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SINCE 1948
to ched carrots n u b g n ri ve li e 1936 Truck d arkets ST/Perth m W e th
Field o f
Vol. 41 No 1. MARCH 2008
or individual tickets, Purchase tables of ten (10 ) are filling fast. please act with hast as tables (08) 9481 0834 ley Contact vegetablesWA JIM Tur
Truck loade d with bags of runner be for WST/P ans erth markets (1936)
vegelink Industry Plan - time to have your say
L IS OC S A U L E S
w rk Sho a P e n bor the Os t a y a pl 1960’s) ble dis (early Vegeta
spud corner Demand - for potatoes grows
FEATURES 4
Thank you to DAFWA
11 Food Strategy WA
21 The Soil Page 22 Presidents Message 23 Vegelink 29 Good Practice - managing manures & vegetable crop residues
31 The Bill Stevens Award for Excellence
13 Parents need healthy lunch box tuition
15 EnviroVeg comes to Binningup
32 Wayne Edwards - organic vegetable grower
16 The Walk gains Momentum 18 Better Irrigation Management 19 Market City enters New Era 20 Gingin West weather station online
34 Good Practice Glossary now available
35 Manjimup Fresh Produce Christmas Party
38 WA Grower Index 40 Editorial 42 Spud Corner
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This month
vegelink industry plan
This month
39 spud corner demand grows
VGA 60th h 60t
anniversary dinner
The 60th Anniversary Dinner Tickets are on sale NOW contact Jim Turley (08) 9481 0834. 24 Hrs To be held at the Burswood Complex Saturday 31st of May 2008 Commencing at 6.30 pm. This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by • Agspread • Bejo Seeds • Brandt Electrical • Carefree Water Conditioners • ChemCert • Clause Pacific • Fairbanks Seeds • Global Omega Gro • Landmark • Syngenta Seeds
• 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.
Produced by vegetablesWA Cover Photos supplied by Don Arbuckle 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 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
vegetablesWA 60th Year Anniversary Dinner Sponsored by Landmark
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
Thank you to DAFWA
Linda Manning
Vegetable growers would like to thank the men and women who have devoted their careers to improving their bottom line.
T
he Department of Agriculture has a long history of protecting the vegetable industry in this state. The Plant Diseases Act in 1914 appointed inspectors to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. The Agricultural Products Act in 1929 regulated the packing and sale of agricultural products. The Minister had the power to prohibit sales of vegetables that were below a specified size and grade. Topping was prohibited and finable. From a legislated beginning in mainly pest and disease control, the Department of Agriculture created the Vegetables Branch in 1946. The first employees of the Vegetable Branch were E. T. Morgan (O.I.C), J. C. Palmer, M. Hardie, and B. Low (Inspectors) and F. Bennett (Agricultural Advisor). By 1950, the Vegetable Branch had 12 positions of which 7 were filled. J. P. Eckersley was the Chief Advisor Vegetables, J.P. Fallon (Assistant Chief Advisor), J. C. Palmer (Senior Vegetable Instructor), M. Hardie (Vegetable Instructor) and D.A.
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WA Grower March 2008
Johnston, and T. Wachtel (Advisors) and D.C. Fouracres was the Manager of the Research Station. The Vegetables Branch started working on improving nutrition and watering. They were involved in the development of the large dedicated vegetable production areas in Kununurra, Carnarvon, and Manjimup. They applied advances in science to the tomato export trade from Geraldton, the cauliflower export trade at Manjimup, and the carrot export trade on the Swan coastal plain. They developed and bred new varieties for Western Australian conditions. The first was the rust resistant runner bean ‘Westralia’ selected and developed by Walter Cass Smith, Olga Goss and Jim Arbuckle. Chris Hosking bred the Cadima crisping potato. Matt Hardy developed the Spearwood brown globe onion and Mark Webb introduced the first hybrid cauliflowers into Manjimup.
1928 Edward Morgan
A century of assistance from the Department of Agriculture
1926 Thomas Dunne
Thank you to DAFWA
Dennis Phillips introduced the Nantes varieties of carrots and fusarium wilt resistant tomatoes into Western Australia. The potato variety evaluation team of Peter Dawson and Jeff Mortimer evaluated, selected and introduced the following commercial varieties; Nadine (1990), Ruby Lou (1998), White Star (2008) and the crisping varieties Dawmor (1999) and Bliss (2003). Olga Goss broke new ground with her identification and methods of control for nematodes on the coastal plain. Jim Fallon’s contribution as Principle Officer Vegetables spanned twenty years and in that role and he was responsible for vegetable and potato research and establishing research stations at Medina, Carnarvon, and Manjimup as well as a large amount of regulatory and policy work particularly in the potato industry. There is no single equivalent position in the Department of Agriculture and Food today with such a wide range of responsibilities for the vegetable and potato industries.
Thanks to DAFWA for allowing me to use the following photos: 222/77 James Fallon, 1254/78 John Eckersley, Ken Cole, 1978 Olga Goss, 1986 Neil Delroy, and 1979 Chris Hosking. Thanks also to Robert Floyd, David Johnston, Allan McKay, Dennis Phillips, and Gordon MacNish for assisting with information. This is a work in progress, any details or photographs that can be used in a future articles about the Vegetable Branch would be gratefully accepted by Linda Manning, 301 Forrest Road, Bibra Lake, 6163.
1926 Thomas Dunne PhD (1907-1977) joined the Department of Agriculture in 1926 aged 19 and retired after a long career in 1971 as the Director General of Agriculture. Thomas was the Agricultural Advisor in 1935. During the war years, he was in charge of the distribution of vegetable seed and its production. In 1947, he became the Chief Plant Nutrition and Research Officer.
1928 Edward (Ted) Morgan (1895-1952) was employed by the Department of Agriculture in 1932 and
in 1935 was appointed Senior Potato Inspector. He was still in this position in 1949 although the name of the position had changed to Chief Advisor of the Vegetable Industry.
1936 Lew Jones (1914-1990) Lew retired as a Senior Plant Research Officer in 1978 after serving 42 years with the Department of Agriculture. He wrote a paper on blood and bone manure (1950), boron deficiency of vegetables in Western Australia (1965), commercial vegetable growing in the Perth metropolitan region (1959) and sewerage sludge as fertilizer (1967). Profiled in WA Grower February 1979, p.4.
1938 Walter Cass Smith (1900-1977) was appointed Plant Pathologist in 1938 and retired in the 1960’s. In 1949 wrote a number of papers on black rot of cabbage and cauliflowers, blossom end rot in tomatoes, bacterial canker of tomatoes, and diseases of French and runner beans. Walter is credited with breeding the rust resistant ‘Westralia’ runner bean with Olga Goss and Jim Arbuckle. The average yield of
1951 Ken Cole
1946 John Eckersley
1945 Olga Goss
1939 Matt Hardy
1938 Walter Cass Smith
1936 Lew Jones
Thank you to DAFWA
‘Westralia’ was 11,000 lbs per acre compared to the regular variety ‘Golden Harvest’, which yielded 3,300 lbs per acre.
1945 Olga Goss PhD (1916-1994) had a 35-year career at the Department of Agriculture from 1945 to 1980 and retired as Senior Plant Pathologist. She worked on seed treatments for bacterial canker in tomatoes, Rhizobium cultures, the rust resistant runner bean ‘Westralia’, and nematodes. She wrote ‘Practical Guidelines for Nursery Hygiene’ in 1978 and won the Australian Nurseryman of the Year award in the same year. Profiled in WA Grower May 1978, p. 10.
1946 John Eckersley (1919-2006) had a 41-year career in the Department of Agriculture rising to the level of Chief of Horticulture Division. He transferred to the Vegetable Branch in 1946 and became Assistant Chief Advisor in 1947. He was officer in charge from 1952 to 1955. He believed in orderly marketing schemes and advised the Potato and Onion Boards. WA Grower March 2008
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He fostered a seed improvement programme and a seed certification scheme for the Spearwood brown globe onion. Profiled in WA Grower February 1979, p.12.
started at the Department of Agriculture in 1938 and moved to the Vegetable Branch in 1946 as Vegetable Instructor based at Harvey.
1946 Matt Hardy (1910-1988) had
1947 Douglas C Fouracres
a 34-year career at the Department of Agriculture from 1939 to 1974 mainly as a Vegetable Instructor. He was one of the first employees in the Vegetable Branch. Matt made a major contribution and improved the Spearwood brown globe onion, which was a valuable export crop. Profiled in The Market Gardener Jan-Feb 1974, p.12.
(1910) was appointed as Manager of the Vegetable Research Station at Carnarvon in 1947. He later transferred to Manjimup to work on potatoes. Doug had spent time in the British army in India and was an excellent hockey player.
1946 John C. Palmer (1891-1963) started at the Department of Agriculture in 1925 and moved to the Vegetable Branch in 1946 as the Senior Vegetable Instructor. Born in Malta, he was the son of a Naval officer and fought in the Great War. He came to Western Australia and took up land as a group settler in Pemberton. He worked with the growers in the Spearwood area. After a heart attack, he was confined to office duties.
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1946 Basil N. Lowe (1911-1994)
1951 Ken Cole (1924-1995) retired in 1986 after a 35-year career in irrigation. He is best known for his work on the Ord River from 1961 to 1965 where he developed large scale surveying techniques to allow grid leveling for irrigated crops.
1953 Jim Fallon retired as the Chief of Horticulture in 1984 after a 37-year career at the Department. He started in soil conservation as an extension officer and transferred to the Vegetable Branch in 1953 where he worked on a wide range of vegetables and potatoes. He spent many years
1971 John Burt
1967 Dennis Philips
1964 Chris Hosking
1960 Gordon MacNish
1957 Robert Floyd
1953 JIm Fallon
Thank you to DAFWA
on potato production research and helped administer the quality control and seed certification scheme to maintain disease free potatoes. The 1968 outbreak of potato bacterial wilt was contained within four years because Jim Fallon insisted on strict quarantine and the destruction of infected tubers. Jim Fallon is considered to be the single greatest influence on the Vegetable Branch in the last sixty years. Profiled in WA Grower February 1979, p. 12.
1953 David A. Johnston (1928) was employed as an Advisor in the Vegetable Branch in 1953. He did the first research work in Geraldton on export tomatoes in response to problems with transport and breakdown. He joined Junior Farmers in 1963 and returned to the Department of Agriculture as editor of scientific publications in 1975.
1954 Geert de Haan (1920) was appointed as an Instructor in the Vegetables Branch in 1954. He worked with the potato growers at Manjimup and left the Department in
the late 1960’s to farm on his property on the Muir Highway.
1955 Tim Wachtel (1921-1997) was employed in the Vegetable Branch in 1955. He worked with the potato industry in Manjimup and left in the 1960’s to take up an appointment with Beyer in Melbourne.
1955 Harold G. Leitch (1916) was appointed as an Instructor in the Vegetables Branch in 1955. He was stationed at Bunbury and assisted potato growers in Bunbury, Dardenup and Donnybrook. 1956 Jerzy (George) Najman (1915) was appointed as an Instructor in the Vegetables Branch in 1956. George was an officer in the Polish Army who had been taken prisoner by the Nazis in WW2. He worked mainly with potato growers in Albany and Manjimup.
1956 Bill Kooyman (1911-1996) had a 20-year career at the Department of Agriculture in the Vegetables Branch from 1956 to 1976. He was an expert in growing tomatoes on sandy soils in the metropolitan
area. He was a vegetable grower in Holland before migrating to Australia. He co-authored ‘Commercial Tomato Production in W.A.’
1960 Gordon MacNish PhD had a 36-year career at the Department of Agriculture. He worked in the Plant Pathology Branch on diseases of vegetables from 1960 to 1968. He then obtained a PhD at the University of Adelaide and returned to work in the Plant Pathology Branch until he retired. After retiring from the Department, Gordon became a Senior Research Fellow in the Biotechnology group at Murdoch University.
1961 Robert Floyd PhD had a 41-year career from 1957 to 1998 with the Department. He began a tobacco cadetship in 1957 and started working just as the tobacco industry folded. Rob transferred to the Vegetable Branch in 1961 and spent the next eight years in Albany and the following seven years in Manjimup. He completed a Masters degree at Massey University and transferred to the Plant Pathology Branch at South Perth.
