Gippsland’s vegetable capacity building project was officially launched on Thursday 9 March 2017 in Sale & on Thursday 27 July for Southern Gippsland, but the project has been ‘live’ since July 2016. Funded by Hort Innovation using vegetable levies and funds from the Australian Government, the project is all about increasing productivity and profitability through the adoption of R&D, and, better communication all round.
The project is being delivered by the East Gippsland Food Cluster Inc This newsletter, “VegNET Gippsland”, is the first issue of a monthly newsletter to be sent to your email Inbox for the life of the project by Industry Development Officer, Shayne Hyman. Your feedback will keep it relevant! shayne.hyman@eastgippslandfoodcluster.com.au
Gippsland Growers Forum @ Korumburra
Our recent project launch for Southern Gippsland in Korumburra was attended by more than 40 growers & industry stakeholders on 27 July. The launch saw the Mayor of South Gippsland Shire, Cr Ray Argento and Deputy Chair, EGFC, Damien Gannon “snapping the snow pea” to symbolically celebrate the benefits of the project to vegetable growers.
Coming Up ….
Spray Demonstration with Scott Mathew in Lindenow
Main Road, Wednesday 16 August at 4:00pm including free BBQ dinner & drinks. If wet, wear waterproof pants. Hosted by Bulmer Farms.
Save This Date ~ Tuesday 19 September ~ Free Workshop*
The Food Innovation Centre (Monash Uni) comes to Gippsland to help develop that new product idea that’s been buzzing around in your head. This is a not-to-be-missed one-day workshop facilitated by experts who have launched hundreds of food products in Australia & overseas.
Not game enough to talk about your idea yet?? Then come along to the one-hour, pre-workshop session on Tuesday 29 August in Bairnsdale. Details available very soon….
* For Levy Paying Growers and Members of the East Gippsland Food Cluster
Energy Efficiency Capabilities Program
A great opportunity for SME growers with energy (electricity + gas) bills of >$50,000 per annum to take part in this Sustainability Victoria, KMH Environmental (pitt&sherry), AUSVEG Vic initiative. Contact Tom Cohen on 9813 4968 asap.
Also ask Tom about the free Safety Ready Program on offer from Safe Ag Systems Pty Ltd or head to www.safeagsystems.com
The Gippsland region vegetable capacity building project (VegNET) is proudly being delivered by the East Gippsland Food Cluster and funded by Hort Innovation using industry levies and funds from the Australian Government. For more information go to www.horticulture.com.au