Autumn 2020 Issue 69
DAM troubles hit Bundaberg p9
COVID-19 update p6
YEARS IN THE 50 MARKETS p22
The magazine of
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Welcome to the first edition of Fresh fresh produce can continue is just one are buying smaller produce or overlooking Source for 2020. example of this (Page 37). physical blemishes, they are beginning to Drought, fire, rain, pestilence: we truly This does offer the industry hope, and understand produce doesn’t have to look have seen it all over the past few months. I would like to highlight and thank beautiful to taste delicious. But beyond the devastation and feelings the coordinating role and leadership Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has of despair there was, for a brief period, being given by the Minister for been championing the message that an increasing sense of optimism in State Development, Manufacturing, the best way to support our rural and horticulture before a global pandemic Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron regional communities is to buy their brought a new invisible threat to the fore. Dick, and the Minister for Agricultural products. Whether it is through tourism, As the threat of COVID-19 looms large Industry Development and Fisheries, supporting local independent retailers, over the nation as a whole, good hygiene, Mark Furner. or eating Australian produce: the best social distancing and healthy eating has Furthermore, I would like to thank the thing you can do is buy from the bush. never been more important. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries My message to growers is that you have At Brisbane Markets®, we have moved and other government departments our on-going support which, along with to reduce the risk while ensuring our including the Department of Transport your proven resilience, will see you main priority remains the facilitation of and Main Roads, Queensland Police through this challenging period. the trade and supply of fresh fruit and Service and QLD Health for the work vegetables to Queensland consumers. they are doing to support the fresh food Markets milestone This has involved the temporary industries. There is something about working at suspension of the Brisbane Night I cannot stress enough that it is critical the Markets. You either give up quickly Market, Sunday Discovery Market and for everyone to act with urgency in or you stick around for decades. As we public entry to the Brisbane Produce heeding the messages of how to contain head into the 2020s many in our Market Market. Our Saturday Fresh Market is the spread of the virus. These include: community are reaching their 50-year currently continuing to trade (Page 15). • adopting the hygiene measures such milestone. In this edition we have a special Fresh Perspectives (page 22) We have also cancelled this year’s as regular hand washing and cleaning that looks at how Brisbane Markets® has Brisbane Produce Market annual gala of high touch areas; changed over the past 50 years. dinner and we are working with tenants to • complying with all government and ensure good hygiene and social distancing health department directives; This is only a brief snapshot of the ® are employed at all Brisbane Markets • ensuring social distancing by keeping Markets’ history since they moved to the Rocklea site. If you know someone who businesses. We encourage everyone to 1.5 metres away from other people and has worked at Brisbane Markets® since follow the health directives of the Federal staying at home where possible; and Government as the COVID-19 situation the 1960s, please let us know so that we • seeking medical advice if you or a close unfolds (Pages 6 and 7). can recognise them accordingly. contact have symptoms of the virus. I pay tribute to the years of service and COVID-19 As we all look forward to what is very contributions made by Steph, Gary, While it has taken some time for likely to be a very difficult and challenging Tony, Ted and Peter. I also highlight the the community to understand the six months ahead, I would highlight and leadership and service Gary and Tony magnitude of the threat of COVID-19, pay my highest respects to the health care have contributed to the Markets over the message has now hit home. There workers who will stand in the front line, many years in their roles as Chairmen can be no more sobering a message protecting us against the virus. and directors of BML and Brismark. than to see the impact of the virus in a Rain brings renewal While it may not be business as usual at number of European countries where the moment, it is our priority to ensure hospitals are beyond capacity. Even though the big dry has not Queenslanders have access to locally The fresh produce supply chains remain broken, it is good to see rains over grown fresh fruit and vegetables. an essential service, along with all other January and February have lifted the supply chains supporting the production, spirits of growers in drought-stricken warehousing and distribution of food, areas (page 8). Hopefully, the rain will and it is receiving significant attention continue to herald better times to come. by the state and federal governments. Consumers seem to be more The recent federal government understanding of the effects of growing Andrew Young, announcement of $110 million in seasons, weather conditions and natural Chief Executive Officer, funding to ensure Australia’s export of disasters on fresh produce. Whether they BML and Brismark
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 3 17
8 21 Contents 6 Fresh Updates 20 Fresh Developments 6 Queenslanders’ access to fruit and veg top priority amid 20 New training facility ready for business coronavirus crisis 20 New loading area now in use 8 Apple production marks fire recovery efforts 20 Laying down the asphalt 8 Rain brings hope for growing regions 21 Building E1 takes shape 8 McKenzie ousted 21 Relationship built over 30 years 9 No closer to a Paradise solution 10 Panama raises its ugly head 22 Fresh Perspectives 10 Banana waste packed with potential 22 Celebrating 50 years of fond memories 10 North spices up 11 Damaging pest found on Australian shores 29 Fresh Retailing 11 Map aids rapid response to fires 29 Customers cruise into stores to win big 12 Cricket legends mentor sporting youngsters in Bundaberg 29 Cherrishing the season 12 Food recall platform launched 30 A very special Christmas outing 13 Fruitful visit for Japanese trainees 30 The rise of the plant-based diet 14 Calls for domestic regulation of ‘organic’ claims 14 Strawberries a family affair in SEQ 32 Fresh Industry 32 Skilled visas widen labour options 15 Fresh Markets 33 Fair Farms initiative hits century 15 Some retail markets suspended, fresh produce supply 33 Warm welcome for new Bowen Gumlu representative continues 34 Poulain takes on mushroom role 15 Half-year results announced 34 Paradise Dam a top priority for Bundaberg growers 16 Watermelon traceability from gate to plate 35 New chair for new alliance 16 Choosing the right forklift for your market business 35 Making lemonade out of lemons 17 Take care with custard apples 35 Mangoes industry get social 17 Site safety in the spotlight 17 Brismark Board gathers for annual meeting 36 Fresh Export 18 Special days push flower sales 36 New lychees tipped to grow exports to Taiwan 19 Blooms aid bushfire recovery 37 Securing freight access for Australian agricultural and 19 Autumn lull before the Mother’s Day storm hits retailers fisheries exporters 38 Blueberries miss export opportunities 38 Never a dull moment for our horticultural exporters
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4 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 There are more than 250,000 Queenslanders living with diabetes who need help to manage their condition and live well.
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Queenslanders’ access to fruit and veg top priority amid coronavirus crisis As the world comes to terms with the extending visas for those already in the ever changing social landscape we are Growers fear labour country, or bringing new workers in being forced to deal with to slow the shortage from overseas early to ensure the 14 day spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we self-isolation period does not disrupt For the Australian horticulture industry are all being encouraged to look locally at harvest. and supply chain, maintaining the the steps we can take as individuals, and production and distribution of fresh fruit Growcom has identified maintaining as an industry, to positively contribute and vegetables to consumers is the top labour resources to harvest and pack to see Queensland through this time of priority. fresh produce as a concern and CEO uncertainty. David Thomson said that the focus is Grower groups have raised concerns Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) ensuring the industry has the labour it about the possibility of labour shortages CEO, Andrew Young, said that as far as needs continue feeding the nation. due to international and national travel Brisbane Markets® was concerned, the restrictions limiting seasonal worker “We expect backpackers and other decision was clear. availability. The already-stretched overseas workers who would otherwise “Our main priority has been and must industry is offering solutions including be picking and packing our fruits and always be to facilitate the trade and supply of fresh fruit and vegetables for Queensland consumers. Now more than ever people are being encouraged to shop local, support fruit and vegetable retailers and to eat well to reduce the risk of the virus spreading and to maintain good health,” Mr Young said. As a precautionary measure, BML has restricted public entry to the Brisbane Produce Market for tour groups and on Thursday and Friday mornings, a decision which has been fully supported by the market wholesalers’ representative organisation, Brismark. “The move to restrict public entry to the main trading floor has been made as a precaution in the best interests of the safety of market employees and in support of our core business,” Mr Young said. Any small business owners or restaurateurs who were accessing the Markets at these times to purchase from Brisbane Produce Market wholesalers can apply to become a registered Category C buyer to maintain access to the markets. Brisbane Produce Market will continue to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to registered buyers, but public entry hours and tours have been suspended.
6 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 vegetables in three or six months’ time in Australia, but difficulties could arise “The good news for consumers is that, will be making the decision not to for those who had yet to start their as favourable conditions continue and travel to Australia. There are a range of season. growers ramp up production, the volume options for filling any shortfall in labour of produce coming into the Brisbane “It’s the ones who will be packing and and we are assured by the Australian Markets® a expected to continue to cutting in one or two months’ time that government that all of them are on the increase. Even those vegetable lines are most concerned that there will be table,” Mr Thomson said. where there had been limited availability competition amongst the farmers for the should see prices returning to normal “As always, our preference is to provide available workers,” Mr Sippel said. with good supplies expected over the opportunities for Australians to get a Mr Sippel said he was concerned that coming weeks,” Mr Young said. start and succeed in our industry. There if a labour solution wasn’t found, crops are other obvious options too, like Mr Sippel said that rains in February and could be left unharvested. providing some additional flexibility early March along with milder weather for those already here and working to “I’m worried there just won’t be was boding well for produce coming out extend their stay.” anywhere near enough people available of Lockyer Valley. for harvesting and if there’s not Bowen Gumlu Growers Association “Supply is looking okay and especially enough people you can’t have the same president Carl Walker agreed that the through the winter months when the productivity,” he said. government should extend existing local vegetables are being harvested, working holiday visas to allow we will be in full swing. There won’t backpackers to stay in the country Consumers encouraged be extra supply but it will be a normal legally. to eat fresh winter season for us, which back in December and January we would never “We have put a request in to the federal Advice from public health officials have expected this to be the case,” Mr government for all people on visas, encourages everyone in the community Sippel said. which may be running out of time, for to focus on their health during this a one-year extension on humanitarian pandemic, including maintaining good The change in conditions has been grounds. It’s a bit cruel to send these kids hygiene habits, social distancing and welcomed by fruit and vegetable retailers home to places where the virus is worse consuming fresh fruit and vegetables. as they work hard to keep local fruit and with possibly struggling healthcare shop shelves full of top quality fruit and systems,” Mr Walker said. “As individuals, one of the ways we can vegetables from the Brisbane Markets® be best prepared is to boost our own and meet increased consumer demand. This additional time could be spent immune system by eating a more varied on farm, in areas it is needed most. diet, including the recommended five “We know how much Queenslanders For those not yet in the country, Mr serves each day of fruits and vegetables,” love their fresh produce and, with Walker said they would need to be in the Mr Thomson said. fruit and vegetables so important for country early in order to complete the maintaining good health and boosting 14-day isolation period. Food Standards Australia New Zealand immunity, this is very positive news,” Mr (FSANZ), European Food Safety Young said. “At the end of the day we aren’t picking Authority (EFSA), US Food and Drug in Bowen yet and most growers won’t be Administration (FDA) and Produce until May or June. If people are coming Marketing Association (PMA) have all from overseas, we need them to be said that there was no evidence that coming in now so they can isolate and COVID-19 could be transmitted via then be ready for picking in time,” he food. said. “There are no clinically confirmed cases Mr Walker pointed out that there of COVID-19 linked to the consumption were economic as well as labour of fresh produce or food sold through considerations in keeping those on visas traditional retail outlets. As consumers in the country. select their produce, adhering to food safety guidance is critical. We encourage “We should be keeping them here so consumers to wash their hands, and they can continue working, but also wash and prepare their produce,” because of the money they spend and PMA global CEO Cathy Burns said in a inject into our economy and tourism statement supported by PMA-ANZ. industry,” he said. Consumers can be confident that According to Mr Walker, the health and favourable conditions including good agriculture industries were going to be rain and milder temperatures means essential during the pandemic. the supply of fresh produce from “We need to make sure the people who Queensland growers is expected to feed us, the farmers, and the people who increase over the coming weeks. look after us, the health professionals, Mr Young said drought, summer don’t lose their jobs,” Mr Walker said. bushfires and heatwaves, along with Lockyer Valley Growers president torrential rain and flooding in different Michael Sippel said that growers who growing regions across the country, had Bowen Gumlu Growers Association were currently in production were likely seen the price of some product lines, president Carl Walker. to find adequate resources with workers particularly vegetables, creep up over already on the ground expected to stay recent weeks as supplies tightened.
