WA Grower June 08

$19.00 + GST P.P 602669/00248

SINCE 1948

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Vol. 41 No 2. JUNE 2008

Sam Calameri Winner of the Bill Stevens Award A

N N LI IV IN FT ER S O SA ID U R E T Y !

vegelink Planning for the future

spud corner Demand - for potatoesEconomy grows The Global Potato

FEATURES 4

Arbuckle’s a name synonymous with vegetable growing

10 Balance the biofuel debate 11 Wembley IGA Mushroom Retailer of the Year

19 A Short Walk 21 Changing for a sustainable future

22 Presidents Message 23 Vegelink 28 The Soil Page 32 Just Being Nice?

34 WA’s Water Future 35 Odeum Produce Pty Ltd

13 The Bill Stevens Award -

Winner of Innovative Marketing Award

Winner & Finalists

16 Winning back the balance in your life

17 The Jones family of Manjimup

37 Yvonne Fahl - Finalist AUSVEG Chairman’s Award

40 Editorial 41 Spud Corner

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This month

vegelink industry plan

This month

41 spud corner potato economy

Local Growers Arbuckle’s

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Produced by vegetablesWA Cover Photos supplied by Stephen D Barnby President David Anderson m: 0418 195 759 e: jcandco@bigpond.com.au Vice President Maureen Dobra t: 9575 2086 m: 0417 174 110 e: mdobra@gingin.net Magazine Editor Figaro Natoli t: 9405 4817 m: 0438 628 517 e: wagrower.editor@vegetableswa.com.au

This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by • Agspread • Bejo Seeds • Brandt Electrical • Carefree Water Conditioners • ChemCert • Clause Pacific • DrumMuster • Fairbanks Seeds • Landmark • Seed Potato Cool Storage

• WA Crates • WA Industry Development Officer • Premiers Water Foundation Project • Environmental Assurance Project • Best Management Practice Project

vegetablesWA Articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Committee D. Anderson (president) M. Dobra (vice president) D. Arbuckle (treasurer) F. Natoli (editor) J. Trandos C. Stevens S. Calameri P. Humble A. Marinovich J. Neave H. Shapland T. Dang K. Sue H. Vander Gugten A. Grubelich A. Bogdanich M. Le R. Shain R. Kuzmicich

m. 0418 195 759 m. 0417 174 110 m. 0411 437 299 m. 0438 628 517 m. 0417 979 461 m. 0412 585 985 m. 0418 957 236 m. 0419 917 302 m. 0419 801 824 m. 0418 927 410 t: 9845 1064 t: 9923 0218 m: 0417 986 467 t: 9419 1836 t: 9524 1110 m: 0419 248 422 m: 0417 962 427 t: 9941 8419 t: 9941 8185

Contact Details for Office vegetablesWA Horticultural House 103 Outram Street West Perth 6005 t: (08) 9481 0834 f: 08) 9481 0024 e: office@vegetableswa.com.au Executive Officer Jim Turley m: 0410 697 842 e: pga-vga@vegetableswa.com.au WA Industry Development Officer David Ellement m: 0408 941 318 e: ellement@vegetableswa.com.au Research Manager Gavin Foord t: 0419 939 209 e: foord@vegetableswa.com.au Finance & Advertising Manager Susan Watson m: 0407 471 646 e: susan@vegetableswa.com.au vegetablesWA Reporter Linda Manning t: 9434 2628 e: solution@aceonline.com.au Life Members A.J. Anderson, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), S. Calameri, G. Kiriros*, R.G.Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle, R.M. Schultz. C.P.Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P), HR. Ashby*, Amy Harris*, A. Ingrilli. * deceased

Local Growers

Arbuckle A name synonymous with vegetable growing

Linda Manning

Arbuckle: The First and Second Generations in 1930 (back row) Ina, Ilene, Jim (jnr), Maida, Audrey, (middle) Beb (Beresford), Eliza (nee Steer), Ross, James Snr, Bill, (front) Gwen.

The Third generation: The Arbuckle’s today - Roger with wife Diane, Don with wife Audrey, Lyle with wife Margaret, and Trevor with wife Iris (Absent: Graeme - son of Beb Arbuckle)

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WA Grower June 2008

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Local Growers A short history of the Arbuckle’s contribution to horticulture 1896

James Arbuckle (1879-1956) travelled from Melbourne to Perth to look for land to grow vegetables and in August paid a deposit on Lot 40 of the Osborne Park Estate (later renumbered Lot 47). Whilst clearing his block, he earned money by clearing road reserves for the Perth Road Board.

1897

In March 1897, his mother, Elizabeth, and brothers John, Alfred, William and Beresford together with sisters Ida and Elsie arrived in Perth. Shortly after, his father Robert and elder brother, Robert Hamilton arrive. James, Alfred and John worked the Osborne Park property and the family built a house in Albert Street.

1903

Robert Arbuckle, James’ father, died.

James married Eliza Steer and produced four sons – Jim (1907-1982), Bill (1914), Beb (1916-1982) and Ross (1920-2005) and five daughters - Ilene (1904), Ina (1905), Maida (1910), Audrey (1912) and Gwen (1918)

1905

James and Eliza leased land on the Balcatta Swamp from Wesley Maley. This was the area now facing Bryan Road.

1913

The Balcatta swamp was subdivided.

1918

The Arbuckle’s house, called ‘Balcatta’, was completed on the block opposite the swamp in North Beach Road, (now known as Porter Street – the house still stands).

1924-1925

James Arbuckle started using butterfly sprinklers to grow out of season crops such as rhubarb, pumpkins and tomatoes on sandy country in Balcatta.

1929

The Arbuckle family brought land on Duffy Road Balcatta. Beb Arbuckle farmed Lot 86, and Jim Arbuckle farmed Lot 87 in a partnership known as J.Arbuckle & Sons.

1932

Jim married to Jean Ethel and they produced 4 sons – Trevor (1933), Donald (1935). Neil (1936) and Lyle (1941).

1936

The Arbuckles grew the first shipment of cauliflowers to be exported to Singapore by Fred Emery.

1938

Beb Arbuckle married Catherine McIntosh Faulkner and produced two sons – Graeme (1939) and Roger.

1939-1945

J. Arbuckle & Sons produced carrot seed for planting Australia wide and at the same time developed their own machinery for cleaning the seed.

1940

Youngest daughter, Gwen Arbuckle, married Bill Stevens.

1946

After the war, Fred Emery recommenced exporting Arbuckle cauliflowers to Singapore.

1949

Vegetable growers met and agreed to set up the Vegetable Growers Association (VGA). Members of the Arbuckle and Stevens families attended the inaugural meeting and Bill Stevens was voted vicepresident and Jim Arbuckle treasurer.

Arbuckle family home “Balcatta” at Gw elup in 1920’s

1950 Beb Arbuckle

1954 James Arbuckle Snr

1982 Jim Arbuckle WA Grower June 2008

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Local Growers Header

1950

The VGA set up the Standard Crate Exchange Ltd as an Australian Public Company limited by shares.

Standard Crate designed wooden lettuce and then cauliflower crates.

Bill Stevens was to become the first President of the VGA and Jim Arbuckle the Treasurer.

Trevor Arbuckle was a Committee Member for 13 years including terms as Vice-President.

Beb Arbuckle was a frequent representative of W.A. at VGA Conferences.

J.Arbuckle & Sons partnership is dissolved and Jim takes over the name.

Beb Arbuckle trades as B.T. Arbuckle & Co. Ross Arbuckle continues growing on original property with Bill Arbuckle on a neighbouring property before relocating to Wanneroo.

Both Jim and Beb Arbuckle were involved in the development, and then the production, of the certified runner bean varieties ‘Golden Harvest’ and ‘Westralia’.

Beb Arbuckle was very active in the Osborne Park Agricultural Society and served as President (as had James). Beb was also a strong supporter of the Osborne Park St Johns Ambulance.

1956

James Arbuckle dies aged 77 years.

Graeme Arbuckle goes to Kununurra to work for the Northern Development to learn how to grow cotton – he was the first farmer on the Ord. Jim and Jean Arbuckle and their sons, Don and Lyle together with Beb and Catherine Arbuckle take up the first two allocated blocks in Kununurra to grow cotton. At this time Jim and Beb are considered to be two of the biggest and most successful vegetable growers in Western Australia.

Don and Audrey Arbuckle and their 10-month old daughter Ruth go to Kununurra to grow cotton with their father, Jim. Lyle and Margaret Arbuckle move to Kununurra.

1962

1963

1966

Trevor Arbuckle and family move to Kununurra after closing down the Balcatta farm.

1969

The Arbuckle families return to Perth. Jim retires from vegetable growing, but maintains an active interest in his sons’ properties.

1970

Trevor and Don Arbuckle (Jim’s sons) start growing vegetables on their Duffy Road property and start subdividing the property.

1973

Trevor Arbuckle spent 12 months as a United Nations Military Observer on the ceasefire line in Kashmir.

Trevor and Don buy land on Conti Road Wanneroo and start growing vegetables for seed from 1970 to 1982.

Trevor and Iris move to Carosa Road and grow sweet corn, then move to Carabooda in 1978.

Jim Arbuckle is awarded an MBE for services to vegetable growing. Jim had been a Director of Producers Markets Co-operative, Director of Standard Crate Exchange and Chairman of the Metropolitan Market Trust. He was a Foundation Chairman of the Ord River Districts Co-operative and a member of the Consultative Council for the North-West and a Justice of the Peace.

1978

193o’s 6

Header

1951 Leach, Tallianchick, White, Goddard & Arbuckle

WA Grower June 2008

1951 Standard Crate Exchange

1951 Westralia Runner Beans

Local Growers Header

1980

Beb’s sons, Graeme and Roger, do not return to growing vegetables. After brief time at Pinjarra farming cattle and at York farming wheat and sheep, Graeme moves Moree NSW to grow cotton. He farmed 4000 acres at Bengarang near Garah and Roger farmed cotton at Garah.

1980-1984

Don Arbuckle President of the VGA.

1982

Jim Arbuckle MBE dies aged 74 years in Perth.

Beb Arbuckle dies aged 66 years at Maroochydore.

1990

Graeme retires to Pomona and grows pine trees and hardwood timber.

1992-1996

Don Arbuckle becomes state manager for S&G Seeds and then goes back to growing vegetables and selling seeds.

1996

Roger ceased growing cotton and moved to Noosa to grow macadamias.

2008

Dr Trevor Arbuckle JP DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) aged 74 years is managing partner of Hamersley Traders and a member of the AUF Committee on Supply Chain Initiatives.

Don Arbuckle is still selling seeds and Don’s son John is an accountant.

Lyle Arbuckle is retired after a career in plastics.

Gwen Stevens (nee Arbuckle) lives in Glengarry Perth.

Catherine Arbuckle (wife of Beb Arbuckle) age 92 is living in a nursing home in Noosa Queensland.

on, 1950 Arbuckle, Wils Bloomfield & Harvey

1960’s Arbuckle Seeds

uckle 1988 Don Arb

1950 Ross Arbuckle

1953 Cauliflowers for export to Singapore

Seeds 198o’s Arbuckle Advertisement

1994 Don Arbuc kle & Frank Tedesc o

alia IP 1952 Westr ent Advertisem

Truck loaded for th e markets 1937

ee s (n2008 evenJune Gwen WA St Grower 7 bin Arbuckle) and son Ro

Local Growers

An interview with

Graeme Arbuckle Linda Manning

Graeme and his brother Roger are part of the Arbuckle dynasty that helped shape the vegetable growing industry in Western Australia.

G

raeme Arbuckle was one of the third generation of Arbuckles’ involved in growing vegetables in Western Australia. He was born in 1939, the eldest son of Beb and Catherine (McIntosh Faulkner) Arbuckle. His father, Beresford (Beb) worked the land at Lot 86 on Duffy Rd in Balcatta (now known as Carine) and his uncle Jim farmed next door at Lot 87. They worked together as J Arbuckle and Sons.

Graeme and his brother Roger are part of the Arbuckle dynasty that helped shape the vegetable growing in Western Australia.

Between 1939 and 1945, J. Arbuckle & Sons produced carrot seed for Australia wide use and developed their own machinery for cleaning the seed.

In 1948, several large vegetable growers met and agreed to set up the Vegetable Growers Association (VGA).

Bill Stevens was voted vice-president and Jim Arbuckle (Graham’s uncle) became the treasurer.

The VGA set up the Standard Crate Exchange Ltd in the 1950’s as an Australian Public Company limited by shares – the original purpose was to provide lettuce crates and the success of these led to designing of a wooden crate that would held 8 – 10 ‘good sized’ cauliflowers.

Uncle Bill Stevens became President of the VGA and Jim Arbuckle remained as Treasurer. Beb Arbuckle frequently represented WA at VGA Conferences.

“I was bought up to work,” said Graeme. “I worked horses in the market garden in Balcatta and used to lift 186 pound bags of super in the 1950’s when I was still a teenager.

