On 12 February 2020, the Fair Work Commission made determinations that added new rules about annualised wage arrangements (also known as annual wage arrangements) in the Horticulture Award.
 
The new rules start from the first full pay period on or after 1 March 2020.  So for example, if an employee’s fortnightly pay starts on Thursday, 27 February 2020, those new rules won’t start until Thursday, 12 March 2020.
 
This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 12 February 2020 (PR716596).

Clause(s) affected by the most recent variation(s):
15—Annualised wage arrangements
Schedule E—Part-day Public Holidays

With a relatively short two-week journey for shipping, and growing demand for Australia’s “clean, green” produce, horticulture producers have a ripe market at their doorstep in Indonesia — particularly once the new trade agreement between the two nations comes into force.

“With the proximity of Australia and Indonesia, Indonesia can source from a country close by that is premium quality, meanwhile Australia has a market that is very big population,” Jakarta fruit importer Hendry Sim said.

“It is getting more middle-class people who like to consume a more premium product.” - Read more of this Weekly Times article attached below.

This summer, the Australian stone fruit industry is painting a positive portrait of its fortunes both at home and overseas. Drought conditions have led to more smaller size fruit than previous years but according to Summerfruit Australia chair and stone fruit grower, Andrew Findlay, the crop

 will be sweeter than ever. “All major growing regions are in the middle of a severe drought. Water is extremely hard to come by and is very expensive. While this does mean that there is more smaller fruit than usual early in the season, it's made for amazing eating as the sugars are more intense.” 

The industry predicted a crop of more than 100,000 tonnes, which will be similar to last year. Read more of this Fresh Plaza article

Applications for Churchill Fellowships are open through a partnership between the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and Hort Innovation, the aim is to help future leaders of the Australian horticulture industry gain new perspectives on issues facing the industry and learn new ways to tackle them.

Applicants design their own projects so they can access expertise that cannot be found in Australia.

The average amount of funding awarded to each successful application to cover travel costs and living expenses is estimated at $25,000. Applications close Thursday 30 April 2020.

Click here for more information or to apply...

The Woolworths Organic Growth Fund has been established by Woolworths to support investment in organic farming projects by eligible Australian farmers.

Through the Woolworths Organic Growth Fund,  $30 million is being offered over five years in interest-free loans and grants, on top of contracted purchase volumes. 

Visit the Woolworths website for further information and eligibility...

Coles launched the $50 million Nurture Fund in April 2015 to help small and medium sized businesses innovate and grow.

Round Eight of the Coles Nurture Fund is now open and will close on Friday, 20 March 2020 at 5pm AEST. Small and medium sized businesses can apply for a grant of up to $500,000 to help them develop new market-leading products, technologies and processes. Farmers and producers affected by bushfires or drought can also apply for a grant to help renew their business.

Visit the Coles Nurture Fund website for further information and to apply...