The purpose of the breakfast is to bring local orchardists together with council representatives to give them a deeper insight into the industry and explore opportunities for development in the sector while identifying any possible impediments to future growth.

Some of the issues council is keen to explore are:

* Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the assistance it can give producers to find new export markets.

* Fruit Fly eradication and local Fruit Fly infestation – what affect does this have on the ability to export fruit from Young?

* The industry is generally a “price taker” with a heavy influence on price from Woolworths and Coles supermarkets. Are there ways to influence change to give the industry more control on return to growers?

*What opportunities are there locally to add value and are there strategies that could help to educate the community on the importance of buying locally-produced food?

*Harvest employment expectations and the reality – do they match-up for people heading to Young to find harvest employment?

*Accommodation for harvest labour – is this adequate and how does council overcome the increasing use of council reserves for illegal camping by those seeking harvest employment which poses environmental and health risks for the community?

* Neglected orchards and roadside signage – are there ways council can help the industry to regulate neglected orchards and encourage owners to either remove or renew old and neglected signage? 

The committee said this is a perfect opportunity for growers to provide feedback to council on this vital industry sector for Young.

Those wishing to attend should RSVP for catering purposes to the general manager’s secretary Leanne Hardy via email to mail@young.nsw.gov.au, phone 6380 1230, or fax 6380 1299 by close of business on Monday, October 13.