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WA Grower June 2008

“We were the first to use tractors for inter row cultivation for vegetables.

“Times were often hard. I recall seeing Mum and Dad sitting at the table deciding what they were going to spend their last 5 pound on.

“Dad and Uncle Jim were the first to cultivate spuds. Dad was always out to do something bigger and better.

We used to bag the spuds off a potato digger at the back of a tractor.

“Both Uncle Jim and Dad were involved in the development and then the production of the certified runner bean varieties ‘Golden Harvest’ and ‘Westralia’. They were very successful runner bean varieties at the time.

“I remember we made up a bean seed grader from an old washing machine. It was Roger’s and my job to clean the bags of seed before we were allowed to go swimming on the weekends.

“In 1962 and 1962, Uncle Jim and family and our family left Perth to take up two blocks in first allocation in Kununurra to try our hand at growing cotton.

“Our 30-acre Duffy Road property was leased and later sold to Bill and Gwen Stevens and their sons.

When they left to go north, Jim and Beb Arbuckle were regarded as two of the most successful vegetable growers or “row crop farmers” in Western Australia.

“Cotton farming suited us, we did ten years in the Ord and we were up there when I was 21. I still have some old 8 footage of the Ord at that time.

“Later I did 10 years at Moree and Roger did 16 years at Moree growing cotton at Garah. I am now growing

Graeme Arbuckle

eucalypts near Noosa and Roger is growing macadamias.

“I have had plenty of memorable experiences. I met the astronauts at Muchea and helped to lift the anchor of the City of York sailing ship wreck 200 metres off Rottnest Island.

“A memento of that life is a ‘farmer’s back’. I need plenty of physiotherapy now. Growers work hard when young and suffer later in life. It’s proof that ‘we have done our share’.

In 1978, my Uncle Jim (James Henry) Arbuckle was awarded an MBE for services to vegetable growing.

Jim had been a Director of the Producers Markets Co-operative, Director of Standard Crate Exchange and Chairman of the Metropolitan Market Trust. He also served as the Foundation Chairman of the Ord River Districts Co-operative.

“In 1982, my Dad and Uncle Jim died in the same year. They were always very close. Jim went first and Dad only five months after.

Graeme Arbuckle maintains his interests in timber and Roger in macadamias. Mrs Catherine Arbuckle (92 years old) is living in a nursing home in Noosa Queensland.

Header

Header

Main header Lead in text

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Biofuels Header

Balance the biofuel debate The growing global food crisis has re-ignited the “food-versus-fueldebate on ethanol. Weekly Times 30 April 2008

I

t’s a debate that’s been brewing in recent years as large-scale ethanol industries have sprouted in countries such as the US, Brazil and China.

which see government backed ethanol as an unfair competitor for feed grain.

But there must not be an overreaction.

The rapid push into biofuels is not the only cause of the current food crisis.

But now, with human food supplies under serious pressure, the argument has shifted to a higher plane.

Backed by generous government incentives, the main driver has been to help shift away from the traditional reliance on fossil fuels.

World leaders such as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown are joining the chorus of doubt, urging a rethink of ethanol and biofuel policies.

But by using grain or sugar as inputs, these industries have also diverted inputs - and the land they’re grown on - away from food production.

In Australia, the concerns of the intensive livestock industries to date, almost a lone voice in opposing government support for ethanol - have now been joined by prominent farm leaders, including NFF boss David Crombie.

In the US, for example, about half the country’s corn crop now goes into ethanol and biofuel production.

Over the past decade, US wheat and soybean growers have flocked to producing corn for fuel.

It is time for ethanol policies around the world, especially in the US, to be reviewed. The new generation of non-food plant inputs seems to offer a productive way forward.

Until recently, the main “red flag” has been waved by livestock industries,

It is also being driven by booming demand for food in fast-growing Asian countries and a series of poor harvests in grain-producing countries, including Australia.

A return to good seasons will help, as will a renewed push to lift agricultural productivity.

It’s also likely that food shortages and rising prices will themselves encourage farmers to grow more food to cash-in on the higher returns.

We cannot ignore the plight of millions of people on the edge of starvation. But we must make sure the policy response is appropriate.

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Mushroom Retailer of the Header Year

Wembley Super IGA wins Mushroom Retailer of the Year 2008 Best mushroom retailer in Western Australia

Linda Manning

S

am Belladonna, owner and manager of Wembley Super IGA, accepted the Mushroom Retailer of the Year for 2008.

Sam Belladonna and Mighty Mushroom

The Australian Mushroom Growers provide the annual award to acknowledge and reward the best mushroom retailer in Western Australia.

Alessia Spedding & Noelene Swain from Fresh Finesse

Mushroom tasting with Geraldine

Sam was delighted to win and have the presentation in his store in front of his customers.

The award was presented in-store for the first time. Mascot Mighty Mushroom was there to alert shoppers that an event was taking place in the fresh produce section.

Geraldine presented shoppers with tasty slices of mushroom cooked in soy and ginger and Alessia gave shoppers bright pink shopping bags.

Sam started retailing in 1976 when his father Guiseppe Belladonna bought the Foodland Store in Lesmurdie. Prior to that, they were vegetable growers. The Belladonna’s sold the Lesmurdie store in 1984 and opened a new SupaValu in Beechboro in the same year, which they sold in 1988. In November 1988, they bought the Wembley BiLo, which became a Dewsons in 1996 and a Super IGA in 2005.

Greg Seymour, Sam Belladonna and Tim Jagot

Wembley IGA is a top store to buy fresh produce and had a first class mushroom presentation featuring many different sizes and types of mushrooms.

Fresh Finesse is the face of fresh food promotion in Western Australia.

WA Grower June 2008

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WA crates The professional packaging service for WA’s finest fresh fruit and vegetables

Phone: (08) 9456 4092 - Fax: (08) 9256 1730 email: service@wacrates.com.au

Bill Stevens Award of Excellence Winner Header

The Bill Stevens Award of Excellence Linda Manning

Sam Calameri- BSA Winner

I

mmediate past President, Sam Calameri was delighted when told that he was a finalist for the Bill Stevens Award of Excellence for Production. Sam is one of the owners of the Baldivis Market Garden on Eighty Road Baldivis.

Baldivis Market Garden is one of the neatest vegetable operations spread over approximately 100 acres on Eighty Road between Sixty Eight Road and Stakehill Road.

The Calameri Blogna family purchased their first block on Eighty Road in the early 1970’s. By 1974, Sam was working full time growing vegetables and clearing land.

At present, Sam runs a highly mechanized operation growing only carrots and potatoes in rotation. Until 2002 cauliflowers were part of the rotation and before that, there were crops of onions.

Sam has been quick to respond to new ideas. He was one of the first growers to trial compost. Bob Paulin for the Department of Agriculture carried out some of the original compost trials on his property in the late 1990’s and Custom Composts trialled compost on one area over six years. In the end, Sam utilized compost as part of his growing system.

Sam is well known for his generosity and cooperation with industry and the Department of Agriculture and Food to assist in any scheme to benefit the vegetable industry.

Sam was president of the Vegetable Growers Association from 2000 to 2004 and prior to that vice-president from 1992 to 2000. During his years as president, he was instrumental in bringing in the new structure of vegetablesWA and increasing the communication between the different organizations within the industry.

He used the WA Grower magazine as a vehicle to unite growers under the VGA banner and employed a reporter to profile local growers and record events of interest to growers.

He was Chairman of the Metropolitan zone of the Potato Growers Association from 1997 to 2003 and a Grower Board Director of the Potato Marketing Corporation from 2003 to 2006. He is currently into his third term as Chairman of the APC Potato Producers Committee.

He was president during the Carrot Conference at the Burswood Casino in 2001. continued...

WA Grower June 2008

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Bill Stevens Award of Excellence Finalist Header The Baldivis Market Garden has recently formed an alliance with Yoshi Okuma to grow Japanese tomatoes in greenhouses on Baldivis Market Garden land.

“Sam has worked closely with vegetablesWA and the Department of Agriculture and Food on a range of sustainable production projects. He is always supportive of the programmes we are running and quick to offer

his property for demonstration work and his advice to keep the research focused,” said Gavin Foord research officer at vegetablesWA. Gavin nominated Sam for the Bill Stevens Award.

“Sam is open to change to improve his production, reduce his environmental footprint and promote the vegetablesWA approach to sustainable management.”

“I was looking at the award holistically, I am looking at Sam as a very active grower within vegetablesWA and not just from a production perspective. He is a fantastic ambassador for the vegetable industry and just a good guy to work with.”

Maureen Dobra - BSA Finalist

M

aureen Dobra is one of the executive directors of the family owned Loose Leaf Lettuce Company.

She is Vice President of vegetablesWA and a member of the Western Australian Vegetable Networking Committee and the AusVeg National Research and Development Committee. She is also on the APC Vegetable Producer’s Committee.

Maureen is a Chairperson of the Gingin Telecentre.

Maureen has the ability to get things done both in the family business and in the local community.

Since 1996, the Loose Leaf Lettuce Company has grown from strength to strength. It was the right product at the right time – pre packaged salad mixes were new to the market when Maureen and Barry Dobra’s daughters decided to form the Loose Leaf lettuce Company.

It was not long before demand overtook supply and Maureen, Barry and their son Kevan (in partnership) scaled up production on their property on Ashby Road Gingin.

They have continued to invest in new machinery to plant, harvest, wash and pack the small flavoured edible leaves. Their latest investment is in an Alltech Hydro-Vac ®cooling system.

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WA Grower June 2008

The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company were amongst the first to grow and market the small edible leaves as a salad mix in Western Australia.

They continually trial new varieties to extend their range of products.

Industry Development Officer David Ellement states that, “Maureen has adopted a unique approach to supply chain marketing. The product is high quality and they use a lot of technology.

Bill Stevens Award of Excellence Finalist Header “A lot of growers grow good product, but Maureen does other things well.

She is focused on the people side of the business. She is very conscious of the needs and abilities of her staff and is genuinely interested in their welfare.”

The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company holds an annual or bi-annual day of games where their staff, their suppliers and people on the distribution chain enjoy a day of outdoor activities. They call it the ‘Loose Leaf Lympics’.

The business was a Western Australian finalist in the 2008 Family Businesses of the Year awards.

Maureen won the 2005 RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year award.

Paul Humble - BSA Finalist

B

SA finalist for Excellence in Production (growing)

Paul and Alice Humble have been growing continental cucumbers at St Albans Road Baldivis since 1989. They have 9000 square metres of greenhouse space. Their property presents well.

They grow three crops of per year per greenhouse. The plants grow well and picking starts six weeks after seeding in summer. The greenhouses are very neat and tidy and free of weeds.

They market their cucumbers through Central Fruit Sales.

Paul is on the APC Vegetable Producer’s Committee and the executive committee of vegetablesWA. He is a foundation member of the Greenhouse Growers’ Group.

“There are lots of other people far more worthy than myself to be chosen as a finalist for the Bill Stevens Award of Excellence”, said Paul. “As much as I feel that it is nice to be nominated, I think that my contribution has been alongside other people who could equally be awarded or nominated for what they have done.”

“He is a leader in the greenhouse industry”, said nominator David Ellement Vegetable IDO. “Paul not only grows high quality cucumbers for the market, but he is a good operator, and shares his knowledge with other growers to improve overall greenhouse production.”

The BSA is in honour of the late

W.R. (Bill) Stevens M.B.E., JP.

WA Grower June 2008

15

Environmental Header Finding the balance Management

Header

Winning back the balance in your life Dec 2007, Barbara Holmes, Work Life Balance International

We live our lives at a fast pace, and more of us are under pressure to ‘deliver the goods’.

A

s a business owner, you have customers to serve, employees to manage, deadlines to meet, suppliers to pay and accountants to satisfy.

Family and friends want to see you sometimes, and that exercise bike you bought could do with a workout.

Sound familiar?

Work-life balance has become a popular phrase, as more and more people decide that there must be a better way to live and work.

Achieving balance takes some soul searching, commitment, and motivation to make changes. In the same way that you set goals and targets for your business, establishing personal work-life balance goals is a good first step.

Answering some or all of the following questions will help you set your direction.

•

How do you want to create balance in your life?

•

What needs to change and how will you achieve this?

•

What will be happening in your life when you have achieved your goals.

•

Now write down your action plan (with time lines) to start the change process.

Some tried and tested ideas include: 1. Learn to manage your time.

This is not easy for someone running a busy small business. However,

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WA Grower June 2008

there are things you can do to better manage your day/night. Review how you actually spend your time now. Use this to make changes, set priorities and stick to them.

2. Be realistic Write a to-do-list with priorities and time lines. Don’t sweat the small stuff - let the unimportant tasks wait.

Don’t stress about things you can’t control.

3. Seek help Both at home and at work, even though we may feel that we are the only person who can get the job done to the highest standard - this is not true. Where possible, share or delegate your responsibilities.

