December 2018 Welcome to the Members Only Festive Season edition of Nuts & Burrs

**MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS NOW DUE (Overdue) **

Presidents Report Hello and welcome to the Festive Season edition transparency of spending and/or allocation of of Nuts and Burrs. This is the beginning of my grower funds. This is a great disappointment and second stint as President of CAI. Just a brief source of frustration for the whole CAI Committee update on what’s been happening since the AGM, and should cause considerable concern for all Brian Casey has decided to stay on the CAI Levy Payers, not just CAI Members. Committee to fulfil his 3-year term and was appointed as Vice President and Luciano Cester The main proposal to be put to the Special was appointed as Secretary/Treasurer. At the General Meeting in regard to the Statutory Levy AGM Tom Robertson was appointed to the CAI will be: Committee for a 3-year term. This has led to a • To increase the R&D/PHA Levy Committee of 6 persons with David McIntyre contribution to 7cents being appointed by the CAI Committee to fill a • Retain the 1cent EPPRD Levy casual vacancy. • Set the Marketing Levy at zero

Three years after leaving the position of There are numerous reasons for going down this President, many of the issues are still ongoing. path: One of them being Chestnut Blight and its current • HIAL’s lack of financial accountability and and potential impact on the whole industry. It was transparency in relation to the chestnut great to hear that so many people volunteered for Corporate Service charges the spring surveillance. This was a credit to the • The high HIAL Corporate Service charges entire industry and the importance of it cannot be reducing the overall value of the understated, not only for the ongoing battle Marketing levy and associated programs against the disease but also the looming battle • When CAI proposed changes to the with Agriculture . A great deal of credit and funding split the budgeted HIAL gratitude needs to go to Brian Casey, Trevor Corporate Service charges for R&D and Ranford and David McIntyre for their countless Marketing did not differ. meetings and teleconferences with regards blight. Thank you all for your ongoing and tireless efforts. CAI will have a breakdown of the HIAL Corporate Service charges that they are putting on the levy Field Day & Special General Meeting - Stanley and present this to the meeting in February. CAI is - February 9th 2019 proposing to replace the Statutory Marketing levy Could everybody please save this date! Not only collected with a CAI managed voluntary is this a Field Day but CAI will be convening a contribution for Marketing. A more detailed Special General Meeting. The Field Day will no explanation of these proposals will be distributed doubt be great as usual, but one of the main to all known Levy Payers and CAI members in issues is getting as many Levy Payers and early January. Members to attend the Special General Meeting with the aim of resolving the issue of the levy split. Season 2019 With rain imminent throughout the growing region, The management of levy funds through HIAL is and hopefully to the areas that are in severe just another of those unresolved issues that were drought, that is gravely affecting them, hopefully it there when I was previously President. HIAL keeps up during summer! It would be nice break manages the levy spend on behalf of horticulture after the dry summer last year. Flowering has industries. One of the areas of concern for CAI begun and is a reminder that the harvest is only 3 and other industries is the total lack of months away. 1

People need to start thinking about their 2018/2019 chestnut season. Approvals have gone processes for harvest and storage so that we can ahead for the production of two, four-page, A5 ensure only the best quality fruit is marketed next size recipe brochures. Each brochure will feature season. one recipe and will include information on health benefits and how to prepare chestnuts, including Can I please implore that everyone spread the methods on how to cook them. The two recipes message about the Special General Meeting on that the Subcommittee have chosen to publish are February 9th 2019 so we can explain the issues a Chocolate Chestnut Brownie and a Spicy with the levy and propose the best option for the Chestnut Pumpkin and Pancetta soup. In keeping industry going forward. We all have a lot at stake with our theme, ‘Make Everyday Meals Special and it would be great to see you all there. Please with Chestnuts’, the recipes chosen are ones note the Field Day program has changed which are simple for consumers to prepare and somewhat to what was reported on in the ones where pantry essentials make up the December edition of the Australian Nutgrower, the majority of the required ingredients. full program and registration form can be downloaded above. Be quick to register and pay, In total 80,000 brochures will be printed, (40,000 only 30 seats are available for dinner that evening of each recipe) and these will be distributed by at the Stanley Pub, first to register and pay will courier to 44 locations, in VIC, NSW, SA, QLD, receive priority. WA, and ACT in early February.

Hopefully everyone gets to have a break over Christmas. Travel safely.

Adam Gatford CAI President

Marketing Report This edition of Nuts & Burrs has been fittingly called the Festive Season edition. While looking for recipe inspiration on our consumer website www.chestnutsaustralia.com.au I noticed that the selection closely resembles a spread one might see on a Christmas table. And I couldn’t believe just how many delicious and inspirational recipe ideas that have been developed by Chestnuts over the years. On the website, there are countless recipe suggestions for main courses, sides, and desserts. There’s no better way to bring some Christmas cheer amidst all the seeming doom and gloom than by toasting the Festive Season with some chestnuts and a cold glass of sparkling! (you may need to get your hands on some value added chestnuts or dig up some of last seasons out of the freezer!).

