December 2021
Citrus SA responds to Fairwork ruling
Citrus SA is lobbying Member for Barker Tony Pasin and the Fairwork Commission after its ruling last month that all workers picking fruit on a piece rate must be guaranteed a minimum wage. We also provided a submission to the National Farmers Federation when it was calling for support from industry before the ruling was handed down.
Some points in our submission included:
There are already ample laws protecting workers rights in Australia. Our recommendation was to use existing laws to deal with any ‘dodgy’ contractors.
The new ruling takes away incentive for pickers. Now a slower picker is rewarded at the same rate as a faster picker.
Australian growers compete in a world market – our labour is much more expensive than other countries.
Disadvantages workers who cannot pick quickly but want to work
Growers will have to increase management and payroll operations which will add time and cost to their business.
Please email contact@citrussa.com.au if you would like to be sent a copy of our full submission.
Fruit Fly – Restrictions due to lift late December
The Riverland fruit fly outbreak restrictions are due to lift in late December – if there are no further detections. See timeline below:
Monash – Queensland fruit fly – 23 December 2021
Renmark West – Queensland fruit fly – 27 December 2021
Cooltong – Queensland fruit fly – 27 December 2021
Berri – Queensland fruit fly – 24 December 2021
Pike River – Queensland fruit fly – 27 December 2021.
Further information is available at www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au
Call for applications to Rex Andrew Trust
The SA Citrus Improvement Society (SACIS) is calling for applications for projects which could be funded by the MCGCA Rex Andrew Trust Fund. SACIS committee members are trustees of the MCGCA Rex Andrew Trust Fund – this was established with funds held when Murray Citrus Growers Co Op Association (MCGCA) wound up and Citrus Growers of South Australia was established. The MCGCA funds were put into a Trust Fund for projects for the interest of the South Australian/Australian citrus industry and named the MCGCA Rex Andrew Trust Fund – Rex Andrew held the role of President for over 20 years.
Applications can be made to the fund annually for any project that will be of benefit to the Australian citrus industry. Although funds allocated are only from annual interest from the invested funds the group would consider funding a relevant project that may exceed that annual figure. If you are aware of any suitable project/s that may be eligible for funding, please contact Anne Stepien at stepmark@live.com.au or 0408830254. Applications must be received by January 31, 2022.
Primary producer grants
Disaster recovery grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible South Australian primary producers affected by the spring storms. Disaster assistance will be available to eligible primary producers in the 24 council areas including those in our region of Berri Barmer, Loxton Waikerie, Mid Murray, Murray Bridge and Renmark Paringa. Grants are provided to help pay for the associated costs of storm clean-up and reinstatement activities associated with the immediate recovery of primary production enterprises.
Eligible claims may cover:
a) Engagement of contractors, hiring, leasing or purchase of equipment and/or materials to undertake clean-up.
b) Additional labour, including own labour costs, in relation to specific storm related clean up. Please note that the maximum hourly rate claimable per person for own labour clean-up activities is $30/hour.
c) Use of own equipment used to undertake clean-up. Claims of own equipment must be reasonable and reflect current market rates.
d) Removal and disposal costs for debris and damaged goods (including activities associated with the appropriate disposal/mulching of fallen and damaged fruit).
e) Restoration activities for damaged viticulture and horticulture crops such as pruning, training, fertigation and fungal treatments required because of the storm event to maintain the quality of the remaining crop and/or protect plants from damage sustained by hail.
f) Repairing infrastructure if the repair or replacement is essential for resuming operation of the primary production enterprise, including glass/poly houses. Includes plastic coverings for greenhouses, irrigation infrastructure, vineyard trellising and repairs to horticultural netting (not covered by other assistance). Please note funding is not available for repairs to a building that is used as a dwelling.
g) Labour costs and other cropping input costs directly associated with replanting crops due to the storm such as fertiliser, fuel, sprays.
h) Payment for tradespeople to conduct safety inspections, undertake impact assessment or provide agronomic advice relating to management of storm damaged crops.
To apply for the grant:
1. Complete the 2021 SA statewide storms online survey. You will need to take note of your survey 'application ID' number.
2. Download the guidelines.
3. The application terms and conditions agreement must be printed, signed, scanned, and then attached as a PDF or JPG to your online application.
4. Complete the online application form.
Grant applications close on 28 February 2022. All information can be accessed via the links below.
https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/emergency_management/storms/storm_recovery_grant
https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/emergency_management/storms/
If you need help to complete the survey or online application form, please call the Recovery Hotline on 1800 931 314
December production tips
Hedging and pruning: Either hand or machine prune.
Foliar Nutrient spray and Fertigation: Conduct leaf analysis to determine what is lacking in trace elements. Potassium foliar sprays can help boost tree reserves.
GA application: Apply at golf ball size
Calcium application: Many packing sheds are encouraging extra calcium applications to assist with rind strengthening. Consult your agronomist or packhouse.
Pesticide sprays: Critical timing for Red scale, LBAM, Mealybug and Spined Citrus Bug. Start Fuller’s rose Weevil Management program.
Earwig reminder: Monitor populations, particularly near vineyards. There are options to control, consult your agronomist or packhouse for further clarifications.
Irrigation: Continue monitoring during warmer months.
Weed control: Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required.
Christmas message from chair
After a very good season in 2020 the challenges in 2021 were more difficult to meet. Hopefully the 2022 season will bring better quality fruit, more ships and containers and ample people to get the harvest off and processed.
On behalf of the Citrus SA committee, I pass on the Blessings of the Christmas season and looking forward to a successful year in 2022. Our next newsletter will be published in February.
Mark Doecke
Chair, Citrus SA.