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Industry news from the Brisbane MarketsTRANSCRIPT
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A4 Brisbane Markets ad 2.13.indd 1 11/02/13 2:36 PM
updatesContents Looking for achievers
Clicking onto your Fresh Source
Think you know someone in the vegetable industry who
deserves some recognition?
Then now is the time to start exploring how to nominate that
person or business with the 2013 AUSVEG National Awards
for Excellence approaching on 1 June.
AUSVEG, the peak body for the vegetable industry, is looking
for nominations in a range of categories, from grower of
the year right through to the Central Markets Association of
Australia sponsored Innovative Marketing Award.
Find out more by visiting www.ausveg.com.au, phone
(03) 9822 0388 or email [email protected].
The days are gone when you only have to turn a page to read
the stories of Fresh Source magazine. Now you can use your
mouse to explore the pages as well.
If you would prefer your Fresh Source emailed to
you rather than posted, then email your request to
You can even check out the publication on line at
www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/publications/fresh-source/
with plenty of back issues to source if you are looking for
something specific.
FRESH UPDATES
FRESH WHOLESALINGMarkets flood aid exceeds expectations . . . . . . . . . p6Brismark welcomes new General Manager . . . . . . p7Healthy lunchbox no piece of cake . . . . . . . . . . . . . p7Ben Hannant’s healthy eating message . . . . . . . . . . p7Brismark’s services are there to help . . . . . . . . . . . . p7
FRESH MARKETSBrisbane Markets half year results released . . . . . . p8Brisbane Markets at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p9Valentine’s Day a blooming success . . . . . . . . . . . . p10Politicians among the fruit and veg . . . . . . . . . . . . . p10Talks to upgrade Central Trading Area . . . . . . . . . . p11
FEATURE: ANNUAL GALA DINNERWho’s who celebrates in style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p12Retailer of the Year a Fresh Sensation. . . . . . . . . . . p12Additional stores awarded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p13Top 25 greengrocer finalists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p1340 years service honoured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p14
FEATURE: OUR ANGRY SUMMERQld’s big wet to be felt for generations . . . . . . . . . p16Market Disaster Plan put to the test . . . . . . . . . . . . p17Highest disaster assistance available . . . . . . . . . . . p18
FRESH BUSINESSLindsay Transport commemorates . . . . . . . . . . . . . p20Sweet potato consumer research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p20Performance improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p21
FRESH INDUSTRYRain a welcome sight for dry Bowen . . . . . . . . . . . p22New appointments for horticulture . . . . . . . . . . . . p2330 Year Strategic Plan promised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p24Fresh Produce Safety Centre launched . . . . . . . . . p24Brismark’s services aid the industry . . . . . . . . . . . . p25Industry news bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p26Top tips for keeping peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p28Managing the grapevine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p29
FRESH EVENTSPublic holiday closures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p30March-June Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p30
p4
ISSUE: FORTY JUNE/2012#02-12
Print post approved pp 424022/00429
MAGAZINE OF BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITEDs urce
Pricing laws almost hereCARBON FEATURE 12
YOUR SOURCE OF FRESH INFORMATION FOR THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
Motivating your
employees21
Casualties of the
price war18
5
updates
Pirate beetle a bug bearAye, ‘tis a beetle with a painful bite but they be useful, me hearties.
Why the pirate talk? It’s all to do with a tiny insect that is proving
useful to vegetable growers in the fight against crop pests.
The miniature pirate beetle is the latest weapon in Integrated Pest
Management strategies against insects on vegetable crops.
It might be little but it pierces a hole into its prey and pumps in saliva
to dissolve the contents before drinking the innards.
Deploying the bug with a ruthless temperament has already
dramatically reduced the need for growers to use chemicals to
control pests.
Vegetable imports growData released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource
Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has shown that imports of vegetables
increased by $122 million in 2011/12 compared with the previous 12
months.
Of real concern are the rapidly increasing volumes of imported frozen
products. The obvious risk is the product substitution while cheap
imports are sold against the locally grown fresh alternative.
According to an ABARES survey, 59% of vegetable growers believe
imports driving down prices are a hindrance to the future business
viability of their farm.
Leadership and negotiation training If you started the year with a resolution
to know more about your industry and
develop your leadership skills, now is the
time to act with a course on offer in May.
The 12th Annual Produce Executive
Program is calling for participants with
the program run at the Mt Eliza Centre
for Executive Education, in Victoria,
from 26-31 May.
The program is for emerging leaders
in the Australian and New Zealand
produce industry. It’s a unique blend of
personal and professional development,
skill enhancement, industry forum and
practical learning experiences.
In addition, a two and a half day
(including one evening) Commerical
Negotiating Skills in Food and Grocery
program is on offer in Melbourne
(May and October dates), Sydney
(May and October dates) and
Brisbane (April).
For further information, contact
the Institute of Food and Grocery
Management on (02) 9922 0200 or email
Buyer Carl Licastro’s 15-year-old son Nicholas, with his dog Max standing guard, was plumb tuckered out after a weekend working at Abbotsleigh Citrus at Gin Gin.
Exhausting work for city slickersHundreds of volunteers have packed up their swags and headed to farms
right across flood affected Queensland to lend distressed growers a hand
to recover after ex-tropical Cyclone Oswald swept into their lives.
Plenty of Brisbane Markets wholesalers and buyers have been doing their
bit, sending out generators and equipment or putting their family in the car
on weekends and travelling to help.
The work is eye-opening for many, and exhausting, whether they are
cleaning down orchard trees or cooking up meals.
Find out more about the big flood clean up on page 16.
In the depths of the Wide Bay flood
crisis, Brisbane Markets wholesalers
donated 42 tonnes of fresh produce
within two hours of the call for help.
The next day they backed it up with
a further 13 tonnes to send to the
devastated Bundaberg region as a show
of support.
Lindsay Transport carried the many
thousands of dollars of fresh produce,
donating the service for free and
offering its cold storage premises in
Bundaberg as a key facility to distribute
the produce from.
The fresh produce was sent to
schools, retirement villages, outlying
communities and helped feed the
displaced/flood affected residents and
hundreds of volunteers who moved into
the region to lend a hand to get it back
on its feet.
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers
(BFVG) has expressed its gratitude for
the overwhelming support received
from Brisbane Markets’ wholesalers.
The region’s horticulture industry
provides 5,000 people with work and has
a farm gate value of $400 million which
injects over $1 billion dollars into the
Queensland economy.
Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark
have a Memorandum of Understanding
with BFVG and work together closely on
many industry related issues.
Brismark Board Members have thanked
its members for their outstanding
contributions and the willingness to
assist the Bundaberg region.
Wholesalers are keeping in contact with
their flood affected growers, many of
whom are still counting the cost of the
damage.
wholesalingMarkets flood aid exceeds expectations
Brismark welcomes new General Manager
Paul Joseph, of Alfred E Chave, sorts through the many tonnes of donated fresh produce destined for flood affected Bundaberg.
