Vegetable Grower NOTES

Sincere congratulations are extended to Luis Gazzola who was granted a VGA-Vic Life Membership at the 2015 Annual General Meeting…. Go to article.

The 2015 VGA-AGM held on Friday the 9th of October confirmed David Wallace as President for 2016.
The meeting also elected the… Go to article.

Applications are now open for the
2016
Growing Leaders
National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program
Go to article.

The key findings from the HIA and vegetable levy funded project -Market Analysis and Strategy: Broccoli to Japan- are now available… Go to article.

VGA Victoria Members, have your say !

Annual General Meeting
of the
Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria Inc…. Go to article.

The Victorian Government is establishing a new Young Farmers Ministerial Advisory Council.
The Council will advise government… Go to article.

Sadly, like many other industry events the National Vegetable EXPO – Werribee, is no more.
The National Vegetable Expo Committee… Go to article.

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) has been identified as a concern for vegetable growers.
RMCG has been leading a project for… Go to article.

VGA- Vic staff recently had the opportunity to tour the Port of Melbourne as a member of the DEPI Horticultural Industry Network…. Go to article.

Over 800 delegates visited the PMA Fresh Connections trade day held last week at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre as part of the… Go to article.

Soils are the powerhouse of vegetable production. See how you can better manage your soil at the Soil Wealth Farm Walk.

… Go to article.

Growers are encouraged to apply for one of the Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships available for 2016.
You can apply if… Go to article.

A field walk was held recently at Arnotts Vegetable Farms at Clyde, to share and discuss the findings of trials on the application… Go to article.

Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce recently announced applications are being sought for more than $11 million in grants to… Go to article.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Orr as our new Executive Officer.
Ken has extensive experience with production… Go to article.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh has officially opened the new Horticulture Centre of Excellence at Tatura,… Go to article.

Most products containing the chemical FENTHION are now cancelled bringing to a close the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines… Go to article.

Congratulations to David Wallace who was re-elected as President of the Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria at the Annual… Go to article.

AUSVEG is pleased to welcome Dr Jessica Lye on board as Biosecurity and Special Projects Officer and Scott Kwasny as Minor Use… Go to article.

Richard Bennett, Technology Manager with PMA Australia and New Zealand, has been awarded the Ross Peters Memorial Award for Excellence… Go to article.

In June, Trade and Investment Queensland held a Broccoli to Japan Seminar at the AUSVEG Convention in Cairns.
Japan is known… Go to article.

VGA Vic congratulates Silvio Favero on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence… Go to article.

Our congratulations go to fourth generation Victorian vegetable farmer Nathan Free (24) from Lake Boga, near Swan Hill.
Nathan… Go to article.

Growers are reminded that
new wage and superannuation
rates apply from 1st July

From first pay… Go to article.

Tony Imeson, Executive Officer of Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria has decided to call it a day.
To use an old expression… Go to article.

A group of 20 guests enjoyed a delightful meal at Beletti's Restaurant in Dandenong. John McCormick Victorian Rural Manager… Go to article.

Vegetable Growers, Nursery Operators, Industry Advisors and Suppliers are invited to the :

East Gippsland Leafy Vegetable… Go to article.

Are you a Business Leader in the
Australian Horticulture Industry ?
Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), is looking for… Go to article.

The annual AUSVEG / HAL Regional Roadshow has now been held in Werribee and Cranbourne.
The events provided local growers with… Go to article.

Recent events have highlighted the need for Health and Safety training for staff on Victorian vegetable farms.

Do you or… Go to article.

VGA Vic Executive Manager, Helena Whitman joined Growers and industry experts at the White Blister field day in Werribee last week…. Go to article.

Native vegetation comprises plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses.
In Victoria,… Go to article.

Nominations for the AUSVEG 2014
National Awards for Excellence are now open
The Awards highlight the success and outstanding… Go to article.

From the 10th of February 2014, the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations (HVNL), will apply in Victoria, Queensland, New… Go to article.

Infotech Research has been engaged by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) to conduct free energy audits for levy paying vegetable… Go to article.

The dam is not a swimming pool !
With the recent heatwave and more to come, Southern Rural Water has put out a timely reminder… Go to article.

Enhanced Influencing & Negotiation Effectiveness Training
Enrol NOW

• Have you found yourself leaving a discussion… Go to article.

InfoVeg, a new mobile and tablet friendly research database application for vegetable growers, has just been released by AUSVEG…. Go to article.

