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January 2010 Edition 27 Inside this issue:

Harv est Employment

Article cont

2

NRETAS

Weed Management Handbook

2

SPINTA

Nutrients Workshop

3

The Face of

Katherine Horticulture

4

New Director for

Plant Industries

4

Def ault f und

f or Horticulture

Freshcare Upgrades

5

NT Gov ernment

Agribusiness Project

6

KRS Open D ay

CDU Hort Courses

8

Nursery & Garden

Industry Conf erence 2010

7

HARVEST EMPLOYMENT

NTHA CONTACTS 15 Coolalinga Village Shopping Centre Stuart Highway Coolalinga 0835 PO Box 2207 Palmerston NT 0831

Phone 08 89 83 3233 Fax 08 89 83 3244 Email ntha@ntha.com.au www.ntha.com.au

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the NTHA Council or NTHA’s

The Northern Territory Horticultural Association acknowledges the ongoing support of the Northern Territory Government

For most of you working in the horticulture sector it’s harvest time that counts and generally

harvest wouldn’t be poss ible without a temporary influx of labour. Managing this labour

demand can be a challenge. You have all been bombarded with information about the latest

industrial relations changes and there will be more on that in the coming months. But for the

time being it might be useful to take stock of some of the basic issues around employing

harvest labour.

THE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS Employment conditions obviously vary from farm to farm but the following dot points outline some

of the things you need to give some thought to:

• The first decision is to recruit directly, get the assistance of a recruitment agency or use a

labour provider. Recruiting directly gives you maximum control but also means that you are responsible for the whole process. Using a recruitment agency, particularly one familiar with

the industry such as the Harvest Office, helps to ensure that you will get people with the right

skills at the right time. Using a labour provider means that someone else is responsible for the challenges of being the employer, but choose wisely because not all labour providers are

equal and a few are very bad news.

• If you are taking on the employer role be aware of your responsibilities. All employees must

have an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) so that you can pay tax at the appropriate rate for each of them. Employees who are not Australian residents must have a current working visa.

Employers must also pay workers’ superannuation in most circumstances. Pay rates and em-ployment conditions vary but you must meet the minimum requirements outlined in the Na-

tional Employment Standards (NES) and the relevant Award, make sure you have read and

understood these rules.

• Effective communication is critical. Ensure there is a written contract with each employee before they commence work, this document should clearly indicate the agreed rates of pay

and employment conditions. If you are using a labour provider make sure you have a clear

written contract outlining their service. Ensure employees have a copy of their contract and access to other relevant documentation including the NES, the relevant Award, OH&S guide-

lines, etc. Keep records of relevant information about your employees including copies of their employment documentation and relevant personal information (medical details, local /

home addresses and emergency / next of kin contacts). Maintain the privacy of your employ-ees and ensure they understand their privacy obligations if any.

• Job applicants should also be alerted to workplace conditions, particularly in respect to hours of service, physical demands and the general environment. Harvest work is usually hard, hot

and repetitious - make sure your potential employee is really up for the challenge.

Cont page 2

NTHA COUNCIL

Tom Harris President Citrus

Jan Hinzte

Vice President Cut Flower

Geoff Selems Public Officer

Mango

Fergus Higson Treasurer Nursery

Haig Arthur Director

Emerging Industries

David Boehme Director

Emerging Industries

Peter Marks Director Mango

David Higgins Director

Katherine Region

John Etty Director Organics

Alan Pedersen

Director Organics

Ben Hoffmann

Director Cut Flowers

Charmaine Carter

Director Tropical Exotics

Daniel Herrick

Director Tropical Exotics

Jane Dellow Director Nursery

The views expressed by contributors to this magazine may not reflect the views of the Northern Territory Horticultural Association and the NTHA gives no warranties to the products and services advertised herein. To contribute editorial or purchase advertising space please contact the NTHA.

All editorial and advertising is published at the discretion of the NTHA.

