WA Grower Magazine Autumn 2019

VOL. 54 NO 1. AUTUMN 2019 $25.00 (inc GST)

wa

grower WORKING FOR WA GROWERS SINCE 1948

Ceres Farms Growing through export Maureen Dobra

awarded life membership to vegetablesWA

This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by vegetablesWA together with: • APC — Vegetable Producers Committee • Potato Growers Association • Pomewest • WA Citrus • Stonefruit WA

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inside Your vegetablesWA magazine

18 YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS CEO’s Report President’s Report Grant funding open YOUR PRODUCTION TPP and CGMM virus threats

100

58 3

YOUR INDUSTRY

4

WA avocado industry

42

Season 2018–2019

80

5

Southern Forests memberships

44

Yagan Square meets WA Stonefruit

81

VegNET IEO

48

Water online

50

Grower innovation

84

WA POTATOES

53

Employing the right people

86

54

10 11 12

41

STONEFRUIT WA

79

YOUR BUSINESS

83

Virus and bacterial diseases

16

Executive Officer’s Report

Managing debt and stress!

88

Brown marmorated stink bug

18

The power of social media

56

Single Touch Payroll

92

Xylella

22

GP Ayres & Sons

58

Horticulture Statistics Handbook

94

Chemical selection & QA

24

Export development for potatoes

60

Labour hire

98

Strip-till feature

26

Trees and cyclonic winds

28

61

YOUR MARKET

99

Bacterial blackleg disease review

32

Stable flies

34

Permits 115 TOOL TIME

37

New analytics platform

38

Computer program for pathogens

40

POMEWEST Executive Manager

62

Spinach consumption

Buying WA apples

64

New air freight security screening 102

New smart traps

67

Case study — Mel and Matt Gray

104

Manjimup fruit fly fight

68

Export development

108

69

IA-CEPA welcomed

110

WA CITRUS From the Chair

70

In the industry

71

In the business

73

In the orchard

76

In the market

78

100

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS

112

WHAT'S ON

120

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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VOL. 54 NO 1. AUTUMN 2019

WORKING FOR WA GROWERS SINCE 1948

YOUR CONTACTS

contacts vegetablesWA

Management Committee

702-704 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 t: (08) 9486 7515 e: office@vegetableswa.com.au

President

Chief Executive Officer John Shannon m: 0488 111 526 e: john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au

Maurice Grubisa m: 0413 050 182 Metro North

Operations Manager Rebecca Blackman t: (08) 9486 7515 e: rebecca.blackman@vegetableswa.com.au COVER IMAGE: Mel & Matt Gray, Ceres Farms

Published by vegetablesWA This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by: • vegetablesWA • APC — Vegetable Producers Committee • Potato Growers Association • Pomewest • WA Citrus • Stonefruit WA

© 2019 All articles and other material published in this magazine is vegetablesWA copyright (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the authors and publisher.

DISCLAIMER: vegetablesWA make no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in WA Grower. Reliance on any information provided by vegetablesWA is entirely at your own risk. vegetablesWA is not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way, including from any vegetablesWA or other person’s negligence or otherwise from your use or non-use of WA Grower, or from reliance on information contained in the material or that vegetablesWA provide to you by any other means.

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Vietnamese Industry Extension Officer Truyen Vo m: 0457 457 559 e: truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au Industry Extension Officer Sam Grubiša m: 0427 373 037 e: sam.grubisa@vegetableswa.com.au Benchmark Lead Bryn Edwards m: 0417 409 821 e: bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au Market Development Manager Claire McClelland m: 0477 477 044 e: claire.mcclelland@vegetableswa.com.au Quality Assurance Coordinator Joel Dinsdale m: 0417 857 675 e: joel.dinsdale@vegetableswa.com.au Finance & Administration Officer Christina Ford t: (08) 9486 7515 e: christina.ford@vegetableswa.com.au Export Development Project Lead Manus Stockdale m: 0448 897 652 e: manus.stockdale@vegetableswa.com.au Life Members A.J. Anderson*, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), H.R. Ashby*, S. Calameri, M. Dobra, A. Harris*, A. Ingrilli, G. Kiriros*, R.G. Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle*, R.M. Schultz, C.P. Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P) and J. Turley. * Deceased

Dan Kuzmicich m: 0408 910 761

Carnarvon

Vice President Committee

Peter Dobra m: 0408 616 515 Gingin Lauren East m: 0419 047 371 Manjimup Paul Glavocich m: 0413 922 287 Gingin Peter Ivankovich m: 0428 919 211 Myalup Anthony Lieu m: 0401 558 886 Metro North Duc Nguyen t: (08) 9941 8376 Carnarvon Paul Shain m: 0419 041 045 Carnarvon

Agricultural Produce Commission APC Manager Ingrid Behr t: (08) 9368 3127 e: APCManager@dpird.wa.gov.au

Advertising For information on WA Grower advertising rates and sizing please go to: www.vegetableswa.com.au/wa-growersmagazine and click on the download media kit link.

your

industry associations

Your industry associations

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

CEO’s Report I

BY JOHN SHANNON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

t has been another busy beginning to the year at vegetablesWA.

At the forefront of the agenda has been the recent announcement by government that growers on the Gnangarra Mound will suffer a cut of 10% to their water entitlement in 2028.

Whilst this is better that the 25% cut originally proposed, it’s obviously going to be disastrous for many growers and must be opposed. It is also extremely disappointing that government has said no to compensating growers for these reductions.

We do appreciate the government investing in a business case to see whether water from the Alkimos treatment plant can be used for existing growing areas or a new horticulture precinct, however.

The government invests into a water business case.

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Brown marmorated stink bug

The industry was lucky that a brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) detection only involved one insect rather than a broader incursion. However, with a number of detections also made on the East coast the risks of an outbreak would seem high. See page 18 for more information.

It has been pleasing that the state government recently announced an inquiry into wage theft. I would certainly hope that this may result in better regulation of the labour hire sector which so often seems to be where the problems are. vegetablesWA will be making a submission to the inquiry.

The Agriculture Produce Commission (APC) recently held grower meetings around the state about changes to the Fee-for-Service which, if approved, take effect on July 1. Thank you to everyone who attended and provided feedback. vegetablesWA said goodbye to our Finance and Administration Officer, Christina who is headed back to the US with her husband. Welcome now to Sandie McLeod. We’re very lucky to have found someone who is right for the job and also has a grower background.

MORE INFORMATION John Shannon, phone 0488 111 526 or email john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

vegetablesWA

President’s Report 2

BY DAN KUZMICICH PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

018 has gone and 2019 is here, I trust everyone has had a good start to the year.

At the end of last year we had the privilege of awarding Maureen Dobra Life Membership to vegetablesWA. Maureen has worked tirelessly for the association and industry for over 15 years and continues to do so today.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Maureen and we are very thankful to have someone so dedicated in our industry.

Christmas was quiet for me spending time with my children and loved ones, I managed to take my children away to Rottnest and Coral Bay during the break which was a lot of fun. Play time over back to work, here in Carnarvon some growers have started planting (tomatoes mainly) and rockmelons. Most growers are preparing their soil for planting

to begin next week and beyond. While growers in the south of the state are in the middle of their Harvest season, wishing them a very good finish to their harvest season for 2019.

Here in Carnarvon it was dry (no rain) in 2018 and it continues in the early part of 2019. Rain would have of been nice to help out with preparing the land but no such luck. The weather has been mild with a few very hot days. I believe it has been milder weather for the early part of 2019 and I think we are due for a wet winter which we haven’t had that for a while.

Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS) had a course in Perth from the 25th to the 28th of February run by Graeme Sait.

Sam Grubisa (vegetablesWA Industry Extension Officer) posted it on Facebook on the vegetablesWA page and we jumped on in. My brother Rob Kuzmicich attended as we have implemented microbes into our business with very encouraging results over the past five to six years.

Our goal is to use more microbes and steer away from the chemicals we have used in the past so to have a more marketable product and cut costs with less chemical use.

If you want more information on this matter contact vegetablesWA and speak to Sam Grubisa or Truyen Vo who have both completed the course.

Water is still a big issue around the state, in Carnarvon no rain with no chance on a river flow down the Gascoyne River which mean’s water usage will have to be used very efficiently as always. Wanneroo growers are in the middle on negotiation with the Department of Water (DoW) to reduce the growers water entitlements. I’m sure there are plenty of discussion yet still to come on that matter, Carnarvon growers have been down that track and lost a lot of their own water (basin A) disappointing it has to be said.

Time for me to go as my first lot of capsicum seedlings have arrived I need to go sort them out. In my next report I will be updating the status on the RBG group here in Carnarvon to see how the fruit fly eradication pilot program is going. Until then stay safe and best wishes to all growers on their season.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Dan Kuzmicich on 0408 910 761 or damir.kuzmicich@bigpond.com

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Membership information and benefits What is HortConnectWA? HortConnectWA aims to bring like-minded young horticulture professionals together to engage in social and professional networking. An initiative of vegetablesWA, WA Potatoes, WA Citrus, StonefruitWA and Pomewest the HortConnectWA group will collaborate, share information and offer professional development across the West Australian horticulture industry.

Partnership with WA Farmers and AgConnectWA HortConnectWA’s purpose is to connect young horticulture professionals in Western Australia. To maximise the benefits of this network, HortConnectWA is aligned with WA Farmers AgConnectWA initiative. This will provide members of HortConnectWA access to some social events hosted by AgConnectWA to enhance cross industry collaboration.

Membership model and benefits Direct membership fee of $65/year One year membership July 2019 to June 2020 Membership benefits include: WA Grower magazine subscription (annual) Reduced rates for social and industry events Access to regional workshops (free with registration) Annual Christmas Party

Interested and want to know more?

You can check us out on Facebook or Twitter but for a more personal touch, you can get in touch with the team at vegetablesWA on (08) 9486 7515 or email office@hortconnectwa.com

Events & Activities • • • • •

Regional Workshops and Sundowners Annual Industry Summit Conferences Annual End of Year celebration AgConnectWA events including Heart of WA and annual Cocktail Party

HortConnectWA Membership information and benefits

HortConnectWA 702–704 Murray St, West Perth, WA, 6005 P: +61 8 9486 7515 E: office@hortconnectwa.com HortConnectWA HortConnectWA

HortConnectWA 702–704 Murray St, West Perth, WA, 6005 P: +61 8 9486 7515 E: office@hortconnectwa.com HortConnectWA HortConnectWA

Membership Application Form 2019

Membership is valid until 30 June 2020

Contact details Name Postal address Postcode

State

Phone Email

Mobile

Membership Membership is fully tax deductible

n HortConnectWA full membership — $65 per annum (including GST) n No n Yes — if you are a grower, what do you grow? (please tick) n Potatoes n Citrus n Pome n Other: (please specify)

Are you a grower?

n Vegetables

Payment n Payments by credit card Please charge $65.00 to my n Visa n MasterCard (please check one box) Name on card CVC

Card number Expiry

/

I (full name) of above address authorise The West Australian Vegetable Growers Association Inc to debit funds from the financial institution account as details below to validate my membership to HortConnectWA. By signing this credit card request I acknowledge the terms and conditions governing debit arrangements between myself, HortConnectWA and The West Australian Vegetable Growers Association Inc. Signed:

Date

/

/

n Payments by direct credit HortConnectWA BSB: 086-006 Account: 83-979-8943 Ref: Surname

HortConnectWA Membership Application Form 2019

page 1

Involvement in horticulture Please explain your involvement in the agricultural sector:

n Agribusiness n Law n Machinery n Transport n Other (please specify):

n Employed on a farm n Family connections

n Farming organisation n No involvement

How did you hear about HortConnectWA? n Social media n Radio n Website n University/studies

n Word of mouth n Attended an industry event n Search engine n Other (please specify):

n Attended an HortConnectWA event n Print media (Countryman, Farm Weekly, WA Grower) n Forum or blog

Membership declaration and signature I wish to become a member of the HortConnectWA and agree to abide by the organisation’s code of conduct.

Date

Signed:

/

/

Send to: HortConnectWA 702–704 Murray St, West Perth, WA, 6005 or email office@hortconnectwa.com Membership will commence on receipt of payment.

Privacy Act: The information you provide to HortConnectWA is used by HortConnectWA and The West Australian Vegetable Growers Association Inc. to administer your membership and in the provision of membership benefits. The information provided may be used to contact and advise you of other member services or products. You may elect to cease receiving such information at any time by contacting HortConnectWA by way of The West Australian Vegetable Growers Association Inc. through the methods below. Your personal information will not be disclosed without your consent for any other purpose unless required or authorised by law. You may request access to your personal information and request HortConnectWA update your records by contacting the Membership Coordinator in writing at vegetablesWA 702–704 Murray St, West Perth WA 6005 or email office@hortconnectwa.com.

HortConnectWA Membership Application Form 2019

page 2

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Grant funding open APC Vegetable Producers Committee (APC-VPC) 2019–20

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN OPERATIONS MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

In the 2018–19 financial year the APCVPC approved funding for the following project applications.

1. Part Funding — vegetablesWA

T

he Agricultural Produce Commission– Vegetable Producers Committee (APC-VPC) are currently inviting vegetable industry stakeholders, including vegetable growers, to apply for fee-for-service (FFS) funding for projects that will benefit the vegetable industry in Western Australia.

This project is also funded by other sources.

The 2019–20 funding is managed through the APC FFS by the APC-VPC.

The APC-VPC and vegetablesWA have been successful in leveraging the APC-VPC FFS funding through other sources such as; Horticulture Innovation Australia, Commonwealth government, Royalty for Regions, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and other corporate stakeholders for projects that will benefit growers. Since 2013, vegetablesWA has secured nearly six dollars of external funding for every dollar of FFS invested.

Applications will close on the 22nd of March 2019.

Apply for FFS funding for projects that will benefit the vegetable industry.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

2. The Great Aussie Crunch — Crunch & Sip 3. Export Readiness Program for vegetable growers 4. Fee-for-service Review 5. Biosecurity Preparedness Fund 6. vegetablesWA Industry Extension Officers This project is also funded by other sources.

7. Food Safety Crisis Management Plan 8. Industrial Relations Review

Fee-for-service review This APC-VPC funded project has seen ACIL Allen Consulting engaged to review the current FFS. The APC-VPC has been working to provide a review of Fee for Service and will be holding discussions for all Fee for Service vegetable growers.

In February there were seven regional meetings held across WA to discuss the potential changes with all growers.

Growers were encouraged to attend the meetings as outcomes of the meetings will contribute towards decisions on changes in the way the FFS is collected and this will likely cause a change in the FFS charge rates. These meetings were your opportunity as a grower to be involved in the process and to provide your feedback to the committee.

The APC would like to thank you for those who took the time to attend and participate in the meetings.

MORE INFORMATION Contact John Shannon on 0488 111 526 or email john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au or apcwa.org.au

YOUR PRODUCTION

your

production Your production WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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Tomato potato psyllid and cucumber green mottle mosaic virus threats

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YOUR PRODUCTION

BY VO THE TRUYEN INDUSTRY EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

T

omato potato psyllid (TPP) was in found in Western Australia for the first time in February 2017, prompting a national biosecurity response. This pest feeds on tomato, potato, capsicum, chilli, goji berry, tamarillo, eggplant as well as sweet potato, leading to loss of plant vigour and yield.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website1 shows that a Quarantine Area (announced since 17 August 2018) is in place to direct the movement and treatment of host plants to contain and control TPP in WA. In February 2019 TPP was observed present and caused significant losses on capsicum around Gnangara and Wanneroo, North Perth. Beside the capture of adult TPP, common symptoms of TPP damages were seen including stunting and yellowing of growth tips, yellowing or purpling of leaf margins, ‘cupping’ or upward curling of leaves, stem death. The infested capsicum plots suffered significant flowers drop and low yield of lowquality fruits (see Figure 1).

1 www.agric.wa.gov.au/tpp/tpp-quarantine-area Retrieved 06 March 2019

FIGURE 1 TPP damage on capsicum showing stunting and yellowing of growth tips with upward curling of leaves observed in February 2019 in Gnangara However, the field observation also found healthy capsicum farms existing in the same area. A discussion with growers of these farms revealed that spray program using chemicals like abamectin, methomyl, and Spirotetramat are applied along with regular monitoring of pests and diseases.

The key farm biosecurity strategy to control the moment of pest and diseases within the farm are important They are also applied at the entry gate sign to advise visitors of biosecurity protocols, monitoring plants for unfamiliar pests or diseases and checking seedlings to confirm they are free of pests and diseases.

Current effort in controlling TPP This month the WA DPIRD will commence the autumn round of TPP trapping.

The State needs support from growers this autumn to assist officers to allow officers to set traps on the perimeter of your properties whether that is on their residential or commercial garden with traps to be collected weekly over the testing period.

As noted in the attached article published in the WA Grower Summer 2018 edition ‘DPIRD would like to make it clear that if CLso is found in the TPP population outside a protected or secure facility, it is unlikely in most cases that DPIRD would impose movement restrictions within the state, or place properties under quarantine.’

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) CGMMV was first confirmed in Geraldton in July 2016. DPIRD and vegetablesWA work together to ensure growers are aware of and are implementing on-farm biosecurity practices for control of the virus (see Figure 2).

A national response to CGMMV was launched in late 2014 after CGMMV was first found in NT to manage the spread of CGMMV in Australia and mitigate economic impact. The National Management Group determined that it was not technically feasible to eradicate CGMMV. To March 20172 this disease has been detected on commercial cucurbit properties in Kununurra, Carnarvon, Geraldton and Perth. The disease infects cucurbit crops — including watermelon, cucumber, melons, zucchini, pumpkin, squash, bitter gourd, 2 www.agric.wa.gov.au/cgmmv retrieved 06 March 2019

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FIGURE 2 CGMMV inspection on cucumber crop in Geraldton in August 2016 and bottle gourd. CGMMV can cause substantial crop losses.

The virus is now a pest of national significance and a National Management Plan has been endorsed by national industry groups with input from State and Commonwealth governments.

The plan can be downloaded from the vegetablesWA or AUSVEG website.

WA is currently involved with two research projects to improve the understanding of CGMMV and develop management strategies for its control.

Developing and implementing strict farm biosecurity strategies is critical to preventing further spread of CGMMV. This principal disease control practice is seen widely applied in Geraldton, the WA key cucumber production area, and in Carnarvon where water melon is of the key commercial crops.

In addition to developing and implementing strict on-farm biosecurity strategies, using CGMMV tolerant varieties is also practicing in Geraldton.

This integrating practice provide comfort to cucumber growers in the area where satisfying cucumber yield and fruit quality are obtained today.

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However, it is worth noting that the cucumber plants of tolerant varieties may be infested and carry CGMMV virus without showing symptoms. A sampling and testing work done by 2017 in Geraldton show that all the introduced “resistant cucumber” varieties carry CGMMV virus just a few weeks after planting like Reko — the conventional cucumber in the area.

Therefore, there is a threat of spreading the disease to cucurbit plants crop of conventional varieties where the asymptomatic cucumber plants play as inoculation sources.

Current effort to control CGMMV DPIRD is running a project under the theme of Western Australian Royalties for Regions Boosting Western Australia’s Biosecurity Defences — Biosecurity Research and Development Fund to fight against bacterial and viral diseases including CGMMV.

33CGMMV virus in watermelon.

Check and report

Commercial growers are encouraged to continue to check for, and report sightings of unusual insects or damage to their plants through the MyPestGuide reporter app or by contacting the department on 1800 084 881.

Good farm biosecurity procedures should be in place to prevent the entry, establishment and spread of pests and diseases. More information on biosecurity is available on the Farm Biosecurity website at: www.farmbiosecurity.com.au

The project Resolving the critical disease threat to the Western Australian cucurbit industry from new and previous incursions of damaging cucurbit viruses focus in:

MORE INFORMATION

• Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) in melons in the ORIA; and

Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development

• CGMMV in quarantine glasshouse conditions in Perth

Industry contacts for growers: vegetablesWA Phone: (08) 9481 0834 Email: office@vegetableswa.com.au

Phone: (08) 9368 3333 Website: www.agric.wa.gov.au

VEGETABLE GROWER FUNDING Attend the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar during Hort Connections 2019

Held during Hort Connections, AUSVEG manages and facilitates a vegetable-levy funded seminar aimed at research and development into the vegetable industry. This seminar is titled the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar 2019. The seminar will take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 12-4pm on Monday 24 June, as a precursor to Hort Connections.

With a focus on new innovations in horticulture from world renowned experts in the field, as well as vegetable export content, and overall topical issues facing vegetable growers, the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar 2019 will showcase a variety of ideas that are at the leading edge of the industry. Growers will get an insight into technologies, export advisement and business strategies that will allow them to become more efficient, more productive and ultimately more profitable.

As part of a vegetable levy payers’ attendance at the seminar, funding is available to cover two-nights’ accommodation as well as return flights. Funded positions are limited, so growers are encouraged to get in as quickly as possible. Grower participants are encouraged to contact AUSVEG by phone on 03 9882 0277, fax on 03 9882 6722 or email info@hortconnections.com.au to express their interest in participating in the seminar.

These projects have been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. For more information on the fund and strategic levy investment visit horticulture.com.au.

HORT CONNECTIONS 2019 INDUSTRY PARTNERS

YOUR PRODUCTION

Better understanding of virus and bacterial diseases in vegetables

W

across WA

ork has begun in earnest in Western Australia (WA) on the Hort Innovation funded project ‘Area wide management of virus and bacterial diseases’ (VG16086).

This national project is being led in WA

by DPIRD’s Dr Craig Webster, who has been busy planning surveys of vegetable crops across WA and field trials investigating management options for virus diseases and insect monitoring.

The WA project team includes DPIRD Plant pathologists (Brenda Coutts, Craig

FIGURE 1 Pepper mild mottle virus on capsicum causing blistering and necrosis of fruit and mild mottling of leaves

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Webster, Dominie Wright and Monica Kehoe), and regional horticulture consultants (Annie van Blommestein from Carnarvon Growers Association; Rebecca Clarke from Raitech, Kununurra; and Rachel Lancaster from Environmental and Agricultural Testing Services, Bunbury).

‘Area wide management of virus and bacterial diseases' project.

when they are occurring. So far the surveys have shown that diseases can be major constraints in production and their abundance and level of impact varies between some regions and farms.

The surveys aims to identify the major virus and bacterial problems affecting WA vegetable growers in each region Craig explains.

In Carnarvon during October 2018 the major diseases identified were consistent with previous findings, with Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infecting capsicum and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) infecting cucurbit crops.

Both viruses are spread by aphids and cause loss in fruit yield and quality.

The only way that we can develop practical management options for growers is by determining how wide spread the common diseases are and

Of note was the detection of Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) in capsicum and chilli plants in Carnarvon. This virus has been found previously

YOUR PRODUCTION

in Australia and WA and is not of quarantine concern but was found causing symptoms of blistering and necrosis (Figure 1) of capsicum fruit, making them unmarketable. No symptoms were visible on the leaves and infected plants can easily be overlooked. This virus is spread by contact and is seed-borne.

Removing volunteer carrots after the harvesting has finished within infected crops helps to break the cycle of disease spread and prevent early infection of newly planted blocks, which leads to severe symptoms in the carrots.

Over the next few months, Craig and other team members will be visiting vegetable growers in the south-west, Geraldton, Carnarvon, and Kununurra to survey crops for virus and bacterial diseases. Each grower will receive results from testing completed on their crops, along with information on management options from any diseases found.

Management involves removing old infected crops, volunteer crop plants and weeds such as Nightshade which can harbour the virus. Cleaning up contaminated surfaces is also important. The recent DPIRD factsheet (www.agric.wa.gov.au/viruses-virus/ pepper-mild-mottle-virus-pmmov) contains further information on this virus.

Monitoring insects by trapping is a long-term activity taking place in the Carnarvon area over the next three years (Figure 2).

Trapping will inform when aphid flights begin in the area and how aphid numbers vary throughout the year.

This information will be compared to local weather data to determine if climatic factors affect aphid arrival and flights. It is hoped with this knowledge it will be possible to forecast aphid arrival and provide an opportunity to prevent virus outbreaks.

In Geraldton, Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) was detected on previously infested properties, however it was not detected on any additional properties during survey work in 2018.

MORE INFORMATION

FIGURE 2 Aphid trapping in the Carnarvon area Including on-farm hygiene practises, such as footbaths, can help prevent its spread to additional properties and help limits its impact on infested properties.

Findings of the recent HIA-funded project (VG15013) on ‘Improved management options for CGMMV’ can be found online (https://dpir.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/ pdf_file/0010/594739/improvedmanagement-options-cgmmv.pdf).

In the south-west region, Carrot virus Y (CarVY) was found affecting carrots (Figure 3). Infected plants show mild yellowing of leaves and depending on the variety and time of infection can lead to ‘Michelin Man’ type carrots. The virus is spread by many aphid species but only infects close relatives of carrot, including wild carrots, celery and dill.

Any grower interested in participating in the survey can contact Craig Webster (craig.webster@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 9368 3139), Annie van Blommestein (annie@cga.com.au), Rebecca Clarke (rebecca@raitech.com.au or 0413 616 029) or Rachel Lancaster (rachel@eatswa.com. au (08) 9721 7170) for information. All samples are tested free of charge.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and contributions from the Australian Government with co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries; Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources; The Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources; the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the University of Tasmania.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

FIGURE 3 Carrot virus Y on carrot causing yellowing and flecking of leaves and ‘Michelin man’ symptoms on the roots

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33BMSB is not established in Australia, but is widespread in Europe, the United States and some parts of Asia.