Learn to tell people what you need. Communicate at home and at work. Skill others to undertake some of your tasks. Encourage family members to become more responsible for chores and caring for the family.

4. Create time for you - take care of your health and wellbeing Taking a short break or a fun day can re-energise you for work and family. It can increase productivity too. Make time for things you enjoy - write then in your diary. Make sure this time is respected by yourself and others. Learn to manage other people’s expectations of you. Say no sometimes! Schedule sport, exercise and fun. Have regular medical check-ups.

Take mental health days - a great boost to your energy and focus. Take regular holidays that are free from work interruptions. As a small or medium business owner, much of the success of your business rides on your shoulders. You need to be fit and feeling balanced to succeed at home and work. This aspect deserves your attention now.

Local growers

The Jones family of Manjimup

Brassica growers

Linda Manning

When brothers Greg and Mike Jones returned to the family farm in 1997 to grow cauliflowers, most farmers’ sons were heading to Perth and Bunbury to find work.

G

reg and Mike returned and supplied the Coles stores in the South West with cauliflowers, cabbage and broccoli.

About eighteen months ago, all produce destined for Coles had to be consigned to the Costa’s distribution centre in Jandakot.

“We believe in continuous supply and service is everything”, said Greg Jones. “We cut in the morning and take it to our customers.

“We plant every week. At first, we used to grow the old varieties like Marathon and we would sometimes lose the crop through rot. Now with the new varieties, it is not so hard.

“We do a lot of things on our farm that are pretty old fashioned. We care for the land we are on because that is our lifeline. We are not here to reap as much as we can and move on. My family has been on this land nearly eighty years,” said Greg.

The Jones family do not employ outside labour. Greg and his father, George, grow 55 acres of vegetables a year. They only plant what they can harvest by themselves.

They use semi permanent irrigation and water is from a dam on the Jones’ property.

Greg is concerned that they will be charged for the water from their own dam.

“I don’t have a problem paying, but when other industries such as blue

Jones family (back) Greg, Faith and George Jones, (front) Brayden, Sam and Georgina.

gums are not paying anything, we are not on an equal playing field.”

“It costs us 40 cents a cauliflower to get it to Perth and sell it, so we shouldn’t be able to compete with Perth growers in the winter. The reason we can is because we don’t employ labour. We start at daylight every day and in winter we takes four days to get over our crop. In summer, we have one day due to the temperature.

“If I get bigger, I will have to get bigger in a big way. At the moment, I can handle what I do on my own.

“I would like to see our levy money going into a fighting fund, so that when a farmer has a problem, there is some money to help him out. A lot of money was poured into research into export cauliflowers that we don’t do any more.

“We need a more united farmers’ group, like a union, so that we can dictate more of our terms and pass on our costs rather than just take what we are given.

“For example, farmers need to join together and agree that no cauli should leave any farm for less than $1.50.”

Jones family history Greg’s father George told me about the family history.

“My parents, Hugh and Harriet Jones, came out from England in 1921 when Dad was 21. He came from Liverpool and Mum came from Wales,” said George.

“They came out to join the Group Settlement Scheme in Bridgetown.

When that failed, they came to Manjimup in 1929 and settled here WA Grower June 2008

17

Local growers Header because this was the last piece of land that was available. Nobody wanted this land because it had more karris on it than all the other blocks.

“You couldn’t make a living off it.

“It has always been good land to grow vegetables. Dad supplied the ‘campies’ with vegetables in the 1930’s.” The ‘Campies’ were people who lived in a camp over in the bush and built the towns and roads.

“It was tough for everybody – not just us. That is why, when the depression came, they all just left. All the houses were deserted. There used to be two shops and a hall in this valley and it has all gone now.

“During the depression, we milked a few cows and drove them into Manjimup to sell, but couldn’t get much for them so we left them there.

“We are the only originals left in Group Settlement No 23, known as YINDUP and also as YANMAH. “Dad started growing tobacco in the early 1940’s for five years to 1947. When the tobacco was at its height there were 12,000 people in Manjimup, now there are 4,000.

“After that he started growing potatoes and we made a few bob out of rabbits. Like all growers, we had to dig the potatoes by hand with a fork.

“In 1956 we had 28 acres of apples planted. We supplied the cannery for many years until it closed and the government paid us to pull out the apple trees out in about 1986. Dad died in 1968.

“I married Faith Turner in 1967. I feel I am lucky because I have a good wife.

She helped on the farm and it makes it a big difference when you have a wife who will help you”, said George.

The Turners were market gardeners in England and pioneers in the district.

Faith has ‘green fingers’ and has cultivated beautiful home garden at ‘Greenfields’. She still grows her father’s variety of raspberries and makes a fine raspberry vinaigrette.

“When I married George, in 1967, he had 30 acres that were mostly apples. After we pulled the apples out in 1986, George had a really bad accident so we went to live in Bunbury for seven years because George needed hospital treatment and the kids could attend school and university,” said Faith.

“Then we came back to the farm and picked up the pieces, both our boys came with us and this was at a time when the young kids were walking off the farms.

“Greg and Mike started growing broccoli and sending it to the markets in Perth. After a while, they started

Three generations of Jones men, Greg, Brayden, and George Jones.

18

WA Grower June 2008

sending it to the farmers market at Busselton. A buyer for Coles noticed the quality asked them if they would grow cauliflowers, broccoli and cabbage for the Coles stores in the lower South West and supply direct.

They did fantastically well out of that.”

Between leaving school and growing vegetables, Greg had a career as an AFL footballer. He played for Swan Districts then St Kilda. When he returned to Western Australia, he played for West Perth and that is when met his future wife, Kelly Burton from Perth.

Greg and his father George are growing cauliflowers and broccoli on the farm on Jones Road, west of Manjimup. Brother Michael has a career as a teacher in Perth.

Faith and George run a farm stay ‘Greenfields’ in the family home.

The farm is located on Jones Road west of Manjimup in hilly country surrounded by karris. October is the best time of the year to view the Greenfields garden and the cold climate plants. Faith picks her raspberries in December.

George says, “I am only 72 and I am never going to retire. I would as soon live here as anywhere. We will only leave here when we have to be near a hospital or something like that”.

Field of Cauliflowers

Environmental Management Header

A Short Walk – Walking the walk on environmental management

By Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA and Susie Murphy White, Department of Agriculture and Food

This month marks the end of the project ‘Walking the Walk on environmental management’

T

his month marks the end of the vegetablesWA project ‘Walking the walk on environmental management’, funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry. ‘A Short Walk’ not only refers to our time frame, it also reflects the pathway between food safety and quality assurance and the time needed to work towards environmental assurance.

as a condition to supplying produce.

Our international and quality assurance experience told us that this was destined to change.

Choosing a pathway Freshcare is the preferred food safety and quality assurance system for many of Western Australia’s vegetable growers. So for growers with Freshcare, Freshcare Environmental was the obvious choice. The Freshcare Environmental Code is supported by AUSVEG and the national Enviroveg program and provided growers with a clear pathway to environmental assurance. ners1

VegBan

Opportunity or threat?

Ten years ago we all felt a little threatened by the food safety and quality assurance process and while none of us like the extra paperwork, we have accepted it as part of modern business. Start talking about environmental assurance and most growers will roll their eyes and give that ‘here we go again’ look. That is until they realise the opportunity:

• most of the record keeping is already done

• any changes can be linked to productivity (better yield and quality)

• the process can help with a range of planning and management issues Walking the walk on environmental management began with a realisation that our Good Practice approach to environmental management was not formally recognised. There was limited ‘on farm’ implementation of recognised environmental assurance systems and local market forces were not demanding that growers implement environmental assurance

7/3/08

1:26 PM

Page 3

Most of the record keeping is already done The Freshcare internal audit clearly showed that most of the record keeping was already done. Most records in relation to staff training, systems improvement, chemical and fertiliser use were in place. Things that were not already being recorded could generally be incorporated into current records with-out too much drama. An example of this is the requirement under C2.7 of the code for a farm chemical inventory or equivalent system. Many growers did not have a farm chemical inventory, but they all kept

For those growers with SQF, the choice became more complicated as the SQF Responsible Environmental Practice was only made available to us in May this year.

Our approach to this issue was to encourage all participating growers to use the Freshcare Environmental Code.

This was readily available and able to be used in conjunction with other systems, while being affordable and achievable using good practice. We also believed that the code was robust and had all the components that would be required to satisfy codes being developed to link with other systems.

ustralian estern A Growers W g in g Enga otato le and P ental Vegetab stry ’s Environm u d in the in process. ce Assuran

at rating th Demonst nmental Enviro e is Assuranc d le an affordab ing us le ab achiev actice Good Pr

19

Environmental Management invoices to indicate supply details and could easily incorporate expiry and manufacturing dates, on the records they already maintain.

Changes can be linked to productivity One of the key challenges in this project was to ensure that any changes required under an environmental code could be linked to productivity. Examples of these that are most easily demonstrated relate to irrigation: E2.4 Irrigation requirements shall be assessed using crop, soil/substrate, weather monitoring methods or a combination thereof.

This is simply Good Practice as promoted and delivered to growers through vegetablesWA, the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) the Swan Catchment Council (SCC) and other state and national initiatives. Growers are encouraged to use crop factors, local evaporation data and soil moisture monitoring to make better use of the water resources, minimise the impact on the environment and improve crop performance. The following chart was developed as part of this project, using the environmental management ‘cycle of continual improvement’ to link elements of irrigation scheduling.

Freshcare Environmental workshop participants at Canning Vale, November 2007. (Back row; Susie Murphy White , Ian Kininmonth, Graham McAlpine, Clare Hamilton-Bate, Ron Fry, Paul Bogdanich, Sandy Pate, Jenny Mercer. Front: Joe Eckman and Gavin Foord)

Helping with planning and management The biggest task in developing an environmental management system is in the documentation at the front end.

Much of which simply amounts to good management planning and can be covered by good property maps and action plans.

Property maps, provided by this project, using aerial photography with 2 metre contours, have proved to be invaluable in this process. In the first instance they can be used for identifying water courses or areas susceptible to soil erosion and water-logging. They also provide a ‘to scale’ outline of items such as roads, dams bores, watercourses and remnant vegetation which need to be identified on a whole of property level.

Land degradation hazard maps identifying the environmental risks associated with the property were also provided. These maps give an overview of what environmental impacts need to be addressed. In all cases growers participating in the project have been addressing soil and land degradation impacts through routine farming practices. It was just a matter of reviewing and recording these to develop environmental action plans.

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WA Grower June 2008

Meeting objectives Communicating the benefits has involved the use of a number of strategies including; regular reporting in the WA Grower and on the vegetablesWA website, as well as presentations and displays at regional forums around the state, at Kununurra, Carnarvon, Gingin, Binningup and Manjimup.

By the end of the project, growers providing more than 15% of Western Australia’s vegetable production were engaged in the industries Environmental Assurance process.

This far exceeded our initial target of 10% and puts the WA vegetable industry in a strong position for the future.

SustainableHeader Future

Changing for a Sustainable Future Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA

“…any practice that helps us grow a good crop with minimal impact on the environment is a good practice…”

I

n the lead-up to Christmas I went to the usual end of year functions, catching up with old friends and making new ones. One of the inevitable questions was “So what are you working on at the moment?” My reply to that question varied, but the common theme was about helping vegetable growers change practices for a sustainable future. Often the response to this was “Surely they have the information they need, why don’t they just do it?” My usual answer was to go into the spiel about the process of continual improvement, presenting information to address learning styles and linking Good Practice with productivity…

But it made me think.

I believe in what we are doing. I believe our catch phrase that “…any practice that helps us grow a good crop with minimal impact on the environment is a good practice…” I can show that we can make changes for a sustainable future. We know we can make more efficient use of our water and fertiliser. So why are we investing so much in this change process? Why aren’t vegetable growers just doing it?

I then thought about the wider community and tried to draw some parallels. We’re told we can save electricity in the home by turning off lights when we leave the room and turning off appliances at the wall.

We’re shown that we can save fuel by driving more efficient cars, walking to the shops, taking public transport.

We know we can reduce waste by recycling and buying products with less packaging. All of those things require us to make changes for a sustainable future. The community

invests a lot of time and money in this change process. Why aren’t we just doing it?

There is no short answer. We are changing our behaviour. We are turning off lights, we are buying more fuel efficient cars, and vegetable growers are becoming more efficient at using resources.

However we are not changing enough. We still drive to work. Alone.

In 4x4’s. We leave the front light on when we go out at night. We turn off the TV with the remote and Christmas was an interesting time to assess our waste management.

We don’t want to damage our environment, but few of us can say we are consistent in changing our behaviour in terms of energy use and waste management around the home.