Page 2 NORTHERN AUSTRALIA GROWER

NTHA COUNCIL

Jan Hintze President Cut Flowers

Tom Harris Treasurer Citrus

Ian Baker

Vice President Regional

Representation

David Higgins Regional

Representation

Mark Smith Bananas

Kerry Eupene

Citrus

Haig Arthur Emerging Industries

Murray Linton

Mango

Andy Hancock Mango

Jane Dellow Nursery

John Etty Organics

Ben Hoffmann Cut Flowers

Rob Doyle

Tropical Exotic Fruit

Hardy Schimmel Nursery

David Boehme Vegetables

Jerry Hemphill

Organics

INDUCTION AND ON THE JOB Continued from page 1

Employing people is one thing, once they’re on your books you then potentially have to house and feed

them, educated them, and make sure they stay fit and well:

Employees obviously need access to accommodation and transportation. Different farms

manage this need in different ways. Some employees will have their own vehicle and live off farm. In other circumstances employees may stay on farm in their own temporary accommodation (caravans or

tents) or in farm accommodation. On farm facilities have to meet certain standards but there are many variables and advice should be sought for each specific

circumstance (for further information contact Steve Popple from Development Assessment Services on

8999 6045). Make sure employees are aware of the facilities and any

expectations on them, for example relating to the provision of food and bedding.

A full induction to the workplace is very important. New employees should be introduced to staff,

given a tour of the relevant parts of the farm and provided with a contact person to give support if required. On farm rules should be clear and documented, including emergency

procedures. Establish work requirements such as start times, suitable clothing, specific duties, etc.

Make sure that employees are properly instructed in all aspects of their work before commencing, particularly where it relates to safety. Also make sure employees are aware of the

biosecurity rules which relate to your crop.

It is a requirement of law that all workers are covered for workplace injury by the employer. While you

must be appropriately insured it is obviously better to avoid accidents or injuries, for this reason it is a good idea to have an OH&S plan for your farm. Identify employees who have first aid training and

make sure that all employees understand the risks and their obligations in relation to minimising those risks. Explanation needs to be very thorough - do not

assume that new employees understand, for example, how much water they should be

drinking or that they should be wearing a hat and sunscreen.

Good employment practices are critical to the whole Northern Territory industry. It only takes one grower to do the wrong thing and word may spread through the harvest labour workforce. Employers

should therefore make themselves aware of legislative and regulatory requirements and ensure, as far

as possible, that they are contributing positively to the reputation of the industry. This will lift the pro-file of harvest work in the Northern Territory and ultimately improve your opportunities to find good

labour for future harvests.

Kate Peake

Weed Management Handbook Launched The Northern Territory Weed Management Handbook was launched in

Katherine on Friday 9 October 2009, at the Annual General

Meeting of the NT Agricultural Association Inc. The Handbook

describes the process of strategic and planned weed management and

discusses the alternate methods of controlling weeds in

different s ituations. It is sure to become an essential e lement of every

land manager’s toolkit.

Herbicide usage is thoroughly explored throughout the Handbook, cover-

ing topics such as toxicity, resistance, modes of action, herbicide control techniques and appro-

priate chemical handling and disposal methods.

If you’re after a quick reference, the Handbook contains weed control option tables for 38 of the

NT’s most commonly encountered weeds.

The Handbook is available in ha rdcopy or CD format from the Weed Management Branch on

phone 8999 4567 or online at www.nt.gov.au/weeds.

We also have copies available in the NTHA office.

NTHA CONTACT

Phone 08 898 83 3233 Facsimile 08 89 83 3244

PO Box 2207 Palmerston NT 0832

Email ntha@ntha.com.au

www.ntha.com.au

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA GROWER Page 3

SPINTA Workshops

SPINTA NUTRIENTS WORKSHOP

An activity of the Sustainable Practices Implementation in NT Agriculture Project.

A joint initiative of the NT Horticultural and NT Agricultural Associations in association with the

NT Departments of DoR and NRETAS and funded by the Caring for our Country Initiative

Coastal Plains Research Station – Fogg Dam -Tuesday 23rd February 2010

Katherine Research Station — Thursday 25th February 2010

10 am – 3 pm (lunch provided)

Topics: SPINTA Project Nutrient Budgeting

Other project updates Nutrient Efficiency

Understanding Nutrients Envi ronmental Considerations

The Nutrient Cycle Nutrient test interpretations

Nutrient Management Planning The Issues Bin

Guest Speaker: Ted Winston of Tropical Horticultural Consulting is an ex-extension officer of DPIQ who has

extensive horticultural crop experience in Northern NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Ted is a

renowned speaker on a wide range of horticultural topics and has a particular interest in Nutrient

Management. Although having worked on numerous tropical horticultural crops Ted is currently finalising work

on the ‘Honey Gold’ mango cultivar which has been planted in Queensland and the NT. Ted will present an

overview of Nutrient Management in tropical production systems and provide recommendations on nutrient

testing undertaken by the SPINTA project. Ted will also lead the ‘Issues Bin’ Q&A Forum at the conclusion of the

Nutrients Workshop.

