Current News

• Fast 'N Furious Innovation Workshop, 1 September–31 October 09:00 am-11:30 am: Designed to kick-start a real innovation challenge in your business and accelerate its commercialisation, the focus is on practical, actionable tools and processes to use in your business right now. More information including registration is available on the FIAL website...

• Virtual Meet the Buyer: Vietnam, 10 September 09:00 am - 17:00 pm: Australian agribusiness exporters will have the opportunity to attend a one-to-one videoconference, in a private and secured virtual meeting room, with qualified buyers interested in your products. More information including registration available on the FIAL website..

Victorian farmers and producers will be helped to expand their customer base by facilitating online markets and building business resilience and skills thanks to support from the Victorian Government. The recently announced $1.5 million E-Commerce and New Marketplace Transition Package, is part of the Agriculture Workforce Plan which is helping the agriculture sector through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Visit the 'Click for Vic' website for more information...

• Business recovery and resilience mentoring- The Victorian Government is partnering with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry  (VCCI) to deliver a business mentoring program to help small businesses navigate the economic challenges posed by restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Through this program, eligible business owners can receive up to four 2-hour mentoring sessions with an experienced professional who will help them make informed decisions about the future of their business. Visit the Business Victoria website for more information...

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Training for business- Through this program, Victorians dealing with the challenges of running a small business can get the mental health support they need to navigate through the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19). Visit the Business Victoria website for more information...

• Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)- Are you experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship? Talk to a rural financial counsellor. It is a free, confidential service. They can give you individual support to meet your needs and help you to make the right decisions for your business. Rural financial counsellors are located within key agricultural communities across Australia. Visit the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website for more information...

• Funding for Women's leadership Development: Horticulture Sector- The grants are allocated with the specific intent of providing powerful and effective development opportunities for women within the horticulture sector.​ The funding is available to women working in both levy and non-levy paying organisations. Interest has been strong so prompt registration is advised.​ Complete your EOI by Friday 9th October 2020.

• Energy Efficient Communities Program (EEC) High Energy Using Business Grants- The Energy Efficient Communities Program – High Energy Using Business Grants provides businesses with grants of up to $25,000 to improve their energy efficiency. Grants may be used for equipment and component improvements, energy audits, feasibility studies and/or energy use and emission monitoring. Visit the Business Victoria website for more information including eligibility criteria...

Important information about accruing paid sick and carer's leave
On 13 August 2020, the High Court of Australia handed down a decision clarifying how paid personal/carer's leave is accrued and taken under the National Employment Standards (NES). In the decision of Mondelez Australia Pty Ltd v AMWU & Ors [2020] HCA 29, the High Court clarified that:

• the entitlement to 10 days of personal/carer's leave under the NES is calculated based on an employee's ordinary hours of work, not working days
• 10 days of personal/carer's leave is calculated as 1/26 of an employee's ordinary hours of work in a year.

Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for more information

Hort update from Fair Work Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman has continued to monitor workplace compliance in the horticulture industry with inspectors assessing over 260 businesses connected with the harvesting of various crops last year and earlier this year. Click here for the full story...

Agriculture Victoria has published some additional FAQs. These are to be read in addition to the FAQs on the DHHS and Worksafe websites.

Due to COVID-19 related issues globally and the lack of incoming passenger flights, freight flights leaving from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport have been drastically reduced. This is causing the VCA concern as the season is fast approaching and the ability to export cherries is a priority for a majority of growers. Victoria in conjunction with Tasmania are responsible for the export of approximately 75% of Australian cherries so the limited flights are concerning.

The VCA committee working with CGA are actively communicating with IFAM and Government to ensure that industry concerns are met with a solution that will ensure the export of Victorian cherries.
 
We will keep our members informed of any developments as they come to hand.