Brismark has appointed Gail Woods as its new General
Manager, replacing Ian Main, who had held the position
for a decade.
Mrs Woods brings to the role many years of experience at
a senior management level within a service industry and
member organisation environment.
She is a CPA who holds a Bachelor of Business with a
major in Accounting.
Find out more by reading Mrs Woods column on page 25.
Brismark General Manager Gail Woods presents at the 2013 Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner earlier this month.
Healthy lunchbox no piece of cake
Ben Hannant’s healthy eating message
Healthy eating will be easier than
ever thanks to Brisbane Produce
Market’s soon to be released ‘Healthy
Lunchboxes for kids of all ages’.
The easy-to-flip colourful publication
will features 10 sample lunchbox
recipes brimming with clever uses of
fruit and vegetables, plus a myriad of
variations and tips to make lunchtime
far more interesting and nutritious.
The book is aimed at parents who are
organising their children’s lunchbox
but it’s a flying start for people of all
ages to enjoy healthy eating.
Initially, Healthy Lunchboxes will be
exclusively available from registered
South East Queensland retailers as
part of Brisbane Produce Market’s
‘Shop at your local greengrocer’
campaign.
Brismark’s Marketing and
Communications Department has
worked with accredited practising
dietitian, Maree Ferguson of
Dietitian Connection, to ensure its
Healthy Lunchboxes book is based
on sound nutrition principles.
Its focus centres on eating the
recommended two serves of fruit
and five serves of vegetables daily to
enhance health and wellbeing.
The recipes also urge the reader
to enjoy a variety of nutritious
foods every day by including foods
from each of the five food groups:
vegetables; fruit; breads and cereals;
dairy products; and meat, fish, eggs
and legumes.
For more information, contact
Brismark Marketing and
Communications Executive
Vikki Leng on (07) 3915 4222 or email
Brisbane Produce Market’s Healthy Kids Ambassador, Rugby League
star player, Ben Hannant will again be encouraging healthy eating
in 2013 with a big year of kid-focused eating programs ahead.
The work begins at school through the Kids Education Program,
with 120 primary schools located within one hour of the market
having the opportunity to receive a visit and a healthy eating
presentation by Brismark’s schools liaison officer.
Ben Hannant will head up the publicity campaign starting with a
media launch at a local school registered for the Brisbane Produce
Market’s Kids Education program.
For more information, contact Brismark Marketing and
Communications Officer Yvonne Klette on (07) 3915 4222 or email
LunchboxesHealthy
for kids of all ages
Brisbane Produce Market’s Healthy Kids Ambassador Ben Hannant takes his family for a fruit and veg shop.
Brisbane Markets Limited is a major sponsor of the Kids Education Program which
is run by the Market wholesaler’s organisation Brismark, under the banner of
‘Brisbane Produce Market’.
DIDYOU
KNOW?
Brismark is over 70 years old as an
organisation but it might surprise you to
know just how advanced this wholesaler
service organisation has become and
some of the services it offers.
Access your accounts anywhere, anytime
Thanks to Brismark Credit Service Online,
wholesalers and buyers can manage
their Credit Service Accounts anywhere,
anytime, with the touch of a button.
Whether by computer, tablet or smart
phone, they can connect electronically to
the Credit Service over a secure link and
access their account, see the last 16 day’s
invoices, pick up any discrepancies and
send adjustments quickly.
The service is not only convenient but
cuts the cost of account administration
by reducing data entry, printing and
filing.
To find out more call Brismark’s
Information Systems Manager on
07 3915 4222 or email
Recruitment support
You may not be aware that Brismark’s
recruitment service extends to retailers.
Onsite businesses at Brisbane Produce
Market have long had their staffing needs
looked after by the service, benefitting
from the team’s competitive rates.
Whether you’re looking for store
workers, salespeople, administration
staff, accountants or managers the team
can take the stress out of recruitment
– including advertising, screening,
testing and reference checking – at very
competitive rates.
Call Lisa Dwyer on 3915 4222 or email
[email protected] or visit
www.brismark.com.au.
Training services
Brismark’s Training and Development
service offers a wide range of staff
development and training courses
including food safety, Quality Assurance
and HACCP, Post-Harvest, forklift training
and licensing, first aid, and fire safety.
Delivered in partnership with or by
Brismark, these courses are industry
specific and tailored to your needs.
Courses are offered at Brismark’s onsite
training facilities or at a venue suitable
to you.
Find out more by contacting Lisa Dwyer,
Brismark Employment Services Manager
on 07 3915 4222 or [email protected].
There are many more services on offer.
Take a look at more information in the
Brismark General Manager’s column on
page 25.
Brismark’s services are there to help
markets
Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) is
performing strongly, as reflected in its
half yearly results.
BML CEO, Andrew Young said the
company had worked through a
difficult period in 2011 and 2012,
which has been made worse by the
economic down turn.
However, the company was still able
to announce a half year net profit
after tax of $1.769 million. This result
includes a write down in the value of
BML’s investment property, net of tax,
of $1.537 million.
The pre-tax operating result, net
of the impact of the revaluation
adjustments, was a surplus of
$4.75 million.
This result is up on the corresponding
period for the half year ended 31
December 2011, reflecting the efforts
to consolidate the company’s position
after the 2011 flood and the impact of
a number of substantial cost increases
in respect of the likes of insurance
and renewable energy charges,
together with other flood related
expenditure.
As at 31 December 2012, the company
had total assets of $208.9 million and
net assets of $92.5 million.
Brisbane Markets at a glance
Brisbane Markets half year results released
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Brisbane Markets occupies 77 hectares at Rocklea, 11km south-west of the Brisbane CBD.
• It incorporates the Brisbane Produce Market (selling floors), South Gate East and South Gate West (commercial offices and warehousing), Brisbane MarketPlace (retail markets), Flower Market, Commercial Centre and the northern warehousing areas.
• More than 600,000 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables pass through the Brisbane Markets each year.
• 53 primary wholesalers operate at the site as well as an additional 90 support businesses.
• 254 leases are in place.
• Up to 3,500 people work or do business at the Brisbane Markets on a daily basis.
• In excess of 7,000 growers supply produce for sale at the Brisbane Markets.
• The site comprises more than 35 buildings which include:• multi-tenanted selling floors,• multi-tenanted warehouses and sole occupancy warehouses, and• commercial and retail premises.
• The total lettable area of the site is 153,058m2.
9
Valentine’s Day was another blooming
success for the Brisbane Flower Market
with thousands of dollars worth of
bouquets being taken home for a romantic
evening on Thursday, 14 February.
Brisbane Flower Market wholesalers
reported a marked increase in sales of
colourful bouquets this year, scooped up
by men looking for an impressive bunch to
woo their loved ones on their way home
from work.
Coldrooms were spilling with roses in
all shades and sizes but they sat amid
bouquets of chrysanthemums, lilies,
proteas and carnations, some in fancy
wrapping and vases, with love hearts
and cards.
For the true romantics, the annual favourite
was the long stemmed Colombian roses
flown in especially for the day.
