Michael Tripodi says stone fruit growers might have to dump produce if the domestic market is saturated

Stone fruit growers across Australia are faced with tough decisions, including potentially having to pull out some of their trees, as the coronavirus pandemic bumps up air freight costs and wreaks havoc on export markets.

Michael Trautwein grows the full range of stone fruit at his orchards in South Australia's Riverland but fears limited access to air freight and a doubling of costs could put an "excessive financial burden" on growers.

Mr Trautwein said growers were already severely impacted at the end of the 2019/2020 season when the pandemic first hit, forcing market closures and limiting air services.  Read more of this ABC article........

Updated obligations under Stage 3 and 4 Restrictions
The Authority has written to all licensed labour hire providers and applicants on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) about their updated obligations under Stage 3 and 4 restrictions. Providers were also advised of updated coronavirus (COVID-19) resources and specific guidance from DHHS, Business Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria. The Authority appreciates that the COVID-19 emergency creates significant challenges for the labour hire industry. The new directions of the Chief Health Officer will have a significant impact on labour hire providers and host businesses and are essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Sector guidance and FAQs for businesses under restrictions
Business Victoria has published operational sector guidance and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for businesses and industries under Stage 4 and Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the Business Victoria website for information on Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector guidance..

The Victorian Government has provided $500 million to the Working for Victoria initiative to help our community and contribute to Victoria’s ability to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As part of this, a $50-million Agriculture Workforce Plan will provide dedicated support for our agriculture, food processing and critical food supply chain businesses.

Visit the Working for Victoria website for more information...

• 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...

• Summerfruit industry webinars – Managing fruit quality for export: Wednesday 9 September, 3 – 4 pm (VIC, NSW, QLD), 2.30 pm (SA), 1 pm (WA) : 'Are the fruit on your trees really ready to pick?' Christine Frisina, Researcher, Agriculture Victoria  Please register via ZOOM.  All webinars will be recorded and made available here.

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..