Senator O’Brien (ALP) to visit farmers

The Federal Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries & Forestry will visit Indi Tuesday 31st July to talk with local farmers about their concerns.

The visit will focus on threats to the local honey industry, concerns about the importation of apples from New Zealand and issues to do with the closure of the tobacco industry.

“Local honey growers are concerned about a number of issues, particularly the threats to the viability of the industry with the importation of honey from Chile and fears raised by world wide bee die offs,” Zuvele Leschen, the ALP candidate for Indi said.

“If bee die off spreads to Australia, we could lose all of our fruit crops, as these need bees as pollinators.”

“Apple and pear growers have further concerns. Currently we’re fire blight free, but the importation of apples from New Zealand may change this.”

“A Rudd Labor Government will review Australia’s biosecurity arrangements to ensure the risk of introduced pests and diseases is minimized, protecting the fruit industry from the impacts of bee die off and fire blight.”

Senator O’Brien will also meet with members of the community who have been affected by the closure of the tobacco industry at the Savoy Club at 1 pm.

“The Senator is interested to hearing from tobacco farmers about their future prospects, as well as talking to others in the community, particularly those who provided services to the tobacco industry, about the support they need to go forward.”

Anyone who is interested in meeting with the Senator should contact Zuvele on 0448 613 638.

Running sheet for visit of Senator Kerry O’Brien, Shadow Minister for Primary Industry, Fisheries & Forestry, 31/07/2007

9.20 am - doorstop outside Albury Airport terminal

10.15 am – Niklaus family, honey makers, Diffey Rd Beechworth

11.15 am - Hilton family, SnoLine fruits, apple growers, Main Rd, Stanley

12.30 pm – Bonacci’s tobacco farm, Great Alpine Rd, Myrtleford (opp Myrtleford Savoy Club)

1 pm - meeting with Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce & tobacco growers at the Myrtleford Savoy Club

2.15 pm - Brian & Jane Casey, chestnut growers, Great Alpine Rd, Eurobin

4.15 pm - interview with Di Thomas ‘The Border Mail” – TBC

5.30 pm - depart Albury airport