WA Grower Autumn 15

$25.00 (inc GST)

WA Grower SINCE 1948 Vol. 50 No 1. Autumn 2015

Potato Growers Association Inc.

Agricultural Produce Commission

APC-VPC APC-PPC

Labour

your responsibilities

Produced by

vegetablesWA

Management Committees

Cover photo: Lao-Vietnamese grower Khem

Vegetable Growers Association

Contact details for Horticulture House vegetablesWA, Potato Growers Association, Horticulture House 103 Outram Street West Perth 6005 t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: office@vegetableswa.com.au

President

Chief Executive Officer John Shannon m: 0488 111 526 e: john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au Finance/Administrator/Communications Rebecca Blackman t: (08) 9481 0834 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au Magazine Advertising Morena Tarbotton t: (08) 9481 0834 e: morena.tarbotton@vegetableswa.com.au

Maureen Dobra t: (08) 9575 2086 m: 0417 174 110

Vice President Ken Sue

m: 0417 986 467

m: 0418 957 236 Metro South m: 0427 724 243 Manjimup m: 0413 050 182 Metro North m: 0408 910 761 Carnarvon m: 0408 910 761 Metro m: 0417 907 910 Myalup/Busselton t: (08) 9405 4817 Metro North t: (08) 9941 8376 Carnarvon m: 0419 041 045 Carnarvon t: (08) 9845 1064 Albany m: 0400 717 600 Gingin

Potato Growers Association

Field Extension Officer Dominic Jenkin m: 0427 373 037 e: dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

Vice President

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

Busselton

Committee S. Calameri K. Edwards M. Grubisa D. Kuzmicich T. Le A. Marinovich A. Natoli D. Nguyen P. Shain H. Shapland P. Wauchope

Export Development Manager Gavin Foord m: 0435 018 189 e: gavin.foord@vegetableswa.com.au

Vietnamese Field Extension Officer Truyen Vo m: 0457 457 559 e: truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au

Gingin

President Dean Ryan m: 0427 731 066 Vaughan Carter m: 0417 0925 505

Pemberton

Busselton

Treasurer Mia Rose m: 0409 112 245

Myalup

Committee C. Ayres G. Bendotti S. Calameri B. Russell D. Terrigno

m: 0428 451 014 m: 0427 569 903 m: 0418 957 236 m: 0429 318 216 m: 0417 771 333

Albany Pemberton Metro Donnybrook Manjimup

This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by: • APC- Vegetable Producers Committee • Potato Growers Association • vegetablesWA

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

WA Grower 26

Vol. 50 No 1. Autumn 2015

78

40

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

3

Seed potato crops health in top shape

54

From the Chief Executive Officer

4

French carrot tour

56

vegetablesWA President’s Report

5

Advertorial: drumMUSTER and ChemClear

58

PGA President’s Report

6

Water for Food pullout brochure

59

New Committee of Management members

6

Gascoyne River aquifer update

63

PMC Marketing Update

8

Fresh Potatoes health campaign

9

WA chefs’ Southern Forest potato journey

10

Potato Industry Sundowner

12

YOUR PRODUCTION

YOUR BUSINESS

65

Labour feature Employing legal workers — a guide for businesses

66

Labour hire — where to find workers

68

15

Example of contractual clauses and exchange of letters 69

Attacking stable fly on all fronts

16

Seasonal Worker Program

Spalangia — a new tool in the fight to control stable fly

18

Collective bargaining: strength in numbers

74

Predatory beetle offers promise against stable fly

19

Are you ready when Fair Work comes knocking?

78

Postharvest chlorination

20

A challenge for horticultural businesses

80

Pre-harvest factors affecting postharvest quality

22

Business to do list

82

More Dollars per Drop for growers in Carnarvon

24

Farmer cooperatives: what you need to know

84

Seed potato water use efficiency demonstration

26

Advertorial: Crop Care

85

Strategies for competitive advantage

86

Cashflow and BAS lodgement

90

Permits

111

TOOL TIME

27

Melons — potential with protective cropping

28

Energy efficient cool stores

30

First ever working capsicum-harvesting robot

32

Controlled traffic farming

33

Micro-perforations for major improvements in shelf-life 36 YOUR INDUSTRY

39

Electricity is turned on in the Gascoyne

40

Grower profile — Van and Tien Nguyen

42

Potential of irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara

44

Jim Turley retires from the PGA of WA Inc

48

Grower profile — Khem and Lin

50

71

YOUR MARKET

91

Building on our export success

92

Advertorial: Efic

96

Reforming our fresh food supply chains

98

Exporting Australia’s vegetables to Middle East & Asia 100 YOUR SELF

101

Look on the bright side

102

Crunch&Sip celebrates 10 years!

104

®

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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A new direction for Australian horticulture The Australian horticulture sector is heading in a new

in growing and harvesting, processing, packing,

direction following the transition of HAL into a grower-

transporting, marketing, wholesaling, retailing and

owned organisation, Horticulture Innovation Australia

exporting.

Limited (HIA).

HIA membership will allow growers to have a say

HIA is establishing a robust membership base that

in the leadership and future direction of Australia’s

is representative of the full spectrum of Australian

new horticulture RDC. Membership is free and brings

horticulture industries across all growing regions.

with it many benefits for individuals and the wider

Become a member

horticulture sector.

Membership is open to active business entities

You can find out more and apply online on at

participating in horticulture industries including those

www.horticulture.com.au/membership.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

YOUR

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

From the

Chief Executive Officer As an industry association it is our task to provide value to our members whether it be through advocacy or other services.

We have had some extremely good news recently when I joined Water Minister, the Hon. Mia Davies MP, to launch the latest projects under the Water for Food program funded by Royalties for Regions. We are pleased to have a government willing to invest in creating a more profitable industry for the future. The current round of projects will further explore the economics of irrigation infrastructure investment at Myalup, Midlands (Gingin to Dongara) and Manjimup. These projects will build on the existing work undertaken by vegetablesWA and funded by the WA APC and Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (formerly Horticulture Australia Ltd).

HON Paul Brown MLC, Hon Dave Grills MLC, Minister Davies, John Shannon (vegetablesWA) and Geoff Calder (Harvey Water) pictured at the Water for Food Stage 2 launch.

BY JOHN SHANNON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

vegetablesWA President Maureen Dobra has been asked to sit on the Ministerial Advisory Panel on the Mylaup project which will look at various alternatives originally proposed by vegetablesWA in 2012.

I am pleased to report that the constitutional changes proposed at the vegetablesWA AGM last year were passed unanimously and accepted by the WA Department of Commerce with effect from late last year. This puts our organisation on an even firmer footing for the future.

The Department of Agriculture and Food, WA (DAFWA) continues to undergo changes as a result of funding decreases.

Growers and vegetablesWA will have to adapt to this situation too and have another look at how we can best leverage the resources available to us.

I want to put on record the sincere appreciation we have for the contributions to our industry of a number of staff who have recently left DAFWA, including Terry Hill, Allan Mackay, Ian McPharlin and Georgina Wilson.

WATER for Food Project Director Simon Skevington addresses the crowd at the recent Stage 2 launch.

Labour availability issues continue as something we are pursuing with government. Following our representations last year with the relevant minister, The Hon. Michaelia Cash, we have been working further with Departmental representatives as well as the Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council (FFTITC) (WA) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). I would again encourage growers to ensure that any agreements they have with labour hire providers include the appropriate clauses to ensure that the visa status of employees is correct.

Our Field Extension Officers also continue to undertake their important roles. As always, growers should not hesitate to contact them or other staff if there is something we may be able to assist with.

The office number is (08) 9481 0834.

MORE INFORMATION Contact me on (08) 9481 0834 or email john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

President’s Report

BY MAUREEN DOBRA PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

Recently I read a quote:

“Being told you’re appreciated is one of the simplest and most uplifting things you can hear”.

During the past few months I am sure our fire brigade people would really appreciate this. In all my life, I have never known fires to be so bad and to have burnt so many hectares of land. Growers in and around the Bullsbrook to Carabooda areas were certainly anxious when fires were racing towards them. And then the horrific amount of land that was burnt in the Great South and burning up to Pemberton and Manjimup. We have to ask ourselves — are we ready for bushfires? If not, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services have information on their website www.dfes.wa.gov.au.

On the website there is a booklet called Prepare.Act.Survive. It is worth checking out and getting ready.

We all take it for granted that we and others, whether family or staff, are logical at work and nothing will happen. Working by oneself, doing the simplest of task shouldn’t be a problem, but it can be!

Again, there is information addressing this situation and also a checklist regarding working alone. This can be found on the Worksafe website. The website address is www.commerce.wa.gov.au.

Transport is a major issue and cost for growers. Trucks can be extremely costly to operate and knowing all the rules and regulations that are attached to transport can be mind blowing. However, sometimes there can be savings. There is the diesel rebate system for running the trucks on the roads. However, there is also a bigger diesel rebate for using the refrigeration on the trucks. The other concession is on licensing. The criteria for these concessions depend on a number of circumstances. It certainly is worthwhile checking this out with the Department of Transport.

Stable Fly still plagues the Gingin area.

However, recently the stable fly has become a bigger problem in Capel. vegetablesWA together Go to: with the Department of dfes.wa.gov.au Agriculture and Food, WA to download a (DAFWA) and Dr David Cooke, copy today! as well as the Capel shire have come together to listen to strategies of how to not only cope with this fly but how to treat the circumstances of the area it is affecting.

The weather over the past couple of months has certainly been unsettling.

We have experienced rain, hail, thunder, lightning and wind. Out of all of this, I hope you have had some good rains and that your crops are still flourishing.

POSITIONS ON APC PRODUCERS’ COMMITTEES The Agricultural Produce Commission invites nominations from producers for positions on APC Producers’ Committees.

APC Producers’ Committees are established to provide services to the producers’ industry. Producer involvement in APC Producers’ Committees is vital to the effectiveness of Committees.

Some committee positions will become available on 31 May 2015. Terms of appointment will generally be for three years from 1 June 2015 to 31 May 2018.

Nominations are invited for the following APC Committees: Beekeepers, Stone Fruit, Citrus, Pome Fruit, Pork, Potato, Strawberry, Table Grape and Vegetables.

A Nomination form and further information is available from the APC website www.apcwa.org.au (under the Join Us Tab) or contact Ingrid Smith on (08) 9368 3127.

Nominations close:

Friday, 17 April 2015.

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Potato Growers Association Inc.

President’s Report

BY DEAN RYAN PRESIDENT, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

It has been another few busy months, with Christmas and potato harvest season in full swing in Manjimup and Pemberton. In addition to this we have been busy with the large bushfire in Northcliffe. It has been a trying time for the region and it has been great to see community support assisting whoever needed help. Thank you to everyone who helped during this very trying and tiring time!

In addition to the natural disasters and harvest season there has been some very positive events happening in the potato industry. In January the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) lead a group of chefs to the Manjimup/ Pemberton region to show them the entire process of potatoes, from growing; harvesting; washing/grading and processing. There was a grower sundowner held at Pemberley of Pemberton and it was a huge success with Monica and David Radomiljac.

The food by Monica was amazing and showcased potatoes perfectly with the chefs enjoying every mouthful.

The 10th February saw the PMC Industry Sundowner which was held at Perth City Farm, whilst I personally could not attend the feedback has been great with everyone enjoying the event and great interaction between chefs, industry and growers.

Another key event in February was the PMC Variety Trial held on the 13 February at Dean and Glen Ryan’s Pemberton Property. This trial was well attended by growers in the region. Unfortunately due to the postponement, due to the Northcliffe Bushfires, the delay in digging didn’t do the skin finish any favours.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

However growers were still able to gauge their worthiness to some degree. The results will be sent to potato growers via the PMC. The PMC’s latest adverting campaign which provides details on the health benefits of potatoes has been needed for some time considering the negative views on potatoes from some Health practitioners. There is more information on the health campaign in the Fresh Potatoes section.

The Seed Ageing Field Day was held at the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute on 18 February and was very informative discussion. The day was hosted by WASPP and Professor Rick Knowles, Chair of the Department of Horticulture at Washington State University in the United States provided the growers with information on seed physiological ageing. The growers who attended received worthwhile feedback on how to manage seed age and with additional information still to come from the seed trial in conjunction with the Manjimup Horticulture Research Centre.

Thank you to the WASPP and the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA (DAFWA) for coordinating the trial and bringing out Professor Rick Knowles.

Finally I, and the Potato Growers Association (PGA), would like to thank and acknowledge Jim Turley as he retired in March. Jim has been in the industry for over 16 years and has done a wonderful job as the Executive Officer and we wish him well with his retirement.

New Committee of

Management members

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

vegetablesWA would like to officially welcome our new Committee of Management members; Duc Nguyen, Carnarvon; and Aaron Natoli, Gnangara.

NEW Committee of Management members, Duc Nguyen and Aaron Natoli.

The Committee now consists of the following members: Maureen Dobra President, Gingin Ken Sue Vice President, Busselton Anthony Marinovich Myalup Peter Wauchope HIAL Board Member, Woodridge Sam Calameri Baldivis Howard Shapland Albany Paul Shain Carnarvon Kim Edwards Manjimup Maurice Grubisa Wanneroo Dan Kuzmicich Carnarvon Le Van Thang Gnangara Aaron Natoli Gnangara Duc Nguyen Carnarvon.

MORE INFORMATION Please contact the committee members should you have any concerns or you can contact the office on (08) 9481 0834 or email office@vegetableswa.com.au.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Marketing Update

Fresh Potatoes Campaign

Potato growers in Western Australia have invested heavily into a potato marketing program aimed at stopping the decline in consumption per capita of fresh potatoes.

Independent research had shown that potato consumption in WA had dropped from 25kg/capita to less than 20kg/capita (from 2002–12).

Faced with a declining industry, the growers decided to invest in a campaign to promote fresh potatoes as great tasting, extremely versatile, convenient and packed full of vitamins and minerals.

Launched in October 2013, the campaign has now been running for 18 months with clear and tangible signs of success.

Peter Evans, CEO of the Potato Marketing Corporation of Western Australia (PMC) comments “Our growers have seen significant benefit from investment in the marketing campaign.

We have stopped the decline in consumption of fresh potatoes in Western Australia. What’s more, as part of a range of improvements to our marketing and operations programs, farm gate return has increased”.

WA average potato purchased quantity has

increased

1.5kg/trip to 1.55kg/trip

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Paul Graham, Marketing Manager at the PMC says “Our generic marketing campaign for fresh potatoes is working.

Despite changed trading conditions, we are seeing more households purchase more potatoes, more often. We’ve got on the front foot and promoted the benefits of our product to WA consumers — and they have listened”.

“Over the past two years at a national level, the average weekly penetration (number of households purchasing potatoes) has gone from 57% to under 50%. In WA we’ve increased a percentage point from 53% to 54%. What’s more, the national average quantity purchased per shopping trip has declined from over 1.6kg/trip to 1.5kg/trip.

In WA we’ve increased this from 1.5kg to 1.55kg. To put this in perspective, in WA the average price paid at retail level has increased from $2.02/kg to $2.97/kg,” Mr Graham said.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Callum McKenzie is the Managing Director of Rare, the advertising agency behind the campaign. “The potato industry has at last found its voice. For more than a decade the humble potato has been publically attacked by low carb campaigns and campaigns for rival food products. The more often people hear a message, the more likely that message will sink in. Now we are giving consumer the right message to listen to, we are seeing the benefit in sales”.

Focus October to December 2014 • The October to December 2014 period was characterised by a vast reduction in store promotions in WA (half the number of recorded promotions versus last year) • In total volume terms, the WA market saw an increase in sales during the quarter • This was driven by an increase in quantity of potatoes purchased per trip.

The national average saw a decline in volume purchased per trip • The average weekly penetration (number of households purchasing potatoes) dropped slightly versus the corresponding period last year. This was driven by the increased purchase volume per transaction. The national picture shows long-term decline in this statistic • WA has shown good growth in $/kg paid for potatoes. This is driven by a move to yellow flesh potatoes and shows the marketing campaign has sustained an appetite for fresh potatoes in spite of increased retail prices • As the volume of potatoes purchased per transaction and the $ paid/kg have increased, the $ spent per transaction has grown strongly. WA now sits well ahead of the national picture • The campaign is has now been operating for 15 months and there are clear tangible signs of success.

Fresh Potatoes

health campaign Launched in February, the “Nature packed in the goodness and left out the fat” is a heavily integrated health campaign designed to inspire potato consumption of everyday dishes while using health facts to overcome perceived unhealthiness.

The media support included: • IGA point-of-sale 3–9 February in all IGA stores including prize incentive for five stores who have the best display • IGA recipes 3–9 February, four potato recipes in 700,000 IGA catalogue distributed to households across the State • IGA recipe cards Healthy ‘back to school’ snacks • Press advertising 3 February, West Australian Mind & Body sponsored edition — ‘Busting carbohydrate myths’ • Outdoor advertising 25 January to 15 March, Shop–A-Lights, bus advertising

• Cinema running till 15 March, outdoor and digital screens • TV 1–28 February, strong metro and region burst • Radio 10 February – 2 March, Nova 9.37 sponsorship of breakfastshow and 15 second adverts • Radio 10 February – 2 March, Coles radio in all WA stores • Medical forum (WA General Practitioner Magazine) February edition, health fact flyer insert in magazine • Social media Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

MORE INFORMATION Any marketing questions, suggestions or support please contact Paul, Laura or Bec at the email addresses below: Paul: paul@freshpotatoes.com.au Laura: laura@freshpotatoes.com.au Bec: rebecca@freshpotatoes.com.au

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

WA chefs’

Southern Forest potato journey

BY LAURA CLARKE FRESH POTATOES

The Potato Marketing Corporation’s (PMC) annual Potatodor Farm Tour took 15 top Western Australian chefs to the southern potato growing regions Manjimup and Pemberton for a two day behind-the-scene tour of the potato industry.

Held over 11–12 January, the tour included a visit to a potato farm, processing plant and wash packing plant plus a grower Sundowner dinner and lunch at Foragers.

On the first day, the group visited brothers Dean and Glenn Ryan in Pemberton who are second-generation potato and cattle farmers.

ROYAL Blue potatoes ready to be processed into snap frozen chips at Bendotti Exporters.

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Peppered with family history, the Ryan’s spoke of their ‘sustainability’ farming ethos and how they are embracing green manure, long paddock rotation and integrating cattle into the process. The group explored a trial patch of 14 new and existing varieties; a joint venture by PRWA and PMC which aims to determine what varieties to further develop and launch to market.

Monica and Dave Radomiljac of Pemberley Farms hosted the group for a private tasting of all 2014 Pemberley Wines and were later joined by growers for a Sundowners dinner.

The host Monica prepared an amazing spread of potato inspired dished and locally sourced produce from the southern forest such as beef, marron, truffle, potato, berries, avocado, and tasting plates from Holy Smoke. To top it off guests enjoyed a dessert buffet of mud cake, pavlova and lamington sponge cake.

The chefs were absolutely blown away by the food and felt privileged to have eaten the wonderful homemade food.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

The final day the group heading to Bendotti Exporters where they saw Royal Blue potatoes being processed as chips. The state-of-the-art processing plan can process up to 3,000 tonnes of chips per hour. Next the group visited Craig Ryan who provided a tour of Pemberton Washpacking.

The final stop was Foragers where Potatodor and Pemberton local Sophie Zalokar hosted the group for an incredible potato inspired lunch.

The menu was compiled using in-season produce from the southern forest. Dishes included Laura potato crisp, smoked black pudding and Pink Lady apple jam; whipped Dutch Cream brandade, caperberries, radish, potato and buckwheat flatbread; Cone Bay barramundi, smoked Rodeo, purslane and miso butter; steamed Kipfler potatoes; summer salad; and Lapsang Souchong caramel glazed potato donuts.

The group left with full bellies and inspired hearts. The meal was truly a masterpiece.

The PMC would like to thank everyone involved who helped bring the event to life, without your support events such as this could not happen.

A big thank you to Monica and Dave Radomiljac for opening your home and hosting a wonderful Sundowner. Finally, thank you Chefs for making this the best tour yet. We hope we left you with open minds and inspired you to use fresh, WA potatoes.

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Potato Industry Sundowner

BY LAURA CLARKE FRESH POTATOES

Some call it a ‘Spud Extravaganza’, others call ‘Spudtackular’ but whatever you call it, the Potato Marketing Corporation’s (PMC) Potato Industry Sundowner never disappoints.

The event brings together passionate people to celebrate local, Western Australian potatoes.

Held in the urban gardens of Perth City Farm on Monday 9 February amongst the veggie garden and wooden barn, this year guests were spoilt with an array of potato canapés, a large display of potato varieties, and inspirational speeches by lead Potatodor Don Hancey and Health Ambassador Dr Joe Kosterich.

As guests arrived the large fresh array of potato varieties was front and center all of which were for the taking once the event ended. Guests were treated to take home year round, seasonal and trial varieties such as Maranca, a new yellow skin yellow flesh variety, soon to be in store.

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Eagle Bay Brewery showcased their range of locally made beer and wine which complimented the range of potato dishes perfectly.

Don Hancey treated guests to Geographe Bay Whiting and Royal Blue chips from Bendotti Exporters. Incontro’s chefs put a potato spin on an Aussie favourite and prepared Vegemite and Kipfler Chip Sandwiches. Sophie Budd’s Holy Smoke Trout Potato Cakes and Sophie Zalokar’s Potato, Kate & Buckwheat Galette were delicious as were Ultan Kiely’s Braised Potato and Shane Watson’s Potato Gnocchi.

Sharleen Smith of WCIT won the 2014 Fresh Potato Recipe competition and was invited to cook her winning dish Potato, Strawberry and Frangipane tart.

Don Hancey of Panorama Catering said “Once again the big turnout to this year’s chef Potatodor sundowner was encouraging and also inspiring. Guests included some of Perth’s top chefs and hospitality and tourism industry professionals, key WA food media, wholesalers and of course not forgetting the actual growers and wash-packers without whom the sundowner simply couldn't happen.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

The PMC sundowners, whilst very social bring together and link in the supply chain, the key players who exchange ideas, concepts, and most of all knowledge.

This helps create a network of respect for all the players which is a key essential ingredient to furthering the healthy growth of the WA potato industry.

This year’s Potatodors cooked up a veritable feast with a wide range of diverse dishes all showcasing the humble spud.

It is very encouraging to see WA's Hospitality Training Industry attending and supporting the event with key management, program managers and chef trainers attending from West Coast Institute of Technology, Challenger Institute of Technology Fremantle and Challenger Institute of Technology Peel.”

Karlee Ruksenas of The West Australian said “The food was amazing! Showcased just how versatile the potato can be, I also didn’t realise how many varieties there were”.

Radi Stulic of Hospoworld said “This event is about provenance, respect and pride in WA produce. I loved the opportunity to mingle with some of the most respected Chefs in our local industry who freely give their time to promote and showcase what’s going on in our own back yard”.

Sam Calameri said “On behalf of all growers I would like to thank Don Hancey for his passion, the guests for taking the time to attend today’s event, and extend a special thank you to all chefs who donated their time to cook for us today”.

MORE INFORMATION The annual event will be bigger and better next year so stay tuned for the 2016 date.

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YOUR PRODUCTION

YOUR

PRODUCTION

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YOUR PRODUCTION

IAN McPharlin and David Cook discuss management of stable fly in broccolini residues with David Blakers (centre) of Capel Farms.

Attacking stable fly

on all fronts

BY DAVID COOK AND IAN MCPHARLIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

A multi-tiered approach to managing stable fly appears to be the best way forward instead of just focusing on one component such as breeding in crop residues, we now believe after working with this pest for the last three years.

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To assist this, a Horticulture Innovation Australia (formerly Horticulture Australia Limited) research project has been expanded to investigate ways of minimising impacts on animals in livestock enterprises adjacent to irrigated agriculture. This is to be achieved through the use of traps and other techniques.

Work on managing stable fly breeding in crop residues has continued to show the importance of water management after harvest.

In a recent trial on broccoli crop residues stable fly breeding was reduced by 86% when water was no longer applied to the freshly mulched residues after harvest compared to the same residues being continually watered.

This work was done under field conditions and verifies previous work that showed a 90% reduction in stable fly emergence when water was withheld from celery residues left to rot in 60 litre black plastic tote boxes.

By contrast, there was little impact on the application of bio-accelerants to stable fly development in the broccoli residues compared with previous field trials.

The effect on stable fly development from applying organic matter bio-accelerants has been unpredictable, although at times there has been a significant reduction in stable fly breeding from their use (40–80%).

Work is continuing on the effectiveness of using individual entomopathogenic fungi on stable fly breeding in crop residues.

YOUR PRODUCTION

Cattle walk through traps

Cloth-treated target traps

The ‘Cattle Walk Through Traps’ are being modified with nylon brushes placed at lower leg height in the trap. This should encourage the animals to walk through the traps to get physical relief from them brushing against their legs.

Another initiative to reduce the numbers of stable flies affecting livestock in areas surrounding commercial vegetable production has been placement of Treated Cloth Target Traps around animal yards and rangeland cattle pastures.

This will be conducted on ‘Caraban Farm’, a property next to vegetables. This is hoped to improve the effectiveness of the walkthrough traps.

Large cloth targets (1m2) are dipped in a 0.1% solution of a synthetic pyrethroid chemical and allowed to dry before being placed out in the field at 0.2m above ground level and perpendicular to the ground. These large visual targets attract stable flies, which land on the cloth and contact the synthetic pyrethroid (impregnated in the cloth), which kills the flies within the next minute or so.

In addition, the lightened windows on each side of the trap will be reduced in size to minimise flies going back out of the trap, which visual observation has identified as a potential problem in capturing the stable flies.

These traps have been tested in rangeland cattle areas in the United States and they remained effective at killing stable flies that land on the targets up to at least 90 days of weathering outdoors (UV light, rain, wind etc).

Both blue and white cloth targets have been used as both of these colours are highly attractive to adult stable flies.

Fogging of adult stable fly resting sites A further step in reducing the impact of stable fly outbreaks on livestock and rural residents has been the use of a thermal fogger to deliver a pyrethrin-based insecticide to adult flies in high density areas.

In particular, lines of trees surrounding animal yards and between the boundary of commercial vegetable growing operations and livestock (cattle and horses) will be fogged with pyrethrin (Py-Fog®) to knock down adult stable flies, often noted resting in trees during the heat of the day, to later descend onto livestock and humans as they seek a blood meal.

The three individual fungi that made up Mycoforce™, which itself reduced stable fly breeding by up to 60% as reported previously, have been tested on celery residues to determine which of the three fungi are the most effective.

Work has continued on reducing the impact of stable flies on animals in properties adjacent to irrigated agriculture. It is important to minimise breeding in the irrigated areas while reducing their impact in the areas where livestock are continually bitten by this fly.

Even if vegetable growers keep stable fly breeding down to five per square metre or 50,000 per hectare this is enough flies to have an impact on more than 2,000 cattle.

MORE INFORMATION

TOP: Cattle walk through traps is a novel method of physical removal of flies from cattle.

For details of upcoming field days or workshops keep an eye out for flyers through the DAFWA website or Department Staff in the area.

ABOVE: Insecticide cloth treated traps attack and kill stable fly for up to three months.

Department of Agriculture and Food

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SPALANGIA

a new tool in the fight to control stable fly

BY DAVID LOXELY BUGS FOR BUGS

It is well known that stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) has become a serious pest across wide areas of Western Australia.

What is not widely known at this stage is that there is now available a biocontrol agent called Spalangia — acknowledged internationally as a key management tool to aid in the reduction of stable fly numbers.

Spalangia, a tiny wasp, is classed as a pupal parasite, meaning that it ‘stings’ the pest fly pupae. The pupa is life-cycle stage between the larva (maggot) stage and the adult fly stage. Spalangia feeds and develops inside the pest fly pupae, so what emerges is not another pest fly, but the next generation of wasps to continue the cycle.

“If releases are started early in the season, at the recommended rate, Spalangia has the potential to significantly reduce fly numbers,” says Dan Papacek, entomologist at Bug for Bugs.

With more than 30 years’ experience working with beneficial insects, including the practical aspects of their use, Mr Papacek has been closely involved in the research and development of this important biological control agent in Australia. This work was funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland (DAFF Qld).

“Spalangia actively seek out both stable fly and the common house fly (Musca domestica), both of which are commonly referred to as nuisance flies due to the irritation they cause to livestock. The good news is that these tiny wasps are very specialised and only interested in fly pupae. They are harmless to people and livestock.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

SPALANGIA endius wasp preparing to lay her egg into a fly pupa. (Photo: Denis Crawford, Graphic Science)

During last summer, sales in the eastern states have resulted in satisfied customers and repeat orders this season. Sales have only started in WA this summer.

Of note was a very encouraging result achieved when a vegetable grower and neighbouring cattle feedlot operator collaborated in a program. The project involved the release of Spalangia over eight fortnightly intervals. A proportion were released on the vegetable farm and a proportion at the feedlot.

Importantly, Guy has also been helping design and make these release tubes.

They are relatively simple to make on-farm, based on PVC tubing. These are strategically placed around the property near fly breeding sites. Staff can easily be trained to release on-farm.

“With the knowledge we have gained in Western Australia this season, we feel confident in promoting the availability of Spalangia to other interested regions and industries.”

The release rate depends on a number of factors. Information on this, plus more detailed information about the life-cycle of Spalangia is available at www.bugsforbugs.com.au.

“Though Spalangia works well, we recognise that it is only one component of an integrated approach. Destruction or removal of fly breeding habitats is critical.

Other management tools such as baits and chemicals may also play an important role,” added Mr Papacek.

“We are looking forward to helping more clients in WA be involved with Spalangia over the next few months. Even if programs are not commenced till after winter, we need to start planning now.”

“Another job we have had to do is make sure that the logistics works well, to ensure the user is getting the Spalangia in top-notch condition. We have been working with our WA agent, Mr Guy Izzett to streamline delivery to our customers and check that wasp emergence is as expected. The wasps are actually sent as parasitised pupae of the house fly. The Spalangia wasp emerges and escapes from specially designed release tubes, ready to do its job.”

Guy Izzett is centrally based in Perth and can be contacted on 0487 162 563.

MORE INFORMATION

YOUR PRODUCTION

Predatory beetle offers promise against stable fly

Department of Agriculture and Food

BY DAVID COOK AND IAN MCPHARLIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

A new discovery was made near Lancelin of a beetle predating on stable fly eggs in rotting celery and cauliflower crop residue left after harvest.

STAPHYLINID beetles appear to be almost totally wingless (left) and they have been found predating on stable fly eggs, which are scattered amongst rotting vegetable matter (right)

The staphylinid or rove beetle looks very much like a small, thin earwig due to their being almost totally wingless. The beetles are no more than 1cm in length and move very fast in amongst the rotting crop residues in search of fly eggs. The beetle has been identified to the genus Aleochera, but has yet to be formally identified to species level, so specimens have been sent to a US taxonomist for confirmation of what species it is.

This represents an exciting development in the battle against stable fly, as the insect is already adapted to our local environment.

Furthermore, this genus of staphylinid has had several biocontrol agents identified and used to control other pests in brassica crops around the world. When taken back to the laboratory, the beetles weren’t even remotely interested in stable fly larvae, but immediately starting eating fly eggs when presented as a food source.

A typical situation where the predatory staphylinid beetle would be found in cauliflower residues (left) and the beetles feeding on fly eggs when presented to them in the laboratory (right).

With a more precise understanding of when stable flies first lay eggs in crop residues as they rot after harvest (which field trials are currently measuring), timely releases can be made of large numbers of this staphylinid beetle, so that they are ready to predate on any stable fly eggs that are laid in the vegetable matter.

As this is a recent discovery we are still working on it and will provide an update when it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION If you would like further information please contact the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA on (08) 9368 3333 or go to www.agric.wa.gov.au/

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Postharvest

chlorination

Postharvest handling of fresh produce usually involves the use of flumes, water dump tanks, spray washers, or hydro-coolers.

Most postharvest processes recirculate used water to conserve water and energy.

Dirt, organic matter, and disease causing pathogens can accumulate in process water.

Most postharvest decay problems result from the ineffective sanitisation of water used for washing produce. Even freshly harvested, healthy looking produce can harbour large populations of pathogens. Pathogens present on freshly harvested product can accumulate in the water used for washing produce, and when produce contacts water containing pathogens it can become infected and subsequently decay during shipping and handling.