T

here have been a number of Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) detections around Australia this year, including one at Fremantle Port.

BMSB is not established in Australia, but is widespread in Europe, the United States and some parts of Asia. BMSB is a major pest in other countries, damaging fruit, vegetable crops, ornamental plants, and have been known to invade homes in their thousands when seeking shelter during colder weather.

BMSB are highly mobile and during the colder months in the northern hemisphere (between September and April) it is common for BMSB to take shelter in cargo, as well as vehicles and machinery, that are bound for Australia. It has the ability to survive for long periods in cargo by remaining dormant.

In Fremantle, a single live BMSB was found in a Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) trap on 28 December 2018.

The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has since been working closely with DAWR to swiftly put in place effective response measures.

In 2017–18 there were three post-border detections — two in Sydney and one in Perth. All were associated with goods that had been imported from Italy.

In 2018–19, there have been more post-border detections of BMSB in WA and other states, in a variety of imported cargo. Both live and dead bugs have been found. DAWR is working closely with each of the affected State Governments. The affected goods have been subject to biosecurity control and fumigation, and surveillance is now underway to determine that these bugs have been contained.

Potential impact Australia needs to be kept free of BMSB. The bug’s ability to hitchhike, fly and feed on a wide range of plant hosts enables it to spread rapidly when it is introduced to new areas. It feeds on more than 300 fruit and vegetable crops and ornamental plants, including sweet corn, tree nuts and fruits such as apples, peaches, figs, mulberries, citrus and persimmons.

BMSB causes major damage, reducing both yield and marketability. Bugs pierce the outer surface of fruit, injecting saliva and sucking out juices.

BMSB are larger than other stink bugs (12–17mm long).

This has included a residual treatment to buildings and vegetation within a 100 metre buffer zone, and DPIRD commenced a 12-week trapping program to determine whether the pest has spread. A total of 55 traps have now been deployed with no further detections to date.

DAWR has routinely intercepted BMSB in small numbers, on a range of goods from a number of countries, for the last decade. Over the past few years, BMSB detections have increased due to spread of the pest and an increase in the number of countries in which it has established.

This causes dimpling of the fruit's surface and rotting and corking inside the fruit. If on fruits produced for juice extraction, such as grapes or citrus, the insect may taint the entire batch of juice with a bad taste and smell, making it unsuitable for sale.

In corn and soybeans, feeding damage can stop seed development.

Damage to nuts include nut abortion, shrivelled kernels and kernel necrosis.

The BMSB juvenile or nymphal stages cause the most damage.

Ornamental trees such as Tree of Heaven, Princess tree, Magnolia and Chinese pistachio have been observed to be preferential hosts for BMSB. Overseas, red sorghum and sunflower have been used as trap crops as they are tall, brightly coloured and have seeds that are a good protein source.

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33NEWLY hatched 1st instar brown marmorated stink bug nymphs and empty egg cases. © David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

33SEVERAL early instar nymphs in three different stages on an egg mass. © Gary Bernon, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

What to look for BMSB can be confused with a number of other brown coloured stinkbugs that are present in Australia, but have the below distinctive features.

• BMSB are larger than other stink bugs (12–17mm long).

• They are a mottled (marmorated) brown colour, shield shaped, and have five nymph stages that range from less than 3mm to 12mm long.

• The white bands on its antennae are a distinguishing feature, along with distinctive black and white banding around the outer edge of the abdomen.

33FIFTH and last instar nymph stage before changing into a young adult. © Hectonichus, Flikr.com

Buildings and vegetation, including wild and ornamental plants, provide refuge for adults during winter, which are a source of re-infestation for nearby crops. Once established in a cropping situation, ongoing control measures are required.

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BMSB is not a risk to human health but is regarded a nuisance and economic pest. Before the arrival of winter, thousands of bugs can be found seeking shelter from cold weather in crevices or protected areas in homes, buildings, vehicles and machinery.

It has a foul smelling odour when crushed or disturbed.

Regular visual surveillance appears to be the most effective approach to finding BMSB. Regularly check your property, equipment, vehicles and crops. Look for unusual aggregations of stink bugs in or on buildings once the weather cools down.

In spring, summer and potentially autumn, BMSB will seek out ripe/ ripening fruit to feed on. BMSB prefer edges of crops and orchards, so focus on these areas when conducting visual surveillance.

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Photograph and map it using MyPestGuide™ Reporter

Measures include: 33ADULT brown marmorated stink bug. © Kristie Graham, USDA ARS, Bugwood.org)

Check under leaves for juveniles and eggs. Adults are attracted to light, so check around any outdoor lighting in the evening. Note that BMSB is very sensitive to movement and will drop to the ground when disturbed.

Beyond the field DPIRD has broadened its awareness and reporting communications to include anyone who works around or receives imported goods. This encompasses port workers, anyone working in and around freight, transport, warehouses and industrial areas, and businesses in receipt of imported cargo.

Businesses that deal with imported goods that are typically stored outside should be particularly vigilant, to prevent spread of BMSB into outdoor areas. These include: • Car dealerships or distribution centres that receive vehicles and machinery once clear at the border • Agriculture machinery and equipment distributors • Building suppliers • Garden product suppliers (those that sell pots, garden ornaments and equipment) • Tile and ceramic distributors • Distributors of electrical goods and components • Other businesses that are in receipt of imported goods, particularly from Italy

If you find something North Fremantle area • Call (08) 9368 3080, or • Photograph and map it using MyPestGuide™ Reporter (download the app or make online report), or • Email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au

Port workers/warehouse workers/ transporters/importers

1

Take immediate action, and call the national See. Secure. Report hotline on 1800 798 636. Take a photo if you can.

2

• Don’t remove the contents of the container. Shut the doors and reseal

3

• Don’t allow the container to be moved — especially to an area outside if it’s in a warehouse • Collect any dead or live specimens so our entomologists can confirm the species • Any live bugs should be held in a container that prevents them from escaping Purchasing goods from overseas Take immediate action, and call the national See. Secure. Report. hotline on 1800 798 636. Take a photo if you can.

Particular attention should be paid to second hand goods or items that may have been in storage for some time. If you receive a package that has live bugs inside, re-seal the box or package to prevent further bugs escaping. If bugs have already escaped, try to catch them and put them in a sealed container.

Growers and gardeners • Call (08) 9368 3080, or • Photograph and map it using MyPestGuide™ Reporter (download the app or make online report), or • Email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au

4 5

6

7

Targeted high risk goods receive mandatory treatment for BMSB. Goods identified as a risk will be subject to random on shore inspection.

High risk break bulk cargo and goods that are not in a sixsided shipping container must be treated off-shore. Only fully containerised cargo has the option of being treated offshore or on-shore.

Goods coming from target risk countries must be treated by a provider that is approved by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Where goods are subject to a random inspection on arrival, the container’s seal must be intact and the goods must be inspected in the presence of a biosecurity officer.

Heightened surveillance for cargo vessels and additional pre-arrival reporting for vessel operators, who are required to undertake daily checks of their vessels and cargo for biosecurity risks.

Vessels that are reported to have live BMSB on board may not be able to enter an Australian port, or could be directed back out to sea if they are already here.

Federal import measures DAWR is responsible for Australia’s biosecurity at our international border and manages the risk of BMSB arriving in Australia. To address the emerging risk of BMSB, stringent response measures are in place, which are reviewed each year.

2018–19 import measures are outlined below, and apply for the period between 1 September 2018 and 30 April 2019.

They apply to specific sea cargo arriving from France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Russia and the United States, where we know BMSB is present.

MORE INFORMATION Visit the DAWR web pages to learn more about these measures, including extensive information on target high risk goods and countries, treatment options and providers, import requirements and forms, approved arrangement sites and container management.

For more information visit: agric.wa.gov.au/bmsb.

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XYLELLA A

ustralia will be better prepared for plant disease outbreaks with the appointment of a national coordinator to lead a three-year program to improve As there us no known cure readiness for the for Xylella, prevention is the only safeguard. potential incursion of the devastating Xylella fastidiosa.

Experienced biosecurity and emergency response coordinator, Craig Elliott, has been appointed to work with a national steering committee and coordinate the program to safeguard the nation against Xylella, an exotic bacteria that threatens more than 350 commercial, ornamental and native plant species in Australia.

The role is a joint initiative between Wine Australia and Hort Innovation through the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) to coordinate research and emergency response activities to improve Australia’s preparedness.

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33INFESTED olive trees (bacterium Xylella Fastidiosa), Salento, South Italy.

While Australia is currently free of Xylella, the disease has been catastrophic overseas infecting more than 200 million citrus trees in Brazil, destroying 1 million olive trees in Italy and severely impacted the Californian grape sector — causing annual losses in excess of US$100 million.

Mr Elliott has previously worked in senior management roles with state biosecurity agencies in Queensland and Tasmania, as well as with the National

Biosecurity Response Team, and he has extensive experience in leading emergency responses and training government and industry personnel in biosecurity and emergency management.

Mr Elliott said his priorities will be focused on working with local and international researchers to find simple and quick ways of detecting the disease in plant and insect samples and to develop containment and eradication strategies should there be an outbreak.

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“The key to Australia being better prepared is having the ability to detect Xylella early and then having the containment and eradication tools ready so we can act quickly,” Mr Elliott said.

“We can learn from the experience of other countries and the work being done to improve their detection and response procedures. Unfortunately we are seeing the spread of Xylella through southern Europe and we can’t afford to be complacent with this threat.”

Dr Jo Luck, PBRI Program Director, said there was no known cure for Xylella and prevention was the only safeguard against Australia’s most threatening exotic plant disease.

33THE new national coordinator’s role will be to detect the disease in plant and insect samples and to develop containment and eradication strategies.

“If established, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has estimated Xylella’s potential cost to Australia’s grape and wine sector alone at up to $7.9 billion over 50 years.

The impact on Australian horticulture and environment would be equally devastating,” she said.

Dr Liz Waters, Wine Australia’s General Manager for Research, Development and Extension (RD&E), said Mr Elliott’s role was a vital investment in protecting Australia against Xylella.

“Xylella has the potential to impact many different plant industries and Mr Elliott will manage cross-sectoral biosecurity preparedness, act in a liaison role for potentially affected sectors, and ensure there is national awareness and coordination of highpriority RD&E to prevent the pest arriving and establishing.”

David Moore, Hort Innovation General Manager for Research and Development, said the risk of Xylella had encouraged collaboration across agricultural research and development corporations.

MORE INFORMATION www.horticulture.com.au

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Chemical selection & QA R

Part 1

ecently while out and about visiting growers, Joel and Sam have fielded a number of similar questions relating to chemical selection and use.

This is a great topic to discuss as the suite of agricultural chemicals that are available to growers is constantly evolving. The variations to regulations and permit requirements may change so minimally, to the point where it is impossible to keep up with the amendments.

Therefore, it is crucial to make the right selection and apply the nominated product correctly in order to achieve the desired management result.

Select, prepare and apply the most suitable chemical to protect your crop.

In this two-part series, Joel and Sam have collaborated to assist growers to meet both growing and food safety outcomes.

In this edition (Part 1), we will discuss APVMA Chemical Permit and PubCRIS Product Search criteria required to select the appropriate chemical.

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When a pest, disease or weed incursion has been identified and the decision has been made to apply a chemical treatment, it is critical from a food safety and legislation point of view that we employ best practice and follow legitimate protocols to meet permit or label requirements.

It is essential that you select, prepare and apply the most suitable chemical to protect your crop while meeting food safety and legislation outcomes.

Poor decision making or chemical application could result in workplace health and safety breaches, product recall or negative financial implications on your business.

So how do we decide which chemicals to use to target a pest, disease or weeds?

The answer is as simple as following our guide below:

APVMA chemical search • Go to APVMA (APVMA = Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) website www.apvma.gov.au • Click on Chemicals and Products • Click on Search registered chemical products and permits • Choose whether to search in the PubCRIS (PubCRIS = Public Chemical Registration Information System) or Permit database (see Table 1).

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TABLE 1 PubCRIS or Permit database PubCRIS

Permit

The database of all Agricultural and Veterinary chemicals and products registered in Australia

The database of products available under minor use or off label permits in Australia

You can search by Product Name, Product Registration number, Active ingredient/constituent, APVMA Approval number, Permit Holders name, Host Crop/Animal and Pest

You can search by Product Name, Active ingredient/constituent, Permit number, Crop/Animal to be treated and Issue/Pest to be managed

PubCRIS search • If choosing a PubCRIS search, type in Product Name, Product Registration number, Active ingredient/constituent, APVMA Approval number, Permit Holders name, Host Crop/Animal or Pest (or a combination e.g. Product Name and Host Crop) and hit enter • A Product list will appear for you to choose from • Click View Details to view information on the most relevant option • You will be taken to another page where you can select separate tabs with the information most applicable to your query: General, Constituent, Pack Size, Labels, States, Protected, Withholding, Host/Pest

Permit search • If choosing Permit search, type in Product Name, Active ingredient/ constituent, Permit number, Crop/ Animal to be treated or Issue/Pest to be managed (or a combination e.g.

Product Name and Host Crop) and hit enter • A Search results list will appear with the Permit number, type of chemical, Description of use, Status, Usage dates and an option to View Details • Click View to see the permit information

Important information to look for on permit documentation • Permit Number • Dates the permit is authorised for use • Permit Holders details

33WHITE powdery mildew.

TABLE 2 Checklist for choosing a product that suits your current issue/incursion* Questions to consider when choosing Where to find the relevant information a chemical Label or SDS Is the product registered to control the issue/incursion, taking into account the life cycle stage?

Label

How toxic is the chemical?

Label

Health hazard information

How selective or persistent is the product?

Label

General instructions

What equipment is required to apply product?

Label

General instructions

What PPE is required to prepare and apply product?

Label

Safety directions

First aid (General PPE only)

SDS

Precautions for use (Specific PPE)

Precautions

* Information will be found on either the product label or SDS

MORE INFORMATION

• Conditions of Use

In the next edition of WA Grower, we will discuss the correct application and documentation of chemicals to ensure that we are meeting food safety requirements as prescribed in the Freshcare FSQ4 Code of Practice. We will be conducting a webinar to discuss this topic in the future, so please keep an eye out for further details in the e-news and on our Facebook page.

—— Directions for Use —— Critical Use Comments —— Withholding Period —— Jurisdiction —— Additional Conditions

Signal heading

SDS Product identification — poison schedule and formulation

• Persons permitted to use product —— Product/Active Constituent

Claims for use

Directions for use — including the situation and critical comments

If you have any questions, please contact Joel Dinsdale on 0417 857 675 or Sam Grubisa on 0427 373 037.

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Strip-till feature can w o h d n a , t i s i t wha you benefit?

T

he Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) projects work with growers nationally to put soil management and plant health research into practice.

Strip-till in Tasmanian vegetable crops

Make 2019 the year you have a serious look at strip-till

Strip-till is a system of cultivation that works strips of soil where the crop will be planted or sown and leaves most of the soil covered and undisturbed.

Looking to reduce establishment costs, improve your soil and save some time?

Then have a look at strip-till in 2019.

This edition features the cultivation system of strip-till, with resources and demonstration site updates to keep you in the know. Soil Wealth ICP Phase 2 (VG16078) is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund.

The main benefits being seen include improved water infiltration and retention, healthier crops, fuel savings, fertiliser placement and efficiency. It's important to think of strip tillage as a farming system, not just a tillage practice.

33BENEFITS of strip-till include improved water infiltration and retention, healthier crops, fuel savings, fertiliser placement and efficiency.

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Strip tillage is currently used in Tasmania for brassica seedlings, fodder beet and carrot seed.

The Soil Wealth ICP team in conjunction with VegNET Tasmania have recently developed a fact sheet and complementary video about the benefits and challenges of strip-till, as well practical considerations out in the paddock.

Strip-till is being used in a range of vegetable row crops such as sweet corn, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkins, zucchinis and beets. It is currently being showcased at the Sydney Basin, NSW demonstration site.

The main suppliers of strip-till gear in Australia include Orthman, Niffty Ag, SlyFrance and Kuhn Krause. In selecting strip-till look for service and costs, construction and durability, weight, shank reset, strip width, ease of adjustment and fertiliser application options.

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What growers are saying after using strip-till

Sydney Basin demonstration site.

“Faster turnaround between crops.”

“Soil seems to hold up better after heavy rain.”

“Logistically strip-till is way better than conventional cultivation.”

FIGURE 1 Freshly strip-tilled soil following mulching the previous brassica crop at the Sydney Basin demonstration site The horsepower needed to pull strip till gear is a minimum of 20hp per row unit. This will vary upward if you have compact soils and/or place the ripping shank deeper (up to 35hp per row unit).

So for a 3 bed system with six rows roughly a 120–210hp tractor would be required.

• Keeps soil in the paddock — reduces erosion during heavy rainfall and sand blast in wind

Your standard sowing or transplant gear can be used without modification, a big advantage of strip-till where tillage is targeted to the zone where your crops are planted.

• Inter-row ground cover holds soil moisture — more even seasonal moisture

Figure 1 shows a freshly strip-tilled soil following mulching of the previous brassica crop.

How does it reduce establishment costs and save you time?

• Go from previous crop to ready to plant in a single pass, saving 2–4 passes • The one pass is fast — ground speed of 8–10km/hr • Reduces fuel costs — reduced passes, no PTO load, fast ground speed • Wider range of soil conditions — able to get on paddock sooner after rain How does it improve soil health?

• Only cultivates 40–60% of the soil — leaving soil biology to build and stabilise soil structure. Already we are seeing worms returning at the Sydney Basin demo site • ‘Softer’ tillage in the strips — enough tillage to get good crop establishment without beating the soil

• Makes cover crops management easier • Slow release of organic nutrients inter-row — less leaching and acidification

What challenges are there?

• Cost — each row unit is around $7,000 • Fertiliser placement is important — need to band fertiliser in strip to get best result • Managing crop and cover crop residues — need to get the sweet spot of the amount of residues that can be effectively managed

“Should have done this a long time ago.”

“Don’t have to beat soil dead to get the next crop in.”

33STRIP-TILL is being used in crops such as sweet corn, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkins, zucchinis and beets.

• Understand the gear — set-up should be adjusted to your soils and residue level for best results. This is typically not hard.

MORE INFORMATION You can access all the resources in this article, as well as news and events from around the country at soilwealth.com.au.

For more information, please contact project leaders Dr Gordon Rogers on (02) 8627 1040 or gordon@ ahr.com.au and Dr Anne-Maree Boland on (03) 9882 2670 or annemareeb@rmcg.com.au.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Project number: VG16078

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Improving the capacity of primary industries to withstand

cyclonic winds Background

Objective To identify production practices or technologies that primary producers can use to minimise the damage cyclonic winds cause to their businesses.

Cyclones across northern Australia have caused hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of damage to tropical primary industries over the past several decades.

Industries affected include tropical tree crops, forestry and animal-based industries. With the threat of increasing cyclonic activity as a result of climate change, the economic sustainability, employment opportunities and rural communities supported these primary industries may be under threat without changes to production practices.

Research Strategies being used by various industries to reduce the damage caused by cyclonic winds were identified and research trials undertaken to develop new production practices and technologies that could further minimise the damage caused by cyclonic winds.

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Trellis production has shown promising results in terms of cyclone protection for tropical tree crops. Trials were established to assess the suitability and productivity of a broad range of tropical tree crops grown on different trellis systems.

Information was used to make an economic assessment of trellis verses conventional production with and without the risk of being impacted by cyclones.

Nursery trials were conducted to develop rapid propagation methods for a range of tropical tree crops and to produce nursery planting material better able to resist uprooting. Defoliation trials on a range of fruit and forestry trees were conducted to determine if defoliation could be used to reduce the forces on a trees canopy to reduce the damage caused by cyclonic winds.

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The trellis trials indicate many tropical fruit tree species ranging in vigour, flowering habit and size are able to be grown on trellises. Management guidelines on training, pruning, plant spacing and trellis specifications for a range of crops has been developed.

Cyclones across northern Australia have caused hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of damage.

The economic analysis found that the high early yields and improved fruit quality justifies the high capital costs and labour requirements for plant establishment for a range of crops.

The economics of trellising is further bolstered when the risk of cyclones is taken into account. The findings suggest that trellising could provide a solution to growing a productive, economically sustainable tropical fruit industry in cyclone prone areas of northern Australia and other regions of the world.

An economic decision tool (which is for download from the DAF website) allows producers to determine if trellising is economic in their circumstances.

3 DAMAGED plantation after a cyclone — fallen stakes, torn mesh and uprooted crops.

A list of wind resistant tree and shrub species suitable for establishing windbreaks in cyclone prone regions was developed as well as identifying the important characteristics in designing an effective windbreak.

3 NURSERY trials indicate the susceptibility to uprooting of newly established fruit trees can be reduced by establishing nursery plants in pots with a good depth/diameter ratio, antispiralling and root pruning features.

Nursery trials indicate establishing nursery plants in pots with a good depth/diameter ratio, anti-spiralling and root pruning features can reduce the susceptibility of newly established fruit trees to uprooting. Propagation trials identified methods to rapidly and cheaply propagate a number of tropical fruit species using cuttings. This will aid the re-establishment of these industries following cyclone damage by improving the availability and reducing the cost of planting material.

The project also assessed the range of insurance products available for primary industries and their suitability for covering cyclone damage; and a survey of primary producers’ insurance knowledge and needs.

Outcomes This research has identified a range of production practices and technologies that can be implemented by producers to minimise the damage caused by cyclonic winds to their farming enterprises.

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3 DEFOLIATION using an ethrel urea mix followed by a sun protectant was an effective way to reduce the wind loads on trees during strong winds, protecting them from cyclone damage and allowed them to fully recover.

Where trellising is not being used (e.g. existing orchards, forestry plantations), defoliating trees was found to be an effective technique to reduce the wind forces on a trees canopy by up to 90%, protecting them from cyclone damage.

An ethrel urea mix was effective at causing defoliation in the short time frame required prior to the impact from a cyclone. A paint, lime and water mix applied after defoliation prevented sunburn. For the species where chemical defoliation doesn’t work, mechanical pruning could achieve a similar outcome. Following defoliation, trees recovered to full production within two to three years.

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A list of wind resistant trees and shrubs suitable for establishing a windbreak, with information on designing an effective windbreak in a cyclone prone region is presented.

comprehensive general-property insurance cover, only 4% had insurance cover for their crops against windstorm or cyclonic events. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that crop insurance products could be better advertised to producers in cyclone-prone regions.

A study of agricultural insurance products highlighted the lack of affordable plans for managing the risk of cyclone damage for primary industries domestically. The insurance sector, working closely with industry (through the Queensland Farmers Federation, QFF) is currently developing indexed-based insurance products which could be offered to primary industries affected by cyclones this cyclone season. The survey found that while 80% of producers had

Cyclone mitigation strategies identified in the animal-based industries included alternative and backup power sources, improved and increased storage capacity for fuel, feed and medicines, improvements to farm infrastructure including animal housing, sheds and farm access points, removal of large trees and replacement where necessary with artificial shade and changes in stock management. The potential for innovative fencing and animal identification methods in the future are also discussed.

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Implications Adoption of new production practices identified in this project will reduce the impact that severe cyclones have on primary industries and improve economic sustainability, even with the threat of increasing cyclonic activity.

Trellising could provide a solution to growing a productive, economically sustainable tropical fruit industry in cyclone prone areas of northern.

Improving cyclone resilience would also improve the reliability of production, reducing risks associated with primary production in cyclone-prone regions and making access to finance and insurance cover easier.

This will contribute to further development and expansion of existing and emerging industries. It will provide economic and employment opportunities in rural communities, which in turn will contribute toward local, state and national economies.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was funded by AgriFutures Australia and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Dr James Drinnan, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, (07) 4017 0747, james.drinnan@daf.qld.gov.au Learn more at: agrifutures.com.au/emerging-industries The final report is available from the AgriFutures Australia website: Improving the capacity of primary industries to withstand cyclonic winds

3 TRELLIS trials indicate many tropical fruit tree species ranging in vigour, flowering habit and size are amenable to being grown on trellis (guava and mango shown).

Propagation trials identified methods to rapidly and cheaply propagate a number of tropical fruit species using cuttings. This will greatly aid the re-establishment of these industries following cyclone damage, by improving the availability and reducing the cost of planting material.

AgriFutures Australia is the trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation.

AgriFutures is a trade mark owned by Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation.

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Review bacterial blackleg disease and R&D gaps with a focus on the potato industry

33POSTHARVEST losses are greatest in poorer countries that lack refrigerated cool chain practices.

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S

oft rot bacterial species Dickeya and Pectobacterium are listed globally in the top 10 of important bacterial plant pathogens based on their economic impact. They are comprised of a genetically diverse group of plant pathogens affecting a wide range of plant species.

Postharvest losses are greatest in poorer countries that lack refrigerated cool chain practices. In Australia, crop losses from potato blackleg disease are generally considered to be low.

