29 July, 2020
Content
Agrochemical review
Seasonal labour
Horticulture scholarships
Energy efficiency
Powerline safety
Agrochemical review
A report into the Banana Strategic Agrochemical Review Process (SARP) is now publicly available.
The review assessed the importance of diseases, insects and weeds that can affect the banana industry, evaluated the availability and effectiveness of treatments, and identified suitable new or alternative pesticides to address any identified gaps.
It will help ongoing efforts to ensure the industry has access to effective chemical controls.
ABGC thanks those growers who contributed to the review.
The report is available here
Seasonal Labour
Hort Innovation is surveying horticulture growers to better understand seasonal labour requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data collected is strictly confidential and will provide information on challenges growers may experience accessing a workforce as a result of current travel restrictions.
The project will assess labour demand and supply, and identify potential gaps.
The survey is available here and closes on 7 August.
Horticulture scholarships
Scholarships are available for women in horticulture to support their participation in a leadership development program.
The Hort Innovation and Women & Leadership Australia joint program provides access to one of three part-time practical courses covering topics such as resilience and wellbeing, rewiring your networks, evolving strategic change, team dynamics and supporting leadership performance.
An expression of interest form is available here, with submissions closing on 2 October.
Energy efficiency
Stage two of the Federal Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program – Small Business Grants is open.
The program provides small businesses with grants of up to $20,000 (with no co-contribution required) to improve energy efficiency.
Grants can be used for equipment and component improvements, energy audits, feasibility studies and/or energy use and emission monitoring.
More information here
Powerline safety
The Electrical Safety Office reminds growers touching powerlines or straying into the exclusion zone around them can result in a serious electric shock.
Visit lookupandlive.com.au to identify overhead and underground powerlines and access a free powerline safety plan.
For more information about electrical safety in rural industries, visit here