Michael Quach grows two-and-a-half hectares of cucumbers near Lake Bennett; 60 percent of those are hydroponic. He has increased his farm biosecurity measures since the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV) was detected in the Top End in 2014.
His efforts have been recognised, with Mr Quach named as a finalist in ABC Rural's Farmer of the Year awards. Mr Quach practices covered cropping and has divided his property into growing zones. Workers moving between farming zones are required to wash their hands and disinfect and clean their shears.
"Every morning before work we do chlorine foot baths to kill bacteria, viruses, or anything there," he said. "Even if they go to the bathroom they have to do the same thing."
Mr Quach has hired a biosecurity manager from Taiwan to educate his predominantly Taiwanese workforce. "Most of my workers are backpackers from Taiwan and I want them to understand so my manager can explain it clearer than I can."
Source: abc.net.au
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