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 7 Updates Apple production marks fire recovery efforts PM visits growers: Prime Minister Scott The effects of prolonged drought had “We will be consulting with the regions Morrison (left) and Deputy Prime Minister a profound impact over summer, with to make sure we are representing Michael McCormack (right) met with bushfires hitting every Australian state. their interests and needs effectively to Batlow apple grower Greg Mouat (centre) and APAL CEO Phil Turnbull (not pictured) government. In addition to the bushfires, Just one of the many growing in January to discuss ways to support the we are still prioritising the massive communities affected by the fires was industry and assist with the development impact of drought across Australia,” said the apple orchards of Batlow. of an Apple Industry Bushfire Recovery APAL CEO Phil Turnbull. Plan for regions impacted by bushfires. In January, federal politicians joined IMAGE: Apple & Pear Australia Limited Batlow Fruit Company director and Apple & Pear Australia Limited (APAL) apple grower Greg Mouat said the to meet with growers and visit impacted “Some suffered damage to about 5% of production of local royal gala apples regions. their orchards, while others had up to has now commenced, signalling the 40% damaged. Preliminary assessments community’s ongoing recovery. APAL is developing a detailed Apple of those orchards have been done, but it Industry Bushfire Recovery Plan “There are more than 20 apple growers will take several months to assess the full program to present to the government in Batlow who supply to Batlow Apples extent of damage to this year’s crop and on costs and the next steps needed to and almost all of them had their orchards the long-term ability of damaged trees to rebuild the industry. damaged in the bushfires,” he said. produce fruit.”
Rain brings hope for growing regions McKenzie The drought has not broken but “It has given growers a sense of ousted widespread late summer rains have optimism and hope. Before, we just brought a palpable sense of relief in didn’t know when the next rain would David Littleproud has returned to grower communities. come, it was so dry,” Mr Sippel said. the position of Federal Agriculture Minister after a cabinet reshuffle The rainfall in late January and “Every drought we face, growers in the wake of Senator Bridget February signalled the end of the learn more about how to grow crops McKenzie’s resignation due to devastating bushfires that swept the on less water. We learn to farm more the sports grants furore and nation between September 2019 and efficiently.” subsequent National Party January 2020. Mr Sippel said there had been isolated leadership spill. Granite Belt Growers Association pockets of damage from heavy In January, it was revealed President, Angus Ferrier, said that the downpours, but this hasn’t been that during her time as Sports rain had been patchy across the Granite widespread. Minister Senator McKenzie Belt, with some growers’ dams at full “We haven’t seen the same amount of had allocated grant funding to capacity while others were feeling a rains as we have further west in areas marginal seats that were being little left out. like St George, Dalby and Oakey where targeted in the lead up to the “The reality is the drought hasn’t broken they’ve seen hundreds of millimetres 2019 Federal Election rather than but it has certainly given us a reprieve and flooding,” he said. following Sport Australia’s funding in the short to medium term. The mood recommendations. “It was a general soaking rain which amongst the growers is much improved was phenomenal. Now we have grass The final nail in McKenzie’s coffin and there is a lot more action in the cover, so a heavy downpour won’t do as was the revelation that she failed townships,” Mr Ferrier said. much damage. However, if we don’t get to disclose her membership of “It’s enough of a turn in the season that any rain between now and June we will two shooting organisations that growers are feeling optimistic that the be back where we were last year.” received funding as part of the worst is behind us and we are planning Sports Grants. At the beginning of December, an ahead for next season.” additional eight Queensland local In standing down from cabinet, Lockyer Valley Growers President council areas were drought-declared McKenzie relinquished both her Michael Sippel said growers in the taking the total to 67.4% of the state’s agriculture portfolio and her role Lockyer Valley had received between landmass. The total recorded rainfall as Deputy Leader of the Federal 150 and 300 mm, depending on their over January and February was Parliamentary Nationals. She has location, with the majority of water 280.5 mm at the Stanthope weather retained her role as Leader of the falling in the upper catchment. station and 180.4 mm at Gatton. Nationals in the Senate, which she has held since July 2019.
8 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 How it happened September 2019 Sunwater announces it is reducing the capacity of Paradise Dam to 42% ahead of the 2019/20 wet season, amidst concerns the Dam could fail in the wake of an extreme water event like the 2013 cyclone and flood. Irrigators are told they can have free access to 75% of the released water only a few days before the releases start, leaving little time to prepare. The Paradise Dam spillway is set to be reduced by five metres. Building Queensland is commissioned to create a detailed business case in partnership with Sunwater to investigate long-term options to ensure the dam No closer to a continues to meet best practice standards. Paradise solution November 2019 Initially, Sunwater refuses to release the reports Growers, local politicians and industry groups have been left in that led to their decision to lower the dam wall. On dismay as the Palaszczuk Government pushes ahead with plans 29 November 2019, after much pressure from local to downsize Paradise Dam. councils and grower groups, Sunwater releases the technical reports. Despite three ongoing inquiries, on 5 February the Queensland Government passed amendments to the Water Supply (Safety Former Supreme Court Judge John Byrne is appointed and Reliability) Act 2008 which allow Sunwater to reduce the to lead an independent Commission of Inquiry into dam wall by 5 m and begin spillway modification work without the root cause of the dam’s structural and stability the normal council or environmental approvals. issues. Public submissions were called for and public hearings were scheduled for Brisbane in February and The Building Australia report into long-term solutions for the Bundaberg in March. dam, the government’s independent Commission of Inquiry into the dam’s structural and stability issues, as well as the December 2019 Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) independent expert inquiry by RIZZO International, are all still in progress. The final water release is completed on 2 December 2019. Of the total 103,954 megalitres released between Initial estimates have suggested it would cost $750 million to September and December, 75,539 megalitres was made repair the dam to maintain 100% capacity. Paradise Dam cost available for free to irrigators and a further 25,000 $240 million to build and was opened in 2006. megalitres has been stored in Ben Anderson Barrage A Sunwater spokesperson said that the reduction of the dam and Ned Churchward Weir for future use. wall and spillway modification work was the first step in BFVG announces that they would be funding their own rectifying the issues on a short-term basis, with its long-term independent expert inquiry to investigate alternate future to be determined by a Building Queensland report. options for Paradise Dam and review the technical “Our assessment has been supported by 13 national and reports released by Sunwater. international technical experts. We cannot ignore the clear evidence. The decision was not taken lightly but had to be January 2020 made in the interests of safety,” they said. In late January, RIZZO International’s chief technical BFVG managing director Bree Grima said local growers were officer Dr Paul Rizzo visits Bundaberg and the Paradise shocked the government had passed the legislation. Dam site, attending meetings with Sunwater, industry representative and growers. “We cannot believe that an amendment like this would come through that bypasses 17 pieces of legislation. Decisions that During a public meeting, Dr Rizzo says that he affect the future of an entire region, importantly its economy considers the dam to be repairable and there are a and its jobs, are coming out from the state government without number of safe and economic options available to consultation or explanation,” Ms Grima said. repair the dam without reducing the height of the wall. Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony February 2020 Lynham, said the decision had not been made lightly and the government’s primary concern was community safety. On 5 February, the State Government passes amendments to the Water Supply (Safety and “We have sought to balance our obligations to make the Reliability) Act 2008, enabling Sunwater to reduce community safe with the needs of industry for water security. the dam wall without obtaining the usual council or The wall needs to be lowered in the dry season and waiting is environmental approvals. simply not an option,” Mr Lynham said. On 12 February, Sunwater said they expected to name According to Ms Grima, if the government is making decisions the successful contractor in March, with work to lower on evidence that were not yet public, then it must release this the spillway to commence in May. information immediately. “If the concerns are real then of course they must take action. But March 2020 as of yet they’ve not produced the proof. Producers are justifiably Growers protest outside of the Paradise Dam anxious about their crops and livelihood,” Ms Grima said. Commission of Inquiry during its public hearings in Bundaberg.
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 9 Updates Banana waste packed with potential STORY: Liam O’Callaghan, Produce Plus to make into a powder which you could then sell, that’s a much better option for them as well as for us,” Arcot said. Two researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney have discovered how to turn banana At the other end of the supply chain, Stenzel said if packaging plantation waste into a packaging material that is not only manufacturers updated their machines to be able to fabricate biodegradable, but also recyclable. the nano-cellulose film into bags and other food packaging materials, then banana pseudostems stand a real chance of Jayashree Arcot and Martina Stenzel were looking for ways to making food packaging much more sustainable. create value from agricultural waste and saw an opportunity in the banana industry where only 12% of the banana tree is “What we’re really wanting at this stage is an industry partner being used. who can look into how this could be upscaled and how cheap we can make it,” Stenzel said. The pair turned the banana plant’s pseudostems – the layered, fleshy trunk of the plant – into a powder to create a material called nano-cellulose. This material has a range of uses and when processed it has a consistency similar to baking paper. Arcot said depending on the intended thickness, the material could be used in a number of different formats in food packaging. “There are some options at this point, we could make a shopping bag, for example,” explained Arcot. “Or depending on how we pour the material and how thick we make it, we could make the trays that you see for meat and fruit. Except instead of being foam, it is a material that is completely non-toxic, biodegradable and recyclable.” The researchers said tests also confirmed the material breaks down organically, is recyclable and poses no contamination risks. For the banana pseudostem to be a realistic alternative to plastic bags and food packaging, Arcot said it would make sense for the banana industry to start to process the pseudostems into powder, which it could then sell to packaging suppliers. Researchers at UNSW are looking at “If the banana industry can come on board, and say to its farmers Packed with potential: using banana plant waste to create recyclable packaging. or growers that there’s a lot of value in using those pseudostems
Panama raises North spices up Five spice crops are part of a trial to see if they would be its ugly head suited to large-scale production in northern Australia. A fourth case of Panama disease tropical race 4 (Panama Cumin, fennel, kalonji, caraway and black sesame crops TR4) has been detected on a Tully Valley banana farm. will be a part of a new three-year $1.2 million Cooperative Biosecurity Queensland officers identified banana plants Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia that displayed symptoms typical of Panama TR4 during a (CRCNA) project. routine inspection of the property in January. Research leader Dr Surya Bhattarai from Central A vegetative compatibility group (VCG) test has confirmed Queensland University (CQU) said the team, which will the initial positive DNA-based molecular test for Panama include irrigation, agronomy and economic development TR4. The property where the new case has been discovered specialists, would initially run small trials of each spice after is in close proximity to the three previously confirmed earlier glasshouse trials showed they had strong potential infested Panama TR4 properties in the Tully Valley. for inclusion in broadacre crop rotations. Biosecurity Queensland said that while the news is “Commercial trials are due to start in the project’s final year, disappointing for the banana industry in Far North by which time we will also have a comprehensive manual Queensland, they are encouraged by the positive actions and for producers detailing which crops to grow, the best areas attitudes of the affected grower. to grow them, and an outline of the market and supply chain opportunities,” he said. When a ‘suspect case’ is declared, the grower on the affected property needs to meet a set of biosecurity requirements. A high-value broadacre spice and condiment industry in Thanks to existing on-farm biosecurity measures and with northern Australia could replace imports, generate exports support from biosecurity officers the grower was able to meet to Asia and the Middle East, and see northern producers these requirements and resume trading within four days. secure their share of the growing global spice trade – estimated to be worth around $12 billion annually.
10 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 How to identify Damaging fall armyworm Larvae are light coloured with a larger darker head. As they develop, they become browner with white pest found on lengthwise stripes and also develop dark spots with Australian shores spines. Adult moths are 32 to 40 mm in length wing tip to Fall armyworm has been spotted as far south as the Burdekin, wing tip, with a brown or grey forewing and a white just a month after it was first spotted in the Torres Strait. hind wing. The pest has been sighted in Bamaga, Georgetown, South Male fall armyworm adults have more patterns and a Johnstone, Tolga, Lakeland and, most recently, in the Burdekin. distinct white spot on each of their forewings. Surveillance has commenced in the Atherton Tablelands, Industry and the general public are strongly Innisfail, Port Douglas, Mossman, Lakeland and Cairns regions. encouraged to report suspect detections of fall Biosecurity Queensland General Manager Plant Biosecurity armyworm moths and larvae to the Department of and Product Integrity Mike Ashton said the detection of the fall Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or the Exotic armyworms shows how quickly the pest could spread. Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. “Fall armyworm is an invasive moth pest that feeds in large numbers on more than 350 plant species and causes major damage to economically important cultivated grasses such as maize, rice, sorghum, sugarcane and wheat, and also to other horticultural crops and cotton,” Mr Ashton said. “They are most active during late summer and early autumn months, but may be active year-round in tropical areas. Growers should have on-farm biosecurity measures in place to protect their crops from pests and diseases.” The national Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests has considered this latest detection and have agreed that it is not technically feasible to eradicate fall armyworm from Australia.