However, there are cases of greater losses occurring when wet and windy weather conditions prevail, or of soft rots following planting seed tubers into warmer soils.

Across other horticultural commodities, there are crops that are affected by certain of these same potato pathogens, while others have their own species or subspecies affecting them. The diverse genetics of these bacterial species or subspecies causing blackleg and soft rot disease makes it harder to easily distinguish important ones.

Genetically diverse group of plant pathogens affecting a wide range of plant species.

There are several documented cases overseas of biosecurity breaches that suggest there are significant threats for Australian horticulture amongst this group of bacteria.

Accurately estimating biosecurity risks and implementing appropriate mitigation or management strategies for these bacteria will require two simultaneous undertakings: a formal study to update our knowledge of which bacteria are currently present in Australia; and access to accurate diagnostic tests which include the capability to distinguish important subspecies of these bacterial pathogens.

There will be a need for sufficient validation of these tests to estimate their reliability, sensitivity and selectively. In particular, there will be a need to ensure no interference from related environmental species in test results.

Output data from these studies will inform authorities of any need to review potato seed production guidelines and any considerations for national and regional quarantine and biosecurity.

33DICKEYA and Pectobacterium are listed globally in the top 10 of important bacterial plant pathogens based on their economic impact.

There may be economic implications flowing from any survey results and reporting of bacterial taxa not previously recorded in Australia. In particular, export and interstate trade in seed potatoes may be adversely affected.

Similarly, introduction of testing for imported products such as ornamental bulbs and tubers will increase costs to the cut-flower and nursery industries.

These considerations need to be weighed carefully against the potential benefits that comes with a greater understanding of the causes of blackleg and soft rots in Australia, and the preparedness to deal with any future incursions.

MORE INFORMATION To read the full report from Hort Innovation please head to the AUSVEG website https:// ausveg.com.au/app/uploads/technicalinsights/PT18000.pdf

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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Stable flies

I

t is well established that post-harvest residues of most leafy vegetables rot within days after harvest and provide an ideal environment for stable flies to complete their development (Cook et al.

2011, 2018).

The resultant adult flies that emerge seek blood meals several times a day and significantly affect any livestock nearby (see Figure 1). Numerous methods have been tried to reduce

FIGURE 1 Stable flies in different stages of life

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stable fly development from vegetable crop residues left in situ after harvest.

These have had either limited success or are neither practical nor economically viable for vegetable producers to adopt.

The option of burying crop residues and/or compacting the sandy soil above the residues offered a unique solution to preventing the emergence of adult stable flies from the residues without the need to use pesticides.

Large-scale field trials at commercial vegetable producers confirmed that burial and compaction of post-harvest residues is the most effective option for controlling stable fly.

Compacting sandy soil using a landroller almost virtually totally prevents adult stable fly emergence from the soil.

The hard barrier of soil near the surface prevent the newly-emerged stable flies from digging their way to the soil surface.

When the adult fly emerges from its pupal case in the soil, their outer exoskeleton hasn’t hardened, hence they are quite feeble and unable to dig through compacted soil.

YOUR PRODUCTION

The project Advanced Stable Fly Management for Vegetable Producers (VG15002) funded by HIA and with great additional support from vegetablesWA clearly confirmed the best method for managing and having a major impact on stable fly development from vegetable crop residues. This management involves two simple steps: • Burial of crop residues using either a mouldboard plough, stone burier or a deep, slow rotary hoe; followed by • Compaction of the sandy soil using a fixed landroller at rates equivalent to 5t/m2.

Production benefits to growers The solution to the stable fly problem has the dual benefit of providing significant production benefits to growers. These include: i) retention of all the organic matter from the residues; ii) retention of moisture in the soil, which means a. less soil wind erosion from moist, compacted sand; and b. better germination of any cover crop planting to hold the soil iii) no need to use any insecticides to control stable flies.

Wait one week after harvest before burial and compaction Because compaction prevents stable fly emergence, handling of crop residues does not need to be done immediately after harvest, but can be left for up to a week before burying and compaction. By waiting one week, any stable fly eggs or larvae in the residues will not emerge at a later point as adult flies, so burial and compaction actually REMOVES stable flies from the population (see Figure 2).

Our research showed that stable flies start laying eggs onto broccoli, lettuce, silverbeet and celery residues within 1–2 days after harvest in summer production months, so waiting one week before burial and compaction will kill those stable fly maggots/larvae.

Burial of reject produce Reject produce that is either unharvestable, damaged, misshapen or affected by pests and diseases must be disposed of by burial. Leaving these fruit to rot in the field will allow stable flies to develop (anywhere from 10–25 stable flies per piece of reject fruit) (Cook et al. 2018).

Burial of reject produce infested with stable fly larvae was shown to only be effective at preventing adult emergence when buried under at least 1m of soil.

Burial and compaction of the soil above the reject produce will prevent any stable flies from emerging (see Figure 3).

FIGURE 2 Stable fly eggs in rotting carrot tops (L) and larvae (maggots) in celery residues mixed in with coarse sandy soil (R) will be killed by burial and compaction of crop residues

FIGURE 3 Reject eggplants left under bushes will rot and allow stable flies to develop (L). Burial under at least 1m of soil (R) with compaction will prevent any stable flies developing WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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FIGURE 4 Burial of a finished silverbeet crop using a mouldboard plough (L) followed by compaction using a simple landroller (R) reduces stable fly development by over 95%

1

BURY RESIDUES 1 WEEK AFTER HARVEST

2

COMPACT SOIL WITH A LAND ROLLER NO PESTICIDES NEEDED

OR

STONE BURIER

COMPACT SOIL WHEN WET LEAVE UNDISTURBED TO DRY MOULDBOARD PLOUGH

250 Stable fly numbers/m2

OR

DEEP, SLOW ROTARY HOE

LAND ROLLER

200 150 100 50 0

Left to rot

Mulch, spray, water off

Burial & compaction

PRODUCTION BENEFITS • Retains more soil moisture • Retains all organic matter of residues • Less soil wind erosion • No pesticides needed

FIGURE 5 A summary of the best method for handling vegetable crop residues, where 1) residues are to be buried 1 week after harvest, and then 2) compacted with a land roller

Compaction Burial of vegetable crop residues can be achieved using either a mouldboard plough, stone burier of deep, slow rotary hoe. This process needs to be followed up with soil compaction using any type of land roller that provides at least 5t of compaction/m2 (see Figure 4).

Smaller growers unable to afford a mouldboard plough or stone burier can employ the newly approved measure of rotary hoeing their residues on five successive days to minimise stable fly.

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There are many types of landrollers available to growers.

Local agricultural machinery companies that currently sell or can fabricate landrollers for use by vegetable producers.

These range from 2.1–6m wide for use on fixed-sprinkler line properties, or from 6m to 12, 18 and 24m wide rollers that could be used on open, centre-pivot irrigated vegetable operations.

Figure 5 summarises the best method for handling of post-harvest vegetable crop residues both in terms of productivity

benefits to growers and significantly reducing stable fly development.

REFERENCES Cook, DF, IR Dadour, SC Voss (2011) Management of stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) and other nuisance flies breeding in rotting vegetable matter associated with horticultural crop production. International Journal of Pest Management 57: 315–320.

Cook, DF, DV Telfer, JB Lindsey, RA Deyl (2018) Substrates across horticultural and livestock industries that support the development of stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae). Austral Entomology 57: 344–348.

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TOOL

TIME

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First ever software to comprehensively assess and monitor rural land.

New analytics platform

to help future-proof farms

33DIGITAL Agriculture Services CEO Anthony Willmott.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

TOOL TIME

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ustralia’s national science agency, CSIRO and rural technology start-up Digital Agriculture Services (DAS) launched an innovative new platform that combines artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloudbased geospatial technology to deliver reliable, independent and robust farm data and analytics.

The Rural Intelligence Platform is the first ever software to comprehensively assess and monitor rural land anywhere in Australia, drawing on information from trusted data sources on productivity, water access, yield, land use, crop type, rainfall, drought impact and more.

“The platform brings together in one place and refines a range of technologies developed by CSIRO in order to provide a picture of what has happened on a property over the years as well as the current situation,” CSIRO Agriculture and Food Deputy Director, Dr Michael Robertson said.

The platform uses satellite imagery to track paddocks and their performance over time. Information from Australia's digital soil map is incorporated, and climate information interpreted to show drought, frost, heat stress for livestock and other risks.

“The Rural Intelligence Platform will help the agribusiness community calculate the risks associated with certain investments or management decisions,” Dr Robertson said.

DAS estimates that annually around $125 billion in agricultural economic decisions in Australia are based on unreliable or incomplete data.

33THE Rural Intelligence Platform is the first ever software to comprehensively assess and monitor rural land anywhere in Australia.

“The platform provides accurate information that can help to identify vulnerability or the most promising options for investment that will build resilience,” Dr Robertson said.

“This is a whole new model for rural analytics which will make it easier to quantify risk and prepare for challenges like climate volatility and change.”

The Rural Intelligence Platform analyses data from a range of sources using machine learning algorithms to make sense of the data with a clarity that wasn’t possible before.

The platform incorporates an AI-initiated Automated Valuation Model that is capable of valuing rural properties instantly with up to 90% accuracy. Previously this was only possible for residential properties, where there are a wide range of valuation and analytic tools for real estate.

Since it was established in partnership with CSIRO in 2017, Melbourne-based DAS has secured a total of $4.25 million in funding from founding equity and R&D partner CSIRO, Australian ASX-listed agribusiness Ruralco and private investors.

DAS is already working closely with a number of leading companies to pilot the Rural Intelligence Platform, with some of the strongest uptake coming from the property, financial services and insurance sectors.

“Digital agriculture is far more than just on-farm technology, it’s also about improving off-farm decision making and this platform lays the foundation for Australia to become a leader in new generation agricultural analytics,” DAS CEO Anthony Willmott said.

“This is about supporting the ecosystem that supports the farmer — ensuring that farmers, business, policy makers and anyone invested along the agricultural ecosystem has the right rural data to make more informed decisions.”

The market for digital agriculture in the Asia Pacific region is estimated to be worth $10–25 billion by 2028, fuelled by pressure to meet challenges from population growth and climate change.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Dr Michael Robertson, Science Director, on (08) 9333 6461 or email michael.robertson@csiro.au

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TOOL TIME

Computer program tells you where to look for pathogens For the system to work, Zoellner, Ivanek and colleagues entered all relevant data into the model — including historical perspectives, expert feedback, details of the equipment used and its cleaning schedule, the jobs people do, and materials and people who enter from outside the facility.

“A computer model like EnABLe connects those data to help answer questions related to changes in contamination risks, potential sources of contamination and approaches for risk mitigation and management,” Zoellner said.

BY KRISHNA RAMANUJAN FOOD PROCESSING

A

computer program developed at Cornell University could help food safety professionals keep production facilities free of foodborne pathogens.

The program, Environmental Monitoring With an Agent-Based Model of listeria (EnABLe), lets users simulate the most likely locations in a processing facility where the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes might be found. Food safety managers may then test those areas for the bacteria’s presence, adding an important tool to prevent food contamination and human exposure to the pathogen through tainted food.

The computer model has the potential to be modified for a wide range of microbes and locations.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

“The goal is to build a decision-support tool for control of any pathogen in any complex environment,” said Renata Ivanek, associate professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences. The researchers want to eventually apply the framework to identifying contamination from pathogens that cause hospital-acquired infections in veterinary hospitals or E. coli bacteria in fruit and vegetable processing plants.

“A single person could never keep track of all that information, but if we run this model on a computer, we can have in one iteration a distribution of Listeria across equipment after one week.

And every time you run it, it will be different and collectively predict a range of possible outcomes,” Ivanek said.

The computer model has the potential to be modified for a wide range of microbes and locations.

Food safety professionals at processing facilities keep regular schedules for pathogen testing. They rely on their own expertise and knowledge of the building to determine where to swab for samples.

“Whenever we have an environment that is complex, we always have to rely on expert opinion and general rules for this system, or this company, but what we’re trying to offer is a way to make this more quantitative and systematic by creating this digital reality,” Ivanek said.

The research, funded by the Frozen Food Foundation, has been published in Nature Scientific Reports.

The paper describes a model system that traces Listeria species on equipment and surfaces in a cold-smoked salmon facility. Simulations revealed contamination dynamics and risks for Listeria contamination on equipment surfaces. Furthermore, the insights gained from seeing patterns in the areas where Listeria is predicted can inform the design of food processing plants and Listeria-monitoring programs. In the future, the model will be applied to frozen food facilities.

MORE INFORMATION Sourced from: www.foodprocessing.com. au/content/processing/article/computerprogram-tells-you-where-to-look-forpathogens-1266868332

YOUR INDUSTRY

your

industry Your industry WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

New researcher

y r t s u d n i o d a c for WA avo The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has recently commenced a threeyear Avocado Capacity Building — WA project, funded by the Horticulture Innovation Australia.

33DPIRD research officer Declan McCauley.

A

vocados are a popular food and their new fame ranges from the household where on average is 3.5kg of avocado per person is consumed annually.

The Western Australian (WA) industry, located mainly in the Manjimup/ Pemberton area, has grown from an output of 3053 tonnes in the 2007–08 financial year to more than 19,000 tonnes in the 2017–18 financial year.

There are plenty of young trees that have not yet borne fruit, so production is only expected to rise.

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

DPIRD research officer Declan McCauley has been appointed to lead this project. Graduating from the University of Western Australia in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours, majoring in Agricultural Science, Declan worked in the DPIRD/ Murdoch University Barley Breeding program as a technician and in the DPIRD Doubled Haploid lab.

A research paper from the 1980s set the benchmark for avocado yield as 30 tonnes per hectare. This benchmark was derived from comparing the energy value of an avocado to an apple and computing the yield based off a high yielding 100 tonne per hectare apple crop (Wolstenholme, 1987). The reason for the lower yield is that avocado fruit contains much more energy than an apple fruit; it is not because avocados are ‘lazy’ trees.

An average of 3.5kg of avocado per person is consumed annually.

“Growing up in Carabooda surrounded by vegetable farms, I always wanted to contribute to the horticulture industry,” Declan said.

“Avocado yields in WA can be improved and this project aims is to increase avocado yield and to foster new communication networks for research and extension in WA.”

Thirty tonnes per hectare is achievable in WA, the difficulty is in achieving that every year.

Considerable research in this field has been undertaken, but there are areas that require more research.

Irregular bearing, the phenomenon, whereby yields vary over the years with no underlying pattern, has not received as much attention as it deserves. It is not alternate bearing which is where the yields varies on two year basis.

YOUR INDUSTRY

The yield component of the project will have two primary aims: 1. Guided adoption of best practice research will be the principal extension activity — this project will assist growers to find and adopt best practice research. Research includes but is not limited to pollination, pruning, growth regulators, mulching and relatively new varieties to replace ‘Hass’.

2. Irregular bearing requires understanding; while a component of irregular bearing is due to certain production practices, these practices can most likely be improved to an acceptable level by fulfilling aim 1.

What isn’t known is why so many fertilised fruitlets drop off after they have attained a size of 4.4mm.

Understanding this is required to improve yield.

Note: This is not summer fruit drop which is more related to production practices (see aim 1).

To facilitate these aims and achieve uptake by the avocado industry, effective communication will be a high priority.

The DPIRD website will soon host information on high quality best practice cultivation research for growers to access.

“We will be collaborating with researchers from Queensland and other states to maximise benefit to the WA Avocado Industry from research undertaken in other avocado growing regions of Australia,” Declan said.

“The intention is to share information and encourage projects run from other states to have WA based activities; WA represented 25% of all Australian Avocado production in 2017–18 so this is well justified.”

Research findings from the project will be available on the Avocados Best Practice resource website. Growers are encouraged to sign-up for this free service.

33IRREGULAR bearing has not received as much attention as it deserves.

If successful, the project will have achieved a greater uptake of best practice research and contributed to the knowledge of irregular bearing, ideally resulting in an improvement in avocado yield in WA. MORE INFORMATION For more information on the project, contact Declan McCauley at the DPIRD Manjimup office on (08) 9777 0184 or email declan. mccauley@dpird.wa.gov.au Wolstenholme, B. N. (1987) ‘Theoretical and applied aspects of avocado yield as affected by energy budgets and carbon partitioning’, South African Avocado Growers’ Association Yearbook, 10(1979), pp. 58–61.

Custom designed and manufactured vegetable grading and packaging solutions.

Complete turnkey installations and after sales support.

electric bin tipper & moving floor hopper

potato / onion grading line

stainless steel roller inspection table

stainless steel 5 drop lift roller sizer with electronic size adjustment

minibagger auto rpc / crate filler

www.edp.com.au phone: (03) 5820 5337

email: sales@edp.com.au WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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YOUR INDUSTRY

33THE top greengrocers across Perth buy in and commit to sourcing, promoting and selling Genuinely Southern Forests produce.

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YOUR INDUSTRY

Transition to tiered memberships underway in Southern Forests

T

he Southern Forests Food Council Inc. (SFFC) has maintained complimentary membership throughout its initial years of operation.

This has allowed the SFFC to develop an extensive network of over 470 members as well as build value in the Genuinely Southern Forests brand and the SFFC organisation in such a short period of time.

As the SFFC moves towards a financially sustainable future, a new paid membership structure has been implemented as of 30 November 2018.

business matchmaking and industry development opportunities.

The SFFC has also developed extensive supply networks including wholesale market floors in WA, NSW and Victoria, a WA partner for the food service industry, access to regional WA retail outlets, and a partner focused on export supply opportunities.

The Genuinely Southern Forests brand has excellent recognition amongst Perth consumers.

The tiered structure has been developed to allow for buy-in at different levels depending on member’s needs. There are also optional fee-for-service activities available, such as agritourism initiatives, the annual retail marketing campaign plus membership incentives including bulk purchasing,

As of 21 February this year the SFFC have already achieved 40% of their annual target for signing up paid memberships. The majority of those opting for the Genuine Membership Tier at $220 per year that includes access to the Genuinely Southern Forests brand which has excellent recognition amongst Perth consumers.

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Value of membership with SFFC 1. Genuinely Southern Forests brand — the only established WA regional food brand which can be applied to produce which is now achieving 40% recognition with Perth consumers.

2. Retail Marketing Campaign — our major annual marketing campaign targeted Perth consumers, which sees 26 of the top greengrocers across Perth buy in and commit to sourcing, promoting and selling Genuinely Southern Forests produce.

3. Supply partnerships and networks — SFFC has identified, explored and developed key partnerships across the supply chain to provide SFFC members with and range of options to supply your produce, including wholesale market floors, secondary wholesale agents, and direct supply, across local WA, national, and international markets.

4. Export market development — our recent partnership to source, consolidate and export produce from across WA under the Genuinely Western Australia brand will ultimately provide new opportunities for consolidated supply of fresh produce for export markets.

Members are able to make the most of the SFFC’s monthly regional sponsorship program, where local Southern Forests businesses provide exclusive discounts or service offerings, redeemable through SMS code.

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

6. Regional sponsor offerings — the SFFC has negotiated a range of local businesses to provide key services or discounts to SFFC members.

7. Agri-tourism initiatives — the SFFC coordinates and delivers customised food and farm tours creating a unique opportunity for members to engage with consumers and key stakeholders.

8. Co-branding/artwork development support — the SFFC can work with members to develop and create co-branded labels and promotional material for your business.

9. Hosting delegations — the SFFC regularly hosts delegations in the region to showcase and promote the regions offerings including producer visits, samples and meetings.

10. One central regional showcase — the SFFC provides one central location for enquiries from across the supply chain to promote and showcase our regions offerings.

Members are able to access exclusive discounts or service offerings.

The transition and maintenance of this high level of services will be overseen by the new SFFC General Manager Stephen Sharpe and Acting Produce Liaison Officer Gemma Edwards, who are busy visiting the producers to discuss membership, supply opportunities, branding opportunities and other exclusive opportunities.

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5. Collective purchasing power — the SFFC has been able to negotiate better rates, discounts, consolidated supply etc. across our broader membership allowing the SFFC to pass on savings and benefits to members.

By becoming a member you will not only access all these amazing benefits, but you will also be supporting the ongoing sustainability of the SFFC. MORE INFORMATION

Please contact: jennifer@southernforestsfood.com or go to www.southernforestsfood.com/ becomeamember for more information and fees. www.southernforestsfood.com

Southern Forests Food Council: The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism.

Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative. The investment is part of a $7 million Royalties for Regions allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project.

In 2018, the SFFC secured a further $1.5 million in State Government funding to support the Council’s on-going activities in developing economic opportunities for the region for three years.

The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationallyrecognised agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.

The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as awardwinning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences. The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region.

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We also offer:

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Micro Sprinklers

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Filters

YOUR INDUSTRY

VegNET IEO Update

BY SAM GRUBIŠA INDUSTRY EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

VegWA enters the digital age with webinars to reach its ever growing member numbers.

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YOUR INDUSTRY

W

elcome to 2019!

Here’s hoping the Year of the Pig is as prosperous as predicted.

Capsicum growers in the Wanneroo/ Carabooda area have had a tough start to the new year with TPP being an issue for some. We have found with dedicated spray regimes it has helped and has had minimal impact to growers.

The team at vegetablesWA have kicked off the year with a new, though not under-discussed, method of extension.

As our state covers a third of the country, our regional vegetable reach goes from Kununurra to Albany and our Grower register is longer than my list of cousins, getting out to see everyone and staying connected can hit a few logistical snares. So, we are entering the digital age with VegWA webinars. To be clear, we will continue with regional and face-to-face visits, the webinars are just another weapon in our arsenal as we work to reach growers.

33VEGETABLESWA webinars.

First tractor out of the webinar shed was, Bryn Edwards. With his 15 years as a business consultant (together with Planfarm’s 40 years in broadacre benchmarking and consultancy), this man knows a few things about getting bang for your buck. Focusing on the key habits of the top 25% most profitable growers in the state, Bryn’s webinar highlighted what separates the good from the great in terms of seeing the best returns for your growing efforts.

Last year the Financial Review and Benchmarking project released its first year findings, where all regions

and business sizes were represented.

The first industry report makes for an interesting read, with initial regional results and key information highlighting areas of industry improvement.

However, to get your hands on ‘the good stuff’ participation is a must.

Even the most outwardly successful business will benefit from the insights and information revealed within, because as we all know … what gets measured, gets managed.

Quality Assurance Coordinator, Joel Dinsdale and I made a trip down to Manjimup to aid a few growers with HARPS implementation following training. On the surface, HARPS appears to be quite a daunting QA addition. However, after sitting in on a briefing, it has proved to be a far less complex and scary affair. Much of the information is already captured within your base scheme accreditation, with the rest being customisable to your own individual needs and business strategy.

Aided by Joel’s knowledge and guidance, a move to this new wave of food safety accreditation will be far simpler than you thought. For a further understanding of Freshcare and what is required, take a look at our second webinar presented by Joel. He shares his tips and tricks on how to get to and through an audit, with a guest appearance by Graham McAlpine.

Team Veg has made the first long-haul trip to see our growers to the north.

While heading above the 26th parallel at the end of February may sound like madness to some, the chance to speak with Growers before their season

really ramps up, was an extension opportunity we couldn’t miss. With Bryn disappearing early, under the cover of benchmarking confidentiality and our Vietnamese Growers in the safe hands of Truyen Vo; Manus Stockdale took his life in his hands by allowing Joel and myself to play tour guide for his first Carnarvon trip. From benchmarking to export … QA to biosecurity … no issue or incursion, concern or query was too much for the Team Veg Extension Crew.

As winter looms large in the not so distant future, I encourage you all to join us on our journey into the digital world.

We’ll be continuing to create webinars that will entice and inform, so if you have any suggestions as to what you’d like to see, please feel free to drop us a line.

If you have missed previous webinars or monthly updates jump online and search the vegetablesWA YouTube channel.

Until the next edition, enjoy the days filled with sunshine and warmth because even though they seem neverending, soon enough your days will begin and end in the darkness of winter … a fact of farm life I can honestly say I don’t miss.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Sam Grubisa on 0427 373 037 or email sam.grubisa@vegetableswa.com.au

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Water online connecting your business The Water Online portal is a free service.

L

icensed water users will have noticed the range of services offered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation that are now available online.

New water licence applications, renewals and meter readings can all now be submitted to the department through the Water Online portal.

“The Water Online portal has made water-related transactions with the department easier and faster since we started to provide services this way in 2015,” the department’s regulatory operations support manager Jade Gorton said.

“Over that time we have also been enhancing and expanding the services that we provide online.

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“In 2017 an integrated licence, compliance and water resource management system was put in place to support licence assessment and compliance management.

Importantly, Water Online capabilities include the registration of water meters and the submission of meter readings, now a statutory requirement for a growing number of licensees under the recently amended Rights in Water and Irrigation Regulations 2018.

“This included new benefits to water licensees and provides the ability for them to track the progress of water licence applications and submit additional information online.

“If you are required to meter under the Regulations then readings must be submitted online via the portal, unless the department has approved an alternative submission method,” Jade said.

YOUR INDUSTRY

The department has more than 3,000 clients registered for online services, and 65% of license applications last year were received through Water Online.

The department’s Water Register is also still a very useful tool for existing and prospective water licensees.

Water Online also has lots of handy information including FAQs and links to resources that will assist your business.