Wholesalers are already planning their
next biggest day of the year – Mother’s Day,
which falls on Sunday, 12 May 2013.
Politicians were already queuing to visit
the Brisbane Markets even before the
Federal election was called for Saturday,
14 September 2013 with arrivals from
both the State and Federal Ministers for
Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry.
Federal Minister Joe Ludwig called in to
tour the Brisbane Produce Market and
speak with industry groups and Brisbane
Market Limited on a range of industry
issues, from export, loss of fruit fly
prevention chemicals and working visas
through to the mandatory horticulture
code of conduct.
The day before, State Minister John
McVeigh arrived to encourage
Queenslanders to eat home grown
mangoes.
His message was to appreciate the
history behind each bite as the R2E2
mango celebrated its 30th year.
Valentine’s Day a blooming success
Politicians among the fruit and veg
Brisbane Markets is working with grower associations to update its
www.brisbanemarkets.com.au website with some Delicious Recipes, to encourage
consumers to cook with fresh fruit and vegetables.
You can also sign up for a free monthly recipe, tips and hints online newsletter
called Fresh Inspirations. Find it at www.brisbanemarkets.com.au/delicious-recipes
DIDYOU
KNOW?
markets
Kirsty Slade of Redland Fresh Flowers prepares a bouquet during the busy Valentine’s Day sales in the Brisbane Flower Market.
State Minister for Agriculture
Fisheries and Forestry John
McVeigh celebrates the R2E2
mango’s 30th birthday.
11
Talks to upgrade Central Trading AreaBrisbane Markets Limited has
progressed its site upgrade
investigations with tenant
workshops held to discuss
upgrading the Brisbane Produce
Market Central Trading Floor, an
area reliant on buildings that are
close to 50 years of age.
Wholesalers were keen to view
the options to upgrade and even
redevelop sections of the site with
a view of meeting their needs over
the coming 15-20 years.
A number of different options were
proposed in relation to covering
the open space between the selling
floor buildings and the Covered
Unloading Area. A concept to
redevelop Building D was also
raised for discussion.
The workshop attendees showed a
clear direction for Brisbane Markets
Limited to investigate the preferred
options further with detailed
design and planning work along
with an assessment of costs.
This work will be progressed
over the coming quarter and will
be followed by workshops to be
conducted for Selling Floor tenants
before any final decisions are
made.
Brisbane Market wholesalers attend workshops to
discuss developing the Brisbane Produce Market’s
Central Trading Area.
The sheds in the immediate foreground are those of
the aging Brisbane Produce Market that is under the
spotlight.
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Feature Annual Gala Dinner
markets
The who’s who of Brisbane Markets
wholesalers and industry guests poured
into the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention
Centre for the Brisbane Produce Market’s
Annual Gala Dinner.
Some 510 guests were treated to a night of
entertainment with performances from
The Swingin Martinis and live dance band
The Accidents, the staging of the annual
Markets fun DVD, 40+ years’ service awards,
Retailer of the Year announcements and
plenty of food and wine.
The Gala Dinner is an annual event, hosted
by Brismark and Brisbane Markets Limited.
It is a night of dancing and networking for
the Market’s community.
One of Brisbane’s newest greengrocer
outlets, owned by one of our city’s most
established fruiterer families, has proven it
is the pick of the bunch by taking out the
Brisbane Produce Market’s 2013 Retailer of
the Year award.
Nick Nicolaou, of Carindale’s Fresh
Sensations, located at Westfield Shopping
Centre on Creek Road, received the
coveted trophy at the Brisbane Produce
Market’s Annual Gala Dinner on Friday
night, 1 March, 2013.
The award took Mr Nicolaou by surprise,
despite having won a retailer of the month
award twice in the lead up to the win, and
being part of a long line of fruiterers with
successes under their belt.
The family also operates Fresh Sensations
Chermside, another retailer of the year
finalist, and Fresh Sensations Capalaba.
His father, John, received a 40+ years’
service award on the night after a full
career working and doing business in the
Brisbane Markets.
State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry John McVeigh presented the
award with John Nicolaou, flanked by Nick
and his other family members, accepting
the shield and $10,000 prize money.
Fresh Sensations Carindale was selected
from 25 finalists, each mystery shopped
from a pool of 110 South East Queensland
independent fruit and vegetable retailers
who buy fresh fruit and vegetables
regularly at the Brisbane Markets.
Who’s who celebrates in style
Retailer of the Year a Fresh Sensation!
The Nicolaou family from Fresh Sensations Carindale
celebrate their Brisbane Produce Market Retailer of the
Year win.
Carlo and Susan Lorenti, of Clayfield Markets Fresh, with their Best Display and Merchandising category award.
Top 25 greengrocer finalistsNot just any retailer can find themselves up for an
award in the Brisbane Produce Market Retailer of the
Year finals.
The top 25 greengrocers were selected after extensive
mystery shopping in 2012. All are registered in the
Brisbane Produce Market Retailer Program, designed
to educate consumers and support greengrocers who
buy their wholesale produce at the Brisbane Produce
Market.
The finalists were:
Ants Fruit Market, Boonah
Belmondos, Noosaville
Brady’s Fruit, Palmwoods
Burleigh Village Greengrocer, Burleigh Heads
Charlie’s Fruit Market, Everton Park
Clayfield Markets Fresh, Clayfield
Crispy Carrot, Mt Gravatt
Farmers Markets, McWhirters, Fortitude Valley
Fenwick’s Fruit Emporium, Buderim
Fresh Fanatics, Calamvale
Fresh Sensations, Carindale
Fresh Sensations, Chermside
Get Fresh @ Cotton Tree, Cotton Tree
Jeffers Market, Maroochydore
Jeffers Market, Yandina
Kenmore Fresh, Kenmore
Nerang Quality Fresh Fruit & Veg, Nerang
Paradise Fruit, Birkdale
Perry’s Fruit Market, Wynnum
Rode Fresh, Stafford
Simon’s Gourmet Gallery, Chapel Hill
Top Spot Fruit Mart, Aspley
Victoria Point Fruit Market, Victoria Point
Westridge Fruit & Vegetables, Toowoomba
Wrights Bribie Fruit, Bribie Island
Stores were evaluated on customer service, quality
produce, product knowledge, shop appearance,
merchandising and their commitment to Brisbane
Markets initiatives.
The Brisbane Produce Market Retailer Program
encourages and rewards excellence in fresh produce
retailing. It provides registered stores with support
materials and services so they, in turn, can provide
their customers with superior service and highest
quality fruit and vegetables.
Two additional greengrocers received an honour
during the Brisbane Produce Market Retailer of the
Awards with 2013, the first year its registered retailers
have been recognised for their customer service and
their display and merchandising prowess.
Nick Criticos, of Farmers’ Markets McWhirters,
in Fortitude Valley, took out the Customer Service
category and $2,500 in prize money for his store’s
impressive work.
