Commercial vegetable growers pay a levy to ensure the industry moves forward through research & development.  The R&D Council for vegetables is Horticulture Innovation Australia (aka Hort Innovation).  The VegNET Gippsland project for building capacity in vegetable businesses, and this eNews, are funded by Hort Innovation from the levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.  The end game is to improve growers’ productivity and profitability.  How can the project help you?  To discuss, call your Industry Development Officer, Shayne Hyman on 0417 330 081 or email: shayne.hyman@eastgippslandfoodcluster.com.au 

FREE Course – Be Quick

Thursday 12 April at Hussey & Co’s Newry Farm, Dr Kelvin Montagu will lead a full day workshop for Irrigation Operators. Morning tea and lunch provided but places are limited so book now!!

Click Here

Gippsland Growers’ Forum @ Lindenow

Friday 27 April, 1:00-5:00pm see the RIPPA robot in action at Bulmer Farms followed by three great presentations at the Lindenow Pub.

Gippsland Growers’ Forums are designed to deliver multiple activities at one stand alone event, saving you time & therefore money.

This forum focuses on new technology for vegetable growers – precision ag, hiveXchange, GRAEP & much more.

Early Adopters Wanted

Become a SproutX Pioneer & connect with an agtech start-up to trial, test and prove new technology on your farm, on your terms. It’s free & the feedback you provide might make all the difference!

Meet Krystel ….

Krystel Dean is Regional Manager for the Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI). The East Gippsland Food Cluster is a member of the VCCI and has access to a comprehensive range of information and support especially regarding workplace relations.  Another excellent reason to become a member of “the Cluster”.  Don’t be deterred by the name, the Cluster is working for agrifood businesses all over Gippsland. Click the button below for the application form.  To contact Krystel …  CLICK HERE

Weed Management – Fat Hen Chenopodium album

Yes, management is key to controlling this weed, according to the University of New England’s Integrated Weed Management project funded by Hort Innovation. The full guide is available here …

Mental Health First Aid Training – TRAINING POSTPONED – from April to September 2018.  However a few FREE places are available through the Wellington Primary Care Partnership from 5:30-9:00pm on 10, 11, 17 & 18 April at Sale.  Every business will be better for training a certified Mental Health First Aider – call Kerry Walker on 5143 8845 now!

Explore more …

  • Certified Professional Soil Scientist, Declan McDonald, will lead a workshop “Introduction to Soil Health” at Glengarry on Friday 6 April, 10:00am-3:00pm.  Free event including morning tea & lunch.  Bookings essential.  Call Marnie Ellis, 0472 503 088

  • No prescribed qualifications are required to apply for a Churchill Fellowship. Your project must benefit Australia & you must be prepared to share your results with the Australian community.  Applications close on Friday 27 April.  For more info CLICK

  • Gippsland Grower, Emma Germano, delivers the keynote address at the Mornington Peninsula Food Forum on Tuesday 24 April – For cost and details contact Mornington Peninsula Shire.

  • “Victoria’s HARPS (Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme) Workshop will be held at the Melbourne Markets, Epping on Wednesday 18 April, 7:30-8:30am. Go to the website for more information CLICK

The Gippsland region vegetable capacity building project (VegNET Gippsland) is proudly delivered by the East Gippsland Food Cluster.  For more information www.eastgippslandfoodcluster.com.au

The project is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australian Government. See more at www.horticulture.com.au