1989 Soon Chye Tan
1986 Ian McPharlin
1985 Peter Dawson
1984 Allan McKay
1982 Neil Delroy
1981 Terry Hill
Thank you to DAFWA
1961 Mike Hawson (1940) was appointed Advisor in the Vegetables Branch in 1961. He retired in 1985 having spent 10 years in Carnarvon and 14 years in Perth. He worked on sweet potatoes and Chinese and Japanese green vegetables. Mike is credited with establishing the avocado industry in Western Australia. After leaving, he grew native plants for export on a property near Lake Pinjar in Wanneroo. He now lives in Mt Helena.
1964 Chris Hosking (1932) was appointed Advisor in the Vegetable Branch in 1964 and was appointed Principal Officer, Vegetables in 1979 taking over from Jim Fallon. Chris developed potato varieties for processing, fresh consumption and export. His work resulted in the release of the Cadima potato for crisp processing in 1977. Chris retired in 1984 and lives at Dunsborough. Profiled in WA Grower 1979 August p.4.
1967 Dennis Phillips – Winner of the 2007 AusVeg Researcher of the Year, the inaugural Bill Stevens WA Grower March 2008
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Header
Main header Lead in text
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Award of Excellence in 1995 and an award from the VGA and MGA to attend the Horticultural Congress in California in 1986. Dennis started as a vegetable cadet in 1967 and became a vegetable advisor in 1974 after starting with the Department of Agriculture in 1973 at Manjimup. He introduced the Nantes carrots into WA after conducting variety trials on carrots. Dennis has assisted growers to produce better crops and solve problems and recently developed the ‘drench/spray/band’ technique for transplants and the use of minimum fertilizer inputs. He also developed a single use bulk bin for export. Profiled in WA Grower June 2007, p.9.
1971 John Burt started with the department in 1971 after working in agriculture in Zambia for four years. He spent 17 years at the Gascoyne Research Station in Carnarvon, 15 months in Manjimup and 18 years in Perth. He has completed successful work on ‘Black Dot’ in Chinese cabbage and is currently working on tea. John did research on the irrigation systems in Carnarvon in the
1980’s changing practices from flood irrigation to trickle irrigation. John has published hundreds of publications on vegetable growing and continues to handle vegetable enquiries. Profiled in WA Grower December 2005, p41.
1977 Harry Gratte was appointed Advisor in the Vegetable Branch in 1977 in Perth. He spent three years in Albany and ten years in Bunbury.. He worked on field peas and the seed potato scheme in Albany and rock melons, water melons and sweet corn at the Wokalup Research Station. He left in 1990 and owns a vineyard and orchard in the Swan Valley. 1979 Greg Paust joined the Department of Agriculture in 1976, transferred to the Vegetable Branch in 1978, and became an Advisor in 1979. He worked in Manjimup, Perth and Albany on potatoes. Virus free potato seed was adopted by the potato industry and yield and quality were increased by 5%. He also worked on introducing potatoes to control the Golden Cyst nematode. He became Principal Officer Vegetables in 1991 and Regional Manager before he left
2000 Peter O’Malley
1998 Aileen Reid
1996 Bob Paulin
1995 Elaine Davison
Thank you to DAFWA Header
1993 Rachel Lancaster
1991 Kesi Kesavan
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in 1995 to take up a position with the Department of Fisheries.
1979 Mark Webb was appointed as Advisor in the Vegetable Branch in 1979. He introduced the hybrid cauliflower varieties in Manjimup and made a significant contribution to the establishment of the melon industry in Kununurra.
1980 Terry Hill is the Director for Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture and Food. He was appointed Advisor in 1979 in the Vegetable Branch. He has had a wide range of roles including research, extension, marketing and industry development in Perth, Manjimup, Carnarvon and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Terry is a Director of the Horticulture Australia Limited Board, Chair of the National Research Network and Project Leader for an ACIAR project between Australia and Indonesia. 1982 Neil Delroy started at the Department in 1982. He worked on potato variety trials, in particular, the yellow flesh export potatoes with Harry WA Grower March 2008
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Thank you to DAFWA Header
Gratte in Manjimup. He trialed rock melons and water melons at Wokalup and at Kununurra. Neil left in 1989 and started Agribusiness Research and Management based in Busselton.
1984 Allan McKay worked on oilseed research before joining the Vegetables Branch in Manjimup in 1984 to work on export cauliflower, broccoli, Chinese cabbage and potatoes. He transferred to Perth in 1990, where he researched the agronomy and disease control in export carrots in collaboration with Angie Galati and Elaine Davison. Allan received the Bill Stevens Award of Excellence in 2000 for his research on carrots. He is now involved in vegetable irrigation with Chris Denby and vegetablesWA. Allan has published over 70 vegetable related articles.
1985 Peter Dawson joined the Department of Agriculture in 1985 and four months later started working in Albany for 4 years as a general horticultural adviser and seed potato inspector. He then moved to Bunbury for 7 years to work on the Potato Variety Evaluation Program. He returned to Albany in 1997 where he continued work on the Potato Variety Evaluation Program as well as being responsible for testing WA potato seed for export. The DAFWA Potato Variety Evaluation Team has been responsible for evaluation and release of the following commercial varieties; Nadine (1990), Ruby Lou (1998), White Star (2008) and the crisping varieties Dawmor (1999) and Bliss (2003).
1987 John Bonnardeaux started at the Department of Agriculture in Kununurra in 1987 after working as a consultant in Africa and Asia. He spent many years on melon production research and helped
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establish the QA protocol. After 11 years, he transferred to Geraldton where he introduced and developed table grapes as a commercial crop in Geraldton, with Ian Cameron, and mangoes in Gingin. He is the author of the popular “Horticulture in the Mid West Region – Starter’s Kit”.
1988 Ian McPharlin PhD is a Senior Research Officer and joined the Department of Agriculture in 1988. He has 20 years experience in research into nutrition and growing of vegetables on the coastal plain and potato agronomy and extension. Since 2002, Ian has been working on the export of seed potatoes South East Asia. He has published many scientific and other papers. Profiled in WA Grower September 2007, p. 15.
1989 Soon Chye Tan PhD joined the Department of Agriculture in 1989 and is the Principal Research Scientist (Post-Harvest) and Manager for the Market Development for the Greater China Region. He received the 2001 Department of Agriculture’s Excellence Award for Customer Services. His project, Focus Taiwan, won the 2001 Premier’s Award in the category of Economic Development. He received the 2001 Zhejiang Province West Lake Friendship Award, and in 1999, The People’s Republic of China Friendship Award and in 1998, the Shandong Province QiLu Friendship Award for strengthening friendship and trade relationship between China and Western Australia.
1991 V R (Kesi) Kesavan PhD started at the Department of Agriculture in Kununurra in 1991 after many years in Papua New Guinea. He transferred to Carnarvon in 1997 and moved to Manjimup in 2002.
1993 Rachel Lancaster started at the Department of Agriculture in Geraldton in 1993, and moved to Manjimup in 1996 to work on vegetables. Rachel lives in Bunbury and works on the management of clubroot disease in Brassica crops and agronomic methods to improve Brassica crop yield and uniformity.
1995 Elaine Davison PhD, plant pathologist, worked for ten years (1995 to 2005) on carrot diseases, in particular cavity spot and nematodes. Profiled in WA Grower Sep 2006, p. 29. 1996 Bob Paulin was appointed as an Advisor in the Fruit Branch in Manjimup in 1975. He transferred to Perth in 1986 to work on avocadoes and citrus. In 1996, Bob started working on soil management practices and stable fly control.
1998 Aileen Reid joined the Floriculture Branch of the Department of Agriculture in 1983. In 1998, Aileen started working on compost trials with Bob Paulin and in 2000 with Dennis Phillips on bulk bin concept for export and the very successful lettuce and strawberry irrigation and nutrition management trials. 2000 Peter O’Malley joined the Horticulture section in 2000 to work with Bob Paulin on the compost project to determine the value of compost to vegetable production. He is currently managing a project to improve water and nutrient use efficiency in vegetable production on sandy soil.
The WA Food Industry Header
Food Strategy WA The Western Australian Food Industry
A
s Western Australia’s economy continues to grow in an era of unprecedented prosperity, the people of Western Australia are looking to the food industry as a key sector of the economy to create future sustainable benefits that build on the ‘boom times’ in the mining and petroleum industry. The WA food industry already represents a significant part of the State’s economic activity. The direct annual turnover of the WA food manufacturing industry is estimated at $5.5 billion, a three percent increase on the previous year. Beyond this direct impact, the food industry’s economic influence reaches sectors such as health, retail, hospitality, infrastructure, tourism, environment and education. The WA food industry is an active and energetic participant in local and overseas markets, and makes an enormous economic and social contribution to our local community. Western Australians from all walks of life are employed in - or associated with – our food enterprises and support businesses. In one way or another, every Western Australian is affected by the economic and social benefits of the WA food industry.
facing the State’s food industry. To complement this responsibility, the Department of Agriculture was renamed the Department of Agriculture and Food in April 2006 and is the lead Department in food related matters, driving a supply chain approach to developing the industry. It relies on the combined expertise and commitment of many other WA Government Departments responsible for various aspects of food industry regulation and industry development.
Food Strategy WA The WA Government and industry will now work together to develop a determined and far-sighted program to expand the WA food industry and safeguard its future. Developing the State’s food industry requires addressing production, marketing and consumption issues of food. A coordinated effort across the industry is therefore necessary to achieve success.
A comprehensive strategy must be developed – Food Strategy WA. The strategy will address issues and impediments to growth throughout the supply chain – from agricultural production and first stage packing through to processed product for retail, hospitality and export markets. If you have any queries regarding Food Strategy WA, or would like to meet to discuss, please contact: Stuart Clarke A/Director Food Industry Development Department of Agriculture and Food WA sclarke@agric.wa.gov.au 08 9368 3199 http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/ foods/fstrat/ February 2008
The WA food industry is vital to our economy and our health, with consumers demanding greater accountability when it comes to safe, nutritious foods. To bring specific focus on the WA food industry, the Premier allocated the responsibility for food industry development to the Minister for Agriculture and Food in February 2006. This responsibility involves leading debate on the many issues WA Grower March 2008
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WA crates The professional packaging service for WA’s ďŹ nest fresh fruit and vegetables
Phone: (08) 9456 4092 - Fax: (08) 9256 1730 email: service@wacrates.com.au
School Lunches Header
Parents need healthy lunchbox tuition
Milanda Rout - The Australian
Almost three-quarters of children do not have any salad or vegetables in their school lunchbox
A
lmost three-quarters of children do not have any salad or vegetables in their school lunch box and almost half have too much junk food. Alarming new research has prompted experts to call for government help to educate parents on healthier lunches. Researchers found 72 per cent of students had no vegetables or salad in their lunch box, 24 per cent had less than one serve of fruit and only 34 per cent had one or more pieces of fruit packed in their schoolbag. The preliminary findings of the RMIT University study - which peered into the lunch boxes of 170 prep and grade one students at five schools across Melbourne - also discovered up to 77 per cent of students had one or more snack foods such as chocolate, chips or cake. And 48 per cent had their total recommended daily amount of junk food - one to two small serves a day - just in their lunch box. RMIT University researcher Leah Brennan said the results were worrying. “I was surprised that despite all of the information out there about healthy eating ... we still have a high number of extras (snacks) and a low number of vegetables,” she said.
serves a day of vegetables, three to five serves of vegies a day for eightto 11-year-olds,” she said.
and parents needed to work together on the issue. “A lot of it is about cost,” she said.
“If they are not getting any vegetables during the school day, it means that they have to fit in two to four serves of vegetables in the evening.
“There are good things out there but perhaps people need some help to find it.”