Forum: Presentations will also be delivered on other NTHA & NTAgA projects.

Time will be allocated for Industry, Agribusiness, NGO’s and Government to conduct further presentations and

discussions at their respective displays.

RSVP: Please contact the NTHA office on phone—8983 3233 , fax– 8983 3244 or email- ntha@ntha.com.au to

confirm your attendance and to allow for catering requirements.

NTHA CONTACT

Phone 08 898 83 3233 Facsimile 08 89 83 3244

PO Box 2207 Palmerston NT 0832

Email ntha@ntha.com.au

www.ntha.com.au

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA GROWER Page 4

The face of Katherine Horticulture Norma Higgins has become something of a shining light in the Katherine horticultural industry. In 2008 she won the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award and this year she has

been named Northern Territory Local Hero as part of the Australian of the Year Awards. Norma and her husband David own a mango farm in Katherine. But, in addition to the responsibilities of a family farm, Norma

also facilitates the Katherine Community Market and is the Treasurer and spokeswoman of the Katherine Regional Food Group which operates a commercially approved community kitchen.

The Katherine Community Market was organised by Norma using her RIRDC prize money and kicked off in 2009. The markets run every Saturday morning from 8:00am in Ryan Park. The event is an opportunity for locals and visitors to get together and to

purchase local produce and products; including fresh fruit and vegetables, chutneys, jams and honey, ice cream and organic

brewed coffee. The Katherine commercial kitchen is available to individuals and small enterprises to make their own

local products. The community facility allows locals to cook and package their wares in an environment which is compliant with planning and health regulations. The products can then be sold at the market

or elsewhere. Norma was instrumental in establishing the kitchen and she produces a range of prod-

ucts made from Katherine ingredients and sold at the markets. Horticulture is a significant component of the Katherine economy and identity. Despite increasing

commercialisation farming continues to be as much about community as it is about business, not just here but across the country. And in the development of the Katherine horticultural community no one

has contributed more in the last few years than Norma.

Norma’s recent selection as the Northern Territory’s Local Hero, and consequent nomination for an Australian of the year Award, is recognition of her contribution to the NT horticultural industry and the

Katherine community. Photo obtained from the Australian of the Year Awards website -

http://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/recipients/?m=norma-higgins-2010

Photo supplied by Department of Resources

New Director for

Plant Industries

Bob Williams has recently commenced as the Director of Plant

Industries with the Department of Resources.

Bob has been a Science Leader within Horticulture and Forestry Science of Queensland Primary Industry and Fisheries based at South Johnstone Research Station for the past 16

years. Bob has had responsibility for the delivery of research and

development activities in tropical horticultural commodities such as banana, mango, papaya, lychee and tropical

vegetable production systems. A large percentage of this work is focused on the development of integrated crop

management strategies to improve crop productivity and product quality.

Prior to joining the Queensland DPI&F in 1989, Bob worked for an agrichemical company and as a private

consultant based in north Queensland working in a range of crops such as sugarcane, banana, melons and peanuts.

He has been actively involved with Australian banana industry since 1981, initially conducting research and

extension work in north Queensland, then into the management of the total RD&E program of the

government for the industry. He was a government member of the Banana Industry Protection Board for ten years

and is currently the Australian delegate on the Asian Pacific Banana Network of Bioversity (formally the International

Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain).

As part of his role in DPI&F, he has overseen the mango RD&E program in Queensland, including the management of

the National Mango Breeding Program since 1993.

Bob has a passion for driving RD&E programs in collaboration with industry to achieve economic development in a sustainable system.

NTHA CONTACT

Phone 08 898 83 3233 Facsimile 08 89 83 3244

PO Box 2207 Palmerston NT 0832

Email ntha@ntha.com.au

www.ntha.com.au

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA GROWER Page 5

AustSafe Super named as default fund for Horticulture industry Industry super fund, AustSafe Super, has been included as a default fund in the Modernised Awards for the Horticulture industry

to take effect from 1 January 2010. The announcement came recently from the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) who have been required under a

formal Australian Government request to complete the Award Modernisation process to combine all previous state awards into

one new national award. AustSafe Super's inclusion in the Modernised Award as a default fund for the Horticulture industry is an important milestone as

the Fund was previously only included in the Queensland State Award for this industry.