Disinfection is the treatment of process water to inactivate or destroy pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, cysts and other microorganisms. Chlorination of process water is one of the primary elements of a properly managed postharvest sanitation program.

Chlorine (Cl) is a very potent disinfectant with powerful oxidising properties.

Chlorination is generally effective, comparatively inexpensive, and may be implemented in operations of any size.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

BY DOMINIC JENKIN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

CHLORINATION of process water is generally effective, comparatively inexpensive, and may be implemented in operations of any size.

Forms of chlorine Chlorine is very reactive with leaves, soil and any plant or vegetable matter whenever oxygen is present. However, each chemical reaction reduces the amount of active chlorine in the water and changing chlorinated water frequently or filtering out organic matter and debris is essential for effective sanitation. Prewashing very dirty produce can prolong the useful life of chlorinated water.

Although many producers regularly add chlorine to their water handling systems, failure to correctly prepare and monitor the water used in postharvest processing can greatly reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

The current recommendation is the constant maintenance of 100 to 150 parts per million (ppm) of free chlorine and a pH in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 for all recirculated water. There is a good chance that decay problems will arise during handling and shipping whenever product contacts recirculated water that is not maintained under these conditions.

The main forms of chlorine used include sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)2). Sodium hypochlorite is often sold in solution whilst calcium hypochlorite usually is sold as a powder or tablets. However as calcium hypochlorite doesn't dissolve readily (especially in cold water) and undissolved particles can injure produce the powder or granules should be first dissolved in warm water before they are added to the tank. If using tablets for continuous, slow release of chlorine, ensure that the tablets are placed where water circulates well around them.

Factors affecting chlorine activity Water pH When sodium hypochlorite is added to water it forms sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Hypochlorous acid is also referred to as available or active chlorine. In high pH solutions, most of the hypochlorous acid disassociates to form hypochlorite ion (OCl-) which is not an effective sanitiser.

YOUR PRODUCTION

Testing kits for free chlorine measure both hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion and alone do not indicate the quantity of available chlorine that kills pathogens.

Chlorine solutions with pH above 8 are relatively ineffective against pathogens.

Below pH 6, chlorine is more corrosive to equipment and activity is rapidly lost. A pH of around 7 will maintain about 80% of the chlorine in the available (hypochlorous acid) form with very little gas formed (see Figure 1). In order to know the sanitising strength of a chlorine solution, both pH and free chlorine must be measured.

Adding either sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite will increase pH. After adding commercial chlorine, adjust the pH of the solution to 7 by adding either acid or base. Muriatic (HCl) or citric acid are commonly used to lower pH while sodium hydroxide will raise pH. Chlorine concentration Concentrations of 100–150ppm are commonly used to compensate for various losses of available chlorine in postharvest uses.

Exposure time High available chlorine concentrations kill pathogens after short exposure times (<1min). At lower concentrations, more contact time is required to kill the pathogens.

Amount of organic matter in the water Organic matter in the water will inactivate hypochlorous acid and can quickly reduce the amount of available chlorine. Chlorine which combines with organic matter is no longer active against pathogens but may still be measured by total chlorine testing kits.

Water temperature At higher temperatures, hypochlorous acid kills pathogens more quickly but is also lost more rapidly due to reactions with organic matter.

Type and growth stage of the pathogens Although germinating spores and mycelium are relatively easy to kill, spores are much more resistant to chlorine, and pathogens growing inside fruit and vegetable tissue (inside wounds or quiescent infections) are shielded from the chlorine and not killed.

Performance enhancers Chlorine kills only what it contacts directly.

Water films that form on very small contours on plant surfaces may prevent the chlorinated water from directly contacting target microorganisms.

Adding approved surfactants to process water reduces water surface tension and may increase the effectiveness of chlorination.

Maintaining adequate chlorine concentrations Chlorine must be continuously added to the water to replace chlorine lost to reactions with organic matter, chemicals, microorganisms, and the surfaces of fruits and vegetables. Equipment is available to automatically measure chlorine concentrations and to add chlorine to the water when needed. Some systems also maintain the recommended pH range.

Caution must be used as some produce is sensitive to surface bleaching or pitting at high concentrations. For example, capsicum are not affected by 250ppm available chlorine but carrots may lose orange colour intensity, and celery and asparagus may develop light brown surface pits when exposed to chlorine concentrations exceeding 250ppm.

Manual addition of chlorine products can be used in tandem with manual measurements of available chlorine and pH.

Recommendations

Safety

• Maintain free chlorine levels between 100–150ppm

Chlorine fumes released from treated water will cause worker discomfort and eye irritation. If a chlorine odour is even barely detectable by a worker just entering an area where a chlorinated processing and cooling water system is operating, it is likely that the maximum safe chlorine concentration has been reached. In addition to being a health hazard, excessive chlorine reaction odour (odours from interaction with organic amine compounds) may indicate improper pH adjustment.

• Maintain pH between 6.5 and 7.5 • Check free chlorine and pH levels frequently. Installation of automated systems to monitor and adjust chlorine and pH levels may be effective, but require regular calibration and maintenance.

• Drain the tank at the end of each day and refill with clean water • Use all chemicals according to their label instructions • Use self-cleaning screens in dump tanks to remove any large debris.

FIGURE 1 Available chlorine with solution pH and temperature

MORE INFORMATION

% chlorine in available form

100

For more information please contact Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or dominic.jenkin@ vegetableswa.com.au

80 60

REFERENCES 1

A Ritenour, SA Sargent, JA Bartz Chlorine Use in M Produce Packing Lines University of Florida, IFAS Extension.

2

revor Suslow, Postharvest Chlorination, University T of California.

40 20 0

5

OºC (32ºF)

6

7 8 Solution pH

20ºC (68ºF)

30ºC (86ºF)

9

10

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Pre-harvest factors

affecting postharvest quality Commercial success depends on satisfying consumer demands no matter where the market is located. Appropriate product quality must be maintained to ensure repeat purchases are made and producing enterprises remain profitable.

Quality consists of a suite of attributes.

These attributes will vary depending on the expectations and memory of the consumer.

Intrinsic features include key external attributes such as colour, shape, size and freedom from defects. In addition, internal attributes include texture, sweetness, acidity, aroma, flavour, shelf-life and nutritional value. These are important components of the subjective approach used by the consumer in deciding what to purchase.

The eating quality of vegetables is determined at harvest. As the harvested product is removed from its source of carbohydrates, water and nutrient supply there is no possibility for further improvement in the components that contribute to product quality. Even with the best postharvest knowledge and technologies applied the most that can be achieved is a reduction in the rate at which products deteriorate as they progress through their normal developmental pattern of maturation, ripening and senescence. It is therefore important to understand what preharvest factors influence important harvest quality attributes that affect the rate of postharvest deterioration, and subsequently the consumers’ decision to purchase the product.

Extrinsic factors refer to production and distribution systems. These factors include chemicals used during production, package types and their recyclability, sustainability of production and distribution in relation to energy utilisation. The extrinsic factors are likely to influence consumer’s decision to purchase rather than to reflect on the actual quality of a product.

What is quality?

A difficult term to define, the difficulty arises from different individuals having different expectations of particular products. Quality is ‘fitness for purpose’. It is the product state that meets the expectations of the customer/ consumer. This state will encompass concepts such as the position of a person in the supply chain from farm to consumer. It will be a function of the financial position as well as the cultural background of the individual. Whatever happens, the customer is always right. If producers do not recognise these needs and desires, what could result is a decline in consumption.

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The supply chain Success in any horticultural enterprise depends on the ability to satisfy the needs, aspirations and indulgences of consumers.

Producers must keep the consumer in mind at all times. They must provide high quality products that will make the consumer come back, repurchase and promote your particular product.

Getting the produce to any market means involving different people and organisations who inevitably ‘add value’ as the produce passes through the chain. However, all of these people have a different view of what quality means to them.

Still, it is critically important that producers are fully aware of all the steps in the supply chain at which quality could be compromised.

Producers have to ensure that they deliver only the highest quality produce into the value chain as quality is only maintained by postharvest technologies, never improved.

A great deal of plant breeding has been done to provide a wide range of commercial vegetable varieties available to growers for planting.

Genetic material Growers have the choice of selecting preferred cultivars prior to planting crops.

This choice may be limited by availability of planting material, depending on the crop. The needs and desires of the ultimate customer should always be kept in mind. A great deal of plant breeding has been done to provide a wide range of commercial fruit and vegetable varieties available to growers for planting. Shapes, sizes, colours, productivity levels, dry matter and taste attributes vary, as well as the ripening times and rates and postharvest longevity.

Environmental conditions (such as light intensity and duration, temperature, water availability, nutrition) modify quality.

Different varieties, however, respond relatively similarly to changes in these conditions. Providing optimum conditions for cropping, timing of harvest, storage conditions postharvest and marketing methods are also important in determining final product quality at the consumer level.

Site and microclimate Plants are adapted to grow in many climates throughout the world. They can be classified according to the zones where maximum productivity is achieved. Protected cultivation is often used as a means of avoiding unfavourable growing conditions and to produce crops that are generally destined for specific markets ‘off season’.

YOUR PRODUCTION

Irrigation is designed to apply water on a regular basis before serious stress conditions occur. However, maximum yields are not always a prerequisite for optimal quality as with some crops the careful manipulation of water supply may well decrease water usage and improve crop quality without compromising sustainable plant growth.

Mineral nutrition Optimum plant performance depends on a balanced and timely availability of mineral nutrients that may be limiting in the soil.

Inorganic mineral nutrients can influence the quality of horticultural crops in many ways but particularly in physiological disorders. Management practices have been developed to apply appropriate fertilisers to the crop at times when benefits of yield or quality can be achieved.

In general, the physiology of all these crops is the same as that of similar crops grown outdoors, with final quality influenced by pre-harvest conditions, quality deterioration begins at harvest and is markedly influenced by postharvest temperature, relative humidity, ethylene and atmosphere. These crops grown in a sheltered environment are not exposed to variable wind, rain and temperature conditions. The produce is often more susceptible to physical damage in the handling chain than those grown in open fields.

Light, temperature and water The flavour of horticultural crops is influenced by the environment, agrichemicals, nutrition and management systems that can impact on flavour through effects on plant development. Appropriate light (intensity and quality) and temperature influence postharvest eating quality. Both are required for optimal plant productivity and harvest index (the dry matter of the harvest crop as a proportion of the total dry weight of the plant). There is a need to develop more robust physiological models of carbon assimilation, distribution and accumulation in different plant organs of commercially important crops. This should provide growers with management tools to minimise the proportion of low dry matter produce that have the potential to provide a bad taste experience for consumers and reduce the incidence of return purchasing.

In general, growers adopt water management strategies to minimise moisture stress so as to allow optimal photosynthesis, plant growth and harvestable yields.

Some specific postharvest quality disorders result from nutritional imbalances or certain mineral elements. Excess nitrogen may result in reduced firmness and enhanced susceptibility to postharvest decay. Of particular importance is calcium, a deficiency of which may induce a range of postharvest disorders (see Table 1).

One reason for the development of calcium deficiency in harvested plants is because of the way that calcium is transported around the plant (in the xylem only and not the phloem) and the time at which it is available to be imported into the fruiting parts (only early in the development and not during maturation). Calcium availability is strongly influenced by water management strategies.

Maturity at harvest Deciding when to harvest a crop is often one of the most difficult decisions that a grower has to make. Often, this decision is made by pickers who are not always familiar with crop development.

TABLE 1 Some postharvest disorders resulting from calcium deficiency in common crops Crop

Disorder

Beans

Hypocotyl necrosis

Brussels sprouts

Internal browning

Cabbage

Internal tip burn

Capsicum

Blossom end rot

Carrots

Cavity spot, cracking

Celery

Blackheart

Lettuce

Tipburn

Parsnip

Softnose

Tomatoes

Blossom end rot

Maturity at harvest has a very influential impact on subsequent storage life and eating quality. Horticultural maturity is determined by consumer needs, and may occur at any stage of development depending on the commodity.

A combination of components need to be utilised to decide the optimum time of harvest to allow long storage and shelf life while maintaining excellent eating quality.

Conclusion In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, consumers are becoming more discerning in their purchasing behaviour. Supermarkets have a major impact on producers in many countries as they extend their global reach and impose food safety and quality standards on the produce they purchase. If growers wish to take advantage of the market opportunities, then they need to confront the challenge of consistently providing high quality products that comply with supermarket requirements as well as meet the taste and flavour expectations of the consumers.

Having many satisfied consumers returning to repurchase tasty and nutritious produce will ensure marketing success and profitability for all members in the value chain, from paddock to plate.

To achieve success it is important to understand the nature of the supply chain and to implement supply chain management systems. These systems must ensure that movement of the product from the farm to consumer is done efficiently, economically and without loss of quality.

As product quality is determined in the field, it is critically important to understand how a multitude of pre-harvest factors can interact to influence quality during and after harvest.

MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au REFERENCES 1

tanley Kays, 1998, Preharvest Factors Affecting S Appearance, The University of Georgia.

2

Weston, M Barth, 1997, Prevharvest Factors L Affecting Postharvest Quality of Vegetables, University of Kentucky.

3

rror Hewett An Overview of Preharvest Factors E Influencing Post harvest Quality of Horticulture Products, Massey University.

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More Dollars per Drop

for growers achieved in Carnarvon

BY ROHAN PRINCE AND TILWIN WESTRUP DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

Carnarvon growers Duc Nguyen and Dan and Rob Kuzmicich are picking the rewards for being involved in the Royalties for Regions-funded water use efficiency project. Both growers increased their yields by 25% last season with no increase in water applied.

Forty-five Carnarvon growers have received reports following on-farm assessments of irrigation systems and production capacity, which identified possible areas the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA (DAFWA) team believe improvements can be made.

Duc, Rob and Dan are three growers who have taken the advice on board, applied a slightly different approach and are seeing the results of tailoring irrigation to soil type and plant demand.

Traditionally, growers in Carnarvon irrigated every two to four days with large volumes applied with each irrigation. They may have used manual tensiometers as a guide on when next to irrigate.

In some soils for some crops this approach works well, but in other soils and for water sensitive crops it can lead to periods of over and under-watering that result in plant stress, yield loss and inconsistent quality fruit.

By learning about their soil type and structure, effective plant root zone, and water-holding capacity, growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; irrigation can better match plant demand.

The soil type and structure influence how quickly water can be applied and how much water the soil can hold before drainage or run-off occurs. The effective root zone is the depth where most feeder roots occur and will determine the depth of irrigation before overwatering leads to drainage and leaching of nutrients.

Tailoring the depth of irrigation applied is done by knowing depth and spread achieved from an individual dripper when a certain volume is applied. Once this is known, irrigations that cause drainage can be limited to only when necessary to manage excessive salts in the root zone.

TAILORING the depth of irrigation applied is done by knowing depth and spread achieved from an individual dripper when a certain volume is applied.

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The use of soil moisture monitoring to finetune irrigations and identify periods of plant stress provides extra information that can help improve irrigation decisions.

Duc was already at the higher end of marketable yields achieved for tomatoes in Carnarvon, averaging a yield of 7.3kg per plant. The DAFWA assessment team identified some opportunities to improve the distribution uniformity of irrigation on a newly-purchased block, together with a change in irrigation scheduling.

Soil moisture monitoring of Ducâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous crop identified that more frequent lower volume irrigation would lead to more water available when the plants required it and fewer periods of stress.

YOUR PRODUCTION

FAR LEFT: Brothers Rob and Dan Kuzmicich of S&T Kuzmicich.

LEFT: Duc Nguyen, Carnarvon grower.

Duc made this change, and further soil moisture monitoring confirmed that the plants experienced less stress, and available water for the plants was more consistent.

More importantly, yields were up to an average of 9.1kg per plant with no more water used than the previous year.

A similar scenario was seen on Dan and Rob Kuzmicich’s property where the same approach led not only to a 25% increase in yield in their capsicum crop, but a higher proportion of first grade fruit. Soil moisture monitoring was the key here, with the right amount of water being applied based on evaporation replacement, but slightly incorrect scheduling for the soil type.

Rob’s capsicums required twicedaily irrigation due to shallow effective root zone and the heavy clay they were being grown in.

More fruit were grown both inside and outside netting, but was more noticeable under the net.

The take home message is that recommendations are only that, recommendations. And what works on one property may not be suited to another!

By using new technology and tailoring irrigation to the plant, environmental conditions and soil, you are more likely to achieve far better water efficiency and most importantly yield and quality meaning More Dollars per Drop for you.

Growers still have the opportunity to be involved in the project with an on-farm assessment or attending the coming field days in the Carnarvon region on system improvement, soil moisture monitoring and irrigation scheduling.

DUC’S tomato crop yields were up to an average of 9.1kg per plant once more frequent, lowervolume irrigation was used.

MORE INFORMATION For an on-farm assessment, please email irrigate@agric.wa.gov.au or call Valerie Shrubb in the Carnarvon office on (08) 9956 3322.

For details of upcoming field days, workshops or farm walks, keep an eye out for flyers through the Carnarvon Growers Association, the DAFWA website or Department Staff in the area.

Department of Agriculture and Food

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Seed potato water use efficiency demonstration

BY ROHAN PRINCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

A new demonstration site has been established with the focus on crop monitoring technology and telemetry to help seed potato grower to help grower Aaron Chapman and all growers using irrigation in the area make good scheduling decisions.

The newest of nine demonstration sites is a seed potato crop planted just prior to Christmas and will be monitored as part of the Royalties for Regions-funded More Dollars per Drop water use efficiency project at a property in Jardee near Manjimup.

TOP: MEA Plexus soil moisture monitoring site.

ABOVE: Seed potato crop grown under pivot irrigation in Jardee.

BELOW: Crop monitoring equipment in seed potato crop.

This demonstration is intended to help industry become more robust in times of water shortage by managing available resources available well. Improvements to irrigation scheduling through understanding how and when the crop is using the water will help make irrigation decisions easier.

Monitoring will show when irrigation matches demand as the crop stages move from establishment, to tuber initiation to tuber fill. Some of the gear being used also has the capacity to measure soil and air temperature along with irrigation depth or volumes applied, and what reserves of water they have in the root zone following rain.

By managing irrigation to account for stored soil moisture and crop water use, lower volumes of water can be applied. Better irrigation management resulting in reduced periods of stress from over- or underwatering will lead to higher quality tubers and fewer defects caused by irrigation.

Monitoring irrigation via data from the soil moisture sensors will avoid unnecessary drainage or confirm its need to combat salinity when water quality is marginal.

In using commercial suppliers of monitoring equipment the demonstration is helping to find companies that can measure the factors important to potato growing and service the industry in the way growers prefer.

A field day to discuss irrigation monitoring technologies, the accessibility and flexibility of the systems was held in early March.

Keep an eye out for a report in the next edition and on the DAFWA website.

MORE INFORMATION Links to the data gathered at the demonstration site will be made available in the external links section of seed potato demonstration site webpage found at www.agric.wa.gov.au â&#x20AC;&#x201D; search for seed potato demonstration.

Department of Agriculture and Food

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TOOL

TIME

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TOOL TIME

Melons potential with protective cropping

2

BY DOMINIC JENKIN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Researchers are exploring the benefits of using protective cropping systems for high-value melons to be grown in North Queensland.

Protective cropping â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a system involving growing plants under a structure supporting a cover material - could very well be the key to opening up diversity in Australia's melon market.

The growing system creates an environment closer to the plants' optimal growing conditions, to achieve maximum growth and production. It also protects the plants from outside risks such as extreme inconsistent weather conditions and pests and diseases.

Rockmelons and honeydews are the two melon fruit types most commonly consumed in Australia, however there is room for more diversity in the market.

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1

While it is now possible to find piel de sapo (the Spanish name meaning 'toad skin') and small canary melons in supermarkets, other specialty melons are generally absent in Australian markets.

3

As a response to market demands, several growers in North Queensland have started exploring the potential of growing a greater variety of melon types.

In many cases, yield and quality have been unsuccessful without the use of protective cropping.

The use of protective cropping in North Queensland has a high potential for improving fruit quality, increasing yield per square metre, allowing for offseason production and supplying niche markets in the Australian melon market.

4a

TOOL TIME

5 1 Melon plants were grown in the dry tropics under a protective structure (a high walk-in tunnel) and they were pruned following a particular method to keep the main stem and some of the lateral shoots.

2 Excellent quality and fruit set of a charentais melons grown under protected cropping in Hervey Range, Queensland.

3 At maturity, galia melons have a golden background with a light brown net. Fruits have a strong aroma and their flesh is green and very sweet.

4 a&b: Good fruit set of small canary melons grown under protective cropping in North Queensland. These fruits did not detach from the peduncle when they reached maturity.

5 Consistent fruit size of galia melons grown under a walk-in tunnel in Giru, Queensland. Yields reached 7.8kg/m2.

6 While it is raining outside, DAF technical officer Heidi Wiggenhauser works on specialty melons grown in a low-cost protective structure in Giru, Queensland.

While many farmers may relate protective cropping to costly high-tech glasshouses with full environmental control, this is not necessarily the case. There are lowcost and effective systems available for warm environments that can moderate extremes of our variable climatic conditions and lead to high yields.

Early trials using low-cost systems have led to marketable yields of up to 2.6 times greater than common yields in the open field. Trials have consistently shown results of two to four high quality fruits per plant using protective cropping, giving yields up to 8kg/m2.

In addition to melons, the project has included research on specialty capsicums, cucumbers and eggplant with very encouraging early results. The project team will continue to investigate and develop cost-effective protective cropping systems for vegetable growers in warm environments over the coming years.

This project is part of the Pacific Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative (PARDI) with funding from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries an Forestry (DAFF) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

6

MORE INFORMATION For more information please speak with Dominic Jenkin on (08) 9481 0834 or email dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

4b

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TOOL TIME

Energy efficient cool stores

Site the cool store well A key improvement is the position of the cool store. To make best use of the cooling, have doors open internally so that cool air is not lost from doorways.

This also saves the cool store from direct sun and hot air from blowing into the cool room when the doorway is open.

Cooling power is needed to reduce the temperature of the vegetables from the field and keep them cool. This is ‘sensible heat’ taken from the vegetables and, along with a smaller amount for plant respiration, is unavoidable and necessary.

The rest of the cooling power required is incidental to the cool store design and ambient conditions.

Where is the cooling demand?

INTERNAL cool store with an opening into the processing shed.

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

FIGURE 1 Electricity breakdown for audited vegetable growers during 2014

Vegetable growers spend an increasing amount of money on energy and electricity is the major energy source in vegetable processing. Energy audits conducted for a group of 20 growers across Australia yielded a picture of where this energy is spent.

Cool stores accounted for 35% of the total electrical energy consumed and around 60% of the electrical energy used in the processing facilities themselves.

These figures vary considerably from one grower to another, but very few are unaffected by cool stores and their energy consumption.

Taking an example of a typical cool store with dimensions 12m x 13m x 4.5 height, built on an existing concrete slab in a shed. By adding the storage of 30 tonne of vegetables from the field at an ambient temperature of 25°C we can work out the energy demand on the refrigeration system.

Thirty tonne of product has a demand movement 44% its of 2,622MJWater of energy to reduce Cool stores 35%to 2°C (the temperature from 25°C Processing 11% sensible heat), plus another 140MJ for respirationLighting over 245% hours in the cool store.

Ancillaries 5%

FIGURE 2 Cool room energy demand established on an uninsulated concrete slab

The next question that needs to be answered is what is the cause of this energy consumption? It is clear to all that the refrigeration unit out the back of these stores is humming through the power almost continually, as the cool store temperatures have to be maintained to preserve vegetable freshness, but is it the cat or the mouse?

Water movement 44% Cool stores 35% Processing 11% Lighting 5% Ancillaries 5%

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There are two ways of considering the refrigeration issue: how do you make the refrigeration system more efficient and how do you actually use less energy in cooling and keeping the product cold through to market? Both are important but here we look at cooling demand and how this may be reduced by improving cool rooms.

Product heat 58% Structural 33% Fan heat 4% Air losses 3% Activities 1% Lighting heat 1%

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Using the Australian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Vol 21 to calculate the energy demand of the cool room structure, a further 1,950MJ/day is required continuously by the cool store structure and activities assuming an ambient temperature of 25°C. A full analysis showed this to be split in a number of energy loss avenues.

Product heat 58% Structural 33% Fan heat 4% Air losses 3% Activities 1% Lighting heat 1% FIGURE 3 Cool room energy demand on an uninsulated concrete slab

The cool room structure, itself, losses heat through the walls, ceiling and floor.

This is compounded by heat producing activities within the cool room and cold air losses when the door is open.

Floor loss 77% Ceiling loss 9% Door ways 8% Wall losses 6%

So approximately 42% of the energy consumed in cooling is wasted in this case. Where?

The activities of moving products in and out of the store contribute little. Cold air losses when the doorway is open contribute more, as does the energy used by lighting and fans. However, most of the losses are through the structure itself. Which elements?

The components of walls, floor, ceiling and doorway were examined by estimating heat transfer through them and temperature gradients between the cool room interior and the external environment.

Cool room structure The structural elements most often used in cool store construction are polyurethane foam sandwich panels for floor and ceiling construction. These insulate well, but the concrete floor may be left untouched so that forklift movements are unimpeded.

If the ground temperature under the slab is set at 12°C, the thermal conductivity of concrete allows large energy losses through it. Wall and ceiling losses are only 20% of the energy loss through the floor.

If the concrete slab is insulated the floor losses are reduced by over 95% and the other structural elements become relatively important. And the total cool room structure’s contribution to refrigeration demand reduces from 33% to 11%.

Floor loss 77% Ceiling loss 9% Door ways 8% Wall losses 6%

FIGURE 4 Cool room energy demand on an insulated concrete slab (R = 3Km2/W)

Ceiling loss 36% Door ways 30% Wall losses 24% Floor loss 10%

TABLE 1 Coolroom comparison figures of a 700m3 cool room with 75mm PU insulated panels

Loss (MJ/day)

Uninsulated concrete slab (R = 0.10Km2/W)

Wall loss Ceiling loss Floor loss Doorway loss Total structural heat load Savings*

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Rubber mat 10mm (R = 0.11Km2/W) 29

Insulated concrete slab (R = 3Km2/W) 29

42.7

42.7

42.7

359.4

174.1

12.4

35.1

35.1

35.1

466.2 base case

280.9 40%

119.2 74%

Estimates only — figures will vary from case to case

The practicalities of retro fitting insulation Ceiling into a concrete loss 36% slab are significant,Door so aways potential 30% compromise approach is laying a tough Wall losses 24% rubber mat onto the cool room floor.

Floor loss 10% It is estimated that a 10mm rubber matting will save 40% of the energy losses through the floor. This relates to an energy cost saving of $17,000 per year for the cool room running all year at 2°C. Savings from an insulated slab are in the vicinity of $30,000 (see Table 1).

Avoiding energy losses through insulation make sense as refrigeration systems do not have to be sized upward and their energy goes into cooling the product rather than surroundings.

There are also good energy savings by attending to wall, ceiling, doorway and other incidental losses associated with cool store operations.

This article was prepared by Infotech Research as a part of a Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) project investigating energy audits for vegetable growers. The project has been funded by HIA using the national vegetable levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

1 Graham Boyle – Australian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Volume 2 Fourth Edition 2004

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First ever working

capsicum-harvesting robot

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

CROPS will develop scientific know-how for a highly configurable, modular and clever carrier platform that includes modular parallel manipulators and intelligent tools (sensors, algorithms, sprayers, grippers) that can be easily installed onto the carrier and are capable of adapting to new tasks and conditions.

Several technological demonstrators will be developed for high value crops like greenhouse vegetables, fruits in orchards, and grapes for premium wines.

Wageningen UR Greenhouse horticulture and co-funded by the Dutch Horticultural Product Board leads the development of a sweet-pepper robotic system which is the demonstrator for greenhouse vegetables.

HARVESTING robot in the greenhouse.

The four-year research project that saw thirteen partners from ten different countries has led to a universal robotic platform for producing and harvesting high value crops. This included demonstration robots developed for selective harvesting of sweet peppers, apples and grapes, and for precision spraying of pesticides.

Sensor systems for obstacle avoidance for forestry machines have also been developed. All robots use the same type of modular system and the same software architecture. This makes it easy, for example, to use a different camera or different type of robotic hand.

Important milestone in harvesting The sweet-pepper harvesting robot developed in Wageningen is able to locate, approach, hold, detach and collect ripe fruit.

INTEGRATED robotic system for harvesting sweet-pepper fruit.

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Controlled traffic farming

BY DOMINIC JENKIN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

However, the picking success rate of and required cycle time during operation is so far insufficient for commercial use, but with the first-ever working sweet-pepper harvesting robot tested in a realistic environment, an important milestone has been reached. Experiments in a commercial greenhouse have yielded a wealth of data and information.

Further development of the pepper harvest robot A new European research project was awarded to Wageningen UR for a period of three years. The new research will specifically focus on the further development of the pepper harvesting robot. However other functions such as pruning, attaching plant to supporting wires and planting will be investigated as well. It is expected that learning algorithms, path planning and image processing will become the most involved disciplines in this research. Furthermore, methodological design will be used as a supportive tool to select the components of the robotic system.

MORE INFORMATION The full research paper can be viewed at: www.geyseco.es/geystiona/adjs/ comunicaciones/304/C01140001.pdf

In Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF), all in-field machinery movements are restricted to permanent wheel tracks. A field that is under CTF can be thought of as a series of compacted, trafficked wheel tracks that divide the field into growing beds.

CTF can directly address soil erosion, soil structure decline and soil organic matter decline caused by conventional tillage and traffic. CTF can also improve water use efficiency and crop productivity while reducing energy use.

The essence is simple, "Plants grow better in softer soil, and wheels run better on roads."

Elements of CTF CTF requires a different level of thinking and management than conventional farming practices.

There are three essential element to an effective CTF system: 1. A common wheel track width, or multiple of a common width, for all machinery and equipment, with similarly matched working widths to ensure alignment of traffic zones 2. Satellite steering guidance for all equipment to ensure accuracy of field operations 3. Farm planning and layout to ensure management of erosion, drainage, irrigation, crop husbandry and field logistics.

• Reduced investment in tractor power and tillage equipment.

Soil and water • Improved soil structure for crop growth and nutrient uptake • Improved soil biology • Improved drainage, aeration and soil porosity • Improved infiltration and water holding capacity, leading to more efficient capture and storage of rain and irrigation water and reduced erosion.

Crop • Higher uniform yield (typically 10–15% more) • Improved crop quality and more even maturity • Reduced soil borne disease through improved aeration, drainage and soil biology.

Farming system • Improved timeliness of operations, better field productivity and profitability • Easier implementation of zero-till crop establishment:

— Use of cover crops and crop residue retention: reducing soil erosion, increasing soil organic matter, improving soil moisture retention and reducing weed pressures

— Lower energy use and labour requirements

— Use of semi-permanent drip irrigation may be possible, leading to improved water use efficiency and reduced disease pressure

— Capacity for inter-row sowing of crops.

Benefits Machinery • Elimination or reduction of tillage operations • Reduced fuel use and tractor time (typically 50–70%)

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Some things to consider: • Review cropping rotation and crop establishment systems, can the transition be made easier by growing fewer crops in rotation?

• Decide what machines may be required – see what fits, what needs purchasing and what may be modified?

• Decide on the best crop to start with • Re-assess farm drainage in relation to layout, paddocks may need to be reoriented in some cases • Plan a long-term machinery replacement schedule that is aligned with the requirements of CTF, this way the business will continually improve its compatibility with CTF • Learn from the experience of others.

Components of CTF Technology and equipment

Guidance Real Time Kinetic (RTK) 2cm satellite guidance and repeatable positioning is required for accurate, precise and repeatable CTF operation. This system will provide reliable 2cm accuracy up to 10km from a base station that needs to be installed on the property.

Machinery integration The integration of track width, implement width, and tyre selection is vital to a CTF program.

CTF is a significant long-term investment and requires commitment on behalf of the grower to deliver its benefits.

Environmental

• Reduced demand for water due to improved water capture and holding capacity of soils.