Why? The following is from the abstract of Motivating Sustainable Consumption - a review of evidence on consumer behaviour and behavioural change is

by Professor Tim Jackson in a report to the Sustainable Development Research Network, January 2005: “…Changing behaviours – and in particular motivating more sustainable behaviours – is far from straightforward. Individual behaviours are deeply embedded in social and institutional contexts. We are guided as much by what others around us say and do, and by the ‘rules of the game’ as we are by personal choice.

We often find ourselves ‘locked in’ to unsustainable behaviours in spite of our own best intentions…”

to invest in strategies to change community behaviour, just as we should continue to invest in strategies to change grower behaviour.

Because of its very nature and importance, environmental education cannot be confined to any one group in our society. It is a responsibility for everyone - government, industry, the media, educational institutions, community groups - as well as individuals (Environment Australia, July 2000).

Largely because of soil and climatic conditions, vegetable growers on the Swan Coastal Plains face a range of challenges to their sustainability.

The limited water and nutrient holding capacity of our soils makes management critical. New techniques can reduce the risk of environmental harm, but change often comes with a cost. While walking to the shops will save fuel and reduce carbon emissions, it takes extra time, a cost many of us are reluctant to pay.

Simply having the information to change is not enough. We need to keep reminding each other to do it.

If we are serious about changing for a sustainable future, we all need to take responsibility for change. That responsibility extends beyond our home and into the community. If we don’t invest the time and money now, behaviour change will not begin now.

And you don’t have to be Al Gore to know what that could mean.

“…It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary…” (Winston Churchill.)

We acknowledge that behavioural change is complicated. We continue WA Grower June 2008

21

Header Presidents Message

A Note from the President

A

very big thank you to everybody who made our 60th celebration the success it was. Not many profit and not for profit organisations stand this test of time. I would especially like to thank our CEO Jim Turley and all the staff at vegetablesWA for their tireless effort and dedication. Also thanks to the subcommittee of volunteers who co-ordinated the pictorial and all of the events of the night. Well done one and all. It is good for all of us to take a moment in time. Looking back on our great industry, haven’t we come along way!

Out in grower land, food security is becoming an increasing issue. Not only food safety and environmental assurance programs for producers, but areas that are suitable for food production. There are a number of planning issues that Federal, State and Local governments need to consider for long term production.

The industry needs to be involved in the debate about horticulture precincts. Water security for these parcels of land needs to be included in the equation. The community has an expectation that we will always have fresh vegetables to eat.

To all the sponsors’ whose generosity helped to make the night the success it was, our heartfelt thanks. From our platinum sponsorship through to table sponsors’ the night was congratulating the people who feed the nation. The national awards, Bill Stevens award of Excellence and the 60th celebrations where a show case of how our industry works with all.

Shortages of some lines of vegetables are starting to be reported more often.

The industry can no longer afford to have “unsaleable” or $1 per box transactions. Large sharp price rises in all our farm inputs are taking their toll on growers. Forward planning by central market agents, processors and retail chains are going to have to move to a 2-5year cycle. Long 60th Celebration Pictorial

term alliances between parties are going to have to converted to long term contracts. The changing times are going to have to make each of the partners in the supply chain more accountable to each other.

Payment terms for growers that have traditionally drifted out will need to be reigned in if we are all going to survive. Everyone can make life a little easier, so play your part.

Now the Strategic Plan has been finalised, I encourage all of you to have a look at the website (www. vegetableswa.com.au) and see if it covers off on all the issues we need to be doing as an industry organisation. If you are unable to access the web or if you would like a hard copy, please contact the office and we can arrange to send one out.

The plan will help with the investment for agencies like DAFWA, Premiers water foundation and Federal funding.

The plan will be revisited periodically and updated to keep it relevant to what is happening.

Thanks to all for making the 60th Anniversary of, as it was known, The Western Australian Vegetable Growers Association (Inc) and vegetablesWA the success that it is.

David Anderson President

22

WA Grower June 2008

Header

Planning FOR THE

Future

WA Vegetable and Potato Industry Strategic Plan – 2008 and beyond

The WA Vegetable Industry has undertaken the development of an industry strategic plan.

The plan will provide a number of outcomes including:

> direction for vegetablesWA, > assist with funding proposals, > strengthen relationships with the research community and > provide focus on issues and opportunities.

There are four steps to the plan to ensure we are working towards a common purpose.

These include: > Vision > Goals > Strategies > Actions

To assist growers, industry and government in the development of a profitable, sustainable, viable vegetable industry.

Actions

GOALS

Strategies

Strategies

Actions

GOALS

Actions

Strategies

Strategies

Actions

Actions

GOALS

Actions

Actions

Strategies

Strategies

Actions

GOALS

Actions

Strategies

Actions

WA Vegetable and Potato Industry Strategic Plan – 2008 and beyond

VISION: Purpose

GOALS

WA Vegetable and Potato Industry Strategic Plan – 2008 and beyond

Goals AND Strategies 1.

Consumers Facilitating better interaction between consumers and industry

2.

Markets

3.

Competitiveness

4.

Information

5.

Leadership

Maintaining and building domestic and international markets Ensuring profitable, competitive and sustainable businesses

Maintaining and building domestic and international markets

Ensuring profitable, competitive and sustainable businesses

Delivering information for better business decisions Building industry capability through leadership development and training.

1.1 Commissioning domestic and global consumer research

2.1 Developing and commercialising products and processes

3.1 Supporting sustainable production practices and developing assurance programs meeting industry and market needs

4.1 Collecting and disseminating better industry production statistics

5.1 Enhancing professional management of the industry association

1.2 Educating and promoting our products and industry programs to consumers

2.2 Identifying and developing new market opportunities

3.2 Reducing supply chain costs through adoption of new technologies and labour efficient practices

4.2 Improving industry communication channels and processes such as magazine and website

5.2 Leadership programs for industry committee delegates and growers

1.3 Partnering with state and national health initiatives to increase vegetable consumption

2.3 Increasing product differentiation

3.3 Facilitating an affordable supply of land and water for production into the future

4.3 Improving information supply and presentation to policy makers and the media

5.3 Identifying industry skills needs

1.4 Promoting the health benefits of eating vegetables to consumers

2.4 Commissioning domestic and global market research and benchmarking

3.4 Implementing on-farm biosecurity and Managing biosecurity threats

4.4 Developing public relations plans for industry initiatives and crisis situations

5.4 Partnering with marketers and transporters in product training programs for supply chain staff

2.5 Initiating and supporting market access programs and export initiatives

3.5 Raising the profile of the industry to ensure ongoing investment in vegetable businesses

4.5 Improved two way dialogue between vegetablesWA and it’s grower members

5.5 Developing recognised management and technical training programs for growers

2.6 Supporting transparency of market transactions

3.6 Ensuring better quality products through best practice product handling throughout the supply chain

4.6 Strengthening relationships with DAFWA, as well as private and public sector service providers

5.6 Industry leadership in policy development

2.7 Educating marketers wholesale and retail about our products and industry programs

3.7 Building industry capacity to deal with climate change

5.7 Develop and maintain industry strategic and operational plans

WA Vegetable and Potato Industry Strategic Plan – 2008 and beyond

Vegetable Production is conducted throughout the state where good quality irrigation water is abundant.

Vegetable properties range from size from 1 to 600 hectares with businesses most often specialising in vegetable production. However, in some areas (particularly the South West) vegetables are growth with a mixture of agricultural practices.

The industry may be classified into four groups by size and complexity of operation: > Large farms that are highly mechanised; typical crop, carrots. > Medium (to Large) sized farms that are semimechanised; typical crops include lettuce, brassicas and celery.

> Small highly labour intensive farms with moderate levels of mechanisation; typical crops include bunching vegetables, leafy salads, rhubarb, and spring onions. > Protected cropping intensive farms including greenhouses or shelters; typical crops include cucumbers and capsicum.

The proximity of these farms to the city and regional centres increase down the list as does the intensity of labour use.

Thank you to the many people that took the time to have input into the plan. It provides the industry with much needed direction and allows us to achieve outcomes that are supported by industry.

These information sources include: > Regional and crop training needs analysis, > Industry R&D priorities, > DAFWA Situation Analysis 2007/08, > National vegetable industry stocktake, > Vegevision 2020, > Regional grower meetings, > Supply chain workshops, > Carrot and Cauliflower strategic plans, > WAVGA constitution (vegetablesWA), > WA Potato Growers Association plans and meetings, > Department of Agriculture and Food WA research, > WA research community and > Other R&D initiatives.

If you would like any more information please visit vegetablesWA website www.vegetableswa.com.au, or contact vegetablesWA on 08 9481 0834.

Yours sincerely

David Ellement

western australia

ISSUE 34 | JUNE 2008

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Carnarvon Growers Meeting

Web based irrigation system

Welcome to the 34th issue of WA VegeLink. It has been a busy time in the vegetable industry; the vegetablesWA 60th Anniversary dinner was held with 580 guests, the WA Industry Strategic Plan has been completed, regional training needs meetings were held, IPM workshop, retail bus tour and the web based irrigation system is nearing completion.

Vegetable growers in Carnarvon held a meeting organised by Rochelle Shain, Carnarvon Growers Association and Amanda Annells, DAFWA. The meeting covered a range of issues including:

Check out the vegetablesWA website (www.vegetableswa.com.au) for a demo of the new web based irrigation system. The system allows you to enter your crop and farm system details and the computer uses that information and weather data to calculate your irrigation requirements.

This edition of WA VegeLINK is dedicated to the WA Vegetable and Potato Industry Strategic Plan. The plan will assist in focusing the industry development activities. The plan is in the middle four pages of the WA Grower and you can use this as your guide on where the vegetable industry is placing its resources to assist you.

• Environmental Assurance, • Training Needs, • Industry Development, For more information visit the • Biosecurity, vegetablesWA website or contact • DAFWA research projects, and David Ellement on 9481 0834 • Research and Development Priorities There were a number of speakers including, Susie Murphy White, Colin Holt, Amanda Annells and David Ellement. The growers had lots of interaction with the speakers gathering information across a range of topics.

If you would like to obtain more information visit the vegetablesWA website or contact myself on 9481 0834 or 0408 941 318.

David Ellement

Nutrition information New information on nutrition management is now on the vegetablesWA website. This information can be used with vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide.

For more information visit the vegetablesWA website or contact David Ellement or Gavin Foord on 9481 0834 Vegetable

R&D Your national vegetable levy at work

necessary modifications before each summer

Soil Header

•

The Soil Page

Schedule irrigation using estimates of pan evaporation and pan replacement factors (crop factors)

•

Monitor and fine tune irrigation using soil moisture monitoring devices

•

Regularly check the system for leaks and sprinkler blockages

vegetable levy. Rohan is a working on several farms w results, but greater grower would be good.

Make Rohan and your levy

no.5

Soil management workshops 2nd Round 19-20 May 2008 Bob Paulin, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

W

e can improve the quality and performance of our sandy soils on the Coastal Plain. This was the major message delivered by all three speakers at soil quality workshops held on the 19 & 20 May at Yanchep and Mandurah.

David Hanlon

National Trials

Tony Pattison from Queensland DPI outlined a National Vegetable Soil project funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) involving 6 vegetable growing regions in Queensland, NSW Victoria and WA. Tony Pattison and Graham Rose

Tony emphasised the importance of continuing to monitor soil fertility and crop nutrient levels.

The Challenge

I challenged everyone to think more broadly about how improving soil quality through increasing soil carbon could make important contributions to:

• • • •

declining quality of air and water increasing carbon emissions declining food quality and declining health of the human population and the environment

We focussed on the importance of increasing soil quality by working with, rather than against, natural systems and for us to learn how we can adjust our management to do this.

Local Results Keeping the Battery Charged David Hanlon provided an overview of the importance of managing soil organic carbon and the related soil biology. David likened our soil to a car battery and discussed Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) as an indication of the charge of that battery. He also emphasised the need to:

• Quantify improvements in terms of input (fertiliser, irrigation and pesticides) per unit of marketable product • Reverse current trends where increasing use of fertiliser, pesticides and irrigation are needed to maintain production.

• Improve soil biological activity emphasising that having a diverse population directly contributes to reducing pests and diseases.

Increasing the level of organic carbon must become a priority for growers.

28

WA Grower June 2008

The purpose of the work is to identify how changes to soil management could be best measured.

Grower sites using different soil management practices were selected to measure effects on soil quality associated with:

• the use of organic soil

amendments (manure, compost, mulch)

• reduced tillage and • controlled traffic, to minimise the

impacts of tractors and machinery on soil compaction.

Results consistently measured improvements to crop yields, soil chemical and physical properties (nutrient content, water holding, pH, nutrient holding, soil structure) and biological properties. The results from two WA sites clearly supported these findings even two years after the addition of organic amendments had ceased.

Results from 5 years of local work show that the use of compost in vegetable production increases all aspects of soil quality. We can gain larger improvements by using a combination of practices that will also lower production costs. This was illustrated with improved carrot quality that was achieved by using much less nitrogen in combination with improved soil carbon levels, providing a good example of combined practices that reduce costs, while improving marketable yields.