In the past, Carlo and Susan Lorenti, of Clayfield
Markets Fresh, have been Retailers of the Year an
unprecedented three times. This year they took out the
best display and merchandising category with the store
also receiving $2,500.
Additional stores awarded
Nick Criticos, of Farmers’ Markets McWhirters, in Fortitude Valley, receives his Customer Service category award from Brismark General Manager Gail Woods.
13
40+ years’ service award participant Dario Vescovi, of GNL Produce, with his wife Jane.
Ken Madden, of JH Leavy gains a 40+ years’ service award cuddle of congratulations from wife Margaret.
Feature Annual Gala Dinner
Sponsors
Major Sponsors
Supporters
always thinking...
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The Brisbane Markets Community would like to
thank the following sponsors for making the 2013
Brisbane Produce Market Gala Dinner possible: Some of Brisbane Markets longest serving community
members were honoured during its annual gala dinner with
the awarding of 40+ years’ service awards.
It is the third time in the Market’s history at the Rocklea
site that the men and women who have continued to make
Queensland’s Central Market hub a success for more than
two decades were honoured.
Recipients were: Dick Baptist, Margaret Batchelor, Rob
Clarke, John Dart, Sue Dean, Michael Deveney, Jean
Donaldson, Maurie Goffman, Tony Joseph, Peter Kedwell,
Con Leontsinis, Gary Lower, Ken Madden, Keith Mahaffey,
John Martin, John Nicolaou, Wayne Russell, Wally Samphier,
Pamela Scott, Dario Vescovi, Rob Whatling and Ern Wood.
40 plus years service honoured
Former wholesaler Ern Wood (left), of J E Tipper,
stands with BML Chairman Tony Joseph to speak
on behalf of the Brisbane Markets long service
community members.
Murray Bros’ Victor Choeun and his wife Lina prepared for a great night of entertainment.
Brisbane Markets Director Simon George (left), of Simon George and Sons, wife Prue, and son Mich attended the night.
Gibb Bros Principal David Goffman with his wife Judy.
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PROUD SPONSOR OF BRISBANE MARKETS
40 plus years service honoured
BG Brisbane’s Vince Mailli and his wife
Bernadette enjoying the night.
40+years’ service award recipient John Dart, of Trumps (centre) arrives, with his wife Betty and son, Declan.
Bowen Gumlu Growers Association’s Trudy
and Carl Walker travelled from North
Queensland for the event.
Catching up were (from left) former JE Tipper
wholesaler Ern Wood, wife Gloria, Maree Joseph
and her husband Tony Joseph, the Brisbane Markets
Limited chairman.
The Swingin Martinis pull out some fun, high energy song, on the night.
The Swingin Martinis’ dance girls thrill the crowd.
15
Queensland is still trying to recover from
some of the worst flooding on record
in growing regions after being savaged
by ex-tropical Cyclone Oswald over the
January Australia Day weekend.
Heavy rains throughout February and
into March have only hampered the
clean up adding more distress to farming
communities. The hit to the Queensland
economy from the floods alone will be
about $2.5 billion, according to the state’s
Local Government Community Recovery
and Resilience, David Crisafulli.
Queensland grower representative
organisation Growcom estimates that
65% of growers were severely impacted
in the Lockyer Valley, 55% in the Fassifern
Valley, 50% in the Bundaberg region and
30% in the Gayndah/Mundubbera region.
AUSVEG spokesman Hugh Gurney said
the effects on vegetable production
operations in Queensland will be felt for
generations.
Initially January rains were welcomed by
growers across the State until ex-tropical
Cyclone Oswald continued to strengthen
and journeyed right down Australia’s east
coast, bringing destructive winds and
flooding rains.
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers
(BFVG) Executive Officer Peter Hockings
said it would be impossible to assess the
damage to crops for some time to come.
He said some tree crops might initially
appear fine only to die of water damage
in a few months time.
In the Lockyer and Fasifern Valley’s, crops
were not only destroyed but metres of
fertile top soil was washed away that
could take up to 10 years to replace.
Robert Hinrichsen, principal of Brisbane
Markets wholesaler Franklin Bros and
director of Kalfresh, one of Queensland’s
largest vegetable producers, described
the flood damage to Kalbar farms as
“catastrophic”.
On the Sunshine Coast, macadamia,
lychee and small crop growers were
severely hit. Most impacts were from
wind and loss of power.
In the citrus growing regions of Gayndah
and Mundubera, growers were isolated
for days with up to 1200 power poles
washed out, leaving them with no power,
no phones and no roads.
Although there will be no shortage
of fruit, their big concern was that
supermarkets would start importing
citrus rather than wait for growers to
recover and send their fresh produce
at a time they needed support the
most. However, after a public plea,
supermarkets have committed to assist
the growers and buy Australian.
Queensland’s big wet to be felt for generations to come
Feature Our Angry Summer
17
The Brisbane Markets community
may have sighed with relief after
threats of flooding, and later, water
shortages did not occur but the
experience has put the whole
community’s disaster response plans
to the test.
While heavy rains and winds ripped
through Brisbane’s suburbs over the
Australia Day long weekend creating
flash flooding, at no stage did any of
the Brisbane Markets operating areas
experience any water inundation.
Brisbane Markets Limited put its
Disaster Management Plan into
action in the lead up and during
the height of its eight hour power
loss, caused by a bank of Energex’s
transmitters blowing, and the
impending flood situation.
The protocols focused on clear,
timely communications with tenants,
eliminating the possible harm
to assets and placing on standby
recovery equipment and support,
if it was required.
It was a different type of flood to the
one experienced in 2011.
Much of the concern behind this
event was driven by media outlets,
from reports that the site was flooded
when water had not reached it, to the
predicted loss of useable water after
the event, which Queensland Urban
Utilities confirmed was false.
The response of tenants was quick
and decisive at a time when many
coldrooms were heavily stocked and
staffing levels were tested by road
closures and a long weekend.
Market Disaster Plans put to the test
Brisbane Market Stationers, Packaging, Tape and Supplies return more than 40 pallets of stock to their warehouse after it self evacuated its Brisbane Markets Commercial Centre shop front.
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR OF HELI FORKLIFTS
The Newman Government has been able
to secure additional assistance under
Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery
Arrangements (NDRRA), for more
Queensland primary producers.
Flood-affected farmers in the Central
Highlands, Rockhampton, Sunshine
Coast, Gold Coast, Western Downs and
all of Logan local government areas can
now apply for Category C assistance,
and enhanced disaster loans for primary
producers under Category D.
Additional areas in Toowoomba and
Goondiwindi Regional Councils have also
been added to the current activations in
those Council areas.
The full list of funding available through
the Exceptional Disaster Assistance
Scheme is available from the Queensland
Rural Adjustment Authority on Freecall
1800 623 946.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry John McVeigh said the Newman
Government have worked closely with
industry and local councils to secure
the funding.
“Category C provides clean up and
recovery grants up to $25,000 for primary
producers in these additional areas,”
Mr McVeigh said.
“The Category D enhanced disaster
loans included a grant to $50,000 with the
first two years of the loan interest and
repayment free.