Our recipe ideas are so inspirational, in fact, they even excited Marjana, Editor In Chief of Slovenian magazine, ‘Maja and Jej zdravo’, who asked us if they could use our images in their magazine. One just never knows who could be visiting our website, seeking information on the Australian chestnut industry or simply looking for chestnut ideas. The globe is watching us and taking note!

Talking about ideas, let’s have a look at what the In late January, a pre-season media release will Marketing Subcommittee have planned for the be sent out to an extensive range of media and

2 food industry influencers to maximize to the food service industry who cater to the opportunities to gain media coverage. The format needs of their chefs and caterers. The Marketing will be a four-page, A4 chestnut information flyer. Subcommittee have decided to target this very The content will include information about influential group of the food market sector next seasonality, health benefits, preparation and year. Provedores typically publish a weekly usage, and recipes with accompanying photos. newsletter which they distribute to their food Another reason for distributing an early media service customers. release is to make sure that the Australian chestnut season is kept ‘top of mind’ prior to its Utilising cost-effective EDMs, Provedores will be commencement and throughout the season. informed when the Australian chestnut season is due to commence. This information could then be One of the most influential links in the chestnut conveyed to the chefs and caterers they supply, supply chain, from orchard to consumer, is without encouraging them to include chestnuts in their any doubt, Greengrocers. Greengrocers offer autumn and winter menus, which are usually advice about in season produce and when it will prepared very early in the season. The EDM to be available in their store. They can make cooking Provedores will include information about chestnut suggestions, offer recipe ideas and can even varieties, ideas on sweet and savoury culinary provide their customers with recipe cards. applications, complimentary flavour suggestions, Consumers come to trust their local Greengrocer as well as information on optimal storage for good advice, and they can and do influence methods. Utilising these cost-effective Internet demand. For this reason, marketing has decided marketing strategies, we can communicate to make a special flyer available for Greengrocers. directly with influential Greengrocers and Provedores who can encourage fresh chestnut The Greengrocer flyer will include information on consumption at the retail and wholesale levels, retail presentation and storage tips. Too often, and in this way hopefully benefit the Australian consumer feedback from in-store purchases chestnut industry. describe dull and soft chestnuts, lacking their signature shine. It raises the question: are As usual, roasting chestnuts at Myrtleford’s La chestnuts returned to the cool room at the end of Fiera will feature in 2019. This event, which is trade? Or are they simply left to dry out on the always expertly and efficiently managed by our shelf? For quality purposes, if a refrigerated very own Communications Officer Tanya cabinet or a cold plate is available, these would be Edwards, will be the culmination of the marketing more suitable options for showcasing fresh campaign and boasts growing numbers of chestnuts. For this reason, commercial storage attendees every year. will feature prominently in the flyer. The Greengrocer flyer will also include information on chestnut seasonality, health benefits and where to find recipes. In February 2019 the flyer will be made available to a minimum of 250 Greengrocers across VIC, SA, NSW, QLD, WA and the ACT. This will constitute Phase One of our electronic direct email (EDM) strategy, or email marketing strategy.

The Phase Two dispatch of EDMs will be timed to compliment Phase One, ensuring continuity and providing ongoing communication with the selected Greengrocers throughout the season, La Fiera 2018 offering them ongoing market support in the form I would like to take this opportunity to thank of free, shareable chestnut content. Greengrocers everyone who has assisted in the development of will receive content which they can download and the Marketing program. The Marketing share on their own businesses’ social media Subcommittee would like to wish everyone a platforms to educate, entertain, and inform their happy and safe Festive Season and a very followers. It will include videos and photos with successful 2019 chestnut harvest season. Thank supporting text. you. Luciano Cester As retail Greengrocers are influential to their Marketing Subcommittee Chair consumers, so too are fresh produce Provedores 3

CAI Industry Development Officer during 2019 CAI will conduct a ‘training’ session to Report - December 2018 take growers through the process.