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to:

Requirements

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• Reduced impacts from soil erosion and nutrient runoff

— Reduced on-farm energy consumption, due to reduced tillage, lighter draft loads and more efficient use of tractor power

Interest and commitment

— Reduced nitrous oxide emissions through more efficient use of nitrogen fertilisers

Planning

— Increased carbon capture in soil due to better soil biology and residue retention and reduced carbon losses as a result of reduced tillage

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CTF is a significant long-term investment and requires commitment on behalf of the grower to deliver its benefits.

While the basic concepts of CTF are simple, implementation often presents many practical challenges. Few have the resources to outright buy the complete suite of necessary machinery and equipment, therefore requiring an implementation plan to map out how the farm may transition to CTF.

• Track width: Wider track widths are preferred as they minimise the land lost to wheel tracks. Current vegetable configurations are typically 1.6–2.1m. Track width standardisation is the key issue to address in the implementation of CTF. Your choice of track width may also be determined by what crops are grown • Equipment working width: tillage, seeding or spraying equipment should be selected according to multiples of the chosen track width • Tyre selection: narrower tyres help to minimise the area devoted to wheel tracks. As the machinery gets larger, wider tyres have become common in an effort to reduce soil compaction and improve load capacity and traction.

Under CTF equipment can be lighter, draft requirements may reduce by 50% or more and traction conditions will be improved as traffic will be on compacted tracks

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• Harvester integration: A major hurdle in the greater vegetable industry is trying to find mechanical harvesting aids that are compatible with CTF. They may be incompatible due to working widths, the difficulty in modifying them and the use of contract harvest equipment.

Farm layout CTF is best up and down a slope. Machine tracking is easier in this orientation and erosion is less likely to affect the beds.

Surface water management in CTF is important for surface erosion control and wheel track drainage. Circular operations have no place in CTF. Soil management CTF leads to changes in the condition of cropping soil and therefore also soil management practices. This can result in less tillage, lighter tillage, and perhaps no tillage in some situations. This will influence machinery requirements, but to what extent will depend on localised factors.

Getting started There are many challenges to implementing a fully integrated CTF production system. The greater the diversity of crop choices, machinery configurations and contractors used on-farm, the more difficult the change.

A good starting point is through the institution of seasonal CTF, but this should be considered as the only the first step in moving towards complete CTF. Seasonal CTF Seasonal CTF keeps all tillage and crop management operations on permanently located wheel tracks, but accepts incompatible harvest equipment.

Consequently, the impacts of the harvest equipment will need to be rectified postharvest. The field is then returned to a controlled traffic regime until the time of the following harvest.

This is done with the placement of wheel tracks in the same locations as the preceding season.

Making the transition: total precision with Graham and Mia Rose One local company having success in technology transfer to the vegetable sector is Total Precision Systems.

Started in 2010 by Adam Hutton, this business is built on 15 years of experience in GPS steering. Adam has installed over 40 RTK 2cm guidance systems in the WA horticultural sector, from up in Kununurra down to Pemberton, including installations.

Adam states that; “Growers have found greater benefits in forming the growing beds, as it allows any operator to accurately and consistently perform the CTF operation. RTK systems move the driver’s concentration away from steering and more towards the intended field operation. This results in improved production and removes the risk of damaging the irrigation systems. Equal bed widths allow seeds/transplants to be optimally planted in the beds to provide the best growing conditions.

These systems can be fitted to almost any tractor, new and old.”

Graham and Mia Rose from Myalup, have been using Total Precision GPS guidance for four years, and have guidance systems installed on three tractors. Graham states that, while CTF is his ultimate goal, he has seen numerous benefits from the adoption of this technology. They now have guidance systems installed on three tractors.

Conclusion The benefits of CTF are numerous and all depend on the soil improvements possible through the removal of traffic from the cropping zone. This is what provides the benefits of improved soil structure and improved machine performance. In the end however, it is all dependent on whether the transition will result in an improved profit margin.

There are limited studies on CTF in vegetable production to provide a definitive response. There is good evidence that fuel and time costs both decrease and experience with other industries have shown increases in yields, cropping frequency, water-use efficiency and decreased fertiliser use.

In evaluating, the cost-benefit of any intervention will require careful analysis of the associated costs of transitioning to CTF.

While difficult to quantify, the little benefits of adopting this technology have added up to big gains in field productivity. By increasing precision in field activities, the use of guidance systems have removed any deviation or overlap from the desired field movements and operations, saving time and money (fuels, seeds, spray, fertilisers, etc.). While Graham drives straight as an arrow, unfortunately he can’t say the same for some of his workers. The RTK systems now allow any operator to drive with the same level of accuracy and precision, without error. This enables operators to give their full attention to their surroundings and the operation they are performing, be it tillage, seeding, fertilising, spraying, harvesting, etc.

GPS guidance has allowed Graham to specify the precise location of irrigation mains and laterals to allow implements to be used in-field without fear of damaging equipment. Graham has even found the accuracy of the wheel tracks made perfect guides for laying aluminium laterals.

All the small benefits have made this investment worthwhile, and Graham looks forward to the transition to CTF as a way to further improve his field productivity and profitability.

This would include costs of machinery purchase and modification, land preparation costs and purchase of specialised guidance equipment. Every operation will be different and should be individually investigated and costed.

This is a promising technology that will surely become more widely adopted in the coming years.

MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact Dominic Jenkin at (08) 9481 0834 or email dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au Total Precision Systems (08) 9434 9125 or go to www.totalprecision.com.au REFERENCES 1

ontrolled Traffic Farming Adoption Guidelines C for the Vegetable Industry, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.

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Micro-perforations for major improvements in shelf-life

BY DOMINIC JENKIN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Food waste in the western world is high, with up to 40% of all fresh produce discarded. This is of concern for everybody. For companies in the value chain it is a significant cost factor, for consumers who are effectively throwing money away are effectively reducing their purchasing power and for governments it raises concerns as to how we will continue to feed the world's population.

There is now a new system of packaging that has been developed to combat food waste that cites impressive results, maintaining optimal product quality whilst attaining longer shelf-life.

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Fruit and vegetables need oxygen to stay fresh, but the respiration rate of produce varies by season, region and variety making the design of packaging material a challenge. To overcome this problem PerfoTec, a Dutch company, have designed a system whereby the respiration rate of produce is measured and used to program a laser designed to adapt packaging film permeability to precise product requirements.

The PerfoTec system of packaging that has been reported to extend shelf-life of some products up to 100% and has been reported to reduce waste by on average 50%.

Extending shelf-life is not only an attractive benefit for consumers, but it also encourages repeat purchases as more consumers have a positive experience with the product. Increases in shelf-life also improve value chain efficiency, making distribution more simply, flexible and efficient.

How it works Respiration Respiration is a complicated sequence of chemical reactions involving conversion of starches to sugars, and the transformation of sugars into energy. The normal respiration reaction results in the produce consuming oxygen to release carbon dioxide, water and heat. The higher the ambient temperature surrounding the product, the greater the temperature of the product and consequently the faster the rate of respiration.

This also displays the importance of the cold chain in ensuring maximum shelf-life is attained.

Different products have different rates of respiration; some respire at a faster rate (thus are more perishable), while some have a relatively slow respiration rate (less perishable). Not only that, but the respiration rate also varies seasonally and by region, even for the same product.

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Fresh produce needs oxygen to stay alive. By controlling the supply of oxygen to the product, the respiration rate and thus the aging process are reduced. This extends the shelf life and slows product degradation. The oxygen concentration in the package must remain high enough to ensure that some aerobic respiration can occur, as if there is no oxygen present, anaerobic respiration will quickly spoil the produce.

EMAP Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere Packaging (EMAP) is a method for prolonging the shelf life of fresh produce by optimising the in-packing equilibrium atmosphere. This is achieved by optimally controlling the equilibrium concentration of O2 and CO2. In general, a relatively low concentration of O2 and a relatively high concentration of CO2 slow or prevent the oxidation process, which is responsible for the deterioration of the taste and flavour.

EMAP exploits the natural respiration of fresh produce for regulating the in-package atmosphere. The targeted Modified Atmosphere as an equilibrium steady state composition controlled by the modified permeability of the packaging film. The required transfer rate through the packaging film is obtained by modifying the micro-perforation pattern.

The difference between MAP and EMAP is that MAP uses inert gases to create a static atmosphere whereas EMAP merely adapts the permeability of the packaging in order to achieve the appropriate equilibrium atmosphere (see Figure 1).

LASER and microscope camera.

Micro-perforation Produce is typically packaged in perforated materials so the product can continue to breathe postharvest. But this is not an optimal process as the type of produce packed and the permeability of the packaging material have to be attuned to each other. Three years of product development led to a machine that measures the respiration rate of produce being paired to laser that cuts the precise amount of micro-perforations in the plastic film to achieve the correct exchange of air.

Classic Modified Air Packaging (MAP)

The PerfoTec system operates as a four step process (see Figure 2).

Optimal Equilibrium MAP (EMAP)

CO2 O2

The products CO2 O2

Concentration O2, CO2 (%)

Concentration O2, CO2 (%)

Further complicating matters is that film thickness is often variable, which can lead to variation in hole sizes. It is therefore important for the laser to automatically adjust itself to balance out any variation in film thickness.

The PerfoTec laser is the only laser in the world with the ability to adjust micro-perforation with relation to film thickness with its patented closed-loop feedback camera system.

The process

FIGURE 1 Comparison of MAP and EMAP

Time (days)

Micro-perforations are tiny holes in the packaging that are invisible to the human eye. Film permeability is the critical control point for the quality and shelf life.

One perforation more or less can make the difference between 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 days extra shelf life.

Optimal range

Optimal range

Fast respiration meter Fast respiration meter is designed to measure the respiration rate of fresh produce in just four hours. This enables growers to effectively respond to seasonal variations. It measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, from this calculating the respiration rate. This information is uploaded and used to calculate required packaging transmission rate per package.

Time (days)

Source: perfotec.com

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FIGURE 2 Four -step PerfoTec process

1. The patented Fast Respiration Meter® from PerfoTec measures the respiration rate of selected produce

2. The software calculates optimal film permeability

Source: perfotec.com

Laser perforation system

Summary of potential benefits:

The patented laser system adapts the film permeability during packing. It is specially developed for integration with vertical or horizontal packing machines as well as film converting machines.

• Increase sales revenue

The laser makes consistent and precise holes and has been developed to work reliably in wet, cold and dusty conditions.

The laser can make very small holes down to 55–60 microns in diameter. Through automatic control system the laser has an integrated camera to inspect each hole.

The hole is analysed for diameter and shape. For quality control purposes it is able to check the Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of each pack, and automatically adjust its operation to ensure consistent micro-perforation of packaging.

Benefits of the PerfoTec system As a producer or packer, the PerfoTec system aims to assist in better satisfying the needs of existing customers, and attract new ones. Whilst there may be apprehension that reducing waste may result in fewer sales, the reverse has been found to be true with sales increasing due to the improved quality of the products. An improved reputation for the supply of quality produce can attract new customers and gain you access to new markets. PerfoTec can also offer great benefits to exporters as greater shelf-life allows product to travel further, or give importers greater shelf-life in country, making Australian product a more feasible option in some markets.

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3. The patented Online Laser Perforation System® adapts the film permeability during packing and the camera checks each micro-perforation

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

• Wider market reach • Attracts new customers • Extends the freshness of fruit and vegetables • Improves fresh product image, increasing demand • Reduces transportation and distribution costs • Increases production flexibility • Reduces waste and costs significantly.

Product performance Table 1 displays the reported shelf-life extension possible with the PerfoTec system.

TABLE 1 Reported shelf-life extension Product

Extra shelf-life (days)

Asparagus

3–5

Beans

1–2

Broccoli

3–7

Carrots

2–4

Cauliflower

2–4

Chinese cabbage

2–4

Herbs

2–4

Leek

2–4

Lettuce

1–3

Capsicum

2–5

Radish

1–2

Source: perfotec.com

4. The shelf life of the produce is extended in a natural way.

CASE STUDY 1: MARKS & SPENCER, UK Marks & Spencer conducted several commercial trials with fresh grapes, raspberries and strawberries, and managed to extend the shelf life by: • 5–7 days for grapes; • 5–10 days for raspberries; and • 4–8 days for strawberries.

Due to the longer shelf life, in store waste was reduced by 50%, creating major cost savings. In addition the increase in product quality resulted in significant sales growth (double digit).

This has lead the company to mandate the use of the PerfoTec system for all UK suppliers of soft fruits.

MORE INFORMATION More information can be found at perfotec.com or by contacting the Australian supply representative, Raymax Lasers: Phone: (02) 9979 7646 Email: sales@raymax.com.au Web: www.raymax.com.au

YOUR INDUSTRY

YOUR

INDUSTRY

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Electricity is turned on in the Gascoyne

THE identification, development and release of an additional 400ha of land for horticultural purposes continues to be progressed.

BY TONY DELLA BOSCA PROJECT MANAGER, GASCOYNE FOOD BOWL INITIATIVE

The Gascoyne supplies about 40,000 tonnes of horticultural produce to Western Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s domestic market per annum, worth around $80 million (not including Wooramel).

The Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative was established in 2012 to increase horticultural production in the area by an additional 400 hectares, matched with borefield development. This is funded by the State Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royalties for Regions with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA), as the lead agency.

Sourcing water for an additional 400ha of land is a key objective of the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative. Drilling to date has focused on a 12 kilometre section north of the Gascoyne River upstream of Carnarvon.

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With one third of the drilling exploration complete, early results indicate that the amount and quality of the water are suitable for agricultural production.

The sites were selected using data collected from an airborne electromagnetic survey in 2013. The data was then analysed to identify the potential location, quantity and quality of aquifer water.

The results show that of the 54 exploration bores completed to date, about half meet the criteria for consideration as future pumping wells, with sufficient thickness of sand, potential yield and quality.

Of those, eight have been drilled as production bores and testing to confirm flows is now underway.

The next stage of drilling will get underway in early 2015, focusing on exploration holes out towards Rocky Pool, and completing other production bores in the western and central zones.

Once the exploration program is complete around April, the department and principal contractor, Global Groundwater, will review and prioritise potential sites for production bores.

The final list of production bores to be drilled will consider the availability of key infrastructure such as power and pipelines, access to sustainable recharge, and demand for water.

Electricity was switched on in the northern borefield in Carnarvon on 17 December 2014. The replacement of costly diesel power generation with electric-powered water pumps is a major commitment of the $25 million program.

Horizon Power was engaged by DAFWA in mid-October 2014 to build 12.5km of 22,000 volt line to power the existing northern borefield. Six local linesmen built the entire line, demonstrating the capability of Carnarvon locals to contribute to a project that will benefit the local community.

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This will significantly reduce pumping costs and create a more reliable power system for all growers and the community as a whole.

This has been completed in the expected timeframe and on budget.

The identification, development and release of an additional 400ha of land for horticultural purposes continues to be progressed.

To date, technical studies including an airborne electromagnetic survey (AEM) analysis, soil surveys, revised floodway modelling, land use constraints mapping and flora surveys have taken place to identify suitable parcels of unconstrained land. As a result of this work, about 600ha of high to moderate capability land has been identified for potential annual and perennial horticulture.

The new line travels to the 12km mark of the northern borefield, with several spur lines to production bores further from the main corridor.

It consists of 120 cyclone-rated poles, about 360 insulators, around 40km of cabling and 12 transformers.

The land expansion component will involve changing land primarily from Unallocated or Vacant Crown Land and Pastoral lease tenure into a Section 79 lease (a General Lease granted for a purpose and subject to conditions) then freehold, which requires Native Title negotiations to occur first.

FLOW testing of production bores.

Further technical and land use planning studies also need to include the new areas in the Shire of Carnarvon’s Town Planning Scheme.

The Department of Lands (DoL) is currently seeking approval from the Minister for Lands to proceed with tenure change and Native Title negotiations.

Once this occurs, it would be anticipated that information on the land release will be publicly available within a couple of months.

DAFWA continues to liaise with the Shire of Carnarvon and has prepared a request for consultants to undertake town planning consultancy work to prepare a structure plan for the new areas. This will run as a parallel process to the tenure change.

The Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative has achieved good results so far and is tracking on time and on budget.

The focus over the next two years will be: • Completion of electrification of the remaining northern borefield (12–24km), expected to begin in May 2015 • The next stage of drilling, focusing on exploration holes out towards Rocky Pool, and completing other production bores in the western and central zones • In-fill exploration drilling to identify other production targets in the western and central areas of the target zone • Progress of the land tenure change process through the DoL and the necessary land use planning studies and technical reports.

MORE INFORMATION For further information on the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative visit www.agric.wa.gov.au or contact tony.dellabosca@agric.wa.gov.au

Department of Agriculture and Food

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Grower profile

Van and Tien Nguyen

Grower profile Name Van and Tien Nguyen Location Carnarvon Property size 12ha PERTH

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Van and Tien are Vietnamese growers in Carnarvon operating 30 acres of fruit and vegetables on their farm.

Over 20 years farming in such hard conditions in this remote district has forged them to learn how to manoeuvre and adopt different business management strategies to bring their farm up to a sustainably efficient business.

Their key effective strategies in maintaining a stable flow of income include: • Maintaining an ‘effective’ relationship with the market agents to stabilise optimal pricing channels; • Constantly exploring information relevant to choosing the highest profitable crop types; • Maintaining a reliable source of good quality workers; • Ensuring they have quality time for business improvement; and • Maintaining ongoing planning.

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Enterprises Capsicum, continental and green cucumber, zucchini, watermelon and tomatoes

Maintaining a stable relationship with the market agents Van and Tien have only dealt with a few market agents since they commenced farming. This relationship makes the supplier and buyer understand each other’s capabilities in terms of quantity and quality of production. This also enables the grower to handle power of certain volumes for best possible prices from the agent.

On one occasion, they encouraged a market agent to set up a new commodity line that was potentially highly profitable, supply them with their best product. In return they become the sole supplier of this commodity to the agent. They now enjoy a good price and other benefits.

Source information on selecting the most profitable crop types Van and Tien understand the disadvantages of operating a relatively small scale farm as there is little chance to meet a large contract for a premium price. Also the unstable water supply in Carnarvon requires an effective use of water resources.

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Beside growing capsicums which is their main crop type, their production strategy is to selectively choose other crops that they can grow to the best quality but also accessible to niche market at certain times and require less water. The range of fruit and vegetable commodities they produce include capsicum, continental and green cucumber, zucchini, and sometimes watermelon and tomatoes.

To do this they maintain regular communication with their market agents to inform them of the production conditions as well as the market trend. This allows effective decisions to be made relative to timing, volume sent, and seasonally crop types to grow to avoid risks of oversupply and secure profits. This has helped them to receive a premium price for a commodity that has a limited supply in the market at a certain time.

This avoids problems such as facing over supply of a product that leads to the market hanging onto the product for too long or having to clear products at an undesired price.

This makes sure both sides are gaining highest possible profit to grow alongside each other.

Van said “Relevant information comes not only from the market agents but also other relevant sources such as the mass media, seedling factories and grower friends”.

Quality time for business management Van said “The field work we can use competent workers to do, however nobody but us can look after the key aspect of farming business such as checking the product quality, banking, accounting, marketing, and thinking about how to enhance our business better”.

The time spent in the field is not to undertake the labour however it is to supervise the workers and make notes for improvements.

They also spend time travelling around to other growers to learn how other people are successful and to find chances to adopt better business development models.

They admit that luck does play a part to make their work succeed, however they are actively searching for relevant information and integrating them into planning is vital.

Many other factors are also taken into planning consideration such as their skills and capability, the readily available resources and available resources when required. They do not only plan for profit but also have back-up plans to prepare if things go wrong. Their important plan is the farm business profit planning for a sustainable future for their two sons and for their retirement.

Maintain iterative planning Van and Tien carefully evaluate what they’re doing to make new plans to ensure the best possible chance of success for cropping and marketing they.

Department of Agriculture and Food

Maintaining a reliable source of good quality workers Van and Tien maintain a group of competent workers for a longer term. These workers can perform different farming tasks during the season and can also undertake the off season farm maintenance works such as repair the shade houses, fixing the irrigation system, and cleaning the farm facility. They can also supervise seasonal workers when required.

Having such competent labour force saves them time so that they can make quality time for learning and for planning on business improvements.

THE Nguyens produce capsicum, continental and green cucumber, zucchini, watermelon and tomatoes.

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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Understanding the potential of

irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara

BY CHRIS SCHELFOUT PHADI PROJECT MANAGER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) is planning for the future of irrigated agriculture development in the Pilbara through the $12.5 million Pilbara Hinterland Agricultural Development Initiative (PHADI).

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

Funded by Royalties for Regions over four years, PHADI will assess the potential of irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara using surplus mine dewater and other in-situ water resources to create economic diversification and investment opportunities.

ABOVE: PHADI will assess the potential of irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara using surplus mine dewater.

PHADI will provide critical research to government and industry to guide future investigation and development decisions.

Historically, surplus dewater was managed by discharging it into nearby watercourses.

Background Under the Royalties for Regions Pilbara Water Opportunities program, the Pilbara Integrated Water Supply Prefeasibility Study (MWH 2009) and the Integrated Mining and Irrigated Agriculture Study (Global Groundwater 2011) identified the need for investigation into the use of surplus mine dewater for irrigated agriculture, and recommended pilot-scale production to test irrigated agriculture.

RIGHT: Aerial view of Woodie Woodie pilot site after clearing.

As dewater volumes increased, regulators saw the need to ensure these ecosystems remained ephemeral and to limit discharge into them. Alternative management options were needed.

The project PHADI has a strong focus on practical research through pilot site trials and a comprehensive assessment of soil and water resources in the Pilbara.

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A prefeasibility report will be published with key findings from a range of research areas including: • Agronomy • Policy and regulation • Supply chain and market opportunities • Economic viability • Cultural and environmental areas of significance, and • Stakeholder aspirations for irrigated agriculture development.

PHADI Project Manager, Dr Chris Schelfhout, says the investigations will provide a market-driven approach to economic development in the Pilbara.

“Market information coupled with the land and water assessment will define the growth potential of irrigated agriculture and will be valuable to government and investors with an eye for opportunities in the region,” he said.

“Options and pathways to development will consider sustainable natural resource use with respect for country, culture and economic development.”

Woodie Woodie pilot project The Woodie Woodie pilot is a 38 hectare site, which will demonstrate and evaluate irrigated cropping options including fodder production for cattle and biofuel crops using surplus mine dewater.

The two-year pilot beginning this year, will trial and assess the viability of a range of indicator crops, capture baseline agronomic data and identify supply chain opportunities for these crops. It will also test the logistics of establishing and maintaining an irrigation operation and the results will be collated for use by government and industry.

The pilot site is located on Warrawagine Station in the eastern Pilbara, about 140km north-east of Marble Bar, and bordering the Great Sandy Desert.

The site is near the Woodie Woodie manganese mine, also on Warrawagine Station and provides a source of dewater.

Warrawagine Station owner, Robin Mills says it has been a challenging and interesting journey so far.

WARRAWAGINE STATION

PERTH

“A lot of creative thinking has been required along the way to meet the challenges of working in such a remote environment.”

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Cropping strategy Collection of reliable agronomic information is the basis of the pilot site research.

Information on crop phenology, growth rate, biomass production, yields and fodder quality will be monitored. Selected crop physiology parameters and rotation interactions will also be observed to determine optimum production windows for the various species.

Data will be collected on water and nutrient use in order to determine maximum productivity for selected crops in this environment.

MAIZE is one of the first species to be trialled with approval for a range of other grain and fodder species being sought.

“Everyone is excited to see the Woodie Woodie pilot on the road to becoming a fully operational and self-sufficient site with its own power, accommodation and communications.

“We see the value of irrigated agriculture as a way to help drought-proof our operations and reduce risk.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build an operation literally from the ground up,” Robin said.

Irrigation infrastructure The centre pivot for the site was shipped from the US, transported by road to the Pilbara and assembled on-site. It is 350 metres long and will irrigate 40ha with up to 15 millimetres of water per day. Flow to the pivot is 70 litres per second with the whole system designed for low pressure operation to conserve energy. Absorbed pump power will be about 40 kilowatts, with another 5kW absorbed by the diesel generator running the electrical system.

Clive Croxford from Total Eden led the installation of the centre pivot and says a unique feature is the high-tech control and communications system.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

“The pivot can be operated and monitored from Perth with its exact position in the field displayed. Fertiliser can be set to apply at any point and the fertiliser mix can be changed remotely at any time as the mix ratios are all adjustable,” he said.

“This has been done using fertiliser flowmeters and variable speed-drive motors on the injectors, which are connected through a PLC, communicating information back by Ethernet link.”

Clive said the other distinctive aspect of this job was working in the Pilbara, especially during the wet season.

“Heat and remoteness from any services are major challenges,” he added.

“The heat means a longer cooling time is required when welding polypipe.

Where a weld would normally take 40 minutes to set up, cool and move, it is now 60 minutes.

“And when you are that one critical bolt short, you cannot scoot off to the hardware shop to pick one up. It requires finding a hill high enough for the mobile to work, arranging transport of the part to Port Hedland, so then you can drive four hours each way to collect it.

“You have to plan well and in advance.

We are fortunate that we have done so many jobs in remote parts now that we don’t often miss that bolt, but it can and does happen,” he said.

Lucerne, Rhodes grass, oats, sorghum and maize are the first species to be trialled, with approval for a range of other grain and fodder species being sought.

Irrigated crops may be used for fodder, food and fuel production, and could bolster the existing pastoral industry as well as complement mining operations.

“Ultimately we hope to identify a suite of species that are suitable for cattle feeding systems or biofuel production in an irrigated agriculture operation,” said Chris.

“Our market research will help confirm domestic and export opportunities for other species as stand-alone commodities.”

MORE INFORMATION Contact Dr Chris Schelfhout, PHADI Project Manager, DAFWA phone (08) 9368 3361 or email chris.schelfhout@agric.wa.gov.au or go to www.agric.wa.gov.au

Partnerships PHADI is delivered by DAFWA in partnership with the Pilbara Development Commission and Department of Regional Development, and works closely with the mining industry, Aboriginal groups and the pastoral industry.

Department of Agriculture and Food

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Potato Growers Association of WA Inc.

Jim Turley

retires from the Potato Growers Association of WA Inc Jim Turley commenced working for the Potato Growers Association (PGA) of WA on the 2 August 1999, 16 years in August 2015. The departing Executive Officer Tom Carstains wished him every success in the challenging position.

Laurie Eldridge was the President and encouraged Jim to become involved and meet as many growers and stakeholders as soon as possible.

At first it was relatively uneventful and he certainly enjoyed meeting growers on their properties. Jim had an agricultural and political background which enabled him to understand what the growers needed and their situation. Jim has described the industry as very passionate and this has certainly contributed to its survival during the battles for the regulated market in Western Australia and this battle is continuing on.

He was also involved with vegetablesWA as the Executive Officer and retired In September 2014.

“I know vegetablesWA is considered in Government circles and also by business leaders as one of the most credible associations in Australia today,” Jim said.

1

2

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

3 Ross Taylor at WPPL has worked with Jim for 11 years and there have been some significant decisions which has moved the industry forward especially in relation to the Potato Seed Projects.

Now under the leadership of John Shannon the association will continue to grow.

“It has been an absolute pleasure building a working relationship with the potato growers and their families. The growers are a wonderful bunch of characters that are so passionate about their own potato industry,” Jim said.

He has had many relationships with key potato organisations over the years including the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC), Western Potatoes (WPPL) and the Agriculture Produce Commission (APC) Potato Producers Committee (PPC).

“In my working life, which included 25 years with Elders, 10 years in the meat industry and now nearly 16 years in the potato industry, I have found the last 16 years the most rewarding all because of the wonderful bunch of characters. I do thank you all.”

Whilst some of these relationships have been frustrating over the years there have been some key personal relationships which helped the industry grow and move with the times. Bert Russell at the PMC has worked with Jim for the past six years and has seen some major developments in the industry.

Jim has retired during March and will be heading away on an overseas holiday in early April. We wish him all the success for his future and hope he enjoys his retirement on the property tending to his garden.

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4

5

8 6

7

10

9 1 Jim and partner Irina at the Market City Ball in 2009.

2 Jim with Steve Yelash in Carnarvon 2013.

3 N ic Hayes, Don Hancey and Jim at the Gascoyne Long Table Lunch in 2013.

4 Ross Taylor, Jim, Daniel Niciejewski and John Shannon in May 2010.

5 Jim on the security Baltimore trip in 2010.

6 Jim with Michael Nixon.

7 Dr M Washer with Jim in 2007.

8 M inister Kim Chance, Lewis Cross, Ross Taylor, Bryan Dickson and Jim in April 2005.

9 Jim with Senator Rachel Siewert of the Greens party, Bill Ryan, Chairman of the APC and Chris Twomey at the Biannual Dinner 2010.

10 Jim and Paul Shain at the Gascoyne Long Table Lunch in 2013.

11 Jim with Darryl Smith, Terry Redman and Maureen Dobra in 2008.

11 WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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Grower profile Khem and Lin

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Khem and Lin are a young Lao-Vietnamese grower couple in Geraldton running a highly efficient eight hectare cucumber farm under plastic tunnels where 90% of its produce is exported to interstate via the Adelaide market.

Grower profile Name Khem and Lin Location Geraldton

KHEM is running a highly efficient family farming business, applying up-to-date crop production and monitoring technologies.

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PERTH

Property size 8ha Enterprises Cucumbers

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They believe this outcome results from having a clear vision from the outset followed by a constant learning process to upgrade technical knowledge and management skills to achieve the desired goals.

Horticulture is not in the top industries in the Greater Geraldton region like mining, manufacturing however it, deserves a high reputation since it is a key cucumber supplier to Western Australia as well as to interstate markets.

Enjoying a warmer winter that enables a prolonged cucumber growing season, the cucumber production industry in Geraldton provides over 60% of the cucumber demand of Perth market and during cold months with just 10% of the total production. 90% of its cucumber production is exported to interstate markets through Adelaide.

The cucumber industry in Geraldton comprises just about 20 growers cultivating about 100ha under plastic tunnels that are locally called ‘hot houses’.

Those growers are mainly Vietnamese refugees who arrived in Australia during the 80s. Most refugee growers speak a language other than English and are being disadvantaged due to poor English literacy, they hesitate to integrate to research and development programs and are slow to uptake new technologies.

Among those cucumber growers Khem and Lin arise as a phenomenon, advanced growers running a highly efficient family farming business applying up-to-date crop production and monitoring technologies.

This results from a clear vision at the outset of their business followed by ten years of iterative learning to upgrade technical knowledge and skills relative to efficient farm management.

Clear vision setting Khem joined the cucumber industry around 2005 working with a Vietnamese cucumber grower in Geraldton where he engaged in production practices and farming business management. He had learnt during the initial two years was that the cucumber production in Geraldton is profitable, and it can be made sustainably profitable if improvements are made to the conventional farming practices.

Khem had the shape of a dream farm when he started his own farm in 2006. His future farm should be the one where he has time for quality business management, for knowledge upgrades and for family and where up-to-date technologies are applied to make farming life easier and farming time more valuable.

This vision setting directs the way Khem and Lin move during their business development, giving them strength to take risks by trying new things, and shape their learning towards achieving already set goals.

Iterative learning Iterative learning is understood as a continuous spiral learning cycles where the learner integrates knowledge gained from the previous leaning cycle into the next one to address new problems. The framework of ‘assessment — trial — implementing change — reviewing’ is repeated where knowledge grows along with the learning process.

THE cucumber production industry in Geraldton provides over 60% of the cucumber demand of Perth market.

From Khem’s perspective, farming faces variable issues and a problem may appear alone or in association with others. For instance, a change of weather pattern may associate with a change of pests and diseases pressure and also with variation of crop nutrition uptake, consequently the crop growth pattern. To deal with that a grower needs to be able to carry out coordinated practices using different types of knowledge and resources.

Khem said “there is no static production system where all factors contribute to the success. If you stay the same over time and use the same production procedure it can be repeated season-to-season.

Therefore constant learning to acquire good knowledge, tools, and confidence to deal with changes is necessary”.

The learning process is closely associated with his existing farming operation. He makes the trials simple and within the farm operational practices so that the trial results can be easily applied. By using this way of learning Khem has found easy techniques like the use of lettuce seedlings as indicator plants to set suitable transplanting time for cucumber seedlings on fumigant treated soil.