“It is very unlikely that kids would eat that much at night, so chances are that very few kids are meeting the vegetable requirements throughout the day.” Dr Brennan, from RMIT’s Parenting Research Centre, said the findings showed some action was needed to address unhealthy lunch boxes. “We need to be doing something to help parents prepare a healthier lunch box that has more vegetables and fewer serves of extra foods,” she said. Dr Brennan said the next stage would be research on factors that influenced what parents put in lunch boxes. Anecdotal evidence suggested peer pressure on children, rather than convenience. Parents Victoria president Elaine Crowle said governments, schools
Ms Crowle said parents often were rushed for time and pre-packaged snack food was an easy option. “Another part of it is children’s taste,” she said. Lina Avramidis, a Melbourne mum of triplets, said it was a struggle to make lunches interesting for her sixyear-old children. Nicholas, Grace and Jack usually had a wholemeal sandwich, and a Nutella sandwich once a week for a treat. “Our school is a great help. They have facilities to warm food up so often (the children) have leftovers like shepherd’s pie or pasta,” she said. “The school also does not allow us to send chocolate, lollies or chips. So you can blame the school and say (to the children) that’s the reason why you can’t have that stuff.”
Dr Brennan said the lack of salad, tomatoes, carrots, celery sticks or any vegetable was alarming. “That was one of the more concerning results, given one of the recommendations for four- to seven-year-olds is to have two to four WA Grower March 2008
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Header Environmental Management
The walk gains momentum Land degradation maps identify the environmental risks Susie Murphy White, Department of Agriculture and Food WA
T
he vegetablesWA Walking the Walk on Environmental Management project has provided support to vegetable growers over the summer months ensuring that they can demonstrate their environmental sustainability. Gavin Foord (vegetablesWA) and Susie Murphy White (DAFWA) have been visiting growers in Wanneroo, Gingin, Baldivis and Myalup. The environmental assurance process uses the continuous improvement cycle of plan – do – check - review. The process starts off by developing an environmental action plan. This plan is used to address activities on the farm that have an impact on the environment. Growers then need to prove that they are using environmentally sustainable practices and are able to do this using the recognised industry programs. The auditable environmental code that is readily available to the vegetable industry at the moment is the Freshcare Code of Practice Environmental. This is supported by the AUSVEG EnviroVeg self assessment checklist specific for vegetable growers and a generic agricultural practices self assessment tool developed by the DAFWA Farming for the Future program (see EnviroVeg article page 15). All these tools will enable growers to demonstrate to customers and markets that their produce is environmentally sustainable. To date, we have engaged 10 growers in the process, many of whom will be ready to go to audit this month. To start the planning process, participating growers are provided
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WA Grower March 2008
Above: Susie Murphy White with Michael and Andrew Bogdanich, developing their environmental action plan. Below: Shire of Gingin - Subsurface Acidification Hazard. Opposite: Aerial image of Bogdanich Farms
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WA Grower March 2008
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Environmental Management with aerial photo’s of their property with 2 metre contours. The next step is gathering information on the environmental hazards. Soil and land degradation hazards have been identified at a regional scale by DAFWA after many years of soil and landscape mapping. Each of the land degradation hazards; wind erosion, subsoil acidity, water repellence, subsoil compaction, phosphorous export risk and water erosion are mapped at a 1:100 000 scale and need to be field checked at the paddock scale to be relevant to your farm. A number of databases are used to create each land degradation map usually soil landscape characteristics, landform, land use and climate. Land degradation hazard maps identify the environmental risks the property may experience now or in the future. The maps give an
overview of what environmental impacts need to be addressed in the environmental action plan. In all cases growers participating in the project have been addressing soil and land degradation impacts on the farm by using preventative measures. It was just a matter of reviewing the farming practices and recording them to gain environmental assurance.
For further information please contact either Gavin Foord (vegetablesWA) 9481 0834 or Susie Murphy White (DAFWA) 9368 3929.
Environmental assurance includes waste, air and energy management plans. The biosecurity plan that most growers operate to control feral animal, weeds and diseases is then recorded in a management plan. It is then a matter of recording a strategy for pest and disease management which demonstrates when and why you make those decisions to control a pest, disease or weed invasion. An irrigation strategy is recorded to review the decision making process of determining irrigation frequency.
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
EnviroVeg Workshop
EnviroVeg comes to Binningup
Helena Whitman, Environmental Manager AUSVEG
Funding successful
A
USVEG Ltd has been successful in obtaining funding under the Australian Government’s EMS Pathways to Sustainable Agriculture Programme to run a series of workshops aimed at building cooperative partnerships between Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) bodies and the vegetable industry. Five regions have been selected nationally, including the Peel-Harvey Catchment. Growers in these 5 regions have been encouraged to become involved in the project and to take advantage of the resources and assistance offered. Through participation growers are able to form closer relationships with their catchment representatives and be informed about funding opportunities that can assist them in implementing on-ground environmental works which in turn can lead to savings and longterm viability of their farms. The workshop, run by Alison Anderson and Helena Whitman from AUSVEG, was held at Binningup on Tuesday 12th February, 2008.
Alison explained to growers the role and targets of their Catchment and outlined what impact, if any, this could have on their production methods. Growers also received an introduction to EnviroVeg (the environmental management guidelines owned and developed by the vegetable industry) and assistance to work through the EnviroVeg self-assessment. “It was rewarding to see that these growers had most of the suggested
Peter Ivankovich, Helena Whitman, Anthony Ivankovich and Gavin Foord. environmental practices in place”, said Alison. “Being environmentally responsible does not mean having to change practices or having to spend lots of money on making major changes.” Gavin Foord provided information on the vegetablesWA ‘Good Practice’ approach to Environmental Management and David Anderson was on hand to share his experience with the EnviroVeg program.
will help to develop future projects and training initiatives as well as provide information to Catchment Councils on future investment. For further information please contact Alison Anderson, EMS Project Officer on 0400 600 628 or (02) 9576 5449.
“This was an excellent example of the collaboration between AUSVEG and vegetablesWA on environmental issues.” said David “Although many growers are nervous about where this process may lead, the Binningup group viewed the workshop with an open mind and by the end, had a better understanding of the issues and were pretty relaxed about the process.” The project will also determine in which areas growers require further information and assistance and this WA Grower March 2008
17
Headerfor the Future Water
Better irrigation management - simple changes, useful gains Water has become an even hotter topic Rohan Prince, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia
F
or the past two years I have been visiting farms from Lancelin to Myalup while working on the HAL/AUSVEG funded project aimed at improving water and nutrient use efficiency on sandy soils. Over this time, water has become an even hotter topic and vegetable growers, like everyone else in the community, have been questioned over their use of water. Working on this project I have learned that most of you are genuinely concerned about the water resource, not only the critical business input view, but also from a community and environmental perspective. I have also seen that vegetable farming is not just a job but a way of life and you love what you do, even though you won’t often admit it. So, as growers, what can you do to ensure that you are using water and nutrients efficiently? How can you show the community that you don’t just provide them with high quality fresh vegetables all year round, but that you are using water in a sustainable way?
The check list below allows a quick self-assessment. Do you: •
Think of your irrigation as a key component within the vegetable farming system?
•
Have an appropriately designed and maintained irrigation system?
•
Check the pressure, output and uniformity of your system and make the necessary modifications in winter when you are not relying on daily irrigation?
•
Schedule irrigation using evaporation and replacement factors (crop factors)?
•
Consider the water holding characteristics of the soils on your property and understand the impact on irrigation?
•
Monitor and fine tune irrigation using soil moisture monitoring devices?
•
Ensure farm staff are trained in irrigation management, such as Water Wise on the Farm training, and are supplied with the up to date technical information (vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide)?
If you answered ‘yes’ to each of these points, congratulations, you have made a great start towards sustainable irrigation management. If some answers were no, then now is the time to start making some changes.
Rohan Prince with vegetable grower Tony Colloti
18
WA Grower March 2008
We can work with you to assess your irrigation system and discuss your irrigation and fertiliser practices. Often simple changes can result in useful gains.
On some farms, a more comprehensive assessment is possible and we can install soil moisture sensors and drainage lysimeters to record soil moisture and measure drainage beneath your crop. After harvest you will receive a confidential report covering irrigation and crop performance. We are already working on several farms with good results, but the current HAL and AUSVEG funding on this project ‘Improving water and nutrient use efficiency in vegetable production on sandy soils’ is coming to an end, so while you have the chance, let your levy work for you. Contact Rohan Prince at the Department of Agriculture and Food (phone 0429 680 069 or email rprince@agric.wa.gov.au)
Vegetable
R&D Your national vegetable levy at work
Market Header City
Market City enters new era of security
Authorised by PMA and issued on its behalf by Brendon Cant & Associates
Media Release February 2008
A
ll growers, transporters, buyers, wholesalers, agents and staff wishing to regularly enter Market City at Canning Vale now require a Market City Access Card, while casual visitors must first report to security staff at the guard-house off Bannister Road.
Truck driver Eric Innes shows his Market City Access Card
Security Officer Daniel Brunetti at the new entrance to Market City
Perth Market Authority (PMA) Chief Executive Officer, Mike Donnelly, said the security upgrade conformed with world’s best practice for similar large commercial produce markets and would better protect tenant assets and PMA’s commercial interests. “Increased security measures will also provide a safer working environment,” he said. “An upgraded 24/7 security presence, including closed circuit television systems, will safeguard the product integrity and biosecurity of more than $350 million worth of fresh produce sold and transferred through Market City’s Central Trading Area every year.” More than 100 tenants occupy 100,000 square metres of lettable floor-space at Market City, including more than 50 primary and secondary wholesalers, plus providores, distributors and food processing facilities. About 400 buyers regularly use the market, representing major and independent supermarkets, fresh produce suppliers, food service and catering businesses.
Mr Donnelly said the PMA was investing more than $20 million to raise Market City’s profile and consolidate its position as WA’s centre for fresh food excellence. “Investments have included upgrading technology, developing an industry training and function facility and constructing a new 6,000 square metre cool-chain warehouse. “While bringing this vision to reality has meant extensive planning and commitment, the transition has been made easier by the accommodating and professional attitude of all involved, including transport companies, growers, buyers, agents and their staff.
John & Angelo Alessandrini “Everyone, including tenants, has been very accommodating and understanding during the capital works program, which has included altering roadways, installing boom gates and now issuing Market City Access Cards. “The PMA is all about ensuring the integrity of WA’s fresh produce supply chain, from producer to consumer, and we believe our latest upgrades and security initiatives will help us deliver exactly that,” Mr Donnelly said. MEDIA CONTACTS: Mike Donnelly, CEO, PMA, Tel 08 9456 9200, Mob 0428 100 252 Peter Cooper, GM, PMA, Tel 08 9456 9200
The 50 hectare Market City site is almost fully leased, with only a few vacancies in the commercial area and very strong demand for warehouse space. A truck carrying quality, fresh vegetables enters Market City, Canning Vale, via the Perth Market Authority’s new, upgraded security entrance. 19
Weather station
Gingin West weather station online Real-time weather data for local farmers Allan McKay, Department of Agriculture and Food WA and Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA
data from it to be even more useful,” added Michael. Evaporation data from DAFWA online weather stations can also be received via a mobile phone text message service run by vegetablesWA as part of the collaborative Premier’s Water Foundation project with DAFWA.
Peter Hanson installing the Gingin West weather station
D
epartment of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) staff have installed a new online weather station at Gingin West, 85 km north of Perth. Funded by vegetablesWA, this station provides real-time weather data to local farmers and fills the gap between the existing Wanneroo and Lancelin East stations. Situated on Sun City Farm west of the Center West packing shed, the new station will be especially useful to irrigators in the Gingin West area. Andrew and Michael Bogdanich, vegetable growers on the Gingin Brook Road at Gingin West are delighted to see the live weather station installed in the area. “We’ve been using evaporation data from Lancelin East via the SMS service on a daily basis and that’s been giving us a good indication of what we need to do here.” said Andrew. “The new station is in line of site of our place, so we expect the evaporation and other
20
WA Grower March 2008
Evaporation figures are necessary for efficient irrigation. By using the evaporation figures and applying an evaporation replacement factor (also called a crop factor) related to crop growth stage, it is possible to schedule irrigation efficiently and optimise crop yields. The Gingin West station brings the number of DAFWA live weather stations to 21 which are spread from Kununurra to Esperance. Twelve of these are in horticultural areas including the Pemberton station which went live last month. On the Swan Coastal Plain, live weather stations are located
at Lancelin East, Gingin West, Wanneroo, South Perth, Medina and Myalup. The coastal plain weather stations provide the data for the webbased system for guiding vegetable irrigation on sandy soils which will be available soon. This is another component of the Premier’s Water Foundation project managed by DAFWA’s Chris Denby. The Gingin West station went live on the 31st January 2008, following installation by DAFWA’s Peter Hanson and John Wall. Live weather station data can be viewed through the DAFWA website at: www.agric.wa.gov.au then enter ‘weather stations’ in the search window or via the vegetablesWA website at: www.vegetableswa.com.au under ‘Grower information’. For further information contact vegetablesWA by phone 9481 0834 or email office@vegetableswa.com.au
Andrew and Michael Bogdanich
The Soil Page
•
Check the pressure, uniformity and output of your system and make the necessary modifications before each summer
•
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
production on sandy soilsÕ is fun HAL and AUSVEG through the vegetable levy. Rohan is alrea working on several farms with g results, but greater grower part would be good.