“From the third year of the loan, the new
record low 1.7 per cent interest rate for
disaster loans will initially apply.”
These new measures are in addition to
the standard disaster loans up to $250,000
and the primary producer freight
subsidies up to $5,000 available under
Category B of the NDRRA.
Category C grants provide for two
tiers of assistance, with Tier 1 being
an initial cash grant up to $5,000 to
allow immediate repair activities and
a subsequent grant requiring proof of
expenditure for larger scale works.
Primary producers should keep all
receipts and invoices of expenditure
and contact the Queensland Rural
Adjustment Authority (QRAA) on
1800 623 946 to discuss eligibility.
Highest disaster assistance available
The National Rural Advisory Council has highlighted the volatility faced by
Australian farmers compared to other sectors of our economy in a document
entitled “Feasibility of agricultural insurance products in Australia for weather-
related risks”.
The document was released late last year.
A copy of the report can be found at http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/
drought/nrac/work-program/agricultural-insurance-feasibility
DIDYOU
KNOW?
Feature Our Angry Summer
Photo courtesy of Paul Heymans, Paul Computers.
There’s more to a quality operation at the Brisbane Produce Market
than just quality produce. Brismark, representing Queensland
wholesalers, provides a range of services ensuring members can offer
growers and buyers the highest level of reliability and professionalism.
Brismark’s services include the Brismark Credit Service, Bad Debt
Reserves, Debt Recovery Services, training, recruitment and industry
representation. These services performed by Brismark’s dedicated team
benefit not just wholesalers, but help maintain a secure, stable and
efficient industry for everyone.
Check if your wholesaler is a Brismark member. Find out more at www.brismark.com.au or phone the free Market Hotline on 1800 631 002.
The quality of Brismark’s operation is not just in the produce
Level 2, Fresh Centre, 385 Sherwood Road, Rocklea | PO Box 70, Brisbane Markets 4106Tel: (07) 3915 4222 | Fax: (07) 3915 4224 | FREECALL 1800 631 [email protected] | www.brismark.com.au
When fresh produce needed to be sent to
flood ravaged Bundaberg, it was Lindsay
Transport that our Brisbane Markets
wholesalers picked the phone up to make
the request.
Within hours, heavy vehicles were being
dispatched to cart the produce north,
for free, securing Lindsay Transport’s
relationship with Brisbane Markets even
further, in a partnership that extends six
decades.
In March 2013, Lindsay Transport celebrates
its 60th year since the pioneering vision of
the founding Lindsay Brothers, Tom and
Peter Lindsay began the firm.
Getting started
It was 1953 that the Lindsay brothers began
their transport journey at Boambee, near
Coffs Harbour, after buying three trucks
from their father.
By 1970, the Lindsay fleet had grown to
20 trucks and 23 trailers, with operations
opening in Queensland.
It would soon enter the business of
refrigerated freight, and has since
has become one of Australia’s largest
refrigerated transport companies.
Business today
The Lindsay business transports more than
1.5 million pallets of freight over
50 million kilometres every year.
Lindsay Transport is now entering its
seventh decade where the company has
evolved into a fully integrated transport,
logistics, and rural supply company.
It is one of the largest refrigerated
transport fleets in the country, combined
with an extensive network of refrigerated
warehousing
Sweet potato consumer research releasedConsumers love their sweet potato, particularly if it’s a
smaller torpedo shape that offers ease of preparation
and is large enough for about two meals.
That’s just one of the findings from the latest
Sweet Potato Consumer Research released by the
Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (DAFFQ).
The 24-page report is fascinating reading with the low
Glycemic Index status vegetable perceived as a tasty,
satisfying food with low carbohydrates that could be
swapped with white potatoes, particularly for those
on diets.
The research, using focus group participants around
Australia, identified behaviour and purchasing drivers
of sweet potato consumers, looked at their insights and
better ways to market the popular vegetable.
It’s aimed to develop and implement a quantitative
study on sweet potato attitudes and behaviours based
on the results on the study.
businessLindsay Transport commemorates 60 years
March 1953 - 2013
Diamond Jubilee
Celebrating
2013
Lindsay 2013 diary.indd 9
10/08/12 11:16:37 AM
21Performance improvement by focusing on the right numbers
BY ANDREW MALINS – AFFINITY ACCOUNTING PLUS
The dramatic changes in the Brisbane
Markets over the past 10 years have been
as a result of various forces, including the
chain store dominance and 2011 flood to
name but two. If there’s one guarantee in
life, it’s that change will continue.
The businesses which have failed over
that time (whether in the markets or
outside) have been the ones that did not
know or understand what their numbers
were telling them.
There is a huge discrepancy between the
best and worst performing businesses.
The best way to improve your results is
to monitor and focus your business in a
similar way that elite sporting teams do.
The difference is that unlike sporting
teams, you don’t currently have the
statistics to compare yourself with your
competition. Can you imagine the
Broncos coaching staff not looking at their
missed tackles, dropped ball counts etc
versus their opposition?
Affinity Accounting Plus is launching
a benchmarking study of the Brisbane
Markets wholesalers to provide specific
industry data to assist participating
businesses drive performance
improvement.
The study is completely confidential and
other than our firm, no one will receive
information identifying any individual
business however industry averages and
best practice benchmarks will be available
to participants.
The resulting report will enable
wholesalers to compare their results to
where they should be and take action to
ensure they move up or stay at the top of
the “ladder”. Like great sporting teams,
the results will only come from working
on the right areas, time and having the
right talent on board.
FINDING IT HARD IN THIS TOUGH MARKET?DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW WELL YOU’RE PERFORMING?
07 3725 6100 | WWW.AFFINITYPLUS.COM.AU PO BOX 399 BRISBANE MARKET Q 4106
At Affinity Accounting Plus: » We understand how to maximise the capabilities of
the industry's choice of software, FRESH. » We can streamline your administration, to give you
faster reporting and access to results. » We are more than just accountants, we are
financial planners, business developers and superannuation experts.
Affinity Accounting Plus have extensive experience in the industry and are based in Southgate East Commercial Centre at Brisbane Markets, Rocklea.
A simple approach to business
improvement that any business
owner can follow is:
1. Identify the key performance areas
requiring improvement.
2. Set target performance standards
for those areas (KPIs).
3. Focus your team’s attention on
the focus areas for intensive
improvement (usually over a 90 day
period).
4. Monitor results and make
adjustments as required to
improve the focus areas.
5. Assess results and identify next
area for improvement.
Of course there’s a lot more
to building a great business
than these simple steps. When
advising businesses on long term
improvement and strategy, we have a
large range of tools, books, templates
and pro-forma available, free, for all
Brisbane Markets tenants to assist
their business to perform at the top
of their game.
Register your interest in the
benchmarking study at
www.affinityplus.com.au.
Rain a welcome sight for dry Bowen
BY SARAH SIMPSON, BOWEN GUMLU GROWERS ASSOCIATION (BGGA)
Santa Clause provided some much
needed rain over the Christmas period,
a welcome sight for many in the Bowen
and Gumlu region, which resulted in a
nice green start to 2013.