AUSVEG has launched a new iPhone/iPad application for growers participating in the EnviroVeg program.
Go to article.

Our 2013 Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 18th October and confirmed the re-election of David Wallace as President and… Go to article.

Two Veggycation workshops, communicating the health benefits of vegetables, were held in Victoria during September and attended… Go to article.

A wide range of readily available chemicals are used by Australian individuals and businesses every day.
Ninety-six of these… Go to article.

The Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria congratulate Emma Germano, vegetable grower from Mirboo North in Victoria, on being… Go to article.

Vegetable Levy Payers who have an interest in developing R&D projects, are invited to register their interest in serving on… Go to article.

The Victorian Government, in partnership with Rural Finance, are offering grants to promote the establishment of new marketing… Go to article.

A bright sunny morning on Friday 2 August brought 80 golfers to Lang Lang for the annual VGA-Vic Golf Day,
proudly sponsored… Go to article.

Salad mix producers need to be aware of the MRL classification for each component in their mix.
Not all salad mix components… Go to article.

Horticulture Australia have engaged RMCG to investigate the costs associated with the production, sale and distribution of Vegetables…. Go to article.

How good is the Australian vegetable industry's
biosecurity preparedness ?
Horticulture Australia has commissioned Macquarie… Go to article.

New penalties take effect on 1 June 2013
Details of the requirements under the amended Migration Act and Regulations are now… Go to article.

(revised 21 July 2013)
Although the answer seems obvious to lettuce growers, this is not as clear cut when it comes to what appears… Go to article.

VGA-Vic welcomes the "1800 Agronomist" advice hotline for vegetable growers, launched this week by HAL and AUSVEG. … Go to article.

Two free pest solution information services are now available online.

Infopest – pest solutions now available free… Go to article.

Another great National Vegetable EXPO was held at Werribee on the 2nd & 3rd May. Congratulations to everyone involved for making… Go to article.

2nd and 3rd May
National Vegetable EXPO at Werribee
With over 50 Trade Displays and 11 Seed Companies displaying the best… Go to article.

VGA Vic President David Wallace and Executive staff Tony Imeson and Helena Whitman recently attended a workshop in Sydney convened… Go to article.

Monster Surplus Horticultural &
Hay Making Machinery
Clearing Sale
– BAIRNSDALE –
Saturday 11th May 2013 10.30am
(viewing… Go to article.

Nuffield Australia has just opened its application process for 2014 Scholarships, with a record 24 Scholarships available to primary… Go to article.

Our congratulations go to VGA members Theo and Eric Jacometti for winning the Weekly Times "Farmer of the Year" award…. Go to article.

Twitter can bring you relevant business information from many sources, right to your phone, on a regular basis. What you get depends… Go to article.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has announced the release of an iPhone application that makes… Go to article.

A major priority for successful vegetable farming is the need for sustainable year round production. When planning field operations… Go to article.

Last Thursday, VGA President, David Wallace joined a panel discussing Melbourne's food future as part of the Sustainable Living… Go to article.

HAL and AUSVEG have announced a new opportunity for growers and grower groups to suggest R&D projects for consideration by… Go to article.

A new Fresh Produce Safety – Australia & New Zealand website has recently been launched with the aim of providing the… Go to article.

With summer holidays upon us, all parents are being urged by VGA Vic and Southern Rural Water to be as vigilant around channels… Go to article.

Love My Salad is a positive campaign focusing on direct consumer engagement to help increase vegetable consumption and advance… Go to article.

The Victorian State Government will double the threshold of stamp duty concessions for young farmers following a review of the… Go to article.

Southern Rural Water has welcomed three new members to the irrigation district's Customer Consultative Committee (CCC), Werribee… Go to article.

We sadly mark the passing of Joseph Schreurs on 18 Oct 2012, aged 90 years.
Joseph worked with vegetable crops all his life, beginning… Go to article.

From the 1st of July 2013, the Fire Services Levy will be incorporated into Council Rates rather than tied in with Insurance Schemes…. Go to article.

Food for Thought …
Preliminary research is being conducted into the potential for the creation of a Food Hub in the City… Go to article.

The 2012 AGM held on Friday 12 October confirmed the re-election of David Wallace as President and endorsed the 2012-2013 Office… Go to article.

VGA representatives had the privilege of attending the launch of Jamie’s Ministry of Food kitchen in Geelong last week.
The… Go to article.