The period since the Tri-Nut Conference has been Xylella fastidiosa is a pathogenic bacterium that very busy and I have represented CAI on/at a infects and blocks the xylem (water conducting number of industry/government events. The following is a brief overview of these activities: cells) of host plants. In most cases this causes the infected plants to display symptoms normally

associated with water stress, such as drying, leaf Victorian Hin Meeting scorch, veinal chlorosis, dwarfing, wilting of The Victorian Horticulture Industry Network (HIN) foliage and eventually plant death, however some Meeting was held on the 9th November 2018 in infected hosts may remain asymptomatic. Melbourne. The main topics covered were:

• Regulatory and non-tariff measures It has a wide host range with more than 350 impacting on trade in fresh produce (incl. known host species, including Australian native new export security regulations) species, tree crops, ornamental plants and • What is the Trusted Trader program & grasses. There are several known subspecies of Known Consignor scheme? X. fastidiosa that have specific, host lists which • Accessing international markets can overlap. For example, the primary production • Update from Agriculture Policy on export hosts for the four best defined subspecies are: projects. • Subspecies fastidiosa – grapes, almonds, lucerne, sweet cherry and maple Xylella Workshop • Subspecies multiplex – peach, plum, elm, Plant Health Australia conducted at Xylella asparagus, lavender and olives fastidiosa workshop and training session in • Subspecies pauca – citrus, coffee, wattle, sweet th th Brisbane over the period 14 and 15 November cherry and olives 2018. • Subspecies sandyi – oleander

Exercise Fastidious was a discussion-based Voice of Horticulture Meeting simulation exercise that aimed to improve the The Voice of Horticulture (VOH) held the Annual appreciation of critical determining factors for General Meeting and a General Meeting on technical feasibility decision making and effective Tuesday 27th November 2018 in Canberra. The response strategies implemented for X. fastidiosa. AGM saw the resignation of Tania Chapman as The activities were centre around the utilisation of Chair and Patrick McNamara as a Director. The the technical feasibility of eradication evaluation following new Directors were elected: tool, development of response objectives through • Jane Richter: Jane is currently the Vice- an appreciation process and the development of a President of Passionfruit Australia. Jane Response Plan, all utilising the agreed-in-principle has also worked as a consultant for Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) elements relating to complexes. several other horticulture industries (QLD Strawberries Growers’ Association, While Chestnuts are not listed as a host of either Australian Blueberry Growers Association the vector or the disease this may change as the and Raspberries & Blackberries Australia) list of hosts particularly in Europe keeps ever increasing. • Richard Byllaardt: Richard is a Director of Citrus Australia Pty Ltd, and a Director of The Technical Feasibility of Eradication Decision Sevenfields Pty Ltd. Making Support Tool (TFE tool) captures • Robert Gray: Robert is the CEO of individual information and opinions in a Australian Mango Industry Association; consolidated view to support the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) Chair of Aunties & Uncles QLD; Director form a position on feasibility of eradication that is of Green Skin Avocados; CEO of Sweet supported by evidence. Development of the TFE Red Papaya; Director of Longreach tool was undertaken by the Queensland Organic Lamb. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries under a VOH is trading well with retained earnings of Plant Biosecurity CRC project. This tool is very $139,419. useful, and it is proposed that at some stage

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Plant Health Australia Meetings • Recover or adapt: Restoring diversity The most recent round of meetings of Plant through community engagement & Health Australia (PHA) were held in Canberra research. during the period 27th and 28th November 2018. b) Biosecurity information and advice survey The range of meetings included: findings • 18th Annual General Meeting of PHA c) Preparedness & response workshop: • Joint PHA/AHA (Animal Health Australia) roundtable responses Industry Forum d) The National Biosecurity Statement • Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed e) National priorities in biosecurity – looking (EPPRD) Signatories Meeting to 2025 f) Introduction to Chief Environmental th • 4 PHA Members Forum Biosecurity Officer (CEBO) • 26th Plant Industry Forum g) National Biosecurity Committee & 2018 outcomes The joint PHA/AHA forum covered of on a full h) 2018 Biosecurity Partnerships - Red range of issues being managed by the National Imported Fire Ants response, AHA and Biosecurity Committee (NBC): PHA. • NBC agenda • Traceability & Property Identification More details on some of these topics will be Codes uploaded onto the CAI website. • RD&E priorities • Development towards a Weed Deed Chestnut Blight • Update on Communications Extensive work was undertaken as part of the • National Biosecurity Statement 2018 Chestnut Blight Spring Surveillance • National priorities in biosecurity-looking to conducted jointly by Agriculture Victoria and CAI. 2025 Over the period of 11th to 23rd October industry • Potential biosecurity risks, especially from representatives, under the guidance and organic fertiliser use and grain instruction of the Departmental team assisted with movement/imports. 290 hours in orchard inspection ($13,500 in-kind) and further cash contributions for staff and In addition, there was a discussion on Property resources. The ability of industry involvement past Identification Codes (PIC’s). the 23rd October was due to no further properties being available for industry to inspect. The EPPRD Meeting covered off on a wide range of topics/issues as they relate to the Deed, but the Over the full period: one topic of interest was that of ‘Biosecurity • 74 properties identified were surveyed Incident Standard Operating Procedure’. The • 14, 993 trees were inspected finalised template was provided for endorsement, • 4 samples were submitted for diagnosis and concept of an associated training workshop • 3 were negative for Chestnut Blight and completion process discussed. Again, CAI will • One tested positive for Chestnut Blight look to undertake a training session as it relates to • The infected tree was in the Eurobin area this SOP during 2019. Reports and updates as they relate to Chestnut Biosecurity Roundtable/Forum Blight have been presented to the Executive The Department of Agriculture and Water Committee at a face-to-face meeting in Resources held the annual biosecurity roundtable on Saturday 17th November 2018 as in Canberra on Thursday 29th November 2018. well as at a number of teleconferences. Some of the topics covered included: a) 2018 Snapshot In addition, an ‘Options Paper’ has been prepared • Anticipate: Traceability & emerging and presented to representatives of Agriculture technologies Victoria at a meeting held on Thursday 13th • Prevent: Training and knowledge gain December 2018. From this meeting, CAI has a • Prepare: Business continuity & producer very positive and pro-active path to pursue with readiness the aim of maintaining and refining the eradication • Detect: Socialisation of Indigenous ranger program. programs • Respond: Citrus canker 5