Weather
Rain events in late January resulted
in some minor flooding to areas
surrounding the Don River as well as
low lying areas. Total rainfall for January
was 219.6mm, with the largest rainfall
event on 24 January with 130.88mm.
This low pressure system then moved
down to our southern neighbours
causing devastation to areas such as
Bundaberg and the Lockyer Valley. We
hope that these growing regions are
able to look to the future and rebuild
after this huge blow.
Research
BGGA is working collaboratively with a
few research projects, one of which is
looking at Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
and Potato Leafroll Virus.
This project will run collaboratively
with the Queensland Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
(DAFFQ) research staff.
In produce associated with these
viruses have affected the regions tomato
production over the past couple of
years. Symptoms of both are sometimes
hard to distinguish and once a plant
is infected, growth is stunted and
production is reduced.
Currently we are also working on an
aphids research proposal which we are
hopeful will receive funding this year.
BGGA is also in collaboration on
other projects such as the Regional
Food Network, Rural Industries
Healthy Worker Initiative, Women In
Horticulture and Reef Guardians to
name a few.
Community
A YouTube competition was run
exclusively in 2012 at Bowen State
High School.
This competition provided an
opportunity to engage students in
various aspect of the horticulture
industry and to also educate them
of the employment opportunities
available. The winning video created
by Year 8 student Jessica Pollard can
be viewed on our website at www.
bowengumlugrowers.com.au/comps-
promos
Systems approach
In previous years, the anticipated
removal of dimethoate and fenthion
from growers led to a proactive attempt
by BGGA and DAFFQ research staff to
look into alternatives into managing
Queensland fruit fly.
A research project was conducted and
was highly successful, with alternative
chemicals found to be highly effective
against the pest.
The lengthy process associated with this
‘systems approach’ looks to be nearing
an end, with growers in the region
hopefully being able to use it in this
coming season.
industry
23
The New Year has brought with it
some farewells to people in the
horticulture industry who have
long held their positions and the
welcoming of new faces.
Some of the new appointments
include:
Apple and Pear Australia Limited
(APAL) Managing Director Jon
Durham has tendered his resignation,
effective from 30 September 2013.
Mr Durham has worked with APAL
and its predecessor organisation,
Australian Apple and Pear Growers
Association, for more than two
decades.
APAL is currently seeking a
replacement.
Golden girl Libby Trickett has been
appointed by the Australian Table
Grape Industry for the second year
in a row to spearhead a summer
marketing campaign encouraging
Aussies to Munch-A Bunch-A Grapes
while there are plenty available.
Ms Trickett slimmed down for her
swimming career comeback at the
2012 London Games and is using her
diet, the Seven Day Grape Shape
Healthy Eating Plan, to help others
lose kilos too.
Rugby league star and Queensland
Maroons player Ben Hannant
continues in his role as ambassador
of the Brisbane Produce Market’s
Schools Program in 2013.
The father of four is not only one
of the strong men of league but a
devoted family man and staunch
advocate of healthy living, with a
focus on nutritious food and an
active lifestyle.
Queensland fresh produce identity
Felicity Robson-Rous has taken up
her position as the chairwoman of
the Produce Marketing Association
(PMA) Australia-New Zealand.
Other board members include John
Said, Fresh Select – Vice Chairman;
Michaelis Bambacas, Lynch Group
– treasurer; Robert Nugan, Fresh
Produce Group; Kerry Wells, MG
Marketing (NZ); Fabian Carniel,
Mulgowie Farming; Nick Pagett,
IGA Fresh; Rob Fisher, Turners
and Growers (NZ); Paul Harker,
Woolworths; Andrew Keaney,
Foodstuffs Auckland (NZ); Martin
Kneebone, Freshlogic; Tristan Harris,
Harris Farm.
Australian Summerfruit has engaged
model, television presenter and
foodie Rachael Finch as its industry
face.
She replaces overweight, middle-
aged Italian greengrocer, Con the
Fruiterer. However, Summerfruit still
maintains its “100% Dribbilicious”
motto.
Citrus Australia has appointed Ben
Cant to the Board, replacing industry
stalwart and Queenslander Kevin
Parr.
Mr Cant is a third generation citrus
grower from Renmark.
Assistant Horticulture Mediation
Adviser & Assistant Produce and
Grocery Industry Ombudsman
Bianca Keys has resigned.
Stephanie Papapavlou has stepped
into the role to work with David
Newton, Horticulture Mediation
Adviser, with the food codes.
Ms Papapavlou has been assisting
Ms Keys in the food code area over
the last 12 months.
Ms Papapavlou is qualified as a
solicitor and a nationally accredited
mediator. She has had five years
experience working in dispute
resolution, including experience in
telephone intervention, mediation
training, dispute resolution
consultancy and dispute resolution
administration.
New appointments for horticulture
Kids Healthy Eating Ambassador Ben Hannant
(right) learns more about fresh produce from
Clayfield Markets Fresh’s Carlo Lorenti.
An innovative research centre to better
manage fresh produce safety issues in
Australia and New Zealand has been
set up.
A Food Safety Taskforce initiated by
Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Australia-New Zealand and comprising
of representatives from all sectors of the
supply chain, has also been appointed to
assist in the project.
Run by the University of Sydney’s
Faculty of Agriculture and Environment
and PMA Australia-New Zealand, the
Fresh Produce Safety Centre has been
established as part of a major project to
identify a model and priorities for fresh
produce safety research, awareness and
the importance of enhancing current
safety practices.
The project, using voluntary funds
from both organisations, with matched
funding from the Australian Government
through Horticulture Australia Limited,
focuses on three critical objectives.
1. To plan how the fresh produce
industry will handle major food safety
outbreaks in the region, particularly in
crisis mitigation and management, and
consumer communication.
2. To identify research needs that are
specific to the Australian and New
Zealand fresh produce industry and
to develop local or international
collaborative partnerships in research,
outreach and education to address
these needs.
3. To translate relevant research
outcomes from the Center for
Produce Safety at the University of
California-Davis for application in the
Australasian fresh produce industries.
The website of the new Fresh Produce
Safety Centre can be found at
www.freshproducesafety-anz.com.
Fresh Produce Safety Centre launched
The Queensland Government has released
its six month action plan (January–June 2013)
with agriculture strongly featured as a way of
achieving economic growth.
The document, released in January, is a
summarised ‘To Do’ list for government
ministers and their departments, setting
milestones and seeking to secure transparency
government.
The list of goals is lengthy, with the launch
of a 30 year Strategic Plan for Queensland
agriculture eagerly awaited by the horticulture
industry, eager to see what is planned.
Other priorities include promises on flying fox
mitigation, electricity and water issues, skills,
training and education issues and progress on
the Agricultural Land Audit.
