Welcome to the January/February Lychee aPeel eNewsletter a selection of industry related articles which we hope will be of interest to you. The next eNewsletter will be issued in May/June 2024.
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December 2023 flash-flooding inundating lychee orchards in North Qld
Weather obsessed farmers now have a dedicated agriculture decision support team at BOM
Talking about the weather is a farming obsession, and a new support team at the national forecaster is set to further feed that passion. An agriculture decision support unit has been set up within the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to assist farming operations and planning. Farmers say the national advisory team's focus should be squarely on accuracy criticism over the bureau’s summer forecast. El Niño and what's actually happened this summer-Climate Council
Climate insight for farmers
Meteorologist Jonathan How said the current team of two will work closely with agricultural scientists and advisors to support farmers.
"We're a brand-new team at the bureau dedicated to working with the agriculture industry," Mr How said.
“Whether that’s sowing and planting, whether it’s harvesting, we help to provide a bit of insight and knowledge into the climate outlook for growers”
Key points:
- A new BOM agriculture decision support unit has been set up to offer farmers better climate insights
- The team will draw on both national and international forecasts and models
- Farmers have said they've turned to international weather bodies as BOM's accuracy is questioned
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APVMA Permit-to-label project
The permit-to-label project was initiated to improve access to agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical products by migrating uses from current Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) permits to a registered product label. This initiative aimed to provide greater certainty to industry through registration of eligible use patterns, removing the need for industry to periodically apply to the APVMA for renewal of permits.
Since commencement of the project in 2015, the APVMA has sent over 1,300 invitation letters to product registrants, offering discounted registration of uses from 203 permits and covering 64 active constituents. The APVMA received 257 applications to add eligible uses to product labels during the reduced fee period.
This page contains information on the APVMA permit scheme, a report on the permit-to-label project scope, and outcomes. The project was closed at the end of 2023; however, the APVMA intends to transition the permit-to-label project to business-as-usual work.
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Infopest – the end of an era
For many years, Infopest has been Australia’s number one AgVet chemical database. Originally developed by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (then DPI), QFVG (then Growcom) took over the product in 2012.
Operating as a free service for five years, in 2017 Growcom brought in user charges via an online subscription model. QFVG always saw this service as a necessary one for our growers and we never wanted to add to the burden of costs so annual subscriptions were set as a very modest $50+ GST annually.
In 2022, as part of a Board review into all activities of Growcom, a strategic review of Infopest was undertaken. The review confirmed what we had known all along, that Infopest had been a long-standing platform for the dissemination of critical information to support the identification and use of AgVet chemicals by users throughout Australia however despite being recognised as the number one platform for AgVet chemical information in Australia, it failed to generate substantive revenue to ensure its long-term viability. Basically, although valued it had become entrenched as a given in the horticultural landscape.
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Drought assistance available to primary producers
Drought assistance is available to eligible primary producers across all industries. It helps producers prepare their business for drought and other climate events and build business resilience. Primary producers can apply for a grant of 25 per cent of the cost of purchasing new permanent capital infrastructure to a maximum cumulative amount of $50,000 over five years. The grant aims to assist producers with the cost of implementing new permanent capital improvements and carrying out drought preparedness activities identified in their Farm Business Resilience Plan including the below and as outlined in the guidelines. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
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water infrastructure including pipes, water tanks, water troughs, new dam construction, drilling a new working bore, water conservation infrastructure and water pumps
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storage, mixing and feeding out equipment for grain, fodder, molasses and other supplements
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grain storage and equipment that improves the ability of the business to manage drought
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reasonable freight components to purchase and install equipment or infrastructure
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consumables including fuel for own machinery used in relation to the drought preparedness project and
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contractor costs or non-salaried employees’ costs directly associated with implementing the drought preparedness project.
A QRIDA Sustainability Loan may be used as the co-contribution to the Drought Preparedness Grant for implementation activities. A suite of no and low-interest loans up to $250,000 are also available.
Producers don’t need to be in a drought-declared region to access the programs.
The measures replace the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme. Transport subsidies will not be available if you are drought-declared after 1 April 2022.
For more information, visit QRIDA website or contact QRIDA on 13 25 23.
Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – Tropical Cyclone Jasper, associated rainfall and flooding.
Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loan – Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, associated rainfall and flooding
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50 FARM GROUPS UNITE TO SCRAP THE BIOSECURITY TAX
50 Australian agricultural producer representative groups have unified to send a powerful, collective message to the Federal Government about their strong opposition to the proposed 10 per cent biosecurity tax. These groups represent the views of tens of thousands of Australian agricultural producers across the full spectrum of farm commodities including grains, livestock, horticulture, dairy, forestry, seafood, etc. A joint letter sent to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is calling for an immediate and urgent reversal of the fundamentally flawed tax on producers that’s due to be implemented by 1 July 2024. Grain Producers Australia has also co-signed the letter – which includes Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and Agriculture Minister, Murray Watt – in backing action to address major policy flaws and inequities.