Festive Season Andrew worked on this very property as a young May I take the opportunity to thank the Executive apprentice when it was under apples. The tiny Committee, Tanya Edwards and all members for hamlet of Hillsborough harks back to the early their support and assistance during 2018. It has days of the gold rush, situated not far from been another challenging year but there have Stanley, but now a distant memory, but the name been some very positive results. had fond links to the area for Andrew and Anita, so they settled on this name for their business. I would take the opportunity to wish all members, their families and their staff an enjoyable and safe festive season. May 2019 be an even better year and may harvest offer you a great crop.

Best regards,

Trevor Ranford CAI Industry Development Officer Chestnuts Australia Inc.

CAI Member Interview:

Not only tree roots run deep on the Honesty box for Cooper’s rock sales Stanley Plateau The farm gate store has been in operation since Boxing Day 2015, the business is constantly growing and changing with the availability of seasonal produce. If you did happen to attend the Sunday program of the Tri-Nut Conference held early September 2018, you would have had the pleasure of sampling some of Anita’s tasty morning tea treats, Chestnut Cookies, Chestnut Cakes (the traditional Italian Castagnaccio!), gluten free Sweet Chestnut Cookies, Date & Walnut Slice, Coffee Walnut Cake, Choc Chip

Andrew Cook & Anita Mihaljevic Hazelnut Cookies, Choc Hazelnut Cakes – you get the idea! Since the 1860’s, for close on 110 years the Cook Family had dug their roots deep into the family apple orchard at 112 Mt Stanley Road, Stanley, but these roots were severed when the family were forced to sell the farm, due to 3 continuous years of devastating frost and hail.

Fast forward 43 years to 2012 and the 20-acre family farm was purchased back by Great Grandson Andrew Cook and his partner Anita Mihaljevic. No longer an apple orchard, but under a few chestnuts, they picked up where the family left off digging their own roots. But….have dug these roots even deeper into the Stanley Plateau 2018 Tri-Nut Conference Sunday morning tea - Delicious! purchasing a second 20-acre property at 105 Mt Andrew and Anita are taking a unique approach to Stanley Road, where farm gate store Hillsborough their agricultural practices, while not organic or Quality Nuts is now situated, along with a mixed biodynamic their approach has allowed farm comprising chestnuts, hazelnuts, chickens, biodiversity to flourish with minimal to no chemical potatoes and original art works by 9-year-old son inputs. Andrew stated, “We build soil we don’t Cooper and his collection of rocks for sale! build trees, tress will look after themselves, if we