A copy of the full Six Month Action Plan can be
found at http://tinyurl.com/cfrjn7x
30 Year Strategic Plan promised
industry
25
Brismark’s services aid the industryBY BRISMARK GENERAL MANAGER GAIL WOODS
It is a pleasure to write my first
column as the General Manager of a
professional and proactive industry
organisation such as Brismark.
Coming from a background in a large
membership organisation, focusing
on membership services and finance,
I am impressed with the fact that
Brismark offers a unique blend of
services and representation to its
members. It has a solid commitment
to our Markets, the Central Market
System and the horticulture industry.
In this issue I would like to focus on
the services Brismark offers growers
and retailers.
Cornerstone
The Brismark Credit Service is a
cornerstone that supports the
entire industry.
Commencing in 1973, it provides
the central market wholesalers with
strong financial security, which in
turn provides financial confidence for
growers who supply the Market. Cost
savings and other services are also
provided to Market retailers.
Debt Recovery
The Debt Recovery Service may be
lesser known but is invaluable in
assisting businesses across the supply
chain to recovery outstanding debts.
Quality Assurance
Brismark can help wholesalers and
growers identify the level of quality
assurance accreditation required
to supply wholesalers and other
businesses.
Through our industry networks we
can assist the small grower with Fresh
Care accreditation and larger growers
who require HACCP accreditation.
Brismark offers additional services from
the provision of manuals to managing
the entire Quality Assurance system.
FreshTest
FreshTest is a national biological and
chemical testing service that can be
arranged directly with Brismark.
It is competitively priced and as the
test results are housed on a secure
and private database, there is no risk
of losing results, which is critical
when it comes to audit.
Workplace safety
Brismark performs workplace safety
scans and provides a report with
key recommendations to assist
all businesses across the supply
chain with immediate and ongoing
compliance with Workplace Health &
Safety legislation.
Avoiding financial penalty for
noncompliance and promoting
a health and safety culture are
worthwhile benefits.
Recruitment and training
Brismark offers a recruitment
service to wholesalers, which builds
relationships with the markets. We
can also offer this service to retailers.
A wide range of training is provided
within the market precinct and
through off-site providers if
necessary.
Supporting growers
Our Marketing and Communications
Executive is on hand to answer
grower enquiries, support grower
delegations and discuss industry
sponsorships.
In addition, the Markets Hotline exists
to make us more accessible.
Our complaints service has been
specifically designed to investigate
issues raised by growers and others
who would like to voice a grievance
regarding business with the markets.
Ultimately, Brismark aims to build
relationships and dialogue with
growers and retailers to ensure the
strength of the Central Market System
and the horticulture industry. I am
proud to have a part in supporting the
industry.
Industry news bites
Industry HQs move officeTwo industry organisations have
changed their office details and
contacts.
Onions Australia is in a new street
address and can be found at 105A
Commercial St East, Mount Gambier,
South Australia 5290.
Its contact details are (08) 87258 862 or
contact Acting CEO Lechelle Earl on
0458 111126 or
The Australian Mango Industry has
moved to the ground floor of the Fresh
Centre building at the Brisbane Markets.
Its new postal address is PO Box 376,
Brisbane Markets QLD 4106 and contact
details are 07 3278 3755.
Ag growing its positionQueensland’s horticulture industry
had positioned itself well at the end
of last year.
Figures released by the Queensland
Department of Agriculture Fisheries and
Forestry show production and lifestyle
horticulture is projected to be Queensland’s
largest agricultural industry ahead of beef,
by a healthy margin of about $400 million
this financial year.
Production horticulture - fruit and vegetable
growing - is Queensland’s second biggest
agricultural industry and is worth more than
twice the value of sugar, almost twice the
value of all grains and almost four times the
value of cotton.
AgTrends 2012-13 data shows fruit and nut
production is worth more than all cereal
grains combined, including wheat, barley,
maize and sorghum.
A healthy eye on cornA new Australian variety of sweetcorn could hold the key to fighting age-related macular
degeneration, says peak vegetable body AUSVEG, thanks to the naturally occurring
pigment zeaxanthin.
You would generally need to eat an unfeasibly high amount of sweetcorn to achieve the
levels required for eye health.
However, Supergold sweetcorn is a breakthrough, with the new variety containing
enough of the pigment in half a cob to help improve eye health.
Plant pathologist Dr Tim O’Hare and his team at the University of Queensland’s Alliance
for Agricultural and Food Innovation worked on the project from 2008.
Industry news bites Blueprint for a fractured agricultural sectorThe National Farmers Federation
launched a comprehensive blueprint
for Australian agriculture in February,
setting priorities for the sector out as
far as 2050.
The ‘Blueprint for Australian
Agriculture’ was 18 months in
the making and is the product of
consultations and conversations with
farmers, agribusinesses, government
and community groups; 3,700 people
made submissions to the process
through forums, meetings and surveys.
Its aim is to identify issues that are
common across the whole agri-sector,
lay out strategies to deal with those,
as well as a vision for what success in
those areas would look like.
Its findings are a way to bring an
often-fractured sector together.
To access a full copy or summary
of the Blueprint,
visit www.nff.org.au/blueprint.html.
Ag studies on the increaseThere is a growing interest in signing up
to study agriculture and environmental
courses at Queensland tertiary education
centres this year.
Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre
said study areas showing the biggest
percentage increase on applicant
popularity included information
technology, agriculture and environment
and engineering – up 9.7% on last year.
Website helping flood affected farmersClare de Luca, a Queensland grower
whose family fruit orchards were
flooded in the recent downpours,
has set up a website encouraging
shoppers to support produce from
damaged regions.
The site showcases grower’s brands
and labels so that shoppers can
look out for them in their local
greengrocer.
“We want to get the message out
that we still have plenty of product
available and it is more important
than ever to buy Australian grown,”
Ms de Luca said.
You can find the site at
http://helpqldfarmers.com.au/
27
industry
Despite the high volumes of product
and the large numbers of transactions in
moving fresh produce from the farm gate
to consumers, the fresh produce industry
experiences a low level of disputes.
If, however, storage, quality, pricing,
payment and communication issues have
replaced the cheer of the festive season,
you can take steps to avoid, or at least
manage conflict with these tips from the
Horticulture Mediation Adviser.
1. Be clear about the supply arrangement
If you are an agent or merchant and are
dealing with a grower, you are required
by legislation to have a written agreement
in place. This protects you, and gives you
access to dispute resolution services if
things go wrong. Template agreements
are available from Brismark.
2. Manage expectations
Be clear with those you deal with about
challenges you face. Discuss what will
work and be openly realistic. Avoid over-
committing, which will lead to frustrations
when you cannot meet targets.
3. Keep to commitments
When you have realistic objectives,
keep to the commitments that you have
made. This will build trust and avoid any
breakdown in communication.
4. Maintain contact
Regular contact is important. It is the
key to avoiding misunderstanding. It
provides the opportunity for support and
understanding. Have a chat!
5. Keep your cool when things heat up
Manage your response to keep the
peace.