The different types of organic carbon are also important. These include; active decomposing materials that support soil biological activity, more stable forms that contribute to soil structure and performance and the humic substances that contribute to long term soil carbon.

Theory into Practice

At the conclusion, all agreed that we need to:

Header

Header Soil

1. provide strong support to growers interested in developing practices that will increase soil carbon and 2. ensure that the transition from current practice can be achieved without major difficulties and loss of income Gavin Foord outlined progress towards funding a soils development officer to establish a number of grower soil management demonstration sites and provide that support. “We are about to publish our Good Practice Guide Soil Management chapter. This covers the range of Soil Management practices outlined at these workshops. The next step is to put the theory into practice, making sure that it is affordable and achievable. Improving soil performance will help us maintain production and minimise our environmental impact.”

Bob Paulin

Janet and Tom

Next edition » Progress with developing vegetable soil management

It was very encouraging that workshop participants supported this approach and were keen to be involved.

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29

COUNCIL

SITE/ COLLECTION INFO

COUNCIL

SITE

Rockingham

Miller Rd Landfill One day in March & September

Murray (Pinjarra)

Corio Rd Waste Transfer Station

9531 7777

Waroona

Buller Rd Refuse Site

9733 7800

Augusta - Margaret River

Davis Rd Waste Transfer Facility

For Info 9757 6077

Boyup Brook

Boyup Brook Recycling Centre

9765 1200

Bridgetown - Greenbushes

Bridgetown Waste Facility

9761 1555

Busselton

Dunsborough Waste Facility

0417 179 596

Donnybrook- Balingup

Donnybrook Landfill Site Balingup Landfill Site

9780 4200 9780 4200

Harvey

Harvey Landfill

0428 950 120

Manjimup

Manjimup Refuse Site Pemberton Waste Transfer Station

9777 2332 0427 767 010

Armadale City

Armadale Landfill & Recycling Facility

9399 0127

Mindarie

Tamala Park

9305 5246

Broome

Broome Waste Management Facility

9193 8018

Gingin

Frogmore Shire Depot First Wednesday each month by appointment ph: 9571 2211

Carnarvon

Browns Range Landfill Site Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm

Eastern Metropolitan

Red Hill Waste Disposal Site Second Wednesday each month between 8.00am to 12 noon

Wyndham - East Kimberly

Kununurra Contact the council

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Carnarvon Shire recently signedsigned an in an environmentally friendly way,” he the long term, protecting Carnarvon Shire recently an to have drumMUSTER set up,” said ones Ivor farm drumMUSTER Covers Carnarvon agreement with Agsafe Limited to said. from rubbish and toxic waste “Empty chemical containersmanager. have been also agreement with Agsafe Limited to participate Gaylard, the association’s participate in the Industry Waste retains and improves the value of hanging Romeo Deboni, President of thearound the plantations for years inCarnarvon the Industry Waste Reduction Shire recently signedScheme an Reduction Scheme (IWRS). the property for sale or for future association echoes Ivor’s thoughts being a potential hazard, and have we will be glad (IWRS).

“Empty chemicalgenerations. containers been agreement with Agsafe Limited to participate This means that all horticulture adding, “Though its been a while to get rid of them in an environmentally hanging around the plantations for years in theinIndustry Reduction Scheme regions WA now Waste have a recycling coming, now that it’s here it should be The drumMUSTER scheme friendly he said.

This means that all horticulture regions in WA being away,” potential hazard, and we willLtd bewhich glad (IWRS). service for their cleaned eligible ag a big plus for the growers, town and operates through Agsafe nowvet have a recycling service cleaned to get rid of them an environmentally and chemical containers throughfor their the environment.” is ainnon-government, not-for-profit Romeo Deboni, President of the association eligible ag and vet chemical containers friendly way,” he said. the drumMUSTER program. organisation which also administers This means that all horticulture regions WA chemical users Westernin Australian ® echoes Ivor’s thoughts adding, program, another the ChemClear through theadrumMUSTER program. now have recycling service for have theirnow cleaned A new compound for the storage of recycled in excess of two national stewardship scheme which “Though its been President a while coming, now that it’s Romeo Deboni, of the association eligible containers ag and vet containers accepted waschemical constructed million containers, removing over specifically targets the collection and here it should be a big plus for the growers, Athrough newCarnarvon compound forRange the storage of accepted echoes at the Brown close to three thousand tonne ofIvor’s thoughts adding, the drumMUSTER program. disposal of unwanted, out-of-date or and the environment.”

Landfill facilitywas and is now open forat thewaste from landfill. town containers constructed Carnarvon “Though its been a while coming, now that it’s obsolete chemicals. receival normal opening Brown Range Landfill and is openby the Shire hereofit should be a big plus for the growers, A newduring compound for facility the hours storage ofnow accepted “The decision These chemicals may be quitenow from Monday to Friday.

Western chemical users have for receival during normal opening hours from andAustralian the environment.” is great for town drumMUSTER containers was constructed at theCarnarvon Carnarvon hazardous and are sometimes recycled in excess of two million containers, “The ShireRange of Friday.

Carnarvon is facility andas now have all the horticulture Monday to Brown Landfill is we now open inherited as a result of the sale of a appreciative of drumMUSTER’s regions across Western Australia removing close to three thousand tonne Western over Australian chemical have now for receival during normal opening hours from property, or may users have simply been support in establishing an important serviced by the program,” said of waste from landfill.

“The Shire of Carnarvon is appreciative of recycled in excess of two million containers, forgotten about, collecting dust in the Monday to Friday. link in our overall waste management Bevan Henderson, Northern WA drumMUSTER’s support in establishing an removing over close toathree thousand tonne back of shed somewhere. strategy,” said Graeme Wilks, CEO, drumMUSTER Regional Consultant.

“The decision by the Shire of Carnarvon is important link in our overall waste of waste from landfill.

“The Shire of Carnarvon is appreciative of The overall aim of these Carnarvon Shire.

The considerable support that the great for drumMUSTER as we now have all management strategy,” said Wilks, drumMUSTER’s support in Graeme establishing an commendable programs is to achieve “There is also an opportunity to target drumMUSTER initiative has received regions across Western the horticulture CEO, Carnarvon “The decision bygood the farm Shire of Carnarvon is management practices important link waste in Shire. ourgenerated overall wastefrom local chemical retailers other plastic type and Australia serviced by the program,” said so that quality assurance standards great for drumMUSTER as we now have all management strategy,”industry said Graeme Wilks, through the local horticulture grower agencies is very encouraging canNorthern be met, and cleaner safer land Bevan Henderson, WA “There is also an opportunity to target other the horticulture regions across Western CEO, Carnarvon Shire. and if successful, will contribute and has already resulted in deliveries use practices will be inherited Regional plastic type generated thecontainers local Australia serviced by theConsultant. program,” said for the significantly to waste the further reduction through of of used atdrumMUSTER the collection generations to come. waste currently committed to landfill,” site atwill the Brown Range facility.Henderson, Northern WA horticulture industry and if successful, Bevan “There is also an opportunity to target other For more information he said.

The considerable support that the on these contribute significantly to the further reduction drumMUSTER Regional Consultant. plastic type waste generated through local compound “It is athe substantial which programs, contact: drumMUSTER initiative has received from ofhorticulture waste currently committed to landfill,” he Local grower Paul Shain isand pleased is visible and accessible,” said Bevan industry if successful, will • drum MUSTER 1800 008 707 www. local retailers andthat grower that the drumMUSTER program has further Henderson. said.

The chemical considerable support the agencies contribute significantly to the reduction drummuster.com.au been brought to Carnarvon. isdrumMUSTER very encouraging and has resulted initiative hasalready received from of waste currently committed to landfill,” he is Australia’s drumMUSTER ® • ChemClear 1800 008 182 www. in deliveries of used containers at the Local grower Paul Shain is pleased that the local chemical retailers and grower agencies “It will enable us to dispose of our most extensive program for the said. chemclear.com.au site at the Brown Range facility. drums in an efficientprogram and sustainable disposal drumMUSTER has beenenvironmentally brought to safe collection is very ofencouraging and has already resulted manner,” he said. eligible clean ag and vet chemical Carnarvon. in deliveries of used containers at the Local grower Paul Shain is pleased that the “Itcollection is a substantial compound which facility. is visible “ItdrumMUSTER will enableGrowers us program to dispose of been our containers. drums in an site at the Brown Range The Carnarvon Association has brought to and accessible,” said Bevan Henderson. efficient and sustainable manner,” said. have also been very enthusiastic in Inhe years past, in not just the Carnarvon. their support for the program. horticultural but in “It farming is a substantial compound which is visible “It will enable us to dispose of our drums inindustry an general, it has been the custom to drumMUSTER is Australia’s extensive The Carnarvon Growers Association and accessible,” said Bevan most Henderson.

“I think it’s aand verysustainable positive move for efficient manner,” hehave said. burn and bury chemical containers program for the environmentally safe disposal also beentovery Carnarvon have enthusiastic drumMUSTERin their support for or the chemicals themselves. These ofdrumMUSTER eligible clean ag and vet chemical set up,” said Ivor Gaylard, the the is Australia’s most extensive Theprogram.

Carnarvon Growers Association days have the practice is frowned upon. association’s manager. containers. program for the environmentally safe disposal also been very enthusiastic in their support for Most folk agree that avoiding of eligible clean ag and vet chemical “Empty chemical containers have the program. any possible problems with the been hanging around the plantations containers.

A grape harvesting contractor discusses Environmental Protection Agency for years being a potential hazard, growing conditions Allan McGann, is well advised.

And in any case, in For more information media release please contact the Media Promotions Officer, Mark Koehlerwith on 02 6230 6712 and we will be glad regarding to get rid this of them drumMUSTER National Coordinator. or email mark.koehler@agsafe.com.au The Industry Waste Reduction Scheme (IWRS) is a nation-wide joint initiative between the National Farmers Federation (NFF), For more information regarding this media release please contact the Media Promotions Officer, Mark Koehler on 02 6230 6712 Croplife Australia Ltd, Animal Health Alliance (Aust.) Ltd, Veterinary Manufacturers and Distributors Association (VMDA) and the or email mark.koehler@agsafe.com.au Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). This Scheme operates through Agsafe Ltd which is a non-government, not-for® The organisation Industry Waste Scheme (IWRS) is a nation-wide joint initiative between the National Farmers Federation (NFF), profit thatReduction administers the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs.

Croplife Australia Ltd, Animal Health Alliance (Aust.) Ltd, Veterinary Manufacturers and Distributors Association (VMDA) and the drumMUSTER is Australia’s most extensive program for the environmentally safe disposal of agricultural and veterinary chemical Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). This Scheme operates through Agsafe Ltd which is a non-government, not-for® of unwanted chemicals. containers. ChemClear is the national program for the collection and disposal ® profit organisation that administers the drumMUSTER and ChemClear programs. drumMUSTER is Australia’s most extensive program for the environmentally safe disposal of agricultural and veterinary chemical ® containers. ChemClear is the national program for the collection and disposal of unwanted chemicals.

“Social Responsibility”

Just being nice?

Oct 2007 Jim Prevor, Produce Business

It is quite possible consumers mean different things by the use of terms such as “social reponsibility”

W

hen consumers tell us things that are hard to believe, the role of the researcher is to ask simply this: I wonder why the consumer is telling us such a thing? So when Bryan explains the PMA research shows “the social responsibility of companies growing and selling produce is highly important to consumers when making produce purchase decisions,” we have to wonder what this could possibly mean.

social responsibility issues but here is no consensus on what social responsibility actually means.

The vast majority of items sold in the produce department are not branded; others have labels with names of obscure produce companies unfamiliar to consumers. In most cases those names aren’t the actual grower anyway – just a packer or processor. Plus only a few names sell more than one category. A typical produce department can represent hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of growers.

So to the experts, a chain that spends millions buying “carbon offsets” may score high on sustainability.

Consumers might view a chain that doesn’t do that but spends the same money rebuilding a local park, helping local schools and hospitals, etc., as more “socially responsible.”

One would have to believe at least 55 per cent of consumers are spending countless hours on the internet researching produce vendors and their suppliers to think consumers have any information on this subject – much less enough for it to be a “highly important” factor in purchasing decisions.

32

This is important because it is quite possible consumers mean different things by terms such as “social responsibility” than do “experts” in this field. Experts tend to be talking in macro – how a chain or a store impacts the world. Consumers often look at these things in micro – how a store or chain affects my community.

It is not surprising consumers would consider themselves more socially responsible than business. The term is so vague and so subjective it almost boils down to being “nice” – treating other people well, not littering, cleaning up after oneself, etc. With such a definition, we shouldn’t be surprised if consumers think they are nicer to their friends, relatives and co-workers than companies are to their employees or suppliers.

Since nobody really believes this, we are left wondering what this statistic could mean.

