Diabetes Queensland as a Brisbane Produce Market charity partner.

EDUCATION IN ACTION THROUGH POSTHARVEST COURSE

The success of a recent Postharvest course has set the benchmark high to deliver a similar program in 2019.

Brismark worked in partnership with the University of Queensland, Gatton to deliver the training that delivered a unique experience and behind-thescenes look into the supply chain process.

The Postharvest Course was held one day per week over a three week period, with the initial focus covering the beginning of the supply chain process such as harvesting methods, storage, and distribution.

The second day included a field trip to a transporter, producer and pack house in the Gatton area to gain a first-hand understanding of the processes.

The final day encompassed changes after harvest including ripening and natural respiration of product, to gain a better understanding of the conditions that prolong shelf life and maintain quality for sale.

Participants in the Brismark and University of Queensland Postharvest Course during an on-farm field trip.

Queensland strawberries are atop the iconic Ekka strawberry sundae, helping raise money for Brisbane’s Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

COSTLY FEE RECOVERY MODEL SCRAPPED

Australia’s export sector narrowly missed being hit with price hikes for fresh produce, nut and flower exports after the Federal Government dropped a controversial cost-recovery model just days before its 1 July 2018 implementation.

The Federal Government caved to pressure from the horticulture sector that argued the fees would make overseas trade unfeasible.

The fees would have over-recovered more than $3.5 million over the next four years. However, a united campaign from eight industry associations — Australian Horticultural Exporters’ and Importers’ Association, Apple and Pear Australia, Australian Mango Industry Association, Australian Table Grape Association, AusVeg, Cherry Growers Australia, Citrus Australia and Summerfruit Australia — successfully campaigned for the Federal Government to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new cost-recovery model.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fresh Markets Australia works alongside the Central Market System which is made up of over 15,000 growers, supplying wholesalers in the major marketing and distribution hubs in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Newcastle.

GOVERNMENT VISIT PROMPTS SEASONAL DEBATE

The state-of-the art Fresh Produce Group warehouse, in the Brisbane Markets®’ North West, became the backdrop for an important State Government announcement recently but not without some contention.

The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing and Planning, Cameron Dick, was joined by Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, to launch a registration of interest process for the State Government with the intent of building a regional export and fresh produce distribution centre.

Brisbane Markets Limited Chairman, Tony Joseph, was supportive of the proposal in concept, but said that a regional centre may not provide the benefit to the industry that the State Government was expecting.

“A regional distribution centre has the potential to only see use during the peak growing seasons of that particular region,” Mr Joseph said.

“It begs the question, would a central location such as the Brisbane Markets®, which is an established transport and transhipping hub, be a better option for such a facility to support the longer term growth of exports?” he said.

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From left, Karl Gygar, of Manbullo Farms, Julie Minotto, of Fresh Produce Group, and Queensland Government Ministers Cameron Dick and Mark Furner discuss regional export and distribution needs.

export

QUEENSLAND’S TIME TO SHINE

By Australian Horticultural Exporters Association Chairman, Joe Saina

Winter is Queensland’s time to shine in the area of fresh produce exports.

The mandarin season began in May with sea and air shipments moving to Asia and the Middle East. Melon exports of all varieties are being sourced from Bundaberg up to Bowen.

In winter, we see vegetable exports in greater volume from our southern Queensland growers, with Bowen growers ramping up their season. Basically, it’s a wonderful time to be exporting from Queensland with sea and air freight costs generally steady (except air into New Zealand), good crops, a modest Australian dollar and good demand from trading partners.

Having said all this, there are real challenges that were on the horizon that are now getting closer.

INCREASED AIR CARGO SECURITY

Exporters that rely on AIRFREIGHT to ANY destination will be affected by seriously enhanced air cargo security arrangements as of about March 2019. This is essentially an extension of the North America air cargo situation that was implemented late last year that went mostly unnoticed due to the small amount of fresh produce being airfreighted to that part of the world.

From March next year, all cargo heading out of Australia will be subject to ‘enhanced’ security

screening that will impact heavily on the industry.