Header Soil Make Rohan and your levy wor
no.4
Soil performance and different organic inputs Bob Paulin, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia
I
n vegetable production, continuous cropping has become an important part of maintaining returns. However with continuous cropping, soil performance and returns inevitably decline as marketable yields decrease and inputs of fertilisers and pesticides increase. The traditional solution has been to alter crop rotations with the introduction of break crops, or resting the land, often for several years. Previous editions of ‘the Soil Page’ have discussed how soil performance is largely determined by levels of soil carbon. Some important benefits from increasing soil carbon include: • protection against adverse weather and management failures that damage crops; and • maintaining cropping levels and crop quality over repeated cropping cycles as indicated by recent work with carrots (see previous soil page #3).
Current soil investigations A recently initiated HAL funded project is investigating how we can best measure improvements to soil performance. Two commercial vegetable production sites around Perth are involved and some of the preliminary findings (Table 1) have again confirmed that soil carbon and soil quality are better when soils are amended organically.
The aim of this work is to develop more sensitive cost effective monitoring tools so that we can identify problems with soil performance so that corrective strategies can be applied and productivity maintained.
Strategies to increase soil carbon The need to improve soil performance, improve grower returns, to reduce fertiliser, pesticides and irrigation and to better manage possible environmental concerns were the reasons for holding two ‘Soil Management workshops’ in late November last year. The workshops outlined soil management strategies that included the use of cover crops, organic amendments and the use of less aggressive and less frequent cultivation. By combining these approaches, it was suggested that we could achieve greater soil carbon levels than has been possible to date. We already have a lot of information on different management practices that will increase soil carbon, what is needed is information on how to best combine these to maximise soil carbon.
pH
CEC*
(%)
(1:5 CaCl2)
(Meq/ 100g)
Gingin conventional site.
0.68
4.58
Gingin - organic amended
1.95
Baldivis conventional Baldivis - organic amended
Site
Organic Carbon
Bulk density
Nitrate
The establishment of ‘soil management sites’ on grower properties at which better soil management practices could be developed was discussed. These would be developed in conjunction with fertiliser and irrigation management work that is being carried out by Rohan Prince and the combined approach would also provide valuable input to environmental accreditation. Unfortunately, only a relatively small number of growers and industry people that indicated an interest, were able to attend the workshops and therefore two further evening workshops are planned for April. They will present a brief summary of the earlier workshops and will discuss the establishment of grower sites and consider possible management options to be tested. Vegetable growers and people involved with vegetable production are invited to take part and should contact either Gavin Foord at Horticulture House; 9481 0834, email foord@vegetableswa.com.au or Bob Paulin at DAFWA; 9358 3308, email Bpaulin@agric.wa.gov.au These workshops are supported by vegetablesWA, the Department of Agriculture and Food with funding from the Department of Environment and Conservation through the Strategic Waste Initiatives Scheme.
Biological diversity
(t/m3)
(mg/ kg)
2.73
1.40
12.00
0.41
6.85
10.62
1.11
31.20
0.55
0.45
6.08
3.75
1.39
6.70
0.19
0.73
6.20
4.69
1.34
9.20
0.26
(relative values)
Next edition » Report from soil management workshops » Progress with developing vegetable soil management
Table 1. Comparison of soil quality between conventional and organic amended sites. WA Grower March 2008
21
Presidents Message
A Message from the President
W
elcome to 2008. The start of the year has been remarkebly hot. Nobody knows this better than the growers themselves. A number of media organisations have contacted me and the office regarding the hot weather. The direct cost to us is very difficult to measure straight away and it is only after some time that we see the effects. Some seedlings have died or the germination is down, the water pumping costs are higher, the cool rooms have worked harder and the wear and tear on us and the staff starts to show. The yield per hectare subsides, who do we pass the cost onto? If the consumers see prices a little higher-do they resist buying? Being price takers in the supply chain makes these costs very difficult to pass on immediately. I am hoping that when consumers see price rises, they make a judgement that the price they pay and the price received by producers is reasonable.
,
The national inquiry into grocery prices has come at an interesting time. The enquiry will examine the “paddock to plate” supply chain for the first time. It is a real opportunity to clear the air. vegetablesWA will be hosting the 60th anniversary in May. Also while we are celebrating 60 years, the Bill Stevens award of excellence will be presented to a grower. The time and attention to detail that has been put in by the sub-committee has been nothing short of outstanding. While carrying out their usual busy lives, the organising has taken up a fair amount of time. There are surprises installed for all, so be prepared for a big night out. My thanks to all for their concerted efforts so far. Each year the VPC considers proposals for striking the fee for service. vegetablesWA will be reviewing its operations and submitting a budget. This gives the organisation its direction for the next
12 months. With so many issues being handled for the growers, the office just keeps getting busier and busier. Whilst we are all very busy, vegetablesWA has to make sure that we don’t just keep working in the business. The day to day operations are moving along, vegetablesWA must also work at the business. Currently we are compiling a strategic plan that will be debated by the committee of management. This will underpin how we represent growers and where there are alternative funding opportunities. There are varying opinions about strategic plans and their net worth. I think it gives us a clear pathway for the future. Please make sure you have your tickets secured for the 60th. It will be a great night.
David Anderson
/ Ê /, Ê- ,6 -
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
$OMESTIC #OMMERCIAL )NDUSTRIAL -AINTENANCE -ANUFACTURERS AND )NSTALLERS OF !UTOMATIC )RRIGATION 3YSTEMS 3PECIALISING IN 3ERVICE TO 6EGETABLE 'ROWERS 96 CLARKSON AVENUE, WANNEROO 6065 TELEPHONE: (08) 9405 2956 MOBILE TELEPHONE: 0418 926 551 FACSIMILE: (08) 9306 2173 EC Lic No. 000 346
Header
[IWXIVR EYWXVEPME
ISSUE 33 | MARCH 2008
KEEPING IN TOUCH Welcome to the 33rd issue of WA VegeLink. You will read in this edition: Kununurra grower meeting, weather stations go live, managing pests and planning industry’s future. There are many issues confronting industry; water access, pest and disease, marketing and environmental management just to name a few. One issue that we do not discuss regularly is market access, as most of our product is domestically focused and most markets for vegetables can be accessed without much problem. Recently Taiwan has proposed changes to their importation requirements which would result in WA carrot growers not being able to send carrots to that market. The effects are not only on export growers but the ripple effect of this occurring would result in market pressure in domestic markets. This example highlights the importance of a range of issues for modern vegetable farms, not just the issues facing us on a day to day basis. So, to the message; please take the time to have input into the industry’s new strategic plan, to assist us in focusing on issues that affect all of your business’s.
Where does my product go?
More Weather Stations Go LIVE!!!
Do you know what happens to your product after it leaves your property on the back of a truck? To understand this question and others we are organising a “Bus Tour” of the central markets, a major retail distribution centre and a couple of retail stores. The tour will be held on the 30th May 2008, the day before the vegetablesWA 60th Anniversary dinner.
Recently two more weather stations have gone live so growers can now get up-to-date weather information from the internet and on their mobile phones in two more locations.
This is your opportunity to find how the supply chain can affect your business and customers buying your product. Numbers are limited so get in quick. Contact David Ellement on: 0408 941 318 to reserve your seat.
These stations are located in the regions of: t 1FNCFSUPO t (JOHJO 8FTU Visit the vegetablesWA website to view station information or to get a copy of the mobile SMS service order form.
Thank you
David Ellement CONTENTS Kununurra - water keeps flowing . 2
Vegetable
R&D Your national vegetable levy at work
Shamrock gardens - Broome.......
3
Managing pests ...........................
3
Planning for the Future .................
4
[IWXIVR EYWXVEPME
ISSUE 21 | DECEMBER 2005
KUNUNURRA - The Water Keeps on Flowing Kununurra growers have two main issues that are different to vegetable growers across other parts of WA: the access to water and “When will stage two be reality?� For growers in the rest of the state the region is worth a look at to see how growers work under a very seasonal arrangement and the impressive Lake Argyle and its influence on horticulture. As part of organised grower regional visits around the state late last year, Kununurra growers were visited to discuss a range of issues. The next round of meetings will be in Carnarvon in the first week of April. (SPXFST JO SFHJPOBM BSFBT IBWF CFFO telling our organisation that meetings should cover a range of issues so that everyone can benefit and that there can be less meetings held during the year. To achieve this, a wide range of issues were presented in Kununurra that aligned with previous priorities from the region and projects that are being managed by vegetablesWA. The meeting was very well attended and three speakers presented the following information:
02 2
t "647&( VQEBUF +JN 5SBOEPT
t 1SPEVDF NBSLFUJOH JO "NFSJDB o 1." %BWJE &MMFNFOU
t (PPE 1SBDUJDF (VJEF (BWJO 'PPSE
t 8FCTJUF BOE 4.4 XFBUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO %BWJE &MMFNFOU
t &OWJSPONFOUBM "TTVSBODF (BWJO 'PPSE t *OEVTUSZ %FWFMPQNFOU BOE 3 % QSJPSJUZ EJTDVTTJPO %BWJE &MMFNFOU +JN 5SBOEPT B 8" WFHFUBCMF HSPXFS is a board member for vegetablesWA BOE "647&( BOE XBT B HSFBU BEEJUJPO to the program. He was able to provide local growers with information from his perspective as a grower and as their SFQSFTFOUBUJWF *U BMTP BMMPXFE +JN UP hear from the growers what their needs were so he can work with the industry to address them. The local growers took the opportunity to discuss the issues important to them. These issues included: t *OUFSOFU TQFFE t $PEF PG $POEVDU o &OTVSJOH JU JT workable and implemented
t 4VQFSBOOVBUJPO o #BDLQBDLFS payments and the few that collect it when departing the country t /BUJPOBM -FWZ o %FNPOTUSBUJOH JUT return to growers t %FWFMPQNFOU JO UIF /PSUI o Supporting important developments eg Ord Stage 2 t (. $SPQT o %FWFMPQJOH BO JOEVTUSZ position that is supported by growers across the country t .PCJMF 1IPOF $PWFSBHF t "VUPNBUJD )BSWFTUFST GPS .FMPO BOE pumpkin crops t 4.4 8FBUIFS JOGPSNBUJPO TFSWJDF o expand to include different irrigation systems and soil types t 'SVJU nZ DPWFSBHF o 8IBU JT the status of coverage for the Kununurra region *OGPSNBUJPO IBT BMSFBEZ CFFO QSPWJEFE to the Kununurrra growers on most of the issues above and vegetablesWA is working to address all the issues raised. We hope to see all the growers at these meetings when we visit your local region.
SHAMROCK GARDENS - Broome "T QBSU PG UIF USJQ UP ,VOVOVSSB +JN 5SBOEPT (BWJO 'PPSE BOE %BWJE &MMFNFOU WJTJUFE 4IBNSPDL (BSEFOT km south of Broome owned by Danny Fyffe and managed by Phil Anderson. They raised a number of issues that they deal with by growing in such a remote location. Shamrock is typical of a successful operation, constantly developing and trying new technology and farm practice
FWFSZ ZFBS *U JT B DSFEJU UP %BOOZ BOE IJT team and shows what can be achieved in an isolated area with good planning and management. Danny grows melons on drip irrigation and his product is sent throughout the country. We would like to thank Danny and Phil for the tour of their operation and acknowledge the issues and opportunities they manage in the region.