The Award modernisation process involves the creation of a system of modern awards to operate in conjunction with the new Australian workplace relations system foreshadowed for January 2010. The new modernised awards have come into effect as at

1 January 2010. AustSafe Super is the industry super fund for rural and regional Australia.

For more information Contact: Wayne Hulin AustSafe Super

Business Development Manager 0407 749 470 For a copy of the full media release please contact the NTHA Office

Freshcare Up-Grade All Freshcare members are required to up-grade their Freshcare programme to Version 3.

The new Version 3 program involves a compulsory 6 hour training course

This cost of this course is 100% re-funded, FarmReady will re-fund the $800 cost.

The FarmReady phone number is 1800 087 670. They will explain the procedure, paper work must go in

6 days prior to a ll courses.

Any questions call James 0435 182 042 or email james.gorrie@trainsafe.net

Freshcare Up-Grade

February 19t h. Friday John England Building Berrimah Farm 8.30am-3pm

March 26th. Friday John England Building Berrimah Farm 8.30am-3pm

February 27t h. Saturday NTHA Office Coolalinga 8.30am-3pm

March 13th. Saturday NTHA Office Coolalinga 8.30am-3pm

You must book as positions are limited!

Page 6 NORTHERN AUSTRALIA GROWER

NT Government—Agribusiness Project

ChemCert This course is for all people that use chemicals

ChemCert is a requirement for the following:

Schedule 7 chemical authorisations Freshcare accreditation

Professional ground spray license Pest Control operators license

Course Date:

March 8th. – 9th. Litchfield Council Offices Bees Creek Road 8.30am-4pm

Costs

NT Horticulture Association Members are Free $200 non members

Email james.gorrie@trainsafe.net or phone 0435 182 042

The agribusiness project is the result of an NT Government commitment in 2009 to develop a clear direction and

policy for the future development of the NT primary industry sector over the next 5 years.

Central to this commitment is to develop a strong pa rtnership with industry and community stakeholders to identify the

issues challenging future sustainable development and to prepare a strategy to address them.

A draft issues paper is be ing prepared for public release on Friday 12th February and industry and community stake-

holders will be encouraged to put forward their responses. The draft paper will be circulated via email and an advertise-

ment will be in a ll the Territory newspa pers providing a link to a website containing the draft paper and details on how to

make a response.

This firs t consultation period will close on Thursday 11th March. All submissions received will be treated conf identially

and used to further develop the issues paper and prepare a draft stra tegy.

A second consultation period will then be held in March for the draft strategy to be discussed and to generate and test

options for a comprehensive agribus iness strategy.

The scope for the project is broad, with issues not under the direct inf luence of the Depa rtment of Resources to be in-

cluded in the strategy. These may include land and water issues, road networks and native vegetation legis lation.

NTHA encourages members to make submiss ions. We will ensure that members receive the issues paper and provide

assistance where required.

Vietnamese Translated Fact Sheets Liza Schenkel, Community Engagement Officer at the Water Resources Branch, Dept. Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport has sent us some Vietnamese translated fact sheets. Topics are

• What is Groundwater and where does it come from?

• Looking after your bore

• Understanding water allocation planning in the Northern Territory

• What is chemigation and fertigation and how does it affect groundwater quality? If you would like some (or all) of them, please come into the NTHA office or phone Cathy on 8983 3233, or email ntha@ntha.com.au

Resident Magazine Lifestyle for the Northern Territory The current edition (Nov-May 2010) features an article on “Our Territory Farmers”. Some of NTHA’s “Quality Assured” farmers who are supplying fresh produce direct to our local Wool-worths. We have a copy in the office so come in a see who is featured!

Page 7 NORTHERN AUSTRALIA GROWER

Conference 2010 - a field day for growers! Growers are set to prosper from the diverse line up of speakers at conference 2010.

This year’s conference will have a dedicated technical stream, as well as high profile keynote speakers tha t will ensure

that growers are provided with a brea dth of information relating to key technical and environmental issues tha t can

influence the day to day running of a production nursery.

