Department of Agriculture and Fisheries COVID-D update.
31 March 2020
COVID-19 Update
Supporting agriculture during COVID-19
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) is working closely with the agriculture industry to plan for current and emerging issues, particularly around supply chains, labour impacts and movement of essential goods.
BDO, in partnership with DAF, is hosting a series of webinars over the coming weeks to provide you with expert support and lead discussions on the key issues as they unfold.
Clear your calendar on Thursday 2 April, from 2–3 pm and registerfor the second webinar - practical approaches and strategies to documenting your business continuity planning.
BDO’s Business Continuity Planning expert Mark Cushing and Food & Agribusiness Executive Director Margaux Beauchamp will provide insights and updates on the current state of COVID-19 on the agriculture sector.
They will also discuss practical approaches and strategies to documenting your business continuity planning and finish with a live Q&A session to answer your questions and share issues you’re facing.
If you missed the first webinar, you can view the recording here.
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Remote communities travel restrictions
Remote communities travel restrictions are also in force now. Further information is being developed on exemptions specific to agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry. These restrictions include designated areas in the Northern Territory.
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Labour availability
We’re helping industry to resolve issues around labour availability by encouraging hort growers to take this Growcom survey to capture labour demand and provide accurate month-to-month forecasts out to September 2020.
Backpackers and seasonal workers looking for work should register at online platforms such as Harvest Trail.
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Supply of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Businesses across Queensland are being asked to use an online web form to identify their PPE supply needs as well as their manufacturing capability to re-purpose manufacturing lines to develop essential PPE health care supplies.
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Food safety
Currently, there is no evidence or reports of COVID-19 infection via food and no recalls of food or food products due to COVID-19 globally. The best approach for all food businesses is to continue to reduce exposure of staff to COVID-19 and adhere to industry best practice for safe food production.
For more information, visit Safe Food Queensland.
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Firearms
Licensed armourers and licensed dealers will now be able to provide essential services to primary producers and other industries which rely on weapons to do their jobs. A statement is available for more information.