Integrated Pest Management, (IPM), is a broad based approach that combines a range of practices to economically control plant pests…. Go to article.

With the pressure on agriculture production to feed a rapidly growing world population, agriculture will become an increasingly… Go to article.

Proposed amendments to the Migration Bill (Reform of Employer Sanctions) will place growers under further pressure to ensure… Go to article.

We sadly mark the passing of Mick Tullio on 21st August 2012.
Mick was born on the 8th February 1946, the fifth of Salvatore… Go to article.

A disease management workshop was held at Chisholm Institute of TAFE at Cranbourne on 2nd August 2012.
Researchers presented… Go to article.

A recent report from AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy outlined the new structure for project funding by HAL.
IAC Committee chair Jeff… Go to article.

The recent industry dinner hosted by Rabobank, was well attended by growers and other representatives of the vegetable industry…. Go to article.

Field crop growers with areas of protected crops could risk misusing chemicals if they assume that a product recommended for… Go to article.

A major priority for successful vegetable farming is the need for sustainable year-round production. When planning field operations… Go to article.

Four wheeled motorbikes (quad bikes) are a leading cause of death and serious injury on Australian farms.
In 2011, there were… Go to article.

The Westernport Catchment Landcare Network recently hosted a ‘Soils and Composts’ Field Day at the Kooweerup property… Go to article.

A recent Field Day at A & G Lamattina's farm at Boneo was organised by DPI Victoria to demonstrate the results of a 4-year… Go to article.

Last Saturday night saw Victorian growers take out two of Australia’s top Vegetable Industry Awards.
The Awards were presented… Go to article.

The Australian Herb and Spice Industry Association – AHSIA, recently held a Future Directions Seminar in Ballarat.
Excellent… Go to article.

The final division of HAL project funding under the Strategic Investment Plan was reported to Victorian growers on Tuesday 3rd… Go to article.

The DPI Horticulture Industry Network (HIN) hosted a meeting of Industry Development and Executive Officers at the recent Melbourne… Go to article.

Growers are reminded that the FarmReady subsidy ends on 31st May, 2012.
If you have been thinking about doing a food safety… Go to article.

Local vegetable growers proudly displayed their fresh produce at the recent Melbourne Food and Wine Festival celebrations held… Go to article.

Growers are invited to attend a workshop to discuss the development of simple, practical solutions to a wide range of common manual… Go to article.

VGA President David Wallace is pleased to announce the appointment of Helena Whitman as Executive Manager of VGA Victoria, effective… Go to article.

Growers are invited to attend a workshop to discuss the development of simple, practical solutions to a wide range of common manual… Go to article.

Growers are invited to attend a workshop to discuss the development of simple, practical solutions to a wide range of common manual… Go to article.

This is a great opportunity for any young grower wanting to develop their skills, ability and understanding of how to make a positive… Go to article.

Mobile phones are an essential tool for vegetable businesses. However, electronic devices such as mobile phones and iPods, can… Go to article.

Between 9th – 12th August 2011, ten Victorian growers, aged between 18 and 30, participated in a whirlwind four day study… Go to article.

A recent meeting organized by VGA-Victoria, saw twenty vegetable growers and machinery engineers discuss issues of worker safety,… Go to article.

The Vegetable Industry's Strategic Investment Plan is now available for comment. You are urged to have your say on recommendations… Go to article.

VGA Victoria are pleased to announce the appointment of John Runting as our Field Officer for Eastern Victoria.
John replaces… Go to article.

VGA Victoria attended the annual Harvest Picnic Day at Werribee Mansion last month to support the marketing team from the Melbourne… Go to article.

Luis Gazzola Past President and current executive committee member of Vegetable Growers Association of Victoria (VGAVic) was… Go to article.

The search is on for guidance from vegetable employers on the types of training and accreditation to be offered to employees. … Go to article.

Lindenow grower Bill Bulmer was elected as a member of the VGA executive committee at the recent VGA Annual General Meeting.
Bill… Go to article.

VGA Victoria participated in a Food Alliance discussion group at Deakin University on Monday 17th October.
The Food Alliance… Go to article.

Vegetable Grower from Keilor David Wallace was elected as the new VGA President at the Annual General Meeting held last week…. Go to article.

Over the past month AUSVEG have presented a Draft Strategic Investment Plan at grower meetings around Australia.
A draft plan… Go to article.

More than 30 vegetable growers and industry representatives attended the East Gippsland Vegetable Growers dinner at Lindenow… Go to article.

