HARPS Training

The HARPS Project team is taking expressions of interest for a full, one-day training course in Far North Queensland.

You can register your interest by contacting the HARPS team – information received will determine an exact date and location.

It’s likely the course, which will also cover HACCP, will take place in September or October.

It will be tailored to Tier 1 and 2 growers, suppliers, packers and wholesalers to major grocery retailers. To determine if you fall into these categories, download the HARPS decision infographic.

Topics that will be covered include:

·         HARPS overview and general requirements

·         Legal requirements for food safety programs

·         Food safety risk assessment and HACCP process

Cost: $680 pp

More information: www.harpsonline.com.au

Reef Champion Awards open

Do you know a North Queensland grower who has made positive changes on-farm, to benefit their business and the environment?

Nominations are being sought for the 2018 Reef Champion Awards, which recognise the outstanding work of individuals and organisations in improving the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef.

Land managers, extension officers, industry and community members can put forward themselves or nominate on behalf of someone else. Details here.

BQ – Practical solutions for managing Panama TR4

Did you know that garden stakes, flagging tape and even blackboard chalk are tools being used by growers to trial the effectiveness of clean, dirty and exclusion zones?

Biosecurity Queensland is reminding growers that zoning your farm is the first priority in getting your farm ready for Panama TR4 – but sometimes farm zoning isn’t always a straightforward process and it may take a few adjustments before you get it right.

Rather than installing permanent fixtures straight away, BQ suggests that temporary alternatives can be used to test if the zones will be practical and effective.

Every farm situation is different, remember to think outside the square and use your creativity to keep your farm safe from Panama TR4.

Biosecurity Queensland officers can come to your farm to help problem-solve your farm zoning and biosecurity issues. Contact BQ by phone on 4091 8140 or email: panamatr4@daf.qld.gov.au.

ABGC is hiring

Are you a good communicator with knowledge of banana farming? The ABGC is seeking a qualified individual to join its team as a Plant Health Officer.

The role provides a resource to assist banana growers to contain and manage significant pests and diseases in North Queensland, and ensure early detection of exotic pests and diseases.

For more information, see the advertisement here.

Banana Roadshow heads West

The National Banana Roadshow in Mareeba, on Friday August 17.

After a successful run in Far North Queensland and Northern New South Wales, the National Banana Roadshow is heading West.

The Roadshow provides a great opportunity to hear about the latest research and development.

The WA event will be held at Carnarvon Yacht Club, 9am-3.30pm, Thursday August 30.

All growers and industry stakeholders are welcome to take part.

Register now through Eventbrite or contact Shanara Veivers (DAF) at shanara.veivers@daf.qld.gov.au or phone/text 0400 870 731.

The strategic levy investment project National Banana Development and Extension Program BA16007 is part of the Hort Innovation Banana Fund. The project is funded by Hort Innovation using the banana research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.