In all likelihood, PMA’s finding about the high value consumers place on social responsibility points to three ideas:

The question is reinforced because in response to PMA’s social responsibility list, no issue was ranked as No. 1 for more than 15 per cent of consumers. This raises the likelihood that not only don’t consumer have the information needed to evaluate produce companies on

1) It gives us a sense that this is part of the zeitgeist, a German expression roughly translated as “the spirit of the age.” People do not live in isolation, and part of what they search for in selecting product and services and choosing shopping venues is the approbation of friends and relatives.

WA Grower June 2008

So we can surmise that when social responsibility distinction can be communicated to consumers, a positive reputation for social responsibility will be an effective tool in attracting customers.

In another time, people might have been proud to tell their friends all the fresh produce items at tonight’s dinner party were grown in their own Victory Garden. Today they might identify that the store where they shop supports local farmers or the produce is grown in a way good for the environment.

2) The study also may point to the risk of being identified as not socially responsible. Because consumers have so little information, allegations and news reports can powerfully influence their actions. This is nothing new. The famous “grape boycott” was successful both because consumers wanted to avoid companies perceived as socially irresponsible and because they had no knowledge of the way grape farmers treated their labor nor of the intricacies of union politics.

There is also a waterfall effect.

Retailers who don’t want to be seen as socially irresponsible may simply stop carrying brands or products identified negatively on these measurements. In any case, there is an enormous downside risk to being identified as socially irresponsible and, this, as much as any upside to being identified as socially responsible, might justify efforts by any industry member to perform well in this regard.

3) We can see the incipient importance of certifications. Combine a desire to be on the right side of these issues with consumer ignorance of the facts and a virtual impossibility of gaining the facts on their own, and

“Social Responsibility” one has a recipe for certifications to be effective at boosting sales, enhancing retail reputations and preserving shelf space at retail. Consumers may not be able to investigate a company’s environmental impact, but a “Rainforest Alliance” certification can reassure.

but a fair-trade certification can allow consumers to feel good about their purchase. Retailers can be expected to want to benefit from the halo effect of these types of certifications as well - thus making a certification a powerful argument for a slot in the warehouse and shelf space in the store.

The consumer cannot be expected to know how much a grower in a thirdworld country pays its employees,

Bryan has it precisely correct when he says, “Social responsibility is all about connecting, less about selling. It is

BRANDT

ultimately about setting aside the usual commercial concerns such as product and price and allowing customers both trade customers and consumers to evaluate whether you, as a company, are the kind of organisation they want to do business with.

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WA Grower June 2008

33

Water

WA’s Water Future Water Recycling

by Jim Trandos and Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA

O

n the 18th of March the Conservation Council WA Inc and the Water Corporation presented a forum on Water Recycling at the University Club of WA. The morning presentations included:

• State Water Plan, by the Hon John Kobelke MLA – Minister for Water Resources, Police and Emergency Services, Community Safety, Sport and Recreation.

• Developing a Water Recycling

Strategy for Western Australia,

by Leon English – Manager Water Recycling and Efficiency Branch, Department of Water.

• The Toowoomba Water

Recycling Experience, by Di Thornley – former Mayor Toowoomba City Council.

• Health Implications of

Wastewater Recycling, by Dr Jim Dodds – Environmental Health Director, Department of Health.

• Pathogens and other Health

Concerns in Water: Facts and Myths, by Dr Simon Toze – Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Water for Country Flagship.

• Community Acceptance of

Recycled Wastewater, by Blair Nancarrow – Social Scientist, Australian Social Scientist, Research Centre for Water in Society, CSIRO.

• Groundwater Replenishment,

by Nick Turner – Strategic Manager, Reclaimed Water, Water Corporation.

These sessions were very good, with the information presented in a very clear and sometimes entertaining fashion. The overall impression was that there were a number of

34

WA Grower June 2008

wastewater recycling options that were supported by research.

After a very positive morning’s proceedings, the afternoon was disappointing. In the morning we heard about potential and solutions.

In the afternoon Speaker Panel, we were told about delays and problems.

While the science and much of the experience from elsewhere provides a way forward, it would seem that debate over detail will delay any development for many years.

We then moved on to group discussions or ‘facilitated community engagement sessions’. The focus of this session was “What do we want our wastewater reuse to look like by our Western Australian Bi-Centenary in 2029?” Rather than explore future opportunities, some participants used the forum to criticise present vegetable industry irrigation practices.

It was very disappointing that these individuals, who are interested in sustainability, had such limited knowledge of the work we are doing

to make better use of our resources and the gains we have made in our environmental performance.

Like most people, we would like to think that 2029 will see some major technological advances in water delivery and scheduling. The groundwork we are doing now with irrigation training, developing scheduling tools (in the field and web based), SMS services and better irrigation systems, will surely continue to evolve over the next 20 years.

Our vision for 2029 should be about efficient use and re-use of water resources using new technology, not about practices developed last century.

We have good communication strategies in place within our industry, but we clearly need to do more to educate the public about the good work we are doing and the changes we are making.

Images: Water Forever. Water Corporation www.thinking50.com.au

The Water Grid

AUSVEG Innovative Marketing Award Winner Header

Odeum Produce Pty Ltd

Winner: Innovative Marketing Award “We tailor our business to meet the demands of modern chain store retailing” Linda Manning

“

Beautiful” said Aubrey Freemantle manager of Odeum Pty Ltd when he heard that Odeum was a finalist in the AUSVEG Innovative Marketing Awards.

General Manager Aubrey Freemantle

cuts’ are marketed in a high gloss, shrink-wrapped plastic film which allows the fresh pumpkin to breathe and therefore extend shelf life to a week.

Odeum’s sales of pre-cut pumpkins have now outpaced their sales of whole pumpkins. The pumpkins are grown in Western Australia: 65 per cent from Kununurra, 25 per cent from Carnarvon and are ten per cent grown locally.

“We also do peeled onions for Woolworths, Coles and Metcash,” said Aubrey.

“We started marketing ‘pre-cut’ Kent, Jarrahdale and Butternut pumpkins in 2004. Before that people had to buy the whole pumpkin whereas now a shopper can buy a piece of pumpkin.”

At the present time, Odeum Produce markets between 12 - 20 tonnes of pre-cut pumpkins a week. The ‘prePre-cut pumpkins

In 2001, Odeum developed a technique for removing the dry scaly older skin to reveal the fleshy shiny younger layers using jets of compressed air. A worker manually tops and tails the onion and another operator removes the dry, outer shell using a high-pressure air flow.

The new style ‘peeled’ onions have boosted consumer demand for onions in the stores where they are available.

It is likely that a whole new class of Peeled onions

consumers is buying the bright clean fleshy looking onions.

“We buy [Australian] onions in season and we also source them from New Zealand and America. About 30 per cent are sourced in Western Australia” said Aubrey.

“In addition to our own farms, we have implemented extensive growing programs with quality assured growers,” said Mat Bullen contracts manager.

“This approach ensures that Odeum is able maintain high levels of food safety and quality to supply our clients, and at the same time minimizes the need to buy produce through the markets.”

“We handle a lot of other products – when a product comes into the warehouse, we will either process it as per the pre-cut pumpkins and peeled onions or we repack it to the clients’ specifications.

“We buy in bulk and break the product down to the supermarkets’ requirements. For example, the Butternuts ready to go out

WA Grower June 2008

35

AUSVEG Innovative Marketing Award Winner Sales Associate Valentino de Souza

Administration manager Jackie Trevaskis

rock melons arrive in a bin we might pack them into trays of eight or nine fruit. The ginger arrives in 10 kilogram boxes and will be packed into 3 kilogram trays. The mandarins arrive in 9 kilogram cartons and will be graded and packed into 12 kilogram trays and the oranges arrive in bulk bins and will be packed into 3 kilogram bags.

demands of modern chain store retailing”, said Mat.

“We sort, grade and repack pumpkins, water melons, sweet potatoes, citrus, rock melons, melons and honey dews, silver beet, spinach and other leafy veg, cucumbers and prepack tomatoes. We don’t handle carrots and potatoes because there are specialist operators who have cornered that niche..”

Odeum Produce operates their business on 10,000 square metres of land at Canningvale, of which 6,000 square metres is under cover. They employ between 50 and 75 people depending on the time of year.

“Our main clients are the chain stores.

We tailor our business to meet the Pumpkins ready for grading

Two investors and three growers own Odeum Produce. The investors and executive directors are Victor Farcic and Lance Fitzgerald. The growers and non-executive directors are John Marinovich, and Tim Croot and Rob Boschammer from the Kimberleys.

Odeum Produce is only one of two finalists for the 2008 AUSVEG awards from Western Australia.

Odeum was nominated by carrot and potato grower Sam Calameri.

Contracts manager Mat Bullen

What is the future for youngsters in the industry?

“I believe that the youngsters of today should be promoted”, said Aubrey Freemantle. “There should be funding to educate them and welcome them into the business.

They are the future as far as growing is concerned.

“Unfortunately, there is no incentive to go into growing at present. All they see is a future of backache, headache and heartache and they can choose to work in a bank instead of working on the land.

“We should look at welcoming them into the industry. There should be family invitations to industry events. The youngsters are the future of the industry.

Succession planning does not just happen, they should be groomed for management.

“Employees in the fresh produce industry should be able to spend three to four weeks in the markets and three to four weeks in the field.

That way, they will appreciate weather conditions and growers’ decisions, and know how it affect the produce and appreciate it and handle it with respect. Instead, they reckon that they can pick someone up from the street and they will be able to do the job.

36

WA Grower June 2008

AUSVEG Chairman’s Award Finalist Header

Yvonne Fahl Finalist for the AUSVEG Chairman’s Award

Y

vonne, a popular member of Carnarvon’s horticultural community, is thrilled to have been nominated, and honoured to have been chosen as a finalist for the AusVeg Chairman’s Award.

Yvonne has had a long association with horticulture in Carnarvon, firstly as an owner of a banana plantation from 1965 until 2001 and through that to positions on the Gascoyne Produce Marketing Association, the Carnarvon Mango Exporters Group, the Carnarvon Fly Baiting Scheme, and the Carnarvon Horticultural Development Council. She has represented Carnarvon and Western Australia nationally.

She is also the recipient of the Red Cross Long Service Medal.

Yvonne was declared Citizen of the Year in 1983 and North West Rural Woman of the Year in 1995.

She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Minister of Health for contribution to the work of the Heart-Cancer-Arthritis Foundation.

She also received a Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition—for Agriculture Protection.

Yvonne was made a Life Member of Carnarvon Growers Association Inc. in 2002.

Yvonne was also active in the community at the St Mary’s School, the Junior Football Association, the Junior Soccer Association, the Junior Cricket Association, and the Carnarvon High School P & C and canteen. She held positions in St George’s Church, St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s bazaar, the Red Cross, Soroptimist International, Australia

Week Committee, the Cancer Foundation, and the Heart-CancerArthritis Foundation. Yvonne is a Life Member of the Junior Cricket Council In her spare time, she taught English to migrants on plantations.

She is a member of the Equal Opportunities Tribunal.

Some of the positions relating to horticulture that she has held follow: • Gascoyne Produce Marketing Group - inaugural member and executive officer, • Carnarvon Mango Exporters Group - secretary, treasurer & coordinator from 1989-1996 • Carnarvon Fruit Fly Baiting Scheme – executive officer since 1983, • Carnarvon Growers Association – secretary since 1985, • Carnarvon Horticultural Development Council – inaugural member, • Gascoyne Floriculture Steering Committee 1994-1997, • W.A. Representative for Horticulture to the International Women in Agriculture Conference 1994 • 4th International Mango Symposium in Florida USA in 1992 - attendee • Curtin University Export Marketing Project 1993 - member, • Agriculture WA Group Marketing trip to Kununurra, • Agriculture WA Centenary to promote Export Mangoes attendee,

• National Mango Forum in Brisbane 1996 – attendee, • Resource Management Workshop Canberra 1996 – attendee, • Australian Fresh Mango Group Carnarvon region 1995-2001 – coordinator and quality manager 1999-2000, • Tropical Fruits HortGuard™ - Chairperson to 2001, now committee member, • WA North West Rural Woman of the Year 1995, • Agriculture WA, Horticulture Partnership Group 1996 – board member, • Carnarvon Growers Peak Body Executive Officer – member since 2002, • Canning Vale Market Review Committee 2002 – member, and • Agricultural Produce Commission January 2004 – commissioner.

• Leadership Course Canberra 1995 – attendee, WA Grower June 2008

37

News

Agriculture News Australia lags behind China’s horticulture sector A global comparative analysis project has shown that when compared with China, the Australian industry must move quickly to improve its international competitiveness.

The study was initiated by the Australian Vegetable Industry Development Group (AVIDG) and funded by the vegetable industry’s R&D levy.

The project involved extensive on-ground research within China and was completed with the active involvement of the Vegetable Industry Exporter Network, which includes some of Australia’s leading vegetable exporters.