The Queensland Government will convene an urgent industry The larvae form of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera roundtable to discuss managing the serious threat posed by the frugiperda). IMAGE: Frank Peairs, Colorado State pest. This involves working closely with industry to identify University, Bugwood.org strategies for dealing with this new threat and protecting our valuable plant resources. Surveillance is being undertaken, including trapping, in major agricultural areas across Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia to determine the extent of the current outbreak and also to monitor its spread. Native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Americas, it can fly up to 500 kilometres and has spread quickly around the world. The pest is already well established in South East Asia and Indonesia, and can be active year-round in tropical areas such as North Queensland. Fall armyworm has not been eradicated anywhere else in the world. The adult moth of the fall armyworm. IMAGE: Lyle Buss, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
Map aids rapid response to fires Scientists have released a map that shows avocado, mango, keep growers informed and respond as needed. olive, banana, macadamia and citrus orchards that have been “This mapping has done exactly what it was meant to do: impacted by bushfire, to help with response and recovery allow for assessment and response to a natural disaster. Like efforts. everyone, we’re hoping for some better conditions in the The Australian Bushfires Rapid Response Map outlines the coming weeks and months and our thoughts are with everyone location of treecrops across Australia, overlayed with a map of affected,” Mr Tyas said. burnt areas, which updates every ten minutes. You can see the Australian Bushfires Rapid Response Map Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas said the here: https://bit.ly/2GUji5T. Australian Bushfires Rapid Response Map has provided an easy, up-to-date and credible tool to help his industry body
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 11 Updates Cricket legends mentor sporting youngsters in Bundaberg
As part of its support of Queensland’s regional growing areas, Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) was once again the major sponsor of the Bulls Masters under 16 Youth Cup cricket event, which was held in Bundaberg just before Christmas. Integral to developing cricketers in regional Queensland, the Youth Cup allows the best players in each zone to get higher-level competition at no cost to them or their family. Through sponsors like BML, Bulls Masters pays for all of the travel, accommodation and team kits for all eight zones. All teams have a former Queensland Cricket legend as a mentor, such as Carl Rackemann, Jimmy Maher or Luke Feldman, which gives these young players top level coaching and tactics. The event Five in one: Darling Downs player, Callum Player of the Tournament, Far North was livestreamed on Facebook and the games had Barnett, claimed five wickets in one Queensland player Finn Churchward with over 57K viewers over the five days of the carnival, match. Queensland Cricket selector Charlie Burke. which shows how important this event is in regional areas. South East Queensland Stormers won the Youth Cup for the first time, beating the Gold Coast Thunder in the final. The BML flag was also flown at the Gabba as part of the Country Challenge Final in January. The premier T20 competition for regional Queensland cricketers, the Country Challenge was also livestreamed with over 15K views. The final was won by the Gold Coast Thunder who narrowly beat the North Queensland Monsoons after rain ended play early. Youth Cup winners South East Queensland Stormers.
Australia and New Zealand Ministerial supported by FSANZ as a communication Food recall Forum on Food Regulation, requested tool that enables organisations of Food Safety Australia and New Zealand any size, including manufacturers, (FSANZ) to identify appropriate wholesalers, retailers and importers to platform regulatory and non-regulatory measures share product recall notifications with for Australia to manage food safety risks. their trading partners and regulators. launched Particular products included berries, Recall is also certified by HACCP pre-cut fruits and melons. The request Australia as an effective and suitable Produce Marketing Association creates a microscopic focus on the risk technology for businesses that operate a Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) management of these products and has HACCP based Food Safety Program. and GS1 Australia have officially signed become a key focus area for produce “GS1 Australia is proud to continue its an agreement to support the Australian growers, suppliers and the PMA A-NZ. fresh fruit and vegetable industry to collaboration with PMA,” said Marcel achieve enhanced food safety through Darren Keating, CEO of PMA A-NZ, Sieira, GS1 Australia’s Chief Customer the use of a national food recall platform. said, “Food safety underpins the success Officer, “and help their members be of the entire fresh produce industry. better prepared for product recalls. Being The peak industry body PMA A-NZ By using tools such as GS1 Australia’s able to communicate with your key encourages the adoption of the GS1 Recall platform, the industry can achieve trading partners and regulators is key for Australia Recall portal within the fresh greater speed and consistency in the organisations to protect their customers, produce industry to assist growers and management of their product recalls and their reputation and their brand.” suppliers address major challenges of withdrawals, delivering safer produce to More information on the Recall food tampering and food safety. Australian consumers.” platform can be found at In February this year, Ministers from the The use of the Recall platform is https://bit.ly/39WWFKW.
12 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Fruitful visit for Japanese trainees In an Australian first, an on-farm training project in the program further and lead to new opportunities for growers in Whitsundays is allowing nine Japanese trainees to experience the future,” Mr Walker said. the full cycle of growing, from planting seeds through to The Whitsunday Agri-Knowledge Sharing Project aims to picking fruit. bring together the next generation of Japanese agriculture with The trainees are participating in the Whitsunday Agri- local Queensland farmers to help stimulate agricultural trade Knowledge Sharing Project, a unique initiative supported by and understanding between Japan and Queensland, especially Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, Whitsunday Regional regional Queensland. It has the potential to attract hundreds Council, TAFE Queensland, and Trade and Investment more trainees in the future. Queensland’s Study Queensland team. The project provides Japanese agriculture graduates with hands-on training in areas such as agronomy, seeding, planting and harvesting. As well as giving the trainees practical skills, it aims to foster positive long-term relationships between Queensland and Japan, with flow-on benefits to trade and training partnerships. Trainee Kenta Noda, a graduate from Tokyo University of Agriculture, began his first practical placement at Bowen’s BQ Seedlings in March 2019. Kenta continued his training at Brak Pak farm, also in Bowen, which grows tomatoes, pumpkins and mangoes. At Brak Pak, he helped to plant and care for the seedlings he germinated during his last placement. According to Bowen Gumlu Growers Association President, Carl Walker, the Japanese trainee exchange program has proved to be successful, benefiting both growers and trainees equally. “We have built strong relationships with the Japanese Agriculture Exchange Council and Trade and Investment Productive visit: The Japanese agriculture graduates visited Queensland in Tokyo, which will enable us to develop the Brisbane Produce Market in March to witness the end result of their work in Bowen. IMAGE: Gustavo Yoshida
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Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 13 Updates
remain out of step with global standards when it comes to the Calls for domestic domestic regulation,” Ms Ford said. “Currently, AOL is lobbying government to agree to a regulation of consistent definition for the use of the word organic. It is our key priority to have this implemented in 2020.” ‘organic’ claims Australia has a long history with organic produce. Officially launched in 1992, Australia’s National Standard for Organic & Despite being one of the first countries to develop a national Bio Dynamic Produce was one of the first organic standards standard for organic produce, Australia is now the last outside of the European Union. The organic industry is now developed nation to enforce a domestic standard for use of the estimated to be worth $2.6 billion, contributing $700 million to word ‘organic’. exports annually. According Australian Organic Limited (AOL) CEO, Niki Ford, AOL’s ‘Bud’ certification logo is sublicensed to over 2,000 this means that the only way an Australian consumer can be certified organic businesses, appears on over 32,000 products certain a product is truly organic and not get fooled at the and is recognised by over 50% of Australian shoppers register is to look for a certification mark. (Australian Organic Market Report 2019). “While Australia champions organics in many ways, we Strawberries a family affair in SEQ Laura and Pieter Hendriksen started growing strawberries in Despite the climatic challenges the business faces with 1985 along with an assortment of vegetables, including cherry production on the Granite Belt, the Hendriksen family still tomatoes, zucchini and button squash. believe it is important to supply good quality, sweet tasting strawberries all year round for Queensland consumers to enjoy. It all began at Richlands, on land belonging to Laura’s grandmother. In time, they moved to Park Ridge and their focus has evolved to producing fresh strawberries all year round across three locations - Park Ridge, Chambers Flat and Applethorpe on the Granite Belt. Mr and Mrs Hendriksen with their children Rick, Josh, Carla and Nicole are all involved in various aspects of the business including farming operations, payroll, staff management, pack-shed management and quality assurance. And of course, as small business owners, they share out the various administrative and compliance tasks that underpin any horticultural business. Rick manages the Applethorpe farm and is currently producing fruit under the ‘Berry Blush’ label. The Hendriksen’s normally grow about 650,000 plants over summer from October to May, however, because of the severe drought on the Granite Belt they reduced their plant numbers to 300,000 this season. The climate on the Granite Belt is unpredictable over summer and the area is prone to significant weather events. Laura and Pieter Hendriksen with their son Rick on “Unfortunately, our farm was hit by a severe hailstorm in In the family: the farm. December and we lost about 70% of our crop. We are back picking good quality strawberries now, which should continue until May,” Rick said. For those that know their strawberry varieties, the Applethorpe farm produces Albion and San Andreas which are both known to produce large, uniformed shaped, sweet tasting berries. Preparation is also currently underway for the winter strawberry production season at the Park Ridge and Chambers Flat farms. Plastic and fertiliser have been laid in readiness for planting strawberry varieties which have been specifically bred for winter – Red Rhapsody and Petaluma. “We will be planting in the order of 650,000 plants in March to supply Brisbane Markets® with fruit from June until October. Our ‘Sunrise Strawberries’ brand is available from a number of agents in the Brisbane Produce Market and a variety of fruit and vegetable retail outlets in Queensland,” Mrs Hendriksen said. Tasty sweet treats: A selection of the Hendriksen’s strawberries.
14 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Fresh Markets
Some retail markets suspended, fresh produce supply continues The popular Brisbane Night Market and stallholders will be disappointed to and Sunday Discovery Market held see the Friday night and Sunday morning at Brisbane Markets® each weekend Markets suspended, but I’m sure they were suspended indefinitely during will understand and appreciate why this March, due to concerns regarding the decision has been made.” coronavirus outbreak. In contrast, these closures will not affect Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) the Saturday Fresh Market which Mr CEO, Andrew Young, said the decision Young said is an ongoing important followed consideration of the escalating source of fresh fruit and vegetables and risks associated with the spread other fresh food products for many of coronavirus and the decisions Brisbanites. being taken by the state and federal “Now more than ever people are being governments. encouraged to shop local, support fruit “While there have been no reports of and vegetable retailers and to eat well any contagion by coronavirus linked to to reduce the risk of the virus spreading any of our Markets, BML believes it is and to maintain good health, so it is appropriate to be overly cautious given important that our Saturday Fresh The Saturday Fresh Market will continue the current outbreak,” Mr Young said. Market continues to be available to to supply the public with fresh, locally sourced produce. consumers,” Mr Young said. “I know that our many regular customers
Half-year results announced Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) has announced its Markets® site, including the development of the new half-year financial results to 31 December 2019 and $17.5 million, purpose-built 5,541 m2 Montague reported a statutory net profit after income tax of $8.36 Produce Facility. million. “There are a range of projects being progressed across This result reflects a pre-tax underlying profit of the site, with a further major development due for $7.69 million, excluding revaluation adjustments and completion later this year,” Mr Joseph said. contribution from Perth Markets Group Limited and BML also announced an interim dividend to be paid to investments, which is an increase of 10% on the prior shareholders for the half-year of 8.25 cents per share year. fully paid, fully franked which is a 3% increase on the BML Chairman, Tony Joseph, said the result reflected same time last year. the group’s ongoing investment into the Brisbane
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 15 Markets
Greg Calvert, founding director at “Beyond just consumers, our entire fresh Watermelon FreshChain, said consumers have food eco system seems to be heavily responded strongly to the technology. vested in ensuring we protect Australia’s wider reputation as a global provider of “The response so far for watermelons traceability safe and fresh food,” he added. has been very encouraging. Whether from gate from the wholesale markets or retail Although currently applied to stores we have had significant follow-up watermelons, FreshChain is working from consumers and customers wanting with other producers to coincide with to plate more detail on who is stocking these different seasons, including other STORY: Chris Komerek, Produce Plus melons and availability,” said Mr Calvert. melons, berries, stonefruit, bananas, mangoes, leafy greens and tomatoes. One of Queensland’s largest seedless “People want more detail and to be watermelon growers, Marto Farms, has assured the food is authentic and safe unveiled a new way for consumers to but not be overwhelmed with data. We track and trace the fruit they consume. continue to achieve a significant number of QR scans and are receiving great In an Australian first, the blockchain feedback, including on storage tips for end-to-end consumer traceability fresh food which is a major contributor and marketing system, developed by to food waste.” FreshChain, aims to educate consumers on the origin of the fruit, as well as introduce Produce traceability is an important them to the producer that grew it. asset to consumers across Asia, and Calvert believes that it’s growing in According to Marto Farms Director, interest in Australia. Andrew Martens, consumer engagement has developed over time. “There is no question that the desire to understand more about your food and “The world has changed, and people those who produce it is on the increase,” simply want to know more about their explained Calvert. food, its location and those who produce it. Consumers can now simply scan a “Talking to hundreds of growers and QR code on our seedless melons label to thousands of consumers, they all talk see detailed information on the harvest, about building trust by being more open conditions, certifications and handy and prepared to share which in turn hints relating to that specific melon,” Mr builds loyalty and value. Paddock to plate: QR codes are providing Martens said. customers with useful information about their watermelon purchase. Choosing the right forklift for your market business A major equipment investment like a forklift requires careful consideration and expert advice. Purchasing specialised equipment to get the job done is one of the most important decisions and expenditures that a business can make. Before making that purchase, it’s important to determine what you need and how you can get value for your Choosing the right forklift for your business will depend on what money. you need that forklift to do. For many, buying a forklift is an essential part of doing • Does my business require special forklift attachments to business. Before you start looking at different models of accomplish tasks? forklifts, it’s a good idea to ask yourself these fundamental questions and how it will impact your business: • What level of support does the forklift company offer my business? • What are the most difficult material handling tasks to accomplish in my workplace? If you have any concerns or require additional information, • How will a forklift help me get the job done better? it’s a good idea to discuss them with material handling professionals. • What is the best way a forklift can accomplish these tasks? • How often would my business utilise this piece of For more information on selecting the right forklift for your equipment? business you can contact the team at Toyota Material Handling (QLD) on 3845 0210 or 1800 425 438.
