Victoria has opted into the above program, however, no decision from Victoria (specifically DHHS) on the best quarantine pathway for workers coming in has been decided.    

Even though a decision has not been made, we urge you to register your interest with an Approved Employer to confirm your interest in bringing in workers.

A list of Approved Employers is available here and includes a mix of growers and labour hire providers. Growers who are not Approved Employers can contact Connect Group and MADEC who will take EOIs from new clients who are able to commit to upfront workers costs. Please email: The Connect Group This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or MADEC This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

There is also a Seasonal Worker Regional Pilot program that is being run in the Goulburn Valley, assisting smaller growers to meet harvest needs, attached is the relevant flyer. You can also discuss your needs or questions with Miki Wilson who is the Regional Coordinator on (03) 54305601 or Mobile 0407 611 044.

Download the Regional Pilot Factsheet here...

THE horticulture sector can become better versed in Australia's free trade agreements thanks to a new online tool. Austrade has launched the Free Trade Advantage, a site designed to help Australian exporters come up to speed with FTAs. THE horticulture sector can become better versed in Australia's free trade agreements thanks to a new online tool. Austrade has launched the Free Trade Advantage, a site designed to help Australian exporters come up to speed with FTAs. Read more of this Good Fruit and Vegetables article for more information...

The Department of Transport (DoT) is inviting your organisation to take part in the Principal Freight Network (PFN) Review 2020.  The PFN is the strategic network of places and connecting corridors that enable the efficient, safe and economic movement of freight in Victoria. It identifies the strategic places and transport corridors where freight of significant quantity, value or importance is generated, stored, and distributed.
 
The PFN will enable the future growth of the freight task on the Victorian transport network by:

• guiding future transport network and land-use planning and infrastructure investment
• protecting the freight network and its future capacity through appropriate legislation planning scheme and policy provisions
• integrating multi-modal supply chains and end-to-end supply chains to achieve productivity gains and industry competitiveness.

Follow the link below to provide feedback by Friday 18 December 2020 on the PFN maps, including amendments proposed, prior to the release of an updated PFN in early 2021. Material to support you as you provide feedback is available on the Get Involved web page, including a Project Fact Sheet and FAQs. You will be directed to provide your feedback on the interactive map of the PFN through Social PinPoint. 

Many stone fruit growers are facing the tough decision to not harvest some of their fruit this season as they scramble to secure enough workers to get their fresh produce picked in time.

While farmers report strong consumer demand and great eating quality for this season's apricots, nectarines and peaches, some just can't find enough workers to pick and pack all their fruit as the numbers of seasonal workers and backpackers dwindle due to COVID-19 border restrictions and overseas travel. Read more of this ABC Article.

 

 

 

The Australian Government, through the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) is hosting a National Harvest Virtual Jobs Fair to help agribusinesses across Australia find the staff they need.

Exhibiting is free and employers can showcase job opportunities and connect with enthusiastic job seekers looking for work

The National Harvest Virtual Jobs Fair is being held online on Thursday, 19 November 2020 from 1pm to 5pm (local time Vic/NSW/ACT/Tas). Employers can chat online with potential employees to discover if they might be a good fit for their business.

Employers can register their interest in being an exhibitor by submitting an Exhibitor Expression of Interest and a response will be sent shortly afterwards.

Visit the event website for more information...

Exporting Victorian Stone Fruit into UAE & Saudi Arabia
Wednesday 18 November, 5pm AEST
As the Victorian summer fruit season approaches, join the Global Victoria team in the Middle East and Africa to hear how your business can take advantage of the demand for quality stone fruit in the Middle East. Hear from two major fresh produce importers in the key markets of UAE and Saudi Arabia about the opportunities for Victorian stone fruit exporters in market and learn more about how Australian brands such as Pink Lady® have found success in the region. Victorian produce enjoys a strong reputation as clean, safe and delicious in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and market demand for summer fruits is strong.
Who should attend: Victorian stone fruit growers who are interested in taking advantage of the opportunities to export their produce to the Middle East. 
Register: Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance and you will receive a Microsoft Teams Live event link from the team a few days prior to the session.