Addressing an industry breakfast in Young this week, Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor congratulated growers on their advocacy. “It is terrific to see revitalised enthusiasm from the cherry industry, together with the support of Young Shire Council and other local stakeholders.

“This is strong, coordinated advocacy and it sends a clear message to government that it is worthwhile negotiating favourable export conditions for producers.

“A lot of work has 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.”

Mr Taylor 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.”

Caption: Angus Taylor with Joanne Johnson (Help Temp Agency), Trevor Hall (Hallmark Orchards), Tom Eastlake (President Cherry Growers Australia), Young Mayor Cr Brian Ingram, Janelle Eastlake (Fairfields Orchard) and Siri Hall (Hallmark Orchard).