16 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Site safety in the spotlight Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) are rolling out their 2020 Site Safety program, beginning with the introduction of random drug and alcohol testing for market employees engaged as forklift operators. In January, BML and Brismark began asking all Brisbane Markets® employers to execute a Memorandum of Understanding committing to adopting Drug and Alcohol Management policies within their business and confirming their support for the site-wide drug and alcohol testing for Forklift operators tested: Before competing in the 2019 Forklift Operator of the Year grand final, forklift operators had to forklift operators. undergo drug and alcohol testing. During March, familiarisation workshops commenced to: • promote awareness of the new testing process, support for a coordinated site-wide approach to addressing • ensure all parties are familiar with the approach being forklift operator safety and the implementation of drug and taken, alcohol testing. • promote the relevance of having a drug and alcohol The testing process will be phased in late 2020. Where a management policy in place, and forklift operator returns a non-negative or positive test result, they will not be permitted to operate a forklift on common • outline the ramifications if a test returns a non-negative or ® positive result. areas within Brisbane Markets until a negative test result is returned. Furthermore, an operator who returns multiple The implementation of this program responds to tenant and non-negative/positive test results may permanently lose their forklift operator surveys, both of which highlighted strong ability to operate a forklift at Brisbane Markets®.
Take care with Brismark Board custard apples gathers for As the custard apple season begins, Custard Apples annual meeting Australia (CAA) have called on the supply chain to be careful of the fragile fruit. Brismark, the membership organisation of Brisbane Produce Market’s primary wholesalers, held its Annual General Meeting CAA secretary, Cassie Warren, said despite a challenging on 19 November 2019. year custard apple growers continue to enthusiastically grow and present quality fruit to markets. The new Brismark Board is comprised of Gary Lower (Chairman), Mark Murphy* (Deputy Chairman), Andrew “Even though they may look tough, custard apples are Young (CEO), Gail Woods (Company Secretary), and fragile and care should be taken at every stage of the Directors Stephen Edwards*, Peter Tighe*, Noel Greenhalgh, supply chain. Due to their unique skin, custard apples are Mark Clarke*, Mark Moore, Hamish Montague*, Troy Beaton, susceptible to rub marks,” Ms Warren said. Paul O’Toole and Lachlan Armstrong. Five Directors (marked “When sending fruit interstate to restricted markets with *) had reached the end of the two-year term and were there are successful, approved methods of post-harvest returned to the board unopposed, while Alex Lazarou did not treatment that can be applied to ensure fruit quality seek reelection and was replaced by Lachlan Armstrong. remains to the highest standard from the farm gate to the Mr Armstrong said joining the Brismark Board was a great consumer plate.” opportunity to have a say and contribute to the future of the According to Ms Warren, post-harvest treatment of industry. custard apples includes a combination of ICA 01, ICA 18 “The fresh produce industry is continuously facing change. I and ICA 38 which is fruit fly bait spraying, dipping and think contributing as a collective is very important in managing inspection for melon thrips, all of which occur on-farm. that change and securing the industry’s future,” he said. “CAA strongly believe that post-harvest treatment by “I’m looking forward to learning the experience of others fumigation and irradiation can cause significant damage and providing an avenue for the next generation of primary to fruit quality and advise against this. These methods wholesalers to share their thoughts and ideas.” have the potential to damage the reputation of custard apples in the marketplace by leaving the fruit in an As well as Brismark’s core activities, ongoing collaboration unsatisfactory condition for sale.” with Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) was discussed, including a site-wide approach to drug and alcohol testing, and upcoming A typical custard apple season runs from February to WHS training initiatives including traffic management plan October, with harvest commencing in North Queensland awareness. The advantages of using Brismark’s Credit Service and working down the coast to the growing regions of was highlighted, and strong support recommended. Central Queensland, Wide Bay, the Sunshine Coast until fruit from northern New South Wales also hits the markets. Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 17 Markets
Andrew Buchanan opted for a simple rose Special days push bouquet for his wife. flower sales Red roses were still the most in-demand flower on Valentine’s Day, however cost-conscious shoppers opted for mixing roses with other flowers rather than more traditional rose-only bouquets. Hundreds of thousands of flowers were delivered across the state in the lead up to Valentine’s Day with trucks arriving 24 hours a day to meet the expected demand. In total, Brisbane Flower Market wholesalers sold over 200,000 stems of red roses for the special day. Blossoms arrived from Queensland’s growers, including those in Redlands, the Sunshine Coast and the Lockyer Valley, and further afield from Victoria and Tasmania, as well as imported flowers from Central America, Africa and India. “Red roses of every variety are always a clear favourite for Valentine’s Day,” said Brisbane Flowers Market spokesperson Luke Leeson. Channel 10’s Joe Hill “While red is still the favourite across the board, we are interviews Jatinder seeing younger customers opting for modern styling and and Mandeep Nijjar at Redlands Fresh mixed bunches rather than the traditional, one dozen long- Flowers. stemmed roses that are favoured by older customers.” Orchids, oriental lilies, gerberas, disbud chrysanthemums and hydrangeas were all popular options to mix with roses. “Adding other flowers with roses provides more variety and a longer vase life for budget conscious shoppers, allowing the romance to continue long after Valentine’s Day,” Mr Leeson said. With mixed bunches, as the flowers fade they can be taken out and the arrangement will still look beautiful. “A sure-fire way to really grab the attention of your special someone is to buy their favourite flowers, and as long as the bouquet is presented beautifully, your loved one will be happy,” Mr Leeson said.
Edres Zamani chose a sweet selection for his wife.
Hayden Tozer selected a rose bouquet for his girlfriend.
18 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Autumn lull before A pop of colour was in order for Jadon Smith’s girlfriend. the Mother’s Day storm hits retailers As the summer lines finish, shoppers at the Brisbane Flower Market may notice a reduction in variety in the cool rooms due to the summer heat preventing plantings. But never fear, it won’t be long until your favourites are back in stock and the winter flowers kick in. March has less variety than other months but year-round blooms were still around with roses, carnations, gypsophila (baby’s breath), lisianthus, and, increasingly, tulips to be found throughout autumn. April is expected to see a rise in available flowers and sales are tipped to increase around Easter. As the weather gets cooler, variety increases as does flower quality and retail purchases. In foliage, grey colourings are plentiful over autumn. Wattles, feijoa, and eucalypt will all be in good supply and the more subdued tones complement autumnal colour schemes. May is for mothers May brings Mother’s Day, with bright mixed bunches featuring lots of variety and the ever-popular chrysanthemums. Redlands Fresh Flowers started prepping for Mother’s Day at their farm early in February, and will have locally-grown chrysanthemums, lisianthus, dahlias, asters and more in time for the biggest event in the floral calendar. May will also see an influx of locally-grown snapdragons and stock. Mother’s Day and increased tulips within the Brisbane Flower Market signal that June is coming bringing blooming beautiful bulbs including hyacinths, daffodils, and jonquils.
Modern styling Pastel pink posy Weddings are back on the agenda over March and April, with for Stephen and Kylie Kajewski. couples choosing to marry over the Easter long weekend when it is easier for family and friends to travel to the event. Pastels are very popular with brides at the moment, with a return to a modern rose look that is more textured than traditional round bouquets. This modern look will also translate into your everyday Blooms aid arrangements, with styling taking on a more unstructured look which is particularly popular with young people: think freshly plucked wildflowers, reflexed roses and a textured, ornamental bushfire look. recovery Tips for retailers Redlands Fresh Flowers is getting involved with If you’re looking to entice customers into your local fruit shop, a new fundraising initiative by Bloom Aid to independent retailers are being encouraged to plan ahead for #BuyaFlowerwithPower. Mother’s Day sales by make a strong floral statement in the lead up to Easter. By displaying flowers and signage in the The hashtag campaign and subsequent fundraising fortnight before Easter and then continuing until Mother’s efforts were launched for Valentine’s Day, with Day, you will remain front of mind when people are seeking Redlands donating $2 from every sale on the day to the bouquets for their mums. cause. The fundraising will continue on Mother’s Day. Mixed bunches of foliage are growing in popularity, with Bloom Aid’s aspiration is to engage the global floral independent fruit and vegetable retailers as well as smaller industry to lead the charge in the aftermath of natural florists able to just add blooms to make a lovely bouquet disasters – raising funds to significantly impact the without purchasing large quantities. By building solid regeneration of a land’s native flora and habitat. foundations over April and May, flower sales are sure to Their first fundraiser endeavor was to aid bushfire increase when the beautiful, sweet smelling bulbs kick in over revegetation across Australia. the winter months.
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 19 Fresh Developments
New training facility ready for business A new training centre at Brisbane Markets® has opened its doors for the markets community. Brismark’s Training Centre was officially opened on Wednesday, 29 January by Chairman Gary Lower. Protection from weather: buyers have begun using the new Brismark’s Human Resources and Business Services Covered Loading Area. Manager, Lisa Dwyer, said the new centre would become the central hub for industry training, information sessions, conferences and workshops for the markets New loading area community and beyond. “The new centre is conveniently located within the now in use Brisbane Produce Market and features three rooms of varying sizes as well as a fully equipped kitchen,” Ms Brisbane Markets Limited has unveiled its latest site development Dwyer said. with the completion of the new Covered Loading Area (CLA2). “We’re expecting a good response to this new facility as Standing over 10 metres high, CLA2 achieved practical it means people won’t have to travel far, and all training completion on Friday, 7 February and is now in use. Located to the is delivered by qualified, experienced trainers with the north of Building D, the 2,332 m² roof structure accommodates courses tailored to the specific needs of the fresh produce seven semi-trailer bays and seven heavy-ridged bays. industry.” This new facility provides authorised Brisbane Markets® buyers The fully equipped centre, featuring AV presentation with a weatherproof environment in close proximity to the and video conferencing facilities, is also available for Central Trading Area for loading, and an out-of-hours parking hire. For more information or to book the centre contact and unloading area for heavy vehicles bringing product on site. Brismark’s Business Services team on 07 3915 4222 or [email protected]. Laying down the asphalt Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) is progressing a new stage of asphalt resurfacing works across the Brisbane Markets® site. In total, approximately 15,000 m² of asphalt will be resurfaced as part of this project. Works have been scheduled to occur over weekends wherever possible to minimise the impact of road closures and disruption to Markets users. Markets community hub: United Lettuce’s Andrew Stark and George Valiotis with M &D Vegetable Specialists Principal Mark BML resurfaced over 19,500 m² of asphalt during 2019 as Moore. part of the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading the site’s roadways. 20 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Building E1 takes shape The new, purpose-built J.H. Leavy & Co warehouse Building E1 has risen from the ground, becoming an impressive landmark on the Brisbane Markets® site. Raising the roof: Building E1 is a commanding landmark on the corner of Sherwood By November 2019, the area had been Road and Martin Taylor Drive. filled with approximately 9,000 cubic metres of fill and the installation of 394 precast concrete piles was completed, representing approximately 6 km of reinforced concrete piles driven into the ground. The majority of the external retaining walls were also in place, along with the ground floor office slab and finger docks. In December, work was completed on the new Energex substation and underground high voltage cable installation to support the power requirements of the new building. The masonry walls around the perimeter of Bird’s eye view: An aerial photograph of the building site taken in early February. the building were in place except for an area along the southern side, which is The structural steel was raised from the including fire sprinkler reticulation and currently being used to provide ramp northern end of the development site to refrigeration pipework, commenced in access to the building pad. the south and was progressively installed early March, followed by installation of By the end of 2019, the permanent with roof sheeting as each section of the the insulated panel walls. structure was completed. With the roof site fence was constructed along the The construction works are presently sheeting in place, the floor slabs were western side of the site and in-ground on schedule for completion around able to be poured, section by section, services were installed, including sewer, mid-August 2020. Once complete, the allowing construction to continue despite stormwater and fire services. $19.5 million state-of-the-art facility inclement weather. The majority of the will feature nine dock levellers, two In January, the erection of the structural main warehouse frame was completed finger docks, 10 fast cool rooms/ steel frame of the building gave and roofed by late-February. onlookers their first indication of the size ripening rooms, 10 cold storage rooms, of this new warehouse, which towers Piping for new fire services to Building fumigation facilities, AQIS facilities and above the Sherwood Road and Martin E1 was completed early in February and offices over two levels. Taylor Drive intersection. the installation of high level services,
heavy-duty racking systems to meet the specific needs of his Relationship built clients’ businesses. “You always have different characters at the markets. over 30 years Grandfathers, fathers and sons, I’ve gotten to work with all of them over time,” said Mr Burns. In addition to the wholesalers, buyers and transporters working the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor, there With every build he completes, Mr Burns says he is always are a number of support services working tirelessly behind encouraged by how much his clients want to improve their the scenes that are just as important to this link in the fresh processes, business operations and allow for future growth, produce supply chain. leading to innovative designs that are built for purpose. SBP Australia (SBPA) is currently constructing the new Building “Over the last 30 years the builds have gotten bigger and the E1 warehouse and has been responsible for the delivery of a clients have gotten smarter. Everyone is pretty switched on and substantial number of large and small buildings and cold room the logistics have vastly improved,” he said. ® projects at the Brisbane Markets over the past 30+ years. SBPA has also completed projects for other markets and The specialist design, construction and maintenance company commercial clients in Australia and overseas, as well as finding traces its origins back to 1987 when founder director Max solutions for the agriculture sector, designing and delivering Burns, an experienced cold room builder, began working closely packing sheds, transport depots and cold room facilities for with commercial builders to improve the delivery of purpose- growers throughout the country. built cold room, warehouse and other construction projects. For more information or to contact SBPA about how they can Max’s relationship with the markets stretches back to the assist with your next project, visit sbpa.com.au. 1980s where he started custom designing cold rooms and
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 21 Fresh Perspectives
Central Markets are important links joining one vast horticulture supply chain. Fresh Perspectives provides an insight into this rich and varied industry, focusing
on the characters, and characteristics, of the world
of horticulture.