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Similarly, this is how Khem has learnt to use his automated irrigation system manager. From lower to higher levels of its sophisticated functions such as remote control of the fertigation via the PC or smartphone. Khem can now monitor his crop or reprogram the water and fertiliser application at his farm while being overseas.

Commitment to constant learning Khem said “to become a competent grower you need to learn continuously to keep your skills matched to changing situations”.

Khem is proud of his pile of diaries which span 10 years, which he recorded all trials and changes of practices including their successes and failures.

Today he is still learning to gain a deeper insight into how the readings of the automated irrigation system manager correlate to the weather data as well as to the crop growth patterns.

This helps him to continue to fine tune the irrigation schedule and the fertiliser application.

Khem said “this (the automated irrigation system manager) is now like my child, I play with it every day to understand it better and to communicate with it better”.

KHEM can now monitor his crop or reprogram the water and fertiliser application at his farm while being overseas.

He admits that the benefit of learning is not only to understand and to undertake the farming business better but also to understand better about himself so that he can make the most of his capability.

He does not spend much time in the field.

He makes quality time for budgeting and improved efficiency of his business. This allows him to earn more and has more time for family activities.

Khem said “spending all day in the field may save you a couple of hundred dollars by not paying a labourer, however finding ways to improve the efficiency of your business operation will add to the value of your business”.

KHEM with his automatic irrigation system.

Willing to share With Khem’s fluent English and having good local knowledge he has become a favourite contact person for input supplier companies and to those project officers who want to spread their activities around the area.

He is asked to advise other growers about upcoming project activities or about the appropriate way of using a new chemical or a new fertiliser formula.

Khem finds that some growers show hesitation to make changes from their routine practices. However he often receives questions from some other growers asking for advice relative to a technical issues and being happy to see an increase in adoption of new practices.

Khem says “I talk to them all. I am happy to tell them what I am doing”.

Khem is happy to communicate and to share his knowledge and experiences to other growers.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Khem on 0439 262 896 or email klproduce@bigpond.com

Department of Agriculture and Food

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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Department of Agriculture and Food

Seed potato crops health in top shape

BY MIKE DAVIES AGWEST PLANT LABORATORIES, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

LEFT: AGWEST Plant Labs inspector David Tooke inspecting a seed potato crop near Dandaragan.

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TABLE 1 Annual virus level in G2 sown crops across Certified and Registered Schemes Year

Low virus levels in Western Australian seed potato crops have been confirmed in recent testing by AGWEST Plant Laboratories.

In the first half of 2014–15 the rejection rate was 1.1% of 177 hectares of crop sampled and tested, compared with 2.9% from the entire 2013–14 season, considerably lower than 11.4% in the previous year.

The reduction could be due to the removal of virus-infected seed stocks from the seed schemes in 2012–13 and better compliance with scheme rules. Aphid and thrips numbers in seed crops inspected were also found to be very low in 2013–14.

PLRV (%)

TSWV (%)

PVY (%)

Total virus (%)

2001

0.06

0.03

0.03

0.00

0.00

0.11

2002

0.10

0.01

0.37

3.38

0.00

3.86

2003

0.63

1.91

0.38

0.03

0.00

2.96

2004

0.15

0.03

0.12

0.52

0.03

0.84

2005

0.00

0.02

0.05

0.00

0.00

0.07

2006

0.01

0.01

0.03

0.00

0.00

0.05

2007

0.03

0.08

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.11

2008

0.00

0.01

0.03

0.00

0.00

0.04

2009

0.46

0.00

0.19

0.00

0.03

0.67

2010

0.32

0.00

0.04

0.00

0.00

0.36

2011

0.02

0.00

0.10

0.16

0.10

0.36

2012

0.21

0.09

0.01

0.00

0.00

0.31

2013

0.26

0.00

0.08

0.00

0.03

0.37

2014

0.06

0.02

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.08

The G2 industry project focusses on the testing of G2 sown seed potato crops for five important virus diseases that are known to occur in WA and have considerable impact on the production of seed potatoes. These are potato viruses S, X and Y, potato leaf roll virus and tomato spotted wilt virus (see Figure 1 and Table 1).

In the first half of 2014–15 no infections for any of the five viruses were found from 2,100 samples of G2 sown seed potato crops from seven growers. This compared with 0.08% of virus infection from the entire 2013–14 season that taken from 14 seed potato growers and 5,640 samples.

The overall seed schemes include visual crop inspections, tuber inspections, compliance measures, disease management strategies, grower training and laboratory testing.

Testing of Generation 2 (G2) sown seed potato crops by AGWEST Plant Laboratories is financed through the Agricultural Produce Commission and its Potato Producers Committee fee for service project.

Virus was found on two properties in 2013–14. One with potato leaf roll virus and a second was tomato spotted wilt virus.

FIGURE 1 Total virus level in G2 sown crops in WA seed schemes 4.50

None of the other three viruses was detected.

At least 350 samples were taken and tested from each of the growers’ G2 crops.

Data from the G2 virus survey is very valuable in providing seed growers with a benchmark on their virus control performance each year compared with other growers and shows trends from year to year. Individual grower performance remains confidential.

Provided this project is continued to be funded, monitoring and testing of G2 crops will ensure it eliminates problems before large areas of seed are further planted resulting in crop failures and reaching the ware and processing potato industry.

This project has provided continuity of data since 2001 demonstrating to local, interstate and international markets that WA seed potatoes are of a high health status.

Both the Certified and Registered Seed Schemes have been reviewed in 2015 and can be accessed on the DAFWA website at www.agric.wa.gov.au under ‘potato seed certification’.

4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00

This project puts the Western Australian seed potato industry in a favourable position in the eyes of interstate and overseas buyers which is helping sales.

1.50 1.00 0.50

20 14

2

20 13

20 1

11 20

0

9

20 1

8

20 0

7

Year

20 0

6

20 0

5

20 0

20 0

20 04

20 03

20 02

0.00

20 01

PVX (%)

PLRV: potato leafroll virus; TSWV: tomato spotted wilt virus; PVS: potato virus S; PVX: potato virus X; PVY: potato virus Y

Rejection of crops under seed schemes may seem harsh on individual growers, but is an integral part of ensuring that high quality seed comes from the schemes, and the State’s reputation is protected.

Total virus level (%)

PVS (%)

MORE INFORMATION Contact Mike Davies at DAFWA on email: mike.davies@agric.wa.gov.au

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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French

carrot tour

BY JOHN MCBRIDE SEED MANAGER, DAVID GRAYS AGLINK

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

YOUR INDUSTRY

1 Carrot breeder from Clause Seeds.

2 Joe Castro enjoying carrot cocktails.

3 Peter Ivankovich, Francis Tedesco and Peter Wauchop.

1

In late September 2014 several prominent members of Australian carrot industry attended the International Carrot Symposium in France. The trip provided plenty of highlights and learning experiences.

The Symposium was held in Angers, and 700 delegates from all over the globe descended on this beautiful University City located 300 kilometres south west of Paris. Angers is considered a centre for horticultural excellence in research and education and also the home of Cointreau.

Over four days presentations from a varied selection of topics both educated and entertained the group. Attendees were able to choose between technical content or scientific presentations.

There were also Field days, which were the highlight for growers, meeting breeders with their new lines and of course all farmers love dirt and tractors.

There were several company displays set up in the foyers and these provided excellent relevant information with many a connection made here.

At the conclusion of each day the Irish pub over the road became the popular spot to meet and network after a day in the auditorium.

2 By the time the Symposium Gala Dinner was on, we were all ready for more light relief â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more Cointreau and French Champagne beforehand made the night a memorable one. The catering had a real carrot flavour to it, drinks, sweets, cakes and decorations.

Peter Ivankovich decided to indulge in everything French, from escargots to frogs legs, he left nothing untried in Angers, he topped off a great night with the news from home, he had a new grandchild.

All in all the symposium provided some very positive feedback for our Australian tour, from discussing new varieties and breeding techniques to seed treatments.

Topics including alternative nematicides, cavity spot research, soil disease suppression and most current up-to-date information on issues like Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum. This is of course a hot topic.

After the Symposium some of us were lucky enough to visit a few commercial carrot farms, this was a real treat to see how the French do it.

3 All leading seed companies hold these annual field days in Holland during this week so it is possible to see all the portfolios from these reputable seed companies in one area in a few days.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning to go to Europe mark week 39 in your diary as it is a genuine veg fest in Holland during this week each year.

From there we ventured on to Holland and were able to see more comprehensive carrot variety trials in the seed valley region of Holland.

These trials were superb, our current portfolio of varieties were in these trials up against new and emerging varieties. Some interesting material is on the horizon and several varieties were selected for Australian trials.

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ADVERTORIAL

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fulfil industry QA needs For the past 15 years, thousands of chemical users have relied on drumMUSTER to regularly dispose of their empty agvet chemical containers.

During this time, the program has recycled over 24 million drums and continues to be the most successful agvet container recycling program in Australia.

In addition to drumMUSTER, ChemClear provides Australian agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a collection and disposal pathway for their unwanted chemicals.

Since entering the agricultural waste sector in 2003, the program has collected more than 455,000 litres of hazardous chemicals.

drumMUSTER and ChemClear are ideally set up to fulfil chemical user requirements for quality assurance (QA) programs.

A recent example is the CBH Group who is accredited to access the EU biofuel market for WA grown canola through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme.

One of the things growers need to do to participate in the scheme is to complete an ISCC grower self-declaration form. This form features good agricultural practices, especially for fertilizer and pesticides including the disposal of empty plant protection product containers and waste.

Horticulture QA programs such as Freshcare and EnviroVeg require similar documentation.

Primary producers who participate in Agsafe’s programs are provided with documentation that demonstrates they are meeting their responsibilities for on-farm waste management of chemicals and used containers.

But drumMUSTER and ChemClear are more than just a tick in the box for QA. They represent a firm commitment from local businesses to doing the right thing for the safety and reputation of their customers, their community and their staff.

drumMUSTER National Program Manager Allan McGann said chemical users should take advantage of both programs to satisfy their QA auditors.

“Using programs like drumMUSTER and ChemClear not only show you’re meeting the requirements of QA programs, but you’re also preventing waste from ending up in the wrong place,” he said.

A four cent per lt/kg levy is applied to participating manufacturer’s products and paid by the consumer at the point of sale. Participating manufacturers are identified by the inclusion of the eligible drumMUSTER logo on their containers, and there are no transfer station or landfill fees when delivering these drums to any collection site. A receipt is issued on delivery which is proof of participation for industry QA and government schemes.

A significant milestone is expected to be reached in 2015, with the impressive 25 millionth container just around the corner.

“We are approaching a momentous time in the program’s history and there are less than 100,000 containers to be collected before we reach the 25 million mark,” said Mr McGann.

This is an exciting achievement for drumMUSTER and the stewardship program urges you to join the growing band of chemical users who are already being proactive with farm waste recycling.

drumMUSTER is also close to collecting 4 million drums in Western Australia.

Regional Consultant Bevan Henderson said, “There’s still a small percentage of end users not involved in the program. I urge you to support drumMUSTER as it’s an industry-owed, industry-driven initiative which assists farmers to achiever genuine sustainability for agriculture.”

With the summer rain and spraying since harvest, March is the perfect time for Western Australians to dispose of their drums.

To find your nearest site, simply enter your postcode and state under ‘Collection locations’ on the drumMUSTER website (www.drummuster.com.au). A map will appear with the closest site in your area marked.

MORE INFORMATION For further information on the drumMUSTER program, please call Bevan Henderson on 0429 089 780.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

Department of Water Department of Regional Development Department of Lands Department of Agriculture and Food

#

Stage 2 projects

2

FACT SHEET FEBRUARY 2015

Western Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water for Food

The Water for Food initiative is a four-year $40 million Royalties for Regions funded State Government program providing a boost to regional Western Australian communities through the development and diversification of the agriculture and food sectors.

It will create the potential for new irrigation precincts and the expansion of agricultural and pastoral opportunities in existing districts across the state.

The primary objective of Water for Food is to identify water and land resources, as well as irrigation technologies, that can enable Western Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh food and animal protein production to increase its contribution to regional economies by at least 50 per cent by 2025 and twofold by 2050.

The Stage 2 program is a $24.5 million commitment from the State Government of Western Australia, building on the $15.5 million provided for Stage 1.

Stage 2 projects Southern Forests - water futures Myalup - Wellington Midlands - groundwater and land assessment Middle Gascoyne - water investigations La Grange - West Canning groundwater project Bonaparte Plains - Kimberley expansion Water information conversion

Southern Forests - water futures The Southern Forests - water futures project will underpin agricultural growth and investment in one of the most significant horticultural areas in the southern half of the state.

Working with local stakeholders, the project will identify new water supply options, as well as underpin water security, improving current water use efficiency.

The most viable options for local water supply schemes will be identified, incorporating community dams along with related infrastructure to support expanded agricultural activity. Governance and financial models for ongoing management of the scheme will also be developed.

Benefits to this world class region will include increased investment, a strengthened regional economy and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities.

Myalup Wellington Situated on the Swan Coastal Plain, this project will investigate and confirm water supply options to support the expansion of the Myalup and Collie River irrigation districts, enabling growers to double their current production levels.

“A dramatic expansion of Western Australia’s irrigation capability is one answer to creating critical mass, maintaining quality, and becoming export-ready with the right product at the right time.”

A significant component of this project will be exploring downstream salinity options to allow greater use of Wellington Dam water for irrigated agriculture and other fit for purpose uses, decreasing the reliance on existing groundwater supplies.

Midlands groundwater and land assessment Already producing a significant proportion of Western Australian fresh fruit and vegetables, and with large tracts of relatively inexpensive grazing land close to Perth, the Midlands region offers extensive opportunities for irrigated horticultural expansion.

In partnership with a range of local stakeholders, this project will undertake detailed groundwater investigation to determine the quantity and quality of water available, as well as identify suitable land to support growth in the region.

A comprehensive information package, outlining potential for development of an irrigation precinct, will also be delivered to assist in attracting investors to the region.

“To create a vision for irrigation in Western Australia we must look to the past and ask ourselves why we irrigate just 50,000 hectares.”

Middle Gascoyne Water Investigations Investigating the scale and quality of the alluvial aquifers between Rocky Pool and the Kennedy Ranges, this project will open up new opportunities for horticulture, the grow-on beef industry and other innovative agri-businesses in the region.

The Middle Gascoyne project will confirm the quality, suitability and sustainability of water to support new horticultural and agricultural developments, as well as examine land tenure options to further support investment.

La Grange - West Canning groundwater project This component of the Water for Food project will investigate and confirm the presence, reliability and availability of water from the Canning Basin - one of the largest groundwater systems in the State.

With the area having significant potential for higher value agricultural production and irrigation expansion, the project will also examine land tenure options to allow for large scale third party investment.

Water Information Conversion Wide ranging hard copy hydrogeological information from priority irrigation areas will be digitally captured and made available online to private sector investors and growers – vastly reducing the need for expensive water investigations in areas where comprehensive data already exists.

Bonaparte Plains: Ord East Kimberley Expansion The Bonaparte Plains is a joint land and water investigation aimed at developing up to 30,000 hectares of irrigated agriculture in the loamy sands of the East Kimberley.

The project will undertake a program of groundwater investigations and detailed soil assessments, establish water and land availability, and develop tenure options for potential investors and infrastructure development.

Other benefits of having extensive water information available include: •

streamlining processes and fewer delays collecting data

•

less invasive on the land with a reduction in the need to drill new bores

•

reduction in lengthy monitoring periods and analysis

•

reduction in development costs

•

better planning for the design of road, rail and pipeline infrastructure

Western Australia’s Water for Food - Stage two Projects

Bonaparte Plains $1.3m

LEGEND

$3.5m

•

EXISTING ROYALTIES FOR REGIONS WATER INVESTMENT PROJECTS

Kununurra

WATER FOR FOOD STAGE 2 PROJECTS

La Grange $5.1m $2.9m

Water Information

•

Derby

•

Broome

• Fitzroy Crossing

$1.5m

•

Port Hedland

Gascoyne $25m $2.6m

• Carnarvon

REGION

Midlands $0.6m $4.7m

Perth Metropolitan

5620

Peel–Harvey

10,426

Whicher (Margaret River)

5331

Preston–Warren– Blackwood

5966

Great Southern

3212

Gingin

3206

Mid West

• Perth • Peel Innovation

Gingin

• •

Myalup Bunbury Busselton

•

Myalup–Wellington

Myalup-Wellington $5.7m

•

Manjimup

Warren-Donnelly

Southern Forests

•

AREA IRRIGATED (HECTARES)

Gascoyne West Kimberley

721 1200 942

East Kimberley

14,000

TOTAL

50,624

•Esperance

Albany

$3.6m

Department of Water 168 St Georges Terrace Perth Western Australia 6000

Telephone: +61 6364 7600 Facismile: +61 6364 7601 National Relay Service 13 36 77

Front cover image courtesy of Craig Kinder at f22 photography

www.water.wa.gov.au © Government of Western Australia February 2015 11674 200 0215

YOUR INDUSTRY

Gascoyne River aquifer update

Ground water salinity

The storage volume of the RBS within Subarea A only, declined by 0.6GL through the October – December 2014 period.

The groundwater salinity contouring for subarea A (see Figure 2) indicates a decrease in the area of the “fresh” water resource (0–500mg/L Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)).

FIGURE 1 Gascoyne River aquifer storage history from 1 January 2012 to 17 December 2014 16 15 14 15.2GL recharge

13 12 5.3GL

11

-10.1GL

10 9 8

5

5

l1 Ju

15

4

Ap r1

n Ja

4

t1 Oc

4

l1

n

RBS shallow storage OAA deep depletion RBS Riverflow at Nine Mile Bridge

Ju

14

3

3 l1

3

t1

Ja

Oc

Ju

13

2

Ap r1

n Ja

2

t1 Oc

2

l1 Ju

12

7 Ap r1

20.0 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 -2.0 -4.0 -6.0 -8.0 -10.0 -12.0 -14.0

River flow stage height SL (m)

Department of Water

Assuming there is no recharge event (river flow), continuing RBS groundwater use will result in an additional predicted draw of 2.7GL with a resultant storage volume around 2.6GL by 30 April 2014. This would equate to the historic lowest ever storage value that was recorded in February 1984.

30 April 2015

Government of Western Australia

Storage volumes in the RBS respond quickly to river flow events with good recharge occurring in early 2014 (see Figure 1).

Between October 2014 and December 2014 the RBS storage volume for Lower Gascoyne River (Subareas A and B-L) decreased by 2.8GL with approximately 5.3GL remaining in storage.

17 December 2014

Three minor flow events occurred in January, February and May of 2014. The highest flow peak of 2.8m was recorded on 3 February 2014, but this flow had a very short duration and did not provide an effective recharge to the OAA (Figure 1).

Prior to that the last significant flow was in 2012 which contained an elevated level of salt due to the 2010–11 flood mobilising salt from the catchment.

The impact of small river flow events on the OAA storage is typically subdued and delayed due to lower infiltration rates associated with the clayey sand OAA aquifer system. The total OAA storage volume for the Lower Gascoyne River (Subareas A & B-L) is reported as a negative value (depletion volume) with a change from -8.3GL in October 2014 to -10.1GL in December 2014 that represents a loss of approximately 1.8GL. Extrapolation of declining trends indicates that the depletion volume at the end of April 2015, without a flow event, will be around -13GL that would represent the lowest OAA storage volume since calculations of storage commenced.

n

Previous Gascoyne River flow events

Total storage volume — RBS

Ap r1

Aquifer storage is currently 5.3GL for the River Bed Sand (RBS) and –10.1GL (Depletion Storage) for the Older Alluvial Aquifer (OAA). An extrapolation of these data to 30 April 2015 indicates that without a recharge event total storage in the RBS and OAA will decrease by about 2.7GL and 2.9GL respectively.

Total storage volume — OAA

Ja

The aquifer update utilises data between October 2014 and January 2015 from both plantation production bores and Department of Water (DoW) monitoring bores in Subarea A, together with Water Corporation and Gascoyne water cooperatives monitoring data for Subarea B-L.

Aquifer status

Deep depletion/shallow storage (x106m3)

This aquifer update provides an assessment of the status of Lower Gascoyne River groundwater resources for Subareas A and B-L.

OAA estimated storage decrease

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YOUR INDUSTRY

FIGURE 2 Subarea A salinity contour modelling for October and December 2014 October 2014

December 2014

7254000

7252000

2,000

7250000

1,500

7248000 1,000

7246000 500

7244000 0

7242000 764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000 764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000

This is seen as a “thinning” of the “fresh” water resources with more restriction to the channel and relates to an 18% reduction in the extent of these resources between October and December 2014.

The Northern and Southern borefields are producing a blended supply that measures approximately 600mg/L TDS, compared to an average of 400–500mg/L. The salinity of production bores through Subarea B-L is showing a gradual increase that is in line with usage. However, bulk water salinity is being maintained at around 600mg/L by rotating bores in the Water Corporations southern borefield and new bores being bought on line in the northern borefield by the Gascoyne Water Asset Management Cooperative and Gascoyne Foodbowl Initiative.

With aquifers beginning to reach low levels the data collected during this period will be used to rerun the groundwater quantity and quality modelling across Subarea A and B-L. This will gain a better understanding of sustainability of the RBS and OAA aquifer systems to maintain the ‘fresh’ water resource.

Water budgets The Carnarvon horticulture district utilised 12.0GL of water during 2014 which is close to an average year, and higher than 2013 (10.9GL). Private bores have abstracted 5.2GL from Subarea A during 2014 (Table 1) which is about average.

However, abstraction from subarea A started to decrease in November and December 2014 when compared to the average for those months, because of rising salinities.

The Water budgets for 2015 are dependent on the river flowing with subsequent recharge to the depleted RBS and OAA aquifer systems. The month of February has the highest chance of river flows, and this high probability extends to about June.

In the event of ‘no flow’, the declining RBS storage and associated decreasing groundwater quality trends through Subarea A are expected to continue but there should be sufficient storage to support at least 3GL of groundwater production for 2015.

The amount that can be abstracted from Subarea B-L is dependent on infrastructure, aquifer conditions and how evenly demand can be spread during the day and over the course of the year. Highly fluctuating demand significantly reduces production capacity. The DoW will be working with the Water Corporation, the Water Cooperatives and Gascoyne Foodbowl Initiative in coming weeks to review aquifers and infrastructure to refine the 2015 production estimates in the unlikely event of no river flow and associated recharge.

Subarea

Sustainable limit (GL)

2014 production (GL)

A

6.1

5.2 groundwater (+0.3 surface water)

B-L southern borefield

5.0

4.0

B-L northern borefield

3.6

2.5

Total

14.7

12.0

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

Significant thunderstorm activity on the 23–24 February 2015 has resulted in rainfall in the middle catchment of the Gascoyne.

This has resulted in small flows being recorded in both the Lyons and Gascoyne Rivers. This rainfall event was followed up by further thunderstorm activity over subsequent days with additional rainfall throughout the catchment. Flows in the Lyons and Gascoyne Rivers continued to flow downstream towards Carnarvon with the lead waters reaching Nine Mile Bridge at 9:00am on Friday 6 March.

Levels continued to rise and fall over the following week with a peak height of the river level at Nine Mile Bridge was 5.0m recorded at 7:35pm on Monday 9 March. The river on the 12 March was still over 4m and expected to flow strongly for several weeks to come.

The salinity of the flows is good with readings below 200mg/L being recorded.

Unrestricted pumping for the month of March was declared for the river bed sands.

The river flows will result in a good recharge to the river bed sand aquifer and likely into the older alluvial aquifer also. The low salinity levels of the river water will likely see a freshening of the water in the aquifers.

DoW will be monitoring and reporting on aquifer health in coming weeks.

Gascoyne River update

TABLE 1 2014 Carnarvon District water budget summary

64

March update

The Department of Water provides an update on the status of the Gascoyne River alluvial aquifer system consisting of the shallow aquifer or ‘River Bed Sand’ and deep aquifer or ‘Older Alluvial Aquifer’ at regular intervals throughout the year.

The Gascoyne River aquifer system is administered in accordance to groundwater management units described as Subarea A and Subarea B–L. The aim of this update is to provide growers, the general public and other interested parties information on the condition of the Gascoyne River alluvial aquifer groundwater resources.

YOUR BUSINESS

YOUR

BUSINESS

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Employing legal workers a guide for businesses

Penalties LABOUR FEATURE

TABLE 1 Penalties for employing illegal workers Sanction category

Maximum penalty

Illegal worker warning notice

Administrative warning

Infringement

$3,060 fine for individuals $15,300 fine for bodies corporate

Civil penalty

$15,300 fine for individuals $76,500 fine for bodies corporate

Criminal offence

It is the responsibility of all Australian businesses to employ legal workers.

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents are all examples of legal workers and have unlimited permission to work in Australia.

A single check confirming citizenship or permanent residency at the time of employment is all that is required.

All Australian businesses should check that all non-citizen workers they use are allowed to work. This includes both paid and unpaid work. This is regardless of whether workers are sourced directly or via a contractor, labour hire or referral company. Checks should be conducted before the non-citizen commences work, before their visa expires and when the non-citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circumstances change.

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$20,400 fine and/or two years imprisonment for individuals $102,000 fine for bodies corporate

Aggravated criminal offence

$51,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment for individuals $255,000 fine for bodies corporate

An example of an individual would be a sole trader; a body corporate would be a company.

IF an employer sights an Australian or New Zealand passport, this is sufficient to confirm unlimited permission to work.

Does this apply to me?

A person might be liable for an infringement or civil penalties if they allow an illegal worker to work, or refer an illegal worker for work in Australia. This is regardless of whether they knew the worker was an illegal worker or not.

The circumstances in which a person allows another person to work are broad enough to cover not only the traditional employer-employee relationships and contract relationships, but also alternative working arrangements that are common in the construction, taxi, hospitality, cleaning and sex industries.

What if I use a contractor or labour supplier?

Businesses might still be held responsible for hiring illegal workers even if they use a contractor or labour supply company to source their workers. However, businesses can avoid being penalised by adding a clause to their contract or by specifying in writing (an exchange of letters) that the supply of labour includes only legal workers.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection have prepared examples of contract clauses and exchange of letters for businesses to use. These are addressed more fully in a separate article on page 69.

YOUR BUSINESS

Business operators might wish to seek independent legal advice in relation to use of the sample wording and clauses to ensure compliance with the Migration Act 1958 and other relevant law, as amended from time-to-time.

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents are legal workers and have unlimited permission to work in Australia. A single check confirming citizenship or permanent residency at the time of employment is all that is required.

An employer would not need to conduct any other checks where: • The person has worked in Australia for five or more years and the employer has no reason to believe the person might be a foreign national, or

• The person provided information that their primary and further education was in Australia and the employer has no reason to believe the person might be a foreign national, or • The employer has personal knowledge that the person has lived in Australia long term, that is 10 years or more, and the employer has no reason to believe the person might be a foreign national.

If further checks are required If you have reason to believe the worker might be a foreign national, you might need to conduct further checks. A single check confirming citizenship or permanent residency at the time of employment is all that is required. In most cases, this is straight-forward as most people have some form of government-issued photo identification proving their citizenship.

If an employer sights an Australian or New Zealand passport, this is sufficient to confirm unlimited permission to work. A passport issued by the government of another country and a VEVO check confirming the worker is a permanent resident is also sufficient.

If the worker does not have a passport, a business might consider an Australian or New Zealand birth certificate, citizenship

In the absence of a form of governmentissued photo identification, a business might choose to sight as many of the following supporting documents considered necessary by the business to confirm identity: • Confirmation of enrolment to vote in Australian state or federal elections • Medicare card • Tax file number • References from previous employers • Tenancy agreements or home ownership details • Tertiary qualifications certificate • Trade certificate • Change of name certificates (if applicable).

The above documents do not, on their own, provide evidence of permission to work.

It is recommended copies of any sighted documents be kept in the employee’s record.

Tax file numbers, Medicare cards, driver’s licences and taxi licences Tax file numbers, Medicare cards, driver’s licences and taxi licences are useful to help confirm a person’s identity. They do not, on their own, provide evidence that a person is allowed to work in Australia.

Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) is the preferred method of checking if a noncitizen is allowed to work in Australia.

Privacy considerations The Australian Information Commissioner provides the following advice for businesses who are seeking to understand how their obligations in relation to employing legal workers interact with their obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.

Where a business decides, taking a risk-based approach, to keep a copy of a document sighted, they should collect the minimum amount of personal information.

Consideration should be given to blacking out unnecessary personal information (such as date of birth or address) or a government related identifier (such as a passport number, driver licence number, Medicare number or taxi licence number).

In addition, in accordance with the binding Tax File Number Guidelines 2011, a business must not collect a person’s tax file number for the purpose of confirming that a person is allowed to work in Australia.

Businesses should destroy any personal information collected when it is no longer required. Further information about which businesses are covered by the Privacy Act and their obligations, and the Tax File Number Guidelines 2011, is available at www.oaic.gov.au.

Checking non-citizens We expect businesses to take reasonable steps, at reasonable times, to confirm that a non-citizen is allowed to work.

Legal defences Migration law prescribes the following actions businesses can take to confirm that non-citizen workers are allowed to work: • Viewing evidence of the worker holding an unrestricted right to work in Australia (this includes evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency), or • Using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service to check that a noncitizen holds a valid visa that allows them to work, or • Entering into a contractual arrangement with another party to verify that workers are allowed to work in Australia and/or supply workers who are allowed to work in Australia (see also above, What if I use a contractor or labour supplier?).

Other reasonable steps It is open to employers, labour suppliers or referrers to consider other reasonable steps to confirm if a person is allowed to work. Businesses might take a risk-based approach to decide the most suitable method or arrangement for checking if a non-citizen is allowed to work. This might vary from business to business and will depend on the nature of the business, industry and related risks. For example: • If a business operates in an industry where illegal workers are often detected (such as the hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, transport, retail or sex industries) it might be prudent to check all of their non-citizen employees through VEVO.

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LABOUR FEATURE

• The person states that he/she was born in Australia and lived in Australia until at least 10 years old and the employer has no reason to believe this is not true, or

certificate, or a certificate of residence status, along with a form of governmentissued photo identification.

YOUR BUSINESS

• Where a business has a workforce comprising a high turnover of workers, a practical approach might be to have a formal contractual arrangement with a labour supplier, such as an employment agency, obligating them to undertake checks and to only supply workers who are allowed to work in Australia on behalf of the business.

Using Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) VEVO is a free online government service and is the preferred method of checking if noncitizens are allowed to work. VEVO checks can be used as evidence that reasonable steps have been taken to check that a non-citizen is allowed to work.

Businesses registered to use VEVO can see relevant information about workers, including: • The type of visa the person holds

LABOUR FEATURE

• When the visa was granted and when it will expire • If the person is allowed to work or if there are any conditions that might have been placed on the visa that will limit their capacity to work.

If VEVO returns a notification that a person does not have a VEVO record, and the person claims to be: • An Australian citizen or permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, businesses should consider one of the options listed • A non-citizen with a visa that allows them to work, the person should be encouraged to contact the department’s Community Status Resolution Service (CSRS) on 1300 853 773 for assistance.

VEVO Email Employers can also ask the non-citizen to send their current visa entitlements directly from the department’s VEVO Email service. The noncitizen can do this when they login to VEVO as a visa holder, using their date of birth, passport number and country, and one of the following reference types: • Visa transaction reference number • Visa grant number • Visa evidence number

Labour hire

where to find workers Labour hire options vegetablesWA have been dealing with Labour Hire companies to see if there was any capacity available for any immediate shortages.

Companies with staff available include: 1. R egional Labour Hire — David Moffat.

David can be contacted on mobile 0427 575 221 or email david@rlh.com.au or go to www.rlh.com.au 2. Industrial Recruitment Partners — Andrew Lockyer. Andrew can be contacted on mobile 0418 917 978 or email andrew@IRP.net.au or go to www.irp.net.au

3. MADEC — Phone 1800 062 332 or go to www.harvesttrail.gov.au In the longer term growers may wish to access labour through the Seasonal Labour Scheme www.employment.gov.au/ seasonal-worker-program. vegetablesWA are investigating other longer-term solutions.

