How the exterior of fruits and vegetables look is very important in China, it directly influences how well the product sells. An important part of this exterior is the label on the products. “Nowadays there's a trend for fruits and vegetables with a label to be viewed as better quality fruits by Chinese customers. Having a label on your fruits and vegetables thus gradually became a symbol of high quality and big brand.“ Said Emily of Sinclair. Read more of this Fresh Plaza article.
SEDA news and events
As well as changes to make it more attractive for working holiday makers to stay for longer on farms, the Commonwealth Government also introduced changes to make the Seasonal Worker Programme even more attractive to growers.
-From the 5th of November 2018, seasonal workers from all countries will be able to work for a period of up to nine months in Australia (up from the existing six months), but must spend three months out of every twelve in their home country.
-Growers will only have to contribute $300 toward the airfare cost for each worker instead of the current $500.
-Labour market testing must run for a minimum of two weeks and the results will be valid for six months from the date the advertisement was removed rather than 3 months as it is now.
So the takeaway message is there are lots of changes either underway or soon to commence. For further information or to source harvest workers, contact the Harvest Trail – 1800 062 332
Source: MADEC
Given the importance of backpackers for picking and packing fruit crops, the Commonwealth Government has recently announced some changes that will make it easier to find backpackers who want to work on farms and enable them to work and stay longer in Australia. The main changes are:
-From the 5th of November 2018, expanding the regional areas where 462 visa holders (China, Indonesia, USA, Chile, Argentina) can work to get a 2nd year visa extension – currently they can only get an extension by working in northern Australia.
-From the 5th of November 2018, 417 and 462 visa holders can work with one employer for 12 months, an increase from the current 6 months.
-After the 1st of July 2019, 417 and 462 visa holders will have the option of getting a third year visa if they do six months of specified work in a rural area.
-Progressively increasing the country caps for some 462 visa holders.
-Increase the age of 417 visa holders from Canada and Ireland to 35.
The key focus is on providing immediate access to workers in key rural areas. Employers will be able to retain trained and experienced employees for up to 12 months, rather than the previous six months.
Source: MADEC
To read the full 'Adviser' article featuring Summerfruit Australia's CEO John Moore, please click here
Drought, hailstorms and high winds are just some of the challenges Australia's stone fruit growers have had to battle this season.
And if national consumer demand does not increase, many growers might have to sell their fresh produce without making a profit.
Stone fruit grower Michael Trautwein grows the full range of stone fruit on their 80-hectare orchards in the Riverland, South Australia, and said high winds caused severe damage to apricots and wind rub on nectarines and peaches. Read more of this ABC Article.........
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