This Week in the Market – 16 June 2020

Edition 269

In this week’s Market News:- Temperature screening continuing through June
– Shop Local to Veg in this Winter
– Launch of Velisha Education Group

Market News

Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

While COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to ease around Victoria, several restrictions are still in place at the Market for the health and safety of all Market users.
We will continue to undertake temperature screening upon entry until at least the remainder of this month.
At the end of June, we will review guidance from the DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) as to whether temperature screening will continue; this decision will be based on the advice from health and government experts.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of virus transmission is by practising personal hygiene and adhering to social distancing guidelines, keeping a distance of 1.5 metres from others wherever possible.
Detailed information regarding the Coronavirus and its continuing impacts on Market operations can be found on our website at www.melbournemarket.com.au/melbourne-market-coronavirus-covid-19-response/.
The critical piece of advice for Market users remains that; if you are feeling unwell in any way, you should stay at home and seek medical advice. Do not attend the Market for work, or to purchase flowers or produce if you are feeling unwell in any way.

Shop Local to Veg in this WinterA Better Choice is getting ready to launch a new marketing campaign, “Shop Local to Veg in this Winter!” on June 29.
With COVID-19 restricting people to their homes, a lot of families around the country have found a new love for cooking nutritious meals at home with the kids.
The latest A Better Choice campaign taps into this new found love and will encourage shopping at the local greengrocer and cooking at home during the cold winter months.
Throughout July and August advertisements will be rolled out throughout Australia on radio and social media. There will also be point of sale materials and recipe cards available for you to use in-store to complement the campaign.
Make sure to jump on board with the “Shop Local to Veg in this Winter” message.

We’ll be sharing further details in the coming weeks on how you can make the most of this newest A Better Choice marketing campaign.

A Better Choice feedback
Do you have feedback or questions about the A Better Choice program?
We’d love to hear from you, send an email to abetterchoice@melbournemarket.com.au.

Velisha Education Group navigating compliance and the changing legal landscape

Many in the Market would know the familiar face of Catherine Velisha as managing director of Velisha Farms.
Recently Catherine, alongside RMIT University lecturer Neil Salvador, have established Velisha Education Group (V.E.G).
Velisha Education Group assists horticultural enterprises to navigate their way through the Australian business world.
With a focus on compliance and the changing legal landscape, educators Catherine and Neil offer an insight into real-life examples and case studies from a thriving vegetable growing operation.
You can find out more about Velisha Education Group and how they can help your business by visiting www.velishafarms.com/education/ or download a flyer by clicking here.

Restricting access to essential core operations

While COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, the ‘Children in the Market‘ event will be cancelled these upcoming July school holidays.
Access to the Market continues to be limited to those only carrying out essential core operations, and we ask that all Market businesses only invite any visitors on-site that are here for business-critical needs.

Funded Food Safety and Infection Control Training

With 20 years’ experience in working with growers and packers, ABEX is working with the Melbourne Market to offer limited training placements in the area of Food Safety and Infection Control.
Basic food hygiene protocols are now more important than ever, and ABEX offers a Nationally Accredited program that delivers food safety standards at the highest level.
Training is delivered on-site at Market, and in many cases, it can be fully-funded. The training is currently being offered to any Melbourne Market users, including both retailers, buyers, wholesalers and growers.
There are also modules included that focus on reducing waste and increasing efficiencies, allowing businesses to be more productive, as well as strengthen quality standards (for example, HARPS).
Limited places are available for 2020.
Register your interest at https://abexcontactus.carrd.co/

Hawthorn Turns Over a New Leaf Store

Congratulations to Leon Mugavin who recently opened a new Leaf store in Hawthorn.
Broadsheet, Melbourne’s authority on cultural life, recently featured the Leaf story on their website.
The article mentions how Leon is up at 2 am each morning to visit the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Epping, where Leon says “If it’s not good enough for my family, if they wouldn’t eat it, I don’t want to sell it.”
Click here to read more about Leaf on the Broadsheet website.

Industry News

How the pandemic could be making it harder to get food from farm to plate

Many Australians might expect the journey of food from paddock to plate to be fairly simple, but the coronavirus pandemic has exposed a number of ways that system can be thrown into chaos.
Read more on the ABC News website.

Variety trials go virtual for Australian melon growers

The Australian melon industry has risen above the pandemic lockdown to engage growers with information on new commercial varieties hitting the market.
The Australian Melon Association has delivered a video series featuring new melon varieties from some of the leading seed companies.
Read more on the Good Fruits and Vegetables website.

Ask the MMA

If you’ve got a question for the MMA email it to: submissions@melbournemarket.com.au.

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