Having problems, managing pests? Applying too many sprays? Perhaps Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can help Written by Sonya Broughton Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia 8FTUFSO nPXFS UISJQT 8'5 BOE DVSSBOU MFUUVDF BQIJE $-" BSF UXP NBKPS QFTUT of lettuce in the northern Perth area. Whilst CLA is a relatively new pest, WFT has been present in the area for much longer. Worldwide, research has TIPXO UIBU *1. JT UIF POMZ MPOH UFSN strategy, since both pests can develop insecticide resistance. Once insecticide resistance has developed, it is not VTVBMMZ SFWFSTJCMF *O "VTUSBMJB 8'5 has developed resistance to pyrethrins, organophosphates such as endosulfan, and to newer insecticides such as fipronil and spinosad. Overseas, CLA has developed resistance to pirimicarb 1JSJNPS BOE FOEPTVMGBO UIPVHI resistance has not yet been detected in Australia. The widespread use of imidacloprid in lettuce may eventually result in the development of resistance to this insecticide as well.
*1. VOEFS UIF HVJEBODF PG -BDIMBO $IJMNBO PG .BO$IJM *1. -VDI JT one of the largest growers of lettuce in the northern Perth area, where WFT and CLA are key insect pests. 6TJOH NPOJUPSJOH UP NBLF JOGPSNFE management decisions, the number of sprays that Luch uses for insect control has decreased, whilst control has increased. The incidence of diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus has also decreased.
would like to participate in the program, or would like to find out more information are asked to contact Sonya Broughton at the WA Dept. of "HSJDVMUVSF 'PPE PO or email smbroughton@agric.wa.gov. BV (SPXFST OFFE POMZ VTF QBSU PG BO *1. QSPHSBN UIBU UIFZ BSF DPNGPSUBCMF with from monitoring only, to use of beneficials and other techniques for pest control. The service is initially free to growers for a trial period.
(SPXFST PG MFWJFE WFHFUBCMF DSPQT in the Perth metropolitan area who
"DLOPXMFEHJOH UIBU *1. JT JNQPSUBOU for sustainable management of insect pests, Horticulture Australia and the %FQBSUNFOU PG "HSJDVMUVSF 'PPE 8" funded a 5 year project to increase *1. BEPQUJPO JO 8" -VDI .POUF JT one grower that has been trying out
03 3
[IWXIVR EYWXVEPME
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE - YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN Here is your opportunity to influence the direction of your industry.
Your Strategic Plan
The information sources include:
5IF 8" 7FHFUBCMF *OEVTUSZ IBT progressed over the last decade. There is now a strong need to formalise industry direction, position and opportunities. The new draft strategic plan contained on the vegetablesWA website, www. vegetableswa.com.au, has been compiled using information gathered from a range of sources. The plan is important as it provides us with direction required to achieve outcomes that benefit you.
•
Regional and crop training needs analysis,
•
*OEVTUSZ 3 % QSJPSJUJFT
•
National industry stocktake,
•
Vegevision 2020,
•
Regional grower meetings,
•
Supply chain workshops,
•
Carrot and Cauliflower strategic plans,
•
8"7(" DPOTUJUVUJPO WFHFUBCMFT8"
•
8" 1PUBUP (SPXFST "TTPDBUJPO plans and meetings,
•
Department of Agriculture and Food, WA,
•
WA research community and
•
0UIFS 3 % JOJUJBUJWFT
There are four steps to complete the plan and ensure we are working towards a common purpose. These include the development of: •
Vision
•
(PBMT
•
Strategies
•
Actions
The plan will provide a number of outcomes including: • Direction for vegetablesWA, • Assist with funding proposals, • Strengthen relationships with the research community and • A focus on issues and opportunities.
VISION: Purpose
4
Actions
Strategies
Strategies Actions
GOALS
Actions
Strategies Actions
Strategies Actions
Actions
GOALS
Actions
GOALS Strategies
Strategies Actions
Actions
Strategies
GOALS
Actions
GOALS
VISION: Purpose Our first step is to establish the industry vision or purpose. Below is the current vision of the plan.
Your Vision To assist growers, industry and government in the development of a profitable, sustainable, viable vegetable industry.
ACTIONS The final step is to build the list of actions under the goals and strategies. Actions are the outputs of the plan that you will see on the ground that affect your business. This is a key area where your input can influence industry direction. Your feedback will assist us in addressing issues that are important to you. Please address the following for you feedback;
GOALS and STRATEGIES The second step is to build the goals that will achieve that vision then build strategies under each goal. As we are part of a national industry and provided a large amount of input into Vegevision 2020 the goals adopted for the WA plan are derived from Vegevision 2020 and unsurprisingly do fit with the priorities for the WA industry. The draft strategies have been completed from information from across the State and are on the vegetablesWA website or can be obtained from David Ellement on 0408 941 318
1. Issue or Opportunity 2. Desired Outcome 3. Your details
Your Voice This is your opportunity to have further JOQVU JOUP UIF QMBO T EFWFMPQNFOU *U XJMM assist us to better serve the industry. To have your say please complete one of the following: •
Visit vegetablesWA website XXX WFHFUBCMFTXB DPN BV GPS B DPQZ PG UIF QMBO BOE feedback information,
•
Contact David Ellement on 0408 941 318 for more information or
•
Mail, fax or email your comments to vegetablesWA using the information above.
Table: GOALS from the draft plan
1. Consumers
2. Markets
3. Competitiveness
4. Information
5. Leadership
Facilitating better interaction between consumers and industry
Maintaining and building domestic and international markets
Ensuring proďŹ table, competitive and sustainable businesses
Delivering information for better business decisions
Building industry capability through leadership development and training.
5
Header Good Practice
Good Practice Managing manures and vegetable crop residues New guidelines released
M
anaging manures and vegetable crop residues can be challenging for vegetable growers on the Swan Coastal Plain. vegetablesWA has a long history of collaboration with vegetable growers, the State Government, the Stable Fly Action Group (SFAG) and local shires, to address the issue of fly breeding associated with the use of raw manure and crop residues. One key output of this collaboration is the development of a set of guidelines titled GOOD PRACTICE MANAGEMENT OF MANURES AND VEGETABLE CROP RESIDUE. This document will be published as part of the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide and is now available for download from the vegetablesWA website: www.vegetableswa.com.au Good management of animal manure and crop residue includes aspects that are described as being either: Essential and therefore required in all situations or; Advisory, in which case they should be considered as a part of Good Practice. Practices are presented under the following headings: 1 Storage and Delivery of Manure Minimise storage time and ensure that manure is kept dry at all times. The vegetable producer is responsible for co-ordinating the delivery, storage, spreading and incorporation of the raw manure.
28
WA Grower March 2008
Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA and Bob Paulin, DAFWA
2 Use of Manure – Application Timing and Method If your property is within a local government district included under the Health (Poultry Manure) Regulations, you are only permitted to use poultry manure for three months of the year (June to August). This applies until September 2011, after which a total ban will apply. 3 Chemical Control of Fly Breeding Only use chemicals registered for use in vegetables to control fly breeding. Products must be applied in accordance with the label or with AVPMA Permit. 4 Management of Crop Residues Minimising fly breeding in crop residues relies on the application of a range of management practices. 5 Monitoring Regularly monitor fly breeding by checking for the presence of
fly larvae, particularly in clumps of manure, decaying crop waste (stalks and roots) and other sources of organic matter on your property. 6 Considerations for Neighbours and the Public Locate manure storage away from boundaries and avoid applying on weekends, public holidays and windy conditions. GOOD PRACTICE MANAGEMENT OF MANURES AND VEGETABLE CROP RESIDUE forms part of a project entitled ‘Linking Best Management Practices with Vegetable Growers’. Funded by investment from both the Australian and State Governments, through the Natural Heritage Trust, the project is administered in the Swan Region by the Swan Catchment Council. To get your copy visit our website or phone Horticulture House on 9481 0834.
Managing manures and vegetable crop residues can be challenging for vegetable growers on the Swan Coastal Plain. vegetablesWA has a long history of collaboration with vegetable growers, the State Government, the Stable Fly Action Header Good Practice Header Group (SFAG) and local shires, to address the issue of fly breeding associated with the use of raw manure and crop residues.
At a meeting at Gingin to discuss crop residue and manure management in November 2007 were (L-R) David Ellement (vegetablesWA), Gavin Foord (vegetablesWA), Wayne Harris (Gingin Shire), Dave Peckitt (Health Department), Bernard McCarthy (SFAG), Rod Withnell (SFAG), Bob Paulin (DAFWA), Reg Beale (SFAG), Bob Wilson (SFAG). Behind the camera were Anne Sibbel and Jo Ottaway.
At a meeting at Gingin in November 2007 were (L-R) David Ellement (vegetablesWA), Gavin Foord (vegetablesWA), Wayne Harris (Gingin Shire), Dave Peckitt (Health Department), Bernard McCarthy (SFAG), Rod Withnell (SFAG), Bob Paulin (DAFWA), Reg Beale (SFAG), Bob Wilson (SFAG). Behind the camera were Anne Sibbel and Jo Ottaway.
SPREADING CONTRACTORS
One key output of this collaboration is the development of a set of guidelines titled GOOD PRACTICE MANAGEMENT OF MANURES AND VEGETABLE CROP &OR !LL 9OUR 3PREADING .EEDS RESIDUE. This document will be published as part of the vegetablesWA Good FERTILISERS • ORGANIC • INORGANIC LIME • GYPSUM Practice Guide and is now available for download from •the vegetablesWA website: www.vegetableswa.com.au SAND • TOPSOIL • COMPOST • ALL MANURES • MULCH Good management of animal manure and crop residue includes aspects that are described as being either: Specialising in Serviceor; to Essential and therefore required in all situations VEGETABLE GROWERS &T HORTICUTULTRAL INDUSTRY Advisory, in which case they should beHE considered as a part of Good Practice.
FOR AN BLIGATION Practices areOpresented under the following headings: FREE QUOTE CONTACT 1 JOHN STORAGE BRANCHIAND DELIVERY OF MANURE
Minimise storage time and ensure that manure is kept dry at all times. The vegetable SPREAD producer is responsible for co-ordinating the delivery, storage, 10 Leeward Australindof the raw manure. spreading andRoad, incorporation W.A. 6233 2 USE OF MANURE – application timing and method TELEPHONE : (08) 9797 2439 If your property is within local government district included under the Health MOBILE : 0417 903a617 (Poultry Manure) Regulations, you are only permitted to use poultry manure for
AG
WA Grower March 2008
29
Header Engineered to overcome water problems to make .......... the difference can see Engineered to overcome water you problems to make .......... the difference you can see
Brief History... Care-Free Conditioners Australia was pioneered by BriefUden History... Bob in 1980. Bob, a plumber by trade, began selling water conditionersAustralia to farmers outpioneered of the back Care-Free Conditioners was by of hisUden panelinvan. From these modestby beginnings the Bob 1980. Bob, a plumber trade, began Care-Free company grew to throughout Australia and selling water conditioners farmers out of the back today exports to several overseas countries. of his panel van. From these modest beginnings the Care-Free company Comparegrew the throughout DifferenceAustralia and today exports to several overseas countries.
Compare the Difference
Without Carefree
With Carefree
Without Carefree With Carefree These plants were watered from the same water supply for five months. The only difference being one plant received “conditioned” These plants were Care-Free watered from the samewater, water the otherfor unconditioned supply five months.water. The only difference being one plant received Care-Free “conditioned” water, the other unconditioned water.
