News in brief

The facilitators support Landcare and environmental volunteer groups and networks to plan and deliver on-ground natural resource management works that engage local communities, build community capacity and encourage diverse participation.

The 2021-24 VLFP is the result of a 2019 independent review of the previous program.

The new VLFP includes strengthened governance and employment arrangements, updated activity-level and outcome reporting, training and other support tools for employers and facilitators.

For more information visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/landcare/VLFP

Framework a positive step

The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has welcomed the release of the Horticulture Sustainability Framework, labelling it as a "practical step forward for the industry".

The framework was launched on July 26 by the industry’s research and development corporation Hort Innovation and focuses on limiting food waste, boosting water and energy efficiency, improving biosecurity and traceability, and attracting and retaining people to the $15 billion sector.

There are more than 12,000 horticultural farm businesses and nurseries across the country, which employ more than 72,000 people.

“Creating a framework such as this across a variety of commodities — from fruit to vegetables and nuts — is a real challenge, however the framework broadly encompasses the key areas which are vital for the growth of the sector,” NFF Horticulture Council executive officer Tyson Cattle said.

“The council looks forward to seeing the next phase of the framework and getting a clear baseline of where the industry sits, so we can then discuss next steps towards building a more sustainable future for the horticulture industry.”

Online event connects grape growers to research

Research in the vineyard is the focus of a free online event being hosted by the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre next week.

The presentations cover:

● grapevine trunk disease management;

● functional biodiversity in viticulture;

● factors influencing water availability in rainfall-dependent viticulture; and

● potassium nutrition in grapevines.

The NWGIC is an alliance between Charles Sturt University, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the NSW Wine Industry Association.

The event will be held on August 11 from 1 pm to 2.30 pm.

Register at www.csu.edu.au/nwgic/resources/2021-nwgic-research-update

Going against the grain to find new markets

Grains Australia has been awarded a $969,480 Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation grant to develop new export markets for Australian grains, oilseeds and pulses.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the grant would help develop new overseas markets and accelerate trade diversification.

“Australian grain is highly regarded in Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam and the subcontinent,” Mr Littleproud said.

“But we are under increasing competition from other suppliers and emerging production, particularly from the Black Sea region and Argentina.

“Through this grant, the Australian grains industry will explore new markets and seek to grow market share in traditional ones.

“South-East Asian markets are booming and through this grant we will provide virtual workshops to raise awareness of the unique qualities of Australian feed grains for livestock feed rations.

“Building on the Australian Government’s work, the grains industry is also developing a collaborative grains partnership with India, bringing together stakeholders from government and industry from both countries to build a platform for future trade in grain and grain products.”

Egg industry awards

Egg Farmers of Australia will recognise egg farmers’ contributions through a new annualawards program.

The two key awards are:

● The EFA Young Egg Industry Achiever of the Year; and

● The EFA Egg Industry Leader Excellence Award – for service to the egg industry.

The awards are open to anyone involved in egg production, such as egg farmers, egg production teams, farm staff, researchers, poultry vets, hen nutritionists, and hatchery employees who contribute to the improvement of the nation’s egg industry.

Candidates for both awards and the person nominating them must be financial members ofEFA.

Membership and nomination forms are on the Egg Farmers of Australiawebsite at https://eggfarmersaustralia.org

Nominations close August 31.

Judges for the awards will be Peter Bedwell (publisher of Poultry Digest) and RowanMcMonnies (managing director of Australian Eggs).

Grants for waterways

Communities and the environment will benefit from recently announced grants funded through Federal Government’s Murray Darling Healthy Rivers Program.

● The Western Murray Land Improvement Group received $55,000 to plant 47 ha of native vegetation at Pollack Wetland near Barham;

● Edwards Wakool Angling Association received $44,000 to restore aquatic vegetation along mid-Murray waterways;

● A Bullatale family received $55,000 to remove flood banks on creeks adjoining Murray Valley National Park;

● A Yalca group received $32,050 to create a nature link between Barmah National Park and wetlands;

● Turtles Australia received $47,889 for Gunbower Island turtle conservation projects; and

● Up2Us Landcare Alliance (Mansfield) received $47,200 for fencing and erosion management along the upper Broken River.

Communities are encouraged to apply for the remaining funding in two additional rounds in mid-2021. For more information go to www.agriculture.gov.au/water/mdb/programs/basin-wide/healthy-rivers-program

Unmanned fuel stop open

Shepparton has a new unmanned retail refuelling facility in New Dookie Rd, which can be accessed by B-double trucks as well as the general public.

Petrol, diesel and AdBlue products are available and there is also a bulk fuel depot and lubricants warehouse at the site.

Located at 37-65 New Dookie Rd (opposite the sale yards), Shepparton, the Petrogas site is open 24 hours day, seven days a week.