Celebrating 50 years of fond memories In this edition of Fresh Perspectives, we talk to five members businesses over the years and fondly remembers those who of the markets community who have 50 years of history at made their mark on his career. Brisbane Markets®. Ted Beaton has been involved in the site since it first opened in The Lower family has a longstanding relationship with the 1964 and to mark his long association with Brisbane Markets® markets and Gary, along with his brothers Ross and Wayne, his son Troy reflects on his father’s legacy and what it means are the third generation to do business at Brisbane’s central to him. market. Tony Joseph reflects on his journey from country boy to Forklifts, trains and automobiles patriarch of a family business and shares his memories of the For those who started at Brisbane Markets® in the late 60s, significant milestones he has witnessed. memories of their early years are dominated by the physical labour required to transport produce. Steph West has worked for many wholesalers at Brisbane Markets®, she shares her experiences as a cashier and how the Growers would drive fruit and vegetables to the markets or nature of her work has changed. load them onto trains from growing regions across Queensland and northern NSW, and transport them to shunting yards in Entrepreneur Peter Kedwell has owned a number of market Roma Street or South Brisbane.
A young Gary Lower (left) helps his father Bob unload watermelons from a train.
22 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 “Blokes in their tabletop trucks would go up to railway, load the produce onto the trucks and bring them back to the market floor where we would unload them and put them in stacks,” Mr Joseph said. “It was hard work and physically demanding. Everyone back then had a bad back from all the manual handling,” Mr Kedwell said. In their early years at the markets, both Mr Kedwell and Mr Lower spent time loading produce from the trains. After trade, buyers would load the produce onto their trucks or utes to take back to their shops, or they would return to the trains to load produce for country distribution. “You could have up to a hundred destinations so you would put the order for each town in the appropriate train wagon,” Mr Lower said. Watermelons play a leading role in memories of the time, due Ted Beaton to the hard work required to load and unload the heavy fruit multiple times by hand. H.E. Heather and Co “In the 1960s I was in partnership with my Dad in a small “The watermelons would all be loose in the train wagons. supermarket in St George. We were members of the IG You’d put the sides up on the truck and have a crew going Group, the largest in Australia at the time. I was holidaying backwards and forwards. Then you’d bring them back to the in Brisbane in October 1969 and received a surprise phone market and do it all again,” Mr Lower said. call from Dad asking if I could pop out to the markets and “We used to put straw between the stacks of watermelons purchase him six boxes of tomatoes. and load them onto the trains for Sydney and Melbourne,” Mr I had no idea where the market was, but found it the next Kedwell said. morning and ran into Jimmy Clinch, who was so helpful. In the 1970s all that changed, with the rise of the forklift and He took me around to meet the wholesalers and we found an increase in the volume of fresh produce coming to the some nice wooden cases of tomatoes at J.H. Leavy. We markets. arranged for them to be transported to St George and they arrived the next day. “CHEP bins were introduced, starting with watermelons, and that was one of the biggest changes the markets has seen in my Dad called to compliment me on the quality of the tomatoes time,” Mr Kedwell said. - the best he had ever seen. But he queried the $10 price tag, he’d been paying $18! He asked if I could arrange to The first forklift in the markets was a memorable experience. purchase 30 boxes so he could put them on special, so I “I think it was a secondhand one that was bought in from went back and got 30 boxes at $8. Dad made a killing - and overseas because they just weren’t available in Australia then I find I’m spending my holidays purchasing all sorts of when they first came out. Then, very quickly, more and more fruits for him. arrived,” Mr Lower said. After about a week of this I was telling the IG Group Mr Kedwell was one of the first forklift operators, during his manager Gordon Robertson my story and he immediately time at Brisbane Market Coolstore. asked if I would become a buyer for him, with a 20c per case commission. He made it clear I would have to sell “There were about three forklifts and no one had pallet myself to the group. accounts like they do now. I’d drop the bins off, they would get packed and I would collect them again to go into cool storage,” Discussing this proposition with Dad was difficult because Mr Kedwell said. he expected me to take over the supermarket so he could retire. But typical Dad wished me the best and away I went While there were just a couple of forklifts in 1970, after to Brisbane to start a new venture. Jim introduced me to Alf the 1974 flood these numbers rose dramatically and the Chave who gave me one none-voting share to his company palletisation of the markets quickly followed. As part of the which allowed me to get into the markets early. Gordon flood recovery and, to adjust to the increased traffic and rise of arranged for an office beside him in Albion and I started in palletisation, the infrastructure also changed. The roads were the Brisbane Market in November 1969. paved with bitumen, individual sections were increased in size and cold room design improved and grew to incorporate the I took over the purchasing for Dad and Laurie Doyle, the new pallets. manager of six of Philip Leong stores in Townsville. Soon after I received a telex from Laurie requesting 100 cases of By 1980 there were approximately 80 forklifts in the markets oranges size 100. This was incredible - I had only purchased and by the 1990s that figure had more than doubled. Now six cases at most for Dad. When the oranges arrived, Laurie ® there are almost 400 registered forklifts at Brisbane Markets . was over the moon with the quality and price, ordering The Central Trading Area was very different in the 60s and another 100 cases within a week. 70s, filled with the hustle and bustle of utes and flat-bed trucks I phoned all the IG Members every week and within two rather than the large semi-trailers and forklifts that are now year I was buying for all 54 members and 74 stores. By 1975 common. I was selling to some 250 stores throughout Australia with “It was just chock-a-block in the centre with all these little utes a team of 20 staff and was the largest supplier of fruit and parked in the front,” Mr Lower said. vegetables in Australia.”
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 23 PERSPECTIVES
“Right up until the 80s, the Central Trading Area was where all the produce was unloaded and disseminated. Now 80% goes straight to individual warehouses,” Mr Kedwell said. “There weren’t many buildings here when I started, just the Central Trading Area really. There were a couple of warehouses with big refrigerated cold rooms made of timber, nothing like what they have now,” Mrs West said. In 1977, the Covered Unloading Area was built in the centre of the Central Trading Area and this was gradually extended over time until the new roof that covered the entire area between Buildings B, C, and D was installed in 2015, a move that was warmly welcomed. The changing face of work Technology has played a huge role in the way work is conducted at Brisbane Markets®. Computers, mobile phones, increased security and Brismark’s Credit Service have all changed the way markets businesses operate. “Up until the 90s there were five office girls handling all the cashiering, invoicing and grower payments. Nowadays, there is usually only two people doing the same job. I would walk Steph West around collecting all the invoices and then we would go to the Rising Sun Produce banks carrying thousands of dollars. I could have been robbed, but we thought nothing of it at the time,” Mrs West said. “I finished Year 12 in 1966 and a girlfriend arranged for me to get a job in the markets. I started at R. Prosky The introduction of Brismark’s Credit Service in 1973 Produce in 1967. significantly changed Mrs West’s role as a cashier and the exit of the banks from the Commercial Centre in the 80s and 90s When I first started, it was very awkward getting to also had an effect. work because I didn’t drive at that stage. I had to catch a train to Corinda and then wait for a bus to get me to “The introduction of the Credit Service was absolutely Rocklea. At that time of the morning, if you missed the fabulous, the system is brilliant and totally changed the way we bus or the train you’d be stuck. But there were quite a worked. When I started, you just parked anywhere. Over time, few people that lived in the area, so once I got to know the parking has improved and your car is now protected from people I was able to hitch a lift. the weather,” Mrs West said. I have always been a cashier. Everywhere I have worked, Security on site has increased over time and the necessary I have done the same thing: receive the stock coming increases in regulation has reduced the “larrikins”, the transient in, take the cash payments, enter the sales data, check workers who made the Brisbane Markets® their home in its the stocktake, do the banking, and send information to early years and are now remembered fondly as a feature of a Brismark. When I was younger a group of girls would go bygone era. out for lunch or to the movies but they don’t tend to do “I remember a real character, he would live and work in the that sort of thing now. markets. He never wore shoes, he would move from one When I started everything was done by hand, there section to another doing odd jobs and you’d have to check any were no computers or mobile phones, and we had PAX waste piles to make sure he wasn’t asleep before you got rid of directory books for different numbers in the section. It them. There’s no way someone like that could work here now,” was a nightmare learning to go from paper to computers, Mr Joseph said. but now I can get a job anywhere in the markets and just Larger transport carriers, mobile phones and buying habits slot right in. have all played a part in reducing the number of buyers who I have worked for a lot of different businesses in the come in person to Brisbane Markets®. Brisbane Produce Market and since I was pretty good at “The selling floors are probably less hectic now because of cashiering I have stuck with it in every section where I technological advancements changing the way we take orders. have worked. I’ve never ever been without the job. While the amount of buyers in the markets may have reduced, I was married in 1975 and travelled overseas in 1976. mobile phones have changed the way we do business further But when we came back to Australia I was asked to come reducing the buyers who have to physically come to the back to the markets. markets,” Mr Beaton said. Now, I work on public entry days and sometimes I am While there have been dramatic changes in the way people asked to serve, which I absolutely love. I know a lot of work, the people themselves haven’t changed much over the the customers and they are all really nice. years. The sense of community and camaraderie is still present. There is an ability amongst the wholesalers to maintain I love the hours because you finish early and still productive working relationships and close friendships, despite have time to do things like the shopping or medical the inherent competitiveness of the job. appointments. I don’t think I could ever work somewhere else.”