The project focused primarily on China and investigated current trends relating to international trade in fresh and processed vegetables.

The findings show a steady growth in international trade in vegetable products, dominated by supply from China, whose exports have risen from $US2 billion to $US5bn during the past 10 years.

“While international trade is expanding, Australian vegetable exporters are losing market share overseas and imports are rising.

Australia’s exports have fallen by 50pc since the peak in 2003 and now represent less than 10pc of the industry’s gross value of production,” says AVIDG chairman, Richard Bovill.

China has low labour costs and supportive government policies on rural development that have helped to sustain this growth.

China continues to gather momentum as a major vegetable exporter, increasingly driven by large well-resourced businesses that are addressing issues relating to productivity, environmental constraints and food safety.

38

WA Grower June 2008

The study also found that China presents few opportunities to Australian vegetable exporters. Small niches exist for premium offerings in affluent urban areas.

The report from the Global Comparative Analysis Foundation Project can be read or downloaded from the AVIDG website by visiting www.avidgroup.net.au source: http://sl.farmonline.com.au/ news/nationalrural/horticulture/General/ australia-lags-behind-chinas-hortisector/784584.aspx (July 2008)

Foodnet The Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) is providing a new helpline service to provide technical and scientific information, networking opportunities and knowledge transfer to support the WA food and beverage industry. DAFWA has formed strategic alliances with reputable organisations such as Leatherhead Food International (LFI), Curtin University’s Food Science department, Food Science Australia and other government departments (AQIS, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Health and the Chemistry Centre). By doing so, DAFWA acts as the conduit for information and knowledge transfer in order to respond to queries relating to all aspects of food manufacture, including food safety, food labelling advice, allergens, trouble-shooting, packaging, reformulation and emerging technologies. Phone: 1300 553 623 or email your query to foodnet@ agric.wa.gov.au

Green tea and ham to bolster Aussie pork sales Green tea in ham may sound too much like Dr Seuss to be true, but the combination is set to change the

processed ham market and boost the local industry by shifting large volumes of Australian-produced pork.

Hans has developed its new Country Fresh packaged ham to tap into the growing consumer desire for healthy, wholesome and quality produce.

And while that may sound easy, the Country Fresh has been 18 months in the making, with more than $150,000 spent on scientific research which has revolutionised the processed ham sector.

The result is Hans Country Fresh, a thicker cut of sliced ham sold in 100-gram packages, but with an off-the-bone flavour and the health benefits of containing 25 percent less salt than other packaged hams thanks to the use of green tea as the anti-oxidant agent. Country Fresh is already on supermarket shelves around the country, and last week impressed the 35,000 visitors to the Melbourne Good Fine and Wine show.

The international olive industry is one step closer to implementing regulations that will support fair exports and consumers’ interest.

This follows a hot topic session coordinated by the Australian Olive Association at the American Oil Chemists’ Society annual meeting held in Seattle, USA, on 20 May. Paul Miller, president of the AOA, was invited by the AOCS, the major international organisation for food oil chemistry, to present a session on ‘Regional approaches to extra virgin olive oil quality’, which included nine speakers from Europe, Argentina, the USA, Canada and Australia.

Paul Miller said Australia, which is currently the largest consumer of olive oil per capita outside the Mediterranean, is seen as a technical

News leader of new olive oil producers due to its modern technical and scientific approach to agriculture.

“Our olive oil industry is involved directly in issues of regulation and quality definition whereas, in the EU countries, there is a disconnection between the producers, the scientists and regulators,” Miller said.

Source; www.foodweek.com.au 2008

6 June

11 – 13 July, Good Food and Wine Show Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre Australia’s largest and most exciting consumer food and wine exhibition is coming to Perth in 2008. The new Good Food & Wine Show promises to be a spectacular event and will build on the foundations laid down by the enormously popular WA Wine & Food Festival. The show will maintain the best of the West while adding many new features designed to entertain, educate and excite.

http://www.goodfoodshow.com.au/page/ perth_visitor.html

25 JULY 2008, Market City Ball and Fresh Produce Awards Night This year’s 2008 Market City Ball and Fresh Produce Awards Night is going to be held in the Astral Room at the Burswood International Resort, on Friday 25th July. Nominees will vie for several prestigious Fresh Produce awards, including Retailer of the Year, Regional Retailer of the Year, Best Supermarket and Outstanding Contribution Towards Promotion of Fresh Produce. The Awards will be presented by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Hon Kim Chance MLC. The Ball promises to be a fantastic night out, with music and entertainment from superb live acts. Tickets are limited due to the capacity of the venue. To reserve tickets call the Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries on 9455 2742 or 0410 567 470.

Market Info Western Australia’s Agrifood Market Outlook 2008, is the inaugural publication brought to you by an experienced team of Market Analysts in Food and Trade Development.

This yearly publication provides both internal and external clients with the latest information on major Western Australia’s Agrifood exports markets which includes: Market Overview, Consumer Trends, Market/Industry issues and opportunities and New Nutrition Business If you would like access to New Nutrition Business through the Western Australian Government’s subscription, please email agrifood@agric.wa.gov.au UK Toolkit: Designed to assist the Australian food industries to export to the United Kingdom and Europe the 8 Steps toolkit is a must for any company considering it.

Capsicum Tomatoes HERCULES F1

SUNSHINE F1

• Hercules is a blocky capsicum.

• It produces fruit that are approximately 11 x 10cm and weigh 300-350gm.

• The bush on Hercules is short and strong for excellent sunburn protection and is best field grown

• Sunshine is a large, blocky green turning yellow capsicum.

• Strong, productive plant with good foliage cover.

• Fast turning bright yellow fruit which remain firm at maturity

SPF 30+

Resistances: HR: TMV / PMMoV:1-2 / PVY:0,1,1-2 / PepMoV / PepYMV IR: CMV / Pc

DEO F1

SIZE + TSWV

• Deo is large, elongated blocky green turning yellow capsicum.

• Compared to Sunshine, Deo is larger in size but not as quick to change colour as Sunshine.

Resistances: Intermediate Resistance to TSWV

HR: High/standard resistance.

IR: Moderate/intermediate resistance.

For key to diseases, please refer to our website: www.clausetezier.com The descriptions, recommendations and suggestions are offered in goodfaith, for informational purposes only and can therefore in no way act as a guarantee of production.

NEW

Resistances: HR: TMV / PMMoV:1-2 IR: TSWV

MERCURY F1

YIELD!!!

• Indeterminate Gourmet tomato.

• Large (200g+), glossy firm red fruit.

• Proven performer in all regions in W.A. Essential TSWV and Nematode resistance for Western Australia.

Resistances: HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2 / M IR: TSWV

RED JEWEL F1 RICH COLOUR + QUALITY

• Red Jewel is an elongated green turning dark red blocky type.

• It produces fruit that are approximately 12 x 10cm and weigh 300-350gm.

• The bush is vigorous and strong and is better grown with support.

TITAN F1

QUALITY FRUIT! • Titan (Roma) is a 130-140gm indeterminate roma tomato.

• Titan has high yield and very good quality fruit.

Resistances: HR: ToMV / V / Fol:1,2,3 / M IR: Ss / TSWV

Resistances: HR: TMV / PVY:0,1,1-2 / PepMoV / PepYMV / Xv:1,2,3 IR: TSWV

WA Sales and Development Manager: Graham Adams Mobile: 0400 622 314 -e-mail: GAdams@clauseaustralia.com

Figaro Natoli Header

Editorial Eating habits

A

multi-pronged approach which includes taxes on junk food, health food subsidies and promotion of nutritious food is needed to combat the nation’s obesity epidemic, says the Australian Medical Association.

Association President Dr Rosanna Capolingua said supermarkets needed to act responsibly when displaying products so that customers were encouraged to make healthy choices.

“Supermarkets have a lot of influence over consumers’ purchases,” she said.

“Price specials and promotions around lower sugar and lower fat foods would help consumers.

Australians should not have to pay more at the check-out to live healthier lives.”

This type of statement might make the policy makers at the AMA all warm and fuzzy, but it will achieve nothing because it does not address the major issues.

The more affluent we become as a society the lazier we get.

Supermarkets now act responsibly, and provide the consumer with choice, which they demand, and are, entitled too.

Who is responsible for a person’s food consumption, the individual or a second or third party?

The ocean of information about how to eat healthy and look after our bodies is fed to us everyday of the week from a multiplicity of news outlets.

40

WA Grower June 2008

Tax on junk food will not work because it is comfort food and people will buy it whatever the cost.

Subsidies for healthy food?

What a joke.

The implementation of this subsidy is totally unworkable.

What makes the AMA think it will increase the population’s willingness to eat healthy food?

A Professor of nutrition in NSW has the idea of a shopper docket system that the consumer presents for a tax refund or credit every three months or annually.

It amazes me that all this intelligentsia think they will change the eating habits of a nation by offering money incentives.

Effort is what is required and a willingness to take care of your partners and family and be responsible for their health and wellbeing.

NOT expecting the tax payer to pick up the tab for your irresponsibility.

Children and their parents who cannot identify vegetables past cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, Iceburg lettuce and potatoes have no appreciation of the taste sensations and health benefits that come as a result of eating the full range of vegetables.

If parents are too lazy to teach their children the correct way of eating and looking after themselves, then it needs to start at kindergarten and continue to year 12.

The notion that fresh vegetables are too expensive is nonsense.

If a cauliflower is $5 due to a hiccup in the supply line there are a heap of different leaf vegetables, root vegetables, Chinese vegetables and many more.

The problem is that adults, based on nothing, refuse to try.

This is reflected in their children because mum and dad have never given them the opportunity to try or insisted they try.

If children do not see the ease in which a well-balanced meal is prepared and hear mum or dad say “I haven’t got time”, or “I am too tired”, through their up-bringing the problem will always remain.

However, the fact the public and the media is now discussing proper eating habits might suggest we are on the right track.

Spud Corner w e s t e rn a u stra lia

Potato Growers Association of WA Incorporated State Executive Members: President

Mr Paul Tempra Ph: (08) 9772 1102 Fax: (08) 9772 1103 Mobile: 0417 095 899

Vice Presidents

Mr Bert Russell Ph/Fax (08) 9731 8216 Mobile: 0429 318 216

Executive Officer

Mr Jim Turley Ph: (08) 9481 0834 Fax: (08) 9481 0024 Mobile: 0410 697 842 E: pga-vga@vegetableswa.com.au

Zone Chairmen Albany Mr Terry Ackley Ph: (08) 9841 4286 Fax: (08) 9841 1987 Mobile: 0427 423 684 Busselton Mr Darryl Smith Ph/Fax: (08) 9755 4121 Mobile: 0428 933 154 Donnybrook Mr Bert Russell Ph/Fax: (08) 9731 8216 Mobile: 0429 318 216 Manjimup Mr Paul Tempra Ph: (08) 9772 1102 Fax: (08) 9772 1103 Mobile: 0417 095 899

News in Brief

by Jim Turley

Minister agrees to refund water licence fees Since I reported in our March magazine we have witnessed the second set of Water Licence Fee regulations disallowed by our State Parliament.

June 23 - I can now announce that the Minister has agreed to refund all the growers and it is my opinion that he won’t reintroduce Water Licence Fee regulations until after the election or until after the legislation has been passed next year.

This is in line with repeated requests made by vegetablesWA, Fruit Growers’ Association and the Farmers Federation for the Minister to refund fees to the growers.

Also since the March report, I have had dinner with Ken Matthews (CEO) National Water Commission, where I explained very carefully the Western Australian grower’s point of view on the overall water reform agenda.

As a member of the Water Steering Committee for the Horticulture Water Initiative I attended a meeting in Melbourne where all the National Strategic issues were discussed.

Metropolitan Mr David Anderson Ph: (08) 9529 2325 Fax: (08) 9529 1325 Mobile: 0418 195 759

ACCC TAKES ACTION

Myalup Ms Pennie Patane Ph: (08) 9720 2235 Fax: (08) 9720 2236 Mobile: 0407 993 580

Recently there have been five cases where action has been taken by the ACCC for not having Horticulture Produce Agreements (contracts). With all the publicity surrounding the necessity for growers to sign an agreement when trading horticulture produce with agents or merchants, I was very surprised to learn that some of our growers are still trading without having a signed agreement.

Pemberton Simon Moltoni Ph/Fax: (08) 9776 1693 Mobile: 0427 761 693

Processing Representative Mr Gary Bendotti Ph: (08) 9776 1230 Fax: (08) 9776 0330 Mobile: 0427 569 903

ISSUE 04 | JUNE 2008

Horticulture Code of Conduct Agreements must be signed

The ACCC is now actively checking with agents, merchants, growers, market places

and anywhere else where horticulture produce is traded. They have, in the opinion of the ACCC, given everybody enough time to comply.

The ACCC regards any attempt to deliberately disregard the Horticulture Code very seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if necessary through the Federal Court.