VGA-Victoria has been invited to be part of the on-going process to improve Vegetable Traineeships and Apprenticeships.
It… Go to article.

VGA IDO East Slobodan Vujovic, gives us an overview of his recent study tour to the USA and Italy.
The tour was organised… Go to article.

After years of drought, growers are now experiencing perfect conditions for the development of lettuce anthracnose.
Anthracnose… Go to article.

The Horticulture Service Finder application has been developed as a free service to help Australian horticultural growers find… Go to article.

We pay tribute to Stanley (Stan) Wallace who passed away on 29 July, 2011 in Keilor, aged 96 years and who until only a few months… Go to article.

We sadly mark the passing of Max Muir, Chairman of E.E. Muir & Sons, on the 7th June 2011, aged 85.
Max is remembered as… Go to article.

Three Victorian field trials have begun to compare ways of controlling Pythium diseases in Parsnip and Parsley crops.
Pythiums… Go to article.

Women working in Victoria's Vegetable and Fruit industries are encouraged to apply now for the 2011-12 'Women in Horticulture'… Go to article.

A computer-based tool is now available to assist growers estimate the amount of organic matter returned to the soil following different… Go to article.

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Rod Hall as our Membership Services Coordinator.
Rod has worked in several… Go to article.

Accurate 7 day local Victorian weather forecasts are now freely available from the Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau has been evaluating… Go to article.

More than 60 growers, nursery, seed, agrichemical companies, researchers, consultants and industry representatives, attended the… Go to article.

VGA-Victoria hosted a popular seminar series over the two days of the National Vegetable Expo held at Werribee, earlier this month…. Go to article.

The National Vegetable Expo has again proved to be a winner with excellent support from Growers and Industry Suppliers.
The Expo… Go to article.

The National Vegetable Expo is an event not to be missed. VGA-Victoria is proud to present a series of informative seminars on… Go to article.

Deborah Corrigan has received the 2011 Women in Horticulture Award in recognition of her outstanding ability and commitment to… Go to article.

Fouth generation Victorian vegetable farmer Andrew Bulmer has been named Young Grower of the year at the AUSVEG 2011 National Convention… Go to article.

This drought breaking summer has been one of the wettest on record. Periods of intense rain have caused major flooding in many… Go to article.

Victorian growers met at Werribee on the 4th March to comment on the Vegetable Research Levy.
The National Vegetable Levy was… Go to article.

The Victorian Farm Safety Centre has begun a new project which aims to help growers identify and control manual handling hazards… Go to article.

The Organic School Gardens ‘Adopt a Farmer’ Program was launched at Ladybird Organics Farm in Keilor on 23rd February.
The ‘Adopt… Go to article.

AUSVEG is holding a number of Vegetable Levy Payer meetings around Australia with the Victorian meeting being held in Werribee…. Go to article.

Insect traps are routinely used to estimate pest pressure in crops so action can be taken before numbers get high enough to cause… Go to article.

The appointment of two young growers to the VGA committee will provide a fresh outlook from younger growers who are accepting operational… Go to article.

Are you paying too much for electricity ?
The Vegetable Growers’ Association of Victoria, in partnership with Commercial… Go to article.

VGA member Kim Martin manages Frais Farms on the Lindenow flats of the Mitchell River in East Gippsland.
Kim grew up on the… Go to article.

All Victorian vegetable growers are at risk of losing crops to locust swarms this summer.
Vegetables such as carrots, cucurbits… Go to article.

White blister disease, caused by the fungus Albugo candida, was recently found on a cabbage crop in Werribee South.
The disease… Go to article.

It’s no longer IF but WHEN

Adult locust sightings have been reported as far south as Mornington Peninsular and particularly… Go to article.

Downy mildew is a fungal disease of lettuce caused by the fungus Bremia lactucae.
This foliar disease affects crop yield and… Go to article.

Melbourne’s South East contains some of Australia’s most fertile agriculture land and produces fresh food for Melbourne’s… Go to article.

Lettuce Big-Vein (LBV), is a viral disease which is transmitted from plant to plant by the soilborne fungus Olpidium brassicae…. Go to article.

Matt Zagami operates AvoGrow Farms at Wairewa, 40km NE of Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland. Matt is one of the youngest vegetable… Go to article.

Mallee vegetable growers have been briefed on the latest preparations for what experts agree is likely to be the worst locust… Go to article.

Green manure crops are usually grown to add organic matter and nutrients to land that would otherwise be left vacant.
They… Go to article.