24 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 “The people here have always been wonderful, salt-of-the- earth, good people with a dash of intrigue,” Mr Kedwell said. “If someone gets hurt you hear about it and everyone is concerned. It’s almost like a big family, everyone wants to know what’s going on and what everyone else is doing,” Mr Lower said. “I love meeting the people. They have always been very nice, I’ve never met anyone who has been nasty,” Mrs West said. Mr Beaton said that building relationships with buyers was more important than ever, to secure their follow up order. “It actually almost trumps the quality of the products. Everyone understands that over the course of 12 months, or even within a season, you can have quality fluctuations within a brand. But a good relationship can mitigate against those ups and downs of quality. That’s been consistent over the past 50 Tony Joseph years,” Mr Beaton said. Alfred E. Chave When you work in close quarters with your competitors and continue to do business with the same people every day, the “I’m the third generation of my family involved in this way you deal with people makes a difference. industry. My grandfather migrated from Lebanon around 1916 and began growing bananas and pineapples at Taylors “You’ve got to be honest and treat people with respect, because Arm on the Mid North Coast of NSW, where my father and if you don’t you won’t last long in this business,” Mr Kedwell his family grew up. Soon after I was born, my mum and dad said. moved to Orange and started a fruit and vegetable wholesale “I’ve always seen Dad be very honest in his dealings, especially business called Country Fruit Distributors. in his communications with growers. He likes to be very In February 1967, we moved to Brisbane because Country upfront and tackle any issues head on, he doesn’t let things Fruit Distributors wanted to source a fruit supply from stew. So I have tried to emulate that in the way I work,” Mr Brisbane. I started working for Alec Barker at P. Erickson Beaton said. and Son. I worked there for over a year, then I was called Growers remain the roots of the market, without whom up for national service and spent two and a half years in the wholesalers would be out of a job and Australians would be army. paying a lot more for imported produce. But the life of a grower While I was away, Country Fruit Distributors purchased has changed dramatically over the years. two businesses in the markets: W.E. Potters and Alfred E. “Changes in legislation and laws have resulted in growers Chave. In 1973, I returned to Australia and returned to the assuming a lot more responsibility for their product,” Mr markets to work as a manger and fruit salesman at Potter Lower said. Chave, as the combined business was known at that time. “Looking at our growing regions 40 years ago, you could have By that point, Country Fruit Distributors had changed its up to 250 growers in the region. Today, you might have up to name to All States Food and had grown to become the ten growers in a region, but those ten would be growing more largest publicly listed fruit and vegetable business company than the 250 did in the 70s. The volumes of produce are a lot in the Southern Hemisphere, with a presence in the higher than they were,” Mr Joseph said. Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide central markets, and a distribution network throughout central western Additional legislation, longer growing seasons and seasonal NSW. weather changes bring increased risk for growers. By the time I had met my wife, Maree, my uncles and father “It costs a lot of money to get the produce in the ground long were winding down their business so I asked if they would before growers see their first returns – it is a big risk to take,” sell me the Alfred E. Chave component. In August 1975, Mr Joseph said. Maree and I became engaged and I entered into a business Taking control of our own destiny partnership with her father, Simon George Snr. For 19 years, we had a wonderful partnership together, ® The acquisition of the Brisbane Markets site from the state I learned a lot from Simon. He was a great mentor and government in 2002 was a pivotal change, one that was a partner. He was tough, but always very fair. decade in the making. During the 80s, growth at Brisbane Markets® had stagnated under the state government and In 1994, when Simon decided to retire, I brought my own wholesalers were eager for more input into the direction of the family into the business. My two sons Anthony and Paul, site. two daughters Nicole and Catherine, and Maree and I have always been very close and all of them, at one stage “The state government wouldn’t take account of our or another, have been involved in the running of Alfred E. requirements and there was no long-term plan in place to guide Chave. the management of the site. It just wasn’t a very good place to do business, it was getting run down and they were doing Paul came into the business immediately after school, which nothing at all to modernise it,” Mr Lower said. I never wanted them to do but Paul insisted. Anthony joined the business when he was 20. Now, they are both directors of Alfred E. Chave. Maree and I have a succession plan and we began the transition two years ago. We’re not in a hurry, we just want to make sure we get it right.”
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 25 PERSPECTIVES
Plans to buy the Brisbane Markets® site had been in consideration for at least a decade. In 1994, Landacq was formed by a majority of Brisbane Markets® wholesalers and land was purchased to provide an alternative site outside of government ownership. “We bought a parcel of land in Yatala that we thought would make an appropriate site for a new market. In the end we had to make an ultimatum and we were very serious about it. We went to the government and told them we had land, wholesalers and money behind us,” Mr Joseph said. Mr Lower described the decision to purchase the Rocklea site as a major life event that he will never forget and a milestone for the wholesaling sector. “I remember going home afterwards and thinking this is beyond my wildest dreams. It goes to show that if you can find the right people, they can figure out a way to do anything,” Mr Lower said. After pressure from wholesalers, the Beattie state government Peter Kedwell put the Brisbane Markets® site to tender, and in 2002 Landacq’s Pershouse Produce $73.85 million bid for the site was successful. “I started at Alfred E. Chave in December 1969 when “It has been absolutely wonderful. It was a huge change in I was 15 years old. My mum raised six kids by herself mentality from just maintaining the assets to what it is now, in Holland Park and it was very difficult to get to the which is to look after, nurture and grow the site,” Mr Kedwell markets in the early house of the morning. I had to said. travel to Woolloongabba or Stones Corner first, then Industry-based ownership and strong leadership has been a catch a train to Rocklea. key component of the success of Brisbane Markets Limited I nearly didn’t last more than six month because I had a (BML), as Landacq is now known, and close constructive ties dispute with someone in the office and quit. Alf Chave with major shareholder Brismark has led to industry-driven was an amazing man, he wrote a letter to my mother improvements across the site. saying he thought I had a future in the industry, I was “BML was born from a necessity for us, as wholesalers, to a good worker, and would she please talk to me about control our own destiny. Brismark and BML work very well staying. So I stayed. He doubled my pay and organised a together and both Brismark and wholesaler interests are very lift for me every day. It was absolutely amazing to have a well represented on the BML board,” Mr Beaton said. boss that would do that for a 15 year old. Mr Lower and Mr Beaton highlighted the importance of After Alf died, I went to work for Ted Beaton for a year Brismark as a collective and effective voice for its membership, then I moved to the Brisbane Market Coolstore, working a role it has played for 79 years. for Wilf Stokes. Around the time of the 1974 flood, I resigned from the Coolstore to go travelling around “Not only does Brismark provide services to all its members, New Zealand. When I came back, Ted asked me to set it also provides a voice for all the wholesalers whether it’s up his frozen food distribution centre and his grocery dealing with the government on Horticulture Code of Conduct business in Murrarie. When he sold that business I issues or dealing with BML as landlords. As joint CEO of returned to the markets to work for H.E. Heather and both Brismark and BML, Andrew runs each organisation at Co, which I did until I got married and started my own arm’s length from each other and I think he wears both hats business in July 1981. brilliantly,” Mr Beaton said. All up I think I’ve had over 14 businesses at Brisbane There is a sense of pride amongst the wholesalers at what has Markets® and I think I’ve had a warehouse in most been achieved since taking over the site 18 years ago. buildings on site! The key to any business you have got “The site and some of its buildings may be 50 years old, to be fulfilling a need, if you are not fulfilling a need but we have been able to transition into a modern markets then you’re on the way out. community,” Mr Joseph said. In life, you really need good role models and mentors. “BML spends millions of dollars on the site and its From the very first moment of my working career infrastructure. They invest a lot of money into projects I was lucky to find them. Alf Chave for giving me that Brismark is interested in. They support the retailers the opportunity and my first manager Sid Mann - a and advertising campaigns. At the end of the day, BML are great salesman. There was also Arch Martin, Murray our landlord, but I consider them to be a relatively friendly Livingston and my longest serving business partner in landlord,” Mr Beaton said. the Brisbane Markets®, David Pershouse. Since the inception of BML, growth has increased But the most important one is Ted Beaton, who has had exponentially. Often, these changes go unnoticed because a number of businesses and great success at the markets potential issues are fixed before they become a problem to the over the years. Ted is a very astute and lovely man, he markets community. was my hero. He is honest, hardworking and he taught me how to be tough.”
26 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 “People don’t see problems, because we’ve already fixed them before they become an issue. As a board, we are thinking ahead all the time and future-proofing the site,” Mr Joseph said. “You can see the changes we’ve had in recent years, the undercover area in the Central Trading Area has been completed, new warehouses are going up. Brisbane Markets® was very stagnant for 30 years and now we are seeing a lot of changes, because BML as an organisation is getting stronger and they’re investing more,” Mr Beaton said. Hope for the future There is a palpable sense of excitement for the future of the industry, both from young blood entering the wholesaling business and consumer who continue to eat Australian fruit and vegetables. Mr Beaton and Mr Kedwell both commented on the higher standing the markets now have in the community, driven by a thirst for knowledge in the consumer. Wayne, Ross and Gary Lower “In the old days the markets didn’t have a lot of prestige” Mr Kedwell said. “Now consumers love to know about their fresh produce: where it comes from, the people who have grown it, how far it has travelled.” Gary Lower “In the past, the salesmen had a bad reputation – they were J. Allen Pty Ltd seen as being a bit dodgy or not looking after the best interest “As a school boy, I would come in with my father of the buyer. Now, there is honesty because they have to meet Bob Lower who had a fruit shop in Kenmore. I’d the buyers’ expectation to get follow up orders – building walk around with a trolley, picking up purchases, relationships with your buyers is much more important now,” helping him load and then he would drop me off Mr Beaton said. at school. I’m actually the third generation – my While they may have reduced their involvement in their grandfather was an interstate merchant trader who businesses, Mr Joseph, Ted Beaton and Mr Kedwell keep operated out of Building H. returning to the markets for the friendships they have built Working at the markets is all I know, I came over the past 50 years. straight out of high school. My family had a “I won’t get the chance to miss anything because I’ll end up transport business for about 15 years and then we dying in here. Even though I’ve nearly completed the handover got the opportunity to purchase J. Allen’s in 1980. of the business to my sons, it is the people I enjoy so I will keep We recently had our 40 year anniversary. coming back,” Mr Joseph said. It is very much a family business, the whole Mrs West is semi-retired and only works two days a week, an family has worked in it at one stage or another. arrangement that suits her lifestyle. My two brothers, Ross and Wayne, started at the markets about five years after I did and they are “When I finally retire, I won’t miss getting up early, but I will actively involved in the business to this day. It is miss all the people and the ease of working here. You aren’t their support that allows me to be active on the stuck in a little office chained to your keyboard. You can move Brismark board. I enjoy the industry and have around and I just love the atmosphere, it’s brilliant,” Mrs West never regretted being here. My family has done said. very well out of it and it has provided for our kids Everyone who has reached 50 years at Brisbane Markets® and grandkids. agrees: the future is in good hands. When I’m interviewing people for a job at J. Allen, I tell them if you don’t like getting out of the bed at 2am or your family can’t manage you leaving home in the early hours of the morning, then the job won’t be suitable. These are the things you have to take into consideration. I have always gotten up in the early hours of the morning so it is just the norm for me now, but I do like that you get home fairly early in the afternoon. But it does impact your social life and you have Celebrating 50 years of service to have an understanding family and partner, I’ve Have you, or someone you know, worked at been very fortunate in that regard. There’s a hard Brisbane Markets® for over 50 years? Brisbane fast pace at the markets and you have got to be able Markets Limited is calling people who have to think on your feet. Those who like it, love it, and worked at the markets for 50 years, so they can those who don’t, leave.” be honoured appropriately. Please email [email protected] with details so that we can add them to the 50 Year Service list.
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 27
Fresh Retailing
Customers cruise into stores to win big The winners of the A Better Choice the year. This makes Your Local Fruit (ABC)/Your Local Fruit Shop (YLFS) Shop … A Better Choice all round.” Cruise Into Summer campaign have a The campaign’s focus was to highlight dream holiday ahead of them. the benefits of eating fresh, seasonal Sam Thaiday, ABC/YLFS ambassador, produce for greater health and wellbeing, had the pleasure of announcing the encouraging consumers of all ages to P&O Cruise winner Caitlin Oehlman winners of the competition, which was shop for quality produce at the freshest (centre) receives her prize from the team conducted through over 70 participating source: Your Local Fruit Shop. at Erbacher Fruit & Poultry. independent retailers throughout Attracting over 40,000 entries, the top Queensland in late 2019. two prizes of a P&O Cruise for four Mr Thaiday said the competition were won by a thrilled Cheryl Amor and focused on encouraging customers to Caitlin Oehlman, both from the Sunshine support family-owned businesses that Coast. Cheryl and Caitlin were presented can provide them with fresh, quality with their prizes and a beach travel bag produce, and in-depth knowledge. filled with goodies at their participating fruit shops, Caloundra Village Fruit “Shopping at your local fruit shop is Market and Erbacher Fruit & Poultry on a better choice, as store owners are Tuesday, 17 December 2019. the first to know what is in season or how crops are impacted by growing Another ten customers with winning conditions,’ Mr Thaiday said. entries received a gift voucher to spend on a cooking class or an experience of their “They handpick the best produce, ready to Cruising into Summer: The team at choice and another twenty lucky winners Caloundra Village Fruit Market present serve their valued customers throughout each received a $50 movie voucher. Cheryl Amor (centre) with her prize. Cherrishing the season There’s more to cherries than just Christmas. That was the message of the recent 100 Days to Cherrish campaign, an A Better Choice/Your Local Fruit Shop project with Cherry Growers Australia through Hort Innovation. Highlighting the November to February Australian cherry season, the campaign promoted the versatile fruit throughout South East Queensland to broaden people’s perception of cherries from only being eaten on Christmas and demonstrate how they can be enjoyed during the whole summer season. 100 Days to Cherrish was made possible by the generous support of Cherries 100 Days to Cherrish ambassador Rebecca Fodden (left) getting the public Australia and wholesalers Matt Spencer (Carter & Spencer), Luke Goody (Central cherishing cherries at Superior Fruit at Park Produce), Viny Byrne (Favco), Pierre Tannouei (La Manna Premier), Troy Graceville. Marland (Marland Mushroom), and Stephen Edwards (Murray Bros).