Care-Free Conditioner rids Vegetable Grower of salt water problems Care-Free Conditioner Vegetable “With our salty water we couldn’trids afford not to have Grower of salt water problems our Care-Free Conditioner.” BradtoIpsen “With our salty water we couldn’t afford not have Manjimup WA our Care-Free Conditioner.” Brad Ipsen Brad says “Before we installed the conditioner our Manjimup WA
2,800mg/lit salty dam water was causing severe losses to our broccoli crop. In fact during Dec 06 to Jan 07 we had Brad says “Before we installed the conditioner our losses of about $80,000 due to the high salty water. 2,800mg/lit salty dam water was causing severe losses to Ten days after installation of our 100mm Care-Free Conour broccoli crop. In fact during Dec 06 to Jan 07 we had ditioner we had a complete turnaround. The results were losses of about $80,000 due to the high salty water. truly amazing.” Ten days after installation of our 100mm Care-Free Conditioner we hadand a complete turnaround. The results were Simple safe economical truly amazing.” » The Care-Free Water Conditioner simply Phil becomes part Professor Simon of your pipeline and so delivers a continuous supply of Simple safe and economical water . » The Care-Free Water Conditioner simply becomes part » Properly maintained it should last you a lifetime. What’s of your pipeline and so delivers a continuous supply of more there are no moving parts to wear out or cartridges w a t e r . to replace. » Properly maintained it should last you a lifetime. What’s more aresuggests no moving to wearconditioner" out or cartridges As thethere name it parts is a "water not to replace. a softener or filter. It will help minimize the adverse
affect manysuggests of the undesirable substances in your As theofname it is a "water conditioner" not water supply. a softener or filter. It will help minimize the adverse affect of many of the undesirable substances in your water supply.
IN USE THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA IN USE THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA Users in W.A. Include t Commercial Vegetable Users inGrowers W.A. Include & Fruit Vegetable txCommercial Sporting Venues in WA & Fruit&Growers t School Shire Ovals, Golf xSporting Courses Venues in WA & Shire Ovals, Golf txSchool Hundreds of domestic stock & Coursessuppliers Garden xHundreds of domesticContact: stock & Fred Bremner PO Box 90, Beverley Garden suppliers
SALINE CALCIUM AFFECTED
SALINE AFFECTED BORESCALCIUM SOAKS DAMS…... BORES SOAKS DAMS…...
Phone 9646 111 Mobile 0429 461 115 Contact: Email: fredbette@westnet.com.au Fred Bremner PO Box 90, Beverley Website: www.carefre.com.au Phone 9646 111 Mobile 0429 461 115 Email: fredbette@westnet.com.au Website: www.carefree.com.au
Bill Stevens Header Award
The Bill Stevens Award of Excellence The B.S.A is in honour of the late W.R. (Bill) Stevens M.B.E., JP.
B
ill was a contributor to society. Always endeavouring to make things better for all. Bill’s service to the vegetable growing industry was nothing short of outstanding. His contribution on an agri-political level of local, state, and federal government brought about many changes that have benefited all growers. He was an involved grower with seed variety development, especially cauliflower for export. He was a great promoter of the WA export industry and was the inaugural founder member of the Western Australian Vegetable Growers Association (Inc) in 1949. He served in every capacity within
the VGA: President, Secretary, Treasurer and editor of the WA Grower magazine. He was chairman and participant of every committee or government inquiry that involved the vegetable industry. His contribution spanned five decades, proving that more things are possible if you pursue your vision it will materialise.
The June 2008 award will be a production (growing) award. The BSA will be presented at the WA VGA’s 60th anniversary dinner on Saturday the 31st of May at the Burswood Complex.
The Bill Stevens Award of Excellence is awarded biennially. It is given to an individual, or company, who have attained the highest levels and have made a significant contribution to the vegetable growing industry.
PEOPLE WISHING TO NOMINATE A GROWER SHOULD FORWARD DETAILS OF THE NOMINEE TO; vegetablesWA 103 Outram St West Perth W.A. 6005. Attention Susan Watson. Nominations close 31st March 2008. DETAILS OF PERSON NOMINATED: Surname:....................................................................................................................................................................... Other Names:................................................................................................................................................................ Occupation:................................................................................................................................................................... Address:........................................................................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................... Postcode................................................. Telephone Home.........................................Business........................................ Mobile................................................. TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PERSON SUBMITTING THE NOMINATION: Name:............................................................................................................................................................................ Address:........................................................................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................... Postcode................................................. Telephone Home.........................................Business..............................................Mobile........................................... Signature:......................................................................................................................................................................
WA Grower March 2008
31
Local Grower
Wayne Edwards - organic grower
WA’s largest organic vegetable farm sits on the rolling hills amoungst the giant jarrah, red gum and forest blackbutt along Perup Road north east of Manjimup
W
ayne Edwards is the fourth generation to farm the rich dark jarrah and red gum soils north of Manjimup. The first two generations cleared the land, planted apples and potatoes and ran cattle and sheep. Apples were the main source of income for Albert, Dave and Hector, the sons of Robert who arrived in the District in 1906. They had 40 hectares in apples between them from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. Wayne’s grandfather, Albert, grew 11 ha of apples. The third generation – Doug and Kay Edwards - grew magnificent cauliflowers for the export market and with six other local families started and managed Manjimup’s premier packing house, Manjimup Vegetable Export Growers (now rebadged as Manjimup Fresh Produce). They also grew potatoes for Simplot under contract and ware potatoes for the Potato Marketing Board. When the export market for cauliflowers collapsed in 2001 and Simplot made the decision to leave the district, the family lost both their major sources of income at the same time that they had committed to the purchase of a centre pivot. Wayne Edwards made the decision to keep farming and asked his parents to support him in growing organic produce. Wayne visited organic farms in New Zealand and the United States to investigate how they were faring. He
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WA Grower March 2008
returned convinced that he could make it work for him on the family property. “Kay and I were real skeptics when we started growing organic”, said Doug Edwards. “We went from a pivot and a half of cauliflowers to organic and it was tough. Everyone thought we were crazy.”
Organic growing Wayne Edwards grows commercial crops of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflowers, potatoes, beetroot and onions on 40 hectares with his father, Doug. They grow three varieties of cabbage – green, red and Savoy and four different potatoes, Royal blue, Delaware, Eureka and Spunta. They also grow small crops of kale for the market. “We grow the varieties that taste good”, said Wayne. This year they are growing carrots. Their last crop of carrots split due to a boron deficiency and they hope they have remedied this problem. “We crop about 40 hectares a year under pivot”, said Wayne. “We plant in beds and use the same wheel tracks every year to avoid compacting the planting areas”. They rotate their crops and plant lucerne between the rotations. The farm is set up to handle three 24 ha centre pivots. “We have two pivots and three 24 ha sites”. Over the last seven years, the heavy loam soil has become friable and
Local Grower Organic Onions
easy to dig. “When we first started we couldn’t put our fingers into the soil, now we can put our hands in up to the elbows and we have worms everywhere”, said Doug.
Doug Edwards
Wayne Edwards
“The water soaks in instead of running off. The soil is like a sponge and everything is growing better now. Wayne is about to take delivery of a GPS. The paddocks are not flat and Wayne manages to plant on the contours. They obtain their organic compost from a farmer who composts the litter from Mt Barker Free Range Chicken. The Edwards farm on 340 hectares with 90 ha kept as native bush. There are 23 ha of creeks and dams on the property. It is very pretty. “It is all a matter of balance and after five years we are getting the balance pretty close,”said Wayne.
Organic beetroot between rows of potatoes
“We have just been certified organic for sheep and cattle. I am involved in setting up a local co-operative ‘Organic and Biodynamic Meats’ with several other farmers.
Manjimup pioneer – Robert Edwards Robert Edwards arrived in Manjimup in 1906 and took up land 17 kilometres to the east of the town. He started farming out there with an axe and a spade – and developed an orchard. He, and his three sons, Albert, Dave and Hector, drained the swamps and planted potatoes and kept cows for milking.
WA Grower March 2008
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Good Practice Guide
Good Practice glossary now available Glosscover.qxp
2/7/07
10:41 AM
Page 1
GLOSSA RY OF TECHNI CAL TERMS AND ABBREV IATIONS
Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA
First update to the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide
T
his is the first update to the vegetablesWA Good Practice Guide and we hope you find it useful to better understand some of the technical terms and abbreviations used in the Guide and by our industry.
This Good Practice Guide, produced by vegetablesWA forms part of a project entitled ‘Linking Best Management Practices with Vegetable Growers’. Funded by investment from both the Australian and State Governments, through the Natural Heritage Trust, the project is administered in the Swan Region by the Swan Catchment Council.
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WA Grower March 2008
GLOSSA RY
The Glossary has been posted to those who already have a copy of the Good Practice Guide. However, if you have a copy of the Guide and have not received your Glossary, or if you want a copy of the Guide (including the Glossary) please contact Horticulture House on 9481 0834.
Manjimup Fresh Produce Header
Manjimup Fresh Produce Christmas Party New cooling system for Manjimup Fresh Produce
M
anjimup Fresh Produce displayed their new vacuum and hydro cooling system to their partners, suppliers, growers, buyers, owners and friends at their Christmas party on 14 December 2007.
Golden State Foods (gsf) has formed a partnership with Manjimup Fresh Produce to supply lettuce heads for six months each year over the summer growing season. They have located a vacuum cooler at Manjimup for that purpose.
The new system is a three pallet Alltech Hydro-Vac cooler that has a patented hydro-cycle which allows the product, mainly lettuce, to remain fully hydrated throughout the cooling process.
gsf have been sourcing fresh produce from the Manjimup area for six to seven years.
A load of lettuce is brought down from a field heat of 25 degrees Celsius and to 2.5 degrees within 15 to 20 minutes. The local member and Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Paul Omodei officiated. “If you want a good quality product come to Manjimup Fresh Produce”, said Mr Omodei. “I was fortunate enough to open this business in 1988. Now I am back again, and in the meantime, I have seen many businesses come and go – Simplot, Sumich, and MAES. Congratulations to everybody involved.”
“Growers will harvest in the morning and vacuum cool their product before shipping to Perth by road. We find that vacuum-cooled product has a longer shelf life,” said Phillip van de Einden, gsf’s WA state manager. Mr van de Einden thanked the various stakeholders involved in the partnership - Lee and David East, Waterfield Park, Manjimup Fresh Produce and Warren District Transport. Manjimup Fresh Produce is the new name of Manjimup Vegetable Export Growers known locally as MVeg. MVeg was the major packer of cauliflowers out of the Warren Blackwood area and out of Australia in the 1990’s.
At its peak, MVeg packed 240,000 cartons of cauliflowers for the Singapore market in 1997. Eighty-five per cent of all cauliflowers that were exported out of Australia came from MVeg and approximately 85 per cent of those came from Perup Road from the Ryan and Edwards families. The lucrative cauliflower trade collapsed when the Chinese entered the South East Asian marketplace in 2001. Manjimup Fresh Produce is now concentrating on the domestic market, hence their partnership with gsf. Manjimup Fresh Produce is a business name owned by members of the Ryan, Ipsen and Edwards families of Manjimup. There were originally seven partners in 1988 and at present, there are four directors – John Ryan, Colin Ryan, Don Ipsen, and Doug Edwards. The directors will make the vacuum cooler available for other produce said Belinda Ipsen, Manjimup Fresh Produce employee.
WA Grower March 2008
35
Manjimup Fresh Produce
36
The Hon Paul Omodei Member Warren Blackwood
Don Ispen Owner & Director MFP
Tony Ispen
Colin Ryan Owner & Director MFP
Ross Ryan
John Ryan Owner & Director MFP
Gary Ryan
Doug & Kay Edwards Owner & Director MFP
Dale & Paul Edwards
Kim & Donnette Edwards
Morgan Sewell & Gemma Edwards
Rick Matsen MFP Shed Manager
WA Grower March 2008
Manjimup Fresh Produce Header
Andrea Brown MFP Office Manager
Geoff Edwards
Belinda Ispen
Kelly & Greg Jones
Ian Wauchope
Barry Buss from Sumich
Grant Monk Warren District Transport
Tony Vojkovic Scalzi
Steve Nicolaou Scalzi
Conrad Natoli Manjimup Bridgetown Journalist
Phillip Van Dan Einden gsf WA Grower March 2008
37
WA Grower Index
WA Grower Index 2007 Volume 40 Grubelich, Sam
No 4
p4-5
International Compost Week
No 2
p35
IPM in Western Australia
No 4
V4
p28-29
Irrigation – Are growers walking the talk?