• Ask the other person to express their
point of view;
• Listen to what is said;
• Acknowledge what you have heard and
ask questions, and then;
• Assert your points using “I” and “My”
language rather than blame-filled “You”
statements e.g. “My issue with that idea
is…” (rather than “my problem with
you is..!”)
If despite your best efforts, you find
yourself in conflict, there is help at hand.
Firstly, contact the Brisbane Markets
Dispute Resolution Service by calling the
Market Hotline on 1800 631 002. Brismark
will be able to explore the situation,
offering the grower a no cost service to
resolve the situation.
Secondly, you could call the Horticulture
Mediation Adviser (HMA) or the Produce
and Grocery Industry Ombudsman
(PGIO). They can assist you to manage and
resolve conflict quickly and without cost.
The HMA and PGIO are independent
services that help traders and growers to
reach workable outcomes.
Whether you need information on what
the Code says, a referral for advice, or
help to resolve a problem, the HMA and
PGIO can suggest the best process for
you. All contact is confidential.
Top tips for keeping peace in the market place
A top business tip: Be clear with those you deal with
about challenges you face. Discuss what will work and
be openly realistic.
29
Managing the grapevineBY SAL TRUJILLO, BRISBANE MARKETS LIMITED HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
The organisational grapevine is
an informal channel of business
communication which stretches in
all directions irrespective of existing
authority levels.
Every business has an informal
communication channel regardless of
the size of the business.
This office chatter is an important
source of information for managers
and business owners as it can provide
key information regarding employee
morale and issues that are important
to employees.
The grapevine is of value to employees
because they tend to trust what comes
from the grapevine. This is due to the
fact that usually management is not
involved in grapevine communications.
It has some advantages which include:
• Grapevine channels carry
information rapidly.
• Managers get to know the reactions
of their employees on policies and
other key issues.
• The grapevine creates a sense of
unity among the employees who
share and discuss their views with
each other.
• It serves as an emotional supportive
value.
• It serves as a supplement in those
cases where formal communication
does not work.
The disadvantages of grapevine
communication are:
• It carries partial information at times
as it is more based on rumours.
• It is not always trustworthy.
• The productivity of employees may
be hampered as they spend more
time talking rather than working.
• It can create hostility against
managers and business owners.
• It may hinder the goodwill of the
organisation as it may carry false
negative information.
Rumours cannot be eliminated;
therefore managers and business
owners must manage it.
Here are some tips on effectively
managing the organisational
information communciation:
• Provide accurate information.
• Share information quickly.
Employees are more likely to trust
and believe information which is
disseminated quickly.
• Adopt an open door approach.
Employees should feel that they
can approach management with
questions, suggestions, ideas or
concerns.
• Hold meetings. Your employees
need to receive information at
regular intervals.
• Keep your content straightforward
and concise.
• Don’t react. Don’t get angry or
upset when you hear information
that isn’t accurate or that should
have been confidential. Correct
negative, wrong and false
perceptions quickly.
• Use the grapevine. When there
is news to report don’t keep it to
yourself or assume that someone
else will spread the news.
Managers and business owners
should take these opportunities to
create and foster the organisational
culture by feeding the grapevine with
positive information.
DIDYOUKNOW?
Less than half
of Australian
parents prepare
fresh fruit for their
family on a daily basis,
according to a report launched
by Australian Pineapples.
The ‘Australian Pineapples
Family Nutrition Report’
found that despite 60% of
parents surveyed saying they
wanted their children to eat
more fresh fruit, only 46% of
them provided fruit for their
children every day.
MARCH
29 MarchGOOD FRIDAY
APRIL
1 AprilEASTER MONDAY
4-6 AprilFRESH PRODUCE INDIA Bangalore, India
For more information contact
Alexandra Walker on (02) 800 53495, 0416 428 561, email [email protected] or visit www.freshproduceindia.com
India’s only fresh produce conference with a program that focuses on the recent changes within India and provides networking opportunities.
24-16 AprilGLOBAL BERRY CONGRESS
Sheraton Hotel, Santiago, Chile
For more information contact Email Marija Cvetkovic at [email protected] visit www.berrycongress.com
First time the international berry forum has been held outside of Europe to examine the berry industry.
25 AprilANZAC DAY HOLIDAY
MAY
2-3 MayNATIONAL VEGETABLE EXPO
Dairy Road, Werribee, Vic
For more information contact
Helen Whitman on 0407 772 299 or David Milburn on 0438 413 505 or visit http://www.vgavic.org.au/communication/events/veg_
expo___2013.htm
Every two years the National Vegetable Expo provides a venue for vegetable growers, seed companies and industry suppliers to discuss the best the industry has to offer.
10 May2013 QUEENSLAND STRAWBERRY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE DINNER
Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters, Sunshine Coast, Qld
For more information contact
Jennifer Rowling on (07) 5474 0374, 0438 752 177 or email [email protected]
The event is an annual get-together for the Queensland strawberry industry with keynote speakers and an opportunity to meet suppliers and industry wholesalers.
14-17 May9TH AUSTRALIAN MANGO CONFERENCE
Pullman Cairns International and orchards in Mareeba, Qld
For more information contact
Trevor Dunmall, Australian Mango Industry Association, at [email protected] or phone
0400 808 689.
A conference with a focus on mangoes, with this event spending more time in the field and on activities than in the conference room.
May 29-1 June2013 BANANA INDUSTRY CONGRESS
Palmer Coolum Resort, Sunshine Coast, Qld
For more information contact
ICMS Australasia on (07) 3255 1002 or email [email protected]
The bi-annual congress is attended by most within the banana industry who use the opportunity to meet with leaders and decision makers from Government and across the broader agriculture sector.
May 29-21ASIAFRUIT MARKET INSIGHT
Qingdao, Shandong, China
For more information contact
www.asiafruitmarketinsight.com
Networking opportunities for businesses wanting to trade with China, offering introductions to local fresh produce professionals along with 300 international participants.
30 May-1 June2013 AUSVEG NATIONAL CONVENTION, TRADE SHOW AND AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast, Qld
For more information contact
Email [email protected], visit www.ausveg.com.au/convention
or phone (03) 9822 0388,
National vegetable convention that will include an extensive trade show, awards for excellence and a conference program that focuses on the political and growing issues surrounding vegetable farming.
JUNE
10 JuneQUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY
11-13 JunePMA FRESH CONNECTIONS 2013
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, NSW
For more information contact
(03) 9320 8692, info@pmafreshconnections. com.au or visit www.pmafreshconnections.com.au
An annual conference that draws the fresh produce industry together to expand its networks and learn from the key movers shakers of the Australasian fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industry and those of the future.
Public holiday closuresBrisbane Produce Market will be
closed on all public holidays during
the Easter period, Anzac Day and
the Queen’s Birthday holiday.
For further information on fresh
produce deliveries and purchases,
please contact your wholesaler or
check trading hours on line at
www.brisbanemarkets.com.au at
www.brisbanemarkets.com.au.
events
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*Source: Logistik Journal 2009
TMH0011 Markets_FP_Final.indd 3 2/3/10 3:46:04 PM