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 29 RETAILING A very special Christmas outing A Better Choice! Staff from Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) took part in a special event in the lead up to Christmas. The Special Children’s Christmas Party, held at the Brisbane just got a whole lot better! Convention and Exhibition Centre, is the biggest event of its kind in Australia for special needs children and their families. The children invited to the party suffer from either serious The A Better Choice! (ABC) National Retail Program is a collaboration between Fresh Markets Australia illnesses, physical or intellectual impairment, domestic (FMA) and the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA) that promotes the independent retail violence, or live in underprivileged circumstances. sector that sells fruit and vegetables purchased through Australia’s Central Markets. On Saturday, 30 November, volunteers from Brismark and BML handed out tubs of A Better Choice/Your Local Fruit The latest national campaign “GO TO THOSE WHO KNOW!” positions it’s members as THE source of Shop branded fresh fruit salad. They also handed out store location information and fresh produce guides. information, knowledge and great advice when it comes to everything fruit and vegetables. Not only do they know fresh fruit and vegetables, but they know their customers as well. ABC Retailers pride themselves and Thanks to the generous donations from wholesalers at the Brisbane Produce Market (Ireland 53’s Gary Vedelago, Lind & Sons’ David their business on service, quality and expertise. Weeks, Ross & Co.’s Mike Forsey and Theo Lathouras, J.H. Leavy Making Christmas special: Marcus Hird (on right) & Co.’s Ben Bartlett) and the preparing and cutting of fruit by In with Schadd and his dad at the Special Children’s From late March through to the end of May consumers will see television advertising depicting a Your Local Fruit’s Mark Murphy, the team was able to offer the fruit salad tubs Christmas Party. Fruit Shop fruiterer rejecting poor quality fruit. Your Local Fruit Shop retailers will only accept fresh quality to the over 3,000 children and parents who attended the event. produce in their store! Local independent fruit and vegetable retailers are the experts on quality fruit and vegetables and consumers should shop at Local Fruit Shops…. It’s A Better Choice! The advertisements will be featured on programs such as the Today Show, Nine News early and morning editions, Travel Guides, and The rise of the plant-based diet The Block. Find your local at www.abetterchoice.com.au abetterchoiceaus @abetterchoiceaus A plant-based diet is characterised by eating most or all foods zucchini noodles or cauliflower steaks. This helps consumers derived from plants including fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, indulge in plant-based, flavourful meals without guilt. nuts, seeds and legumes. This trending diet emphasises using fresh ingredients, as close to their original state as possible, for Changing lifestyle overall wellness and healthy lifestyle. So, is plant-based diet Having a great product is not enough these days, pressures just a buzzword? And what does it mean for the fresh produce such as lack of time and eating habits in consumers have posed industry? challenges to the produce industry. In addition, consumers According to research by Roy Morgan in 2019, many demand mouthfeel, flavour, texture and equivalent nutrients Australians are increasingly adopting the plant-based diet (as meat) in their meals. Just like medicine and technology, the as an important lifestyle choice. These Aussies believe that fresh produce industry needs to be more innovative to provide food centred on whole plants aids in weight management, consumers with the convenience to stick to plant-based meals prevents chronic diseases, improves heart health and has a with fruit and vegetable choices. lighter environmental footprint. There is growing recognition of the association between food, health and environment. The Australian fresh produce industry must respond to consumer demand to reap the benefits of consumers going plant based. All year-round availability Australia is a unique country with diverse food choices. More than ever, consumers are demanding the year-round availability of fruits and vegetables of consistent good quality. This means investing in stable crops and water security to be able to produce core products all year, like sweet potatoes and apples. Focus and satisfaction Accentuate each desirable benefits of fruit and vegetables instead of categorising them as healthy, organic or delicious. For example, focus on educating the consumer about the vitamin C content in tangerines, protein in broccoli and water percentage in cucumber. Similarly, creators of produce recipes Many Australians are now turning to a plant-based should cater to all diets to provide an inclusive indulgent Eating plants: diet for health and environmental reasons. experience such as guilt-free cherry dessert, nutrient-rich
30 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020
Fullpage_FreshSource_advertisement_v3.indd 1 13/03/2020 10:22:10 AM A Better Choice! just got a whole lot better!
The A Better Choice! (ABC) National Retail Program is a collaboration between Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) and the Central Markets Association of Australia (CMAA) that promotes the independent retail sector that sells fruit and vegetables purchased through Australia’s Central Markets.
The latest national campaign “GO TO THOSE WHO KNOW!” positions it’s members as THE source of information, knowledge and great advice when it comes to everything fruit and vegetables. Not only do they know fresh fruit and vegetables, but they know their customers as well. ABC Retailers pride themselves and their business on service, quality and expertise.
From late March through to the end of May consumers will see television advertising depicting a Your Local Fruit Shop fruiterer rejecting poor quality fruit. Your Local Fruit Shop retailers will only accept fresh quality produce in their store! Local independent fruit and vegetable retailers are the experts on quality fruit and vegetables and consumers should shop at Local Fruit Shops…. It’s A Better Choice! The advertisements will be featured on programs such as the Today Show, Nine News early and morning editions, Travel Guides, and The Block.
Find your local at www.abetterchoice.com.au abetterchoiceaus @abetterchoiceaus
Fullpage_FreshSource_advertisement_v3.indd 1 13/03/2020 10:22:10 AM Fresh Industry
Skilled visas widen labour options Australia’s horticulture employers will now receive more target of $100 billion by 2030. support to resolve labour shortages with the signing of a new “Growers always prefer to employ local skilled workers, but Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement (HILA). there are considerable barriers in accessing them, from a lack The new agreement means growers will have access to a skilled of vocational and higher education opportunities in this space, and semi-skilled workforce, where they can demonstrate there to a lack of horticulture technical expertise in Australia.” are no local workers able or willing to fill them. Citrus Australia CEO, Nathan Hancock, said HILA was a positive Horticultural employers can submit an application to the move and would enable growers to continue producing the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor a migrant worker to world’s best fruit in a highly competitive global environment. come to Australia and fill one of the 31 approved occupations “When citrus businesses are unable to source the professional listed under the Labour Agreement. labour they need from within Australia, the HILA will Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement provides access to enable them to find skilled people to fill positions in areas of three visas. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS, subclass 482) management, specialist computing equipment, electricians, pest visa is a temporary skilled visa that permits a stay of up to scouts and agronomists, amongst others,” Mr Hancock said. four years. The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR, You can download Ausveg’s advice to growers, including the full subclass 494) visa is provisional, permitting a stay of five years list of occupational categories, here: https://bit.ly/2ui5OhK. with a permanent residency pathway available after three years. There is also a permanent skilled visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS, subclass 186). It complements existing migration programs to support regional employers and communities, including the Working Holiday Maker Programme, Seasonal Worker Programme, the Pacific Labour Scheme and Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs). Ausveg Chief Executive Officer, James Whiteside said the HILA was another step towards addressing the horticulture industry’s labour shortages. “Horticulture growers, not just those in the vegetable industry, need a skilled workforce to use sophisticated technologies to efficiently plant, harvest and package their products to local and international consumers,” Mr Whiteside said. “Horticulture businesses require skilled people to undertake technical and highly-skilled jobs to help drive their businesses, and the wider $13 billion horticulture industry, forward in for semi-skilled and skilled labourers are now what is a critical juncture for Australian agriculture to reach its New work visas available under the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement.
Harvest period Labour Gap Suitable visa program Less than 3 months Lower-skilled Working Holiday Maker 3-9 months Lower-skilled Seasonal Worker Program 9+ months Lower-skilled Pacific Labour Scheme 12+ months Semi-skilled & skilled Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement
32 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Warm welcome for new Bowen Gumlu representative By Eilis Walker, Industry Development Officer, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association
Having only started as Bowen Gumlu with the efforts that growers have put implement on-ground practice change. Growers Association (BGGA)’s Industry into this region and their industry. BGGA encourages producers to Development Officer a few months ago, become familiar with the information I would like to take this time to reflect on Reef regulations surrounding reef regulations and what the Bowen-Gumlu growers’ community this means for their businesses to begin Having such a positive experience in that I have been so warmly welcomed to plan for the future. the sector and region brings mixed into. feelings about the implementation of Reef Regulations or the Environmental Collectively we grow Protection (Great Barrier Reef For me, ‘Collectively We Grow’ is Protection Measures) and Other now more than just a catchy slogan. Legislation Amendment Act 2019. As The words embody the community of custodians of this land, growers in the horticultural producers that thrive and Bowen Gumlu area play a vital role in produce quality produce in the Bowen- ensuring the sustainability of both the Gumlu area. From growers looking at land that is farmed and the Great Barrier beneficial bugs and bees, those who are Reef. Since the 1900s when growing interested in the soil, and those who are first began in the region, this entrusted always pushing for the development and position has seen many growers implementation of new technologies to challenge and change practices to remain make farms safer and more productive, environmentally sustainable. I have been immersed in a rapidly BGGA fears that without proper growing and striving industry. and correct implementation, these The point that I reflect upon most is that regulations would have a significant while there are many different facets of impact on the sector. BGGA has horticulture, every individual, family concerns over the one-size-fits-all and business that I have met so far has approach that may be taken and, with invested their own money, time and over a hundred commodities being energy into ensuring the longevity and grown in the region, the impediments Market introduction: Eilis Walker finds sustainability of the industry. To me, to crop production as well as a lack some local Bowen produce during her tour of the Brisbane Produce Market in ‘Collectively We Grow’ is synonymous of financial support for growers to November 2019.
Fair Farms initiative hits century One hundred growers and other horticulture businesses “Fair Farms aims to have a critical mass of ethical suppliers from across Australia have joined the industry-developed certified against the Fair Farms Standard, so wholesalers and Fair Farms Training and Certification Program since its retailers can make the switch and start sourcing their fresh launch in June 2019. produce only from verified ethical businesses. Fair Farms Program Manager, Thomas Hertel, said “Australian grown, Fair Farms certified, all the way to Growcom was rolling out Fair Farms on behalf of industry the grower level is what we’re working towards. When in a bid to show who is doing the right thing and use market retailers and the consumer buy into that and reward ethical forces to drive out unethical and unlawful employment compliance, we expect to see real positive impact on the practices. treatment of workers on farms.” “Of the businesses registered to date, 60 have already To find out more about how to get Fair Farms certified visit completed the self-assessment against the Fair Farms www.fairfarms.com.au or email Standard to identify areas for improvement,” Mr Hertel said. [email protected].
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 33 Industry Paradise Dam a top priority for Bundaberg growers By Bree Grima, Managing Director, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Paradise Dam advocacy continues commissioned an economic impact to take precedence in the Wide Bay/ study, which will be shared with Bundaberg with decisions by State Sunwater, state government and Building Government to lower the dam wall Queensland, to quantify the regional expected to have a severe impact on benefits of a strong and sustainable producers in the region (see page 7 for agricultural sector now and in the future. more detail). BFVG also intends to provide information from Dr Paul Rizzo, Chief Dam’s fate undecided Technical Officer from specialist The Industry is not prepared to sit back engineering firm RIZZO International, and await the outcome of decisions made who is assessing possible remediation by government. Our immediate concern options including some which may not is that any works to lower the spillway already have been considered. Dr Rizzo’s and reduce the overall storage capacity study will also include an independent Protesters at the Commission of Inquiry of Paradise Dam will reduce water review of Sunwater’s technical reports in Bundaberg. IMAGE: Good Fruit & security for local irrigators and have on Paradise Dam by GHD and Tatro Vegetables a significant impact on the economic Hinds. viability of the Wide Bay region. Water security gives the Wide Bay region US-based Dr Rizzo has more than 50 a critical competitive advantage for Any decision about the future of years’ experience in geotechnical and agricultural production, and whatever Paradise Dam needs to be based on civil engineering, specifically dams, decision is made about the future of the facts in relation to engineering and water resources and infrastructure Paradise Dam needs to protect that public safety as well as water security projects. He is an international expert position and support community safety and economic impacts. in the field of safety evaluations and as well as our economic prosperity. rehabilitation of dams. To this end Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers (BFVG) has jointly
Poulain takes on mushroom role The Australian Mushroom Growers “I started with AMGA at a time where Association (AMGA) has appointed a the mushroom growers were feeling new Relationship and General Manager, the pain of low prices for mushrooms Martine Poulain, who brings to her new at retail – with peaks and troughs in role over 20 years of experience in peak production significantly impacting on industry bodies and associations. price and returns,” Ms Poulain said. This key appointment marks the next According to Ms Poulain, the drought stage of the Association’s strategy to has created higher demand for wheaten drive value to its members. straw which in turn has driven up the price of compost, an integral ingredient “At the heart of it, the role is still one of for growing mushrooms. understanding the needs of membership and ensuring the Association remains “What I have found, in the short amount relevant and plays its part in the future of time I’ve been in the role, is that our development of the industry,” Ms mushroom growers are a unique group,” Poulain said. she said. Her most recent roles have been in peak “They work together, even though they bodies for the commercial construction are all competitors in a small niche industry, and she welcomes the new industry. This is something I have never challenge of working within the come across in an industry body. I’m New Mushroom Growers Relationship horticultural and agricultural space. thrilled to be able to work with growers and General Manger, Martine Poulain. who work together as one industry.”