No 3
p4-5
No 3
p22
Irrigation – Efficient irrigation expert systems
No 3
p11-12
Anderson, David – President’s Report 2007
Irrigation - Good Practice Road Trip
No 3
p20-21
No 1
p19
AUSVEG Researcher of the Year 2007
No 2
p9-11
Irrigation – Premier’s Water Foundation Project
No 2
p29
AUSVEG Young Vegetable Grower of the Year 2007
Irrigation- fine tuning
No 1
p29
No 3
p6-8
MOMOKO tomatoes
No 2
p-8
Baldivis Market Garden
No 2
p4-8
Bellini, Josie
No 4
p9-10
Labelling – Jim Turley speaks to Probus Club
No 2
p12-13
Bellini, Paul
No 4
p9-10
Bellini, Peter
No 4
p9-10
Lincoln, Pamela – RIRDC Rural Woman 2007
No 1
p31
Bill Stevens Award of Excellence profile
Manchil IPM Services – profile
No 2
p27-28
No 3
p38-39
Market City Ball 2007
No 2
p15-19
BMG-Okuma Alliance
No 2
p4-8
Brothers Grubelich, Albert, Sam, Ken
No 4
p4-5
McPharlin, Ian – profile WA research scientist
No 3
p15-17
Bulk shipping for export
No 4
p20-21
Meechamnan, Sac – retail manager
No 2
p18
Buy West, Eat Best
No 4
p11-12
Minor use permits, new
No 3
V 4-7
Calameri, Sam
No 2
p4-8
Carrot Conference in France
No 4 p30-32
Mr Fresh Carine – Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year
No 2
p19
Chilli festival
No 2
p26
Plastic mulch, new biodegradable
No 3
p18
Chilman, Lachlan - profile
No 2
p27-28
President’s Annual Report 2007
No 3
p22
DBM- insecticide resistance
No 3
V2
Natoli, Figaro – editorial Eat More Vegetables!
No 3
p42
Environmental Management
No 4
p13-14
Export – bulk shipping
No 4
p20-21
Natoli, Figaro – editorial Obesity: Trimming the Nation
No 2
p42
Fresh Produce Retailer of the Year 2007
No 2
p15-19
Natoli, Figaro – editorial Perks for the over 50’s
No 4
p38
Good Agricultural Practice on Sand
No 4
p6-7
Natoli, Figaro – editorial Why Change?
No 1
p42
Good Practice Guide – What’s that all about?
No 3
p36-37
Okuma, Yoshihisa - profile
No 2
p4-8
Good Practice – Road Trip
No 3 p20-21
Patane Produce
No 4
SC 3-4
Greenhouse Growers
No 4
V2
Patane, Michael
No 4
SC 3-4
Grubelich, Albert
No 4
p4-5
Patane, Penny
No 4
SC 3-4
Grubelich, Ante and Antica
No 4
p4-5
Paulin, B – The Soil Page
No 3
p19
Grubelich, Ken
No 4
p4-5
Paulin, B – The Soil Page
No 2
p19
Agricultural Produce Commission – profile
No 1
p33
Alessandrini, Angelo
No 4
p28-29
Alessandrini, John
No 4
p28-29
Alessandrini, Tony
No 4
Anderson, David – President’s Annual Report 2007
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WA Grower March 2008
Obituary – Pat Scarfo vegetable grower
WA GrowerHeader Index
Tempra, Paul – new President of PGA
No 4
SC 1
Tony Ale and Co
No 4
p28-29
Trandos, Danny – profile Young Grower of the Year 2007
No 3
p6-8
p29
Turley, Jim - comments
No 2
p40-41
No 1
p19
Preventing slips, trips and falls
No 4
p35
Turley, Jim – Federal Minister of Agriculture visit
No 1
p19
RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year 2007
No 1
p31
Turley, Jim - Labelling
No 2
p12-13
Scarfo, Pat - obituary
No 2
p33-34
WA Grower index 2000-2006
No 1
p38-41
Soil moisture monitoring tool
No 4
p18
WA Grower survey responses
No 1
p35-36
Soil – The Soil Page
No 3
p19
Water Awards
No 4
p33
Soil – The Soil Page
No 2
p19
Water – efficient water use
No 3
p4-5
Soil Page – organic inputs
No 4
p19
Water – irrigation expert system
No 3
p11-12
Spud Corner
No 3
p43
Water measurement – text message
No 4
V5
Stevens, Clive - profile
No 1
p4-7
Waterwise workshops
No 4
p15-16
Sun City Farms – Minister’s visit
No 1
p8
Taste – Closing the satisfaction gap
No 3
p30-31
White Star – new potato variety launched
No 4
SC 8
Taste – No Standards for Taste
No 3
p33
Yan, Guijun – profile WA plant breeder
No 1
p30
Peter McGauran Federal Minister for Agriculture visit
No 1
p8-11
Phillips, Dennis – profile researcher
No 2
p9-11
Potato Growers Association
No 4
Premier’s Water Foundation Project
No 2
President’s Report 2007
SC: Spud Corner V: Vegelink
Fairbanks Seeds Ͳ We’ve got the West covered. Brittany – 12/13 week cauliflower, well covered curd, with excellent adaptability. Dual purpose, cuts well late autumn and again mid spring
Miyako – Green stem Pak Choi which has dominated the market, especially where Club Root is a problem. IR to Club Root. Disclaimer:
Prophet – Uniform broccoli with thick stems, medium beads and heavy head weight. Cuts well from late autumn through winter into spring. Not recommended for cutting later in spring, as it performs best under cooler conditions.
Origin – New release, a top performer in trials. Relatively slow bolting with IR to some Club Root strains.
Celtic Ͳ A revelation in the baby leaf market. Mid green oakleaf with very upright habit. Excellent tolerance to mildew pressure.
All cultural and descriptive information is given as a general guide only. Substantial variations may occur due to many environmental factors, including climate, soil type, location, management and cultural practices. No liability will be accepted by Fairbank’s Selected Seed Co. Pty. Ltd. (ABN 86 007 138 276), or its representatives as to the accuracy of the information. All information is given in good faith . Fairbanks Seeds Ph 03 9689 4500 Fax 03 9689 8106
West Australian Agent: Mr. Don Arbuckle Ͳ Mobile: 0411 437 299
WA Grower March 2008
39
Spud Corner Editorial Figaro Natoli Header
Professionalism
W
hen one reads publications or visits terminal markets overseas, it becomes apparent how unprofessional our vegetable industry is, in a number of areas. A study by the Michigan State University shows that some Agent/ Wholesalers offered 14 different services to their client (ie retailers). To mention a few: data management, education, niche demographics, help retailers understand their customers needs, and building a connection between the farmer and the customer. How many services do our local agents offer? One thing that is understood in the USA is that all participants in the chain understand that it is in their best interests to participate. The most obvious thing that happens here is that most people in the
chain operate in isolation, with a thought process that it is not their responsibility. The objective for all concerned is to optimise volume in sales with maximum returns.
Talking to each other in the supply line helps manage over supply issues with a better out come for all.
Most growers are way behind the eight ball in terms of post harvest cooling and presentation, with very poor communication skills. Remember if your agent does not talk to you on every sale day the responsibility is yours to start a dialogue.
Conversely, short falls well managed are a winner all along the chain.
Your agent’s sales person is usually pooly trained and unaware of the bigger picture. A grower’s input allows more options to surface.
The vegetable industry has a unique opportunity at this time, with all the health issues as a result of our sedentary lifestyle and 80 per cent of the population not eating the daily recommended intake of fruit and vegetables. If we all work together the flow on benefits to all will be substantial.
The reason these situations exist is because nobody chooses to try and enact change, most participants in the supply chain would rather complain about the problems.
Western Australians are biggest savers: Survey 5-December-07 by AAP
H
ouseholds in Western Australia are most likely to save and at a significantly greater rate than the national saving propensity, a survey has found. The Melbourne Institute’s latest Household Saving and Investment Report shows Australian household budgets were more stretched in the lead-up to Christmas than this time last year because we’ had saved less. Little more than 45 per cent of Australian households saved part of their income in the December quarter compared to 52.1 per cent last year. The proportion of households running into debt increased when compared to one year ago and the proportion drawing on savings was also higher, according to the report.
40
WA Grower March 2008
“It appears that households’ overall financial positions are worse than one year ago,” the Institute said. Holidays and travel continues to be the most popular reason for saving, but while 32.7 per cent of respondents cited it as a reason to save, it was down from 43 per cent a year ago. The proportion citing Christmas presents as a motivation for saving is 15.2 per cent, significantly down from 23.1 per cent a year ago. Among the states, the survey found that Queenslanders are least likely to run into debt and South Australians are most likely to run into debt and the least likely to save. Victorian households are most likely to rent and least likely to own
a house with a mortgage, while conversely, households in Western Australia are least likely to rent and most likely to have a mortgage. West Australians expressed a strong preference for investing in shares, while Victorians are more likely to invest new savings in a deposittaking institution. South Australians expressed roughly equal preference for putting savings in deposit-taking institutions, investment property and making superannuation contributions. Households in NSW and Queensland are more likely to be thinking about their retirement and more inclined to increase their superannuation contributions.
Spud Corner w e stern 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 Metropolitan Mr David Anderson Ph: (08) 9529 2325 Fax: (08) 9529 1325 Mobile: 0418 195 759 Myalup Ms Pennie Patane Ph: (08) 9720 2235 Fax: (08) 9720 2236 Mobile: 0407 993 580 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
News in Brief
ISSUE 03 | MARCH 2008
by Jim Turley
Horticulture Export Programe – Taiwan – Proposed Changes to Importation Requirements The proposed changes are of major concern to our Vegetable Industry. I note that Taiwan is proposing to prohibit the import of carrots, parsnips, swede, turnips and sweet potatoes. Carrots are of particular concern for Western Australia. All states are affected relating to these vegetables except Tasmania and Victoria. Radopholus similis (burrowing nematode) reported to be in Western Australia, appears to be one reason for the proposed prohibition. vegetablesWA (David Ellement IDO Officer) along with a number of our growers, Australia’s Peak Industry Body Ausveg and Horticulture Australia Limited are pressing BioSecurity Australia to fight these proposed changes. vegetablesWA is also working with Dr Shashi Sharma, Director of Biosecurity in DAFWA on this issue with emphasis on preparing a submission to Taiwan to try to avert these changes.
Costs are Rising vegetablesWA and the Potato Growers Association of WA are pressing the Western Australian Government to review the long term viability of vegetable growing in this State. Fertiliser prices have increased by around 50%, water charges could do anything and fuel prices are continuing on their way up. I strongly believe if the Government wants fresh vegetables to be produced in Western Australia they should act now. I have told the State Government many times that our growers are not looking for hand outs but they are looking for a fair go. While our Minister Mr Kim Chance is
helping I believe Cabinet and the Premier should closely examine the vegetable industry’s long term future.
Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed The vegetable and potato industry in Australia has still not signed the deed. Therefore the growers are on their own. No financial help for eradication, no compensation for crops destroyed. Both vegetablesWA and the PGA have agreed AUSVEG Australia, Australia’s peak industry body, should immediately sign the deed. They have not because AUSVEG can’t agree on a funding mechanism with Plant Health Australia. David Anderson and Jim Trandos have tried to persuade their fellow members without success at this stage. continued...
CONTENTS Rhizoctonia in Potatoes ........................
3
Demand for potatoes is growing ....... . 4 Potato facts ...........................................
5
Albany Seed Suppliers ..........................
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1
Spud Corner Water Reform Currently (18 February 2008) we are all waiting for the results of the Legislative Assembly’s Economics and Industry Standing Committee’s report due on 28 February 2008.
On 30 April 2008, as a member of the Horticulture Water Initiative, I will be meeting with Ken Mathews (CEO) National Water Commission.
The Minister for Water has in the mean time released another revised set of water licence administration fees. While most of our growers have received a reduction in their water licence fees, our larger growers however have received a substantial increase.
New schedule of water licence charges vs previous charges
Our industry is still totally convinced the Minister can’t justify the fees. Our involvement with the Government not only includes trying to have them justify their latest water licence charges, it also includes reviewing the new legislation, National Water Initiative issues and COAG payments.