This property came up for sale 18 months after give them the right environment to grow in”. As the original family farm was purchased. Ironically the industry has learned over the past few years, 6 building soil is the key to a healthy and productive orchard. In Andrew’s opinion agriculture at hours sitting on the mower for up to 7 hours, only present appears to be all about bigger, faster, going home for a cooked lunch, but he is so fatter, cheaper, which they see as not sustainable. thrilled to have the farm back in the family and just The couple are focused on growing a variety of loves being involved”. seasonal produce – not being locked into a mono culture, but this does come at a cost - not a lot of The farm equipment that was purchased on start- free time - no free lunch but they do get free eggs! up was a tractor, mower, mulcher, 2nd hand grader – general farm equipment, but the most Andrew has a few philosophies; the overuse of recent acquisition, a chipper has been chemical fertilisers may have led to certain fungal revolutionary! Everything gets chipped back into and bacterial problems thriving, along with the the soil, nothing leaves the property except for the over use of water that could be compromising the produce. Andrew believes that one of the big quality of produce. Andrew also has a passion in successes has been in adapting the orchard devising ways to create opportunities for the layout and pruning regime to suit the existing younger generation to come onto the land, which machinery, so rows were made 6 metres wide, is currently cost prohibitive for the majority. This with trees 4 metres apart, however in the long- reality came about after the couple found term tress will be on a 6 x 8 matrix. The themselves having to work away for 17 years in headlands are all 8 metres wide, all designed to WA to be in a position to purchase land to follow match the machinery and reduce potential trouble their passion. In 2006 while in WA Andrew & Anita for Bill while mowing by removing those low were able to purchase their first property a 27- growing limbs! acre parcel of land at Gapsted, when in 2011 they planted 500 chestnut trees. Advice for new ones entering the industry? “Hang on, it’s a wild ride! But follow your passion, When asked how they came to be chestnut passion drives agriculture, you need to have growers they stated it’s what they knew grew passion. Don’t be afraid to come up with new successfully in the area. All up they have ideas, be willing to make mistakes, how can we approximately 1,800 chestnut trees across the 3 learn if we don’t make mistakes? Don’t suffer from properties. Main varieties being Bouche de constipation of imagination!” says Andrew. Betizac, Red Spanish and Morena. At this stage the crop is relatively small (approx. 7 tonnes last Andrew and Anita have been members of season) so the majority of nuts are sent to the Chestnuts Australia since 2012, they expressed Sydney Wholesale Market, but as time goes by the benefits of membership this way “having the the vision is there to value add and as the volume ability to connect with other growers, build your increases to undertake direct marketing. At this knowledge base and having easy access to new stage there are no cool room facilities on the industry information is vital”. property, so the nuts are picked daily, packed and sent to market ASAP from being harvested. If you are travelling by way of Stanley anytime Andrew likes to manually harvest the nuts, soon, drop into the store its open Thursday allowing the nuts to fall free of the burr onto the through Sunday and longer during summer, if grass, where they keep relatively clean which young Cooper is there you may even get a farm limits the need for washing. It also keeps people tour, for a gold coin donation of course! This in a job! Only first grade produce is only ever sent family of entrepreneurs are certainly continuing to market, no seconds. the long family tradition of digging their roots deep into the soil of the Stanley Plateau. We wish them When asked about irrigation Andrew stated “Yes, all the very best! when the trees were young, it was necessary and if it gets dry, we will irrigate, but not over irrigate. Tanya Edwards “Again, if you can build your soil, overall the need CAI Communications Officer to irrigate will be less”. Editor’s Note: Thank you to Andrew & Anita A delightful outcome to this remarkable story is for making time to be interviewed for this that Andrew’s father Bill Cook has witnessed the article. You can speak with Andrew and Anita families role reversal in purchasing back the land on points in the article and many more he worked on for half of his life, and at 91 is one subjects at the next Chestnut Industry Field of the farms assets taking on the role of mowing Day being held on Saturday 9th February 2019, (30 acres!) and pruning, Anita said “he works long where we will be visiting one of their orchards, 7 the grading shed and farm gate shop.

CAI Office News $140.00 on the 17/11/18 – transferred • Welcome new Joint members - Lee Miller from Bank? Please drop me a & Adam Game – Lee and Adam have line! purchased an 80-tree orchard located at Note when paying by EFT, please use Icy Creek, Victoria. We also welcome new your surname or your Invoice Number as Single member Wendy Taylor – Wendy a reference. If you have not yet received has purchased a 250-tree orchard located your Membership Renewal Invoice in the in Stanley NE Victoria. And we also mail, please contact Tanya in the Office welcome new Joint members Sam & • Please also note the Office will be closed Elizabeth Hodder of Barrington, from Monday 24 December 2018 and will Tasmania. Currently Sam & Elizabeth reopen on Monday 14 January 2019 have no trees • This link may generate some discussion – • Members don’t forget to check the Chestnut vs Walnuts! Members Only section of the industry https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/food- website under Members News regularly fight-chestnuts-v-walnuts-vphr5mb6p for updates and new • Finally, I would like to take this information www.chestnutsaustraliainc.co opportunity to thank the CAI Executive m.au Committee and Trevor for all the support • Office Hours for Tanya – Wednesday and assistance of my role within the 1pm – 5pm & Friday 9am – 1pm organization. And to all those on the • Instagram – I am always looking for various Subcommittees and who assist at current photos from around the orchard to the festivals, it has to be said that my role share on Instagram, everything is of would be diminished greatly if not for the interest to consumers these days! If you support of you all, so thanks to you too! have a photo to share, please text to Take care during the holiday period and Tanya on 0428 521 326 see you all in 2019! Kind regards, Tanya • Is your business on Facebook? Please shoot me an email and I will forward to Chestnut Blight - Recent Spring our Marketing Consultant Sue Dodd so Surveillance she can tag you into any marketing The Chestnut Blight Eradication Response in opportunities under extreme pressure, with the possibility of [email protected] Government pulling the plug on it, so to speak. • Make a note in your diary the next field This outcome would have far reaching negative day is to be held on Saturday 9th February effects and eventual devastation of our industry. 2019. A Special General Meeting is also Impacting also on ornamental species of Oaks being called to vote on the proposed levy and Maples grown widely as recreational trees in split. We have organized dinner that night Australia. at the Stanley Pub, but the Pub can only accommodate 30 persons, so first in best Chestnut Technical Adoption Officer Trevor dressed, as they say! Ranford along with members of the CAI Executive • Do you have a favorite chestnut recipe? Committee have been working tirelessly behind What do you do with chestnuts that you the scenes to keep the program going. can recommend to others? Any tips or tricks? Are you gluten free? Have you The detection of 5 infected trees late in 2017 developed any recipes that you would be triggered a review of the program and since that happy to share? We would love to hear time no surveillance of trees has been from you! Sent through your recipes and undertaken. So, one of the initiatives was to have a photo to industry volunteers participate in a Spring [email protected] Surveillance of trees in the restricted zones, • Membership renewals have been coming focusing particularly in Wandiligong and Eurobin. in thick and fast, so thank you, please keep them coming! The push for a Spring Surveillance had a twofold One member though paid via EFT and purpose; unfortunately, I have not been able to 1. To show widespread industry support for the identify who this is? Did you pay for program to continue single membership in the amount of 8

