E-newsletters
The Passiflora – Bi-monthly E-Newsletter
This is an archive of our electronic newsletters. Simply click on the month of any issue to view.
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Passiflora Current Issue
Passiflora Issue 23
August/September 2026
In this Issue:
- Updates From Our Hon. Secretary
- Market Reports
- Levy Changes – Taking effect on October 1 2026
- Hort Innovation – Investment Roadmaps – New Hort Dashboard
- Grow Help – Diagnostic Services DPI
- TriCal
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2021
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- New Passionfruit SARP now completed
- The Lost Crop Register has captured over $41m in losses from horticulture producers in the last month. Have you logged your losses?
- FAO declares 2021 International Year of Fruits & Vegetables
- The administrators of HARPS have released a revision of the HARPS Standard Version 2.0 for public consultation and grower feedback.
- Masterclass in Horticultural Business starting soon – scholarships available for members of the berry industries
- Qld News – Consultation on the updated draft standard conditions for new or expanded commercial cropping and horticulture activities in the Great Barrier Reef catchments
- NSW News – Consultations now open:
- Land Use Planning Strategy
- Coastal Harvestable Rights Review
- Market Report from Brisbane market
LABOUR NEWS:
- FREE induction, pre-employment training open for farm employers in Qld – funded by the Queensland Government until March 2021
- Useful COVID-19 training and induction video available from Safe Farming Tasmania
- Agribusiness exemption for Qld & NSW extended until 31 March 2021
- BFVG part of $1m trial to attract more workers to horticulture
COVID-19:
- Get the latest information on COVID-19
BIOSECURITY NEWS:
- Approval given to research a biopesticide that can target the FAW caterpillar stage
- Queensland Fruit Fly outbreak in WA
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- The Lost Crop Register has captured over $48m in losses from horticulture producers in the last month. Please log your losses to help us draw attention to the labour shortage in Horticulture
- The Coles Nurture Fund is open again
- HARPS 2.0 not going ahead in March as planned
- Want to be a Pumps & Irrigations System guru? 3 day course available
- New Zealand passionfruit industry invests heavily in marketing
- The latest edition of the Hort Stats Handbook is available now
- Chemical Update: TWO new permits issued
- Bureau of Meteorology Climate Outlook – get the latest news about what Autumn has in store
- ChemClear unwanted chem collection coming to Queensland – register your chemicals now for collection
- Qld Farmers Federation joining forces with Airbnb to boost agritourism
- Market Report from Brisbane market
LABOUR NEWS:
- COVID-19 vaccination and the workplace – make sure you understand
- Finding workers: Understanding the SWP vs the PLS
- FREE induction, pre-employment training open for farm employers in Qld – funded by the Queensland Government until March 2021
- Useful COVID-19 training and induction video available from Safe Farming Tasmania
- Agribusiness exemption for Qld & NSW extended until 31 March 2021
- Access to labour – Qld
- Access to Labour – WA
COVID-19:
- Get the latest information on COVID-19
BIOSECURITY NEWS:
- First-ever Biosecurity app for Queensland being developed
- Tougher penalties for Biosecurity flouters
- Khapra Beetle – the story so far
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- Passionfruit Australia has organised three grower workshop/get-together meetings in April & May to bring growers together for a catch-up and to feed into the new industry Strategic Investment Plan – come along for a drink & a feed and catch up with fellow growers from your region – RSVP now please for catering purposes
- ABARES Horticulture Outlook
- BoM Climate Outlook
- Growcom unveils new look AgVet chemical database
- Freshcare FSQ 4.2 – are you ready?
- Hort Innovation publishes the latest Ag Chemical update
- ATO Deductions for Agriculture – get tax-time ready
- Growcom Advocacy Update
- Bee Aware when using insecticides
COVID-19:
- Get the latest information on COVID-19
QLD NEWS:
- AgSafe ChemClear collection coming to Qld – register your unwanted chemicals by June 13
- QFF: New report dispels agriculture work myths
NSW NEWS:
- NSW DPI update on Special Disaster grants for primary producers, lost and found stock and Damage Assessment reporting
TRAINING NEWS:
- Farm Business Management Skill Set Program ‘for women, by women’
- NFF Leadership Program applications opened 8 March
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- Passionfruit Australia has organised three grower workshop/get-together meetings in April & May to bring growers together for a catch-up and to feed into the new industry Strategic Investment Plan – come along for a drink & a feed and catch up with fellow growers from your region – RSVP now please for catering purposes
- Fusarium Solanii – is this an issue for you? Please respond to our Grower Survey
- New Permit issued for Fenbutatin Oxide (Miticide) – REPLACES PER84258
- Do you use Piece Rates? – Then read about the latest updates and complete an important survey from the National Farmers Federation if you want to keep Piece Rates available as a performance reward tool
- Have unwanted chemicals and live in Qld? Register the details with ChemClear now
- NSW Financial Packages – Special Disaster Grants
- Industry events – save the date or register now for industry events in the next 2-3 months
LABOUR NEWS:
- QUEENSLAND – assistance that is available to help you find workers
- NSW – help on offer from the State Government
COVID-19:
- Get the latest information on COVID-19
BIOSECURITY NEWS:
- National Fruit Fly Symposium is on 4-6 May – all Online
- Fall Armyworm update
- Xylella Fastidiosa host plants thankfully intercepted at the border
INDUSTRY NEWS:
- Passionfruit Australia organised three grower workshop/get-together meetings in April & May – a great turnout and some interesting discussions were held
- Draft Passionfruit Strategic Investment Plan – please review and have your say by Friday 4 June
- What was in the federal budget for the Agriculture sector? Growcom provides a succinct summary
- Fair Farms supported with Federal Budget funding
State News:
- Queensland: Fatal accident has lessons for us all, Work in Paradise campaign to support regional jobs, On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure boost & the new Farm design reef standards start from 1 June
- NSW: Fall Armyworm found in North Coast Sorghum & Hotel Quarantine costs halved
- WA: Declared Qfly free after 15 month eradication campaign
Industry News:
- Hot off the press – New AgVisa with UK and 10 ASEAN nations announced this morning
- Passionfruit Australia co-signs letter to Minister Butcher regarding the Paradise Dam Business Case
- Director roles are now open for applications at both Hort Innovation and Plant Health Australia
- Get the latest news from Brisbane market
- AgMove – helping workers relocate for agricultural jobs
- Superannuation moves to 10% from 1 July
- ACCC: Collective bargaining approval easier for small businesses
- Government announces consultations on streamlined Pacific Labour Mobility initiatives
Biosecurity & IPM News:
- CropLife launches new guide to pesticides, Improved access to AgVet Chemicals, Serpentine Leafminer resources & a PestBites video helping you to identify the brown marmorated stink bug
State News:
- Queensland: On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure rebate returns as most of Southern Queensland is still drought-declared, Major drought reform for Queensland producers & SafeFarm training is still FREE until June 30
- NSW: Unknown attackers destroy 70 beehives with fuel
- WA: New hub to support the agriculture industry gets underway & AgriFutures WA Rural Women’s Awards from 2020 finally held
COVID-19 News:
- How to tell a cold or flu apart from COVID-19
Industry News:
- Tell us what you want to see in the next Communication Programme
- Latest news from Brisbane & Sydney markets
- Passionfruit looking at bumper winter crop
- Farmers urged to participate in the Agricultural Census coming shortly
- Drought Resilience Monitoring program seeking to improve drought and climate resilience
Labour News:
- Big Ag Visa win offset by an unexpected change to eligibility for second and third-year visa extensions
- Piecework evidence and arguments submitted to the Fair Work Commission
- Hort Award pay rates & 10% superannuation guarantee now in place from 1 July 2021 – make sure to update your systems
- Fair Work Ombudsman announces their 2021-22 compliance priorities and horticulture is still right up there
Biosecurity & IPM News:
- Latest Ag Chemical update available thanks to Hort Innovation
- We are not the only ones struggling as Fusarium solani threatens zucchini production in Greece
- Wynca Azoxystrobin 250Sc Fungicide registration confirmed by APVMA for the control of various fungal diseases in passionfruit
- Welcome to the first stop for biosecurity information – new national biosecurity website launched
- Are you a Biosecurity superstar? 2021 Australian Biosecurity Awards open for nominations until 30 July
State News:
- Queensland: Growing the Agricultural workforce: regional industry consultations announced and Queensland Government revises “Back to work in Agriculture” and rebrands as #pickqld bonus
- NSW: Recommended use of QR codes on farms and State budget strong on regional communities but light on ag sector growth
- WA: American Serpentine Leafminer confirmed and WA Government introduces new measures to help Ag industry fill critical labour gaps
COVID-19 News:
- It’s time to Arm Yourself against COVID-19
- Check that you are complying with all the latest rules for agriculture in your state:
- QLD
- NSW
- WA
Industry News:
- Passionfruit Australia Inc AGM – Virtual – save the date 24 September
- Members Only: TWO Noel Day Scholarships now available – fully funded horticulture training
- New Defect & Grading Guide Posters – coming soon
- Farewell from Jane Richter
- Passionfruit Farm for sale: Bundaberg
- Queensland passionfruit grower to boost production through an upgraded cold room
- Latest news from Brisbane & Sydney markets
- Aussie horticulture spotlights responsible farming in a new Australian-Grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework
- What do you do with your ‘fugly’ fruit? Here’s a new option
- New AgVisa is being fast-tracked to bring willing workers to rural areas
- Demonstrating best practice farming in Reef catchments
- Secure your Hort Innovation voting rights in time for the AGM in November
- What do you think of the Fair Farms program? Give your feedback on the current review
- Scholarships are now available for women in Horticulture
Biosecurity & IPM News:
- American Serpentine Leafminer detected in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area
- New National Biosecurity website caters to everyone
- APVMA Gazette: APS Azoxystrobin 250 SC Fungicide
State News:
- Queensland: Border crossing changes for primary industries workers, Update on regional consultations for Growing the Agriculture Workforce, #pickqld bonus is available to all new ag workers, New drought assistance coming for Qld Primary Producers, Downland the Qld Check-in app to make contact tracing at your farm easier, Weathering the ups and downs of Queensland agriculture, PLS & SWP – your questions answered about both labour schemes at these in-person briefing sessions – reserve your place today, Agritourism Development Workshops – 2 September 2021 – Sunshine Coast
- NSW: New COVID-19 rules in NSW – know what you need to do, NSW strongly recommends use of QR code check-in on farms, Tweed Council Sustainable Ag Small Grants, Tweed Council Field Days
- WA: Government introduces new measures to help Ag industry fill critical labour gaps, Season 2021 – information for WA farmers
COVID-19 News:
- COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- Check that you are complying with all the latest rules for agriculture in your state:
- QLD
- NSW
- WA
In This Edition:
- Passionfruit Australia Inc’s AGM 2021
- Market Report from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
- Noel Day Scholarships open for applications from grower members
- Scholarships available for women in horticulture
New Defect & Grading Posters coming your way soon - Growing or going? Planning your business succession
- QFF Workforce Consultations in Ayr & Tablelands
- Grants & Applications
- Industry Training & Events
- Industry Updates
- Biosecurity & IPM News:
- APVMA Gazette: Sabakem Azoxystrobin 250 SC Fungicide
- Serpentine Leafminer detected in Lockyer Valley
- New International Fruit Fly Technology Trial in Australia
- Covid-19 News
- Passionfruit & Coconut Sponge Cupcakes recipe – Enjoy!