“We have a dedicated Business Support Unit staffed with personnel that can efficiently assist licensees to register for, and use our online services,” Jade said.

The register is a free service that provides publicly available information on water licenses and water availability in resource management areas that can be used to assist people or businesses looking to find areas where water is still available, or identify potential opportunities for the trade or transfer of licensed entitlements.

MORE INFORMATION For more information go to https://online. water.wa.gov.au or contact our Business Support Unit on 1800 508 885 or at licence. enquiry@water.wa.gov.au.

NEED HARVEST WORKERS? A no cost Australian Government funded service that can find you suitable workers, manage enquiries and provide information on your rights and responsibilities as an employer.

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NACHI Robotic Palletising System R&E Engineering offers complete handling and palletising solutions for your production line. Lifting heavy objects can be dangerous for your workers especially when done over a prolonged period of time. With our reliable NACHI robot, you can be rest assured that your production will have increased productivity as well as occupational health and safety!

The NACHI robots come in various arm reach and payloads up to 3.9 meters and 800 kilograms respectively.

The robotic system is also fully integrable with other handling equipment.

Handling Equipment Aside from the robot, we also offer fully integrated automated conveying system and pallet strapping as well as wrapping machines to complement the robotic palletising system or your existing production line. *Conditions apply.

Services We offer an all-in-one experience for all automated and robotic handling or welding systems.

For more information, please visit our website:

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We work with you from Simplifying Robotics concept to commissioning & & Automation provide you with an on-going

local technical support including repair works & regular maintenance.

CLOOS Robotic Welding System CLOOS offers all solutions for automated welding including workpiece loading, unloading and handling during welding.

Due to its modular design, the system allows solutions which can perfectly match your individual production requirements. The welding robots can be fully integrated with any robot positioner and workpiece positioner in our product range.

Tell us your welding requirements and we will offer you a complete robotic/automated welding solutions!

WA POTATOES

potato

update WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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WA POTATOES

Potato Growers Association

contacts Potato Growers Association Vaughan Carter President

Busselton

m: 0417 092 505

Daniel Omodei Vice President

Pemberton

m: 0427 761 121

Mia Rose Treasurer

Myalup

m: 0409 112 245

Colin Ayres

Albany

m: 0428 451 014

Garry Bendotti

Pemberton

m: 0427 569 903

Roy Humfrey

Gingin/Dandaragan m: 0427 148 832

Committee

Christian de Haan Manjimup

m: 0429 436 361

Executive Officer’s Report

A

SIMON MOLTONI EXECUTIVE OFFICER, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

fter a period of strong returns pre-Christmas, we are once again facing challenges for profitability in the fresh market in Western Australia.

Supply has recovered quickly, and growers are struggling to move crops in line with planned delivery schedules.

This has affected quality instore with some lines of older potatoes finding their way onto shelves.

As the industry continues to adjust to deregulation, growers need to carefully consider supply volumes as potatoes are an expensive crop to produce. No one wants to be caught in a race to the bottom.

Agriculture Produce Commission Potato Producers Committee Member Glen Ryan Chairperson

Terms 2016–19 m: 0428 827 126 e: glenjr@bigpond.com

Dominic Della Vedova 2016–19 Sam Calameri

2016–19

Terry Ackley

2016–19

Mathew Cocciolone

2017–20

Mia Rose

2017–20

Fee-for-service charge 2018–19 Processing potatoes — local and export

$6.00/t

Seed potatoes — local and export

$150/ha

Ware (fresh) potatoes — local

$8.00/t

Ware (fresh) potatoes — export

$6.00/t

Projects approved 2018–19 Part funding for PGA

$285,500

Delivery of Registered Seed Potato Certification Schemes & Virus Testing

$96,000

Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid (PSTVd) surveillance of the Seed Scheme

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

There are some clear examples of what may lay ahead for our industry if we don’t consider and plan responsibly. The Dairy industry was also deregulated and rationalisation of grower numbers and increased efficiencies due to scalability has not resulted in increased grower profitability. It has resulted in increased producer investment and the debt that accompanies it.

Milk processors haven’t been immune to this loss of profitability either as the power in the supply chain has moved further away from production and processing, and more toward the retail sector. The potato industry needs to carefully consider how it progresses from this point as simply ‘hanging in’ until others leave the industry will not address the underlying issues that affect profitability. As more growers leave, the industry becomes more vulnerable.

WA Potatoes has engaged AgWA consulting to review the state of the industry and prepare an Export Development Plan. This work is progressing well, and a final report

will be available to growers before the EOFY. Thanks to all who have frankly, and openly participated in sessions with AgWA. I believe that this work can lead to further development and opportunities not only for export, but potentially for all market segments.

In better news, WA has regained market access to South Australia and Queensland since the last edition.

This was not a simple process and was only possible due to a close working relationship with DPIRD, PIRSA, the Ministers office, SA industry bodies and a WA industry member. Despite this process proving to be far more difficult and frustrating than I believe it needed to be, it is very rewarding to see both fresh and seed sales restart immediately.

International export seed continues to grow with strong enquiries from existing and new markets. Interstate seed trade has also resumed with some small sales this season and plantings for next season in the ground. It will take several years to achieve our previous sales volume, but that should not be the ambition. WA is well placed to significantly increase those previous sales in both processing and fresh varieties.

I recently accompanied four of our seed growers on a TPP/CLso study tour of New Zealand. This was a fascinating insight into the management of this devastating pest. A report will follow in the next issue.

WA POTATOES

1

4

2

3

1 Jan de Haas from HZPC and Simon Moltoni at HZPC research facility in Metslwier. 2 Marc De Beaufort, Campaign Director IAWWP, and Simon Moltoni. 3 Romain Cools, President World Potato Congress, and Simon Moltoni. 4 Export packing facility Cygnet Pep Scotland. 5 AVR exhibit at INTERPOM Belgium.

Europe December 2018 In early December I travelled to Belgium to attend ‘INTERPOM’. This is a huge industry expo that saw the launch of the International Potato Centre’s Imagine a World Without Potatoes campaign. It was wonderful to meet with Marc de Beaufort, the IAWWP Campaign Director, and his Campaign Coordinator Nani Vela Lostaunau. I took the opportunity to discuss the incredible networking opportunities available from this program and confirm our invitation for him to visit Australia. Marc has accepted our invitation and WA Potatoes, with support from AUSVEG, will be coordinating/hosting his national tour in April.

INTERPOM had some fascinating seminars across all potato topics. Displays of all potato products and equipment was comprehensive with the processors having a significant presence. There seems to be a significant focus on processing in Europe particularly in plant breeding.

Next stop was the HZPC R+D facility in Metslawier, Netherlands. My visit there was hosted by Jan de Haas, senior research manager at HZPC. The facilities were incredible, and more investment is resulting in new labs for research and increased production of new varieties.

The final leg of my journey took me to the Fyfe region in Scotland to visit the production facilities of CygnetPEP. This integrated seed company was busy filling an 8000t order of processing (crisp) seed for Egypt. The drought had been less severe in Scotland, so growers were seeing better returns than recent years.

Imagine a World Without Potatoes campaign launched at INTERPOM.

Jan has e introduced me to his colleague Jan van de Taas, the Asian Region business manager for HZPC. Jan and I have since teleconferenced and he has expressed his interest to visit Perth to discuss mutual opportunities in the region. This is an exciting opportunity for industry growth.

CygnetPEP expressed an interest in investigating mutual opportunities in both Egypt and Asia/ Indonesia.

This was the final leg my whirlwind Euro tour and has generated several opportunities that should tie in well with our Export Development Plan. I am looking forward to building on these relationships and creating new opportunities for our industry.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Simon Moltoni on 0447 141 752 or email simon@wapotatoes.com.au

5

The major talking points between delegates were the severe drought, and Brexit. The drought had not only affected yields but also seed quality had been compromised with many crops failing inspection due to high virus levels caused by growers allowing crops to grow out longer to try and improve yield.

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WA POTATOES

WA Potatoes Marketing Update

The power of

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33POTATO, roast tomato & kale frittata by Nikki Heyder.

WA POTATOES

Summer recipes include Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free to capture the consumer interest in wellness trends.

33VEGAN summer grazing platter.

S

ocial media is still proving to be a cost-effective, powerful tool in maintaining a strong connection with consumers. The Yellow Social Media Report 2018 states that in WA, a massive 94% of people use Facebook and 23% use Instagram. Plus over half of West Aussies use the internet five or more times per day.

When you also consider that nearly 40% of social media users in WA follow brands specifically for product information, it is a medium that cannot be ignored.

The WA potato industry marketing program has been using social media channels consistently for a number of years and have racked up some impressive statistics: ·· Each month content shared on WA Potatoes social media is viewed by over 100,000 consumers — that is 1.2 million connections with consumers per year! ·· Each month WA Potatoes engages with over 3000 consumers (clicks, comments, likes) — that is 36,000 active engagements with consumers per year! ·· WA Potatoes have a combined Facebook and Instagram following of over 22,000 people, plus more on Twitter and Pinterest.

Providing a consistent flow of high quality content is key to maintaining social media presence. Recently, WA Potatoes sourced a range of summer recipes that have proven very popular. The recipes include options such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free to capture the consumer interest in wellness trends.

Other programs that have led to excellent engagement on social media include the Seed for Schools project and the Perth Royal Show.

Both activities generating increased followers and engagement on Facebook and Instagram.

Moving forward, WA Potatoes have been encouraged by reported jump in potato sales in the UK attributed to marketing campaigns focusing on health benefits and recipe content.

33BBQ potatoes with chorizo, lemon, smoked paprika and mojo verde.

33POTATO, snow pea and avocado salad (with optional bacon).

The Potatoes: More Than a bit on the side program has seen sales increase by 2.2 million tonnes in the UK. With this in mind and other exciting opportunities in the pipeline, WA Potatoes has a range of innovative ideas to drive exposure for industry and encourage the consumption of healthy, delicious potatoes in our key markets.

MORE INFORMATION todatoes.com.au

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Company profile

GP Ayres & Sons 33CHRIS Ayres, machine designer, Daniel Pitton and Janine and Colin Ayres.

Four generations... the first Ayres family arrived in Australia in 1912 from England.

From local veggie supplier to potato seed exporter over four generations of family business.

T

he Ayres farm in Albany has recently received WA Government support though the Potato Industry Assistance Grants to install the first Visar Optical Sorter in Western Australia.

The machine has the potential to increase efficiency and improve opportunities for further export of top quality seed potatoes.

PERTH

ALBANY

Farmer Ayres family Location Albany Enterprises Potatoes

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Four generations of Ayres in Albany The Ayres farm started many years ago with the first Ayres family arriving in Australia in 1912 from England which was George Parker Ayres which makes the company name GP Ayres & Sons.

The first piece of farm land was 58 acres acquired in 1914 by George on two locations 1799 and 2896 where the main potato sheds are today. The Ayres family first grew vegetables to send on the train after World War 1 which later evolved into growing potatoes more mainstream than other vegetables.

As time went by the family found a niché growing area for growing seed potatoes.

In the 1950s they started growing certified seed potatoes that are nationally recognised as high quality, high performing and free of major disease. Through these strengths the family have built a long-term relationship with many clients.

Through the years Colin Ayres senior (second generation) had seen the changes in our business and the developments from horse drawn implements through to owning the first tractor — a 1945 Fordson powered by a kerosene engine and growing seed potatoes.

As the times changed in the potato industry, Albany also changed from a district of growing commercial potatoes to only growing seed potatoes.

Colin Ayres junior (third generation) focussed on growing seed for other regions including north of Perth, interstate and even international clients.

In the mid 90s the farm was exporting seed potatoes into Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

WA POTATOES

With the evolving seed industry, there was more demand coming into the late 90s of finding the perfect potato that would cook well and taste good for the modern kitchen. Trials of varieties grew substantially over the last 15 years.

In this time Chris Ayres (fourth generation) has seen more of a focus on varieties that have become mainstream through the supermarkets.

Some potatoes looking good on the shelf, but do not have the taste, so the market has shifted to where the consumer are now looking for better taste and texture in different varieties. Some of these varieties have gone on to out-perform their rivals in the supermarket as a result of fierce competition to get market share.

Introducing the Visar Optical Sorter The Visar Sortop is touted to be the latest, fully automatic electronic vegetable sorter ideal for high quality optical grading and sorting of carrots and potatoes. The Visar Sortop optical grader can sort any batch of potatoes consistently and efficiently, completely removing the need for manual sorting.

33THE Ayres family want to be able to supply a complete range of varieties to customers with low generation seed with low virus levels and high performance.

According to Colin, the Visar Optical Sorter can sort washed and unwashed dry potatoes by size, weight or defect.

Its 360 degree camera views make sorting as accurate as possible with air ejection nozzles to sort product into different grades.

“The machine will ensure consistency of our product with increased production, with the opportunity of more interstate and international trade,” said Colin.

“Our main targets are local markets in Western Australia, Interstate markets has a big potential to grow with international markets that we have done in the past and with new ones emerging into Southeast Asia and Egypt,” Colin added.

33THE Visar Sortop optical grader can sort any batch of potatoes consistently and efficiently, completely removing the need for manual sorting.

Looking to the future, the Ayres family want to be able to supply a complete range of varieties to customers with low generation seed with low virus levels and high performance.

Government support As industry continues to adjust to the market, Colin stated government support to cut a lot of red tape exporters face at the moment and help grow export opportunities.

Colin has also stressed the importance of keeping industry bodies in place to be a voice for the growers as vital to development of the industry.

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Export

Development of export opportunities for WA growers is vital to the sustainable future of the industry.

development for potatoes

I

n late 2018 WA Potatoes released its Industry Development Strategy 2018-2023 to set the longerterm vision for the industry.

One of the key actions from the Industry Development Strategy was to prepare an export development plan to identify priority markets together with the strategies and activities required to gain entry to new markets and increase exports. With the domestic potato market anticipated to expand slowly, the development of export opportunities for Western Australian potato growers is vital to the sustainable future of the industry.

WA Potatoes recently contracted AgWA Consulting to prepare an export development plan to identify opportunities for ware, seed and processing production.

Peter Metcalfe, Brad McCormick and Vicki McAllister from AgWA Consulting recently consulted growers, packers and industry players regarding their current and future plans for exporting. Rather than focus solely on market opportunities, Peter Metcalfe identified that the export development plan will consider efficiencies and improvements along the whole supply chain to compete in global markets, as well as focus on specific market opportunities.

“It’s essential we have the entire supply chain operating efficiently to create a sustainable prospect, rather than opportunistic short-term trade,” Mr Metcalfe said.

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Learnings from other successful vegetable exporters identified that if growers are serious about export they need to see exporting as more than just a home for surplus produce.

The sector needs to be targeted in its exporting and produce products for specific markets. Pete Metcalfe suggested we need to hear from growers, “I’m in the export game to grow and develop exports, rather than I’m in the export game to get rid of my surplus”. If we are going to grow our exports, we need to shift the perception from ‘we sell what we grow’, to growing to sell.

Exporting has been tried by many growers and any chance of gaining momentum, having the right approach is critical.

Recognising Western Australia is a small producer on a global scale the opportunities may lay in premium or niche markets. When we deal with potatoes as a commodity, we can get caught in a pricing war, this results in a race to the bottom. “We need to play a smarter game and collaborate more as an industry to gain the economies of scale and create a greater presence in markets,” Mr Metcalfe said.

Opportunities exist in closed loop processing, counter-seasonal supply, and value added products into South East Asian and Middle Eastern markets. WA is in a strong position to actively engage these growing markets.

To develop a range of strategies for the export development plan, the AgWA Consulting team have been talking to growers, pack houses, exporters and overseas trade offices about where the industry is currently situated, how the supply chains work and what potential there is to capture export markets. Some of the early findings are around greater in-market knowledge starting with what does the consumer want, market access negotiations, improved value chain efficiencies, and new business models.

Peter and the team are conscious that any export can have risks for the WA potato industry and its important to identify these risks and have mitigation strategies in place.

Whilst there is a realisation that new ways of operating are needed, challenging the status quo can be difficult. To achieve an effective export development plan for the industry will require challenging the current operating environment. This will create some discomfort that is essential to move industry thinking. AgWA Consulting recognise this is a healthy part of the change cycle and are keen to support the WA potato industry through these changes to ensure the industry has a prosperous and sustainable future.

MORE INFORMATION Morena at morena@wapotatoes.com.au or (08) 9481 0834.

POMEWEST

pome

update Pomewest

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contacts Pomewest Committee and Officers

From the Pomewest

Harvey Giblett, Chair

e: newtonbros@wn.com.au

Mario Casotti

e: mario@casottigroup.com

Wayne Ghilarducci

e: strathspey@modnet.com.au

Jason Jarvis

e: twinpack@bigpond.com

Sam Licciardello

e: sam@orchard1sixty.com.au

Mark Scott

e: markpscott@bigpond.com

Susie Murphy White, Project Manager e: susan.murphy-white@dpird.wa.gov.au Nardia Stacy, Executive Manager e: nardia@fruitwest.org.au

Executive Manager

Natalie Gallagher, Executive Assistant e: natalie.gallagher@dpird.wa.gov.au

BY NARDIA STACY EXECUTIVE MANAGER, POMEWEST

APC–Pomewest FFS Income 2018–19 Project General Account Budget Biosecurity Account Budget

$ 450,000 60,000

APC-Pomewest major projects 2018–19 Project

$

New Technology Project (Susie Murphy White)

88,860

Innovative Orchardist Group Project

28,000

Markers, Markets and Validated Nutritional Qualities of Australian Apples

20,000

Market Access Projects

116,280

Annual Meetings and Communications

14,500

Medfly Surveillance Trapping Network (Ashmere Consulting)

60,000

Codling Moth (DPIRD)

36,000

Maturity Standards Legislation and Compliance

80,000

Industry Sponsorships and Association Memberships

4,800

Promotion & Publicity Local Project (Fresh Finesse)

37,500

Natural Mite control/Baseline fungicide resistance — Apple Scab

17,680

Administration APC Administration

185,000 45,000

APC fee-for-service charge POME FRUIT effective from 1 January 2015

62

Type of fruit

$/kg

Fresh fruit — apples, pears, Nashi, other

0.015

Processing fruit

0.005

Biosecurity FFS for fresh fruit

0.002

Biosecurity FFS for processing fruit

0.001

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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t the start of the 2019, we can report almost perfect weather conditions leading up to harvest with a reasonable crop achievable for most of our growers.

In particular, Cripps Pink (Pink LadyTM) is looking very decent this year and maturities for the season opener Gala varieties are testing very well. We can also add that fruit sizing across all varieties should be sound, with this year’s bloom dates five to six days later than those for the 2018 crop, and harvest timing is likely to follow suit.

A good thing, at the time of this report, all apples from the current stocks are sold out and packsheds are eagerly awaiting the first crop of 2019.

I don’t think I have ever seen the sight of eerily empty and motionless sheds and machinery anticipating the rush of first fruit bin deliveries.

POMEWEST

Strathsprey Orchard Perth Hills Maturity Workshop.

Of course, the Future Orchards program will continue this year and there are opportunities for growers to attend the upcoming 2019 Hort Connections conference 24 June 2019 with some support available from the Pomewest Innovative Orchardist Project — run by Susie Murphy White.

What’s up for Pomewest in 2019?

Pomewest has started the year with vengeance, with the introduction of our quality program which will assist and support the new season. As such, we continue to encourage growers, marketers and retailers to work together to raise the maturity standards of Gala, Pink LadyTM and Granny Smith varieties in the WA market. The key message will be that “When you buy a WA apple — it will be a great apple and will be the No 1 choice for quality and taste”. This we believe will further engage with apple eating customers to increase demand and taste experiences.

In the West, we are leading the national industry with this endeavour.

This activity was rolled out with our recent maturities workshops. We are providing a step-by-step maturity testing guide, pre-harvest and compliance testing with the outcomes of grower compliance reporting, promotional/media opportunities. See

more details in our article on page 64.

We hope to report the results using the testing data gathered this season in the next edition of WA Grower.

In addition, Pomewest has been happy to assist with the hosting some visitors from the East and from overseas — Italy. A party of Victorian orchardists came West earlier in the year led by Greg Bradshaw of Kelowna Orchards from the Yarra Valley. The visit included a tour of the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute and the ANAPB 01A facility followed by orchards visits with various industry leaders in Donnybrook and Manjimup. In addition, a small party from Italy were also welcomed in early February, the tour followed a similar program. Thanks to Terry Martella (Santa Rita Orchard), Bec Whittaker (Lady Croft Orchard), Harvey Giblett (Newtons Orchards) and Ann Lyster (Lyster Orchards) for their hospitality and assistance with these visits. I am sure it was a valuable opportunity to share information on varieties and orchard practices.

What else This edition, also reports on the Medfly surveillance project in Donnybrook and Community engagement to manage Medfly in Manjimup.

The Committee are planning to meet in April to discuss project applications and fee-for-service budgets.

We encourage and invite growers at any time to contact our committee members with agenda items or suggestions to improve the wellbeing of the industry for the future.

We look forward to a successful harvest and marketing season — a busy time for all ahead.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Nardia Stacy on (08) 9368 3869 or nardia@fruitwest.org.au

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“

le p p a A W a y u b u o y n Whe

it will be a great apple

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”

POMEWEST

BY NARDIA STACY AND SUSIE MURPHY WHITE POMEWEST

W

estern Australian apple growers have launched an intensive apple quality testing program to coincide with the launch of 2019 apple season — so that when you choose to buy a WA apple it will be a great apple.

This year, WA growers will be making sure that their apples will be hitting retail in peak eating condition. The testing program has commenced with Gala apples now in season and in-store.

Other traditional favourite apple varieties Granny Smith and Pink LadyTM will follow.

WA apple eaters can look forward to great tasting fruit and, in-turn, make a significant contribution to the future of the local apple industry by taking the time to choose WA grown apples.

Display signs and fruit stickers should assist to identify and promote fruit origin in stores and if you are not sure, ask your friendly retailer.

Pomewest’s Executive Manager, Nardia Stacy said that the WA apple industry has an ongoing commitment to consistently delivering great apples to customers. “With the ability to bring the whole industry together we are dedicated to providing excellence in eating quality. We aim to promote consumer confidence and increase demand for WA apples”.

3 MATURITIES Workshop Steele Jacob DPIRD testing apple pressures.

The quality program is an initiative of the Agricultural Produce Commission’s (APC) Apple and Pear Committee, Pomewest as part of ongoing strategic commitment to lift the quality of WA apples to market through innovation and quality standards. Funded through the growers fee-for-service funding this industry program is supported by apple growers.

A series of grower workshops were delivered just prior to the gala harvest to promote the quality program.

A series of grower workshops were delivered to promote the quality program.

3 CHRIS Hall from Total Quality Assurance Services explained the process of how they are continuing to test compliance.

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The workshops were a great framework to deliver a ‘refresher’ to growers on maturity testing, some of the learnings from the day included:

3 SANDY Hetherington and Debbie Nolle, Newtons Orchards.

• Testing needs to be undertaken more often

3 INSET the new Apple maturity testing: A step-by-step guide.

• Understanding of sample size and the need to test more samples • Good opportunity to see the new equipment that is now available The sessions demonstrated that ‘Testing is a must’ to ensure that quality standards were up held during the season. Steele Jacob from DPIRD tested grower samples and much discussion was created on the different stages of maturity throughout the regions.

Chris Hall from Total Quality Assurance Services explained the process of how they are continuing to test compliance at the market floor and retail outlets on random samples of Gala, Granny Smith and Pink LadyTM apples.

‘Testing is a must’ to ensure that quality standards are held during the season.

To support the ongoing commitment to improving quality of WA apples through the maturity project, Pomewest are excited to offer a free pre-harvest test of Gala, Granny Smith and Pink LadyTM apples via Total Quality Assurance Services. This offer is funded via APC Fee for Service grower contributions.

Brix, starch and firmness will be reported against minimum maturity standards which are set by Pomewest.

A pre-harvest sample comprises of 10 apples of the same variety, selected from the fruit intended to be harvested of the same age from the same block and rootstock. Confidential testing results will be sent within 24 hours to the email address which you provide with the sample.

Growers walked away with their maturity testing results, a bottle of Iodine Solution so that they could continue to test the starch in their samples during the year and the new Apple maturity testing: A step-by-step guide booklet along with the supporting documents of recording sheets, starch charts for Gala and Pink LadyTM apples.

All growers will receive a copy of the booklet in the mail very soon.

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3 WILL Keusch, Peter Vendenapine, Geraldine Darbyshire and Susie Murphy White.

Peter Vedeniapine from AgroFresh presented on the benefits of using the new pre-harvest treatment HarvistaTM which can be applied in the orchard before the apples are picked to enhance the quality and value.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Thanks to our grower hosts Strathspey Orchard, Orchard One Sixty and Newton Brothers and guest speakers Peter Vedeniapine AgroFresh, Chris Hall TQAS and Steele Jacob DPIRD who all helped make the maturity testing workshops a success.

POMEWEST

s p a r t t r a New sm

to detect Donnybrook fruit fly in real time

A

new trial is set to provide farmers with an edge in combating fruit fly. RapidAim, a new technology-based insect detection company has installed its Smart Traps in a number of locations in Donnybrook as part of a national R&D project to prove the technology.

