1. QFF is pleased to be hosting a breakfast event on Friday 18 November to mark National Agriculture Day 2022. Join the QFF network and learn more about Queensland agriculture’s incredible journey of innovation, resilience, and sustainability with keynote speaker Terry McCosker OAM and a guest panel of industry leaders.
2. On farm biosecurity matters. A new online training resource ‘Introduction to Farm Biosecurity for Chicken Growers’ is now available, designed as an introduction or refresher to biosecurity on meat chicken farms.
3. Drought remains a key risk for Queensland farmers to navigate and manage. Consultation is now open on the review of the Australian Government’s Drought Plan. Submissions close on 5 October 2022.
4. The Federal Court has found Lactalis breached the Dairy Code of Conduct by failing to meet some of its obligations in relation to the 2020-21 milk season. ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh, says this is an important case for the ACCC as these are the first proceedings instituted under the Dairy Code of Conduct, and the decision is a win for dairy farmers who generally have limited bargaining power in their dealings with much larger processors.
5. The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is a flagship program of the National Farmers’ Federation designed to increase the representation of women in the leadership ranks of Australian agriculture.
6. QFF is pleased to be supporting the Australian Farm Institute’s Cultivating ESG Capability conference to be held on 18 October 2022 and looking forward to hearing from our members Canegrowers and Cotton Australia along with Senator Murray Watt on this evolving topic.
7. Energy Consumers Australia has awarded QFF funding to launch a study identifying the emerging market for localised energy resources, like microgrids, community batteries, and virtual power plants, across Queensland’s 3 Renewable Energy Zones. Farmers, local councils, and regional business are invited to participate in the study.
8. Each year, the Independent Reviewer of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, Mr Chris Leptox AO, invites direct suppliers of Aldi, Coles, Metcash or Woolworths to provide feedback on their dealings with the grocery retailers. This is a valuable opportunity to provide feedback on a confidential basis, and the survey results will contribute to improving conduct across the industry. To get your link, email fgc@treasury.gov.au
9. The first in a series of webinars started this week, looking ahead to the coming years and highlighting the most interesting and innovative practices and services available to Australian vegetable growers.
10. The Bush Edition of the SECNewgate monthly Mood of the Nation report says the cost of living, healthcare investment, strengthening the economy and providing affordable rental housing are the top tier issues for regional Australia.