Growers who are companies operating under the federal award may like to investigate employing people on a piecework rate basis rather than an hourly basis www.fairwork.gov.au/ industries/horticulture/pay/pages/ piecework-rates

• Password.

Other labour hire options

VEVO cannot confirm the non-citizen’s identity.

In addition to receiving the VEVO Email response, employers need to confirm the noncitizen’s identity and ensure that it matches the VEVO details.

High schools — work experience or the structured workplace program for students from high schools is an option and students will work one whole day per week.

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Universities — various universities encourage their students to work at the end of the year and vacancies can be listed with them.

There are also a number of agricultural colleges in Western Australia that have students leaving at the end of each year who will be looking for employment.

Employers offering horticultural scholarships or apprenticeships would be welcomed.

A list of the websites for each of the agricultural colleges with WA are listed below: • www.det.wa.edu.au/wacoa/detcms/portal • www.narroginag.wa.edu.au • www.morawaag.wa.edu.au • web.cacbindoon.wa.edu.au • www.denmarkag.wa.edu.au • www.harveyag.wa.edu.au • www.cunderdinag.wa.edu.au MORE INFORMATION Skills West Expo is being held 21–23 August 2015 at the Perth Convention Centre This is for Education, Training and Employment.

Further information can be obtained here www.skillswestexpo.com.au Also there is a company called 2 WorkInOz. This company provides training for workers.

2 WorkInOz provides training opportunities and employment links for backpackers to rural and regional employers.

For more information contact Ley Webster, phone 0429 726 118 or email wirraway@bordernet.com.au

YOUR BUSINESS

Example of contractual clauses and exchange of letters with a labour hire company

Contractual clauses

However, there will be no penalty if the business can provide evidence that they have taken reasonable steps at reasonable times to determine if the worker was allowed to work.

Businesses can rely on contractors and labour hire companies to check that all workers are allowed to work. They can do this by adding a clause to their contract specifying that if the supply of labour includes non-citizens, the non-citizens must have the required permission to work.

Examples of suitable wording for a business to add to their contracts are provided below.

Referral of workers without permission to work x. Referral of illegal workers prohibited x.1. For the purposes of this Clause x, an 'illegal worker' is a person who is an Unlawful Non-Citizen who is working without a visa, or a Non-Citizen who is performing work in breach of a Visa Work Condition, and the following definitions also apply:

or Regulations, as the case may be, as amended or replaced from time to time. x.2. The [labour supplier, however described] must ensure that each person referred under this Contract would not, in doing the work for which they are referred, be an illegal worker. x.3. When requested in writing, the (labour supplier, however described) will provide evidence within 14 days that it has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that it has complied and is complying with its obligations under this Clause x.

Engagement of workers without permission to work y. Engagement of illegal workers prohibited y.1. For the purposes of this Clause y, an 'illegal worker' is a person who is an Unlawful Non-Citizen who is working without a visa, or a Non-Citizen who is performing work in breach of a Visa Work Condition, and the following definitions also apply:

1. 'Contractor' will, include the officers, employees, volunteers, bailees, agents and authorised subcontractors of the Contractor; and

1. 'Non-Citizen' has the same meaning as under the Migration Act 1958; and

2. 'Non-Citizen' has the same meaning as under the Migration Act 1958; and

2. 'Unlawful Non-Citizen' has the same meaning as under the Migration Act 1958; and

3. 'Unlawful Non-Citizen' has the same meaning as under the Migration Act 1958; and

3. 'Visa Work Condition' means a condition (as set out in Schedule 8 of the Migration Regulations 1994) attached to a visa restricting the work that the Non-Citizen may do in Australia; and

4. 'Visa Work Condition' means a condition (as set out in Schedule 8 of the Migration Regulations 1994) attached to a visa restricting the work that the Non-Citizen may do in Australia; and

a reference to the Migration Act 1958 or to the Migration Regulations 1994 is a reference to the Act

LABOUR FEATURE

Businesses may face infringement notices or civil penalties for engaging or referring an illegal worker even if the person was sourced from a referral agent, labour supply company, contractor or subcontractor providing services.

a reference to the Migration Act 1958 or to the Migration Regulations 1994 is a reference to that Act or Regulations, as the case may be, as amended or replaced from time to time.

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y.2. The Contractor must ensure that each person engaged by the Contractor would not, in doing the work for which they are engaged, be an illegal worker.

A person who is allowed to work in Australia is one of the following:

y.3. The Contractor must make compliance by any subcontractors with the provisions of this Clause y a condition of any subcontract.

2. a non-citizen with a valid Australian visa that allows the person to work in Australia.

y.4. The Contractor must remove, or cause to be removed, any illegal worker from any involvement in the provision of the services. y.5. For the avoidance of doubt, compliance with the Contractor's obligations under this Clause 1.1 will not constitute a force majeure event, or give rise to an entitlement to claim any delay or otherwise excuse the Contractor from compliance with its obligations under this Contract.

LABOUR FEATURE

y.6. When requested in writing, the Contractor will provide evidence within 14 days that it has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that it has complied, and is complying with, its obligations under this Clause y.

Exchange of letters Businesses may face infringement notices or civil penalties for engaging or referring an illegal worker even if the person was sourced from a referral agent, labour supplier, contractor or subcontractor providing services. However, there will be no penalty if the business can provide evidence they have taken reasonable steps at reasonable times to check that the worker was allowed to work.

Where a business has a workforce which comprises seasonal labour or has a high turnover of staff, a more practical solution may be to ask their referral agent, labour supplier, contractor or subcontractor providing services to enter into an exchange of letters arrangement which stipulates that all workers supplied are allowed to work.

It is recommended that a copy of the letters be kept by the business as evidence that reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the validity of all workers supplied.

Examples of suitable wording for an exchange of letters between the business and their referral agent, labour supplier, contractor or subcontractor providing services are provided below.

Referral agent or labour supplier To (name of referral agent or labour supplier) It is prohibited under the Migration Act 1958 to allow or refer an illegal worker to work.

You must ensure that each person you refer or supply to (name of business) for work is allowed to work in Australia

1. an Australian citizen; or

Certain visas, for example visitor visas do not allow noncitizens to work while they are in Australia. People who no longer hold a valid visa are also not allowed to work in Australia.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has published a set of practical examples of ways in which you can check if a non-citizen is allowed to work in Australia at www.immi.gov.au/legalworkers.

Please sign below as an agreement that each person you refer or supply to me for work is allowed to work in Australia.

Agreement of referral agent or labour supplier Signature________________________ Date_ ________________

Contractor or sub-contractor providing services To (name of contractor or sub-contractor) It is prohibited under the Migration Act 1958 to allow or refer an illegal worker to work.

You, as the contractor providing the services to (name of business) must ensure that each person you employ or subcontract to provide the services is allowed to work in Australia.

A person who is allowed to work in Australia is one of the following: 1. an Australian citizen; or 2. a non-citizen with a valid Australian visa that allows the person to work in Australia.

Certain visas, for example visitor visas do not allow noncitizens to work while they are in Australia. People who no longer hold a valid visa are also not allowed to work in Australia.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has published a set of practical examples of ways in which you can check if a non-citizen is allowed to work in Australia at www.immi.gov.au/legalworkers.

Please sign below as an agreement that each person you employ or sub-contract to provide the services is allowed to work in Australia.

Agreement of contractor or sub-contractor providing the services Signature________________________ Date_ ________________

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Seasonal Worker Program A seasonal worker from Tonga, harvesting zucchinis in Bowen, QLD, for the approved employer ‘Ikale’.

Accessing seasonal workers is easy Only ‘Approved Employers’ — that is, organisations approved by the Australian Government — can recruit seasonal workers. Growers with unmet demand for labour can either:

About the Seasonal Worker Program The Seasonal Worker Program commenced on 1 July 2012 and aims to contribute to the economic development of eight participating Pacific Island countries and TimorLeste through seasonal workers.

The Seasonal Worker Program offers Australian employers in the horticulture industry access to workers from the participating countries when they cannot find enough local Australian labour to meet their seasonal demand.

Which countries have been invited to participate?

Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Timor-Leste have signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Australian Government to participate in the Seasonal Worker Program.

Approved Employers of seasonal workers may choose which participating country to recruit from.

What type of work can seasonal workers undertake?

Seasonal workers can undertake a range of horticultural tasks, including sowing, harvesting, pruning, thinning, raising, packing, treating sorting and work related to the preparation of land for horticultural crops, including; clearing, fencing, trenching, draining or otherwise preparing or treating land for the sowing, raising, harvesting or treating of horticultural crops.

• Contact an Approved Employer who can manage the recruitment of seasonal workers for you and take care of all the administrative arrangements during the workers’ stay; or, • Apply to become an Approved Employer.

Will seasonal workers be able to return in following seasons?

Yes. The Seasonal Worker Program will provide for the return of seasonal workers in subsequent seasons where employers continue to have unmet demand for labour.

This will provide Australian industries with opportunities to benefit from a reliable, returning workforce and it will give seasonal workers the chance to benefit from remittances, skills and knowledge transfer.

Are seasonal workers more expensive that recruiting Australian workers?

Yes. Approved Employers must contribute $500 towards the workers return international airfare, meaning that seasonal workers will generally be more expensive than Australian workers. Seasonal workers must be paid in accordance with Australian workplace entitlements.

Who manages the Seasonal Worker Program in Australia?

The Seasonal Worker Program team in the Australian Government Department of Employment manages the domestic implementation of the Seasonal Worker Program.

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LABOUR FEATURE

A recent study by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) found that seasonal workers were on average 22% more efficient that working holiday makers and returning seasonal workers are additional 12% more efficient. Given these statistics why not look into the Seasonal Workers Program and how it can work for you and your business.

YOUR BUSINESS

Reliability, efficiency, versatility Vegetable growers’ experiences with seasonal workers Do seasonal workers receive briefings on what to expect in Australia?

Yes. Seasonal workers receive pre-departure briefings before departing for Australia on Australian workplace rights and regulations, the role of unions in Australia, Australian culture, laws, customs and climate.

LABOUR FEATURE

Upon arrival into Australia, Approved Employers provide workers with an on-arrival briefing which complements the pre-departure briefing. The on-arrival briefing also includes a tour of the local community, including essential services, information on the Fair Work Ombudsman, unions in Australia, where to go for assistance both at work and outside of work, as well as a work-place induction.

Is there a minimum and maximum amount of time a seasonal worker can work in Australia for?

Yes. Workers can be recruited to work in Australia for between 14 weeks and six months, and at a minimum, must be provided with an average of 30 hours per week. Approved Employers will be required to demonstrate that workers will benefit financially from their participation.

Organisations interested in participating in the Seasonal Worker Program should contact the Department of Employment on (02) 6240 5234 or email seasonalworker@ employment.gov.au or visit the website:

CASE STUDY Reliability, efficiency, versatility.

Three words that perfectly describe the experience of Glossodia-based vegetable growers, and now Seasonal Worker Program approved employers F&K Xerri’s experience with seasonal workers recruited under the Seasonal Worker Program.

“Veggies are picked on time and seasonal workers turn up to work every day,” Karen Xerri, one of the owners of F&K Xerri said. “It’s not just about picking quickly, it’s about picking properly to ensure that products are received by the end-customer in the right condition, saving time and money.”

Karen said “Our seasonal workers have saved us time on training, and have helped us to consistently deliver quality veggies for our customers, on time.”

This observation by Karen Xerri is reflected in a recent study by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) which found that seasonal workers were on average 22% more efficient that working holiday makers and returning seasonal workers are additional 12% more efficient.

SEASONAL workers from Vanuatu, employed by the approved employer ‘E&P Xerri’.

The other thing that F&K Xerri have discovered is that versatility is a trait their seasonal workers display in abundance. Unlike single crop farms, F&K Xerri grow a range of vegetables including zucchini, capsicum, eggplant and spinach. All need to be harvested at the right time, using the right technique — something the seasonal workers mastered in a very short period of time.

A similar experience has been enjoyed by another grower in the area who also recruits seasonal workers “I can trust them to do anything. They’re so on the ball, they even tell us what to do!”

Besides the obvious benefits experienced by F&K Xerri and others, there’s also another side to this program. Seasonal workers participate in this program to earn money to put towards education of family members, permanent housing and better living conditions. It’s a win-win for all involved.

MORE INFORMATION For more information, visit: http://employment.gov.au/seasonal-workerprogram, call the Seasonal Worker (02) 6240 5234, or email seasonalworker@ employment.gov.au

www.employment.gov.au/seasonal-workerprogram.

How many places are available to employers under the Seasonal Worker Program?

Up to 12,000 places will be available to employers to recruit seasonal workers under the Seasonal Worker Program. This includes 10,450 places in total for the program in horticulture over four years to 30 June 2016 and 1,550 places for trial over three years to 30 June 2015.

Average cost of flights

MORE INFORMATION

Perth to Dili return

$1,500–$1,800

Visit www.employment.gov.au/seasonalworker-program.Call the Seasonal Worker Information Line on (02) 6240 5234 or, email seasonalworker@employment.gov.au

Perth to Apia return

$1,300–$1,800

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Perth to Port Morseby return $1,200–$1,700

Grow with confidence

with Crop Care insecticides for brassicas

www.cropcare.com.au Customer Service 1800 111 454 Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd ACN 061 362 347

YOUR BUSINESS

BY DOMINIC JENKIN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Collective bargaining: strength in numbers

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Although collective bargaining is likely to lessen competition and raise concerns under the CCA, the ACCC may allow collective bargaining arrangements if the agreement provides public benefit.

When a collective bargaining arrangement reduces information asymmetry it is likely to improve efficiency, for example by facilitating informed decision making, and constitute a public benefit.

Small businesses can obtain protection from legal action under the Act for collective bargaining arrangements by lodging a collective bargaining notification with the ACCC. In assessing collective bargaining notifications the ACCC will weigh the public benefits likely to result from the proposed collective bargaining agreement against the anticompetitive detriments likely to result in the relevant market.

Facilitation of market dynamics

Public benefits of collective bargaining Increased input into contracts A mere change in the amount of bargaining power is not itself a public benefit. Rather, the ACCC considers likely outcomes resulting from the proposed collective bargaining arrangement. Competition between buyers and sellers on terms and conditions of supply or acquisition, through negotiation, is likely to lead to an efficient outcome. If buyers or sellers are constrained in their ability to provide input into those terms and conditions, the most efficient outcome may not be achieved.

Collective bargaining refers to arrangements under which two or more competitors in an industry come together to negotiate terms and conditions (which can include price) with a supplier or a customer.

As your business may not be able to supply enough volume to a large purchaser, joining with other businesses can open market opportunities. Similarly, by bargaining as a group, small businesses may qualify for bulk discounts.

A group of businesses may sometimes appoint a representative, such as an industry association, to act on its behalf in the negotiations.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulates collective bargaining under the Competitor and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; formerly known as the Trade Practices Act 1974).

Collective bargaining may help businesses by providing a mechanism through which they can provide greater input into contracts and be more commercially efficient.

Transaction cost savings Transaction costs may be lower in implementing a collective bargaining agreement for a single negotiating process, or a small number of negotiating processes, than when the target must negotiate and implement agreements with every business with which it deals. The ACCC consider that all efficiency savings, such as transaction costs will constitute a public benefit.

Improvements in information Collective bargaining arrangements are often proposed as a way to address instances of information asymmetry.

Information asymmetry occurs when one party to an exchange has access to information that is not available to the other party and when that information would improve the commercial decisions of the uninformed party.

When a collective bargaining arrangement increases the ability of the collective bargaining group to supply new areas or increase competition in their existing market, the ACC is likely to accept that this constitutes a public benefit.

Detriments of collective bargaining In assessing collective bargaining notifications the ACCC will weigh the public benefits against the anti-competitive detriments likely to result in the relevant market. There are four main circumstances under which collective bargaining may have an anti-competitive effect.

1. Reduction in competition resulting from collusion The ACCC will consider how the relevant market will be affected by the proposed collective bargaining arrangement. In the absence of collective bargaining, competition between buyers and sellers leads to the most efficient outcome. When buyers or sellers collude on the terms or conditions of acquisition or supply, competition can be distorted and resources directed to less efficient uses.

2. Effect on competitors and competition outside the bargaining group The ACCC will consider how competitors outside the bargaining group are affected by the proposed collective bargaining arrangements and whether the arrangements will damage competition.

3. Reduced scope for new market entry The ACCC will consider how entry into the relevant market by new businesses is affected by the proposed collective bargaining arrangements.

4. Increased potential for collective activity beyond that notified The ACCC will consider if there is scope for parties to engage in collective activity beyond the collective arrangements described in the notification.

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Collective bargaining in action In Tasmania more vegetable farmers market their produce through direct sales to processors than in any other states. In 2011–12, an estimated 70% of Tasmanian growers sold their produce direct to a processor (compared to a national average of 26%). This both demonstrates the importance of the two processors in the state, but also the importance of the continuation of collective bargaining arrangements.

Collective bargaining between Tasmanian Farmer and Graziers Association (TFGA) and Simplot and McCain has been authorised since 2004 and the ACCC is poised to grant authorisation for a further 10 years. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a draft determination that, if approved, would allow members of the TFGA to continue to collectively bargain with Simplot and McCain, as well as any future vegetable processor in Tasmania.

ACCC deputy chain Dr Michael Schaper said that while Tasmania accounts for 30% of Australian production of processed vegetables, the majority of farms in Tasmania were small, with almost half producing less than $50,000 of produce per year.

“Collective bargaining is likely to deliver transaction cost savings for growers and processors and improve growers' input into contractual arrangements,” Dr Schaper said.

The role of TFGA in this arrangement is to: • Obtain and disseminate relevant information to assist with price and contract deliberations; • Provide administrative and lobbying support on relevant issues; and • Mediate meetings between producers and processors.

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The key arguments in support of this collective bargaining arrangement are as follows.

Information flow and communication directly to growers Collective bargaining allows a significant opportunity for growers to become much better informed of the marketplace and provide significant improvement in information flow to growers as they assess contractual arrangements. The ACCC accepts that when negotiating with large suppliers, small businesses can be at a disadvantage, in terms of resources and experience of negotiating in complex commercial environments.

Collective bargaining may allow for more effective negotiation, where the negotiating parties have a greater opportunity to identify and achieve business efficiencies that better reflect the circumstances of producers, in relation to common issues.

The TFGA has a good database of vegetable grower Tasmania members who grow accounts for for processing and % can communicate directly with the of Australian group to ensure processed vegetables that all necessary information is disseminated and that relevant guidelines and timelines are understood and respected. Collective bargaining is also likely to enable members to become better informed of relevant market conditions, which is likely to improve their input into contractual negotiations with processors to achieve more efficient outcomes.

30

Increased bargaining power By negotiating as a group the TFGA is able to diminish the disadvantage that individual growers are placed at due to their limited bargaining power and limited resources to utilise the information available to them as they lack the resources to do so. TFGA practices open consultation with bargaining groups to ensure that a considered opinion is adopted when producers meet with processors.

Transaction cost savings Collective bargaining is likely to result in benefits from transaction cost savings, including the sharing of legal and expert advisor costs for growers. The processors remove the need to negotiate with a number of individual growers allowing a single negotiation point. While for growers negotiations are made easier and more efficient through the potential use of the TFGA collective bargaining group. This saves both time and money through reduced administration. There are fewer meetings required between parties while financial and legal savings are made through consolidation and reduced paperwork and lower transport costs and time take to attend meetings.

By reducing the costs of negotiation for all parties, it is likely that more contractual issues will be able to be addressed, because each party can obtain benefit from negotiating these issues at less cost to themselves, resulting in more comprehensive and efficient contracts of greater benefit to all parties.

Contract certainty It is unlikely that any collective bargaining initiative will be homogenous in composition and the application of a ‘one size fits all’ collectively negotiated contract could lead to inefficient outcomes, such as rewarding inefficient growers.

However, collective bargaining will not necessarily result in a single outcome applied uniformly to all participants. It may, for example, result in a schedule of terms and conditions which rewards more efficient growers. Alternatively, because participation in the collective is voluntary, more efficient growers have the option of negotiating separately and seeking to agree terms and conditions that better reflect their circumstances.

Learning more Collective bargaining is a tool available for small businesses, including in the primary sector, through the authorisation process and the ACCC has previously authorised a large number of these arrangements.

MORE INFORMATION For more information interested parties should contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or review their website www.accc.gov.au.

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YOUR BUSINESS

Are you ready

when Fair Work comes knocking?

BY ROBERT PRICE DIRECTOR, FAIR WORK OMBUDSMAN REGION SERVICES TEAM

When the Fair Work Ombudsman appears on your property and wants to conduct an audit of your wages, piecework agreements or working conditions… will you be ready?

We know there is confusion among growers and labour-hire contractors about what they need to do to comply with workplace laws — and we want to understand why, and what we can do to help.

Fair Work is currently very active in the horticulture industry and is generating quite a lot of publicity when they visit a region.

So protect your business from criticism, or even a fine, make sure you know what your obligations are.

Overseas workers make up a large part of the workforce in many regions — and we know they can be vulnerable if they’re not fully aware of their rights under Australian laws, so we place a high priority on ensuring they’re treated fairly.

Last year, the Fair Work Ombudsman began a three-year review of the fruit and vegetable growing industry and its compliance with federal workplace laws.

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COMPLAINTS to our office suggest some seasonal workers are being underpaid and treated unfairly.

Complaints to our office suggest some seasonal workers are being underpaid and treated unfairly.

YOUR BUSINESS

Our review isn’t just about auditing growers. It’s also an opportunity to educate people about their obligations and better understand whether there are any barriers that are making compliance difficult.

We’ll be visiting and revisiting growing regions over the course of the review and working with industry associations to build ongoing relationships.

Through these interactions, we hope to determine what factors influence compliance with federal workplace laws and determine if there are any patterns.

We want to know why a particular crop has high or low levels of compliance, why growers in a particular sub-sector have different levels of compliance compared to their competitors, and how the supply chain influences the farm-gate price.

Our review started with visits to strawberry farms at Caboolture in Queensland last year where we found issues such as employers failing to make written agreements for workers paid piece rates and making unlawful deductions from employee wages.

We identified that more than 150 pickers and packers, many of whom were overseas workers on 417 working holiday visas, had been underpaid over $134,000.

We’re also finding that labour-hire arrangements are very common — and we have no objection if these arrangements are lawful. In horticulture, we recognise that the outsourcing of labour to a third party is increasingly a regular occurrence to ensure a grower has enough labour on their farm to pick their crop as quickly as possible.

But we do have a problem with labourhire contractors who aren’t meeting their obligations under workplace laws. We also have a problem with any growers that turn a ‘blind eye’ to such conduct. It’s a mistake for any grower to believe “it’s not my problem, they’re not my employees”.

Workplace relations legislation provides a mechanism called accessorial liability through which someone other than the employer who is involved in a breach of workplace laws may be held accountable for contraventions and subject to penalties.

We need growers to understand that what occurs on their property is their issue, and that they need to be completely aware of who is on their farm and what they are doing.

Growers using lowest price labour-hire contractors should consider whether the low cost is attributable to business efficiencies rather than the contractor underpaying the minimum lawful entitlements of pickers and packers.

Each time we found a contravention, our focus was to educate the employer about their obligations and make sure they had all the information they needed to comply.

We have since visited fruit and vegetable regions in other parts of the country, including cherry farms in NSW, apple and pear growers in Western Australia, growers in Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands and Victoria, including the Yarra Valley. So far, we are finding some confusion among employers about how piece rates work.

GROWERS what occurs on your property is your issue!

It is not fair or lawful that a grower down the road is making a bigger profit because they are using disreputable contractors offering to pick and pack their produce at half of the lawful labour cost, when you are doing the right thing. We want to create a level playing field for all growers.

Where a grower sees a problem, we want them to report this to us. We want to stamp out the unlawful practices of any rogue operators who are underpaying their employees.

MORE INFORMATION Employers and employees can tell us what’s happening in their region, or seek information and advice, by contacting the Fair Work Ombudsman through the website www.fairwork.gov.au, or by calling the Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is also available on 13 14 50.

In Western Australia, federal workplace laws do not apply to sole trader and partnership employers. These entities seeking advice can contact Wageline on 1300 655 266 or visit www.commerce.wa.gov.au

PIECE rates arrangements between the grower and worker must be consistent with the Award to be considered genuine.

The Horticulture Award 2010 sets up a framework for piece rates, which are an alternative to paying an hourly rate. Piece rates enable employers to pay workers per bucket, per kilogram, per tray, or in whatever unit their produce is measured in — but these arrangements must be consistent with the Award to be genuine.

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This sunburnt country a challenge for horticultural businesses

BY DI GRAHAM MEDIA ADVISER, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Whether you’re just starting out in business, or you’ve had a business of your own for years, the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is an organisation you need to know about.

SMALL Business Commissioner, David Eaton with Charles Reynolds, owner of Florescence in Albany.

2015 started with fires burning through more than 6,000 acres of bush and farmland in Bullsbrook, Chittering and Muchea to the north of Perth. Later in January, Waroona in the south west was affected by bushfires, and February saw a massive fire burning through the south west regions of Northcliffe and Manjimup.

With fires in the south of the State, and cyclones and torrential rain in the north, there are many challenges for businesses reliant on natural resources. But, business disasters come in many forms.

The closure of a major supplier, or a contagious illness that sweeps through a factory, can be as devastating to business continuity as a raging fire.

The SBDC is urging small business owners to prepare business continuity plans to minimise disruption in the event of a natural disaster or other business catastrophe.

Small Business Commissioner, David Eaton, says the quicker a business can recover from unforeseen emergencies, the less impact there will be on income and service delivery.

“Having an emergency response plan is fundamental, however our research shows that many businesses don’t see this type of planning as important.

“In our 2012 State of Small Business Survey, only 23 per cent of respondents had undertaken business continuity planning for natural disasters, and it would appear that things haven’t changed,” Mr Eaton said.

“Across the nation, businesses have been affected by fires, floods, earthquakes and cyclones, so we are no stranger to these kinds of challenges.”

A business continuity plan can be as simple as a list of emergency numbers and important documents stored in a safe place away from the business, or can be more comprehensive ensuring full backup of all documentation stored off-site, communications plans and alternative production and supply options.

IDENTIFY ways to access cash reserves.

How might a downturn in business affect your cashflow — short term or long term.

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In past years, the SBDC has been called on to assist flood-affected businesses in Esperance, fire-ravaged businesses in Margaret River and businesses devastated by floods in Carnarvon.

The SBDC has also assisted businesses affected by the sudden closure of nickel operations in Ravensthorpe and, in 2008 a gas supply crisis caused by the rupture of a pipeline and explosion on Varanus Island in the State’s north west.

These disasters caused massive disruptions to many small businesses in the metropolitan area and in the regions.

As a result of these experiences, the SBDC has created a Business Continuity Planning Checklist as a guide to developing plans that are specific to small and medium sized businesses and suitable for any type of interruption to business (see Table 1).

“Being prepared for all contingencies is the basis of good business planning,” Mr Eaton said.

“And having a checklist to remind you of what needs to be considered in developing such a plan, should encourage every business owner to act early and be prepared.”

Photo: Georgina Wilson

DAMAGE to crops during the 2011 floods in Carnarvon.

TABLE 1 Business continuity planning checklist

✔

Identify risks

Identify and analyse the possible risks to your business, e.g. a natural disaster, the closure of a major supplier or the illness or death of key staff member.

✔

Check your insurance

Check that the major risks you’ve identified are covered by your insurance policy. Keep a copy of your current policy in an off-site location.

✔

Critical activities

Identify critical business activities and how they will be maintained in short and long term situations.

✔

Location

Identify another workplace location that could be used while the damage to business premises is repaired.

✔

Cashflow and cash reserves

Identify ways to access cash reserves (keeping in mind that facilities may be limited in a crisis). How might a downturn in business affect your cashflow — short term or long term.

✔

Distribution and transport

Identify alternative transport/distribution routes and make arrangements with suppliers and couriers/freight handlers.

✔

IT

Consider how to strengthen your IT infrastructure to minimise loss of data and maintain contact with customers.

✔

Marketing

Develop strategies for maintaining contact with customers or winning them back afterwards.

✔

Succession planning

Have processes and procedures documented to ensure others can easily cover for injured or ill employees. Identify who will take over in the event of a loss of managerial personnel.

✔

Accessibility

Make copies of the business continuity plan, keep it updated and locate copies on-site and off-site. Inform staff of the location of the plans, and ensure they are familiar with the details.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on how to prepare your business for unexpected interruptions, contact the SBDC on 13 12 49 or visit our website at: www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/businesscontinuity

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Business

to do list

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

As we approach a few key dates for 2015 there are some important pieces of the puzzle you need to remember.

Finance and marketing Business fundamentals 1) Understanding your businesses financials is a ‘must have’ for any business owner, there are many courses available however we would recommend a three hour course to go over the basics check out the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) www.smallbusiness.wa.gov. au/cart/online-shop/workshops/ financials-workshop.html 2) Not everyone can afford a marketing manager or a person dedicated to organising their marketing however it is an important aspect of any business. If you are a small business and the one person who does everything or you have a small team, the SBDC marketing course is where we suggest you go as your first point of reference www.smallbusiness. wa.gov.au/marketing 3) Collective experience — for businesses without extensive support teams, it can be overwhelming to develop strategy, planning, project management, customer satisfaction surveys and other frameworks for business and staff. Don’t waste hours trying to great the perfect solution.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel. There is a large amount of tools, templates and tips online www.mindtools.com

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Business assistance 1) Being unable to manage your debts can be caused by various reasons.

For instance, sudden unemployment, ill health and breakdowns in family relationships are often the causes that trigger financial hardship. It is important to recognise financial difficulty early so that you can address the situation before it becomes unmanageable.

If you believe you cannot pay your debts we would recommend you speak to an accountant or lawyer or industry body such as vegetablesWA, SBDC, Rural Financial Councillors (RFCS WA) (www.rfcswa.com.au) sooner rather than later so they can assist. There is always something which can be done to assist, however early intervention is the key.

2) RFCS WA can assist with a range of services

a. The RFCS WA offers a free, confidential and mobile service which can assist you and your family with the following:

b. Identify financial and business options

c. Negotiate with your financiers

d. Know about government and other assistance schemes

e. Access accountants, farm management consultants and educational services

f. Identify and approach professionals for succession planning, family mediation, personal counselling and government agencies

Check out their website for more information www.rfcswa.com.au/ rural-financial-counsellors

ATO changes Company tax rate Small business have escaped relatively unscathed from the federal budget but as we enter into the second half of the financial year you need to start thinking about 1 July 2015. There will be a change in the company tax rate down to 28.5% which may add some funds into your budget.

Fuel tax credits Fuel tax credit rates have increased for fuel acquired from 10 November 2014.

Rate will be indexed on 1 February and 1 August each year in line with the consumer price index The new rates can be found on the ATO site here: www.ato.gov.au/rates/fuel-taxcredit-rates-and-eligible-fuels Superannuation The superannuation guarantee will now remain at the current 9.5% until the 2020–21 financial year and then it will increase at a rate of 0.5% per year from 1 July 2021 until reaching 12% on 1 July 2025.

YOUR BUSINESS

Tax rate information for wages Short-term or seasonal workers The tax office permits a flat 13% rate of tax to be withheld from the earnings of resident short-term or season employees who complete a TFN declaration claiming the tax-free threshold and who work in any process associated with the production, cultivation or harvest of a horticultural crop. A flat rate of 32.5% is to be withheld from the earnings of a non-resident short-term or season employees (except those employed under the seasonal labour mobility program pilot scheme which is 15%).

Labour hire arrangement Workers employed under a labour hire arrangement must complete a TFN declaration. They are paid under the same tax rate system that applies to normal employees; however there is no provision for annual, sick and long service leave.

The new FBT rates, from 1 April 2015 will be as follows: • Type 1 gross up rate — 2.1463 (currently 2.0802) • Type 2 gross up rate — 1.9608 (currently 1.8868)

Payroll tax Payroll tax – WA Threshold for the wages of employees is $66,666 per month or $800,000 per year, once this is exceeded you are required to pay payroll tax of 5.50% please note from 1 July 2017 the annual rate will increase to $850,000 per annum.

MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact the Office of State Revenue on (08) 9262 1400 or www.finance.wa.gov.au/cms/content. aspx?id=177

Organisations who can assist you with your queries • Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au • ASIC www.asic.gov.au • Legal Aid WA www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/Pages/ Default.aspx • Office of State Revenue www.finance.wa.gov.au/cms/State_ Revenue.aspx • Rural Financial Counselling Service WA www.rfcswa.com.au • Small Business Development Corporation www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

GST implications of labour hire arrangement There is no GST on payments made to workers by the labour hire firm. GST is not payable on the invoice by the worker to the labour hire firm. Nor can the worker claim input tax credits for any GST paid for goods or services bought and used in performing the work or services provided to the client of the labour hire firm

MARKETING it is an important aspect of any business, the Small Business Development Corporation offer a marketing course for small businesses.

Fringe benefits tax Fringe benefits tax gross up rate increase from 1 April 2015 From 1 April 2015 the Fringe benefits tax (FBT) rate will rise from 47% to 49%. The rate will be in place for two years as part of the Temporary Budget Repair Levy. These changes will also result in a change of the gross up rates for Type 1 and Type 2 benefits.

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Farmer cooperatives:

what you need to know

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Cooperatives are an option to recommend when farmers have issues such as poor market access, weak bargaining power or obtaining competitive pricing for products or services.

These are reasons why cooperatives were, or are being, formed: • To strengthen bargaining power;

• Inability of members to cooperate or offer sufficient support

• Maintain access to competitive markets;

• Large users who seek more control

• Capitalise on new market opportunities;

• Lack of communication and cooperative education

• Obtain needed products and services on a competitive basis;

It is an economic model which can work well when the plan is well thought out.

• Improve income opportunities;

Unfortunately, the farmer cooperatives in Australia, not excluding vegetable grower cooperatives, has been shrinking in the past 20 years.

• Manage risk.

There has been significant literature in the past 20 years to point out the variable positives and challenges of the system.

Challenges

This is a summary of some points that may be of reference to those who are interested or beginning to facilitate the development of a cooperative.

Why are cooperatives being established?

It has been widely accepted that cooperatives empower people to improve their quality of life and enhance their economic opportunities through self-help. Essentially farmer cooperatives are formed with the objective to generate greater profits to members by obtaining inputs and services at lower costs and by marketing their products at better prices or in markets that were previously not accessible.

• Reduce costs; and Over the years, a number of challenges have been identified precluding cooperatives from actualising these esteemed positives.

When cooperatives fail it is often due to the lack of commitment and unity of members, or the economic environment in which they operate.

Reflecting on the experiences in Australia1 it has been revealed that around half of newly formed cooperatives do not survive the first five years and the failure can be the result of: • Inability to balance benefits to members with retaining/raising sufficient capital to invest in the business • Low returns, poor market, or poor product or service • Idealistic, impractical, poorly stated or conflicting objectives

• Failure to use and control competent consultants or management • Hijacking by management or some of the membership • Directors not comprehending the needs and motivation of members • Ignorance of legislation and legal obligations.

There are some well functioning cooperatives in the horticulture industry and if you are interested in setting one up or becoming part of a cooperative please speak with Department of Agriculture and Food, WA (DAFWA) or see their website www.agric. wa.gov.au/fruit/co-operatives-principlesworking-together.

MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact Dominic Jenkin or Truyen Vo at vegetablesWA on (08) 9481 0834.

REFERENCES 1

o-operatives in Australia A Manual. www.rdamnc.

C org.au/wp-content/uploads/Coop_Manual_FINAL. pdf. Retrieved 20/02/2015.

• Inadequate planning or research

Department of Agriculture and Food

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ADVERTORIAL

Crop Care

BY DARREN KIDSON WA TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE, CROP CARE

Western Australian vegetable growers are reminded to include slug and snail control in their preparations for planting this year’s winter crops.

Crop Care WA technical representative Darren Kidson said slugs and snails love mild and damp autumn conditions.

“They can be a major problem at planting — with ground crops such as brassicas being particularly vulnerable.

“Sources of infestation are within soil cracks, from grassy/weedy headlands, irrigation ditches and mulch. Slugs are on the increase in WA with the rise of minimum tillage and mulching — taking advantage of the high organic matter levels, moisture and cover provided by stubble, mulch and ground cover during summer.

“They emerge when conditions are ideal in autumn to feed, mate and lay eggs — causing economic damage to a broad range of crops. So autumn is the time to strike and keep the population under control.

“Snails and snail damage are above ground so tend to be more obvious, but slugs feed both above and below the ground surface — damaging emerging seeds and freshly planted seedlings.

With slugs feeding at night, the level of damage is often underestimated or goes unidentified, presumed to be due to poor germination or other pests such as cutworm.”

Mr Kidson said lessons learned from widespread field crop damage by slugs last year included the importance of early forecasting, early monitoring, early placement of bait orders and early baiting to limit the population for the season.

He said the keys to controlling and limiting economic damage by slugs were to monitor for their presence; to bait as soon as they became active after autumn rains, when there is little alternative food available; to bait immediately after sowing to protect emerging seedlings and to kill slugs before egg-laying; to use small even-sized baits that can be applied in large numbers per hectare, providing more feeding opportunities; and to use baits that lasted longer and remained active and mould-free in damp conditions.

“Crop Care’s SlugOut granules have been designed with these important criteria in mind.

“SlugOut is a small granular slug and snail bait that trials have shown to provide at least four times more baits and feeding opportunities per hectare, plus the highest concentration of active ingredient in the edible portion.

“It also has excellent rainfastness — remaining intact after at least 60mm of rain — with superior mould resistance to other Australian-registered slug and snail baits. So the all-weather granules remain available, active and palatable to slugs and snails for a longer period of time.”

Mr Kidson said other tried and tested Crop Care products for WA growers dealing with

SLUGS are becoming an economic pest in autumn and winter horticulture field crops.

‘grubs and bugs’ this season included a range of effective insecticides from different chemical groups, enabling growers to rotate chemical groups and reduce the risk of resistance to insecticides.

• Matador Zeon (Group 3A) has proved its worth against a range of insect pests. In brassicas it is registered for diamondback moth, cabbage white butterfly and cabbage cluster caterpillar. Applied at the first sign of infestation it provides effective knockdown and short- term residual protection. Once absorbed, feeding is immediately disrupted. Rapid release of active ingredient, rapid rainfastness, enhanced adherence and UV protection prolong the usefulness of this insecticide which has a 2-day withholding period (WHP).

• Lannate (Group 1A), applied when pests appear, provides dual-action control via contact and ingestion (plus ovicidal activity) for both grubs and sucking insects on a range of crops. It is registered for use on brassicas against cabbage white butterfly, native budworm, cabbage centre grub, cluster caterpillar and loopers and has a 1-day WHP. He said further products and developments were under trial in the region’s commercial vegetable crops under the management of Crop Care’s WA R&D specialist Scott Paton, who has been working closely with vegetable growers and the industry in the south west for several years.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Darren Kidson, WA Technical Sales Representative, Crop Care Australasia on 0407 162 999 or darren.kidson@cropcare.com.au

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BUYERS are looking for products with specific characteristics which may be differentiated from other products.

Strategies for

competitive advantage

BY DOMINIC JENKIN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

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A competitive advantage essentially answers the question “why should the customer purchase from this business rather than the competition?”

For markets where products are less differentiated, answering this question can be difficult.

A key point to understand is that a business that has customers, has customers for a reason. Successfully growing a business is often dependent upon a strong competitive edge that gradually builds a core of loyal customers which can be expanded over time.

Traditional agricultural production was operated in a commoditised, price-driven market, where all parties produce essentially the same product. Such conditions imply that the ultimate ‘winners’ are the most cost-efficient producers, meaning that agricultural producers have historically relied on strategies that focussed on lower costs and higher volumes.

With the advent of product differentiation and niche and direct marketing, that reality has changed, and now there are niche markets in which both individual and wholesale buyers are looking for products with specific characteristics or special services.

These characteristics often use strategies that don’t focus on costs and volumes exclusively; rather the product or service may be of premium quality, be differentiated from other products and services available in the market (i.e. organic, natural, humane, etc.) or have a value-added component.

Successful businesses perform a combination of business activities well, including marketing, production, distribution, finance, customer service, and/or other activities important to the enterprise. However, a competitive advantage is often a single key element that gives an edge to a business beyond what the competition has or does.

10 Reasons businesses succeed 1. T he experience and skills of top managers. Over half of business failures are directly related to managerial incompetence 2. Energy, persistence and resourcefulness (the will to make the business succeed) of the top managers. Many business owners have failed or come close several times before their ‘instant’ success.

3. A product that is at least a cut above the competition and service that doesn’t get in the way of people buying. There must be a compelling reason to buy; the product is great, the people love to provide service, the buying experience is easy, etc.

4. The ability to create a ‘buzz’ around the product with aggressive and strategic marketing. Make scarce marketing resource count. Do as much homework about your customers and their choices as you can before investing your marketing dollars.

5. Deal-making skills to sell the product at the highest possible price, given your market. It comes down to your customer’s perception of the inherent value of your product and sometimes the power of your personality.

6. The ability to keep developing new products to retain and build a customer base. Consider gradual product development based on improvements to the current product line and sold to the current customer base.

7. Deal-making skills to work with resource suppliers to keep costs low.

Keeping costs lower than competitors’ and continuing to look for cost reductions even when the business is profitable is key.

8. The maturity to treat employees, suppliers and partners fairly and respectfully. Trust and respect result in productivity increases in ways that may be difficult to see and quantify.

9. Superior location and/or promotion creating a connection between your product and where it can be obtained. Studies have been shown it can take seeing your product or name seven times before a customer is ready to buy.

10. A steady source of business during both good economic times and downturns. Over the long term, develop a product mix that will include winners during good economic times and other winners when times are tough.

Mastery of a single key element often provides marketers with a distinct niche in the marketplace and may lead to the creation of a competitive advantage that serves to establish or preserve success. To be successful in this environment, a manager needs to identify those activities at which the management and the business excel, not just activities in which they perform equally well with the competition.

Potential strategies for differentiation

differentiation, the one that will bring the business the most success, will likely come from just one or two strategies.

Product features and benefits What makes the product unique and desired?

Consider product characteristics such as style, handling, taste, quality, production methods, certification, etc. Are the product characteristics significantly different from those of currently available products?

Can the business provide these features or benefits effectively?

The following strategies may be helpful in differentiating a product or service from those of the competition. It is important to keep in mind that a business’s most effective WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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Value-added products/services Does the business offer a further service or more developed product? These value-added aspects may often be free with the purchase of a product, such as free installation or delivery.

Extended growing/operating season

IF the business is conveying to customers that it provides a quality product, is that perception reinforced with guarantees, etc.?

Location/s The production location is often an important factor, particularly when considering product seasonality or transport logistics.

Where a business is sited provide increases accessibility, convenience, and visibility and reduce transport costs. Being tied to a specific location will directly influence other decisions, such as marketing, product distribution and product selection.

Strategic partnerships can sometimes be developed whereby two business can share the advantages a particular site may provide.

Staff Consider the factors which ensure that front and managerial staff produce a good product and provide a positive customer experience.

Does the business’s personnel follow these factors? Do they act professionally? Do they have expertise with the product, on which customers can rely?

Operating procedures What policies, processes, and standards could be employed to smooth operations, create value, and offer a positive customer experience?

Price What fundamental cost advantage does the business have which would justify permanently low prices? Most businesses operating in the same industry in a location will tend to have pretty much the same cost structure, meaning that when one competitor cuts the price, others usually follow, thus erasing whatever advantage the first competitor gained by reducing prices.

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Ways to achieve a fundamental cost advantage might be through lower overhead or shipping costs (perhaps through geographic closeness to markets), cheaper labour, and/or low-priced raw materials (perhaps through long-term purchase agreements).

Customer incentive programs Does the business employ programs to attract new and repeat customers through efforts such as promotions, volume discounts, etc.?

Guarantees If the business is conveying to customers that it provides a quality product, is that perception reinforced with guarantees, etc.?

Brand name recognition A carefully conceived and executed marketing plan with a focus on the customer is a major contribution to business success. A good marketing strategy can be enough to differentiate one business from the rest, all other things being equal.

Brand name recognition is reliant upon a good marketing strategy and a consistent, reliable product and business.

Businesses who do not have the resources available to market themselves as their own brand may want to consider joining an alliance or cooperative to market their product under a recognisable brand name.

Goodwill Is the business recognised within the community as a contributor and a valuable member?

Is the business’s product available before or after the competitors’ products? For instance, is the product the first of the season? Can the business supply for the entire season or partner with others to achieve this goal?

Soils, buildings, location, and landscape Do physical facilities and resources of the business contribute to the quality of what is being produced and sold? Is this well communicated to consumers?

Water, access to irrigation, and wetlands Are there sufficient water resources available to produce a product which might not typically be produced in the region? Is it possible to differentiate the business to consumers by performing good stewardship of the business’s water resources?

Weather Is the weather conducive to producing and selling the product or service? For instance, common weather resources are wind, rain and sun. While in a small geographic area these same resources would be available competitors, a business that is trying to compete in a larger geographic area may face competition from producers located in an entirely different region, who are exposed to different weather resources.

Organisation and alliances Does the business have unique alliances or sources of supply? Some businesses are able to pool resources to provide a unique offering or offer collective bargaining to members, such as through a cooperative.

Customer experience Providing customers with additional information about the farm is a way for clients to connect to the physical operation.

This connection can be strengthened through identifying with the grower or visiting the production area, as well as through educational resources such as recipes and information about the history of and people associated with the farm.

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Quality

Define customers

Key questions to address include:

With all of the above potential sources of competitive advantage, quality is an underlying factor. Successful businesses offer consistent quality, so an important consideration for any business is how quality is going to be perceived and measured. In some cases quality may be related to valueadded strategies, such as obtaining third party certification. In other cases, quality may be related to the fact that the product being offered is of a higher physical quality than the competitor’s product, or providing excellent customer service.

Determining the products and services customers want and cannot get from the competition is a first step towards defining the business’ potential customers. Once the needs and wants of the potential customers have been established, the characteristics of those customers can be examined in an effort to identify commonalities.

For instance, the development of salad mixes came from the realisation that for convenience, some consumers needed a prewashed and mixed salad alternative, rather than bunches of greens that needed to be rinsed and spin-dried.

• Are the business and the target market clearly defined?

Comparative advantage evaluation process Whether just starting your business, or as an important step in the continual business improvement, it may be worthwhile to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the business’ goals and how it might fit into the market.

Evaluate resources The basis for competitive advantage often lies in the resources and abilities that are already available, even though the resources may not initially be recognised.

Begin by taking a critical look at existing resources and product/ service offerings. What does the business have that could be used as an advantage?

Reading though the potential options for competitive advantage above, which of these resources are already available and which does the business need to obtain in order to focus one or more of the strategies.

Clarify goals Has a clear idea of what the business seeks to accomplish been established? Businesses with specific and achievable goals tend to have better and more consistent growth.

Challenging, but realistic goals should be written out to help clarify what the business will do for itself and its customers in the future.

These goals will become benchmarks for success and will help maintain focus among all involved parties.

When developing a hypothesis about what potential customers will buy, speaking to potential customers will provide an understanding of their needs. This may help the business to learn about what features customers need and what they will pay for, and provides an opportunity to ask them for additional suggestions.

Examine competitors With an understanding of what customers want an idea of how this can be provided, it is important to take a look at other businesses that might be targeting the same market.

First direct competition and then other competition that may be having an impact on your market. Once the competition has been identified, compare the strengths and weaknesses of the competition to the strengths and weaknesses of the business.

This will provide more insight as to where the business’s competitive advantage lies.

Making sense of it all In the end, building a competitive advantage will involve understanding the needs of the market, and devising a strategy to make use of the resources that are available (or can be obtained) to set the business apart from the competition. The strategy will need to take into account the target market, the business’ strengths and weaknesses, the business’ goals, the product/service the business has developed, and the strategies of the competition.

• Who is/are the business’ competitors?

• What is the business’ specific strategy for success?

• Are the competition’s moves being tracked regularly?

• Is the business taking advantage of the competition’s weaknesses and/or any competitive opportunities?

• What has been learned from the competition’s mistakes/strengths?

• How do the business’ prices and products compare with the rest of the industry?

• Who are the customers?

• Are the employees trained in customer service?

• What trends are ahead, and can the business take advantage of them?

Keeping the edge sharp Competitive advantages don’t tend to stay competitive advantages without significant effort. Over time the edge may erode as competitors try to duplicate a successful advantage for themselves and as the market changes. Half the battle is establishing the competitive edge, while the other half is maintaining it. Continual analysis of the business’s product offering and management will help the business to stay current with the situation.

MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or email dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au REFERENCES 1

ole Ehmke, Strategies for Competitive Advantage, C University of Wyoming.

2

ichael Boehlje, Allan Gray, Craig Dobbins, 2004, M Strategy Development for the Farm Business, Purdue University.

SUCCESSFUL businesses perform a combination of business activities well, including marketing, production, distribution, finance, customer service, and/or other activities important to the enterprise.

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Cashflow and

BAS lodgement Ever wondered what cashflow and BAS lodgement have in common? Well whilst some of you may be lodging your BAS quarterly there are quite a few companies who don’t.

As a general rule as vegetables are GST free if you lodge your BAS on a quarterly basis you will be due a refund from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for any GST you have paid out! Depending on your purchases for the quarter this could be quite significant and help with the cashflow of your business and allow you to make important purchases.

If you are too busy growing your business and simply hand in a box of receipts to your accountant at the end of the financial year you could be missing out on thousands every quarter.

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You should reconsider and look at hiring a bookkeeper to keep your accounts up to date on a quarterly basis and lodge your BAS return on a regular basis to improve your cashflow.

A bookkeeper can set you back $50–75/hour however if they are processing your accounts on a regular basis this may only be a few hours a quarter for your BAS to be lodged and money refunded to you.

In addition to the cashflow benefit you will also have an understanding of how your business is progressing on a regular basis so you can invest or make decisions based on facts.

If your Accountant is lodging your BAS for you and not providing you tax or company advice we would suggest again looking at a bookkeeper who is a registered BAS/Tax Agent and can complete the same tasks for significantly less money.

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

It is important when you are looking at hiring a bookkeeper that you ensure the following: • They are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board, this is a simple search on their website www.tpb.gov.au/TPB/Finding_ and_using_a_practitioner/ Search_the_register/tpb/agent_ register.aspx • Check what accounting packages they use and if there are any fees associated with it • Services they undertake i.e. BAS, Accounting, Payroll, FBT, Fuel Tax Credits.

MORE INFORMATION If you would like further information please contact John Shannon or Rebecca Blackman on (08) 9481 0834 or email office@vegetableswa.com.au

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Building on our export success

Department of Agriculture and Food

BY GAVIN FOORD EXPORT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, HORTICULTUREWA

We are now well into 2015, the year of the goat and have had time to reflect on 2014 and plan some of our 2015 programs.

Looking back I can see the evidence of our project efforts and as we move into the next phase of our export development journey, I see many of the same boxes to tick to ensure our success.

Reflection on the project so far In the Spring 2013 edition of the WA Grower, we talked about Connecting the dots for export success. The early tasks outlined in that article were to: • Look at what is going well and how we can build on that • Look at what has not gone so well and learn from that • Look at what has changed and respond to that • Understand the emerging opportunities • Establish our point of difference.

So some of the other dots were: • Engaging with stakeholders and getting the right people involved • Understanding market access and logistical challenges • Investigating branding and niche opportunities • Keeping focussed and committing to the process.

I also drew attention to two of the existing documents that identify issues and strategies specific to vegetable exports. The first was a discussion paper from the Ausveg website titled Australian vegetable export opportunities.

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SHENZHEN, CHINA AEON supermarket interior with Chinese New Year decorations.

The second was a HAL report; VG12042 — Domestic and Export Market Access and Trade Viability Issues — Strategy to address. Both are still recommended reading for anyone contemplating their future in an export environment.

In the Summer 2013 edition of the WA Grower we touched on Utilising export information links. This article directed us to two areas of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website: 1. Exporting plants and plant products: A step-by-step guide for Australian Exporters 2. Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR).

For anyone who wants a better understanding of export processes and requirements, these are essential reading.

The step-by-step guide can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF and printed.

There is also a comprehensive users guide to help you get the most out of the MICoR system. This too can be viewed online or downloaded as a PDF and printed for easy access.

More information was highlighted at the Australian Government Austrade website www.austrade.gov.au/Export

The Australian Trade Commission — Austrade — is the Australian Government’s trade, investment and education promotion agency.

Through a global network of offices, Austrade assists Australian companies to grow their international business, attracts productive foreign direct investment into Australia and promotes Australia’s education sector internationally.

The role of Austrade is to advance Australia’s international trade, investment and education interests by providing information, advice and services.

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I joined the (China Citrus Australia Trade) Mission thinking the outcome would be that China would be crossed off my list of target markets for WA produce. In fact the reverse happened. While not for all of us, I believe China does present opportunities for some of our produce, because they will take relatively small volumes and (in some cases) they are certainly prepared to pay a premium for it. If we identify the right opportunities, approach China in an orderly fashion, maintain our standards and commit to agreed terms, I’ll use one of my favourite quotes from David Thomas “…In China, anything is possible, nothing is easy…”

In December 2013 Sheng Siong ran their first ‘Australian Food Fair’ showcasing produce from Australia and through DAFWA, Western Australian producers were invited to participate.

In the Autumn 2014 edition of the WA Grower I reported on the China Citrus Australia Trade Mission, China Australia Workshop on Horticultural Cooperation and the Sheng Siong Australian Food Fair, Singapore.

A range of high quality prepacks at Ole Supermarket in Shanghai.

While some product for the ‘Fair’ was sourced from WA, for a range of reasons, many of our producers were unable to participate. An increased presence in the Singapore markets is a concept that has sparked a lot of interest among WA producers. Mr Joseph Ling, from AGRIFresh, was in Singapore on family business at that time, so visiting Sheng Siong during the Australia Food Fair gave us the opportunity to better understand how the event was rolled out and how WA producers may be able to participate in similar events in the future.

The Winter 2014 edition of the WA Grower was the story of Opening doors to business with China and National projects to benefit local growers.

The China focus was about the Western Australia China Agribusiness Cooperation Conference hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA. The conference attracted 156 Chinese delegates representing 102 companies and organisations. I had the privilege of addressing the group about fresh produce and wine production in WA.

AUSTRALIA Fair at Sheng Siong December 2013.

The article highlighting national projects referred to a suite of projects managed by a range of organisations to benefit growers.

These included: • An Export Readiness Project, managed by the AUSVEG export development team.

At the time, key outputs for this project included an export readiness checklist.

• A Market Analysis Strategy — Broccoli to Japan, led by Trade and Investment Queensland.

• Malaysia and United Arab Emirates (UAE), Market Analysis Strategy, carrots and Sweetcorn. This project was delivered by Michael Clarke, John Baker and Mike Titley from AgEconPlus, Produce Marketing Australia and MHT Consulting respectively.

The Spring 2014 edition of the WA Grower magazine included an update on Market analysis and strategy; broccoli to Japan and Convention export highlights.

Convention export highlights were specifically: • The 2014 AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission which saw 37 buyers from Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan visit Australia to learn more about our vegetable industry and meet with Australian vegetable growers interested in exporting their produce.

• Project Mandarin — Identifying Market Opportunities for Australian Vegetables in China. This project report was prepared and presented by Cognition Research.

This article included an executive summary. The report in its entirety is definitely recommended, easy and informative reading.

The Summer 2014 edition of the WA Grower included a focus on Asia Fruit — Hong Kong and Testing the water with ‘new’ products in Singapore.

Asia Fruit Hong Kong featured information on: • The Australia Fresh Networking Reception.

Horticulture WA supported this event which was a great opportunity for WA growers to network with buyers and retailers from across Asia under the Australia Fresh banner.

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• Asia Fruit Congress, the business/ conference day of Asia Fruit Logistica.

• Asia Fruit Logistica, the main event with more than 8,000 trade visitors from 64 countries.

• Retail visits in Hong Kong, including a small contingent from WA. • An overview from the Congress organisers.

Testing the water with new products in Singapore was part of a program focussed on expanding the range of WA products exported to Singapore. In early November, Joyce Babun and Dan Kuzmicich from Carnarvon and I visited Singapore with a mixed load of fresh produce samples.

Rather than focus on what we are exporting and why, we looked at what we are not exporting to Singapore and asked why not?

A number of people have spent a lot of time establishing business relationships in the Singapore, introducing new suppliers with the same products would likely be counterproductive. However, we believed that introducing products that are not commonly exported was more likely to build on our success.

Information sources There is still a wealth of information available for growers who are interested in exporting fresh produce. Much of the information is generic and is no doubt useful none the less. While many of the export links identified earlier remain, some have been moved slightly, due to rebranding and others have been upgraded significantly.

Adelaide Symposium In late January I had the privilege of travelling to Adelaide to attend the AUSVEG Malaysia and UAE Export Symposium with five WA growers. The symposium itself was very good. It provided a clear summary of the recent projects focussed on vegetable exports into Malaysia and the UAE.

One of the highlights was the case study presented by Jim Trandos, sharing his experience and involvement in the UAE project and his recent success exporting sweet corn to the UAE.

For information from Austrade, including a wealth of information about getting started, markets and assistance that is available, go to: www.austrade.gov.au/Export

AUSVEG has also been very busy in the export development space, including the further development of resources available on their website

BY AUSVEG EXPORT DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Developing export markets is critical to the future success and long-term viability of the Australian vegetable industry.

AUSVEG, the national horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers, is increasing its focus on developing export opportunities for the Australian vegetable industry. AUSVEG has a dedicated export development function tasked with delivering initiatives that will lead to increased vegetable exports in the coming years.

The AUSVEG export development team is undertaking a range of activities aimed at increasing the export capability of the Australian vegetable industry, providing tools and resources to help growers compete in export markets, and creating market opportunities for the industry.

AUSVEG export development activities focus on: • Export readiness • Market development • Market access

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• Communications and building awareness of vegetable export opportunities.

JIM Trandos, sharing his experience at the symposium.

AUSVEG has created a range of resources including:

Another highlight was the participation of the other Western Australians in the program.

Along with Jim Trandos; Aaron Natoli, David Ellement, Peter Ivankovich and Troy Cukrov also attended the Symposium. I believe that the benefits from their attendance were many. Not only did they enjoy an information rich program, they had the opportunity to meet the many speakers and network with like-minded growers and industry people from around the country. The group also committed to meeting up on their return to WA to discuss ways they could work together, share information and opportunities.

• Market access matrix that provides a clear summary of markets that can be accessed by Australian vegetable exporters • Market fact sheets that provide economic snapshots of various export markets; highlighting potential opportunities to increase vegetable exports • Various export readiness materials including an industry specific checklist to assist growers in determining their level of readiness.

Any Western Australian growers who are currently exporting, or would like to find out more about what is involved in the export process, are encouraged to visit www.ausveg.com.au/export to access a range of useful and informative export-related tools and resources.

Export related enquiries can also be directed to export@ausveg.com.au or by calling (03) 9882 0277.

This commitment was followed through with an informal meeting at Outram Street on the 19th of February.

Dominant themes of discussion included: • Working together to build export success • Looking at established export options • Investigating new opportunities • Focussing on markets with good access.

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FIGURE 1 The exchange rate over the past two years

12h 1.15

1D 1W

1.05

1M 1Y

0.95

2Y 0.85

JIM Trandos, Peter Ivankovich, Troy Cukrov and Aaron Natoli, working together to build export success.

The biggest change As part of the strong export focus within the industry, AUSVEG will be holding additional events, such as the Malaysia and United Arab Emirates Export Symposium, in the near future to give more growers the opportunity to learn more about opportunities that exist in international markets.

While we can make a long list of outputs; activities, resources, information sources, FTA’s… Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills and Aspirations (KASA). But at the end of the day the change that is likely to make the biggest single impact on export growth is the massive shift in the exchange rate.

5Y 10Y

0.75 2014 USD per 1 AUD

20 Feb 2013 00:00 UTC – 20 Feb 2015 03:32 UTC AUD/USD close:0.78055 low:0.76344 high:1.05475 Source: www.xe.com

In February 2013 the Aussie dollar was buying 105 US cents, two years later and it is less than 80 US cents and falling (see Figure 1).

This shift of about 25% has a big impact on our ability to compete on global markets.

The numbers on all the economic analysis need to be re-worked to reflect this new position.

Malaysia and United Arab Emirates Export Symposium draws an international crowd

BY AUSVEG

Australian levy paying vegetable growers recently attended an export symposium covering the Malaysian and UAE markets. Hosted in Adelaide from 28–29 January, the two-day symposium featured a range of international and Australian industry experts discussing the opportunities for vegetable growers in these markets.

Over 60 vegetable growers attended the symposium. This is a strong indicator of the interest in exporting among growers and emphasises export as an important part of the future of the Australian vegetable industry.

Growers who attended the symposium were able to network with key domestic and international stakeholders that enabled them to make valuable connections in these emerging markets.

2015

The symposium speakers expanded on research undertaken by Ag Econ Plus and Euromonitor focusing on a wide range of commodities. Speakers also included Government representatives and successful Australian growers and exporters.

Material from the symposium is available on the AUSVEG website, including video recorded presentations from speakers. This material is available for anyone wishing to recap any information provided at the symposium.

The 2015 Malaysia and UAE Export Symposium builds on the success of several previous export symposiums hosted by AUSVEG including the Exporting to China and Japan symposiums held in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

This all makes “now” a very good time to explore export opportunities for our produce.

We live in exciting times and if we are serious about exports there are a lot of resources we can draw upon.

Five of the key points highlighted earlier still ring true if we are to build on our export success: 1. Look at what is going well and how we can build on that.

2. Look at what has not gone so well and learn from that.

3. Look at what has changed and respond to that.

4. Understand the emerging opportunities.

5. Establish our point of difference.

While many of us are new to the idea of export, there is an established network of experienced exporters within our midst.

WA has a long history of export success with many products to many countries.

We also have well established logistics pathways. Export is not for everyone, but remains an important part of the longterm sustainability of our fresh produce industries.

MORE INFORMATION For further information contact vegetablesWA on (08) 9481 0834.

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YOUR MARKET

ADVERTORIAL

Helping your export business

grow

Efic is a specialist financier that delivers simple and creative solutions for Australian companies to enable them to win business, grow internationally and achieve export success.

And with its WA team heavily focused on helping local agribusiness companies, Leela Hanson, State Director for SME, looks at how Efic helped United World Enterprises, a leading exporter of Australian agricultural commodities.

United World Enterprises (UWE), a commodity trader specialising in facilitating agribusiness exports, moved into cottonseed exports in 2011 on the back of strong demand from China.

UWE acts as a selling agent between Australian suppliers and buyers in China, which is currently the world’s largest market for Australian cottonseed.

After identifying new buyers and suppliers, UWE needed additional working capital to offer more flexible payment terms.

How Efic helped We supplied UWE with a A$3 million revolving working capital guarantee through the company’s bank.

A working capital guarantee can be provided to your bank if you don’t have the security that the bank requires to approve further working capital finance.

COUNTRY: CHINA INDUSTRY: AGRICULTURE PRODUCT: WORKING CAPITAL GUARANTEE

An excellent result

EFIC SUPPORT: A$3 MILLION

Our working capital guarantee allowed UWE to chase larger contracts and ship greater amounts of cottonseed to more buyers, thereby helping with its future growth plans.

This deal underlines our support for growing Australian companies, in particular our commitment to local agribusiness companies.

Through our loans, guarantees, bonds and insurance products, we’ve helped many Australian exporters and subcontractors take advantage of new contract opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach.

We’re here to help

LEELA HANSON

TEGAN DAVIES

KARA SHOLDAS

At Efic, we are committed to unlocking finance for export success, so to find out more about how Efic could help your export business.

State Director for SME WA, SA & NT

Associate Director WA, SA & NT

Account Manager WA, SA & NT

p: (08) 9325 7872 m: 0408 974 215. e: lhanson@efic.gov.au

p: (08) 6365 4102 m: 0428 561 570 e: tdavies@efic.gov.au

p: (08) 6365 4101 m: 0428 562 437 e: ksholdas@efic.gov.au

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Pricing From a low 40c* Crate Hire

Excluding GST. Excluding crate deposit.