2. To get the most up to date information of where the disease is at (Government agencies would Funny…….. have us believe that the disease is rampant thought out the Upper Ovens Valley, but as we know it is restricted and contained now to just a few properties, with all host trees removed).

15 industry volunteers undertook Departmental training on the 10th October 2018 and then many of them contributed by undertaking site inspections of approximately 14,000 trees over two and a half weeks in mid-October (5 others put their name down to volunteer but due to a conflict of dates were unable to participate). ‘There is always someone trying to get photographed with a famous Victorian Protester/Chestnut Grower' (David Ogilvy left with Dave McIntyre )

Tri-Nut Conference The Tri-Nut Conference, organised by Trevor Ranford, was held in Beechworth, Stanley and Mitta Mitta on September 7, 8 & 9, 2018. 140 delegates from the walnut, hazelnut and chestnut industries attended from all over Australia.

It was opened by Dr Bruce Lampinen from the University of California, USA. The George Kerferd Hotel hosted a meet and greet dinner on the Friday and the packed lecture program on Blight Volunteers gearing up, taking full biosecurity Saturday. GK's Chris Nuck then put on a fabulous precautions on entering properties Conference Dinner on the Saturday night.

Participating in the Surveillance was quite an undertaking, which consisted of one day of training, and dealing with challenging conditions (walking step hills swathed in full biosecurity protection, which was very hot at times!) The work undertaken was also challenging mentally, keeping up the level of concentration needed over many hours.

All efforts by volunteers was noted and has been greatly appreciated.

Industry is hoping for a good outcome from the Dr Bruce Lampinen opens the Tri-Nut Conference Surveillance, with the best result that the Government agencies will continue to financially On Sunday morning there was a field visit to support the Chestnut Blight Eradication Response Baarmutha Farms managed by Darren Gasket, going forward. just on the outskirts of Beechworth. Thanks to Darren for his assistance and an overview of the Industry will be fully updated on the situation with business and orchard management practices. chestnut blight at the Field Day to be held on the 9th February 2019 at Stanley NE Victoria. Delegates then visited Philip Darby's walnut orchard in Stanley, followed by a delicious Tri-Nut morning tea created by Anita and her team at Hillsborough Quality Nuts. Anita excelled herself with a biscuit and muffin for each of the three

9 nuts, including a coffee walnut muffin and a test has been considered by a court since it was castagnaccio muffin (chestnut, rosemary and amended in early 2017. pinenut). Nature’s Care had instituted legal proceedings Delegates then bused to lunch at Mitta Mitta pub arguing their product was last substantially by the river and then visited a beautiful hazelnut transformed in Australia, which would have orchard at Mitta Mitta. Details of the conference's permitted it to be safely labelled ‘Made in speakers & topics etc can be found in The Australia’ despite containing primarily imported Nutgrower October 2018 magazine, as well as on ingredients. the CAI website. The Federal Court’s ruling provides helpful Helen McIntyre guidance to businesses as to how to apply the (CAI Member Contribution) ACL’s substantial transformation test, specifically: • the substantial transformation test Eating nuts is absurdly good for you, requires a fundamental change in the recent research shows essential characteristics of the imported ingredients collectively when compared to Published Sydney Morning Herald – 6/10/18 Big, high-quality studies are now showing the finished product • the finished product must be compared to consistent health effects from eating just 30 grams the imported ingredients collectively and – a handful - of nuts a day. an overall opinion formed as to whether

they are fundamentally different in nature, Reduced risk of stroke. Reduced risk of cancer. identity or essential character Reduced risk of heart disease. Maybe even • when assessing the nature, identity or reduced ‘all-cause mortality’, which basically essential character of a finished product means your chances of dying from any disease. from its imported ingredients, it’s

