Reminder: Sourcing SWP workers correctly 

There have been some reports of Seasonal Workers leaving their Approved Employer and approaching other farms directly for work. The consequences of not going through the appropriate process can be quite severe. 

If you are an Approved Employer with the Seasonal Worker Program, you must hold a Temporary Activities Sponsorship issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). As part of their visa conditions, a seasonal worker can only work for their Approved Employer while in Australia. While they can have their employment officially transferred it needs prior approval from the Department of Education Skills and Employment and is only actioned by DHA for specific reasons.

While worker shortages are critical, the Department and DHA strongly discourages employers approaching potential employees who haven’t got appropriate approval – it could result in the workers losing their visa protections and even deportation from Australia. 

Have you posted on the Banana Jobs Noticeboard?

If you are looking to fill positions on your farm, make sure you add your details to the Banana Jobs Vacancy Noticeboard. The Noticeboard is being promoted widely, particularly towards school leavers and university students, who may be looking for extended periods of work over holidays or gap years. 

More information at: www.abgc.org.au/bananajobs

You can also check out the ABGC’s first promotional video, which has now clocked up almost 30,000 views, here.

Have your say on Research & Development banana levy investments

Banana growers and others in the supply chain are invited to join the banana Research & Development Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (R&D SIAP). 

Panel members discuss and make decisions around research and development opportunitiesand levy investments to benefit the industry.

This is a great opportunity to use your experience to shape the future of Australian banana growing. 

More info? Contact Hort Innovation’s Industry Strategic Partner for the banana industry, Georgia Sheil on 0487 362 717 or via email at georgia.sheil@horticulture.com.au.

You can apply at the form on the Hort Innovation website. Applications close on 13 January 2021.

Reef Regulations in the Wet Tropics – how are you spreading your fertiliser?

From 1 December 2020, banana growers in the Wet Tropics must apply fertiliser to the banana row ONLY.  You cannot broadcast fertiliser across the inter-row.

If you are using an older-style spreader that applies the fertiliser to the inter-row, the ABGC may be able to provide advice and financial assistance to upgrade to a new spreader, make modifications to your existing spreader or move to a fertigation system.  Give the BMP team a call on 0447 000 203 or email bmp@abgc.org.au

All I Want For Christmas is Biosecurity Awareness

Ahead of the Christmas tourist rush, Far North Queensland banana growers have joined forces with Biosecurity Queensland and the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) to spread the Panama TR4 message through a series of videos.

The series, titled ‘Get in the Zone’, features growers sharing their story about what biosecurity is, and how everyone can play their part in protecting farms.

The videos target holiday makers who might pull up for a photo, as well as contractors and other visitors who might think it’s okay to enter a farm without seeking permission and following biosecurity protocols.

Watch the videos at PanamaTR4protect.com.au and the Australian Banana Grower’s Council Facebook page.

National Lost Crop Register

Growers are encouraged to record any crop losses in a National Lost Crop Register, officially launched by the National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council* today.

The NFF will track and report the losses, using the Register as evidence to inform decision-making and improve the ability of industry to collectively advocate for greater government intervention where necessary.

Over 30 growers have already reported crop losses, worth more than $22 million at the farm gate. 

The records can be made anonymously, and will be used to publish a running tab as the losses mount towards Christmas and beyond. It’s vital that political leaders and governments understand what’s happening on the ground.

To record your crop losses, visit: https://bit.ly/NationalLostCropRegister

*The Australian Banana Growers’ Council is part of the Horticulture Council.

More incentives for farm work in Queensland

In addition to the Federal Government’s offer of up to $6000 for Australian jobseekers to relocate for farming jobs, the Queensland Government has expanded a program that includes up to $1500 in travel and accommodation.

The Back to Work in Agriculture Incentive Scheme began in the Wide Bay and Darling Downs regions, but has now opened up to other farming areas of Queensland.

The Scheme encourages people to take a working holiday in places they may not have seen before.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is managing this program and applications can be made through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) application portal.

The criteria employees will need to meet is outlined in the guidelines.

Applications will close once all funding has been allocated, or before 30 June 2021.

Job Available: Extension Officer – South Johnstone

ABGC is looking for a new Extension Officer to work with banana growers to improve water quality through nutrient and sediment runoff reductions.  

The banana industry is committed to improving the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef by improving agricultural management practices in the reef catchments. In recent years banana growers have made significant changes to their production systems to minimise their impact on water quality. Working with growers to provide extension support is critical in achieving ongoing practice change.

For further information visit https://nrmjobs.com.au/jobs/2020/20006882/extension-officer-banana-industry?back=1

AgSkilled 2.0 to drive innovation in NSW Production Horticulture

The NSW Government has committed $15 million over three years to upskill primary producers across a range of plant-based sectors through AgSkilled 2.0.

Funded training is available across a range of areas including business, production, safety and technology.

With a number of training courses approved within the NSW horticulture sector, Hort Innovation Regional Extension Manager (South-East) Adrian Englefield encourages all NSW horticulturalists who are interested in upskilling their employees through short-course vocational education and training to become involved in the program.

For further information please contact

·      Hort Innovation Regional Extension Manager – Adrian Englefield

P: 0427 143 709

E: adrian.englefield@horticulture.com.au

·      or visit the AgSkilled 2.0 website.