Caring for our Country – Better Land Management Our office has just received a joint media release from the Hon Peter Garrett MP Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Arts and the Hon Tony Burke MP Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The Caring for our Country Program will deliver funding to local communities through a single “one stop shop” covering the National Heritage Trust and the

CONTENTS Potato Facts...........................................

3

The Global Potato Economy .............. . 4 Seed Suppliers .......................................

6

World Potato Congress 2009................

6

1

Spud Corner National Landcare, Environmental Stewardship and Working on Country programs.

The $2.25 billion package represents a new, coordinated approach to environmental management in Australia. vegetablesWA is well placed to extend our two programs that deal with the delivery of nutrients and water into the soil. As you are aware our Good Practice manual has been an outstanding success, in helping the Government to understand what the growers are doing, to be environmentally sustainable.

COAG WATER REFORM Yesterday (19 May 2008) I attended a COAG Water Reform session.

There is no doubt in my mind that COAG will be a major influence in the water reform decision making process through “Water Smart Australia” and also the use of the National Partnership payments.

Some of the issues discussed at the session included: Forward work program on Water Four priority areas: • overallocation and improved environmental outcomes • enhancing water markets • urban water reforms • human resources, skills and information

2

Six priority projects • Extend the CSIRO sustainable yields study outside MDB • Coordinate existing water recovery programs in the MDB • National guidelines on the concepts of overallocation, overuse and sustainable yield • Accelerate implementation of NWI interception commitments • Prioritise implementation of NWI groundwater commitments • Review of water related structural adjustments programs 1. Extend the CSIRO sustainable yields study beyond the MDB Aim: Extend to south-western Western Australia, (a line drawn between Geraldton and Albany),Tasmania and northern Australia. Completion by June 2009 (northern Australia), end June 2009 (WA and Tas) 2. Environmental water purchasing Aim: Advise on options for improving coordination of government environmental water purchasing programs by July 2008 3. National concept guidelines Aim: Develop national guidelines on the concepts of overallocation, overuse and sustainable yield by August 2008 4. Accelerate NWI interception commitments Aim: Accelerate implementation of NWI commitments in

relation to interception where interception poses a significant risk to achieving the objectives of water resource plans 5. Prioritise NWI groundwater commitments Aim: Advise on priorities for implementation on ground water planning and management by August 2008 6. Review structural adjustment programs Aim: Assess the effectiveness of existing structural adjustment programs, and identify options to facilitate structural adjustment Also Water Registers Aim: Ensure compatible electronic registers by April 2009, and examine the feasibility of a common register Implement arrangements • Revise NWI, including timetable for implementation • Consider streamlined governance • Consider funding opportunities This office is also contributing to the discussion on: The Gnangara Groundwater Management Plan South west Groundwater Water Management Plan – allocation For further information on any of the above, I am available on 9481 0834.

Potato facts

Fruit & Vegetable News May 2008

While Peru is quick to claim them, potatoes are thought to have originated in the central Andes mountains extending from northern Peru south eastward to southern Bolivia.

They remain an important part of Andean society today. Potatoes are known as “people’s food� and played a central role in the Andean vision of the world.

Time; for example, was traditionally measured by how long it took to cook a pot of potatoes.

Farmers in some parts of the high Andes still measure land on topo, the area a family needs to grow their potato supply. A topo is larger at higher altitudes, where plots need to lie fallow for longer.

Andean farmers classify potatoes not only by species and variety, but by the ecological niche where the tubers grow best. It is not unusual to find four or five species cultivated on a single, small plot of land.

While Australia cultivates more than 1 million tonnes of potatoes per year, China is the largest world producer harvesting 72 million tonnes last year.

The people of Belarus eat the most potatoes however, with more than 330 kilograms consumed per person each year. In 2007, potato farmers produced more than 320 million tonnes of potatoes globally. Today potatoes are grown on an estimated 195,000 sq km of farmland, which is about three times the area of Tasmania.

Popular varieties of potato in Australia include the Pontiac, Idaho, Desiree, Kipfler, Russet Burbank, Sebago, Coliban, Bintje, Spunta and Nicola.

The potato is a member of the Nightshade family.

0-4 months $70 per tonne plus GST

4-12 months $90 per tonne plus GST

Ph: Anthoney 0417 919 906

3

Capacity up to 1,500 Tonne Donnybrook

3

In 2005, the developing countries’ share of

global potato output stood at 52 percent, global potato output stood at 52 percent, surpassing that of the developed world. surpassing that of the developed world.

This is a remarkable achievement, This is a remarkable achievement, considering thatjust just20 20years yearsago agothe the considering that developing countries’share shareininglobal global developing countries’ western australia production waslittle little morethan than percent. production was more 2020percent.

Even so, world worldpotato potatoproduction productionand and Even so, consumption arecurrently currentlyexpanding expanding consumption are Developing countries are more slowly slowly than thanthe theglobal globalpopulation. population.

Spud Corner

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hampered internationa notnot hampered the the international pot trade, which doubled in vo trade, which hashas doubled in volum and risen almost fourfold in vals and risen almost fourfold in value Source: www.potato2008.org mid-1980s.

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2 500

others* 33% 2 000

2000 1988 1989 2001 1989 1986 1990 1986 2002 1990 1987 1991 2003 1987 1991 1988 1992 2004 1988 1992 1989 1993 2005 1989 1993 1990 1994 1990 1994 1991 1995 1991 1995 1992 1996 1992 1996 1993 1997 1993 1997 1994 1998 1994 1998 1995 1999 1995 1999 1996 2000 1996 2000 1997 2001 1997 2001 1998 2002 1998 1986 2002 1999 2003 1999 1987 2003 2000 2004 2000 1988 2004 2001 2005 19892001 2005 2002 19902002 2003

1998

1997

1986 1998 1987 1987 1999 1988 1996

1996

1997 1986

1995

1994

1993

4 500

1999

million tonnes

developed count Potato net trade3 (exports-imports) 5

2

2003 2004

2

1 million 1US$processed fresh value value in tuber equivalent, 1986-2005 2 0 4 0

-1 freshpotatoes value value 3 Import tariffs on and potato million tonnes -1 -1 4 000-1 0 -2 5 2 -2 -2 3 000 3 500-2 developing countries -1 fresh value processed valueproducts are applied by most countries.

-3 4 1 4 000 -3 1 500 -3 2 500 developed countries -2 3 000-3 3 -4 0 3 500 -4 binding-4 rates agreed under 1 000 The -3 the 2 000 2 500-4 China 2 -5 -1 -5 500 -5 22%3 000 -4 1 500 2 000-5 1 -2 aegis of the World Trade Organization 2 500 0 -5 1 000 0 -3 1 500 992/94 Major producers, 2003/05 (av.) of Iran, (av.)

Turkey, 2 000 500 -1 -4 vary considerably.

Potato provides a 1 000 elarus, Canada, Islamic Republic 1of500 Iran, Turkey, -2 0 -5 500 azil 1 000 classic example of “tariff escalation”, -3 0355 considerable hurdles ininthe ofoffood Potato potential 0 considerable hurdles theform form food 500 Potato potential -4 Net trade position of developing countries

million US$

1998

1997

2005

1996

2004

2003

1995

1994

2005

1

3 500 3 000

2003

1995

1994

Global potato trade value,4 500 1986-2005

volume

measures to developing trade. coun processed value2and technical barriers 4 2

fresh value million US$

1993

4 000

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

1988

6%

1988

3 500 3 500 7% 3others* 000 00 EU 3 000 33% 3 000 ed volume fresh 20% 2 500 00 2 500 2 500 others* 2 000 00 2 000 33% 2 000 1 500 00 1 500 India others* 1 500 130% 000 8% 00 s, 2003/05 (av.)1 000 1 000 a 500 00 500 500 Turkey, 0 0 0 oducers, 2003/05 (av.)

0

1987

1986

1 000 al transactions worth close toto US$6 billion, Net trade position developing countries ountries Developing countries 0 * including Ukraine, Belarus, Canada, Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkey, Global transactions worth close to US$6 billion, Net tradeof position of developing countries 6 obal transactions worth close US$6 billion, Net trade position of developing countries kets.

Other Global transactions Net trade position of developing countries 500 Bangladesh, Peru, Brazil 0 worth close to US$6 billion, en by processed potatoes continues to deteriorate driven by processed potatoes continues to deteriorate ven bydriven processed potatoes potatoes continuescontinues to deteriorate by processed to deteriorate 0 nt potato sed products bal trade value, 1986-2005 Potato net trade (exports-imports) Global potato trade value, 1986-2005 Potato net trade (exports-imports) obal value, 1986-2005 Global transactions worth close to US$6 billion, Net trade position of develo Potato net trade (exports-imports) ade potato Globaltrade potato trade value, 1986-2005 Potato net trade (exports-imports) in tuber equivalent, 1986-2005 driven by processed potatoes continues to deteriorate in tuber equivalent, 1986-2005 percent rocessed products n in tuber equivalent, 1986-2005 tuber equivalent), in tuber equivalent, 1986-2005 on Global transactions worth close to US$6 billion, trade posit Credits: for 30 percent ato trade a now account Global potato trade value, 1986-2005 USA net Net trade (exportsmillion tonnes n US$million US$ million tonnes policies that restrict accessPotato to markets million tonnes 6% million US$ ion US$ driven by processed potatoes continues to d million tonnes Global worth close to US$6 billion, 5 transactions 5 Information provided by the Trade and 00Russian 4 500 oume output (tuber equivalent), in tuber equivalent, 19865 5 4Federation 500 4 500 fresh valuefresh value developing countries developing countries processed value processed value driven potatoes Globalvalue potato trade value, 1986-2005 USA include sanitary and phytosanitary Potato net tra 4developing 4 by processed Russianvalue developing countries countries 00 11% 4 000 fresh processed value processed value Marketsfresh Division, FAO. million of tonnes million US$ close 4 4 developed countries Federation 46% 000 developed countries Global transactions worth to US$6 billion, Global Net trade position developing count 4n000 3 developed countries 3 in tuber equiv potatodeveloped trade value, 1986-2005 5 USA countries 4 500 ume fresh volume driven11% USA 3 500 00 3 3 by processed potatoes continues to deteriorate

Spud Corner Estimated Harvested Jan 2008 and on Suppliers of generation three later Registered and Certified Seed Potato

Suppliers of generation three and later Registered and Certified Seed Potato

!

!

Wilstore

!

White Star

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Spunta

Ruby Lou

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Shepody

Royal Blue

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Red Rascal

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Ranger Russet

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Norland Wisc SR

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Nooksack

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Nadine

Mondial

!

MacRusset

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Lady Christl

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Kipfler

!

Kestrel

!

Kennebec

!

Harmony

Granola

Gabriel

!

FL 1867

!

Eureka

Eben

!

Desiree

!

Delaware

Coliban

Burnadet

Bliss

Atlantic

Almera ACKLEY & WESTCOTT Ph 98415474 AYRES & SON Ph 98451014 BENDOTTI EXPORTERS !

Ph 97718964 BOCIAN, J & D Ph 98464306 CAPEL FARMS PTY LTD Ph 97273100 DARNELL, AH Ph 97574531 FOX, JS Ph 97761253 FOX, TP & RM Ph 97761238 GRUGEON, J Ph 97582300 MOLTONI, SE Ph 97761693 PEMBERTON CATTLE Co Ph 97761693 PEOS BROTHERS Ph 97772222 PHILLIPS, JD Ph 0408937081 RH OMODEI & SONS Ph 97761121 RT WOLFE & CO Ph 98451059 SJ WOLFE & SON Ph 98451248

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The 2009 World Potato Congress will be in Christchurch, New Zealand 23rd – 25th March 2009 source: www.wpcnz.org.nz Christchurch is the agricultural hub of New Zealand’s South Island and serves as the gateway to the splendours of the Southern Alps, the Marlborough wine country, the wild West Coast and historic Otago high country. Christchurch offers an endless supply of activities, from riding the historic tram to jet boating on the Rangitata River to hill walking in the Port Hills, all close to thecity. At the end of the day choose from a variety of restaurants, from the fun Fish and Chip Shop to the fine dining of the Octagon. Christchurch caters for all tastes.

6

Timed to enjoy the warm end of summer days, the Congress will follow a paddock to plate theme by having concurrent industry and academic workshops.

Covering topics from crop management to harvesting, processing of non-food product to what our consumers want, the Congress is designed to meet the needs and interests of the international potato industry participants.

We have included a special one day science based workshop prior to the Congress, on Sunday the 22nd of March and pay tribute to the International

Year of the Potato successes at a special breakfast to be held on Wednesday 25th of March.

Not to forget the evening activities planned beginning with the welcome cocktail party on Sunday 22nd, followed by dinner options of BBQ and jet boating or an evening of Maori culture on Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday evening at the Congress Dinner, you’ll see New Zealand at its best.

Please join us in Christchurch in March 2009 for the 7th World Potato Congress.

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