Current News

Cherry Export Workshop- Monday 26 June 2023, 9 am to 1pm, Ag Vic Tatura
Targeted towards both potential new exporters and those wishing to export, workshop attendees will be equipped with foundational requirements of exporting to both protocol and non-protocol markets. For exporters intending to register for export to protocol markets, attendance is mandatory from at least one representative from each export registered entity.  Attendance is also mandatory for crop monitors who haven't undertaken monitoring protocols and strongly encouraged for those wishing to refresh their knowledge.
Register here for this event

Get set for a minimum wage increase

The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) has announced:

• the National Minimum Wage will be increased to $882.80 per week or $23.23 per hour
• a 5.75% increase to minimum award wages.

The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023.The Commission will issue draft determinations and orders about how their decision affects awards shortly. The Commission will then update the pay rates for each award.We (the Fair Work Ombudsman) are currently working to update to our pay tools, website information and resources with the new rates. These will be ready for you to access from 1 July 2023.

Visit the FWO website for more information

Tax time is right around the corner! Check out the ATO’s tailored info guide for the agricultural industry: www.ato.gov.au/agriculture

Not sure what deductions you can claim this tax time? Well good news! The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has a range of helpful information tailored to the agricultural industry!

Check it out: www.ato.gov.au/agriculture

Irrigation webinar sub-series: Reading climate drivers for better farm decisions

• Webinar 1. Reading climate drivers Wednesday, 14 June, 1 – 2 pm, 
• Webinar 2. Using outlooks, forecasts, and tools, Wednesday 21 June, 1 – 2 pm

Join a webinar on Wednesday 31 May at 11 am to learn about Concessional Loans that are currently available for primary producers impacted by the October 2022 to January 2023 flood and storms event and the 23 March 2023 hailstorm event.

If you have questions, here is your chance to ask them.

Presenters from Agriculture Victoria and Rural Finance will discuss the guidelines and application process.
Applications close on 13 July for the Primary Producer Flood Recovery concessional loan (for floods and storms between Oct 2022 to Jan 2023) and 14 November for the Hailstorm Recovery Concessional Loan (for the hail event on 23 March 2023).

Register online HERE  For further information call 0427 694 185 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Victorian Government is supporting primary producers in the City of Greater Shepparton and Yarra Ranges Council affected by the 23 March 2023 hailstorm event to get back in business, with loans support to help kickstart their relief and recovery effort.
 
Primary producers whose properties have been directly impacted or who have suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of the 2023 hailstorm event are eligible to apply for a Hailstorm Primary Producer Concessional Loan of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up is underway. Applications close 14 November 2023 at 4pm.
 
More information available on www.ruralfinance.com.au or Floods and storms | Emergency management | Farm management | Agriculture Victoria