necessary to consider the product’s The new research is likely to lead to nut 'essence', 'true nature' or 'pith'. consumption being promoted more heavily in the next edition of the Australian Dietary Guidelines, says nutritionist Rosemary Stanton, a member of We have released guidance to assist businesses to understand how to apply the substantial the team that helped write those guidelines. transformation test. You can find more information

at Country of origin claims. Federal Court sheds light on 'Made in https://www.accc.gov.au/business/advertising- Australia' claims promoting-your-business/country-of-origin-claims The ACCC is pleased to update the agriculture sector on a recent decision by the Federal Court Please note that the ACCC’s guidance is for which sheds light on when a ‘Made in Australia’ general purposes only and doesn’t constitute legal claim can safely be made. advice.

On the 3rd December the Court ruled that Agriculture Unit encapsulation in Australia of imported fish oil and Australian Competition and Consumer Vitamin D by Nature's Care Manufacture Pty Ltd Commission (ACCC) doesn’t satisfy the ‘substantial transformation’ test that is required for making a ‘Made in Australia’ BOM Seasonal Outlook claim under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) Issued: 15th November 2018 country of origin labelling safe harbours.

If a product satisfies the criteria for one of the ACL safe harbours, it can safely claim to have been Climate outlook overview ‘made’, ‘grown’ or ‘produced’ in a particular The summer (December 2018 to February 2019) country without contravening laws prohibiting climate outlook, indicates large parts of Western misleading or deceptive conduct and false or Australia are likely to be drier than average. misleading representations. For ‘made in’ claims, Western Tasmania and scattered parts of central the ACL safe harbours require goods to be last Australia and Queensland are also likely to be substantially transformed in the country claimed. drier than a normal summer period. This is the first time the substantial transformation 10

December is also likely to be drier than average in the improved availability of nutrients, minerals, northern WA and western Tasmania. However, water and oxygen from within the soil, the plant is eastern and central NSW, as well as eastern supported during all of the various stages of the Victoria, are likely to be wetter than average. The plant’s growth. rest of the country shows no strong indication of a wetter or drier month. This ongoing delivery of nutrients and an overall better soil environment results in increase yield Warmer than average days and nights are likely levels and crop quality. for almost all of Australia for December to February. Disease suppression Minimises the need for disease controlling Development towards El Niño in the tropical chemicals due to both a stronger plant being Pacific Ocean continues, with outlooks suggesting grown, that can suppress disease causing El Niño conditions are likely through the summer organisms and the actinomycetes found in worm months. However, El Niño typically has a weaker castings that naturally kill parasitic fungi such as influence in the current drought areas of Pythium and Fusarium. southeastern Australia during summer than it does in winter and spring. Contains humic acid Humic acids, a humic substance that forms a A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is currently major component of humus, enhances nutrient underway and driving dry conditions in southeast uptake of plants by increasing root formation and Australia. However, models expect the positive elongation, as well as increasing the permeability IOD to follow its normal seasonal cycle, and of root cell membrane, stimulating root growth & decay in November or early December. increasing proliferation of ‘root hairs’.

A positive Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is likely Humic acid also improves soil nutrient holding for December, briefly driving a wetter pattern in capacity, water holding capacity and aids in both some areas. the soil’s and plant’s ability to absorb energy from http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overvie the sun. w/summary To answer any questions you may have regarding Organic Worm Hit Fertiliser this product, Nicholas Leywood from Worn Hit will be attending and presenting at the CAI Field Day being held on the 9th February in Stanley.

Maximises nutrient availability Horticulture Award changes are on the Worm Hit products are produced from microbe, enzyme and nutrient-rich worm castings and are way combined with a natural microbe food-source to The lengthy process to review the conditions of create this unique, high performing organic the Horticulture Award is getting closer to fertiliser. The biological mix of beneficial soil completion, with draft determinations recently microbes and humus help to increase the soil’s released by the Fair Work Commission. The main nutrient availability and regulate the plant’s areas likely to impact horticulture producers are nutrient uptake, stimulating stronger root and the inclusion of overtime provisions for casuals foliage growth. and introduction of a minimum two-hour engagement for casual workers. Improves soil structure The biological mix of microbes, together with the At this stage it is still unclear whether overtime increase humus mass help to improve the soils provisions will apply to piece rate workers or when overall structure, nutrient levels and water holding the new award conditions will be enacted. capacity, as well as increase soil aeration and Examples of altered pay rates if the new award oxygen availability. The soil structure also benefits provisions are implemented for hours worked from reduced surface water run-off, soil erosion outside of ordinary span of hours (5.00am- and increases buffering properties of soil. 8.30pm). Base rate + 25% casual loading + 15% overtime Increases yields and quality loading = 18.93 + 4.73 + 2.84 = $26.50 OR 140% Capitalising on the ongoing growth of the soil’s 18.93 = $26.50 improved ecosystem, its enhanced structure and 11