The traps are part of a project funded through Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd (Hort Innovation), with support from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) as part of its Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, and state project partners. The project will focus on RapidAim smart trap technology for the surveillance of fruit fly in Australia.

In April last year, RapidAIM completed the first semi-commercial field trial, comprising a grid of 80 traps across the Shepparton district, in an active production system in collaboration with agronomists and growers. Some of the feedback received was that growers found the RapidAIM system to be a hugely beneficial addition by means of instant notification of fruit fly presence, and the visualisation of a pest hot spot, meaning management can be proactive around fruit fly control rather that reactive.

They deployed a network of smart traps with very low power sensors that detect and discriminate between insects which then communicate to our cloud servers in real time.

Once a detection is made, and analytics are performed in the cloud, an alert with the presence and location of the pest is sent to a smart phone or desktop for the end user to make management decisions.

RapidAim and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) identified Donnybrook for the smart trap trials in Western Australia. Two surveillance networks are operational; one on Jason Jarvis’s Old Cidery orchard around five kilometres out of Donnybrook and the second network is centred on Sam Licciardello’s Orchard 1 Sixty on the edge of the town. The two networks have 48 smart traps and 48 comparison traps targeting Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly).

The RapidAIM monitoring system is made up of low-powered smart traps that have patented sensors that detect “behavioural fingerprints” of fruit flies.

These sensors work by communicating detection data over radio frequencies to gateways in each region that then transmit to 4G networks. The traps

have a GPS locator and work just like regular fruit fly traps with pheromone or food based lures.

The Donnybrook Medfly trapping trial in Western Australia will be monitored

by DPIRD staff and will run for a year to compare traditional Medfly trap and smart trap results. All data from the trial will be stored anonymously on secure servers and kept strictly confidential.

MORE INFORMATION For further information contact Dr Nancy Schellhorn, RapidAIM on (07) 3833 5710, email enquiries@rapidaim.io or go to www.rapidaim.io The project, Implementation of RapidAIM: real time monitoring by the presence and location of fruit fly, is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd and is managed nationally by CSIRO/RapidAIM. The project aims for the optimisation of RapidAIM technology as a smart-trap solution for detecting fruit fly in real time in five fruit growing regions across Australia.

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Manjimup community

Find more information at agric.wa.gov.au/medfly

t h g i f y l f t i u r f e h t joins o hould d

t of and Departmen Industries Primary Development Regional

M

or area ou s what y in your house This is y round fl it all year fruit fly d of fru Control to get ri de ted fruit*

e of infes

Dispos

ore than fifty residents of Manjimup have joined the fight to reduce numbers of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) in their town.

As part of the development of the national Systems Approach project for local apple growers, the Department of Primary Industries and regional Development (DPIRD) has engaged with the Manjimup Shire and local volunteers to form the Manjimup Fruit Fly Volunteers.

Manjimup residents are aware that fruit flies can move between crops, and a fruit fly problem in their back yard can quickly spread to adjacent properties and orchards. The Manjimup Fruit Fly Volunteers host a Medfly trap in their backyard fruit trees.

Departmental staff from the Manjimup Horticultural Research Facility inspect and service town fruit fly taps on a regular basis.

Hotspots in backyards once identified are mass trapped (an attract-and-kill strategy) to reduce the fruit fly numbers in the area.

DPIRD has developed a Manjimup Fruit Fly Volunteers logo and volunteers receive written information on Medfly control strategies and are requested to clean and destroy up any fallen fruit to limit the impact of Medfly in the town.

DPIRD continues to spread the message to control Medfly in and around the Manjimup town site by participating at local garden shows, agricultural shows and engaging with producers and members of the community garden.

MORE INFORMATION For further enquiries contact: Janine Duncan Manjimup DPIRD office 28527 South West Highway, (Locked bag 7) Manjimup WA 6258 Tel: (08) 9777 0103 Email: janine.duncan@dpird.wa.gov.au

The project, Developing a national systems approach for meeting biosecurity requirements to access key Asian Markets, is funded by the Hort Frontiers Asian Markets Fund, and is part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from CSIRO, DPIRD, NSW DPI, Agriculture Victoria, Pomewest and contributions from the Australian Government.”

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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contacts WA Citrus Committee Producer Committee Members Richard Eckersley, Chair m: 0417 911 534 e: chair@wacitrus.com.au Shane Kay

From the Chair

Mary Ann O’Connor Andrew Sorgiovanni Daniel Ying Cliff Winfield

Affiliate Committee Members Damien Guthrey Brett Heather

WA Citrus Office Building 16, 3 Baron-Hay Court, SOUTH PERTH WA 6151 Bronwyn Walsh, Industry Development Manager m: 0400 873 875 e: industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au Kate Cox, Administrative Services m: 0439 899 600 e: admin@wacitrus.com.au Helen Newman, Biosecurity Officer e: biosecurity@wacitrus.com.au

what’s on...

2019 Pre-Forum tour WHEN March 4–5 WHERE Mildura-Adelaide

Citrus Australia Tech Forum WHEN March 6–7 WHERE Adelaide

HLB USA tour WHEN March 10–23 WHERE California & Florida

Industry Day WHEN May WHERE AgriFresh, Dandaragan

HortConnections WHEN June 24–26 WHERE Melbourne

Industry Day – Varieties WHEN July WHERE TBA Please note dates and location of industry events are subject to confirmation based on availability of speakers, venues and attendance.

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A

BY RICHARD ECKERSLEY CHAIR, WA CITRUS

very warm welcome to our five new members of WA Citrus. As usual it is good to hear from growers and businesses in the WA citrus industry.

Kate and Bronwyn took a short break over the summer period and are ready for the 2019 season, launching it with the Joint Committee Workshop held in February.

Fortunately, we have not been experiencing the same weather conditions as those in the eastern parts of Australia. The 2019 season, with the milder conditions so far, should make for some great sugar/ acid levels resulting in great tasting fruit. This also reminds us to make sure our fruit exceeds the minimum maturity standards before starting harvest of each variety.

continue to have to meet extra orchard and packshed treatments and inspections in order to move their fruit. These are all extra jobs that these growers have had to do for the benefit of the Australian citrus industry to remain citrus canker free.

These efforts are appreciated.

Lately we are hearing a lot about the fantastic benefits that Agtech can bring to agriculture. There is nothing that it can’t do, it seems.

Drones, platforms, NDVI, satellites, LiDAR and robots are some of the latest terms we need to get our head around. It’s difficult to see which could bring more money into our pockets and what would be money down the drain. Sifting through some of this, Bron has made a start at understanding some of the terminology and technologies in this edition.

Growers hard work help to keep Australia citrus canker free!

I am pleased to say recommendations for looking at streamlining the WA citrus industry Committees came out of the Joint committee workshop, so watch this space. I also encourage anyone thinking of joining one of the WA citrus industry committees to please contact either Bronwyn, Kate or myself for more information.

Never far from our minds is the on-going citrus canker incident. At the end of last year the change in phase of the Response was reported. The Owner Reimbursement Cost process that began last year for some growers is still on-going, six months later.

The businesses that are within the Quarantine Area around Kununurra

Lastly, I wish you all the best for the 2019 season ahead. For those making their way to Adelaide for the Citrus Technical Forum, see you there!

MORE INFORMATION Contact Richard on 0417 911 534 or email chair@wacitrus.com.au

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In the industry

Ensuring services to WA growers and managing risk

BY BRONWYN WALSH INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, WA CITRUS

While not working in their businesses, growers on the citrus committees in WA work on the industry.

This year risk management and ensuring services to WA are streamlined were key topics at the annual joint workshop.

RiskLogic lead a workshop with members to identify risks to the citrus industry, assess the severity of the risks in terms of likelihood and consequence, and consider management options.

Joanne Hill from RiskLogic also presented the types of jobs that need doing in a crisis and actions and plans that can be used during a crisis, either by a business or industry. Templates

33RISKLOGIC lead a workshop with members to identify risks to the citrus industry,

and risk analyses matrices are available for growers.

Also at the workshop the current structure and roles of the WA citrus committees were discussed and the issues identified by committee members. The group requested more information on the pros and

cons and corporate structures in order to progress the discussion further. A working group will gather more information to work towards streamlining representation and services for WA citrus growers and the related governance.

WA Citrus welcome to members and planning for 2019

BY RICHARD ECKERSLEY CHAIR, WA CITRUS

Welcome to new WA Citrus members: Producer Members • Doug & Heather Buist, Harvey • Rocco & Concetta Zampogna Non-Producer Members • MorganLeah Organics Affiliate Members • Northern Valley Packers • Foothills Fresh A reminder that becoming a member is free if you are already paying the citrus fee for service. You can join at www.wacitrus.com.au or ring Kate on 0439 899 600.

The calendar for 2019 WA industry days and other related events is filling quickly. If you’d like to hear about a particular topic and from a particular speaker, please let Kate or Bronwyn know. Events and other updates are also included in eNews and the WA Grower magazine.

Noelene Swaine from Fresh Finesse met with the WA Citrus promotion working group to plan the promotion program for WA citrus fruit for the 2019 season.

The WA Citrus biosecurity working group met in November to get an update from Helen Newman, WA Citrus biosecurity representative.

Helen has been working on a concept proposal for citrus gall wasp, investigating biosecurity training and the costs of biosecurity as well as learning the ropes on incident response.

Lastly, WA Citrus has had three projects with external funds in 18/19 for orchard and market R&D. These have meant we have been able to do significantly more on the ground in WA, such as irrigation sensors, benchmarking, quality posters and production calendars, market research report, wind blemish, albedo and quality variation research. One of the state government Grower Group grant projects will finish this year and the other next year.

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News from the APC Citrus SubCommittee

BY MICK MANN CHAIR, APC CITRUS SUB-COMMITTEE

The current citrus fee for service budgets for 2018–19, an estimated total of $320,000, are split across biosecurity, leadership, communication, research, marketing and administration (Figure 1). Biosecurity activities are also included in three of the other projects.

Leadership and communication 32% Business, industry and market development 30% Promotion 14% APC administration 12% R&D, leveraging for external funding 9% Biosecurity 3%

FIGURE 1 The proportion of citrus fee-for-services spent on industry activities

The Sub-Committee are currently reviewing four applications to deliver services using the 2019– 20 citrus fee-for-service.

Citrus Sub-Committee members review the applications for their fit with the industry strategy, value for money, fit within state and national RD&E activity, relevance to industry, the quality of the proposal and its fit with the functions of the Producers Committee.

Heading into March, the Sub-Committee will be developing a budget for the citrus FFS and the annual review of the FeeFor-Service rate for the next financial year. This will be finalised at a meeting around May and recommended to the Agriculture Produce Commission.

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WA Regional Advisory Committee

BY DAMIEN GUTHREY CHAIR WARAC, CITRUS AUSTRALIA

The Committee gave feedback on Citrus Australia policy on labour, water, R&D, energy, biosecurity, market access, agrichemicals, and infrastructure.

Secondly feedback was provided on a generic design of GS1 Databars that are being introduced. GS1 Databar is the new barcode being applied to loose fresh produce for Coles, Woolworths and Metcash (IGA), with Woolworths now scanning across 100% of their stores. Citrus Australia has begun liaising with these retailers to harmonise the introduction of GS1 Databar across the industry. More information on GS1 Databars can be found at the website www.gs1au.org/ resources/standards-and-guidelines.

Damien attended the annual Citrus Australia workshop in Mildura as part of his role as chair of the WA regional advisory committee. He provided our top six priorities for WA. These were recommended by WA Citrus, based on industry day feedback and discussion over the year. They included: 1. Relevant surveillance in WA for biosecurity threats, State and National: —— effective preparedness of WA industry for biosecurity threats, State and National 2. Premium export market access for WA fruit: —— equivalent market access protocols to east coast protocols R&D —— reducing impact of chilling injury on fruit —— R&D on the ground demonstration or evaluation research of priorities for markets incl. varieties, rootstocks, afourer management

3. Improving packouts: Reducing albedo breakdown, wind blemish & pruning research including on the ground research in WA 4. Community engagement and pesticide registration for nursery stock and for reducing risks associated with citrus gall wasp and other biosecurity threats establishing or reaching commercial orchards from urban environments 5. Demonstrating and accessing best practice information for WA growers in regional areas and for all citrus categories related to production, business and leadership R&D —— on the ground research of priorities, e.g. that reduce costs including remote sensing technologies 6. Timely information and proactive engagement with: —— supply chain members on factors that increase costs or reduce returns to growers (efficiencies/productivity, e.g. burden of new supply chain requirements without increase in return e.g. ethical workforce standards (SEDEX), Freshcare, HARPS, databars etc —— politicians on national factors that increase costs or reduce returns to growers (efficiencies/ productivity, e.g. labour etc)

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ss e n i s u b e h t In What’s what in digital

BY BRONWYN WALSH INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, WA CITRUS

agriculture for decision making Watching the media there is a lot of hype around drones, AgTech, startups and their potential in agriculture. Reducing labour, improving accuracy and efficient use of inputs are some of the potential benefits of digital agriculture.

Keeping staff safe This year an occupational safety and health project in orchard industries is being initiated by WorkSafe for the financial year 2019–2020.

The project is designed to assist employers in the industry meet their occupational safety and health duties by providing information and ensuring employers understand their obligations under occupational safety and health legislation.

Workplaces in the metropolitan and regional areas will be randomly selected for inspection.

Emphasis will be placed on WorkSafe’s priority areas and industry specific hazards with a view to reducing injuries and diseases within the industry.

WorkSafe would like to talk with industry about the approach they use and the types of things they look at, provide more information and answer questions. WorkSafe is a division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. More information will be available via eNews.

When you start looking into it, it becomes quite a complex topic, full of new words and technologies to get your head around. What becomes clear is that you need the data, the related analysis, and relevant indice and commercial delivery ‘machine’ before it is available to use in the orchard or business. It seems many of these are not yet available in citrus, or could be improved to return greater value. The following outlines some of the information I have used in reaching this opinion. It draws heavily on articles by other researchers overseas and in Australia and the industry members mentioned. The source of information is listed for acknowledgement and your further information. Some are very well written and provide much greater in-depth perspective on specific topics than can be covered in this article.

Nuffield scholar Matthew Fealy a mango and avocado grower from North Queensland, Sarah Dunn from Battunga Orchards, and researchers have tackled different aspects of the new technologies.

Digital agriculture usually involves “both the collection and analysis of data to improve both on and off-farm decisionmaking leading to better business outcomes”1.

Another term commonly heard is Precision agriculture, a “data driven methodology for managing and optimising the production of crops”.

1 Perrett, Heath, Laurie & Darragh 2017, Accelerating precision agriculture to decision agriculture-analysis the economic benefit & strategies for delivery of digital agriculture in Australia, P2D project, Australian Farm Institute, Sydney, November, www.crdc.com. au/precision-to-decision

Digital agriculture Reducing labour, improving accuracy.

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Data can take time to collect but can lead to cost savings when used for business decisions during planning, the season or at the end of the season2.

This is not a new concept to any successful business. Data from the orchard can help with knowing: • A record of management activities in blocks over the seasons • Breakdown of costs per bin • What each block is costing and • How much profit each block is making

Overcoming lack of connectivity in regional areas, for example where 4G is not available, is being done by using a long range wide-area network (LoWaRAN). This provides a low-powered Internet of Things.

Transfer of data from data capture units such as sensors needs some kind of connectivity.

the thresholds required for making decisions. The thresholds for crops and measures are also under different levels of development in relation to being commercially available. Without these the images or data can be meaningless, or not as useful. In addition being able to present the information in a meaningful way is also important.

Next in the process, the data is collated and analysed. For data collected from field sensors, this stage involves finding the relationship between images/data and the factor being measured.

Often in the office, or in a cloud, is the job of bringing the data together, or data management. This area is also evolving and new products offered to agriculture.

For example relevant to the business4:

Some of the technologies talked about are part of the data capture or A combination of sensors, observe/information platforms and cameras provide gathering stage of a way to collect data from the decision-making the field. process.

A combination of sensors (soil moisture, NPK, temperature, wind), platforms (satellite, drone, fixed wing, tractor) and cameras (NIR, hyperspectral, thermal) provide a way to collect data from the field to different levels of accuracy and different purposes3.

2 Zealley 2018, Data — a vital business input, Australian Fruitgrower Oct/Nov 2018 p30–31 3 Robertson, Moore, Henry & Barry 2018, Digital agriculture: what’s all the fuss about? CSIROscope 20 March

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This is represented by an algorithm and an indice (e.g. NDVI, plant cell density, canopy cover, N-mapper). These are all in different stages of development depending on the crop and the measures.

Calibrating equipment and images for conditions and the indices requires experience.

Accuracy is also affected by the platform the sensors are on, e.g. drones stitch together many more images than a satellite. This means having experience in managing the data and its interpretation are critical. The indices and associated field validation, often over several seasons provide

1. Farm Management Software Platforms — Farm management platforms integrate with the different hardware devices that are used in precision agriculture. The data from these devices are aggregated onto the central platform where they can be processed and analysed to help farmers make better decisions on how to manage their operations.

Sarah Dunn explained explains how they use an Excel spreadsheet with data on 58 categories across the business, MYOB, OrchardNet — orchard performance data into online database and Orchard Business 4 Ivanov 2018, Digital Technologies in Agriculture: adoption, value added and overview, https:// medium.com/remote-sensing-in-agriculture/ digital-technologies-in-agriculture-adoptionvalue-added-and-overview-d35a1564ff67

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Analysis reports to benchmark business against the ‘model’ industry orchard.

They are looking for an orchard and business management program that offers the complete package accompanied by smart phone technology where information and data can be recorded through an app.

Companies to date only do elements of this target2.

2. Data Platforms — Outside of farm management solutions, there are data platforms like Field View from Climate Corporation and Farmers Business Network, whose focus is more on data aggregation so that they can provide data to farmers as a resource. They also want to give farmers a central location where a multitude of information sources come together to provide an overall picture of the industry.

Also in the business, Block chain is another emerging digital technology.

It is a form of distributed ledgers.

Its application in agriculture is for decentralising and transactional data-sharing across a large network of untested participants. This means it doesn’t rely on a trusted central authority.

Information can be carried along a supply chain, matching product to processing to demands, enables traceability, verifies provenance and monitors quality and safety5.

Improving fruit quality Keep monitoring the internal maturating rates of fruit closely for new varieties to ensure it meets Australian Citrus Standards before harvest. Imperial mandarins have been variable in results in previous seasons so be vigilant.

Supplying fruit that does not meet these standards places poor eating quality fruit into the mouths of consumers. The resulting consumer backlash has impacts on the entire citrus industry. WA citrus fee-forservice payers can have the internal quality of fruit independently tested without charge (two samples per variety per grower). Just drop your samples to any agent at Market City, Canning Vale.

Data in the bigger picture is one of the components of digital agriculture being sorted through. Matt Fealy, Nuffield Scholar, and CSIRO researchers talk about the opportunities and challenges of data — ownership, accessibility and value-adding to farm data. Data “needs to be finable, accessible, interoperable and reusable”5,6.

33TESTING for brix level.

5 Robertson, Moore, Henry & Barry 2018, Digital agriculture: what’s all the fuss about? CSIROscope 20 March 6 Fealy 2017 Big Data: Part 1,2 & 3, LinkedIn

33TESTING for acid leve l.

Check your brix and acid levels to avoid turning away your customers.

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33YIELD information can be collected either from cameras/sensors on satellites and drones or installed on farm machinery.

In the orchard

Digital technologies in agriculture Field monitoring

BY BRONWYN WALSH INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, WA CITRUS

Existing technologies being used are soil moisture sensors, irrigation and weather stations. Some newer digital agriculture technologies in precision agriculture that can provide data from the orchard are described well by Igor Ivanov1.

They represent putting the data capture, platform and associated algorithms into a commercial technology. This is the final part of the decision making process, implementing the appropriate commercially available technology for your problem.

1 Ivanov 2018, Digital Technologies in Agriculture: adoption, value added and overview, https:// medium.com/remote-sensing-in-agriculture/ digital-technologies-in-agriculture-adoptionvalue-added-and-overview-d35a1564ff67

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1. Crop health monitoring (mostly based on NDVI) — Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a method used to determine the health of crops through the analysis of drone and satellite imagery. It looks at various wavelengths of light, both visible and nonvisible, to make these calculations. This index indicates the general health of your crops and detect crop variability.

This might be used for placement of sensors and inputs. Conducted in citrus 2. Crop scouting — This precision agriculture technology also makes use of NDVI, but it is also being facilitated through tablets and mobile phones. Scouters go out in their fields with a tablet and collect important data about their crops. There are some platforms that analyse and make meaning out of this data. This helps farmers monitor pest populations and weed activity on their land, and allows farmers to increase yields and make more money.

3. Yield monitoring and forecasting — Yield information can be collected either from cameras/sensors on satellites and drones or installed on the farm machinery. Overseas research in crop forecast has started in citrus and used in Florida with variable results. In Australia research in mangoes2 and avocados in this field is having results and is being piloted in WA this season.

4. Detection of diseases, pests, or weeds — Aerial imagery in precision agriculture, and the detection of diseases, pests, and weeds. Lightweight commercial hyperspectral cameras are used to attach to platforms. The camera is tightly integrated with proprietary software to translate raw data into actionable information for farmers. Smart traps for fruit fly and biosecurity e.g. citrus canker and HLB. 2 Anderson, Underwood, Rahman, Robson, Walsh 2018, Estimation of fruit load in mango orchards — tree sampling considerations and use of machine vision and satellite imagery. Precision Agriculture 66, p115-123. https://rdcu.be/84aP10.1016/j. isprsjprs.2010.09.008

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GPS-enabled guidance/ auto-steering

5. Irrigation and soil quality — Ground-based and plant sensors are used to collect information about the soil and water. For soil, some of the things these sensors measure are texture, organic matter, salinity levels, and nutrient status. The use of remote controllers and aerial imagery for improving irrigation management are being piloted in WA this season.

6. Tree count — Aerial or satellite imagery with algorithms is used to recognise species of trees. This can be used by grower or industry.

Variable rate applications (VRA) Variable rate application in precision agriculture focuses on the automated application of products like herbicides, chemicals and seeds. The products are applied in an automated way, based on data that is collected by sensors, maps, and GPS. This process brings together different precision agriculture technologies like multispectral and hyperspectral cameras, satellite imagery, and application machinery on tractors. VRA is one of the main features of precision agriculture, optimising the use of chemicals, fertilisers and other resources.

Variable rate technology/yield mapping

Remote sensing and monitoring

Field robotics

Drones

Development

Growth

Some examples of automation in farm machinery are: 1. Farm robots — One common use is the automation of weed management. Researchers are also investigating robotic harvesting of citrus — for example finding the best sensor to identify fruit and navigating to find fruit.

2. Guidance systems based on GPS — GPS technology guides automated machinery and vehicles such as for auto steering, high navigation and positioning etc. Its application in Australia is potentially currently limited by legislation rather than availability of the technology.

3. Telematics — This involves machineto-machine communication between the hardware and sensors that are involved in automation. For example, when a camera identifies a weed, it needs to communicate this information to another piece

Decline

Figure 2 Precision agriculture market: technology lifecycle analysis, Australia of machinery that can pluck the weed out of the ground or spray it with some herbicide. Telematics is essential in automation.

Is digital agriculture being used and available to growers?

In 2004 research with Florida citrus growers and their use of new technologies and production practices showed the most commonly used technologies were sensor-based variable rate applicators (17.5%) and soil variability mapping (16.1%)3. The least commonly used technologies were remote sensing data and “prescription map” variable rate controllers (<5%), because the value of the information was considered far less than the cost to acquire the information.

Existing technologies include soil moisture sensors, irrigation and weather stations.

Automation in farm machinery

Maturity

• Yield monitoring (e.g. GOAT yield monitoring system) These digital technologies are similar to those identified in wider agriculture, which also included cell phone with internet access, computer with access to high-speed internet (highest adoption), autosteer and chlorophyll/ greenness sensors (very low adoption)4.

Currently growers and researchers comment on the gap between some technologies and practical application5,6, or that ‘very little’ of the technologies in the hype are available to growers.

The technologies discussed are at different stages of commercialisation (Figure 27). For example field robotics are still under development while autosteering is in already in the market.

In the orchard, some of the new technologies asked about in the research3 were:

The reasons citrus growers gave for not using the some of new technologies were:

• Sensor-based variable rate applicators (e.g. ‘Tree See’)

• not enough information • not profitable

• Prescription map-based variable rate applicators (e.g. ‘Legacy 6000’)

• lack of capital

• Pest scouting and mapping (e.g.

‘EntoNet’)

• process/equipment too complex for labourers

• Weed scouting and mapping • Remote sensing (e.g. aerial or satellite imagery) • GPS receiver (e.g. boundary mapping)

• process/equipment not reliable

• satisfied with current practices (most common reason) Add to this Trust and Not enough value to the business for the cost.

