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This looks like a great initiative, as so much food waste does occur in the home. I hope it can make a difference as it also highlights the importance of packaging for certain fresh produce to ensure shelf life, quality and value for money. Governments love to talk about 'working families' (these days are there any other types?). The typical Australian ‘working family’ and household is made up of two parents and two children. Both parents are working, one full time, the other at least casual, if not part time or full time. The main bread winner earns the average weekly wage and relies on overtime and penalty rates to be able to treat the family and if lucky, take a holiday once a year within Australia. They are homeowners with large mortgages relative to their income. This is reflected in the fact that between one quarter and one third of their monthly net income goes toward paying the mortgage. They live in a dormitory suburb, often in a peri urban setting, more than 30km from a major capital city. They have a long commute to work (many don't have the luxury of WFH) with no option to work from home, and this is probably by car as public transport options are either limited or non-existent. In addition to being income constrained, they are also time poor – they cannot shop for fresh food every day and do not shop online. They shop for convenience and will do one weekly shop so fresh produce purchases therefore need to last. Their primary concerns are about cost of living (and not just because of inflation), how to pay bills and the mortgage. The percentage of their net weekly income spent on groceries (including food and beverage) is anywhere between 16% and 25%. The percentage of their weekly grocery bill spent on fresh food is anywhere between 8% and 12%. Other non-produce food items, including meat and confectionary make up circa 25% of the weekly grocery spend. For some this may have declined due to higher inflation and interest rates. The working family is constantly looking for value for money. They are in fact not wasteful because they are acutely aware that waste equates to wasted $. The last thing they want to do is waste money on food they throw out because for example it lacks packaging (or appropriate packaging) to maintain shelf life, quality and ensures they get value for money. https://lnkd.in/gTSSxrtB

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It's humbling to see the positive outcomes that come from the dedication and hard work of those participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Sainivalati Dravu has completed six seasons working with our citrus team and with his wife has recently been able to purchase a truck in his home country of Fiji to help transport children to and from school. “The purpose of the truck is to transport primary school students from my wife's village and surrounding rural settlements to their schools. We are happy to report that over 100 students are now using the transport and no longer have to walk long distances to school. “The truck makes three trips in the morning and three in the afternoon, providing a convenient mode of transportation for these students. This was made possible by the permit issued to us by the Land Transport Authority of Fiji and Ministry of Education earlier this year. “I also wanted to express my gratitude for being employed by Costa since 2017. It has made a positive impact on my family's finances and other aspects of our lives. Though it means being away from family for extended periods of time, the sacrifices made are worth it when we achieve our goals.”

Great to see this announcement from the (relatively) new Assistant Ag Minister, Senator Chisholm which focuses on growing our agricultural workforce by encouraging and promoting a career path in agriculture. As the Assistant Minister notes, I especially like how the program also sets out to undo preconceived stereotypes associated with working in agricultural industries. Look forward to some positive outcomes. https://lnkd.in/gPrQBVsY

Fresh off the back of a study that showed bumblebees can teach each other to solve puzzles, these tiny pollinators are now capturing their own reality footage. Equipped with mini radio transmitters and cameras, bumblebees in Tasmania are helping scientists gain valuable data on their movements and behaviours. Delivered through Hort Innovation and led by Western Sydney University, this research offers a unique window into how bumblebees interact with their environment and support crop pollination—vital to supporting our farmers. From solving puzzles to capturing their lives on camera, these bumblebees are not just pollinators—they're nature’s unexpected innovators. I can't wait to see what they teach us next. #Pollination #BeeResearch #SustainableAgriculture #InnovationsInAg #HortInnovation

This is a great initiative recognising the importance of the fresh produce industry to the Australian economy and our regional communities. Well done to Senator Raff Ciccone, Andrew Willcox MP and the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance. #freshproduce #wellgrown

What a great bipartisan initiative the Federal Parliamentary Friends of Fresh Produce is. With Minister Collins and David Littleproud both in attendance, and many more MPs and Senators, who recognise the importance of the fresh produce industry. The AFPA White Paper was also launched at the event and as noted by CEO Claire McClelland it highlights key opportunities and challenges for the fresh produce sector, including growing trade, reversing a decline in domestic consumption, addressing labour challenges, and progressing environmental sustainability initiatives that are pragmatic and holistically considered. Well done to Senator Cicconne, Andrew Wilcox MP, Claire, Cam Brown and AFPA Chair Gavin Scurr for making this such a successful and well attended event. Look forward to there being many more. https://lnkd.in/gYUq5fNv

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners in the #NationalKitchenGardenAwards, and a special congratulations to Corowa Public School which received the award for Sustainable Solutions, presented by Costa. Our team, including CEO Marc Werner and Chief Operating Officer Domestic Produce Christian Parsons, had the great pleasure of meeting Stephanie Alexander at a celebration for the National Kitchen Garden Awards in Parliament House. We also had the chance to meet some of the wonderful children who are part of this program, which plays such an important role in helping children and young people to develop a lifelong appreciation of fresh, healthy and delicious food. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gfav6S4M Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation #kitchengardenmonth2024 #kitchengardenfoundation20years #wellgrown

Congratulations to everyone involved in this initiative. Central Highlands Development Corporation

It's been a great few days so far at ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, talking to our customers and showcasing our delicious, fresh premium produce. #citrus #grapes #avocados #australianexports