A quality field of 25 teams enjoyed a truly great day of golf at the magnificent Lang Lang Golf Course on 6th August 2010…. Go to article.

Gippsland Snow Pea growers benefited from the recent Integrated Pest Management workshop at Korumburra.
The workshop was… Go to article.

Vegetable growers struggling to source local labour should consider the ‘Pacific Seasonal Worker Scheme’ being… Go to article.

Victoria is gearing up for the greatest locust threat in 40 years …
Australian Plague Locusts can be devastating… Go to article.

Winter is the perfect time to set aside a few hours to learn more about the latest vegetable research.
Come along… Go to article.

A new DVD and series of online video clips are set to encourage people to consider an exciting career in Australia’s vibrant… Go to article.

An informal “come as you are” afternoon BBQ get together has been organised for all vegetable growers in the… Go to article.

An informative evening has been organised for all vegetable growers in the Shires of East Gippsland and Wellington.
WHEN : ��Wednesday… Go to article.

The Horticulture Code of Conduct regulates trade in horticulture produce between growers and wholesalers of fresh fruit and vegetables… Go to article.

The ‘Chain of Responsibility’ law aims to ensure that ALL who bear responsibility for conduct which affects… Go to article.

Spray drift is a concern that can alarm our local community and increases the likelihood of restrictions on the use of agricultural… Go to article.

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Helena Whitman as the new Vegetable Industry Development Officer for Western… Go to article.

VGA President, Luis Gazzola has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for services to the Vegetable Industry over more… Go to article.

A series of Industry Business Sessions for the vegetable industry are being presented by the VFF horticulture group in conjunction… Go to article.

IPM options to control Pythium induced root rots are being investigated by Dr Liz Minchinton and her team at DPI Knoxfield.
The… Go to article.

Organic Vegetable Producers
Recently, a meeting of organic vegetable growers was organised at Koo Wee Rup by Slobodan Vujovic,… Go to article.

Liz Minchinton, at DPI Knoxfield recently announced the successful development of antibodies specific to white blister spores…. Go to article.

VGA President Luis Gazzola and IDO East Slobodan Vujovic visited vegetable growers in the East Gippsland area during April.
This… Go to article.

We sadly mark the passing of VGA Life Member Ken Marriott, remembered as a born leader,” a colossus of a man, a man of integrity,… Go to article.

Many vegetable growers will fondly remember former VGA Vice President and Life Member Norm Hawkes, who passed away on the 26th… Go to article.

The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman monitors, investigates, and enforces compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws.
The… Go to article.

The VGA executive wish everyone a wonderful festive season and a safe and healthy 2010
The achievements of the following… Go to article.

The Vegetable Growers’ Association of Victoria are pleased to announce the
appointment of Slobodan Vujovic as
our… Go to article.

Werribee South Vegetable Growers can again receive a free text message on their mobile phones every morning during the growing… Go to article.

Growers and researchers discussed the results of the Parsnip Canker trial on 21 November.
SPECIAL Offer to Members… Go to article.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Orr as our new Industry Development Officer.
Ken will provide vegetable… Go to article.

Victorian Agriculture Minister, Joe Helper has launched the Horticulture Industry Network, a joint initiative of the Victorian… Go to article.

Former VGA President and Life Member,
Mr. L. A. (Joe) Souter passed away on Thursday 24
September 2009… Go to article.

Vegetable IDO’s to return
The VGA have received a State Governments development grant under the Go to article.

The latest addition to our VGA website
New pages show current and forecast weather conditions for each of seven (7)
… Go to article.

The Vegetable Growers’ Association of Victoria is proud to support a great new Victorian Government initiative that encourages… Go to article.

In the current economic downturn, it is vital for businesses to focus on developing and retaining skilled employees so they can… Go to article.

Market reports suggest
consumers are not on a spending spree
but that retail trade is holding up better
… Go to article.

Strategic Plan for Victoria
Consultation has begun on a strategic plan to align development of the Victorian vegetable… Go to article.

Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
– Train your own staff !
Recognised training that prepares YOU to deliver… Go to article.

William John Mills, born at Heatherton in 1932, passed to rest 20 Nov 2008, aged 76.
Jack began growing summer crops… Go to article.

A HAL subsidised National program begins in February 2009 to build the leadership capacity of the Australian Vegetable Industry.
… Go to article.

With more than three times more visitors in the first 6 months … Something must be right !
Check out our new… Go to article.