“Australian producers take biosecurity seriously on our farms every single day,” GPA Chair Barry Large said. “That’s why we already pay significant amounts to fund biosecurity protections directly within our own businesses. We also pay directly through other compulsory industry levies that raise hundreds of millions of dollars – including biosecurity levies. We’ve been calling for increased funding and protections to make the system better and fairer for producers with increased accountability and shared responsibility, but this proposal in its current form is grossly unfair and fundamentally flawed and needs to be reversed.” The open letter was led by Grain Producers Australia. You can read the letter and more about the #ScrapTheTax campaign online here: www.grainproducers.com.au/biosecurity/scrapthetax/
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United States certifies irradiation for horticulture trade pathways
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has certified Australia’s Steritech Merrifield irradiation facility for the export of horticulture produce with approved irradiation trade pathways to the United States. Acting Head of Trade at the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Nicola Hinder said US approval of the Merrifield facility in Victoria was an important step forward for Australian horticulture export industries interested in seeking access to the US via the irradiation pathway.
“Irradiation is becoming increasingly popular with our horticulture industry, trading partners and consumers to safely treat biosecurity pest risks,” Ms Hinder said. “It doesn’t involve chemicals, gases, or leave any residues, making it a safe, clean and sustainable treatment option for fresh horticulture products. Australia has approval to export irradiated mangoes and lychees to the US from approved facilities in northern Australia. Following the Merrifield facility’s certification, these commodities can now be exported to the US via Victoria, expanding Australia’s national capacity for irradiated exports to the US."
READ MORE DAFF & IRRADIATION INSIGHTS - DAFF
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There have been changes to the Fair Work Act as part of the new ‘Closing Loopholes’ laws.
Key points:
- The Australian Government has passed new workplace laws as part of its ‘Closing Loopholes’ legislation.
- Employers, employees and others should stay across these changes as they may impact their workplace.
- The changes take effect at different times between now and 2025.
- Some changes affect the work we (the Fair Work Ombudsman) do.
- Other changes will affect the work of the Fair Work Commission (the Commission). The Commission is the national workplace relations tribunal and registered organisations regulator.
- We are currently reviewing our information, tools and resources and are preparing updates.
- We’ve updated some parts of our website – access the Major changes section below for what’s we’ve updated.
- Remember to subscribe to email updates. We’ll email you as changes take effect and we have published updated information.
READ MORE - MAJOR CHANGES
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WE GIVE A FORK CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Bundaberg - Wide Bay Campaign
Over 50 growers and members of the horticulture industry supply chain joined QFVG in Bundaberg at the end of January to talk all things We Give A Fork.
What did we hear?
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Real concerns over viability.
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More examples of bad behaviours from retailers to add to our list.
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Double standards.
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The inability to pass through escalating input costs like other sectors do.
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Costs of compliance - if retailers want QA why don’t they pay the grower?
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Duplication and loading of costs along the supply chain.
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Growers want simple actions done well to deliver lasting change.
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If you missed the event, the PowerPoint can be DOWNLOADED HERE
Through sharing & gathering stories, we want to keep raising awareness and drive action to bring much-needed change for our industry, fast. Further events are planned throughout the state over the year. Keep an eye on our social media for details. We will also SMS members when we’re coming to your area.
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Harvest Trail Information Service Contact Centre Report
For the period 1st October – 31st December 2023
The Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) records and analyses data regarding itinerant workers who engage with our platform, ensuring we cater effectively to their needs as part of our commitment to continually improve and adapt our services.
For the period spanning 1st October to 31st December, this report provides an analysis of the HTIS contact centre data, providing critical insights into the demographics, preferences, and logistical capabilities of the jobseekers who contacted us. From understanding the nationalities of these workers, to discerning their location and job preferences, this report offers a panoramic view of the itinerant workforce landscape. Please note this data does not represent the calls received from regional Harvest Trail Service (HTS) providers or feedback from every call received.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- Service Utilisation: The report showcases the monthly trends in service usage, providing valuable insights into how the workforce engages with our services.
- Worker Nationality: A notable presence from France, Italy, and Indonesia.
- Data on Worker Locations: Victoria has emerged as a leading region with 1,286 contacts, indicating a shift in interest and presence as they transitioned into their busy harvest season.
- Preferred Work Locations: Victoria has become the most sought-after work location, with 1,696 jobseekers expressing interest in the state.
- Transport & Accommodation: A significant increase in workers with their own transport (73.9%) and accommodation (54.5%) was observed.
- Working Holiday Recommendations: There is an increase in respondents not recommending Australia, rising from 5.6% in the previous quarter to 12.0% in the current quarter. This increase indicates growing challenges or discontent among a portion of the workforce.
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2022/23 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook released
The Handbook offers the most up-to-date data on more than 75 horticultural products, including fruit, nuts, vegetables, nursery, turf and cut flowers.
Drawing on data from several supply chain sources, including international trade statistics and industry peak bodies, the Handbook includes information on retail and food service use, exports and imports, share of production by State and Territory, wholesale value, and volume.
