Latest news from QFVG
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Advocacy in Action | Workforce
A stable and skilled workforce is the backbone of Queensland horticulture, yet growers continue to face major challenges in securing and retaining labour. This year, QFVG has led the charge to ensure training settings and workforce policies reflect the real needs of growers, not just government priorities.
Advocacy in Action | Domestic Market Competition
Few issues this year have cut as close to the bone as supermarket conduct. For growers, the imbalance in bargaining power with major retailers isn’t a new story - but in 2024/25, it finally broke into the national spotlight, and QFVG made sure growers’ voices were at the centre of the conversation.
Updated Fixed Term Contract Information Sheet
A new version of the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS) is now available. This update reflects recent changes to the rules and exceptions around the use of fixed term contracts.
Pay Day Super
On 4 November 2025, Parliament approved new laws to bring in Payday Super. Starting 1 July 2026, super contributions will need to be paid at the same time employees are paid.
Public holidays – What can you ask your team and how to pay them
Across the agricultural sector, work doesn’t always stop just because the calendar says it’s a public holiday. Animals still need feeding, crops still need water, machinery still needs tending, and some tasks can’t simply be pushed to the next day.
QFVG appoints Scott Kompo-Harms as Chief Executive Officer
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Kompo-Harms as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing 12 January 2026.
New report reveals Queensland horticulture pumps $6.06 billion into the economy and supports nearly 45,000 jobs
Queensland’s horticulture sector is doing far more than feeding the nation – it’s contributing more than $6 billion to the state economy each year and supporting almost 45,000 jobs, according to a new report released today by the Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG).
The changing face of extension in the age of AI
The days of sharing advice over the Ute tray aren’t gone - but they are getting an AI upgrade.
New Farm Strong toolkit maps road through disaster to recovery
When it comes to mother nature, Queenslanders tend to keep one eye on the sky and the other on the forecast. The state’s severe weather season – which extends from October through to April – can bring the full gamut of extreme weather events from heatwaves and bushfires to floods and cyclones.
The case for cocoa tastes sweet
As a grower, following food trends can open doors to new markets, provide an extra income stream, and even reinvigorate your passion for farming.
The cost of saying one thing and doing another
Have you ever said you’d do something, only to catch yourself doing the complete opposite? At the National Farmers’ Federation’s AgXchange Conference in late September, I heard a phrase for this very human habit - the ‘say-do gap’ - and it immediately resonated.
QFVG appoints Interim CEO as recruitment commences
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) has announced leadership arrangements as the organisation commences recruitment for its next Chief Executive Officer.
Safe, respectful and inclusive celebrations: Positive Duty obligations
The end-of-year season brings with it a sense of celebration - team lunches, awards nights, and of course, the classic office Christmas party. For many organisations, these events are a way to reward effort, build connection, and celebrate success.
Casual Conversion for small business employers
From 26 August 2025, eligible casuals employed by a small business can issue a notice to their employer (in writing) to change to full-time or part-time employment under the employee choice pathway.
Right to Disconnect for small business employees
The right to disconnect now applies to employees of small business employers from 26 August 2025. It has applied to employees of non-small business employers since 26 August 2024.
Unlocking the power of DiSC – Toowoomba workshop 15 October
Have you ever thought about what really drives team performance? Or why communication sometimes feels effortless with one person and challenging with another?
Queensland growers show strong compliance – but risks remain
A recently released Fair Work Ombudsman report reveals progress for Queensland horticulture, with standout compliance in the Wide Bay and Moreton Bay, but some regions still rated ‘high risk’.
Rachel Chambers appointed Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner
Some big news for our QFVG family today – our CEO Rachel Chambers has been appointed by the Crisafulli Government as the next Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner.
The Missing Word in Canberra: Food
I’ve just returned from two whirlwind trips to Canberra. The first brought together around fifty industry leaders with eight MPs, three public servants, and a media expert (it sounds like the setup to a bad joke).
A well-fed Indo-Pacific is a safe and secure one
This is the core message we heard loud and clear from the National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper released in April this year. For those of us who live and breathe all things food – the realisation that successive Governments have left ‘eating’ out of our own defence strategy was, for me at least, more than a little disappointing.