In addition to the business adaptation funding that covers accommodation and machinery, you can also apply for funding to cover the above, please see below a brief summary of the funding:

• $1,000 and $100,000 (up to 100 per cent of total eligible project costs) to induct workers into new job roles and deliver re-training
• Up to $200 per day for 90 days to offset the costs of worker accommodation for workers who have to relocate from another area
• $50 per day for 90 days to cover travel to work costs and $500 per employee relocation costs
• Job roles must be advertised for a minimum period on the Working for Victoria platform or another approved job advertising platform to test the local labour market first before this support can be accessed
• We encourage members to register for this program and discuss with a case manager their needs and eligibility in preparation for harvest

Applications close 31 December 2020 (or once fund is expended), please connect with an AWP Case Manager by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for further information...

The Ag Workforce Plan presentation is available for download here...

Face coverings for Victorians: Must be a fitted face mask that covers nose and mouth - not a face shield, mask etc. A week's grace period before the rule is enforced.

Second Step for Melbourne restrictions - Find out about the current restrictions in place. How to stay safe and well. Find out what you can do to reduce the risk and stop the spread of COVID-19. Visit the DHHS website for more information...  

COVIDSafe Plan now required for regional Victorian businesses- From 11:59 on 13 September 2020, it is mandatory for every Victorian business to have a COVIDSafe Plan. To ensure compliance, random spot checks are underway in metropolitan Melbourne and will commence in regional Victoria from 29 September 2020. Your COVIDSafe Plan must set out:

• your actions to help prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• the level of face covering or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
• how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• this plan must demonstrate how you will meet all the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some higher-risk industries or workplaces have additional requirements of employers and employees.

Businesses must review and update their COVIDSafe Plans routinely, especially when restrictions or public health advice changes. Organisations with multiple worksites must complete a COVIDSafe Plan for each worksite. For more information and for templates and guidance on how to create your COVIDSafe Plan, visit the Business Victoria website.

Hort Innovation is inviting growers and supply chain members from the cherry, summerfruit and table grape industries to join the Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for these respective sectors. Hort Innovation are keen to hear from a diverse group, including applicants of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds and from small, medium and large operations.

The SIAP is a panel of industry representatives that provides advice to Hort Innovation in relation to industry research and development funded by industry levies and contributions from the Australian Government, and marketing investments funded by industry levies. 

Industry members interested in finding out more about the SIAP can contact Hort Innovation's Industry Strategic Partner for the cherry, summerfruit and table grape industries, Dumisani Mhlanga on 0447 091 186 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications close on 30 September 2020.

Media Release 17th Sep 2020

Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Agriculture

The Victorian Government has announced targeted funding to attract seasonal workers to regional Victoria and ensure farmers have the hands-on-deck they need to get produce to plate.
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today announced a $17 million package to help address seasonal workforce shortages brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and reiterated the call for farmers to register their workforce needs on the Working for Victoria platform to be matched with eager jobseekers.   

View the full Media Release here...

Backing Australian exporters to go global
The Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, has released a review of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme undertaken by Mrs Anna Fisher and announced plans to simplify and streamline EMDG. Click here for more information...

Submit your EMDG application now
Applications for businesses wishing to submit an EMDG application for the 2020–21 financial year will close at midnight (AEDT) 30 November 2020. Applicants are advised to submit as early as possible to avoid the last minute rush. Apply now...

Alert: Austrade clients advised to beware of cyber phishing attacks
We have received reports that cyber criminals are impersonating Austrade representatives. If you receive any communication from Austrade that is suspect, please verify the communication with your contact at Austrade or call us on 13 28 78.

New and extended IFAM flights to US, Asia and the Middle East
Get your produce to the world! The International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) has added new flights to the US, East Asia and the Middle East. Check out the IFAM webpage for flight details and how to access IFAM support.  Find out more...

COVID-19 update for exporters
Austrade’s global network is monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our updates provide market-specific insights to help Australian companies respond. Click here to read more...

• Food Safety Challenges in the Fresh Produce Sector- Tuesday 6 October from 10am AEDT, 12pm NZDT via Zoom. This webinar will address current food safety issues in the fresh produce sector: identifying risks; examining some recent outbreaks; reviewing developments in regulation; and discussing emerging issues. Register here..

• COVID-19 and your workforce; Guidelines for the food processing industry- Tuesday 6 October from 2:00pm-3:00 pm. In this webinar you will hear from Deon Mahoney, the author of this Guide and Craig Shadbolt from the NSW Food Authority on strategies to keep your food processing operation running and your workforce safe. Register here..

• Water Trade 101 Situation and Seasonal Outlook Webinar- Wednesday 30 September. 1 to 2 pm. This webinar will discuss the key features of the connected southern Murray Darling Basin water market and the current situation and seasonal outlook for water availability and price. Download the PDF Brochure here. Register here...

• IA-CEPA webinar series- 25 Aug 2020 - 31 Oct 2020. Austrade invites you to participate in IA-CEPA Business Connect 2020, a three month program of online events combined with a digital marketing campaign to increase two-way understanding about the opportunities for Australian business in Indonesia, and promote Australian capability to meet the needs of Indonesian business. More info on various webinars can be found here...