In This Edition:
- Market Report from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
- Social Media Activity – October 2021
- Australia’s AgBoom
- AgVisa Announcement
- Noel Day Scholarships Update
- New Defect & Grading Posters coming your way soon
- Future Fields – Queensland
- Workplace Essentials Seminar
- Agerris Digital Farmhand robots tackling horticulture industry’s challenges
- Quad Bike Safety – Announcement from the ACCC
- What is your Business’s Digital Maturity?
- QRIDA: The Farm Business Analysis Assistance
- Grants & Applications
- Industry Training & Events
- Industry Updates
- Biosecurity & IPM News:
- APVMA Gazette: Sivanto Prime 200 SL Insecticide
- Exotic Pest Identification and Surveillance Guide for Tropical Horticulture
- Covid-19 News
- Passionfruit Acai Smoothie Bowl recipe – Enjoy!
- News to Share? – Send in your news, suggestions and pictures to share please
In This Edition:
- Market Report from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
- Regional Roundup
- Weather Watch
- Marketing Update
- A sad farewell from PAI Industry Services Manager – Sacha Harty. Calling for applications NOW
- Successful recipients of the Noel Day Scholarships
- New Defect & Grading Posters delivery update
- Australian News
- Australia streamlines seasonal labour programmes
- School leavers encouraged to pick fruit during gap year
- Nine projects worth $1.6 million to Improve Farm Safety Practices
- QLD’s Paradise Dam overflows giving short-term water for farmers
- New minimum hourly wage guarantee for pieceworkers
- Ag-tech facility breaks new ground
- Rewarding farmers for environmental outcomes
- QLD Horticulture Irrigation Pricing Rebate Scheme Now Open
- Biodiversity Workshop & Field Day for Tweed Farmer
- QLD: $10k in rebates available on Carbon Project Assessments
- Grants & Applications
- Industry Training & Events
- Industry Updates
- Biosecurity & IPM News
- Covid-19 News
- PAI Office closure over Christmas
- Recipe: Passionfruit, White Chocolate & Cashew Cheese-Fake…Yummmm
- News to Share? – Send in your news, suggestions and pictures to share please
IN THIS EDITION
- President’s Message
- Market Report from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
- Marketing Update
- New Defect & Grading Posters AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE NOW
- Australian News
- Hort Innovation – New directors, chair and deputy chair elected
- Plant Health Australia (PHA) updates online course offering
- Australian Protected Cropping Strategy Launched
- Rubens Technologies takes fruit quality testing to next level
- Regional water assessment program kicks-off
- Still no clarity for Paradise Dam
- High-tech hub for sustainable crop protection launched
- Industry welcomes $87.2M investment to implement the Ag Visa
- Piece rate decision expected in the New Year
- The ACCC publishes agricultural machinery purchaser guidance material
- Major drought reform for Queensland producers
- Future Fields- latest news
- New Hort Innovation Consumer Research Project
- #pickqld bonus ending 31 Dec 2021
- Mareeba Chamber of Commerce Economic snapshot
- Fruit Fly in the Firing Line
- Biodiversity Workshop & Field Day for Tweed – POSTPONED
- FOCUS: National Disasters
- Grants & Applications
- Industry Training & Events
- Industry Updates
- Biosecurity & IPM News
- Covid-19 News
- PAI Office closure over Christmas
- Recipe: Passionfruit & Watermelon Margarita
- News to Share + Christmas Joke – Answer
2020
2019
2018
2017
- Reducing harvesting labour cost
- State Market Trading Hours
- Latest Hort Innovation News
- Cyclone Debbie Recovery funding
- Product news – Ectol
- Hort Code of Conduct
- Links to useful online resources
