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Opportunities for students through the Nursery Industry Research Linkage Program

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Nursery and Garden Industry Australia is offering financial support opportunities for TAFE, Honours, Masters and PhD students undertaking research relevant to industry in 2013, through its research linkage program.

A mail out was conducted recently advising educators of the opportunities that can be provided to students by the Nursery and Garden Industry.

Aligned to the Nursery Industry Strategic Investment Plan, the Nursery Industry Research Linkage Program encourages study in key areas such as plant production, biosecurity, plant physiology and urban horticulture. All of these research areas will produce benefits for the wider industry.

Successful applicants will be encouraged to engage with industry through presentation of findings and will be expected to provide written reports at the conclusion of their research.

The program offers students an excellent opportunity to further their careers in a dynamic and progressive industry.

For more information please see the attached flyer or contact Dr Anthony Kachenko at NGIA.

Feeback sought on the Draft National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern

by Chris OConnor • NGI Updates, Policy News

The Attorney-General’s Department is seeking feedback on a Draft National Code of Practice for Chemicals of Security Concern

The code is a voluntary code, aimed at businesses that manage or use products containing chemicals that have been identified as potential ingredients for homemade explosives.

The aim of the code is to manage security risks surrounding the misuse of these everyday chemicals, some of which have been utilised by terrorists in attacks in Bali, London and Oslo. It will impact upon a wide range of industries and groups, including farmers, importers, manufacturers, transporters, universities, retailers and other industry sectors.

NGIA was consulted in the development of the Draft National Code following its submission on the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement “Chemical Security – Precursors to homemade explosives” in March 2012.

Feedback will help to ensure that the code is understandable and easily implemented by businesses.

Individuals have until 1 March 2013 to submit their feedback and this can be done via the Chemical Security website www.chemicalsecurity.gov.au

Confidentiality a priority for industry market research project

by YLAWMaster • Marketing News, Media Releases

The new nursery industry market research project is seeking participation from all greenlife producers, allied traders and growing media suppliers to deliver an ‘industry first’. Never before has there been an opportunity to measure and map the nursery industry from the farm gate and to provide each data contributor with a free report on their position in the industry.

NGIA BOARD RE-ELECTED AT AGM

by YLAWMaster • Media Releases

A key challenge for the nursery and garden industry is to ensure that members have the resources to grow their businesses says the re-elected Board of Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA).

There were no changes to the Board at NGIA’s Annual General Meeting held on November 27, 2012.

South Australian, Mr Craig Norman, Managing Director of Wholesale Plants and Products Pty Ltd, was re-elected President for a second term, as was Vice President,Mr Glenn Fenton, Managing Director of Nationwide Trees Pty Ltd and past President of Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria.

Waterwork Workshop Series is Smart Approved WaterMark Endorsed

by YLAWMaster • NGI Updates

Waterwork Workshop Series was recently approved by Smart Approved WaterMark as an approved service. Smart Approved WaterMark is Australia’s leading labelling scheme for products and services that help reduce water use outdoors and around household across Australia. This voluntary scheme was established in 2004 to assist in the reduction of per capita water consumption by acknowledging water efficient products and services.

The approval process required an independent assessment of the water saving measures resulting from NIASA accredited and EcoHort certified businesses. This process was undertaken by the Smart Approved WaterMark Technical Expert Panel who agreed that the Waterwork Workshop Series clearly demonstrated water saving measures. This program join over 300 Smart Approved WaterMark products and services to use Australia’s water-saving label.

If you require any further information relating to Smart Approved WaterMark or details on the Waterwork Workshop Series and future training sessions, please contact Anthony Kachenko, NGIA Environmental and Technical Policy Manager at 02 8861 5106 or email [email protected]

NGIA Attends the International Seminar on Plant Propagation and Nursery Certification in Chile

by YLAWMaster • NGI Updates

Conference delegates at the International Symposium on Plant Propagation and Nursery Certification

The International Symposium on Plant Propagation and Nursery Certification, held in Rancagua Chile on 24 October 2012, provided an opportunity for 150 international delegates to hear from key members of the Chilean nursery industry, leading agribusinesses and network with fellow growers and international counterparts.

The event featured a number of international speakers including Dr Anthony Kachenko, Environmental & Technical Policy Manager of the Nursery & Garden Industry of Australia (NGIA), Dr Marc van Iersel, Professor, Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia and Dr Thomas Burr, Professor and Associate Dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Speakers were sponsored by the symposium organisers which included the Catholic University of Maule (UCM), CORFO (Chilean Government Department of Economic Productivity) and Chilean Fruit Nurseries Association (AGVF).