Hours worked in excess of 12 hours per day or This project will further enhance the integrity of 304 hours over an 8-week period DAWR systems. Enhancing our current systems Base rate + 25% casual loading + 50% overtime may provide a competitive edge for Australian loading = 18.93 + 4.73 + 9.47 = $33.13 OR 175% products. 18.93 = $33.13 You can now provide feedback on the principles Public holiday which will shape the National Traceability Base rate + base rate + 25% casual loading = Framework. 18.93 + 18.93 + 4.73 = $42.59 OR 225% 18.93 = $42.59 Submit your feedback by 23 January 2019. https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/national- traceability-project

WorkSafe launches new quad bike Voice of Horticulture welcomes Federal safety videos Government’s Backpacker Visa WorkSafe Victoria has launched eight new quad changes bike safety videos to help workplaces identify Peak horticulture body, Voice of Horticulture has hazards and control risks related to quad bike welcomed the Federal Government’s changes to use. the rules around backpacker and working holiday visas. Making it easy for workplaces to access resources in the field, the videos, along with WorkSafe’s Australia’s horticulture sector, in particular written guidance is now also available on the new growers, now have greater access to a skilled quad bikes safety app. Material on the app can be labour community following changes to the viewed offline in areas where there is limited line Working Holiday Maker and Seasonal Worker speed. programs.

The app includes helpful information on: Chair, Tania Chapman said it was a positive step • pre-start checks in the right direction and the industry welcomed • hazard identification and training every opportunity to fill the huge labour void in the • the risk of rollover horticulture workforce. • inspection and maintenance • helmets Changes include: • loads and tyres Backpackers will no longer need to leave their • contractors jobs every six months and will be able to triple the • the quad bike safety rebate. length of their stay in Australia if they do extra agricultural work. Go to https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/quad-bikes to view videos and download the app. The age limit for working holiday visas has also been raised to 35 for people from some countries. The number of places available for Visas 462 will National Traceability Project be increased. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) are developing a National The number of Seasonal Worker Visas granted to Traceability Framework to: Pacific Island workers increases from nearly 8500 • enhance Australia’s agricultural (2017-18) to 14,000, with an extended timeframe traceability systems for labour market testing validity from three to six • improve competitiveness months. And, reduce the out-of-pocket costs for • provide assurance for customers both employers, who will be responsible for $300 rather domestically and abroad. than $500 of travel costs for workers.

Australia has a reputation for exporting safe “It is a much better solution than forcing products that meet importing country Australians to work in a job that they don’t want,” requirements and producing safe food for Ms Chapman said. “At the end of the day, growers domestic supply. Traceability systems strengthen have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in Australia's reputation for delivering high quality, their farms, and producing their crops, and they clean, green, safe food. 12 cannot afford to invest in people who are unable Do you use seasonal workers? to do the work, or who are not interested in doing The National Harvest Labour Information Service the work.” (NHLIS) is a no cost service, funded by the Australian Government and provided by MADEC Ms Chapman stressed that it was not just on the Australia, to assist agriculture and horticulture farms that there was a skilled labour force businesses find seasonal labour. shortage, but as horticulture had boomed so too have opportunities along the supply chain. The service advertises vacancies nationally and “Whether that be in freight or logistics, in provides a trained consultant to take the many agronomic services or the many other industries calls that are often generated. Your time is not that service and rely on horticulture – there are a wasted with people who do not fit your criteria, lot of services that require labour,” she said. allowing you to get on with your core business. Criteria may include such things as Some 419,000 backpackers visited Australia last experience/qualifications, whether the callers year, spending 1.4 million nights in regional areas have transport and accommodation, length of time where they spent $920 million. “This really is a the worker needs to stay etc. total win for Australia –a labour force available to harvest the Australian crops and ensure we all The NHLIS provides a toll free 1800 number for have fresh fruit and vegetables,” Ms Chapman workers to ring, staff then put suitable callers said. “And our exports continue to grow, and through to you by the method you prefer, e.g. workers who are spending their earnings in local direct phone call or email. Vacancies can be communities are helping to boost the Australian registered on the government’s Harvest Trail economy.” website, as well as social media.

The Voice of Horticulture (VoH) is a member- Please call the NHLIS toll free number 1800 062 based organisation which Chestnuts Australia are 332 for more information. members of. VoH represents horticultural growers and business across fruit, nuts, mushrooms, National Harvest Labour Information Service onions, processing tomatoes, turf, and nursery plants. Chestnut Classifieds

Electric table top chestnut roaster Roasts and steams simultaneously Beautiful in black vitreous enamel Have a look at: www.robinsonschestnuts.com/roaster Price: $320 (15% Discount for Growers) Order: 03 5756 2350 [email protected]

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