Victorian nurseries and associated supply chain remain open to trade

An update of the current Industry status in relation to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).   

Following the National Cabinet implementing a shutdown of non-essential activity across the country from midday today we have been fielding a number of enquiries from members seeking clarification as to whether their businesses are deemed to be ‘non-essential activity’.   

We have been, and will continue to, communicate regularly with the Victorian Government to seek clarity on this. At this stage, our sector is NOT classified as ‘non-essential’ and therefore remains open to trade. It is worth noting that if your retail nursery has a Café, this needs to comply with the conditions as per the 'non-essential' activities and should close temporarily.  

Furthermore, we have also provided our case as to the reasons why we believe horticulture is an essential activity, specifically the importance of the nursery related supply chain to agricultural production. Key to this argument is the role it plays within a healthy, functioning, food supply chain. We will continue advocating to influence decision-making wherever possible.   

At present we ask that you continue operating your business within guidelines from Victoria's Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton. It is imperative that as an Industry we are adhering to the required standards. We are all in this together and one business doing the wrong thing has the potential to have a negative impact on the entire Industry. 
 
Please continue to support all staff and visitors to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, encourage employees and visitors not to attend your business if they are unwell and promote social distancing onsite. The Department of Health and Human Services have compiled a comprehensive list of current guidelines for businesses to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
 
For the latest Information, updates and advice about the outbreak of COVID-19, including those from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, keep checking the Department of Health and Human Services website. 

Whilst these are uncertain times, we will continue to support our members and provide you with regular, transparent updates as and when we have them. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.