34 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Making lemonade out of lemons By Gail Woods, General Manager, Brismark
They say the first step in managing a The next step in managing a crisis is to speak on behalf of your business. Make crisis is to ‘avoid’ the crisis. But what recognise that you are in a crisis. Accept sure the most senior individual of the do you do when the World Health that your business and its operations organisation is the spokesperson as they Organisation declares a global pandemic? may be affected and act accordingly. can address the problem directly. Reliable sources of information that The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has By setting your organisational goals and outline the extent of the crisis as it impacted not only on communities managing the crisis, an organisation can unfolds are important to monitor, such around the globe but on businesses make sure its operations continue. as regular Government health warnings of all sizes. The important actions any and announcements. Organisationally, Brismark’s objective is business must take to manage a crisis is to maintain the uninterrupted provision to do what must be done to be prepared As an organisation identify how your of services to our members and support for a crisis. In the case of COVID-19 the operations may be impacted and then the operation of the markets, 24 hours impacts have been occurring on a daily identify ways to reduce their likelihood. a day seven days a week. This effort will basis. In this case having the knowledge about continue until the crisis is resolved or the ways to prevent the spread of infection Contingency planning has proven to be impact lessens. and acting on it is an important directive essential as well as maintaining two-way to communicate to all stakeholders If these steps are followed, a business communication flows with all of the including staff. Comprehensive work can go a long way to recouping its groups of people – stakeholders – that health and safety policies, procedures crisis-related losses and possibly have an impact on your business. You can’t and practices provide a strong framework profit from disaster through enhanced control everything but you can respond for ensuring continuity of operations. responsiveness and strong leadership. appropriately. Detailed crisis-response Follow these steps and you can make plans outline a course of action that can When communication with internal lemonade out of lemons. be taken, this is helpful particularly when and external stakeholders is appropriate, working under pressure. have your spokesperson step-up and New chair for new Mangoes industry alliance get social Australian Mangoes has launched an industry Facebook Perfection Fresh CEO Michael Simonetta has been elected page: Australian Mangoes–Industry. The page provides Chair of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA). the organisation with another way to keep mango industry stakeholders up-to-date with industry news and information. Launched in March 2019, the AFPA’s membership consists of Perfection Fresh, Costa Group, Fresh Select, Mackays, You can find industry Facebook page by visiting Montague, One Harvest, LaManna Premier Group, www.facebook.com/australianmangoes/ or by searching for Freshmax, Rugby Farms, Driscoll’s, Pinata Farms, Mitolo @australianmangoes within Facebook. The Aussie Mangoes Group, 2PH Farms and Fresh Produce Group. Facebook page, which is aimed at consumers, is run separately by Hort Innovation. Mr Simonetta has been CEO of Perfection Fresh for 30 years and takes over from inaugural AFPA Chair Harry If you have any feedback or would like to share something Debney of Costa Group. with the page, contact Australian Mangoes Communication Manager, Jessica Mitchell, on [email protected]. “During the past year, Harry Debney has been instrumental in leading the formation and creating the foundation of the Look for logo: The AFPA. Harry has set up the AFPA for ongoing success and, logo used as the on behalf of the AFPA Board, I would like to thank Harry profile picture on for all his efforts,” Mr Simonetta said. the new Facebook page for the mango “We have only been in operation for one year and have industry. achieved a number of outcomes including holding regular retail roundtables with major retailers to discuss packaging and food waste; creating a reference group made up of our HR General Managers to further industry employment issues; and producing a White Paper outlining a strategy to grow the value of the fresh produce industry to $20 billion by 2030.”
Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 35 Fresh Export
New lychees tipped to grow exports to Taiwan The trial of new varieties of Member for Keppel, Brittany Taiwanese lychees in Central Lauga, said the planting Queensland represents a significant represented both a significant step towards facilitating export of physical and symbolic milestone the fruit to Asian markets. in the horticulture research relationship between Queensland The step was taken during a visit and Taiwan. by Taiwan Council of Agriculture (CoG) Deputy Minister Dr JJ Chen “These new Taiwanese varieties in late 2019, which cemented a of lychees are an exciting Memorandum of Understanding development that hopefully (MoU) between the Department results in opening the door for Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Queensland producers to increased and CoG. export market share as well as supplying the Australian domestic The MoU, which was signed Taiwanese lychee planting: From left, Livingstone market,” Ms Lauga said. Shire Council Mayor Bill Ludwig, Taiwan Council in 2016 during a Trade and of Agriculture Deputy Minister Dr JJ Chen, Groves Investment Queensland delegation “For example, one of the varieties, Grown Tropical Fruit owner Ian Groves plant a to Taiwan, gives the Australian ‘Rose Red’, is a large lychee with a Taiwanese lychee tree while Australian Lychee Lychee Growers Association slightly rose fragrance, has a better Growers Association President Derek Foley looks on. exclusive access to six new ‘super shelf life and is easier to peel giving IMAGE: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries varieties’ of lychees from the it great appeal as an export variety.” Taiwan Agricultural and Research Minister for Agricultural Industry Institute, a world leader in lychee Development and Fisheries Mark research and development. Furner said exporting lychees to With very limited space for Asia was a long-term program of agriculture, Taiwan decided to work. link with international partners “It is expected the trees will take to increase lychee production and approximately three years to grow create year-round supply. Growing before DAF can begin to evaluate the lychees in Queensland means which varieties are best to grow and they could be in season for much are commercially viable. Then it longer. Fruit would be harvested could take eight to ten years before in Queensland between November significant volumes can be grown in and February, and in Taiwan Queensland,” Mr Furner said. between May and August. “If the lychees do well in During his visit to Queensland, Queensland conditions, Australian Dr Chen attended a tree-planting growers and Taiwan could then ceremony for the new lychee Super lychees trialled: six varities of Taiwanese consider a joint project to export to lychees are being trialled in Central Queensland in a varieties at Groves Grown Tropical other Asian countries.” bid to increase export opportunities in Taiwan and Fruit farm in Yeppoon and also took other Asian countries. the time to visit Brisbane Markets®.
36 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020 Securing freight access for Australian agricultural and fisheries exporters A new $110 million initiative will back Australia’s agricultural CEO of the Australian Horticultural Exporters’ and Importers’ and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality Association (AHEIA), Andréa Magiafoglou, welcomed the produce into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing news. back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment. “The AHEIA is extremely pleased to see the release of this Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the funding package and anticipate it will contribute towards International Freight Assistance Mechanism would help secure alleviating the challenges industry has been facing in freight flights into Australia’s key export markets. both reduced airfreight capacity and escalating costs,” Ms Magiafoglou said. “This will help restore key freight routes for our farmers until commercial capacity can be restored again,” Mr McCormack said. “We look forward to working with Mr Byrne, Austrade and all industry groups to develop commercially viable options “We are doing everything possible to help our high-value for fresh produce exporters and support international food agricultural and fisheries exporters get their produce on security at this difficult time.” airplanes and into overseas markets. The initiative is part of the Government’s $1 billion Relief and “Everything we are doing as a Government in response to this Recovery Fund to support regions, communities and industry pandemic is focused on saving lives and saving livelihoods and sectors that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. we know our agriculture industry is key to this.” Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the COVID-19 pandemic had led to major air freight shortages and had disrupted supply chains around the world. “This temporary action will help Australian producers to protect the jobs of those who rely upon Australia’s export of safe, quality food into the world,” Minister Birmingham said. “Getting our export sector back on its feet is crucial to reduce job losses through the crisis and a critical part of the ultimate economic recovery.” The International Freight Assistance Mechanism will initially focus on the key markets of China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UAE, with four key departure hubs: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. It will be overseen by Mr Michael Byrne, who has been appointed as the International Freight Coordinator General. Mr Byrne has significant international logistics experience as Managing Director of Australia’s two largest logistics companies Toll Holdings and Linfox plus as a non-executive director of Australia Post. Mr Byrne will work with Austrade to help establish arrangements with exporters, airlines, freight forwarders and industry bodies plus oversee the mechanism’s operations including advising the Government of destinations, freight With export transport options dwindling due to the COVID-19 selection and prioritisation. crisis, the federal government has allocated $110 million to secure airfreight for Australia’s agricultural industries.
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Autumn 2020 FRESH SOURCE 37 Export
Never a dull moment for our horticultural exporters Reduce your General Waste costs by using our By Andréa Magiafoglou, CEO, Australian Horticultural Exporters’ and Importers’ Association Produce Waste Recycling Service! The sector has had much to deal with pathways available to them. Despite over the last few months with ongoing these concerns, the Australian dollar Gap closed on drought and bushfires impacting key is low, and the quality of Australian Indonesian exports production areas. To overlay this, fresh produce is excellent which bolsters the produce exporters have other challenges opportunities afforded to Australian On to Indonesia; towards the end in play, namely coronavirus, export exporters looking to establish trading of 2019, it came to our attention certification cost increases and hurdles relationships within other markets. that the revised regulations for in the Indonesian import application the Recommendations to Import process. Certification faces cost Horticultural Product (RIPH) by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture had Coronavirus impacts increase resulted in many rejections of importers’ RIPH applications. Obtaining an RIPH Another hurdle for Australian exporters from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Chinese trade moving forward are the fee and levy Directorate-General of Horticulture is As many of you would be well aware, increases for export certification a prerequisite for obtaining an import China is the number one export proposed by the DAWE. These changes license from the Ministry of Trade for destination, receiving approximately will have a varying impact on individual many horticultural commodities. 30% of all fresh fruit exports. Trade exporters based on business structure, following the Chinese New Year is export destination, commodity type, The new conditions mainly revolve typically subdued, therefore a clearer volume and value. Overall, they around GAP certification. Since then, impact of the coronavirus on Australian represent a massive 40% increase from we are happy to report that the revised exports will become more evident in current export certification costs. regulations have been amended, which oncoming weeks. now eliminates GAP, GHP, and exporter The Australian Horticultural Exporters’ capacity statement for those origins Airfreight capacity has been greatly and Importers’ Association has united with food safety Country Recognition reduced with direct air services between with ten other peak horticultural Agreement (CRA), which Australia has mainland China and Australia suspended industry bodies in opposing these with Indonesia. from 9 February until 29 March 2020. changes. This united voice across Sea freight is still a shipping option; horticulture represented the majority of However, some delays were still being however, concerns exist with the logistics fresh horticultural exporters in Australia felt with a backlog of applications of moving product within China. and we wait to hear the DAWE response by importing companies that, whilst to our submission. Alongside this, we approved by the Indonesian Directorate- We can tailor a solution that suits your tenancy: Many exporters are currently looking to also await the release of the Independent General of Agriculture, were still distribute product to other destinations, Review into Export Certification by awaiting the Indonesian Minister Rear Lift bins Front Lift Bins Bulk bins for large volumes although some commodities are Ernst & Young, who were commissioned of Agriculture’s signature. limited by the number of market access by the department. Blueberries miss export opportunities Growers have expressed frustration at delays in negotiating export market access to China for Australian blueberries.
Berries Australia President, Peter McPherson said blueberries have been second on the Australian Government’s China horticultural export market access priority list after apples For more information, contact your since October 2017, with an initial application lodged in 2010. A 2017 report commissioned by the Australian Blueberry BML SUEZ Account Manager: Growers Association revealed an existing and growing Chinese demand for Australian blueberries due to their superior taste, Jack Bishop size, food safety and nutritional value. M: 0438 156 600 “It is very frustrating for the industry knowing that we have a superior product to have to sit by and watch on as a number E: [email protected] of other countries have negotiated access for their blueberries into China,” Mr McPherson said. Only Tasmanian blueberries can be exported to China due to fruit fly and medfly concerns.
38 FRESH SOURCE Autumn 2020
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