• Soil variability mapping • Water table monitoring (e.g. automated irrigation scheduling) • Harvesting logistics (e.g. mapping brix, acid, and sugar levels to determine peak harvest time) 3 Sevier & Won Suk Lee 2004, Precision farming adoption by Florida citrus producers: Probit model analysis, University of Florida FAS CIR146

4 Castle, Luben & Luck 2015, Precision agriculture usage and big agriculture data, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhusker Economics May 27 5 Fealy 2017 Big Data: Part 1,2 & 3, LinkedIn 6 Robertson, Moore, Henry & Barry 2018, Digital agriculture: what’s all the fuss about? CSIROscope 20 March 7 Frost & Sullivan, adapted from CSIRO 2017 P2D project

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WA CITRUS

33GALL along branch caused by citrus gall wasp.

In the orchard cont...

Manage fruit fly and look for citrus galls

BY HELEN NEWMAN WA CITRUS BIOSECURITY OFFICER

Don’t be caught off guard by fruit fly. Monitor and bait for fruit fly, especially in mandarins.

The season to look for galls caused by gall wasps is almost here!

Citrus gall wasp was discovered in suburban Perth in 2013. It has since spread, with reports in 50 Perth suburbs mainly in the Town of Bassendean, and Cities of Bayswater, Swan, Stirling and Vincent. Reports further afield are increasing as the wasp flies between properties and infested trees are transported to new locations.

New low-level infestations are difficult to detect and often go unnoticed.

Small galls created by individual wasps may be just one to two centimetres long and are in the spring flush, hidden by the developing summer and autumn flush.

Undetected infestations can quickly grow into heavy infestations with each female laying 100 eggs per season.

With an estimated 50% mortality rate, 100 live wasps this season will produce 1700 next season (OUCH!).

Galls become visible in April but are easiest to see in June. They tend to be more abundant in the lower canopy close to the skirt line. A good monitoring technique is to check underneath the canopy and look for shoots growing at a right angle from the main branch.

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The wasp itself is difficult to see and kill once it has emerged in Spring.

Management strategies currently focus on removing galls before wasp emergence in spring and/or applying systemic insecticides in late spring to kill developing larvae. Orchardists with very heavy infestations also use residual insecticides applied frequently throughout the gall wasp emergence period (September to November).

What to do: • Monitor for gall wasp in your orchard from April, the easiest time to see and remove them is in June • Remove galls as soon as you find them — preferably in autumn and winter • Mulch any branches that are cut-off after mid-July to kill the wasps inside the galls • If you find gall wasp in your orchard, please report it to DPIRD MORE INFORMATION • Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Citrus gall wasp page.

• NSW Department of Primary Industries Citrus gall wasp in southern Australia • www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/ horticulture/citrus under insects, diseases and disorders.

• Citrus gall wasp or any other pest or disease can be reported to the DPIRD Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080 or email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or by using the MyPestGuide app https://mypestguide. agric.wa.gov.au/reporter/#/

Protecting your orchards Bronwyn Walsh, WA IDM, Nathan Hancock, CEO Citrus Australia, and David Cousins, Citrus Canker Project Manager, DPIRD, went to Kununurra in February to catch-up with local citrus growers and update them on the citrus canker incident response.

Growers gave good feedback to improve the current Response as well as future Responses. Nathan will provide this to Plant Health Australia (PHA) and Department of Agriculture Water Resources (DAWR). A Citrus Canker Update will be circulated to industry shortly. Industry is also looking at what further can be done to support growers.

Huanglongbing (HLB) remains a global concern as well as other exotic pests and diseases. Bronwyn and Helen will be joining a study tour to California and Florida in March to see firsthand what symptoms look like, hear from experts on the progress to manage this serious disease.

In the market

BY BRONWYN WALSH INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, WA CITRUS

David Monks will be visiting WA in July to discuss variety evaluation results. For some varieties of new valencias, navels and red flesh Navels in the program, 2018 was the first year of fruit. He also reported on mandarins and new additions in 2018 and 2019. Fundamental to market performance is delivering varieties that meet consumer’s preferences.

Data on consumer buying behaviour and other trends is now available through Harvest to Home website.

More information was in the Australia citrus news Summer 2018–19, www. harvesttohome.net.au. Planning for the 2019 export season with in-market partners to expand the products for export.

STONEFRUIT

stonefruit

update

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STONEFRUIT

Season

contacts Stonefruit Sub-Committee Danny DiMarco, Chair e: dimarconson@gmail.com Anthony Fullam

e: afullam@wn.com.au

Bruno Delsimone

e: bdelsimone@mercermooney.com.au

Anthony Caccetta

e: antc83@hotmail.com

Mark Scott

e: markpscott@bigpond.com

Shay Crouch, Value Chain Facilitator

e: shay.crouch@perthnrm.com p: (08) 9374 3306

APC fee for service charge

2018–2019

BY SHAY CROUCH VALUE CHAIN FACILITATOR, STONEFRUIT

Stone fruit effective from 1 November 2009 Type of fruit

$/kg

All fresh stone fruit (apricots, cherries, loquats, nectarines, peaches and plums)

0.015

Processing fruit

0.006

what’s on...

2019 Committee Meeting WHEN March TBC The March Committee meeting will cover off on a review of the Strategic Plan, 19/20 project proposals and a review of the 18/19 season among other things.

AGM WHEN April TBC

Hort Connections WHEN 24-26 June 2019 WHERE Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre With the theme ‘Growing Our Food Future’ horticultural industry members will be inspired to aim high as they hear form keynote speakers, network and visit the trade stands. It is set to be the most influential space for the entire fresh produce industry.

Asia Fruit Logistics WHEN 4-6 September 2019 WHERE Hong Kong, Asia World Expo Where every link of the international fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain meets face to face each year to make contacts and do business. Labelled as the place to be if you want to make your mark in Asia.

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“I don’t need to sample the fruit as the fruit has been amazing lately.”

“Very happy to support WA growers.”

What customers are saying...

33EXCEPTIONAL display of stonefruit at Garden Fresh IGA in Winthrop.

STONEFRUIT

I

t has been great to see such quality produce making its way from orchard to shop shelves this season. There have been many comments by customers and store managers about the improved quality of produce they are seeing this season.

Comments include “I don’t need to sample the fruit as the fruit has been amazing lately” and “Very happy to support WA growers”. Consumers are making the most all the avenues they have available to purchase stonefruit, from farm gate sales, picking your own, farmers markets, fruit box deliveries as well as the supermarkets. The increase in the number of farm gate sales prove highly valuable for both the individual grower and the wider industry through the information and knowledge they share with the shoppers.

Customers want to feel connected to where their food is coming from and are influenced by emotion in their decision making.

Creating these stronger links between food producers and consumers increases their likelihood of future purchasing of local stonefruit.

Yagan Square meets WA Stonefruit

E

very morning over 140,000 people head into the Perth CBD for work, we took this opportunity to hold a season launch at Yagan Square and Murray Street Mall on the 4th of December to engage with customers by giving out free peach and nectarine samples.

It was a great success with many growers getting the opportunity to chat with people on their way to work. Huge signage on the digital tower reached those in the cars and in the high-rise buildings, with thousands of people passing by on foot getting to sample the fruit.

Consumers were excited to see that the season had begun and they could again purchase great tasting West Australian stone fruit.

The event saw the Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan attend and chat with several growers, even posting a Facebook Live video to her social

media. She was pleased to see the initiative bringing agriculture into the city to create this awareness and engagement with the wider community.

The season launch was complimented with the Buy West Eat Best Taste of WA event held on the Sunday prior at Yagan Square.

It was another opportunity to engage with over 2,000 people and talk about where our stone fruit is grown and how people can use it in their everyday life. ●

Our social media following is increasing every day with an average of 3,700 people seeing WA Stonefruit content every week, on Facebook alone. Instagram stories have proven popular with retailers being able to tag WAStonefruit to help showcase the stock they have on hand. Everyday people are posting their fresh stonefruit home cooking, displaying some wonderful recipes and cooking ideas. Our social media followers have increased to around 1,200 people who all love getting regular recipe ideas, places they can find local fruit, and seasonal information. ● 33STONE fruit season launch at Yagan Square.

Perth NRM

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STONEFRUIT

Tasting samples in store There really isn’t a better feeling than seeing people walk into a shop, taste some local stone fruit and then to seeing them walking out with a bag full of their new favourite fruit. This is the aim of doing in-store demonstrations and what we see regularly.

With customer feedback including “Very good idea to have a demo, I wouldn’t have brought the fruit otherwise”.

This season we ran a series of six demonstrations across several major retailers including, Woolworths, Farmer Jacks, Spud Shed, IGA and Gilberts Fresh.

It was an opportunity for customers to ask questions and try a variety of peach, nectarine or plum they may not have tried before.

Throughout the season there are regular retail visits to shops all over the metro area to chat with store and fresh produce managers and assist with improving the stone fruit displays, advise on fruit handling techniques and provide guidance on the current season. There are also point of sale posters which have been distributed through the shops during these visits. It has been great to see the large quantities of WA product on the shelves and to see databar stickers being used by customers to establish the origin of the fruit. ●

Points of interest Growers bring Rainbow Lorikeet issue up with the Premier Perth Hills growers have seen a huge increase in the number of Rainbow Lorikeets in the Hills. Growers have increased their commitment to remove these pests though they remain causing significant damage to crop loads. The effects seen are similar to those seen in the Swan Valley over the recent years and growers are taking action to discuss management options with the State government. This is an issue which will remain ongoing where we hope the pest pressure will be reduced in the years to come.

Summerfruit Australia have a new CEO as John Moore steps down Trevor Ranford will be taking the reigns of Summerfruit Australia after John has dedicated many years to the role of improving the national Stone fruit industry. He has worked hard with overseas markets to improve terms of trade and showcase Australian Stone fruit overseas and on the domestic markets. We would like to thank John for his commitment to the industry over many years.

Trevor joins Summerfruit after previously working with Cherries, Pistachios and the Aussie Nut Industries. He is familiar with Horticulture Innovation Australia, facilitating export markets and other issues our industry might face soon.

We look forward to having Trevor on board and having him meet WA growers and learn more about the West Australian Stone fruit industry.

Call for APC project proposals

33SAMPLES of West Australian stone fruit being handed out in store.

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Do you have a project idea that will improve the sustainability of the West Australian Stonefruit Industry? Head to the APC website to complete a project proposal form, alternatively contact the Stonefruit Committee to discuss the idea. We are committed to improving the state of play for the industry and we need grower input and cooperation to achieve this.

Perth Hills growers have seen a huge increase in Rainbow Lorikeets.

Social media statistics Social media is playing a huge role in the education of the wider community across a huge range of topics. It bucks the trend of traditional print media as it can give you greater understanding of your audience and the reach of your content. I thought I could share some statistics about our social media platforms.

Over 60%

of our Instagram audience are aged between 25 and 44 Our audience spends the most time on Instagram on

Wednesdays and Thursday

and the least time on Saturdays

82%

of people who engage in our Facebook posts are women

3pm and 8pm

are the busiest times of day on Facebook These figures and detailed information from Facebook and Instagram can help us craft the most engaging posts and have the greatest impact. If you want to join in with the WA Stonefruit social media fun look for, We Love WA Stonefruit on Facebook and WAStonefruit on Instagram. ● MORE INFORMATION Go to: Summerfruit.com.au

YOUR BUSINESS

your

business Your business WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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YOUR BUSINESS

Grower innovation to meet Freshcare FSQ4 requirements

BY JOEL DINSDALE QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR, VEGETABLESWA

I

have been involved broadly in the agriculture space since I was a kid. One thing I’ve learnt is that growers are a clever and innovative type of person.

No matter the problem, growers seem to come up with an inventive way to deliver a desired outcome. This can be said for all aspects of farming, including Quality Assurance.

During my time training and assisting growers achieve Freshcare certification, I have witnessed a number of original ideas that can make compliance at audit a breeze. I thought I’d share a few of my favourites:

Product and water testing The problem: Product testing for maximum residue limits (MRLs) and heavy metals — the hard part is submitting a sample to the appropriate laboratory for testing.

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The solution: Schedule it in your calendar/phone to be completed so that a reminder alert is displayed on your phone. A simple fix that can be easily rectified by setting up an alarm. The same can be achieved for water testing — although the frequency will likely be different.

This clever tip can also be applied to the acquisition of Approved Supplier Documents such as Freshcare Certificates, HACCP certificates and Food Grade Packaging Statements etc.

Training records can also be recorded in this way to prompt reminders when licences like forklift and spray tickets expire.

Chemical/fertiliser records Keeping chemical and fertiliser records can be a real pain. Without naming specific products, there are a number of Inventory Management apps that can be used to assist with the capture of records that meet the compliance criteria.

YOUR BUSINESS

I have seen a number of tech-savvy growers build basic Excel spreadsheets that when setup well, prefill many details like product size/volume; based on previous entries of the same chemicals. The beauty of a spreadsheet is that it can be operated from a computer or remotely using a smart phone or tablet.

Capture of the details such as Batch Number, Date of Manufacture or Expiry Date can be recorded by taking a photo of the container using your smart phone — these details can then be forwarded and/or added to an inventory record by any administration staff or at a later time and date.

For the not-so-tech-savvy but diligent grower, this requirement can be easily met by photocopying the F4 Chemical Inventory Form (from your Freshcare folder) a number of times and creating a file that can be completed on-the-go.

Capture the batch number, date of manufacture or expiry date of chemicals and fertilisers for inventory records.

The downside to this method is that there is usually water, dirt and chemical that tends to end up on the records.

Have no fear! The clever grower has considered this too and developed a simple and crafty resolution — a water tight plastic storage box.

These smart fix-it ideas can also be applied to the F4 Pre and Postharvest Chemical Treatment Records and F5 Fertiliser and Soil Application Records.

33SCHEDULE product and water testing reminders on your phone.

Signage

Growers are brilliant at modifying while meeting Freshcare requirements. Perhaps one of my favourite tips is the creation of signs that advise staff and visitors of the requirements of a site or facility.

Google provides an endless bank of images of signs that can be printed, laminated and displayed in important areas. What a great way to promote food safety in your business.

Internal audit Freshcare has made all of the documents easy-to-access, by making them available to all registered businesses via their online database.

The tech-savvy growers who are innovating in this space have begun to upload and edit this document on their tablets and smart phones. In the process, saving 26 pages of paper, while completing the internal audit on-the-go.

Casual staff training YouTube and other online platforms have a plethora of videos (both good and bad) that can be used to assist in the training of staff for things such as hand washing or product testing. The disclaimer on this tip is that management should review and endorse the video to ensure it meets the needs of the trainee while aligning to the documented procedure. It is also a good idea to document the date and the link to the video in staff training records for future reference.

MORE INFORMATION If you are reading this article and you are having trouble with your Freshcare or other Quality Assurance system, contact Joel Dinsdale joel.dinsdale@vegetableswa.com.au for assistance.

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umb

er te

stin

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Alternatively, if you have a clever or original method of meeting Freshcare FSQ4 requirements, why not share them with your peers by emailing them to Joel or by sharing them on the vegetablesWA Facebook page.

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YOUR BUSINESS

Employing the right people in your business Having the right people in your business is vital for your business growth and future success.

T

here comes a time when the volume of work, customer demands or plans for future business growth will call for hiring employees. Employing staff can transform the productivity and culture of your business and address feelings of isolation often experienced by small business owners.

It is important to recruit and retain employees who have the right skills and attributes for your business.

Understanding your legal obligations There are a number of legal requirements associated with employing staff, including: • obtaining workers’ compensation insurance • establishing and maintaining a safe workplace • understanding the correct pay and employment conditions for the role • paying tax and superannuation • keeping employee records • knowing which leave entitlements apply • abiding by equal opportunity laws • ensuring your employee can legally work — foreign nationals who don’t have a valid working visa are not allowed to work in Australia • establishing an injury management system It is important to understand which industrial relations system (state or national) applies to your business.

Generally, all incorporated businesses (those with ‘Pty Ltd’ or ‘Ltd’ in their

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name) come under the national (Federal) system. Contact the Fairwork Ombudsman for assistance on 13 13 94.

Sole traders, unincorporated partnerships and some trusts come under the WA State system. WA’s Wageline can assist business owners with information on pay rates, leave entitlements and much more. They can be contacted on 1300 655 266.

Attracting and retaining staff Before you start recruiting, think about the type of skills, experience and capabilities required for each role.

Consider whether you can afford to employ someone, and whether they would be needed on a casual, part-time or full-time basis.

Consider hiring staff from diverse backgrounds with the required skills to undertake the role you are trying to fill. Australia is such a multicultural society, having a diverse workplace can help understand your customers and market your goods and services more effectively, both in Australia and overseas.

YOUR BUSINESS

Visit commerce.wa.gov.au/ worksafe/small-businesssafety WorkSafe WA is responsible for overseeing workplace safety in Western Australia. To understand your OHS obligations and to download templates to use within your business visit commerce.wa.gov. au/worksafe/smallbusiness-safety

Dealing with underperforming employees

33YOU are legally obliged to ensure a safe workplace and look after the health and safety of your employees and customers.

If an employee is underperforming, it’s good practice to:

MORE INFORMATION

• discuss the situation with the employee to determine whether they require additional training or support 33BEFORE you start recruiting, think about the type of skills, experience and capabilities required for each role.

Retaining good quality staff should be a priority and will, in the long run save you time and money. By providing incentives such as training opportunities, appreciation for work well done and flexible working arrangements, you can create an interesting and rewarding workplace.

This will help you retain current employees and make it easier to attract additional workers in the future.

Developing the skills of your existing employees can also be a cost effective alternative to recruiting new employees at senior levels.

Ensuring a safe workplace You are legally obliged to ensure a safe workplace and look after the health and safety of your employees and customers. Penalties can apply if you do not meet your Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) obligations.

• provide them with sufficient time to improve their performance or conduct

The Small Business Development Corporation has a range to assist small businesses with recruiting and employing staff at smallbusiness.wa.gov.au, alternatively to speak to one of their experienced business advisers call 13 12 49.

• advise them of possible consequences if they don’t reach the required performance level It is a good idea to document your discussion and agreed actions and provide a copy to the employee.

Letting employees go Employees can be dismissed in various ways, with special obligations applying to probationary employees, and those made redundant. Before deciding to terminate an employee’s contract, make sure you understand your obligations under your industrial relations system.

In general, when dismissing an employee, you must provide: • appropriate notice (not required if the dismissal is for serious misconduct) • outstanding pay and leave entitlements • where appropriate, redundancy or severance pay WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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YOUR BUSINESS

The art of managing debt and stress!

Farming and debt generally go hand in hand

BY CHRIS PUCKRIDGE RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR, RFCS WA

F

armers often work and live with debt every day regardless of produce type, as for most farming operations pay days are rare but spending days are common.

Most farming businesses use debt in a healthy way, to operate the business on a day to day basis to deal with suppliers, purchase chemicals, fertilisers and all the other goods and services needed to make things grow. These purchases are generally funded by trade creditors, companies such as Mirco Brothers, Landmark, Elders and Muirs.

The other way many farmers use debt is to borrow capital for increasing the size of their property or making capital improvements to improve productivity.

This generally involves term debt which is usually supplied by banks.

Debt is healthy for a business and most farming families have grown up with debt and see it as a normal part of their lives.

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There can be a time when debt is not normal and can create significant stress for farming families. This can often happen when something goes wrong that creates a significant expense or income loss that can really upset a business.

What types of events can cause the debt that causes trouble?

The most common example of a debt creation event in the fruit and vegetable industry would be one off events such as floods, frosts, drought or prolonged heat. These often-natural events can cripple a business and it can take many years for the business to recover.

Losing one years income can often take a business many years to recover.

Debt is often increased to fund the next cropping program and to restore damaged land and infrastructure.

The second major cause of stressful debt can be through illness or family crisis where work production is impacted by unexpected events that can strike the key people in the business at any time. This can cause long term stress on the business and to the people involved it can mean many years of recovery or in extreme cases an end to the business.

The third significant cause of stressful debt can often be caused by crop failure caused by fungal diseases or the impact of pests such as any range of bugs or birds. Many crop protection products are available and most farming operations evaluate the risk of potential diseases

and apply those products that minimise the threat. However, it is almost impossible to eradicate all risk and, in many cases, it is not economically viable to protect crops against every possible threat.

So, debt comes to farming enterprises in many forms but in the end I like to think of it as ultimately ‘normal debt’ and ‘stressful debt’.

Stressful debt is the one we need to really watch, as this is the one that can cost far more than money! This can be the debt that creates friction in families, that pushes people to make poor decisions and that can impact on your health and wellbeing even without you realising it!

YOUR BUSINESS

Some of the most common management strategies are:

1.

What are some of the symptoms of stressful debt?

As a Rural Financial Counsellor, I often speak to people who are feeling stressed and agitated over money issues, they often have trouble sleeping and even when they get to sleep, they can wake up feeling so tired that they wonder if they ever really went to sleep.

Those impacted by stressful debt often find it difficult to talk about their debt and sometimes they can feel isolated, embarrassed, and ashamed. In some cases, they can feel like they need someone or something to blame and they can often fall into a trap of wasting their energy on blaming certain people, organisations or governments and on historical events.

In some ways they may be right, but in the end they only have so much energy and as I’m sure someone once said, “it’s pretty hard to change the past”.

Most farming families have grown up with debt and see it as a normal part of their lives.

2.

3.

Speaking to your creditors to arrange extended terms or a payment plan, many of your suppliers will do this to get paid, most companies would prefer to get paid slowly rather than not get paid at all!

Ensure you openly communicate with anyone you owe money too if you are having issues with payment. Most businesses have experienced lean times themselves and they can relate to customers who have payment issues and will work with you to create solutions that work for you both.

4.

5.

Contact your support network to discuss your issues, it may be your accountant or bank manager or perhaps you have a trusted friend or mentor who you can confide in? Often just talking to someone you trust can put your problems in perspective, you don’t need to take on all the stress yourself.

Speak to your GP or other health advisor about how you are feeling and what you can do to make sure you are coping with stress as well as you can.

Most Banks now have specialist services who can deal with clients in difficulty, these people have the power to arrange deferred terms and payment plans along with other alternatives.

Looking forward: What can you do with stressful debt?

Here’s a few tips that might just help reduce the stress from the debt.

Firstly, accept that “it is, what it is”; you can only control so many things and as farmers you are always at the mercy of nature and other events that are outside of your control, as a farmer you have to learn to live with these things! It’s not about blame and the past, it’s about managing risk as best you can and building for the future!

Secondly you will feel much better if you can feel that you are controlling the debt more than it is controlling you. If you are worried about a series of debts, try writing each of them down and then listing what you can do about each one. Obviously paying it off is the ideal solution but this just isn’t possible in many cases. Think about the alternatives you have to manage and control your debt.

If you are feeling stressed over debt you can call the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 612 004.

The service can arrange for an experienced Rural Financial Counsellor to visit you for a confidential discussion.

The service is free and provided by the state and federal government to support primary producers and small regional business when they need it.

This service has helped many farms of all shapes and sizes over the last 30 years to manage stressful debt and difficult circumstances and our aim is to support you to get back in control of your business.

MORE INFORMATION Go to https://rfcswa.com.au/

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Workers compensation specialist

Centrewest insurance brokers are partnered with vegetablesWA to provide you and your business with excellent and responsive service as your Insurance Broker.

They are partnered with a specialist workers compensation consultancy, enabling them to offer managed solutions to their client’s workers compensation policies and claims.

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MORE INFORMATION

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Centrewest are able to provide some of the most outstanding insurance products available. This allows them to select from Australia’s leading insurance companies to get the right insurance cover for you.

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YOUR BUSINESS

Speak to your payroll software provider or a tax professional to discuss STP.

How to prepare for

Single Touch Payroll

BY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

T

he way you report employee payments and superannuation is set to change, with the Federal Government passing legislation to extend Single Touch Payroll (STP) to all employers from 1 July 2019.

Under the requirements of STP, you’ll need to report payments such as salaries and wages, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and superannuation directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as they happen (via an online payroll solution).

How can I get ready for STP? There are a number of ways you can prepare your business for STP. This includes: • If you’re currently using a manual/ hard copy records system you’ll need to move to an online payroll process.

The ATO has a list of available lowcost solutions • Update your existing online payroll software (which in most cases should provide you with the functionality needed to be STP compliant)

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• Use a registered tax agent or payroll service provider that can report using STP It’s also a good idea to speak to your payroll software provider (if you already have one) or a tax professional to discuss the best way to get your business ready for STP.

Tip

If you are a micro business owners (with fewer than five employees) you’ll be able to use alternative reporting options, such as using your registered tax or BAS agent to report via STP quarterly, rather than every time you run payroll.

Other exemptions to STP may apply if the internet isn’t available in your area or you have an unreliable connection.

YOUR BUSINESS

When do I need to start using STP? All businesses will need to report payments via STP from 1 July 2019.

You can also start reporting via STP before this date if you wish.

Single Touch Payroll solutions for microbusiness Are now available!

Will anything else change as a result of STP? When STP is in place, the ATO will receive on-going notifications of your employee payments as you’re making them. This means your reporting requirements to the ATO could be reduced, including: • No longer needing to provide payment summaries to employees at the end of financial year.

• Employees will be able to see their year-to-date tax and super information via myGov. • In the future, Single Touch Payroll information will be used to prefill activity statements.

MORE INFORMATION If you’d like more information about STP, visit the ATO website or attend one of our upcoming STP Essentials workshops: • 20 March 2019 — Cannington • 11 April 2019 — East Fremantle • 28 May 2019 — Inglewood

S

ingle Touch Payroll (STP) will be compulsory for smaller employers (those with less than 20 employees) from 1 July 2019.

