Nuffield Scholarships up for grabs

There’s just weeks left to apply for a 2019 Nuffield Scholarship.

Successful applicants receive a $30,000 bursary to study cutting-edge agriculture around the world and join a life-long network of fellow producers.

“The Nuffield Scholarship was the golden key to meeting global food retailers, processors, researchers and suppliers. Without this experience, I would not have made these key connections,” 2001 Nuffield Scholar and The Chia Co founder John Foss said.

More details here.

Aussie bananas set to take international stage

Hort Innovation recently released the Banana Industry Export Market Development Strategy 2023, identifying future opportunities for Australian banana growers.

While banana fruit exports in 2016/17 accounted for just 0.04 per cent of Australia’s total production, the strategy notes that differentiated and niche products could potentially find a place in markets such as Japan, China, Singapore, New Zealand and Qatar.

Read the summary of the banana export strategy here.

Read ABGC’s media release here.

Read Hort Innovation’s media release here.

Hort Innovation is also encouraging growers to send in their R&D project ideas either via trade@horticulture.com.au or on the website.

New Marketing Manager for bananas

Big congratulations to Elisa King – former Marketing Manager for Australian Bananas – who has recently been promoted to Marketing Lead at Hort Innovation.

Kylie Drumond has been appointed as Elisa’s replacement. She will take on the role of Marketing Manager for Australian Bananas, as well as Australian Mangoes.

Kylie is a marketing and branding professional with extensive experience managing various size marketing and brand portfolios for products across the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry. Her track record includes managing products and increasing market share across Australia and New Zealand.

“I am passionate about thinking outside of the box and using innovative ideas to create marketing strategies in cooperation with my teams to increase market share and deliver results,” Kylie said.

“I am excited to work with such great industries and looking forward to driving continued growth by promoting the consumption of healthier eating options, namely bananas.”

For any questions related to Bananas, contact Kylie Drumond at kylie.drumond@horticulture.com.au

News from the North: Citrus Canker

The Northern Territory Government has this week announced restrictions on the movement of plants that can be infected by citrus canker, in a bid to control the disease’s spread.

Plants susceptible to the disease and products such as fruit and leaves are not allowed out of the control area, which covers greater Darwin and beyond. Further restrictions are in place around detection sites and restrictions that prohibit the movement of NT citrus interstate remain. More detail here.

The ABC reports the six infected properties include one commercial production nursery and two retail outlets, which have now had all of their citrus material destroyed.

The disease has also been detected in the East Kimberley.

Last chance to hone your business skills with LEAD

Want to gain the confidence you need to negotiate like a pro?

Is it time to improve your business plan and overall productivity?

Limited places are still available for the LEAD (Leadership, Exploration and Development) program, designed specifically for busy growers.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity! Find out more here or call 07 3278 4786.

Get the Congress you want

Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, May 22-24, 2019

Two minutes is all it takes to have your say on two of the most exciting days on the 2019 calendar – the biennial Australian Banana Industry Congress.

The Program Committee is working to secure a stellar line-up of speakers and exhibitors, so now is the time to tell them what you do and don’t want to see.

The best way to do this is though this confidential survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CZBNLFD

A massive thank you to those who have taken the time to share their thoughts – your suggestions are being taken on board!

Grants available in Wet Tropics

There’s still time to apply for a limited number of grants available for sediment conservation projects in the Wet Tropics.

Examples of sediment conservation projects include (but are not limited to):

·         Equipment to better maintain ground cover

·         Installation of sediment trapping structures

If you’re interested in finding out more, call the South Johnstone Reef Extension Team on 07 4015 2797.

Save the Dates: Next NSW Meetings

Dates have been set for the next Mid-North New South Wales BGA meetings – pop them in your diary!

The Nambucca BGA will hold its meeting on 31 July 2018, with Coffs and District to be held the day after, on 1 August 2018.