This will be a great opportunity to find out how the Commission is currently thinking on issues affecting Western Australia.
Class
Water Entitlement Kilolitres per
1 1 (Oct 07) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0 - 5000 1501 – 5000 5001 – 50,000 50,001 - 100,000 100,001 – 500,000 500,001 – 1,000,000 1,000,001 – 5,000,000 5,000,001 – 10,000,000 >10,000,000
Latest Charges
Previous charges $200
$100 $150 $250 $700 $1,600 $2,500 $4,000 $6,000
$325 $600 $1,200 $1,800 $2,400 $3,000
0-4 months $70 per tonne plus GST
4-12 months $90 per tonne plus GST
Ph: Anthoney 0417 919 906
2
Capacity up to 1,500 Tonne Donnybrook
Rhizoctonia in Potatoes
Rhizoctonia in Potatoes From: NZ Grower December 2007 By Dr Sonia Whiteman
R
NZ Grower December 2007 By Dr Sonia Whiteman
companies within Australia. Existing Rizoctonia solani can be practices divided into for controlling rhizoctonia were mating types which vary in their reviewed ability to cause differentand formscontinuing of issues for managing the disease (e.g. stem canker and the pathogen identified black scurf and also theirwere sensitivity during the workshop. to common fungicides used for experience of rhizoctonia and its impact on potato their control). The Australians have was noted that New Zealand has a per acre. Like many growers production. By his calculations, rhizoctonia – related in New Rizoctonia solani can be divided into mating types developed molecular diagnostic tools longterm rotation underway Zealand, he is presently applying diseases within his crop crop resulted in a trial 5Ͳ8 tonne per which vary in their ability to cause different forms of to differentiate between these types. is expected to yield chemical treatments in-furrow to loss of that acre potatoes suitable for valuable sale to the disease and black scurf and of rhizoctonia. Various uses the for the tools(e.g. are stem being canker information. reduce the incidence processing industry. With the additional cost of also their sensitivity to common fungicides used for explored – for example determining Chemical treatments, both in-furrow control, the economic losses amounted to their ofcontrol). The Australians have developed how the amount rhizoctonia solani and directly onto seed stocksapproximately are AU $15,000 per acre. Like many molecular diagnostic tools to differentiate between in the soil relates to resulting disease widely used for control of rhizoctonia. growers in New Zealand, he is presently applying these types. Various uses for the tools are being in potatoes. The Potato Product chemical treatments inͲfurrow to reduce the explored in – example determining how the Group are currently thefor process incidence of rhizoctonia. Chemical treatments, both The presentation initiated a debate rhizoctonia solani in the soil relates to of applying foramount fundingof from MAF SFF inͲfurrow and directly onto seed stocks are widely about the best methods for chemical resulting disease in potatoes. The Potato Product to implement this technology in New treatment of rhizoctonia. Soilused for control of rhizoctonia. borne Group are with currently of applying for Zealand in association Crop in & the process infestation is thought to be the funding from MAF SFF to implement this technology Food Research. presentation initiated a debate about the best primary source of infection ofThe potato in New Zealand in association with Crop & Food methods crops, yet research suggests that seed for chemical treatment of rhizoctonia. Research. Soil borne infestation is thought to be the primary Peter Lane, an Australian grower treatments can also reduce disease source of infection of potato crops, yet research supplying the potato processing severity. Results were also presented Peter Lane, an Australian grower supplying the suggests that seed treatments can industry described eloquently his demonstrating that a combination potato processing industry described eloquently his
experience of rhizoctonia and its impact on potato production. By his calculations, rhizoctonia – related diseases within his crop resulted in a 5-8 tonne per acre loss of potatoes suitable for sale to the processing industry. With the additional cost of control, the economic losses amounted to approximately $A 1500
Rhizoctonia solani Disease Cycle
also reduce disease severity. Results were also presented demonstrating that a combination of seed and inͲfurrow treatments provides particularly effective protection from rhizoctonia. It was noted that use of a single chemical class can result in control failure due to the fungi becoming resistant to that chemical. NonͲchemical methods of control are being investigated with a particular focus on crop rotation. It was noted that New Zealand has a longͲ term crop rotation trial underway that is expected to yield valuable information.
an intractable Rhizoctonia solani is hizoctonia solani is an fungal disease of commercially fungal valuable vegetablesintractable worldwide. It was disease of commercially the focus of a recent workshop in valuable vegetables Melbourne, held to address ongoing worldwide. It was the economic losses for Australian of a recent workshop vegetable andfocus potato growers. The in Melbourne, held to workshop attracted farmers, seed address scientists ongoing and economic producers, research losses within for Australia. Australian chemical companies vegetable and Existing practices for controlling potato growers. The rhizoctonia were reviewed andworkshop attracted farmers, continuing issues for managing the seed producers, pathogen were identified duringresearch the workshop. scientists and chemical
of seed and in-furrow treatments provides particularly effective protection from rhizoctonia. It was noted that use of a single chemical class can result in control failure due to the fungi becoming resistant to that chemical. Non-chemical methods of control are being investigated with a particular focus on crop rotation. It
3
3 Potato facts
Where and when did farm
Spud Corner
[IWXIVR EYWXVEPME
Demand for potatoes is growing FAO, 2008 World potato production has increased World potato production has increased at an annual average rate of 4.5 percent over the last 10 years, and exceeded the growth in production of many other major food commodities in developing countries, particularly in Asia. While consumption of potato has declined in Europe, it has increased in the developing world, from less than 10 kg (22 lb) per capita in 1961-63 to almost 22 kg (48.5lb) in 2003. Consumption of potato in developing countries is still less than a quarter of that in Europe, but all evidence suggests it will increase strongly in the future. Over the next two decades, the world’s population is expected to grow on average by more than 100
million people a year. More than 95 percent of that increase will occur in the developing countries, where pressure on land and water is already intense. A key challenge facing the international community is, therefore, to ensure food security for present and future generations, while protecting the natural resource base on which we all depend. The potato will be an important part of efforts to meet those challenges. The world potato sector is undergoing major changes. Until the early 1990s, most potatoes were grown and consumed in Europe, North America and countries of the former Soviet Union. Since then, there has been a dramatic increase in potato production and demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America, where output rose from less than
World potato production 1990-2006
30 million tonnes in the early 1960s to almost 120 million tonnes by the mid-1990s. FAO data shows that in 2005, for the first time, the developing world’s potato production - some 162 million tonnes - exceeded that of the developed world (156 million tonnes). China is now the biggest potato producer, and almost a third of all potatoes is harvested in China and India. Asia and Europe are the world’s major potato producing regions, accounting for more than 80 percent of world production in 2006. While harvests in Africa and Latin America were far smaller, production was at record levels. North America was the clear leader in yields, at more than 40 tonnes per hectare.
developed 1990
developing 1992
1994
Countries
Developed Developing WORLD
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
million tonnes
195.22 184.64 168.69 193.59 169.25 182.04 163.58 171.79 155.25 84.09
93.44 102.38 117.71 131.41 146.51 152.41 157.77 159.12
279.32 278.09 271.07 311.31 300.67 328.55 315.98 329.56 314.37 Developed countries Developing countries
4 Developed countries
Asia consumes almost half of the world’s potato supply, but it’s huge population means that consumption per person was a modest 25 kg in 2005. The heartiest potato eaters are Europeans. Per capita consumption is lowest, but increasing, in Africa and Latin America.
tonnes
16 420 729
131 286 181
126 332 492
15 627 530
24 708 603
314 375 535
hectares
1 499 687
9 143 495
7 348 420
951 974
608 131
19 551 707
Africa
Asia/Oceania
Europe
Latin America
North America
Quantity Harvested area
Potato production by region 2006
Asia/Oceania Africa Latin America North America
Potato facts production quantity Harvested area
Africa Asia/Oceania Europe
Quantity
Yield tonnes/hectare
hectares
tonnes
1 499 687
16 420 729
10.95
9 143 495 Harvested area 7 348 420
131 286 181 Quantity 126 332 492
14.36 Yield 17.19
hectares tonnes Potato consumption, by region, 2005 tonnes/hectare 951 687 974 15 420 627 729 530 16.42 1 499 16 10.95 Potato consumption, by region, 2005 608 131 24 708 603 40.63
Latin America Africa
North America Asia/Oceania WORLD Europe Latin America North America
9 143 495
131 286 181
14.36
19 551 420 707 7 348
314 332 375 492 535 126
16.08 17.19
951 974
15 627 530
16.42
Source: FAOSTAT
608 131 24 by 708 603 40.63 Potato consumption region 2005
WORLD
19 551 707
314 375 535
16.08 Source: FAOSTAT
Where and when did farmers start growing potatoes? Recent research indicates that the first potatoes were cultivated near Lake Titicaca, on the Peru/Bolivia border, about 8,000 years ago. Where are potatoes grown today? All around the world! Potato farming has spread to China’s Yunnan plateau and the subtropical lowlands of India, to Java’s equatorial highlands and the steppes of Ukraine. How many varieties of potato are there? The International Potato Center (CIP) holds 7,500 different varieties of potato (1,950 of them wild). How much potato is produced in the world each year? In 2006, potato farmers produced 315 million tonnes!
Consumption (per capita)
Africa Asia/Oceania Africa Europe Asia/Oceania Latin America Europe North America Latin America WORLD North America WORLD
Population Population 905 937 000 3 938905 469937 000000
Consumption Total food (t) Consumption kg per capita 12 850 000 14.18 Total food (t) kg per capita 101 756 000 25.83 12 850 000 14.18
739 276469 000000 3 938 561739 344276 000000
71101 087756 000000 13 280 000000 71 087
96.15 25.83 23.65 96.15
330561 608344 000000
19 156 000000 13 280
57.94 23.65
6 475330 634608 000000
218 129 000000 19 156
33.68 57.94
6 475 634 000
218 129 000
Andean potatoes
Source: FAOSTAT
33.68
Source: FAOSTAT
0355
WORLD
Europe
Spud Corner
ALBANY QUALITY REGISTERED AND CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES AVAILABLE IN 2008 LS & JL ELDRIDGE
W BOCIAN & SON
TA & PA BARKER
C AYRES & SONS
TR & CK ACKLEY
PH: 9844 4622 FAX: 9844 4622
PH: 9844 6269 FAX: 9844 6169
PH: 9846 4306 FAX: 9846 4401
PH: 9845 2038 FAX: 9845 2038
PH: 9845 1135 FAX: 9845 1123
PH: 9841 4286 FAX: 9841 1987 !
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ARGOS
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BLISS
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EUREKA
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DELAWARE
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HARMONY
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EVA
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KENNEBEC
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KESTREL
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MACRUSSET
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MAXINE
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NADINE
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MONDIAL
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NOOKSACK
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RUBY LOU
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ROYAL BLUE
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RUSSETT BURBANK
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WHITE STAR
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SHEPODY
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FL1867
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WILSTORE
ALBANY QUALITY REGISTERED AND CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES AVAILABLE IN 2008
NR & DJ LEE
PH: 9841 5474 FAX: 9842 3538
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COLIBAN
VARIETIES FOR SALE HARVEST JAN - MAY 2008 FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SUPPLIER
CR & RK WESTCOTT
PH: 9845 1248 FAX: 9845 1306
PHONE/FAX
SJ WOLFE & SON
PH: 9845 1059 FAX: 9845 1048
NAME
RT WOLFE & CO
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ATLANTIC
Your Partner for Added Value Come and visit us at our Open Days Our Open Days this year will be held on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th April at our trials farm in Victoria (Melways ref: 132 F4), and our representatives will be on hand from 8am on each day to give guided tours and provide additional information. Our wide range of specialist outdoor vegetable varieties will be displayed in our demonstration field, with the featured product this year being cabbage in its many and varied forms. Onions and shallots (from seed) will be displayed indoors.
Bejo, a Name that stands for Quality Bejo Seeds Pty Ltd • 460 Hall Road, Skye, Vic. 3977 • Tel.: (03) 9782 2811 • Fax: (03) 03) 9782 2445 • E-Mail: info@bejo.com.au • Website: www.bejo.com.au