Over the past few weeks, there has been a great deal of information distributed by government departments and industry groups concerning COVID-19.  In response, Fruit Growers Victoria have prepared information support packages as well as additional resources (available to download from the FGV website) relevant to growers, listing your responsibilities as an employer, what measures you need to take on orchard for yourself and your employees and what benefits and funding that is being made available.

Most of you will be aware that Fruit Growers Victoria provide Secretariat Services for SEDA and are happy to share this information that will be relevant to SEDA members as well.

Please note that the situation is changing and evolving daily, so FGV have created a COVID-19 Resource/Update page that we welcome you to visit.  

Stay safe and well.

Due to restrictions caused by the ongoing threat of COVID-19, APAL has unfortunately been forced to cancel the 2020 APAL Industry Forum.

This year's APAL Awards for Excellence will still be awarded - follow the link below to nominate an outstanding contributor to our industry that deserves recognition: https://bit.ly/394ZGaP

Visit the APAL website for more information...

Hort Innovation have complied a list of resources that may be of assistance during this time.
Resource Themes are as follows:

• Confirmation that agriculture is an essential service
• Continuing to operate in these circumstances for horticulture businesses and workers
• Australian and international borders
• Labour updates and resources
• Financial and business assistance
• Safety of horticultural produce
• General COVID-19 information
• Mental wellbeing and support

Visit the Hort Innovation website to access these resources...

Key points:

• COVID-19 is unlikely to be passed on through fresh produce
• Wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer after handling your groceries and fresh produce
• Do not wash fresh produce in soap or detergent
• Soap is not designed for use on food and any residues on fresh produce can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
• The FDA in the US says to wash fresh fruits and vegetables in cold water

Visit the Fresh Produce Safety Centre website for more information..

Stay informed. Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join our WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.

You can use the Australian Government Coronavirus app to:
- stay up to date with the official information and advice
- important health advice to help stop the spread and stay healthy
- get a quick snapshot of the current official status within Australia
- check your symptoms if you are concerned about yourself or someone else
- find relevant contact information
- access updated information from the Australian Government
- receive push notifications of urgent information and updates

Visit the Australian Government website for up to date COVID-19 information...

There has been a lot of calls from growers seeking safety and hygiene posters in different languages that can be displayed in around the orchard to assist with dealing with the COVID-19 situation.  Please see the below resources that may assist:

• Publications, videos, reports and more.- 
  https://www.health.gov.au/resources?search_api_views_fulltext=posters
• Translated resources to help share the messaging about coronavirus (COVID-19) in various languages - https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-translated-resources/