February 2022

Labour availability continues to be major concern

Citrus SA Is Increasingly Concerned About Labour Availability In Horticultural Industries. The FairWork Commission’s Recent Ruling Regarding Piece Work And Minimum Wages Is Still At The Forefront Of The Committee’s Concerns. Our Lobbying Against This Ruling Is Continuing And We Have Provided Federal Member For Barker Tony Pasin With More Information About Our Opposition To It.

• In Summary We Call On The Commission To:

  delay implementation of this draft determination

• review the draft ruling with a view to amending the draft ruling to ensure that there are no unintended consequential impacts on an already stressed industry.

The new ruling will not address the unscrupulous employer.
The new ruling rewards the slower worker and removes incentive to increase productivity.
The new ruling discriminates against people who are happy just having a go.
The new ruling imposes unrealistic administrative effort on an already stressed industry.

You can find our most recent correspondence at www.citrussa.com.au


Australian Ag Visa facing hurdles
The Federal Government’s Australian Agriculture Visa may help ease the labour shortage but is facing some hurdles, mainly due to the influence of the Australian Workers Union. Global online horticultural publication Fresh Plaza reported on January 14 that ‘plans for Cambodian farm visa may be delayed by Australian unions and government.’ “Cambodia’s hopes of sending workers to Australian farms are upset as Canberra drags its heels on a decision, while unions claim foreign labor is not needed,” the article stated. Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke says of particular concern in the article were comments from unions saying Australian workers are missing out.
Tony Pasin, MP provided the following response:
The Federal Government is continuing bilateral negotiations with a number of countries in relation to the Australian Agriculture Visa. This is a new and unique visa program, and each country needs to go through their own domestic processes which takes time.
What has caused delays in the negotiations is the interference by the Australian Workers Union who I understand has been engaging concurrently with these countries to discourage signing up to the scheme on the basis of worker exploitation by Australian farmers.
It’s a disappointing slap in the face for Aussie farmers who are experiencing worker shortages over and above normal levels due to the pandemic.
You can read the Fresh Plaza article in full here

Helping contractors bring in labour
Growers maybe able to help their contractors bring people by sponsoring workers. Further information on how to do so is available here. This information applies to employers who want to start sponsoring a worker or wish to take over an existing sponsorship. It provides a general overview of the process. The specific requirements, process and documents you need to provide depends on the visa option you choose. You will need to show you cannot find workers within Australia to fill the vacancies and the occupation you want must be on the list of eligible skilled occupations. Please consult the website for further information. Citrus SA can also provide contact details for registered migration agents. Please email contact@citrussa.com.au to request these details.

Need RAT’s? PIRSA can help
If you require Rapid Antigen Tests and you have been unable to buy them or perhaps you need large volumes, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia may be able to assist. Through consultation with SA Health, PIRSA can advise that food production and distribution businesses and other critical agricultural services are able to order rapid antigen tests (RATs) through the Department of Health and Wellbeing if unable to obtain the tests through commercial avenues. Businesses that have exhausted commercially available channels to obtain RATs can email to request a procurement form HealthPSCMSCOCustomerService@sa.gov.au.

Planning for next Grower Info Day – Geospatial mapping of commodities
Citrus SA is investigating the possibility of bringing in a guest speaker to talk on geospatial mapping of citrus plantings –  a similar concept to that undertaken by Vine Health Australia of vineyard plantings in SA. The Australian Tree Crop Map  already uses satellite technology, land-use information and ‘citizen science’ data to map the location and extent of not only commercial mango orchards but also avocado and macadamia orchards across the country. Citrus SA will keep you posted on any developments and upcoming grower information days. 
 
Fruit fly update
The Pike River and Renmark West fruit fly outbreak areas have been extended until March 13, 2022 after fruit fly was detected recently. Monash, Berri and Cooltong outbreak areas have ended, but growers and producers may continue to be impacted by the Pike River and Renmark West outbreaks and are now partly or wholly in a yellow suspension area. Movement restrictions remain for the Pike River and Renmark West red 1.5 km outbreak and yellow 15 km suspension areas. All host material must be treated and certified before leaving the outbreak area unless alternative approval from PIRSA has been provided – contact Market Access for more details and Check the fruit fly outbreak map to confirm what restrictions apply to you. PIRSA is continuing to manage the movement of fruit, and follow its current eradication program in the area, in response to the new detection, including sterile fruit fly (SIT) release.
Keep up to date by visiting https://fruitfly.sa.gov.au
 
February production notes 
It is important to assess the crop set and fruit size of each orchard, to determine what crop production strategies to apply. Some timely reminders include:
 
Pruning/Hedging/skirting
     -       Continue hand pruning and de-suckering of re growth
     -       Hedge where required to control tree height and maximize sunlight penetration but be aware that hedging patches may leave areas susceptible to sunburn and later, frost damage. 
Foliar nutrient spray and Fertigation
-           Potassium sprays to increase fruit size
-           Monitor each patch for crop load and size-adapt irrigation/fertigation strategy accordingly. 
Pesticide sprays 
-           Critical timing for Brown Citrus rust mite, Citrus butterfly, Mealy bug, Red and Cottony cushion scale, FRW, Citrus Leaf miner and Two spotted Mite
Irrigation
       -     Increase irrigation and continue monitoring soil moisture probes
Weed Control
-           Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required
Fruit thinning
-           Hand thinning to help improve size is recommended. Assess crop load prior to thinning
Crop estimates
-           Frame counts and fruit size measurements in conjunction with packer
Leaf samples
-           Take leaf samples for nutrient analysis