September 2014

“Is there a future in this industry?” That seems to be my most-received question. Where are we headed?

High input costs, regulations at the Federal, State and council levels, changing trends from consumers, more competition from the fast food industry, a shrinking share of the food market pie – these are the obvious facts regarding our industry …

David Wallace – President, VGA-Victoria

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Contents :

Industry recognition of lifetime achievement – Mr Silvio Favero
The Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria congratulates Silvio Favero on being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence Dinner in Cairns.

This well-deserved award recognises Mr Favero’s past and present involvement in the vegetable industry, both on a state and national level …

NOTICE TO GROWER MEMBERS OF VGA VIC
The Annual General Meeting of the Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria Inc. will be held in the Bridge Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Spencer Street, Melbourne, on:

Friday 10 October
2014 Registration from 4.00pm
Meeting commences at 4.30pm

The AGM will be open only to Members and their Partners …

Fresh Produce Safety Centre (Australia & New Zealand)
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) is a new industry-led not-forprofit company established to enhance fresh produce safety across Australia and New Zealand through research, outreach and education …

Strategies for the Sustainable Use of AgChem Products
Throughout the year farmers are faced with outbreaks of pests and diseases on crops – but even with crops under threat, it is essential to use agricultural chemical products for their registered purposes only, operating strictly in line with label instructions …

Q&A with Silvio Favero
Favero Gardens have been growing vegetables at Cranbourne for over 25 years …

Which Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) do you need?
An Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) is a 10-year permit issued by DEPI to appropriately trained chemical users …

Are you measuring crop water use effectively?
Crop water use is one of the key drivers of effective irrigation scheduling. It is determined by environmental and plant factors – environmental factors are related to climate and weather, while plant factors relate to the type of crop, its stage of growth and vigour …

Ladybird developer awarded Researcher of the Year
University of Sydney robotics expert Professor Salah Sukkarieh has been awarded Researcher of the Year by the Australian vegetable industry’s peak body, AUSVEG, for his work on farm robots – in particular, “Ladybird” …

Executive Officer’s report

VGA Vic has been addressing a number of issues on behalf of Victorian growers. There have been many reviews and requests for comment on topics including the Horticulture Code of Conduct, illegal workers and contractors, high prices of vegetables, biosecurity issues and chemical harmonisation.

The Association will be conducting a review into its future structure and how to best meet its members needs. Please take the time to speak with the consultant so that VGA Vic can best serve its members and we can be united, with one voice.


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