Recognising that there are a significant number of smaller employers who do not use any type of payroll software when processing the pays each week/ fortnight etc. micro businesses (employers with one to four employees), the ATO will not require micro businesses to adopt/buy payroll software in order to comply with Single Touch Payroll reporting.

These small employers will be permitted to use low-cost, lowmaintenance solutions.

• AccXite Pty Ltd, and • Free Accounting Software Pty Ltd. You can contact these providers via their website if you wish to enquire about these products, and start reporting via Single Touch Payroll.

Micro businesses (employers with 1–4 employees) will not need to adopt/buy payroll software.

As of early March, there are now six products that are currently available from the following providers: • Cashflow Manager

Some of the major software houses, such as MYOB, Xero, Intuit and Reckon have all since announced that they will be providing an option at $10 or less per month, with their products slated to be available between April and June.

MORE INFORMATION See the ATO website for an updated list of providers and their products.

• ePayroll • Single Touch Pty Ltd • Cloud Payroll Pty Ltd WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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The latest Horticulture Statistics Handbook

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he most comprehensive and contemporary data available on all sectors of the Australian horticulture industry is now available through the release of the 2017–18 Horticulture Statistics Handbook.

Released by Hort Innovation, the Handbook features information drawn from several supply chain and trade sources and it includes data on more than 70 horticultural products including fruit, nuts, vegetables, nursery, turf and cut flowers.

Fresh horticulture exports were valued at $2.15 billion.

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is here

Hort Innovation General Manager for Research, Marketing and Investment, David Moore, said the Handbook provided an in-depth overview of how the industry was performing at large, with a targeted focus on fresh market supply values and volumes by product, import and export dynamics, and the identification of key production regions and seasonality.

13% 4% 9%

68%

<1% 5%

“The data tells us that in the 2017–18 financial year, fresh horticulture exports were valued at $2.15 billion — around 6% higher than in the previous year.

This equated to around 746,344 tonnes of fresh produce and accounts for 11% of total production volume,” he said (see Figure 1).

“It tells us that of the $13.2 billion of total value produced across all Australian horticulture industries, Asia was the primary export destination of fresh Australian produce, amounting to over 535,135 tonnes at a value of over $1.5 billion.

FIGURE 1 International trade — Fresh exports by region *Flower and nursery exports are recorded by each rather than weight, and so tonnes of these categories are not included in totals. ^Total includes exports with no specified country.

Source: GTA

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Asia*

535,135t ($1,554.7)

North America*

21,409t ($86.8m) Mushrooms

2t ($1.9m)

Grapes

102,602t ($359.7m)

Cherries

Oranges

160,066t ($240.0m)

Summerfruit

12,554t ($48.5m)

Oranges

9,391t ($15.7m)

Cherries

Almonds

35,791t ($226.4m)

Carrots

37,609t ($33.3m)

Almonds

2,673t ($11.4m)

Cut Flowers*

Macadamias

23,757t ($217.3m)

Asparagus

3,693t ($27.7m)

Mandarins

4,759t ($9.3m)

Mangoes

205t ($1.2m)

Mandarins

49,205t ($111.7m)

Potatoes

34,476t ($25.3m)

Pears

1,612t ($2.9m)

Summerfruit

274t ($1.1m)

Middle East

3,669t ($57.6m)

117,097 ($189.5m)

Carrots

67,530t ($58.5m)

Almonds

3,839t ($33.9m)

Oranges

13,593t ($14.8m)

Macadamias

987t ($25.0m)

101t ($1.8m) ($1.5m)

New Zealand + Oceania

42,973t ($114.1m)

Strawberries

1,297t ($9.3m)

Almonds

2,030t ($18.1m)

Beans

Mandarins

5,056t ($9.0m)

Grapes

4,282t ($13.8m)

Strawberries

7,83t ($5.7m)

1,600t ($6.7m)

Muskmelons

3,245t ($6.9m)

Oranges

6,646t ($8.8m)

Muskmelons

3,577t ($5.6m)

Summerfruit

4,682t ($14.3m)

Mangoes

1,802t ($6.6m)

Mandarins

4,856t ($8.7m)

Watermelons

2,895t ($3.5m)

Grapes

3,396t ($10.5m)

Watermelons

3,813t ($4.8m)

Pears

4,608t ($7.0m)

Mangoes

1,109t ($3.5m)

Europe

34,680t ($200.1m)

Almonds

19,008t ($144.4m)

Walnuts

4,293t ($18.0m)

Cut Flowers*

Mushrooms

($3.1m)

4t ($2.3m)

Macadamias

694t ($17.3m)

Kiwifruit

587t ($1.8m)

Onions

7,836t ($6.0m)

Pecans

55t ($1.0m)

Apples

1,488t ($3.6m)

Africa Almonds

Total Exports^

746,344t ($2,149.6m) Carrots

108,175t ($94.6m)

Almonds

66,311t ($461.2m)

Grapes

110,280t ($384.1m)

Summerfruit

Oranges

190,043t ($280.1m)

Cherries

4,114t ($62.2m)

17,769t ($65.1m)

Macadamias

25,675t ($266.0m)

Strawberries

4,304t ($29.7m)

Mandarins

63,960t ($139.1m)

Mangoes

7,694t ($28.7m)

2,380t ($6.1m) 384t ($3.0m)

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<1%

16%

7% 13%

15% 46%

3%

Victoria* 46% Grapes

292,284t ($997.6m)

100,489t ($351.5m)

Cherries

11,588t ($17.7m)

Mandarins

3,472t ($7.0m)

Mushrooms

Apples

3,225t ($6.5m)

Onions

48,345t ($314.6m)

Pears

Oranges

89,127t ($130.6m)

Asparagus

13,409t ($48.4m) 3,672t ($27.6m)

857t ($6.4m)

Cut leaf salads

Queensland 16%

98,006t ($348.8m)

123,943t ($153.3m) Muskmelons

2,564t ($4.1m)

3,473t ($25.1m)

Oranges

2,550t ($4.0m)

8t ($5.6m)

Potatoes

2,615t ($3.5m)

Celery

2,777t ($3.4m)

Summerfruit

1,072t ($2.6m)

96,111t ($82,6m) .

7,553t ($4.9m)

Cut Flowers*

($4.3m)

Tasmania 3%

24,679t ($54.5m)

Macadamias

12,554t ($121.8m)

Avocados

1,118t ($7.2m)

Cherries

2,135t ($35.6m)

Mandarins

44,374t ($102.8m)

Beans

1,611t ($6.8m)

Onions

13,531t ($9.3m)

Carrots

8,590t ($7.8m)

Mangoes

5,583t ($19.0m)

Watermelons

4,782t ($5.8m)

Muskmelons

7,663t ($12.3m)

Cut flowers*

($4.1m)

Broccoli/cauli

3,106t ($8.0m)

Live plants*

($3.9m)

New South Wales* 15%

85,235t ($316.9m)

13,099t ($143.7m)

Potatoes

16,435t ($9.8m)

Oranges

27,918t ($42.1m)

Cherries

604t ($6.8m)

Grapes

8,315t ($26.6m)

Pecans

Walnuts

5,341t ($22.1m)

Muskmelons

2,562t ($5.4m)

Almonds

2,562t ($2.7m)

Macadamias

SummerfruitGrapes 2,788t ($11.9m)

South Australia 13%

499t ($6.0m)

126,514t ($280.2m) 1,067t ($2.0m)

Almonds

15,405t ($122.5m)

Lemons/Limes

Oranges

68,121t ($99.5m)

Table Grapes

344t ($1.4m)

Mandarins

15,210t ($27.3m)

Cherries

125t ($1.2m)

Potatoes

14,984t ($12.5m)

Summerfruit

257t ($1.2m)

Grapefruit

689t ($1.1m)

Onions

8,178t ($6.0m)

*Flower and nursery exports are recorded by each rather than weight, and so tonnes of these categories are not included in totals. ^Total includes exports with no speciďŹ ed state.

FIGURE 2 International trade â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fresh exports by state Source: GTA

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Carrots Strawberries

Almonds Summerfruit

1,235t ($18.4m)

Western Australia 7%

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

Northern Territory <1%

2,285t ($8.0m)

Mangoes

1,300t ($6.4m)

Total exports^

746,344t ($2,149.6m) Carrots

108,175t ($94.6m)

Grapes

110,280t ($384.1m)

Summerfruit

17,9769t ($65.1m)

Oranges

190,043t ($280.1m)

Almonds

66,311t ($461.2m)

Cherries

4,114t ($62.2m)

Macadamias

25,675t ($266.0m)

Strawberries

4,304t ($29.7m)

Mandarins

63,960t ($139.1m)

Mangoes

7,694t ($28.7m)

YOUR BUSINESS

Download your copy from the Hort Innovation website.

“The data determines that the increase in export value was primarily driven by citrus exports, with cherries,summerfruit, walnuts and carrots also showing strong growth.

“And at a local level, the data tells us that Australian vegetable growers produced almost 3.7 million tonnes of fresh produce in the year ending June 2018.”

Mr Moore said, now in its fourth iteration, the Horticulture Statistics Handbook provides important data for industry, researchers and decisionmakers, while supporting policy formation and contributing to further research that will benefit the industry.

He said it provided industry relevant data in an easy to understand guide that was accessible to the grower community and anyone with a vested interest in the Australian horticulture industry.

The Handbook, which captured data up until June 30,2018 also revealed: • Nationally, almonds were Australia’s most valuable horticultural export product ($440 million) followed by table grapes ($384 million), oranges ($280 million) macadamias ($266 million), and mandarins ($139 million).

• The turf industry produced 43.6 million square metres of turfgrass worth $273 million in production value.

• The largest export markets for fresh Australian horticultural products by value were Asia (72%), followed

by Europe (9%) and the Middle East (9%).

MORE INFORMATION The Handbook is available now on the Hort Innovation website.

• Victoria was the nation’s leading fresh exporter accounting for 47% of the total value of horticultural exports, valued at almost $997 million (see Figure 2).

ORGANIC

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e? c en ig il d e u d r ou y g n oi d ou Are y

R

ogue labour hire firms are underpaying workers, failing to meet their taxation obligations, and abusing work visas.

As noted in a report by NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption, it is recommended that employers complete sufficient due diligence checks when engaging labour hire operators. In 2018, a labour hire scam operation in Western Australia was identified in which payroll taxes were not being paid to the State Government.

Characteristics associated with high risk labour hire operators The organisation regularly changes its business name and/or its ABN, yet the contact person and workers being supplied remain the same: • The organisation has no ABN, an invalid ABN or the ABN does not match the Australian Business Register

• The organisation does not list any known physical business premises • The organisation has no telephone landline and/or online website, or never answers telephone calls • The organisation uses a generic email service such as Gmail, Hotmail or BigPond • The organisation is charging an hourly rate below the minimum award wage rate • The organisation has an opaque ownership structure, including having a sole owner and/or sole director with suspect contact details

Anonymous information can be reported on

(08) 9262 1380.

• The organisation has recently formed, has no track record and/ or has recently registered for GST (ABN check shows the entity was just registered) • The organisation has an ABN that matches to a similarly named, but not identical or related, entity

• The organisation has changed its bank account details just prior to a significant payment • The organisation lacks relevant licences and/or a licence that has been recently acquired • The organisation relies heavily on subcontractors to perform work • The organisation has company directors with a history of closing down and re-starting businesses under a different name • The organisation has a history of adverse court, regulatory or tribunal findings Contact the Office of State Revenue if you have encountered a labour hire organisation that meets the above criteria. Anonymous information can be reported on (08) 9262 1380.

MORE INFORMATION If you would like to discuss this further contact John Shannon on (08) 9486 7515.

Government of Western Australia Department of Finance Office of State Revenue

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your

market Your market WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

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Brekkie, smoothies h c a in p s t s o o b d a l a s d n a consumption

P

BY CHANEL DAY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, FRESH INDUSTRY LEAD

acked with iron, protein, vitamins and minerals and beneficial for skin, hair and bone health; spinach is the ultimate lowcalorie, low-carb superfood.

More than two-in-three Australian households (68%) say they are careful to eat nutrient-rich foods — spinach meets this need while also being versatile enough to be used in all meals throughout the day. With the opportunity to boost the frequency of consumption across meal occasions, spinach is well placed to help more Australians reach their five serves of vegetables each day.

Shoppers who purchased fresh spinach claimed to eat it quite frequently at an average of 7.9 times per month. This is slightly higher than the average for 28 vegetables (7.4 times) included in the survey conducted across five waves of research between July and November 2018.

When looking at the occasions in which spinach was consumed, breakfast was revealed as a surprising contributor to this higher than average consumption rate. Of the 28 vegetables included in the research, spinach was the second highest ranked vegetable (behind kale) for the percentage of buying households that consumed the vegetable for a weekday breakfast.

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With kale and spinach being the two most popular breakfast vegetables and a large majority of shoppers choosing to consume it raw (60% of spinach buyers and 44% of kale buyers claimed to eat it raw), it appears that green smoothies for breakfast have appealed to consumers looking to boost their nutrient intake.

While this ultra-healthy breakfast solution has gained traction, it is evident that breakfast remains an undeveloped meal occasion for the vegetable category.

Just 9% of shoppers who purchased spinach and 12% of shoppers who purchased kale claimed to have eaten it for a weekday breakfast (see Figure 1).

Ed Fagan of Muylan Farms has been growing baby spinach since 2009 and is surprised to see the uptake of spinach at breakfast.

33GREEN smoothies for breakfast have appealed to consumers looking to boost their nutrient intake.

(%)

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80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Average for 28 vegetables Spinach

Weekday breakfast

Weekday lunch

Weekday dinner

FIGURE 1 The percentage of households buying the vegetable who eat it at this meal occasion Source: Attitudinal reports prepared by Nielsen for Hort Innovation, survey sample n = 300, fieldwork from 19/07/2018–26/07/2018, 16/08/2018–23/08/2018, 18/09/2018–25/09/2018, 11/10/2018–18/10/2018, 08/11/2018–15/11/2018 for the Australian market. Copyright ©️ 2018 Horticulture Innovation Australia Nielsen Annual Consumer Trends Report, April 2018

Shoppers who purchased fresh spinach claimed to eat it frequently at an average of 7.9 times per month.

In his view, demand over the past decade has largely come from households transitioning from traditional salads that used whole heads of lettuce such iceberg and cos lettuce, to more modern recipes for gourmet salads that feature baby spinach layered with ingredients like feta, beetroot and other vegetables.

Consistent with Ed’s view, lunch is the most popular occasion for eating spinach and is the strongest contributor to purchase frequency. More than two-in-five households (43%) who purchased spinach claimed to have eaten it as an ingredient in a weekday lunch (significantly higher than the average of 27% of shoppers across all 28 vegetables included in the survey).

Dinner was the only main meal occasion where spinach was consumed less than average compared with the broader vegetable group.

33MORE than two-in-five households (43%) who purchased spinach claimed to have eaten it as an ingredient in a weekday lunch.

Growing stronger with spinach Promoting the consumption of spinach across all meal occasions has the potential to boost category sales. Growers and retailers could consider applying marketing strategies that aim to grow the number of households adding smoothies to their breakfast routine, while also looking for opportunities to collaborate with complementary products.

When it comes to weekday dinners, vegetables that are likely to be served warm dominate — onions, cauliflower and broccoli make up the top three spots in the percentage of buying households consuming for this occasion (almost 90% of the shoppers who purchased them claimed to eat them for weekday dinners). Providing shoppers easy-toprepare recipes incorporating cooked spinach will help the category to compete for share of dinner plate. Ed Fagan says that recipes such as spinach pies and sides that use wilted spinach are increasingly popular and could encourage more consumption for evening meals.

Ensuring the best packaging and suitability of range is also essential to growing sales in the category and ensuring it meets the needs of different consumer occasions and uses.

Consumers rated the packaging and range for spinach as more important than it is for 26 other vegetables. Savvy growers and retailers should consider investing in innovation and developing ranges that cater to varying needs, such as breakfast smoothie solutions, singleserve salad bowls, and right sized portions for single, couple or family sized households. Ed Fagan suggests that Australian retailers and suppliers can learn from markets overseas such as the United States where he believes there has been more innovation in the category in terms of developing new formats, packs and blends to cater to shoppers’ diverse needs.

NOTE: Fresh spinach is defined as including English spinach, baby spinach and silverbeet.

These data and insights were produced independently by Nielsen and shared through the Harvest to Home platform, supported through the Hort Innovation Vegetable, Sweet potato and Onion Fund. For more insights visit www.harvesttohome.net.au.

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New air freight security screening requirements Now in place

E

xport air cargo from Australia is examined prior to loading on an aircraft, this is in line with the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005. From 1Â March 2019, security requirements for export air cargo are changing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this will affect the way Australian growers export fresh fruit and vegetables.

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What’s changing?

• The Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs intends to introduce new enhanced security procedures for air cargo from 1 March 2019. This means either: —— 100% piece-level examination of all outbound international air cargo is required OR —— Air freight consignments must originate from a Known Consignor • This measure may lead to increased costs for the export of fresh produce by airfreight.

Grower-exporters will need to make a commercial decision to either be certified as a ‘Known Consignor’ or utilise your Freight Forwarder to undertake the security screening of all shipments.

The security measures required under the Known Consignor scheme will depend on each individual business and are outcomes focussed. The application process for the Known Consignor scheme commences with an online expression of interest. The application process may include recognition of existing measures and procedures within your business.

Security measures include: • Physical access controls and facility security measures; • Information security measures; • Secure packing, handling and storage of air cargo;

Option 1. Become a Known Consignor The key benefit of becoming a Known Consignor is that cargo that originates from a Known Consignor, and is securely transported to the Container Terminal Operator/Regulated Air Cargo Agent, is considered to be piece-level examined and will not need to be examined again prior to being uplifted for export. This will reduce the cost and potential delays of each shipment being examined by a Freight Forwarder.

Exporters with robust security processes may be well placed to become Known Consignors.

Known consignors must demonstrate that they have security measures and procedures in place and can secure their export air cargo from where it originates, until it is handed to another regulated business. The Known Consignor Scheme is based on a framework of six Pillars: 1. Facility security; 2. Personnel security; 3. Training; 4. Screening; 5. Chain of custody; and 6. Oversight and compliance.

Become a known consignor or utilise a freight forwarder.

• Secure transportation of air cargo; • Security awareness training; • Background checking of employees to ensure they are of suitable character, including a requirement for staff in key roles to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC). ASIC cards are not required for all staff, but staff without an ASIC must remain under direct supervision of those that hold an ASIC; • Quality control procedures in place to monitor and manage compliance; and • Incident response and reporting procedures.

It currently takes 60–90 days to assess an application from a business seeking to register as a Known Consignor. There is no application fee to become a Known Consignor. However, there may be costs associated with upgrading your security measures to meet the scheme’s requirements.

Further information on the requirements and application process to become a Known Consignor can be accessed via the Home Affairs website.

Option 2. Utilise Freight Forwarder

All cargo not originating from a Known Consignor will need to be security screened and for most growerexporters the logical facility for this to occur is at your Freight Forwarder, in addition to undertaking Phytosanitary inspections and preparing Export Documentation.

Different Freight Forwarders will manage the new security screening requirements differently, with differing cost implications and impact on the timeliness of processing shipments.

Note that if your shipment requires screening, then screening costs will apply. It is currently unclear exactly how much will be charged for screening, and it is assumed that individual Freight Forwarders will set their own charges for this service.

You should speak to your Freight Forwarder to determine how they intend to undertake the piece-level security screening so you can understand how they will deal with your perishable cargo and any time-critical shipments.

MORE INFORMATION Home Affairs have established a Guidance Centre to provide support during the transition period. Phone 1300 791 581.

If you would like some additional assistance please contact Claire McClelland, Market Development Manager, vegetablesWA, Claire.mcclelland@vegetableswa.com.au or (08) 9486 7515.

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Case study

Mel and Matt Gray Ceres Farms

A

t the end of the third growing season with disappointing domestic pumpkin prices Mel Gray cancelled the family holiday to the east coast and instead booked flights to Singapore — rather than complain about the local prices she was determined to find an export market for her produce.

KUNUNURRA

3 MEL and Matthew Gray with family.

PERTH

Location Kununurra, WA Size 350 hectares Enterprises Pumpkins, melons, chia, maize and cotton

Mel and Matthew Gray are second generation farmers in the Ord River area close to Kununurra in the north of Western Australia. They grow several varieties of pumpkins as well as melons and grain crops including chia and maize along with cotton.

To better understand the export opportunity for her pumpkins and what overseas buyers were looking for Mel took the family to Singapore on a working holiday.

Before the visit to Singapore Mel reached out to vegetablesWA about specifications and pricing of pumpkin in Singapore.

The vegetablesWA dedicated export resource, engaged through the Export Facilitators project, was able to provide Mel with a variety of information about opportunities for pumpkin export. A core part of this role is to provide linkages between growers and industry support services. The WA facilitator was able to work with Mel and the Western Australian Trade and Investment Office in Singapore to support Ceres Farms’ first in market visit.

“Having a good working relationship with your freight forwarder is so important.“

Ceres Farm produces Butternut, Kent and Grey pumpkins between June and November and have traditionally sold them on the domestic market throughout Australia. While some of the Gray’s other produce is exported via the Ord River Coop, they hadn’t exported their pumpkins before but with continuing low prices and little room for expansion domestically they needed to look at different markets.

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While in Singapore, Mel and Matt visited as many supermarkets and importers that they could during their short stay. This gave them a great insight into what the market was looking for and who the competitors in the pumpkin trade were.

“Having a good working relationship with your freight forwarder is so important. A good freight forwarder can not only find you the best freight option but also help you work out the best packaging to fit as much of your product into the air or shipping container as possible. We had lots of back and forth with the freight forwarder and have had to change some of our packaging, but we got there in the end.

To be as competitive as possible we have to save money wherever we can, and freight is a big part of that.”

Mel attended an export readiness workshop in Perth that vegetablesWA arranged in collaboration with AUSVEG. The workshop provided Mel with an overview of what is involved in exporting vegetables and made her aware of the resources and assistance that are available to vegetable growers through AUSVEG and vegetablesWA. Armed with this information and some good business leads from the visit to Singapore Mel returned home to start planning for the for the 2018 season.

To follow up with her prospective customers, Mel applied to attend the Food and Hotel Asia trade show with AUSVEG in 2018 and this was another great learning experience.

The benefit of her first trip to Singapore, was that Mel was able to identify that her pumpkins could compete with those on offer in Singapore and South East Asia on quality and potentially on price. In determining her price competitiveness, Mel started researching getting her logistics right.

“AUSVEG has so much information and support to new exporters and their trade show program is so valuable.

The opportunity to visit overseas markets and meet importers as well as other Australian vegetable exporters is a great experience that I can’t recommend enough.”

The trade show and market visit helped further refine Mel’s understanding of the market requirements and specifications and to identify prospective customers.

When the 2018 pumpkin season began Ceres Farm sent a trial shipment by air to their first customer. Following the successful trial shipment Mel has been shipping pumpkins to their South East Asia customers by air and by sea weekly.

“We’re really pleased with how things have gone this year with the exports — we’re still learning and there are definitely things that we could do better but it’s a great result for our first season of exporting.”

Mel has been really impressed with the amount of support for new vegetable exporters, “The support available has been amazing, it was like having your own export mentor with people in vegetablesWA and AUSVEG that you can call whenever you encounter an issue or need some information.

You’d be silly not to explore the export programs and do your research to see if export is something that could suit your business”.

MORE INFORMATION Contact: Manus Stockdale, on (08) 9486 7515 or manus.stockdale@vegetableswa.com.au

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

For more information on the fund and strategic levy investment visit horticulture.com.au

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FREE WINGMAN SEEDS

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More vegetable growers are expressing an interest in export.

Export development 108

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BY MANUS STOCKDALE EXPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LEAD, VEGETABLESWA

T

he Export Facilitator Project is progressing well with increasing grower engagement and activities. The project aims to assist growers to understand what is involved in exporting their produce and getting involved in export activities such as AUSVEGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Export Development Program.

More vegetable growers are expressing an interest in export and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by vegetablesWA and other state and national programs.

AUSVEG as part of their Hort Innovation funded Vegetable Export Development Program supports the attendance of levy paying vegetable growers to a number of international trade shows each year. In late February two WA growers attended the Gulfood in Dubai.

In early March Foodex Japan was held and five WA growers attended.

In preparation for Foodex I visited growers that were attending the trade show with Kiyoko Ozawa, International Trade Specialist at AUSVEG. These grower visits helped increase participants understanding of Japanese opportunities, customer requirements and what growers can expect in terms of cultural business practices and etiquette with the aim of increasing the likelihood of increased business with Japan.

Important for all exporters to note is that on 1 March 2019 new Australian Air Cargo Security requirements will come into effect in Australia.

The new requirements require all air cargo to be screened for explosives prior to being loaded on aircraft. These requirements will have a significant impact on the way air cargo is prepared for export and the cost of freight vegetablesWA have been discussing these changes and the likely impacts with growers that regularly export by air and freight forwarders. When the new requirements are operating exporters will need to either become Known Consigners or to have a Registered Air Cargo Agent (usually a freight forwarder) screen their produce prior to export. Current indications are that there will be delays with freight and screening costs are likely to have a significant impact on the profitability of the export of horticultural produce.

