Latest news
Keeping COVID-Safe in Horticulture during Harvest
Agriculture Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria, the Labour Hire Authority, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are holding regular joint webinars prior to harvest to assist horticulture producers to navigate the latest requirements relating to COVID-19 and COVID Safe plans.
Their operational staff can answer your questions and provide additional information.
Soil Moisture Monitoring Update
Earlier this year Food & Fibre Gippsland was successful in a bid for funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Future Drought Fund for a demonstration site of soil moisture sensors.
The project, “Growing Gippsland’s Drought Resilience with Technology and Better Soil”, aims to build drought resilience among Gippsland’s vegetable producers, as well as reduce the risk of damaging nutrients and sediment finding their way into the Gippsland Lakes.
Seasonal Sign On Bonus Program
Victorian horticulture businesses still have time to receive extra support during the summer harvest to attract and retain new workers – but they must hurry, the Summer Seasonal Sign-on Bonus program closes on 31 December.
Horticultural businesses can promote the Summer Seasonal Sign-on Bonus as an additional incentive for jobseekers to try their hand at harvest work.
Getting Ahead of the Drought Cycle
The best time to manage a drought is before a drought, and Gippsland farmers are encouraged to act now to get ahead of the cycle while times are good. With yields high and commodity prices generally strong across the board, rural confidence is at a 20-year high according to the Rabobank Farm Viability Index released in June this year. It would appear many are saying ‘let the good times roll’.