Latest news from QFVG
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Red Valley Farms: Growing a legacy from the ground up
In the rich volcanic soils of Lakeland, three hours north of Cairns, Red Valley Farms stands as a powerful example of what long-term vision, calculated risk, and family commitment can achieve.
Local fertiliser solution on the horizon
With fertiliser costs rising and supply becoming increasingly uncertain, growers are being forced to rethink how they secure one of their most critical inputs. An Australian company, PlasmaLeap Technologies, is developing a different approach - one that could bring fertiliser production closer to the farm.
Support for growers needed to keep fresh food on supermarket shelves
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) says pressure continues to build for horticulture growers despite recent Federal Government measures aimed at supporting freight and input costs.
Payroll tax settings not working for the regions
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) is calling on the State Government to review payroll tax settings and adopt a more reasonable compliance approach, warning that current arrangements are creating inequity and placing additional pressure on growers already battling soaring input costs.
Balancing complexity when every link counts
Queensland horticulture relies on a finely balanced supply chain. Growers need efficient, predictable transport to move produce from farm to market. When that chain is disrupted - by fuel spikes or supply chain shocks - the impact is felt immediately at the farm gate.
General Protections claims on the rise
General Protections (GP) claims continue to rise at a pace that is outstripping other Fair Work Commission (FWC) applications, prompting procedural changes from both the Commission and the Federal Court.
When the cost of getting to work becomes a barrier
Rising fuel prices are starting to show up in the workplace in a very real way. We’re increasingly hearing from growers that employees are raising concerns about the cost of simply getting to work.
Workforce options following a natural disaster
For growers impacted by the recent weather events it is important to understand how to best manage your skilled workforce and not lose good employees.
Enough talk, it’s time for action: Queensland growers are at breaking point
Queensland horticulture growers have been dealing with rising input costs for years. Now, surging fuel prices, and critical input shortages are compounding those pressures, pushing farms to breaking point, threatening jobs and the state’s long-term supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Payroll tax relief a cashflow lifeline for Queensland horticulture growers
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) is calling on the Queensland Government to introduce temporary payroll tax relief for primary producers in declared disaster zones, saying the measure would provide an immediate boost to farm cashflow and help growers recover faster.
Protecting Your Business in 2026: The HR/IR Risks You Can’t Ignore
In this 45-minute webinar, QFVG Partner Who Cares, Focus HR, unpacks the most pressing workplace issues facing horticulture businesses right now.
Chemicals, regulation, and the balance horticulture needs
Recent decisions affecting the industry’s access to Dimethoate has brought regulatory processes into the spotlight once again.
Fair Farms appoints Amanda Higgins as National Program Manager
Fair Farms, Australia’s only independent social compliance training and certification program for horticulture, has appointed Amanda Higgins as National Program Manager, reinforcing the program’s strong foundations and clear strategic direction for the future.
Queensland labour hire provider in court
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a Queensland-based labour hire provider and its manager for allegedly knowingly providing false and misleading records to a Fair Work Inspector.
Employer obligations after a natural disaster
For growers impacted by the recent weather events it is important to understand how to best manage your skilled workforce and not lose good employees.
Superannuation rules updated in awards
The Fair Work Commission recently updated the rules about superannuation in 147 Awards to make sure that Awards reflect the current superannuation rules.
Probation isn't a checkbox - it's where performance and culture begin
Are you using probation periods to their full potential? Probation is often treated as a checkbox, but when handled well it can become a powerful driver of performance, engagement and workplace culture.
Four common questions employers ask about unpaid leave
Unpaid leave isn’t always straightforward. A new Fair Work Commission ruling highlights the importance of fairness, clarity and good documentation. This article breaks down the key lessons for employers.
QFVG welcomes independent review of Horticulture Code of Conduct
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct, to be led by Mr Chris Leptos AO.
Payroll tax relief: A lifeline for Queensland growers
At QFVG, our role is to ensure policy settings keep pace with the realities growers are facing on the ground. One issue we continue to hear growers speak about is payroll tax.