Perth depot pricing

Head Office United Crate Co operative Ltd. Perth Office: 1 Zanni Street Canning Vale WA 6155 Phone: (08) 9455 1540 Fax: (08) 9455 2376 Email: info@unitedcrates.com.au Web: www.unicrates.com.au

YOUR MARKET

Reforming our fresh food supply chains for a more secure food future How we produce, supply and consume food is becoming increasingly unsustainable and opportunities to reform our food supply chains need to be explored and implemented, to help achieve a more sustainable food future.

This article outlines some of the issues we have with our current food supply chains and rationalises a proven model that could be utilised to help reform our supply chains.

Underpinning this model for reform is the recognition that the key assets in our food supply chains are the land and water that we use to grow food and the people that produce that food.

Our food supply chain Our current linear food supply chains have business with varying levels of influence, operating in an environment where each business continually seeks to gain advantage over their upstream and downstream trading partners (refer Figure 2). This has created inefficiencies and inequities in the supply chain and a ‘disconnect’ between producers and consumers.

FIGURE 1 Value is now created largely post–farm gate 100 Share of total selling cost (%)

BY KEITH PEKIN PERTH REGION NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (NRM)

80

Integrated value chains can be either horizontally integrated, vertically integrated or somewhere in between the two business models.

Irrespective of the extent, success relies on effective collaboration between a collective of stakeholders to ensure that they operate more like a single entity.

60 40 20 0

Integrated food value chains

1900

1950

2000

Additional price to customers Average cost of production Source: Agricultural Competitiveness Green paper, 2014

It was explained that “the farmers’ share has declined from 80–90% of price in 1900 to 10% or less today” (Figure 1). To add to this inequity, farmers are exposed to more risk than other stakeholders in the supply chain from: • Extreme weather events;

This integration and connectivity as outlined in Figure 3 can provide benefits to all of the stakeholders.

The following key stakeholder groups and activity areas provide a brief summation of our food supply chain.

Land management and production • Farm inputs • Water and land (asset) management • Production and business management • Biosecurity, pest and disease management

• Changes in price and consumer demand; and • Changes in policy and trade.

FIGURE 2 The current linear supply chain

FIGURE 3 Integrated food value chain Land management and production

Land management and production

Value sharing The inequity in value sharing between stakeholders in the supply chain was highlighted in the Australian Government Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper 2014.

Food and people

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

INTEGRATED FOOD VALUE CHAIN

Processing and distribution

Food and people

Processing and distribution

YOUR MARKET

Processing and distribution • Storage and transport • Importing and exporting • Processing and regional development • Marketing and pathways to consumers Food and people • Agri-tourism • Indigenous foods • Food safety and traceability • Consumer education and behaviour change

Horizontal integration Collaboration can be effective for stakeholders operating at the same point in the value chain (horizontal integration). For primary producers, horizontal integration can help them to: • Minimise their costs by sharing resources; • Develop and implement regional or industry best management practices; • Manage or share risks (farmers are exposed to the majority of risks in the supply chain); and • Transition towards managing a vertically integrated network.

Vertical integration Though vertical integration usually takes place when large companies expand their operations into other points along the supply chain, it is also a very effective model for independent stakeholders to collaborate and strategically operate at different points along the value chain.

In particular, the ‘bottom up’ (producer driven) vertical integration model has proven to be a successful and sustainable business model for stakeholder collectives by enabling them to: • Gain market recognition and/or competitive advantage; • Generate value adding opportunities; • Provide customers with improved food safety assurances (provenance and traceability of product), as well as with improved surety and flexibility in supply; and • Retain a greater share of the savings that have been generated through improved cost management.

The following examples are of successful Australian collaborative networks that have taken a bottom up approach to retain greater value from what they produce:

FIGURE 4 Fruit and vegetable losses throughout our supply chain

Almondco Australia Ltd Processing, packaging, marketing and supply chain logistics group with over 140 grower members nationally.

Batlow Fruit Co-operative Core grower group with contract packing, storage, marketing and supply chain logistics.

Lenswood Cold Stores Co-operative Core grower group with contract packing, storage, marketing and supply chain logistics.

Montague Fresh Four family properties operating in four states, supporting over 300 growers with contract packing, storage, marketing and supply chain logistics.

Sandgroper Citrus Two family businesses collaborating with more than 30 growers, with central packing and supply chain logistics.

Sweeter Banana Co-operative 25 grower members with central packing, marketing and supply chain logistics.

Farmers who share knowledge and equipment with their neighbours, participate at industry field days, belong to industry organisations or are involved in other collaborative supply chain activities are already benefiting by participating in these activities.

These farmers can build on the gains made through this collaboration, by transitioning towards the shared vertical integration business model.

Managing food loss The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that around 30% of all food produced for human consumption is either lost or wasted. For fruit and vegetables, this figure is 50%.

Figure 4 highlights where fruit and vegetable losses occur throughout our supply chain and the extent of these losses. Losses in the production stage can also be attributed to rejects at post-harvest quality grading to meet retailer driven consumer expectations.

Consumer 42% Production 31% Distribution and retail 18% Postharvest handling and storage 6% Processing and packaging 3% Data calculated collectively for Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada.

Loses calculated on weight.

Total fruit and vegetable losses throughout the supply chain amount to 52% (we consume 48% of the fruit and vegetables produced).

Source: Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations, Global food losses and food waste

New technologies such as ‘track and trace’, combined with advancements in cold storage, information technology, and communications, provide the opportunity to minimise waste throughout the supply chain.

Developing and utilising shared platforms for these technologies will enable stakeholders in an integrated supply chain to take full advantage of these technologies and optimise their throughput and return on investment.

Our land and water assets need to be managed within the context of meeting our future food security challenges. By transitioning from a supply chain approach to an integrated value chain approach we can invest in improving the capacity of our farmers to manage these assets while providing greater connectivity and pull- through support from consumers.

The constraints for achieving reforms in our supply chains are more about perceptions and attitudes than about technical or legal issues.

The growing interest and need for collaborative production activities with supply chain ‘partners’ are driving these reforms.

MORE INFORMATION Perth Region NRM will host a stakeholder forum in May 2015 to investigate opportunities to reform our food supply chains. If you would like any additional information contact Keith Pekin at keith.pekin@perthregionnrm.com or phone 0466 744 957.

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YOUR MARKET

Exporting Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vegetables

to Middle East & Asia Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vegetable growers face a challenging business environment in the domestic market, with rising production costs and lower prices resulting in decreasing farm profitability.

The Middle East and Asia could act as key export markets for Australian vegetable growers as these countries are experiencing high population growth as well as increased wealth. The proximity of Australia to the Middle East and Asia also increases the viability of vegetable exports, which are currently low relative to domestic vegetable sales.

Australian growers have the opportunity to take advantage of overseas vegetable markets, which would curb issues of oversupply which lead to lower prices domestically.

The increased wealth and population growth in the Middle East and much of Asia has resulted in increased demand for a diverse range of high quality vegetables which Australia can supply.

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More information is being provided to growers by AUSVEG to assist them with exporting. Considering only 4% of Australian growers produce vegetables for export, and only 1% of this value is exported to China, there are many opportunities to tap in to overseas markets where Australian growers potentially have an advantage selling premium and safe vegetables.

Carrots are a relatively large export to the Middle East but are in competition with cheaper Chinese produce. Research and development on consumer trends in the Middle East needs to be further analysed and conveyed to growers. For example, juice consumption (e.g. carrot juice) increases dramatically during the time of Ramadan which Australian growers could take advantage with their premium carrots.

The biggest developments for vegetable exports have been the recent free trade agreements with Japan, South Korea and China, which should hopefully result in a sustained increase in momentum for exports due to lower tariffs and therefore a more level playing field with other competitors.

DURING the time of Ramadan, when juice consumption increases dramatically, Australian growers could take advantage with their premium carrots.

More information and better market access should be developed, especially to China where there is a lack of expertise and protocols for vegetables. Greater investment in these areas could be costly in the short term but over time produce an increase of vegetable exports, making the short-term investment worthwhile.

MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact Ausveg on export@ausveg.com.au or read the full discussion paper here http://ausveg.com.au/ resources/statistics/Paper%20V12%20Final.pdf

YOUR SELF

YOUR

SELF

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YOUR SELF

Look on the bright Most people know that vegetables and fruit are good for you and we should probably eat more. When it comes to eating more of the good stuff, it’s also the variety of colours that’s important for your health.

Eat Brighter LiveLighter is a new campaign to encourage West Australians to eat more fruit and vegetables, and to think of colour to get their two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables.

Eating more fruit and vegies may be the single most important dietary change needed to improve health, protect against a number of diseases and help maintain a healthy weight.

So, what’s the campaign about?

Known for its hard-hitting stance on toxic fat, LiveLighter has taken a vibrant approach for its latest health message which promotes the benefits of eating a colourful range of fruit and vegetables.

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Eat Brighter LiveLighter is an Australian first, with WA the only state to have a comprehensive lifestyle campaign.

LiveLighter Campaign Director Maria Szybiak said West Australians were ready for a fresh take on the familiar Go for 2&5 message.

“We’ve been told for years that we should eat our two fruit and five veg every day, which is still important. What helps keep the motivation up is to brighten up all our meals with a range of colourful fruit and veg,” Ms Szybiak said.

Why does colour count?

The majority of Australian adults eat only half the amount of fruit and vegies recommended for good health, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Including an assortment of colourful fruit and vegetables into your diet every day can help prevent coronary heart disease, some cancers, overweight and obesity and constipation. It can also reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels and improve control of type 2 diabetes.

YOUR SELF

side “Putting a variety of colourful fruit and vegetables at the top of your shopping list each week will encourage you to eat more fruit and vegies, and has clear health benefits,” LiveLighter nutritionist Jenny Atkins said.

With the exception of olives and avocados, all fruit and vegetables are low in fat, and this keeps their energy value (kilojoules) low. They contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (nutrients naturally present in plants), which are linked to protection against some chronic diseases.

They are also high in fibre compared to other foods. This means they can help you feel full without eating too many kilojoules.

“To be healthy, the idea of piling your plate full of greens is nothing new.

However, eating a range of different colours is essential to a healthy, balanced diet,” Ms Atkins said.

What do phytochemicals have to do with it then?

Phytochemicals give fruit and vegetables their distinctive colours, smells and health benefits. The different colours in fruits and vegetables are caused by different combinations of nutrients and phytochemicals.

Fruit and vegetables can be classified into five colour groups, according to the phytochemicals they contain.

1. G reens contain carotenoids, flavonoids, indoles (in Brassicas like cabbage and broccoli) and saponins. Leafy greens also contain folate, an important B-group vitamin.

2. Red fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, lycopene and flavanols.

Find out more

5

Eat Brighter LiveLighter will be visible in many of WA’s busiest supermarkets and shopping centres.

“People will hear a fantastic ad on the radio when planning their dinner, then see a range of Eat Brighter LiveLighter billboards at their local supermarket,” Ms Szybiak said.

COLOUR GROUPS

3. Orange and yellow fruit and veg have carotenoids (beta-carotein, lutein, zeaxanthin) which give this group their vibrant colour. Folate, potassium, bromium and vitamin C are also often found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables.

4. Blue and purple hues indicate the presence of anthocyanin, an antioxidant. Although there aren’t many purple vegetables, they are rich in flavonoids.

The LiveLighter website also has a section dedicated to the new message. Here you can discover nifty ways to get more colourful fruit and vegetables into your day, plus some simple and tasty recipes.

MORE INFORMATION Visit www.livelighter.com.au/eatbrighter

5. Whites and browns contain a range of health-promoting phytochemicals such as allicin (found in garlic), anthoxanthins.

Some members of the white group, such as bananas and potatoes, are also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, folate, niacin & riboflavin.

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YOUR SELF

Crunch&Sip®

celebrates 10 years!

Approximately 40 Western Australian primary schools will celebrate 10 years as a Crunch&Sip School in 2015. This equates to over 21 million pieces of fruit and vegetables eaten for Crunch&Sip at these schools alone!

Crunch&Sip encourages school children to eat fruit or vegetables in class and drink water throughout the day. The program began as a Healthway funded pilot project in the Great Southern in 2000 and as a result of its success became a state-wide program in 2005.

One school who has been participating in daily fruit, veg and water breaks continuously for 10 years is Cranbrook Primary School. With approximately 75 students and located 100km north of Albany, the school prides itself on its strong school-parentcommunity links.

Congratulations to all the schools who have been crunching and sipping for

10 years!

Principal Michael Smith reported that the benefits of Crunch&Sip were not just restricted to developing healthy eating habits in students.

“It also provides nourishment for health, growth, concentration and stamina.

Students enjoy the taste of different healthy foods and it emphasises the importance of good hydration,” he said.

Mr Smith highlighted the importance of having the whole school supporting the program and encourages all teachers, students and parents to get on board.

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CRANBROOK Primary School has been participating in daily fruit, veg and water breaks continuously for 10 years.

Students at Cranbrook Primary School have a clear idea as to some of the benefits too with one student reporting, “It keeps me healthy and fit.

Having a water bottle at your desk means you don’t get dehydrated and you also don’t need to go in and out of the class to get a drink”.

When asked about the inspiration for Crunch&Sip, Nutritionist Kate Hawkings and founder of the original pilot program, said “In the late 90s the research clearly showed that Australians weren’t eating enough fruit and vegetables. It seemed like a daunting task to change the eating habits of all Australians so I decided to focus on the group where I thought we could have the biggest impact — schoolaged children.

“In early 1999 I started to investigate cost-effective ways of encouraging children in the Great Southern Region to eat more fruit and vegetables. Parents I spoke to often complained that their child wouldn’t eat the fruit and vegetables that was packed in their lunchbox. They also told me that their children rarely drank enough water at school and often forgot unless reminded. It was from these early conversations that the simple idea of sipping water throughout the day and allocating time for a fruit or veg break in the classroom was born.”

From these beginnings, Crunch&Sip is now a daily feature in over 400 WA primary schools.

MORE INFORMATION For more information and to see a list of schools involved, visit www.crunchandsip.com.au

YOUR INDUSTRY

ELECTRICITY IS TURNED ON IN THE GASCOYNE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Kết nối dược điện cho Gascoyne

QUA TONY DELLA BOSCA, QUẢN LÝ DỰ ÁN, SÁNG KIẾN DỰA LƯƠNG THỰC GASCOYNE Khu vực Gascoyne cung cấp khoảng bốn mươi ngàn tấn sản phẩm rau quả cho thị trường Tây Úc hàng năm trị giá khoảng tám mươi triệu đô (không kể Wooramel).

Sáng kiến Dựa lương thực Gascoyne được thành lập năm 2012 nhằm gia tăng sản phẩm trồng trọt trong vùng với 400 mẩu đất mới mở tương ứng với sự phát triển hệ giếng cấp nước. Sáng kiến này được tài trợ từ nguồn quỷ gọi là State Government’s Royalties for Regions (Quỉ từ thuế của chính phủ tiểu bang cho phát triển vùng) và do Bộ Nông nghiệp chủ trì.

Tìm nguồn nước cung cấp cho 400 mẩu đất là mục tiêu chính của chương trình.

Công tác khoan cho đến nay đã tập trung vào lô 12 cây số ở Bác thượng nguồn song Gascoyne của Carnarvon.

Với một phần ba công tác khoan thăm dò đã hoàn tất thì kết quả sơ khởi cho thấy rằng lưu lượng và chất lượng nước phù hợp cho trồng trọt.

Vị trí khoan được chọn dựa trên kết quả khảo sát viển thám điện từ năm 2013.

Số liệu khảo sát sau đó được phân tích để xáv định vị trí tiềm năng củng như lưu lượng và chất lượng nước của thủy bồn. Kết quả cho thấy rằng trong số 54 lổ khoan thăm dò đã hoàn thành có khoảng phân nửa đáp ứng được xem xét như là các giếng bơm trong tương lai với đầy đủ độ dày tầng cát, có tiềm năng năng xuất cà chất lượng.

Trong số đó 8 vị trí đã được khoan khai thác hiện thời đang tiến hành đánh giá để khẳng định lưu lượng.

Giai đoạn khoan kế tiếp là đầu 2015 tập trong khám phá các lổ khoan hướng về phía Rocky Pool đồng thời hoàn chỉnh các giếng sản xuất trong các khu vực phía tây và khu vực trung tâm.

Một khi chương trình thăm dò hoàn tất vào tháng tư thì Bộ và nhà thầu chính Global Groundwater sẽ rà soát và ưu tiên các vị trí có tiềm năng để làm giếng sản xúât.

Danh sách giếng sản xuất chính thứcđược khoan sẽ xem xét mức độ hiện có của cở sở hạ tầng như hệ thống ống và điện, tính đến lượng bù đắp bền vững và nhu cầu nước. Điện đã được đấu nối vào khu giếng Bắc Carnarvon vào 17/12/2014. ụư thay thế nguồn năng lượng dầu bằng bơm điện là cam kết của chương trình trị giá 25 triệu đô.

Công ty Horizon Power đã được Bộ Nông Nghiệp gắn vào trong tháng 10/2014 để xây dựng 12.5km đường dây 22 ngàn vôn để cấp năng lượng khu giếng hiệu hửu phía Bắc. Sáu công nhân dường dây người địa phương đã xây dựng toàn bộ đường dây chứng tỏ khả năng của địa phương Carnarvon đóng góp cho chương trình có lợi cho chính địa phương này. Hệ thống này vươn tới mớc 12 cây số khu giếng Bắc và tẻ nhiều nhánh vào nơi các giếng sản xuất dọc theo hành lang chính.

Hệ thống nào bao gốm 120 cây cột chịu bảo, 360 bộ phậm cách điện, 40 cây số dây cáp và 12 biến thế. Hệ thống này sẽ giúp giảm chi phí bơm và tạo ra nguồn năng lượng tin cậy hơn cho nông dân và mọi người. Hệ thống này đã hoàn thành đúng thời gian và kinh phí dự kiến.

Công tác xác định, phát triển và đưa ra 400 mẩu đất cho mục đích trồng trọt tiếp tục tiến triển.

Cho đến nay công tác nghiên cứu như khảo sát viển thám điện tứ, phân tích, thăm dò đất, tái lập các mô hình thoát lủ, lên bản đổ các yếu tố hạn chế sử dụng đất và khảo sát thực vật đã được tiến hành để tìm nơi pù hợp không bị các yếu tố hạn chế ảnh hưởng. Kết quả là xác định được 600 mẩu có khả năng sản xuất cao và trung bình các loại cây hằng niên và cây lâu niên.

Phần mở thêm đất đai liên quan đến thay đổi mục đích sử dụng đất từ đất hoang chưa phân bổ và đồng cỏ chăn thả sang dạng cho thuê theo điều khoản 79 thuê sau đó sở hữu tự do. Nghiên cứu qui hoạch sử dụng đất sâu hơn cũng cần được nghiên

cứu để đưa diện tích mới mở vào chương trình qui hoạch của quận Carmarvon.

Bộ Đất đai đang chờ sự chuẩn y của Bộ trưởng để xúc tiến các thủ tục đổi chủ sở hữu và các bước hành chánh khác. Một khi điều này xảy ra, thì thông tin về phân phối đất sẽ được công khai trong vòng đôi ba tháng.

Bộ Nông nghiệp tiếp tục phối hợp với quận Carnarvon và đã chuẩn bị một yêu cầu về tư vấn để tiến hành tư vấn qui hoạch khu đô thị để chuẩn bị bản kế hoạch cấu trúc của các diện tích mới.

Công việc này sẽ tiến hành song song với tiến trình thay đổi chủ sở hữu đất.

Sáng kiến dựa lương thực đã đạt được những kết quả khả quan và theo kịp kế hoạch thời gian và kinh phí.

Mục tiêu 2 năm tiếp theo là:

• Hoàn thành điện khí hóa phần còn lại của khu giếng Bắc (12-24km), dự tính khởi công vào 5/2015.

• Giai đoạn khoan tiếp theo tập trung vào các lổ khoan thăm dò về phía Rocky Pool và hoàn thành các giếng sản xuất khác ở khu phía Tây và trung tâm • Tiếp tục nốt phần khoan thăm dò để xác định các mục tiêu khác ở khu vực phía Tây và trung tâm của vùng trọng điểm • Xúc tiến tiến trình thay đổi chủ sở hữu đất thông qua Bộ Đất đai và các nghiên cứu qui hoạch sử dụng đất cần thiết với các báo cáo kỹ thuật.

Mu61n biết them chi tiết Sáng kiến Dựa lương thực Gascoyne xin vui lòng truy cập www.agric.wa.gov.au hay liên hệ tony.dellabosca@agric.wa.gov.au

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GASCOYNE RIVER AQUIFER UPDATE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Thông tin cập nhật tình hình nguồn nước sông Gascoyne Ấn bản tháng

HÌNH 1 Nguồn nước ngầm sông Gascoyne Số liệu quan trắc mực nước ngầm từ 01/01/2012 đến 17/12/2014

15 14 15.2GL recharge

12 11

-10.1GL

10 9 8

5 l1

5

OAA estimated storage decrease

Ju

15

4

Ap r1

n Ja

4

t1 Oc

4

l1 Ju

14 n

Ap r1

3

3 l1

3

t1

Ja

Oc

Ju

13

2

Ap r1

n Ja

2

t1 Oc

l1

n

2

7

Ja

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

13 5.3GL

RBS shallow storage OAA deep depletion RBS Riverflow at Nine Mile Bridge

106

16

River flow stage height SL (m)

20.0 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 -2.0 -4.0 -6.0 -8.0 -10.0 -12.0 -14.0

30 April 2015

Dự trử nước đã tầng nông hiện còn 5,3 triệu khối và tầng sâu là âm 10,1 triệu khối. Lượng nước dự trử còn lại tầng nông là 8 triệu khối, tầng sâu rút hết 7,6 triệu khối. Tính toán trên dữ liệu cho thấy nếu không có nguồn nước bổ xung thì đến 30/4/thì dự trử nước ở cả 2 tầng giảm tuần tự là 2,7 và 2.9 triệu khối.

Theo tính toán với đà giảm này và nếu không có nước về thì chỉ còn âm 13 triệu khối, mức thấp nhất trong lịch sử tứ khi bắt đấu có thống kê.

17 December 2014

Bản tin này cập nhật khảo sát hiện trạng trử lượng nước hạ lưu sông Gascoyne ở tiểu khu A và B-L. Thông tin cập nhật trong khoảng thời gian giửa 10/2014 và 01/2015 từ số liệu ở các giếng của dân và giếng do sở Nước quan trắc trong tiểu khu A cùng với sớ liệu của Hợp tác xã nước Gascoyne giám sát tiểu khu B-L.

Dự trử nước tầng nông thay đổi nhanh chóng theo sự kiện nước về. Giửa tháng 10 đến tháng 12/ 2014 lượng nước dự trử tầng này giảm 2,8 triệu khối còn lại khoảng 5,3 triệu. Giả sử nước không về và giếng khai thác tiếp tục hoạt động thì đến 30/4 2015 sẻ hụt thêm 2,7 triệu khối

Ju

Thông tin tóm tắt

Ảnh hưởng của nước về đối với dự trử nước tầng sâu thường có đặc trưng là âm thầm hơn và trể hơn vì tốc độ thấm của tầng sét chậm hơn. Ước tính lượng thấm từ nguồn nước về đầu năm khoảng 3 triệu khối thêm vào trử lượng nước tầng sâu.

Tổng trử lượng được báo cáo là số âm và hụt dần từ -8,3 xuống -10.1 trong tháng 12/2014 tương đương với hao hụt 1,8 triệu khối.

Tổng dự trử tầng nông

r1

Báo cáo tiếng Việt trình bày nhiều số liệu về số lần nước sông về, tình trạng bổ xung tự nhiên của nguồn nước, lượng nước còn lại trong đất, ước tính lượng nước có thể bơm lên sữ dụng từ nay đến cuối năm và bản đồ thay đổi biên độ mặn của khu vực trồng trọt sẽ được in trong tạp chí VegetablesWA sắp tới.

Tổng dự trử tầng sâu

Hiện trạng tầng nước

12

Phiên bản tiếng Việt này chỉ cung cấp thông tin tóm tắt của báo cáo.

chỉ còn lại 2,6 triệu khối. Mức này sắp xỉ mức thấp nhất lịch sữ được ghi nhận năm 1984. Chỉ riêng tiểu vùng A đã sụt giảm 0,6 triệu khối trong khoảng tháng 10-12/2014

Trong năm 2014 có 3 lần nước sông về vào tháng 1, 2 và tháng 5. Đỉnh nước cao nhất là 2,8m được ghi nhận vào 03 tháng 2 2014 nhưng trong thời gian rất ngắn và không bổ xung đầy đủ nguồn nước dự trử. Trước thời điểm dó thì lần nước về đáng kể là năm 2012 có chứa một lượng muối gia tăng do cơn lủ 2010/2011 di chuyển muối từ lưu vực xuống.

Ap

Hệ thống nước khu vực sông Gascoyne được quản trị theo đơn vị quản lý nước ngầm gọi là tiều khu A và tiểu khu B-L. Mục đích của báo cáo này nhằm cung cấp cho bà con nông dân, cho công chúng và cho những đối tượng quan tâm số liệu về tình trạng dự trử của nguồn nước tầng sâu.

Những sự kiện nước sông Gascoyne về

Deep depletion/shallow storage (x106m3)

Báo cáo này của Sở quản lý tài nguyên nước cung cấp thông tin về hiện trạng nguồn nước khu vực sông Gascoyne bao gồm trử lượng nước tầng nông (thường được nông dân gọi là nước sông hay là river water) và trử lượng nước tầng sâu (nguồn cung cấp cho nước Scheme) theo định kỳ.

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HÌNH 2 Một mô hình đường viền tiểu vùng mặn cho tháng mười và tháng mười hai năm 2014 Tháng 10/2014 - Image 1 Tháng 12/2014 - Image 2 October 2014

December 2014

7254000

7252000

2,000

7250000

1,500

7248000 1,000

7246000 500

7244000 0

7242000 764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000 764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000

Độ mặn nước ngầm

Các đường ranh giới măn tiểu khu A cho thấy một sự sụt giảm diện tích nguồn nước “ngọt” (độ mặn khoảng 0-500mg/l tổng lượng muối hoà tan).Đây ó thể được hiểu như là sự “mỏng” bớt đi của nguồn nước ngọt kéo theo nhiều hạn chế và có liên quan đến sự sụt giảm 18% nguồn trong khoảng thời gian từ tháng 10 đến tháng 12/2014 .

Các khu giếng Bắc và Nam đang cung cấp nước pha khoảng 600mg/l so với mức trung bìng là 400-500 mg/l. Độ mặc trung bình của tiểu khu khai thác B-L đang tăng theo mức khai thác. Hiện tại thì độ mặn được duy trì ở mức 600 mg/l tổng lượng chất rắn hoà tan bằng cách sử dụng luân phiên các giếng bơm ở khu Nam và các giếng mới được đấu nối trong dự án Dựa Lương Thực Gascoyne.

Một khi các thủy tầng bắt đầu chạm đến mức độ thấp thì số liệu thu thấp trong thời kỳ này sẻ được sử dụng để chạy các mô hình tính toán định tính và định lượng cho khu A và B-L. Điều này giúp thu thập sự hiểu biết về độ bền vững của các hệ thống thủy tầng nông và sâu để duy trì nguồn nước ngọt.

Quỷ nước Carnarvon đã bơm 12 triệu khối nước năm 2014, sắp sỉ lượng trung bình năm nhưng cao hơn năm 2013 (10.9 triệu).

Các giếng tư nhân rút 5,2 triệu, sắp sỉ mức trung bình năm. Tuy nhiên lượng bơm bắt đầu giảm trong tháng 11 và 12/2014 nếu so với cùng kỳ các năm trước do độ mặn tăng.

Quỹ nước năm 2015 tùy thuộc vào nước về để bổ xung các tầng nước ngầm.

Tháng 2 là lúc khả năng nước về cao nhất kéo dài đến tháng 6. Trong trường hợp không có nước về sự sụt giảm các trử lượng nước ngầm cùng vời sự giảm chất lượng nước tầng nông (nước sông) được dự đoán sẻ tíêp tục nhưng tiên lượng nguồn nước ngầm dự trử củng đủ cung cấp ít nhất 3 triệu khối năm 2015.

Lượng nước có thể bơm hút được từ khu B-L tùy thuộc vào hệ thống cơ sở hạ tầng, tình trạng thủy tầng và vào mức độ phân bổ đồng đều nhu cầu nước trong ngày và suốt mùa vụ trong năm. Nhu cầu sử dụng không đều hòa làm giảm khả năng cung cấp đáng kể. Sở nước sẽ làm việc với Tập đoàn nước và Hợp tác xã nước Gascoyne cũng như dự án Vựa Lương Thực Gascoyne trong các tuần lể tới đây để tiếp tục rà soát điều kiện thủy tầng

BẢNG 1 Tóm tắt nguồn nước Carnarvon 2014 Khu vực

Giới hạn dự trử an toàn

Đã khai thác 2014

A

6,1

B-L south

5

5,2 triệu khối (+0.3 riệu khối nước mặt)

B-L north Total

3,6

14,7

và tình trạng cơ sở hạ tầng để ước tính lượng cung cấp chính xác hơn trong điều kiện ít có khả năng nước nguồn đổ về.

Thông tin cập nhật tháng 3 Thời tiết gây mưa hoạt động mạnh vào 23/24 tháng 2 đã gây mưa trên vùng trung lưu vực sông Gascoyne và hậu quả tiếp theo là hình thành các dòng chảy nhỏ trên các sông Lyons và Gascoyne. Hoạt động thời tiết gây mưa trong những ngày tiếp theo tiếp tục gây mưa trên toàn lưu vực. Các dòng chảy từ thượng nguồn sông Lyon va Gascoyne tiêp tục đổ về và đến cầu Nine Mile Bridge vào lúc 9 giờ sáng thứ Sáu ngày 6/3/2015.

Mực nước song tiếp tục dao động trong các tuần tiếp theo với mực nước cao nhất đo được là 5.0m vào 7 giờ 35 chiều thứ Hai ngày 9/3/2015. Mực nước song cho đến ngày 12/3 vẫn còn cao hơn 4 m và dự đoán sẻ tiếp tục chảy mạnh trong nhiều tuần nữa. Độ măn của nước sông đo được 200mg/l, tốt cho trồng trọt. Đã ra thông báo bơm nước sông không hạn chế trong tháng Ba.

Nguồn nước sông đổ vế này sẽ bổ sung tốt cho nguồn nước tầng cạn và có lẻ là cho cả các dĩa nước dự trửỏơ tầng sâu.

Nhờ độ mặn thấp của nguồn nước bổ xung mà nguồn nước tầng cạn và nước ngầm tầng sâu cũng thay đổi chất lượng tốt hơn.

Sở Tài Nguyên Nước sẽ tiếp tục theo dõi và cập nhật thông tin về tình trạng nguồn nước ngầm đến quí vị.

4

2,5

12,0

Government of Western Australia Department of Water

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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GROWER PROFILE: KHEM AND LIN — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Khem và Lin - Nông dân trẻ năng động và sáng kiến

QUA VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU TÂY ÚC

108

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

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Khem và Lin là một dôi nông dân trẻ năng động và sáng kiến ớ Geraldton.

Hai bạn đang canh tác dưa leo rất hiệu quả trên diện tích 8 hec-ta “nhà nóng”và 90 phần trăm sản phẩm của doanh nghiệp này được bántrên thị trường xuyên bang thông qua Adelaide.

Khem và Lin tin rằng Kết quả hôm nay đến từ việc định hình rất sớm được “cơ sở tương lai” của mình sẽ ra sao và liên tục học hỏi tăng cường hiểu biết và kỹ thuật để gầy dựng doanh nghiệp theo hướng mong muốn.

Ngành trồng rau củ quà không nằm trong nhóm các ngành kinh tế hàng đấu ở khu vực Geraldton so với các ngành khác như quặng mỏ, xây dựng, sản xuất công nghiệp. Tuy nhiên ngành rau quả ở Geraldton đáng được trân trọng nhờ nó là một trong các nguồn cung cấp dưa leo chủ yếu cho tiểu bang Tây Úc và cho cả thị trường xuyên bang.