New data shows mixed fortunes for an Australian horticulture sector facing numerous challenges; however, the long-term outlook remains strong with total production value increasing by 2.8 per cent to $16.3B.
The latest edition of the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook, developed by Freshlogic on behalf of Hort Innovation, has been released and includes information on 75 different horticulture categories across fruit, vegetables, nuts, and greenlife.
Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said the result reflected the resilience of Australian horticulture.
“The value of the horticulture sector grew by $434.3M over the past year, demonstrating the hard work and passion that our industry has for growing high-quality fresh produce that feeds not only Australians but consumers across the world,” he said
“Growers have faced a myriad of challenges the past few years, including adverse weather events, higher production costs and labour shortages, that have affected profitability.”
“Hort Innovation continues to support the horticulture sector by investing in research and development, marketing and trade to build a prosperous and sustainable future for growers.”
READ MORE - HORT INNOVATION and ACCESS LYCHEE OVERVIEW 2022/23
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South Africa
South Africa exports more and more lychees to the US
Last season, 34 containers of South African lychees arrived at the US container terminal at Port Newark. Another 60,000 boxes arrived by air to Newark and New Orleans. This is an increase of over 300% in exports of South African lychees to the US y-o-y.
Ben Halliday, technical director of Agrilink, a fruit and vegetable exporter specializing in air freight: “South African farmers are known for their determination and for providing high quality products. Lychee is still a delicate product and the time from harvest to the final consumer is longer than when shipped to Europe.”
Exports used air transport for 100% until 2020, when COVID forces them to use sea transport. They are now starting air freight to supply customers as soon as possible, until the first container ship arrives.
In the United States, South Africa has no other notable competitors during the local season and acts as a counter-season supplier to Mexico’s supply.
FRESH PLAZA
South Africa’s litchi production at risk due to climate change
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa has expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on litchi production. This was discussed at the recent second annual Litchi Cultivar Day in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, amid the country's recent experience of severe storms and heatwaves. Litchi trees, introduced to South Africa in the 1870s, are predominantly grown in the sub-tropical regions of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. At the event, farmers and researchers from across the country gathered to deliberate on the challenges plaguing the litchi farming sector and propose potential solutions.
FRESH PLAZA
“Lychees, especially from South Africa, are still a specialty”
The South African lychee import season is in full swing at N&K in the Netherlands. "The first air freight shipment arrived in week 45. That availability was challenging, but by flying to different destinations, we still received the lychees regularly. They were priced extremely high, especially at the beginning of the season, also because of the hot weather in South Africa," says Lorenza Ciccaroni.
This Dutch business' French parent company also imports lychees from Reunion. N&K, though, focuses entirely on importing the South African variety, which their supplier Tomahawk packages in N&K boxes. "We're receiving more flown-in lychees this week, as well as the first shipment by boat from Madagascar. We'll keep flying these in until late December."
FRESH PLAZA
Good demand for lychees from South Africa
Lychees have long ceased to be a niche product, according to Helmut Bienek, Managing Director of Bienek Fruchthandels. "Lychees and cherries are becoming increasingly popular, especially at Christmas. The lychees are flown in from South Africa. The quality is very good and the prices are reasonable. Interest in lychees is very high at Christmas time. They are also more in demand than products such as papayas and the like. We are currently sourcing cherries from Chile in sizes 32-34+, which are top quality, which was not the case last year. The price level is comparable to last year. We are also seeing good, stable demand for cherries." Restaurants and hotels have also shown great interest in the range of mini vegetables from South Africa.
READ MORE - FRESH PLAZA
Vietnam
Vietnam’s agricultural exports are under scrutiny from importing countries
Vietnam's agricultural exports are under scrutiny from importing countries, with warnings issued to farmers and exporters regarding potential rejection of their products if quality standards aren't improved. The Vietnam Trade Office in Belgium and the EU have highlighted the EU's new regulations, imposing border supervision and examination frequencies on certain imports like pepper, durian, and dragon fruit.
In 2023, the EU issued numerous warnings to Vietnam's agricultural exports, primarily concerning excessive chemical residues and mold. Similarly, Japan's phytosanitary agency flagged residues in durian and chili, leading to the disposal of affected consignments. Other instances include warnings from China and South Korea regarding violations in quarantine regulations and chemical residues in various produce.
READ MORE - FRESH PLAZA
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Seasonal updates & Area reports are available in the March 2024 edition of Living Lychee
Upcoming Events:
The Annual Surveillance Workshop (ASW) 2024, presented by the Plant Surveillance Network Australasia-Pacific (PSNAP)
Wednesday 20th March – Thursday 21st March 2024
ASW 2024/Register for virtual attendance
Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI)
Registrations have opened for the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) Symposium, a showcase of Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) supported by the PBRI member organisations and partners.
Cairns Convention Centre
8th and 9th May, 2024
Register for the PBRI Symposium 2024
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