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Spray optimisation: good for the environment and your bottom line
Over the last year, Hort360 GBR Officers Paula Ibell and Michelle Haase have been collaborating with growers in Far North Queensland and the Wide Bay-Burnett regions, respectively, to deliver events that respond to grower-reported needs for further knowledge and assistance.
No bees, no food: collaboration is crucial
The role of honeybees in supporting crop lifecycles is a fascinating and nuanced story. For example, you don’t need a bee to grow an onion, but you absolutely need a bee for onion seeds.
Sunshine coast farm finds its flow
Nestled at the foot of one of the Glasshouse Mountains’ most distinctive peaks—Mount Coonowrin— the Jackson family are following their dreams to be farmers in this picture-perfect part of Southeast Queensland.
“Labour Day”
Given Monday was Labour Day — and the day after the Labor Party's election win — we figured it was time to chime in to the workforce conversation. In that spirit, here’s our (starting) list of demands.
The challenge: Looking forward to 2025 and beyond
In recent days, NSW Farmers made headlines by walking away from the National Farmers’ Federation. It’s yet another sign that even the big players are feeling disillusioned with the state of advocacy. We’re being challenged—and that’s a good thing.
Is ‘adoption’ a dirty word?
To adopt or not to adopt – that is the question. Or is it that simple?
Shining the spotlight on training needs – what growers are telling us
Workforce attraction gets plenty of airtime — but what happens after you get workers through the gate? For many growers, that’s where the real challenge starts.
Stop, Look, Listen: The urgent need for Government to understand where food comes from
As an apolitical association, we don’t take sides, but we do champion ideas that can make a positive difference for our industry—no matter where they come from.
Level 1 Hort Award changes no joke
Queensland’s horticulture industry has been subject to a wide range of industrial relations and legislative changes over the past three years – the latest, which came into effect this week, ironically on April Fool's Day - being the C14 determination.
Geared up Workforce coming to a town near you!
Growers across the state have been asking for horticulture-specific HR/IR training to once again be delivered face-to-face in the regions. You asked, we listened.
Remaining candid and curious under pressure: A key to effective leadership
It is understandable for leaders to find themselves overwhelmed with the constant flow of challenges, tough decisions and difficult conversations that arise day to day. In these circumstances, it can be easy to feel defensive, rush to conclusions, or shy away from difficult conversations.
New requirement for Sexual Harassment Prevention Plans
Effective from 1 March 2025, businesses that operate in Queensland have a new duty under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) (Regulation) with regard to sexual harassment, or sex or gender-based harassment.
Natural disasters: employer obligations & key considerations
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred having blown by we’ve been handling a range of queries on how to treat employee absences during times of natural disasters. So, we’ve put together a breakdown of important considerations.
Contract of Employment breach linked to psychiatric injury
A recent High Court ruling has emphasised the importance of employment contracts but for reasons quite different to why we generally encourage clients to ensure they have clear, comprehensive contracts for compliance purposes.
Accommodation in the employment package – what you need to know
We often receive enquiries through the QFVG HR/IR support line about how to handle accommodation which is offered to employees as part of their employment/remuneration package.
Have you implemented the C14 determination?
The C14 determination came into effect for the Horticulture Award this week on 1 April 2025, so if you are not already set up for this, now is your time to act.
Pandoras ‘big box’ opened by ACCC
Last Friday, after a year of intense work, many in our industry received the validation they needed with the release of the ACCC’s final supermarket inquiry report.
QFVG Statement: ACCC Supermarkets inquiry final report
QFVG has welcomed the release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) final report of the supermarket inquiry, as well as the Government’s in principle support of its recommendations.
‘Tis the Season
Earlier this month the annual ABARES Outlook Conference was held in Canberra.
It shouldn’t be this hard
With Queensland in the throes of yet another natural disaster we thought we’d do something a little different this week.