Because of the diversity, volume, complexity and price per kilogram of fresh produce, I believe it will be our sector that will be hit hardest by these new security arrangements. Those interested should go to www.ahea.com.au or visit https://tinyurl.com/yamxstceto assist in understanding the changes.

OFF SHORE PRE-CLEARANCE

On imports, it is not rosy either, with Off Shore Pre-clearance progressing towards closure.

For example, this year’s coming New Zealand avocado season will have less than 10% of produce coming to Australia being pre-cleared as compared to 60% last season.

Further USA Citrus imports that ended recently had a disastrous season with the costs of Preclearances doubling due to poor participation from USA Packers, increased costs from Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and the high price of fruit.

I expect there will be next to zero pre-cleared fruit for the next season onwards.

CITRUS CANKER –NORTHERN TERRITORY

Whilst addressing quarantine and biosecurity issues, I can’t go past the current issue of Citrus Canker detected in the Norther Territory. So far this situation has been described as a “minor outbreak” or “low level incursion” but we can’t underestimate the risk of this disease becoming uncontrolled. We continue to put pressure of both State and Commonwealth agencies to proactively deal with the matter including maintaining a ban on interstate movements of host material from the Territory.

EXPORT GROWTH

Despite the hurdles and a business that’s not easy, Australia continues its growth in horticulture exports and I know this will continue.

I am seeing greater co-operation between Peak Industry Bodies, a greater level of transparency and pro-activity in the export space by Horticulture Innovation Australia and, of course, a new Federal Minister for Agriculture, John Littleproud (a Queenslander) who wants to make his mark on the portfolio.

AUGUST

10-19 AUGUST

2017 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)

Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, Qld

Contact: Information and tickets at www.ekka.com.au

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.

15 AUGUST

Brisbane City Ekka Royal Queensland Show holiday

For further information on Brisbane Markets® fresh produce deliveries and purchases, please contact your wholesaler or check trading hours on line at www.brisbanemarkets.com.au.

29 AUGUST

Brisbane Produce Market’s Forklift Operator of the Year final

Brisbane Markets®, Sherwood Road, Rocklea, Qld

Contact: Brisbane Markets Limited at communications@brisbanemarkets.com.au or (07) 3915 4349.

An annual event where forklift operators compete for prizes while raising awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace.

A gold coin charity barbecue will be held during the grand final, with the proceeds donated to MND & Me to support people and their families living with Motor Neurone Disease.

SEPTEMBER

14 SEPTEMBER

Brisbane Produce Market Charity Golf Day

The Brisbane Golf Club, Yeerongpilly, QLD

Contact: For enquiries, phone Mark Moore on 0418 784, Mark Clarke on 0407 781 792 or Phil Thomas on 0407 437 374, and to register, contact Peter Collins on 07 3848 1008 (ext 2) or email peter@brisbanegolfclub.com.au.

Charity event includes a sausage sizzle lunch, on-course food and drinks, presentations, premium golf shirt and the knowledge that each player has raised funds to assist Diabetes Queensland.

17-20 SEPTEMBER

2018 Australian Melon Conference & Field Day

Mercure Townsville, Qld

Contact: Dianne Fullelove on idp@melonsaustralia.org.au, or Joanna Embry, on project@melonsaustralia.org.au or visit https://tinyurl.com/y9w2ad7a

The event includes a field day in Ayr with demonstrations and variety trials, a welcome event on Magnetic Island, and conference, industry dinner and tradeshow at Mercure Townsville

APPROACHING EVENTS

If you have an industry event approaching, please contact Brisbane Markets Limited’s communications team on communications@brisbanemarkets.com.au or phone 07 3915 43439.

SAVE THE DATES

Save the dates in your calendar for some big industry events later in the year including:

4 October: Brisbane Markets Limited’s annual Mango Auction, Brisbane Produce Market trading floor.

13 October: Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ United Front 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner, Saturday, 13 October 2018.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY CLOSURE

Brisbane Produce Market will be closed on the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) People’s Day, on Wednesday, 15 August.

Fur further information on fresh produce deliveries and purchases, please contact your wholesaler or check trading hours on line at www.brisbanemarkets.com.au