As most producers are probably aware, the incoming Federal government signalled a change to the funding arrangements for a number of DAFF programs, including FarmBis. 

We would like to inform growers that the national FarmBis program in NSW and Victoria will be terminated as soon as practicable. In essence, this translates as follows:

* Registration and approval of training courses will no longer be accepted;

* FarmBis subsidies are to remain available only to courses completed up to and including 29 February 2008; and

* Training providers and individuals will have until 14 March 2008 to lodge claims for a subsidy (note that claims lodged more than 30 days after course completion will not be accepted)."

The remaining State FarmBis Programs (QLD, SA, NT, TAS and WA) are now all operating under a national guideline as follows:

* All applications must be lodged and APPROVED by 31st March 2008

* All training must be completed and PAPERWORK LODGED by 15th June 2008

Several of the States have advised that they have funds still remaining in their 'FarmBis Bucket' and would encourage trainers to facilitate growers accessing these funds ahead of the deadline.

As far as food safety training goes we are unlikely to see further funding under this Federal Government. There are indications that a funding program in the environmental / sustainability / climate change area will be developed; however at this stage no firm informaton has been released.

This information has been distributed through the Fruit and Vegetable Chambers in each State, with the request it is sent out to all wholesalers, to distribute on to growers.