With biosecurity firmly in the spotlight, there will be several presentations that focus on tools and resources for grow-

ers to assist them in tackling this issue head on. John McDona ld, Industry Development Manager, NGIQ, will demon-

strate how simple-to-use, cost-effective in-field plant pathogen diagnostic tests can rapidly detect specific plant patho-

gens including bacterial, viral and fungal organisms. He will also provide an interactive demonstration of the electronic

pest, disease, beneficial & weed identification tool that can also be used in-field or on PCs. In addition to these tools, he

will present an overview of how the Nursery Production Farm Management System, with particular reference to

BioSecure HACCP, will assist g rowers to implement s imple a nd effective measures on-farm to help protect Australian

production nurseries from the threat of new and invasive pests.

As well as these presentations, Rod Turner, General Manager of Prog rams for Plant Health Australia, will provide

delegates with the importance of biosecurity in terms of global significance and where nursery production fits within

this picture. The presentation will update delegates on the release of the National Plant Health Status Report, the

Nursery and Garden Industry Biosecurity Plan, industry’s obligation under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed

(EPPRD) and provide a behind the scenes look at pest categorisation and biosecurity planning.

The conference will also focus on building resilience in nursery production with respect to a changing and variable

climate. Anthony Kachenko, NGIA Environmental and Technical Policy manager will launch the nursery specific, ca rbon

footprinting tool ‘NurseryFootprint’. This simple to use tool will be demonstrated to delegates in an interactive

presentation. Lisa Roberts from Provincial Plants & Landscapes, NSW will discuss how she has implemented initiatives in

her nursery to minimise its environmental footprint with emphasis on renewa ble energy and green power.

Water – a finite resource that industry is reliant upon to ensure long term growth and sustainability. Michael Danelon,

NSW & ACT Industry Development Officer will captivate delegates with a suite of tools of the trade to assist production

nurseries better manage this precious resource. He will provide an overview on:

• The pros and cons of hand watering and hand wa tering equipment

• Do water saving ameliorants, such as gels and peat actually work?

• Update on wa ter disinfestation.

• Retrofitting an irrigation system – how do I get better bang for my buck?

A stimulating panel session chaired by Robert Chin, Industry Development Officer, Victoria will provide delegates with

the A - Z of plant labeling with regards to marketing, plant inte llectual property and good trade practices. This session

will feature a mixed panel of experts ranging from g rowers to plant labelers.

A subsequent panel, chaired by Simon Smith from the Plantsmith will discuss key issues and opportunities for a sustain-

able industry, and focus on key inputs in the production process including growing media, water, plastics and fertiliser.

Speakers will include Phil Nagle from Van Schaik’s Bio-Gro, Danie l Mansfield from Mansfield’s Propagation Nursery, Bob

Allison from Garden City Plastics and Guilhem Pinault from Scotts Australia and Asia Pacific.

In addition to these ora l presentations, a poster session will exhibit research from all corners of the continent in re lation

to key technical and environmental issues as well as industry innovations. Posters will include delegates with informa-

tion on:

• Singapore – a city within a garden.

• What are s treet trees really worth? Quantifying the value of street trees – a pilot study.

• Can plants rea lly accumulate toxic metals?

• How successful a re public gardens in promoting water-wise landscaping?

• Update on Smart Approved WaterMark products.

For more information or to register for the 2010 NGI Conference go to http://www.ngiaevents.com.au/conference2010/ or phone

NTHA/NGINT on 8983 3233

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA GROWER Page 8

Katherine Research Station is holding an Open Day on Saturday March 20, 2010.

Come along to find out what you can do on a 20-acre block.

There will be talks, tours and demonstrations.

A range of exhibitors, food stalls and kids’ activities will round out the day as one for all the family. Make it a date and we’ll see you there!

Saturday March 20, 2010 KRS OPEN DAY

For more info contact Katherine Research Station on 8973 9739

Charles Darwin University

Horticulture &

Aquaculture Group

Horticulture Timetables 2010

Semester 1 & 2

Casuarina Campus

Certificate 2 Horticulture

Certificate 3 Horticulture

Short Courses & Industry

Workshops

Night Classes

The Horticulture & Aquaculture

Group deliver qualifications a nd

units of study from the National

Amenity Horticulture T raining

Package.

Contact CDU Administration if you

require further informa tion, or wish

to meet with lecturing staff to

discuss your training options.

Horticulture & Aquaculture Group

Administrat ion

Phone: 8946 7513

Fax: 8946 6690

Email: hort_aqua@cdu.edu.au