A message from Phil Turnbull
Weather & EnvironmentThe past couple of weeks have been a difficult and stressful time for growers across Tasmania, the Goulburn Valley and parts of New South Wales, as extreme weather events and flooding wreak havoc across the south-eastern states.
Roads are blocked or compromised by flood waters, orchards are drenched, labour is restricted, and the threat of losing power to packing facilities is causing major concerns for growers across these regions. Add to this the potentially devastating destruction or possible loss of homes and those of friends and family members.
From the phone conversations we’ve had with numerous growers in the affected areas this week, where possible, growers are doing their best to resume normal springtime activities.
However, it’s still somewhat unknown what the next weather system will bring. Over the coming days, we expect more rain to put pressure on these regional communities and their businesses.
We are an industry that’s still very much feeling the effects of the pandemic, with labour shortages, inadequate pricing and surplus fruit on the domestic market creating an exceptionally tough operating environment. Moreover, natural disasters and adverse weather conditions only add to this pressure.
It’s more important than ever that we remain vigilant and focus on what we can control, making all the possible preparations where we can and that we continue to support each other during this challenging period.
If you or anyone you know in the industry needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone in the team at APAL directly.
Further information and resources:
- Agriculture Victoria – Emergency management
- Agriculture Victoria/Horticulture Industry Networks – Managing crop recovery after flooding
- Victorian Farmers Federation – Victorian flood situation and support
- Tasmanian Government/TAS Alert – Recovery supports
- Business Queensland – Agriculture recovery after flooding and high rainfall
- NSW Government – Grants and payments for farmers and primary producers after floods
