1. Growcom CEO Stephen Barnard addressed the issue of fruit and vegetable retail pricing, pressing the point that fruit and vegetable price points are under pressure not from the recent flooding across NSW and QLD but because ‘growers are continuing to bear the brunt of global trade conditions, absorbing rising costs of chemical, fertiliser, fuel, lumber and labour costs without any relief in price from buyers.’ You can read more of his statement here Rising input costs are an issue across the board for our member organisations. QFF continues to advocate for relief.
2. Last Friday, QFF’s CEO Jo Sheppard attended the Queensland Workforce Summit along with Cotton Australia’s General Manager, Michael Murray. We raised with Minister Di Famer and Treasurer, Cameron Dick the workforce challenges that continue to be raised by QFF members. The ag sector needs agile training solutions, workforce attraction programs and housing availability to support the workforce – and we need them now.
3. At the Queensland Workforce Summit, the Queensland State Government announced an injection of $15million of funds into a broad range of skills strategies to support a range of industries. $5million will be allocated towards the development of an Agribusiness Strategy, which includes an Agriculture Skills Fund; and a TAFE Agricultural, Rural and Regional Strategy. QFF acknowledges that this is a great start to address workforce issues and is been pressing for more to be done. The full media statement can be read here.
4. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) continues to be an issue for our sector after it was recently confirmed in 14 piggeries across QLD, NSW and VIC. QFF President Allan Dingle highlighted the importance of this issue saying “this again raises the importance of pest animal management and highlights the direct biosecurity risk ineffective control of wild pigs and other pest animals can have on Queensland’s farming sector. It is imperative that pest management is a priority and that government works with farmers to ensure effective and consistent pest management policy is in place and operational plans delivered on ground each and every year.” You can read his full comment here
Biosecurity QLD is working with the operators of the QLD piggery after confirming that diagnosis. JEV is a category 1 restricted matter. Under QLD legislation, if the presence of this disease is suspected in any species of animal, it must be reported to Biosecurity QLD on 13 25 23 or contact the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
5. Agrifutures is hosting a seminar for chicken meat producers on Tuesday, 15 March from 11.00am to 12:00pm (AEST) to discuss the first national planning and environment guidelines developed for Australia’s chicken meat industry:
* Planning and environment guideline for establishing meat chicken farms Guide 1 – Assessment guide
* Planning and environment guideline for establishing meat chicken farms Guide 2 – Applicant guide
Incorporating the latest research and innovation learn how the guidelines promote sustainable and socially responsible industry development through strategic planning, design, management practices, and relevant application processes. You can register here.
6. FLOOD RECOVERY – Flood impacted farmers in SEQ can inform DAF of damage and losses via a survey available HERE . The information provided will ensure the department is able to capture relevant information required to prepare applications for assistance more quickly to support recovery.
7. FLOOD SUPPORT – Following SEQ rainfall and flooding, grants of up to $75K are available for affected producers to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and other costs associated with the recovery process. To read the guidelines and make an application, visit the QRIDA website HERE or contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946.
8. FLOOD DONATIONS – With so many agriculture businesses impacted by the floods, DAF have sent out a timely reminder about fire ants if you are donating hay or mulch. Fire ants can have devastating consequences on our environment, economy and lifestyle. They can destroy crops, damage equipment and kill livestock, pets and native fauna. The last thing our flood-ravaged communities need is fire ant infestation and you don’t want to be responsible for it either. If you’re moving organic material, check the fire ant biosecurity zones and use fire ant-safe practices.
9. DAF is seeking comment on an Issues Paper that will contribute to the review of the Farm Business Debt Mediation Act 2017. The Act requires a review to be conducted by June 2022 on whether its provisions remain appropriate. Consultation closes 25 March 2022. The Act, Issues Paper and submission instructions can be found HERE.
10. QFF’s Sharon McIntosh represented our members at The Ministerial Energy Council meeting last week. The council provides a platform to foster greater collaboration with the energy sector and discuss major energy policy issues affecting Queensland. QFF continues to work with all levels of government on critical policy issues surrounding energy pressing the concerns of our member organisations.