The world’s appetite for Australian fruit, nuts and vegetables has skyrocketed with Australian produce exports reaching almost $2.8 billion for the first time – a 27 per cent increase on the 2017-2018 financial year, according to new data.
The Fair Work Commission has thrown out 30 enterprise agreements which tried to dodge newly won overtime rights for casuals in the horticulture industry in a case brought by the Australian Workers’ Union.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has long been calling for a meaningful solution to the labour woes in the Horticulture industry.
Industry is aware of the problems of workers exploitation as discussed in the National Union of Workers (NUW) report, Speak Out.
The Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) scheme benefited the Pacific Islands by more than $50 million in 2018 while at the same time, helping New Zealand’s horticulture industry to keep up with production.
Prime agricultural land in Gippsland will be permanently safeguarded, with the Victorian Government exempting almost 4000 hectares from mining and minerals exploration.
Jono Sutton has won the Nelson Young Fruitgrower of the Year for 2019.
A recent analysis of Australian agricultural industries has put horticulture at the forefront in value and sustainable practices.