LOCAL cherry farmers recently sat down to breakfast with Member for Hume, Angus Taylor to reaffirm their working relationship.
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Mr Taylor organised the gathering in Young recently ahead of the 2015 cherry season.
He said a lot of work had been going on behind the scenes to advance the interests of the cherry industry in Young and district, particularly in terms of market access into Asia.
“I was keen to catch up with growers ahead of the coming season to talk about what I’ve been doing to help, and to hear about other important issues including harvest labour arrangements and changes to the tax free threshold for people on working holiday visas,” he said.
In an address, Mr Taylor congratulated the cherry growers on their advocacy particularly in addressing export issues.
“It is terrific to see revitalised enthusiasm from the cherry industry, together with the support of Young Shire Council and other local stakeholders,” he said.
“This is strong, coordinated advocacy and it sends a clear message to government that it is worthwhile negotiating favourable export conditions for producers.”
Mr Taylor also invited representatives from Fair Work Australia and NSW Department of Primary Industries to the breakfast meeting to provide advice and strengthen relationships with local growers.
“There’s a lot to sort through to make the most of export opportunities into Asia - compliance, workplace matters, regional biosecurity,” Mr Taylor said.
“I applaud local growers who, with the support of the NSW Cherry Growers Association and Cherry Growers Australia, are working closely and positively with government agencies to make the difference.”
