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...

The Australian and South Australian governments have decided not to proceed with Round 2 of the Water for Fodder program due to improved seasonal conditions across the Murray-Darling Basin.

Fodder and water markets have softened since the start of the year, with temporary water prices decreasing by an average of 70 per cent across the southern Murray-Darling Basin and hay prices decreasing by 40 per cent in the Goulburn and Murray valleys. This has reduced the need for Round 2 as an emergency drought response.

Click here for more information...

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..