Orchard Production

Information

Varieties & Seasons 2010

List of all horticultural permits – January 10 (excel)

Ag Chem update Feb 2010

Information on CARBENDAZIM/ STONEFRUIT registered post-harvest alternative fungicides

Changes to Dimeethoate & Fenthion

The likelihood of severe regulatory change in the short term ,How do you fathom the suggested alternatives using a systems approach.? This is not the ultimate answer ,however the APVMA is considering change to current usage of Dimethoate & Fenthion which will most likely impinge on your ability to manage Queensland Fruit Fly. There is no emerging chemical replacement in the short term. If the APVMA deem these chemicals to be harmful to the environment or to human health the chemicals may be withdrawn immediately.
Industry is arguing that no conclusive evidence is out there to substantiate their claim and withdrawal or curtailment will decimate parts or all of the Australian Industry. Queensland fruit Fly is an endemic Australian pest and a systems approach will not keep stone fruit producers commercially viable. Read more from recently held meeting. Comments Welcome, please send to John Moore.

Also available Dimethoate Factsheet preapared by Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia.

Freshcare: The National On-Farm Assurance Program

Freshcare is an industry owned, not for profit on-farm assurance program, established and maintained to service the Australian fresh produce industry. Freshcare is currently the largest Australian on–farm assurance program for fresh produce; proudly providing on-farm food safety & quality and environmental certification services to over 5000 members nationally.

The foundations of the Freshcare Program are the user-friendly Codes of Practice and detailed training support materials. The Freshcare Codes describe the practices required on farm to provide an assurance that fresh produce is safe to eat, has been prepared to customer specifications and legislative requirements; and has been grown with care for the environment.

The Freshcare Codes of Practice are versatile and user-friendly, created to be implemented as stand-alone programs or integrated as one combined on-farm assurance system. The Freshcare Codes of Practice can also be incorporated with other quality, food safety and farm management schemes.

Visit the freshcare website