Nhờ vào thời tiết mùa đông ấm hơn làm cho mùa vụ dược kéo dài hơn nên ngành trồng dưa leo ở đây có lợi thế phát triển mạnh. Chỉ với 10% sản lượng dưa ở đây đã cung ứng trên 60% nhu cầu tiêu thụ dưa các tháng lạnh ổ thị trường Perth trong khi 90% sản lượng còn lại được xuất xuyên bang với giá trị hàng triệu đô/năm.

Ngành trồng dưa leo ở đây chỉ bao gồm khoảng 20 nông dân chủ yếu là ngưới tỵ nạn Việt Nam khoảng những năm 80. Họ canh tác trên đện tích khoảng 100 hec-ta có “nhà nóng” che phủ. Những nông dân này được quan tậm cho rằng họ bất lợi do hạn chế về ngôn ngử, ngại tham gia vào các chương trình nghiên cứu và phát triển của chính phủ, và chậm tiếp thu các tiến bộ kỹ thuật.

Tong số cộng đống nông dân trồng dưa leo ở đây tôi ghi nhận Khem và Lin như là một hiện tương cá biệt về nông dân tiên tiến, làm ăn rất hiệu quả, luôn năng động và chịu áp dụng tiến bộ kỹ thuật .

Xác định mô hình doanh nghiệp ngay từ ban đầu để phấn đấu Khem chỉ mới tham gia ngành trồng dưa khoảng 2005. So với nhiều nông dân khem còn trẻ về tuổi đời lẩn tuổi nghề.

Nhưng ngay từ lúc khởi nghiệp Khem đã làm việc và quan tân chú ý đến mọi khâu liên quan kể cả lao động trực tiếp và quản lý. Chính ngay từ thời kỳ đầu này Khem đã nhận thấy ngành trồng dưa leo ở đây có lợi nhuận và nó còn có thể tăng thêm lợi nhuận một khi phương pháp canh tác truyền thống bằng kinh nghiệm được cải thiện, sửa đổi.

Từ đó Khem đã hình thành suy nghĩ mô hình farm và các hướng cải tiến ngay từ khi khởi sự làm ăn riêng năm 2006. Khem mong rằng doanh nghiệp phải dành dũ thời gian chất lượng chú tâm vào công việc quản lý, tăng cường kiến thức và dành cho gia đình; đồng thời các tiến bộ và công cụ kỹ thuật cũng được trang bị để công việc hiệu quả hơn, cuộc sống thoải mái hơn, thời giờ đầu tư vào công việc có gia trị cao hơn.

Chính tầm nhìn ban đầu như vậy đã định hướng cho bước đi của doanh nghiệp, tạo động lực để khem và Lin phấn đấu và chấp nhận rủi ro đầu tư cho cái mới và hướng cho tiến trình học hỏi để đạt được mục tiêu đề ra.

“Học, học tiếp, tiếp tục học” Học lặp đi lặp lại có thể được hiểu là kiểu học khi tìm cách nâng cao khả năng tiếp cận hay giải quyết hết vấn đề này tới vấn đề khác. Chu trình các công việc bao gồm “xác định vấn đề - thử nghiệm giải pháp – thực hiện thay đổi cách làm củ - rà xoát lại kết quả” được áp dụng lặp đi lặp lại cho từng vấp đề phát sinh nên được cải thiện hay giải quyết.

Khem cho rằng nông nghiệp luôn phải đối mặt với nhiều vấn đề khác nhau, có khi các vấn đề gây hậu quả dây chuyền chẳng hạn như thay đổi thời thiết cũng làm tăng áp lực sâu bệnh, thay đổi họat động hấp thu dinh dưỡng và hậu quả là thay đổi mô thức sinh trưởng của cây trồng. Để đối phó với các vấn đề phức tạp như vậy người nông dân cần phải tiến hành phối hợp nhiều biện pháp liên quan đến kiến thức của nhiều lảnh vực khác nhau.

Không có hệ thống canh tác nào giử nguyên không thay đổi mà trong đó các yếu tố dẫn đến thành công còn hoài và cùng một công thức canh tác lặp đi lặp lại hoài mà vẫn thành công hết mùa này qua mùa khác. Chính vì vậy, học hỏi để liên tục cập nhật kiến thức đối phó với các thử thách thay đổi liên tục là cần thiết.

Khem luôn gắn các thử nghiệm trong quá trình sản xuất thực tề để kết quả thử nghiệm nếu thành công có thể dể dàng được áp dụng vào sản xuất. Thử nghiệm từ mức độ đơn giản đến phức tạp. Bằng cách làm như thế nhiều kết quả trở thành biện pháp thường xuyên trong trang trai.

Chẳng hạn như cách sử dụng cây sà lách non làm cây chỉ thị để thử coi đất sau khi xông Telon C-35 hay một số hóa chất xử lý khác đã hết “hơi” hoá chất để trồng cây giống xuống được chưa. Việc học và phát triển cách sử dụng hệ thống điều khiển tưới và hoà phân tự động cũng bằng cách đi từ chức năng đơn gian đến chức năng phức tạp.

Ngày nay Khem có thểtheo dõi hay điều khiể hệ thống này ngay cả khi đang ở nước ngoài.

Kiên trì học hỏi Để trở thành nông dân rành nghề mình phải học hoài để có kỹ năng tương thích với nhiều tình huống khác nhau Khem còn lưu giửghi chép của các thử nghiệm hàng chục năm qua trong đó có cả các thành công và thất bại.

Khem vẫn còn đang tiếp tục “dọc” hệ thống điều khiển tưới và cung cấp dinh dưỡng tự động để hiểu sâu hơn ý nghĩa của các các thông số liên quan đến tình hình thời tiết và qui luật sinh trưởng của cây trồng. Điều này sẽ giúp anh hiệu chỉnh chính xác hơn nửa chếđộ tưới nước bón phân và duy trì độ phì nhiêu đất đai.

Bộ điều khiển này bây giờ như con tôi vậy.

Tôi “chơi” với nó hàng ngày để tiếp tục học các đặc tính của nó cách tương tác với nó hiệu quả hơn Khem cho rằng học hỏi không chỉ để hiểu biết kỹ thuật tốt hơn mà còn để hiểu biết chính khả năng của mình để mình tận dụng thời giờ mình có theo cách chất lượng nhất, hiệu quả nhất. Khem không trực tiếp làm nhiều việc ngoài đồng mà chú ý nhiều tới quản lý toàn diện vì anh cho rằng như vậy hiệu quả sinh lợc cao hơn.

Làm ngoài đồng cả ngày như một người nhân công có thể tiết kiệm vài tram tiền trả lương công nhân, nhưng tìm cách nâng cao hiệu quả sản xuất kinh doanh sẻ tạo ra giá trị lợi nhuận lớn hơn nhiều.

Luôn luôn chia sẽ Nhờvào khả năng tiếng Anh tất và kiến thức rộng về tình hình địa phương, Khem trở thành điểm liên hệ ưa thích cũa các công ty và các dự án khi họ muốn quảng bá thông tin và mở rộng các hoạt động tại địa phương.

Khem để ý rằng có nhiều nông dân ngại thay đổi cách làm lâu năm, ngại thử nghiệm cái mới. Tuy nhiên anh cũng thường được nông dân xung quanh thảo luận hay hỏi ý kiến về các vấn đề liên quan đế sản xuất. Lúc nào anh cũng vui lòng chia sẽ kinh nghiệm vả hướng dẫn thực hiện nếu cần thiết.

Khem sẳn lòng trao đổi thêm về các vấn đề trên. Điện thoại di động: 0439 262 896 Email address: klproduce@bigpond.com

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

109

YOUR INDUSTRY

GROWER PROFILE: VAN AND TIEN NGUYEN — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Kỹ năng xoay sở linh động để ổn định thu hập QUA VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU TÂY ÚC

Anh Vân và chị Tiền là một hộ nông dân canh tác 12 hec-ta các loại rau ăn trái ở Carnarvon. Qua 20 năm làm nông trong điều kiện nhiều khó khăn trên vùng đất xa xôi này đã trui rèn anh chị cách thức làm thế nào tạo ra mô hình kinh doanh có hiệu quả và lâu bền cho đến nay.

Một số điểm mà theo kinh nghiệm anh chị là đáng lưu tâm bao gồm: (i) Duy trì mối quan hệ thận tình và hiệu quả với “mối ruột” để duy trì các kênh luôn bán được giá tốt; (ii) Thường xuyên để ý quan sát và truy cập các thông tin liên quan đến loại cây trồng có tiềm năng trong từng mùa vụ; (iii) Luôn duy trì một số nhân công lành nghề, quen việc; (iv) Dành thời gian suy nghĩ về cải thiện chất lượng sản phẩm cà hiệu quả của doanh nghiệp; và (v) luôn lập kế hoạch thích ứng với từng thời gian và điều kiện khác nhau.

Duy trì quan hệ tốt với bạn hàng Anh vân và chị Tiền làm ăn lâu dài với một vài “bạn hàng ruột” kể từ khi bắt đầu làm ăn cho đên nay. Mối quan hệ lâu bền giúp hai bên rất hiểu tích cách, khả năng và điều kiện của nhau. Bạn hàng tin tưởng số

lượng và chất lượng rau trái anh chị trồng trong khi anh chi cũng hiểu rỏ khả năng và xu hướng buôn bán từng loại hàng hóa của từng mối chợ. Chính điều này làm cho việc điều số lượng hàng hoá gởi đi theo từng cử chợ phù hợp với năng lực mua bán và có lợi nhất cho đôi bên tránh trường hợp “on-hand” thường xuyên hay phải xả hàng giá thấp do dội chợ.

Có trường hợp trước đây anh chị còn hổ trợ mối quen mở thêm mặt hàng mới có tiềm năng để ngày nay anh chị trở thành đối tác được “ưu ái” nhiều mặt khi mối chợ mở rộng và đạt lợi nhuận tốt do mặt hàng nay.

Thường xuyên để ý quan sát và truy cập các thông tin Anh Vân chị Tiền hiểu rỏ các bất lợi nông dân phải đối đầu của các nông hộ qui mô nhỏ là họ không thể tạo được hợp đồng lớn giá cao trong khi chi phí sản xuất nơi vùng sâu vùng xa cao. Hơn nữa nguồn cấp nước không ổn định ở Carnarvon luôn đe dọa những rủi ro hư hao cây trồng. Chính vì vậy anh chị chú ý đầu tư cho nhà lưới hầu hết diện tích đất vừa để nâng cao chất lượng, giảm tỉ lệ sản phẩm loại thải, và sử dụng ít nước hơn. Anh chị nhận thấy cây trồng chính của anh chị là capsicum cũng cần nước ít hơn các loại khác.

Bên cạnh cây trồng chính là capsicum anh Vân và chị Tiền sản xuất có chọn lọc một số loại khác mà anh chị có khả năng trồng chất lượng cao như dưa leo, zucchini, và thỉnh thoảng cà và dưa hấu. Việv lựa chọn cũng tùy theo kế hoạch tính toán dựa trên quan sát tình hình và thông tin thu thập từ nhiều nơi khác nhau như mối chợ, nhà cung cấp giống, bạn bè… về khả năng đầu ra, khuynh hướng giá cả, lượng trồng cùng thời điểm để ít chịu rủi ro và có khả năng được giá tốt.

Để làm được như vậy anh trao đổi với bạn hàng hàng ngày để hai bên luôn nằm được nhu cầu và khả năng của nhau nhằm đưa ra quyết định hợp lý về lượng hàng, chủng loại gởi chợ cho từng thời điểm.

Thông tin chông chỉ có ở bạn hàng mà còn có nhiều nguồn khác nhau như bạn bè, báo chí…

Không phải mình có bao nhiêu là gởi hết lên chợ mổi ngày mà phải tính toán gởi chợ nào, gởi bao nhiêu để luôn có giá hợp lý…đôi khi mình phải chấp nhận ngưng thu hoạch hay dọn vườn sớm để tránh phải ứ hàng, chịu bán giá thấp, “on-hand” lâu, hay thậm chí đổ bỏ.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

Duy trì một số nhân công quen việc Anh Vân chị Tiền rất chú trọng duy trì một số nhân công quen việc và luôn tạo điều kiện chi họ duy trị công việc quanh năm.

Số nhân công này không chỉ làm công việc liên quan đến trồng trọt mà còn có khả năng giúp giải quyết các khâu khác như sửa chửa nhà lưới, ống nước, thu dọn vệ sinh trang trại…Đôi khi họ cũng có thể giúp trông coi nhân công mới.

Có được những người nhân công lành nghề giúp anh chị có thời gian chú tâm đảm bảo duy trì chất lượng sản phẩm hay học hỏi, tính tóan cải thiện mặt này mặt khác cho doanh nghiệp hiệu quả hơn.

Luôn dành đủ thời gian cho công việc quản lý Công việc ngoài đồng mình làm được thì nhân công củng làm được, có khi họ làm ngon hơn mình nhưng công việc quan tâm coi sóc doanh nghiệp như luôn đảm bảo chất lượng, làm việc với ngân hàng, tiếp thị, sổ sách… thì chính mình phải làm, không ai giúp làm thay được Thời gian anh chị làm ngoài đồng không hẳn là phải gắn suốt vào một công việc cụ thể mà phải lưu ý hướng dẩn nhân công làm cho đúng đống thời xem xét còn chổ nào cần phải lưu ý cải thiện.

Anh chị cũng dành thời gian đi đây đó để thấy được người khác làm ăn giỏi như thế nào, cái gì mình có thể học được, có cơ hội nào tốt có thể tận dụng cho làm ăn…

Lên kế hoạch cho từng lúc, từng việc Anh chị Vân Tiền luôn cân nhắc công việc kỹ lưỡng trước khi thực hiện để tránh tối đa rủi ro và có nhiều cơ hội d8ạt kết quả.

Anh chị cho rằng may mằn là một yếu tố góp phần trong thành công nhưng luôn luôn để ý, suy nghĩ, tìm tòi thông tin thiết thực, học hỏi phương án tốt hơn…là các yếu tố không thể thiếu để làm ăn có hiệu quả và ổn định. Nhiều yếu tố khác nửa phải tính đến khi sắp đặt kế hoạch là biết khả năng của chính mình làm việc gì giỏi, làm được tới đâu, nguồn lực nào có sẳn và nguồn lực nào có thể huy động khi cần.

Anh chi không chỉ có kế hoạch để luôn đảm bảo thu nhập mà còn tính đến kế hoạch đối phó rủi ro có thể xảy ra trong làm ăn.

Song song với kế hoạch làm ăn thì anh chị chú trọng có kế hoạch tốt nhất cho sự phát triển và học hành của hai con. Đôi khi anh chị cũng nhìn đi nhìn lại xem kế hoạch về già như thế nào cho phù hợp.

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits Permit No.

Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites and onion thrips

7-May-12

30-Apr-15

Propyzamide

Weeds

12-Nov-13

30-Nov-16

Pyriproxyfen

Silverleaf whitefly

4-Feb-15

30-Jun-20

Score Foliar Fungicide

Leaf spot

16-Dec-13

31-Aug-18

Adzuki bean PER13293

Artichoke- globe PER14203 Beans PER14701 Beetroot PER14245 PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14891

Trifloxystrobin

Alternaria leaf spot

1-Jan-15

30-Sep-19

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

Brassica leafy vegetables PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14958

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew & other diseases

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER13154

Dual Gold Herbicide

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

20-Feb-12

31-Mar-17

PER14907

Emamectin

Various pests

9-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

PER14584

Imidacloprid

Aphids, whitefly and thrips

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Oct-13

31-Aug-18

PER14292

Secure 360SC (chlorfenapyr)

Lepiotera and mites

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-16

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14596

Chlorpyrifos

Vegetable beetle adults

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER80538

Mancozeb

Anthracnose and Septoria

1-Apr-15

31-Mar-25

PER13778

Various herbicides, insecticides & fungicides

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

Broad beans PER13752

Tebuconazole

Cercospora leaf spot & rust

31-May-13

30-Jun-16

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

PER14051

Iprodione

Rhizoctinia

1-May-13

31-Mar-18

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

23-May-14

30-Jun-19

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts PER14432

Pendimethalin

Weeds

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

Cabbage PER14384

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

111

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.)

Permit No.

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

Capsicum PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER13901

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds

6-Apr-13

30-Jun-19

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER14454

Ridomil Gold MZ

Downy mildew

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER13567

Bifenthrin

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER13566

Methomyl

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER14050

Flint 500 WG Fungicide

Powdery mildew

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-23

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14816

Azoxystrobin

Powdery mildew, sclerotinia rot (white mould), black rot

1-Jun-14

30-Jun-19

PER13778

Various herbicides, insecticides & fungicides

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

PER13795

Agpro Propazine 500

Nightshade, fat hen & wireweed

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

PER14535

Clethodim

Grass weed control

12-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER13305

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Certain broadleaf and grass weeds

28-May-12

30-Jun-15

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER13147

Lontrel

Capeweed and clover

21-Nov-11

30-Nov-19

PER14037

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Staphylinid beetle

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Cercospora leaf spot &septoria leaf blight

28-May-12

31-Mar-16

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celeriac PER13323 PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-May-13

30-Apr-16

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Sclerotinia rot

1-Jul-14

31-Mar-17

PER14436

Applaud Insecticide (buprofezin)

Greenhouse whitefly

9-May-14

30-Jun-19

PER14341

Chess Insecticide (pymetrozine)

Aphids

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14843

Indoxacarb (Avatar Insecticide)

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller and vegetable weevil

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER13496

Linuron

Range of weeds

4-May-12

30-Apr-17

PER14049

Permethrin (Ambush )

Helicoverpa and looper

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-23

PER13627

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Cercospora leaf spot & septoria spots

29-Nov-12

31-Dec-15

Celery

PER14812

Score Fungicide

Cercospora & septoria leaf spots

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight & downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

Gallery 750 Dry Flowable Herbicide

Wild radish

30-Nov-12

30-Nov-15

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

Chard PER13691 Chickory

112

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Virus

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

PER14795

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

PER14841

Issued date

Expiry date

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

1-Jul-14

31-Dec-15

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER80538

Mancozeb

Anthracnose and septoria

1-Apr-15

31-Mar-25

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

Chilli PER14722 PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER14144

Pirimor (pirimicarb)

Aphids

5-Apr-13

31-Mar-16

PER13254

Dimethoate

Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly

2-Feb-12

5-Oct-15

PER14454

Ridomil Gold MZ

Downy mildew

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

Triadimenol

White rot (sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

Triadimenol

White rot (sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER13499

Diazinon

Onion maggot

4-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

Chinese onions PER14906 Chives PER14906 Coriander

Cucumber

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14046

Mancozeb

Grey mould

1-May-13

31-Mar-18

PER13349

Pyranica

Two-spotted mite

3-Apr-12

31-Mar-16

PER14050

Flint 500 WG Fungicide

Powdery mildew

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-23

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, T tomato russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER80138

Alpha-cypermethrin

Cucumber fruit fly

26-Feb-15

31-Mar-20

PER14840

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER13304

Paramite

Two-spotted mite, red spider mite

12-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER14036

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

Cucurbits

Eggplant

PER13351

Pirimicarb

Aphids

28-Jun-13

31-Mar-16

PER13517

Rovral (iprodione)

Grey mould

1-Nov-12

30-Sep-15

PER14186

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Melon thrips

3-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

113

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.)

Permit No.

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14047

Methidathion

Rutherglen bug

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14795

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

1-Jul-14

31-Dec-15

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

Tebuconazole

Cercospora leaf spot & rust

31-May-13

30-Jun-16

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

Terbutryn

Broad leaf weeds

1-Sep-14

30-Sep-19

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14606

Bromoxynil

Broadleaf weeds

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

Endive

Faba beans PER13752 Fennel PER13698 Field peas PER14937 Garlic

PER14607

Chlorothalonil (Rover & Bravo)

Downy mildew

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-15

PER14610

Clethodim

Winter grass

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

PER14626

Copper as tribasic copper sulphate

Downy mildew

10-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER14612

Imidacloprid

Aphids

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

PER14604

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Selected insect pests

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-17

PER14008

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Downy mildew & purple blotch

27-Feb-13

31-Mar-23

PER14609

Methabenzthiazuron

Annual grass and broadleaf weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-15

PER14886

Pendimethalin

Grass & broadleaf weeds

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER14608

Pirimicarb

Bulb aphid and other aphid species

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-15

PER14605

Tebuconazole

Orange rust

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

PER14611

Iprodione

Damping off diseases

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-15

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

Bentazone (Basagran)

Broadleaf weeds

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

Green beans PER13626 Green peas PER14896

Leafy vegetables PER14959

Haloxyfop

Storksbill

21-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER14958

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew & other diseases

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER13322

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Potato moth

12-Jun-12

31-May-17

PER14958

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew & other diseases

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER14906

Triadimenol

White rot (Sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

PER13466

Various Actives

Specified grass and broadleaf weeds

17-May-12

30-Sep-15

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-May-13

30-Apr-16

Leeks

114

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

1-Oct-12

31-Oct-18

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-16

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

rass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa G annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14696

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER14795

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

1-Jul-14

31-Dec-15

PER14210

Acramite Miticide

Two-spotted (red spider) mite

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

Lettuce

PER13301

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite & vegetable weevil

12-Jun-12

31-May-15

PER14430

Azoxystrobin (Amistar 250 SC)

Bottom rot

21-Mar-14

30-Jun-17

PER14257

BALAN (benfluralin)

Grass and broadleaf weed control

29-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER14351

DC-Tron Plus

Various bugs

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-17

PER14318

Metalaxyl-M

Damping off

23-Dec-13

30-Sep-18

PER14431

Rizolex Liquid

Bottom rot

21-Mar-14

30-Jun-17

PER13698

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

PER13332

BALAN (benfluralin)

Grass and broadleaf weed control

1-Apr-12

31-Mar-22

PER14964

Chlorothalonil

Antracnose (shot hole)

21-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

PER14336

Prodigy

Cluster caterpillar, looper and light brown apple moth

17-Dec-13

30-Sep-17

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

PER14649

Acramite (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

7-Nov-14

30-Jun-17

PER14650

Paramite (etoxazole)

Two-spotted mite

7-Nov-14

31-May-18

PER13170

Dimethoate

Various fruit fly species

13-Oct-11

5-Oct-15

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites and onion thrips

7-May-12

30-Apr-15

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites and onion thrips

7-May-12

30-Apr-15

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

Melons

Mung bean PER13293 Navy bean PER13293 Navy beans PER13626 Onions PER13778

Various herbicides, insecticides & fungicides

PER14602

Boscalid, Iprodione & Chlorothalonil

Botrytis neck-rot

24-Jul-14

30-Sep-16

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER14773

Basagran (bentazone-sodium)

Broadleaf weeds

16-Apr-14

30-Jun-16

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER14454

Ridomil Gold MZ

Downy mildew

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

Paprika

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

Parsely PER13303

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

115

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.)

Permit No.

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14032

Chlorthal-dimethyl

Various broadleaf weeds and grasses

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER13499 PER80538

Diazinon

Onion maggot

4-May-12

31-Mar-17

Mancozeb

Anthracnose and septoria

1-Apr-15

31-Mar-25

PER14581

Pendimethalin

Grasses and broadleaf weeds

1-Feb-14

31-Mar-15

PER14858

Pendimethalin

Grasses and broadleaf weeds

1-Apr-15

31-Mar-20

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14695

Ridomil Gold 25G (metalaxyl-M)

Pythium Spp. and Phytophthora Spp.

1-May-14

30-Jun-19

Parsnip

PER13696

Trifluralin

Winter grass

28-Aug-12

31-Mar-18

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

Peas PER14035

Diflufenican

Broadleaf weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Sclerotinia rot

1-Jul-14

31-Mar-17

PER14840

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14047

Methidathion

Rutherglen bug

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER80344

Chlorpyrifos

lack beetle, wingless grasshopper, red-legged earth B mite

2-Jan-15

30-Sep-20

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, T tomato russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

Peppers

Potato

Radicchio PER14045 PER14795

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

1-Jul-14

31-Dec-15

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

Gallery 750 Dry Flowable Herbicide

Wild radish

30-Nov-12

30-Nov-15

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

Radish

Redbeet PER13691 Rocket PER14045 PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Oct-13

31-Aug-18

PER14292

Secure 360SC (chlorfenapyr)

Lepiotera and mites

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-16

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

Triadimenol

White rot (Sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

Shallot PER14906

116

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Various pests

30-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

1-Oct-12

31-Oct-18

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-16

PER14842

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

PER14890

Methomyl (Lannate-L)

Western flower thrips

25-Nov-14

31-Oct-19

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

28-May-12

30-Jun-17

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

rass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa G annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight & downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

Silverbeet PER13673 PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14703

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

1-Aug-14

31-Jul-19

PER14034

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

9-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, T Tomato russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER13901

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds

6-Apr-13

30-Jun-19

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER13899

Etoxazole

Two-spotted mite

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-20

PER14211

Fenhexamid

Grey mould and chocolate spot

27-Nov-13

30-Sep-16

Snow peas

PER14505

Pyrimethanil

Grey mould (botrytis)

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14044

Acramite Miticide

Mites

12-Mar-14

30-Nov-15

PER14470

Mancozeb & Dimethomorph

Downy mildew

1-May-14

30-Apr-17

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14034

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

9-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds.

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

Spinach

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

117

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.)

Permit No.

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14703

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

1-Aug-14

31-Jul-19

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late Blight, septoria leaf blight & downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14795

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

1-Jul-14

31-Dec-15

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

Spring onions PER14842 PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

PER14890

Methomyl (Lannate-L)

Western flower thrips

25-Nov-14

31-Oct-19

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

28-May-12

30-Jun-17

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

rass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa G annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14906

Triadimenol

White rot (Sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

1-Oct-12

31-Oct-18

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-16

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Various pests

30-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER14034

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

9-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds.

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

Sugar snap peas PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER13901

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds

6-Apr-13

30-Jun-19

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, T tomato russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER13899

Etoxazole

Two-spotted mite

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-20

PER14033

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug and thrips

1-Jun-13

31-May-18

PER14211

Fenhexamid

Grey mould and chocolate spot

27-Nov-13

30-Sep-16

PER14044

Acramite Miticide

Mites

12-Mar-14

30-Nov-15

Swede PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

Sweet corn PER14722

118

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14474

Methoxyfenozide

Lepidopteran pests

25-Nov-14

30-Jul-17

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

Sweet potato PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER13151

Mouseoff and Rattoff Zinc Phosphide Baits

House mouse and introduced rats

14-Dec-11

31-Dec-16

PER14582

Oxamyl (Dupont Vydate L)

Nematodes

1-Apr-14

30-Sep-15

PER13153

Regent 200 SC

White fringed weevil & wireworm

14-Dec-11

31-Dec-16

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER13902

Phorate

phids, thrips, jassids and organophosphate susceptible A two-spotted mite and wireworm

2-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER13675

Maldison

ueensland, Mediterranean and lesser Queensland Q fruit fly and cucumber fly

16-May-13

31-May-18

PER13567

Bifenthrin

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER13566

Methomyl

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER13721

Switch

Grey mould (botrytis)

7-May-13

31-May-16

Tomato

PER13716

Abrade Abrasive Barrier Insecticide

Various insect pests

24-Dec-12

31-Jan-16

PER13717

Amistar Top (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole)

Powdery mildew

31-Jan-14

31-May-16

PER80219

Apollo Miticide (clofentezine)

Two-spotted mite

21-Dec-14

30-Nov-15

PER13723

Avatar

eliothis (corn earworm), looper, cluster caterpillar, H leafhoppers, green mirid

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER14100

Buprofezin

Greenhouse whitefly

1-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER13725

Chess

reenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly, green peach G aphid

18-Apr-13

31-May-16

PER13724

Previcur

Root rot

18-Apr-13

31-May-16

PER13720

Pristine

Powdery mildew

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER13722

Teldor 500SC Fungicide

Grey mould (Botrytis)

30-Sep-13

31-May-16

PER80216

Torque Insecticide (fenbutatin oxide)

Two-spotted mite

17-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER13726

Trifloxystrobin

Powdery mildew

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER80210

Pyrimethanil

Botrytis

13-Nov-14

30-Jun-17

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

Dimethoate

Various fruit fly species

13-Oct-11

5-Oct-15

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

Turnip

Watermelons (post-harvest) PER13170 Welsh onions PER14142 Zucchini PER14722

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

119

WA Grower ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS

Preferred format: press ready PDF

FULL PAGE Full page with bleed 210mm(W) x 297mm(H) plus 3mm bleed — 216mm(W) x 303mm(H)

Must be saved as: • 300dpi • CMYK • Fonts embedded

HALF PAGE vegetablesWA

Half page without bleed 190mm(W) x 130mm(H)

Horticultural House 103 Outram Street, West Perth 6005

t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au

ONE THIRD PAGE One third page without bleed 190mm(W) x 80mm(H) or 60mm(W) x 254mm(H)

WA Grower advertiser contacts

120

Name

Website/Email

Address

Contact name

Agsafe/drumMUSTER (p58)

www.drummuster.com.au

Level 4, AMP Building 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT 2601

Bevan Henderson 0429 089 780

Contact number

AUSVEG (p53)

www.ausveg.com.au

Level 2, 273 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124

Crop Care (p73 & p85)

www.cropcare.com.au

Unit 15, 16 Metroplex Ave, Murarrie QLD 4172

Customer Care

1800 111 454

(03) 9882 0277

C-Wise (p7)

www.cwise.com.au

Nambeelup Rd, Nambeelup WA 6207

David Howey

(08) 9581 9582

Dobmac Ag Machinery (OBC)

www.dobmac.com.au

36-38 Industrial Dve, Ulverstone TAS 7315

Mark Dobson

(03) 6425 5533

EDP Australia Pty Ltd (p19)

www.edp.com.au

33-37 O'Brien St, Mooroopna VIC 3629

(03) 5820 5337

Horticulture Innovation Australia (p2) www.horticulture.com.au

Level 8, 1 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000

(02) 8295 2300

Live Lighter (p14)

www.liveligher.com.au

334 Rockeby Rd, Subiaco WA 6008

(08) 9382 5935

Perth Energy (p47)

www.perthenergy.com.au

Level 4, 165 Adelaide Tce, East Perth WA 6004

(08) 9420 0300

Terranova Seeds (p77)

www.terranovaseeds.com.au

13/19 Chifley St, Smithfield NSW 2164

(02) 9725 1088

United Crate (p97)

www.unicrate.com.au

1 Zanni St, Canning Vale WA 6155

(08) 9455 1540

WA Crates (IBC)

service@wacrates.com.au

Crate Yard, Market City, 280 Bannister Rd, Canning Vale WA 6155

(08) 9456 4092

WA Grower AUTUMN 2015

WA crates

The professional packaging service for WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ nest fresh fruit and vegetables

0 email: service@wacrates.com.au

ONION GRADING & PACKING SOLUTIONS M & P Onion Peelers • Small Peeler for 18-45mm Onions or Shallots • Large Peeler for Onions over 45mm • Stainless Steel Construction • Variable Speed Drive • Dry Peeling Process

• Manual Orientation of Onions • Adjustable Operator Station • 415v 3 Phase 50 Hz • Unique Peeling System

Baxmatic®

Fully automated Bagging System Combination Weighing Scale (Optional)

• High capacity (up to 1200 bags/hr) • Quick start-up & changes • Automatic bag placement • Automatic sewing & closing • Bag sizes from 2.5kg to 50kg • Heavy duty construction • Integrated labelling • Online support system • 12 & 16 Head Combination Scales • Up to 1500 scale movements per hour

Turn Key Pack House Solutions • Onion Toppers • Pre Sizers • Intake Hoppers • Dirt Separation • Inspection Tables • Box/Big Bag Fillers • 5-25kg Baggers • Semi & Fully Automatic Palletisers

36-38 Industrial Drive (PO Box 93) Ulverstone TASMANIA. 7315 AUSTRALIA Phone: (03) 6425 5533 Fax: (03) 6425 5847

PO Box 1021, Pukekohe.

New Zealand Phone: 0272 907 281

Email: dobmac@dobmac.com.au Website: www.dobmac.com.au A leader in the design, manufacture & supply of specialised agricultural machinery