Vegetable growers interested in learning more about export are invited to express their interest in attending an Introduction to Export Procedures and International Markets workshop in April 2019. vegetablesWA is planning to host the workshop in Perth which is funded by Hort Innovation as part of the AUSVEG Vegetable Industry Export Program (VG16061). The training is delivered by the Export Council of Australia over two days and covers all aspects of the export process including export planning, financing, documentation and procedures.

vegetablesWA will be hosting an Export Procedures and International Markets workshop in April 2019.

MORE INFORMATION If you are interested in attending, please contact Manus Stockdale for more details.

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IA-CEPA welcomed

by Australian vegetable industry

A

USVEG, the industry representative for Australia’s vegetable and potato growers, has welcomed the signing of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), saying that the trade deal will help Australian vegetable growers looking to export into this growing market.

The IA-CEPA will create the framework for a new era of closer economic engagement between Australia and Indonesia, which should improve twoway trade between the two countries and provide opportunities for Australia’s fresh vegetable exporters.

In the 2017–18 financial year, Australian vegetable exports to Indonesia were valued at $3.7 million, with the top commodity being potatoes, which accounts for nearly half of this total.

Given Indonesia’s developing population and its proximity to Australia, this market has strong potential for local growers to boost their fresh vegetable exports.

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Key outcomes for the vegetable industry from IA-CEPA are:

Carrots

Increased import quota of 5,000t per year, growing to 10,000t per year after 10 years, with a decreasing tariff schedule during this time.

Potatoes

Increased import quota of 10,000t per year, growing to 12,500t per year after five years, with a decreasing tariff schedule during this time.

YOUR MARKET

“The agreement to increase import quotas and decrease tariffs for carrot and potato exports — two of the Australian vegetable industry’s key export crops — should lead to an immediate increase in the trade of these commodities to Indonesia,” said AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside.

“The finalisation of this important trade agreement aligns closely with our industry’s increased activities in market development, which included Indonesia’s participation in the 2018 AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission that allowed buyers from key export markets to visit Australian vegetable growers and see first-hand the high-quality produce for which our growers are renowned around the world.

The vegetable industry is seeking to increase its export value to $315 million per year by 2020.

“Given Indonesia is predicted to have the world’s fifth largest economy by 2030, the IA-CEPA will help ensure that Australia, and its horticulture producers, will be able to benefit from the country’s expected economic growth.”

The vegetable industry is seeking to increase its export value to $315 million per year by 2020, an increase of 40% from 2016.

“We are currently in a fantastic position to take advantage of opportunities in lucrative export markets, and the industry is working hard to ensure growers have the necessary tools to be successful in the exporting process,” said Mr Whiteside.

“Trade agreements with neighbouring countries such as the IA-CEPA help provide our industry with confidence that it can continue to prosper through developing export markets, which helps secure the profitability and competitiveness of the Australian vegetable industry.”

33THE agreement to increase import quotas and decrease tariffs for carrot and potato exports will lead to an immediate increase in the trade of these commodities to Indonesia.

MORE INFORMATION For more information head to: www.ausveg.com.au

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TOMATO POTATO PSYLLID AND CUCUMBER GREEN MOTTLE MOSAIC VIRUS THREATS — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Nhắc nhở chung về sự nguy hai của rầy cà chua khoai tây TPP và bệnh khảm bầu bí dưa CGMMV

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

YOUR PRODUCTION

VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG VIỆT NAM, HIỆP HỘI RAU CẢI TÂY ÚC

Rầy cà chua khoai tây TPP được phát hiện tại tiểu bang Tây Úc của nước Úc vào tháng hai năm 2017 và sự kiện này đã kích hoạt hành động ứng phó an ninh sinh học cấp quốc gia. Loại côn trùng này gây hại trên các loại hoa màu thuộc họ cà như cà chua, cà tím, cà thân gổ, khoai tây, các loại ớt, khoai lang…làm giảm sinh trưởng và năng suất cây trồng.

Hiện nay, trang thông tin của bộ Nông nghiệp thông báo rằng một vùng kiểm dịch (đã được công bố từ 17 tháng 8 năm 2018) vẫn còn hiệu lực để điều hành hoạt động xử lý và di chuyển các loại hoa màu ký chủ của rầy nhằm khống chế chúng trong phạm vi kiểm dịch.

Mới gần đây, vào tháng hai năm 2019 rầy TPP được phát hiện gây hại trên một số vườn trồng ớt chuông capsicum quanh Gnangara và Wanneroo ở phía Bắc Perth. Cùng với việc phát hiện thành trùng rầy TPP các triệu chứng gây hại điển hình của rầy trên hoa màu cũng thể hiện rỏ như cây sinh trưởng kém, bìa lá đọt non chuyển vàng và cuốn ngược lên, rụng bông nhiều, chết nhánh, năng suất và chất lượng trái giảm đáng kể.

Tuy nhiên, khảo sát đồng ruộng cũng ghi nhận có vườn capsicum trong khu vực vẫn xanh tốt bình thường. Thảo luận với nông dân của các vườn này tiết lộ rằng lịch trình phun thuốc bao gồm các loại như abamectin, methomyl, và Spirotetramat được tuân thủ đều đặn song song với việc thường xuyên thăm đồng theo dõi sâu bệnh hại.

Biện pháp an ninh sinh học trang trại then chốt để không chế rầy TPP xâm nhập vào và phát tán trong trang trại cũng được các chủ vườn này áp dụng.

HÌNH 1 Triệu chứng điển hình do rầy TPP gây hại trên đọt non capsicum ghi nhận tại Gnangara tháng 2 năm 2019 Các biện pháp này bao gồm gắn bảng cảnh báo an ninh sinh học trang trại nơi ra vào để hạn chế người đếm thăm, thường xuyên thăm đồng theo dõi sâu bệnh hại, kiểm tra cây giống nhận vào đảm bảo sạch sâu bệnh…

Nổ lực khống chế rầy TPP hiện nay Bộ Nông nghiệp sẽ khởi động đợt đặt bẩy mùa thu trong tháng này để khảo sát rầy TPP và vi khuẩn CLso. Tiểu bang cần sự hợp tác giúp đở của quí nông gia cho phép các chuyên viên tiếp cận xung quanh phạm vị trang trại thương mại và vườn gia đình để đặt và thu bẩy rầy TPP hàng tuần trong suốt chu kỳ khảo sát.

Như đã đăng tải trên ấn bản Hè 2018 tạp chí Hiệp hội Rau cải “Bộ Nông nghiệp nói rỏ rằng nếu vi khuẩn CLso (loại kết hợp với rầy TPP gây ra bệnh sọc nâu khoai tây) được phát hiện trong rấy TPP quanh khu vực trang trại thì Bộ sẽ KHÔNG áp dụng biện pháp cấm đoán di chuyển trong phạm vi tiểu bang hay áp đặt biện pháp đóng của trang trại gần như tất cả mọi trường hợp”.

Quí nông gia nên tham khảo thêm thông tin và các biện pháp tổng hợp phòng trừ rầy TPP trên trang thông tin

của Bộ Nông nghiệp theo đường đẫn trong phần ghi chú phía dưới trang.

Bệnh khảm bầu bí dưa CGMMV Bệnh khảm bầu bí dưa CGMMV được phát hiện lần đầu trên tại Tây Úc vào tháng 7 năm 2016. Bộ Nông nghiệp cùng với Hiệp hội Rau cải Tây Úc phối hợp làm việc để đảm bảo nông gia được thông báo và thực hiện các biện pháp an ninh sinh học trang trại không chế siêu vi khuẩn gây bệnh này.

Biện pháp ứng phó cấp quốc gia đã được khởi sự vào cuối năm 2014 khi bệnh này vừa được phát hiện tại Northern Territory để quản lý sự lan truyền của bệnh và hạn chế tác hại kinh tế. Ban điều phối cấp quốc gia xác định rằng về mặt kỹ thuật thì không có khả năng tẩy sạch bệnh vĩnh viển.

Cho đến tháng 3 năm 2017 bệnh này được phát hiện trên vườn dưa thương mại tại Kununurra, Carnarvon, Geraldton và Perth . Các loại hoa màu phát hiện nhiểm bệnh gồm có dưa hấu, dưa leo, các loại dưa vàng, bí ngồi, bí rợ, khổ qua, bầu. Bệnh gây thất thoát năng xuất hoa màu nghiêm trọng.

Vi khuẩn bệnh CGMMV được liệt vào loại gây hại cấp quốc gia và kế hoạch đối phó toàn quốc đã được các ngành trên toàn quốc xác nhận với đầu tư của chính phủ các tiểu bang và chính phủ liên bang. Bản Kế hoạch có thể được tải về từ trang thông tin của Hiệp hội Rau cải Tây úc hay từ Hiệp hội rau cải Úc.

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////////// — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

HÌNH 2 Khảo sát bệnh CGMMV trong vườn dưa leo tại Geraldton tháng 8 năm 2016 Tiểu bang WA đang tham gia 2 dự án nghiên cứu để nâng cao hiểu biết và phát triển các phiện pháp phòng trừ bệnh này.

Công tác xây dựng và thực hiện triệt để kế hoạch an ninh sinh học trang trại là vô cùng cần thiết để ngăn chặn bệnh lây lan rộng hơn nữa. Biện pháp then chốt này được thấy đang áp dụng rộng rãi tại Geraldton và Carnarvon, hai vùng sản xuất dưa leo và dưa hấu quan trọng của Tây úc.

Ngoài biện pháp an ninh sinh học thì sử dụng giống chống chịu đối với bệnh CGMMV cũng được nông dân áp dụng.

Các biện pháp kết hợp này hiện cho kết quả tốt cho ngành trồng dưa leo Geraldton về mặt năng suất và chất lượng sản phẩm.

Tuy nhiên Điều rất đáng lưu ý là giống dưa mới chống chịu với bệnh CGMMV vẫn có thể nhiểm bệnh này và mang siêu vi khuẩn trong cây mặc dù cây vẫn mang trái và không thể hiện triệu chứng.

Thu mẩu khảo sát vào năm 2017 trên các giống chống chịu bệnh CGMMV được trồng thử tại Geraldton cho thấy chỉ vài tuần sau khi trồng thì toàn bộ các giống mới này đều có thể nhiểm bệnh và có mang siêu vi khuẩn trong cây như giống

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WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

Reko được trồng trước đây. Chính vì vậy, vẫn có rủi ro lây truyền bệnh CGMMV từ các cây chống chịu bị nhiểm bệnh nhưng không có triệu chứng này sang các giống bầu bí dưa khác. Trong trường hợp này thì chính các cây chống chịu bị nhiểm bệnh nhưng không có triệu chứng này chính là nguồn lây bệnh.

Nổ lực không chế bệnh CGMMV Hiện Bộ Nông nghiệp đang tiến hanh một dự án đối phó các bệnh do vi khuẩn và siêu vi khuẩn bao gồm bệnh khảm bầu bí dưa CGMMV. Dự án này năm trong khuôn khổ “Tăng cường bảo vệ an ninh sinh học tiêu bang Tây Úc – Quỹ nghiên cứu phát triển an ninh sinh học thuộc lảnh vực tài trợ phát triển các khu vực của Tây úc” Dự án “Giải quyết các bệnh hại nghiêm trọng đe dọa ngành bầu bí dưa Tây úc đối các loài siêu vi khuẩn gây hại xâm nhập trước đây và mới xâm nhập” đặt trọng tâm vào bệnh Khảm vàng Zucchini ZYMV trên dưa và bệnh khảm CGMMV trong điều kiện nhà kín tại Perth.

Quí nông gia vui lòng cập nhật thông tin thêm trên trang thông tin của bộ Nông nghiệp có dưới trang này.

Kiểm tra và báo cáo Quí nông gia được khuyến khích tiếp tục theo dõi và báo cáo khi thấy sinh vật hay thiệt hại lạ trên hoa màu bằng ứng dụng MyPestGuide reporter app hay liên hệ với Bộ Nông nghiệp theo số 1800 084 881.

Biện pháp an ninh sinh học trang trại nên luôn sẳn sàng để hạn chế sâu bệnh hại xâm nhập và lây lan. Thông tin và an ninh sinh học có trong trang www. farmbiosecurity.com.au

ĐỊA CHỈ LIÊN LẠC ĐỂ BIẾT THÊM CHI TIẾT Điểm liên hệ cho nông dân ngành rau cải VegetablesWA Điện thoại: 08 9481 0834 Email: office@vegetableswa.com.au Bộ Nông nghiệp và phát triển nông thôn Rohan Prince Di động: 0429 680 069 Email: rohan.prince@agric.wa.gov.au

YOUR PRODUCTION Permits

Permits

Current Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits Permit No.

Product

Crop

Reason for use

PER7909

Scala 400 SC Fungicide

Cucumber

Botrytis rot

Expiry date 30-Sep-22

PER8930

Phorate

Eggplant, peppers, shallots and spring onions

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

31-Jul-19

PER10677

Propyzamide

Chicory & endive

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Apr-23

PER10845

Barmac Zineb Fungicide

Brassica leafy vegetables

Cercospora leaf spot & downy mildew

31-May-20

PER10875

Pirimor WG Aphicide (pirimicarb)

Celeriac

Aphids

30-Sep-20

PER10976

Bentazone

Snow peas and sugar snap peas

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-20

PER10988

Bladex 900 WG (cyanazine)

Snow peas and sugar snap peas

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-20

PER11438

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Specified vegetables

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-19

PER11440

Sumiclex 500 (procymidone)

Peppers

Sclerotinia rot

31-Jan-20

PER11441

Propachlor

Radish, swede, turnip

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-19

PER11747

2,2-Dichloropropionic Acid

Carrot crops (for seed)

Promotion of bolting and grass weed control

30-Nov-19

PER11768

Chlorpyrifos

Pumpkin

African black beetle

31-Mar-21

PER11935

Triadimenol

Parsnips, radish, swede & turnip

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-22

PER11949

Lambda-Cyhalothrin

Beetroot & radish

Various insects

31-Mar-20

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, silverbeet, endive, radicchio, chicory & processing peas

Downy mildew

31-Mar-20

PER11991

Legend Fungicide (quinoxyfen)

Silverbeet

Powdery mildew

31-Mar-21

PER12008

Propachlor

Spinach, silverbeet, spring onions, shallots, rocket & brassica leafy veg

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

30-Nov-25

PER12047

Thiabendazole

Sweet potato

Field rots caused by scurf & root rot

30-Sep-21

PER12048

Prometryn

Parsnip & carrot

Weeds

30-Sep-20

PER12351

Confidor Guard Soil

Leafy lettuce, okra

Silverleaf whitefly

30-Jun-20

PER12357

Linuron

Parsnips

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-20

PER12378

Acephate

Tomatoes & sweet peppers

Western flower thrips

31-Oct-20

PER12384

S-metolachlor (Dual Gold Herbicide)

Rhubarb

Various weeds

31-Aug-20

PER12447

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Peppers (capsicum & chilli), cucumber and lettuce

Botrytis rot

31-May-21

PER12489

Imidacloprid

Celery, cucumber, peppers & Cape gooseberry

Aphids

31-May-20

PER12565

Scala Fungicide

Capsicum and lettuce (protected crops only)

Botrytis rots

30-Sep-22

PER12823

Trifluralin

Chillies, paprika and eggplant

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-21

PER12846

Abamectin

Lettuce (hydroponic), snow peas & sugar snap peas

Two-spotted mite

30-Sep-20

PER13088

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Specified root vegetables, specified alliums & celeriac

Various insect pests

31-Mar-22

PER13114

Prometryn

Celeriac

Grass weeds listed on label

31-Mar-22

PER13116

Propiconazole

Sweet corn

Northern corn leaf blight

31-Mar-21

PER13152

MCPA 250 Selective Herbicide Rhubarb

Broadleaf weeds

31-Dec-21

PER13154

Dual Gold Herbicide

Brassica leafy vegetables

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-22

PER13170

Dimethoate

Melons including watermelons (postharvest)

Various fruit fly species

30-Sep-20

PER13300

Abamectin

Rhubarb

Broad mite

31-Dec-21

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

115

YOUR PRODUCTION

permits (cont.)

116

Permit No.

Product

Crop

Reason for use

PER13301

Alpha-cypermethrin

Lettuce

Red-legged earth mite & vegetable weevil

PER13305

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Carrots

Certain broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-20

PER13322

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Specified leafy vegetables

Potato moth

31-May-22

PER13323

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Celeriac

Cercospora leaf spot & septoria leaf blight

31-Oct-20

PER13351

Pirimicarb

Eggplant

Aphids

31-Mar-19

PER13367

Linuron

Leeks & celeriac

Grass and broadleaf weeds

30-Apr-21

PER13441

Ambush Emulsifiable Concentrate Insecticide

Rhubarb

Green peach aphid, green looper, light brown apple moth and budworms

31-Mar-27

PER13444

Propiconazole

Radishes

Cercospora

31-May-22

PER13496

Linuron

Celery

Range of weeds

30-Apr-22

PER13626

Metolachlor

Spinach, silverbeet, spring onions, shallots, green beans and navy beans

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-22

PER13653

Maldison

Leeks, spring onions and shallots

Onion thrips

28-Feb-23

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Celery, silverbeet & spinach

Late blight, septoria leaf blight & downy mildew

30-Sep-21

PER13695

Ecocarb Fungicide

Various vegetables

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-20

PER13696

Trifluralin

Parsnips

Wintergrass

31-Mar-23

PER13698

Phosphorous

Lettuce (leaf+hydro), parsley, coriander fennel and bulb (allium) vegetables

Downy mildew

30-Sep-22

PER13716

Abrade Abrasive Barrier Insecticide

Tomatoes (protected)

Various insect pests

31-Jan-20

PER13717

Amistar Top (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole)

Tomatoes (protected)

Powdery mildew

31-May-21

PER13720

Pristine

Tomatoes (protected)

Powdery mildew

31-May-21

PER13721

Switch

Tomatoes (protected)

Grey mould (botrytis)

31-May-21

PER13724

Previcur

Tomatoes (protected)

Root rot

31-May-21

PER13726

Trifloxystrobin

Tomatoes (protected)

Powdery mildew

31-May-21

PER13902

Phorate

Sweet potatoes

Aphids, thrips, jassids and organophosphate susceptible twospotted mite and wireworm

31-Mar-23

PER14008

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Garlic

Downy mildew & purple blotch

31-Mar-23

PER14035

Diflufenican

Peas

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-23

PER14036

Bupirimate

Eggplant

Powdery mildew

28-Feb-23

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Brassica leafy vegetables, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chicory, endive, radicchio, rocket, carrots and parsnip

Various fungal diseases

31-Mar-22

PER14046

Mancozeb

Cucumbers

Grey mould

31-Mar-23

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Spring onions, shallots & radish

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-23

PER14049

Permethrin (Ambush )

Celery

Helicoverpa and looper

31-Mar-23

PER14050

Flint 500 WG Fungicide

Cucumbers and capsicums (protected)

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-23

PER14051

Iprodione

Broccoli seed treatment

Rhizoctinia

31-Mar-23

PER14071

Pirmicarb

Sweet corn, spring onion, celery

Aphids

30-Jun-19

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Greenhouse & hydroponic capsicum, cucumber & lettuce

Silverleaf whitefly

30-Sep-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Spring onions, shallots & Welsh onions

Broad leaf and grass weeds

31-Mar-19

PER14212

Imidacloprid

Rhubarb

Aphids

31-Dec-22

PER14318

Metalaxyl-M

Lettuce

Damping off

30-Sep-22

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

Expiry date 31-May-20

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Product

Crop

Reason for use

PER14326

Captan

Leafy lettuce, cucumber, capsicum & chilli

Grey mould

Expiry date

PER14337

Trifluralin

Swedes and turnips

Weeds

30-Jun-20

PER14351

DC-Tron Plus

Lettuce

Various bugs

31-Mar-21

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Peppers & celeriac

Sclerotinia rot

31-Mar-22

PER14385

Prometryn

Specified root & tuber vegetables

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-19

PER14430

Azoxystrobin (Amistar 250 SC)

Lettuce

Bottom rot

30-Jun-22

PER14431

Rizolex Liquid

Lettuce

Bottom rot

30-Jun-22

PER14432

Pendimethalin

Brussels sprouts

Weeds

30-Jun-19

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Chicory, leeks, spring onions, shallots

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

30-Jun-19

30-Nov-21

PER14470

Mancozeb & Dimethomorph

Snow peas

Downy mildew

30-Apr-22

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Shallots & spring onions

Various pests

31-Mar-19

PER14479

Propiconazole

Various vegetable crops

Various pests

30-Nov-19

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

Celery, silverbeet, spinach, chicory and endive

DM, cercospora & septoria

31-Aug-22

PER14505

Pyrimethanil

Snow peas and sugar snap peas

Grey mould (botrytis)

30-Jun-19

PER14536

Abamectin

Sweet corn, chillies, paprika, spring onions and shallots

Two-spotted mite

31-Dec-23

PER14583

Chlorpyrifos

Various vegetable crops

Various insect pests

31-Mar-19

PER14584

Imidacloprid

Brassica leafy vegetables

Aphids, whitefly and thrips

31-Mar-19

PER14626

Copper as tribasic copper sulphate

Garlic

Downy mildew

30-Jun-19

PER14628

Ioxynil

Garlic

Broad leaf and grass weeds

PER14694

VectoBac WG Biological Larvicide

Protected cropping â&#x20AC;&#x201D; capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, herbs & lettuce

PER14695

Ridomil Gold 25G (metalaxyl-M)

Parsnips

Pythium Spp. and Phytophthora Spp.

30-Jun-19

PER14696

Abamectin

Head lettuce

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-19

PER14701

Pyriproxyfen

Beans

Silverleaf whitefly

30-Jun-20

PER14703

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea only) & silverbeet

Various weeds

31-Jul-19

PER14722

Abamectin

Capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, zucchini, tomato, sweet corn, chilli, paprika, potato, snow pea and sugar snap pea crops

Tomato red spider mite

30-Sep-20

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Leeks, spring onions and shallots

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

30-Jun-21

PER14773

Basagran (bentazonesodium)

Onions

Broadleaf weeds

31-Jan-23

PER14816

Azoxystrobin

Carrot

Powdery mildew, sclerotinia rot (white mould), black rot

30-Jun-19

PER14839

Zineb

Eggplant, spinach & silverbeet

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

30-Sep-19

PER14840

Bupirimate

Cucurbits & peppers

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Chicory, endive, radicchio, silverbeet and spinach

Botrytis and alternaria

30-Sep-19

PER14842

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Spring onions and shallots

Downy mildew

30-Sep-19

PER14843

Indoxacarb (Avatar Insecticide)

Celery

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller and vegetable weevil

30-Sep-19

PER14858

Pendimethalin

Parsnip

Grasses and broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-20

31-Jul-20 30-Jun-19

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

117

YOUR PRODUCTION

permits (cont.)

118

Permit No.

Product

Crop

Reason for use

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Sweet potato, brassica leafy vegetables, chicory radicchio & rocket

Aphids

Expiry date 30-Jun-19

PER14886

Pendimethalin

Garlic

Grass & broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-19

PER14890

Methomyl (Lannate-L)

Spring onions and shallots

Western flower thrips

31-Oct-19

PER14891

Trifloxystrobin

Beetroot

Alternaria leaf spot

30-Sep-19

PER14892

Pymetrozine (Chess Insecticide)

Snow peas and sugar snap peas

Aphid pests

31-May-22

PER14906

Triadimenol

Leek, chives, shallot, spring and Chinese onions

White rot (Sclerotium)

31-Oct-19

PER14907

Emamectin

Brassica leafy vegetables

Various pests

30-Nov-19

PER14958

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Brassica leafy vegetables, leafy lettuce & other leafy vegetables

Downy mildew & other diseases

31-Dec-22

PER80060

Frontier-P Herbicide

Bulb onions

Nutgrass/purple nutsedge

31-Jul-21

PER80099

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Fruiting vegetables, except cucurbits

Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly

31-Mar-20

PER80138

Alpha-cypermethrin

Cucurbits

Cucumber fruit fly

31-Mar-20

PER80210

Pyrimethanil

Protected tomatoes

Botrytis

30-Jun-20

PER80216

Torque Insecticide (fenbutatin oxide)

Tomatoes (protected)

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-19

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Onions

Onion thrips

30-Nov-20

PER80538

Mancozeb

Parsley, chicory and brassica leafy vegetables (Brassica spp.)

Anthracnose and septoria

31-Mar-25

PER80558

Bifenazate

Snow peas & sugarsnap peas

Various mites

31-Aug-20

PER80717

Trichlorfon

Eggplant, Thai eggplant, pepino & Cape Fruit fly gooseberry

31-Oct-20

PER80891

Pyranica Miticide

Cucumbers

Two-spotted mite & European red mite

30-Sep-20

PER80910

Iprodione

Brussels sprouts & eggplant

Grey mould

31-Jul-20

PER80954

Methoxyfenozide

Snow peas and sugar peas

Native budworm, tomato grub and cluster caterpillar

30-Sep-20

PER81196

Bifenthrin

Cucumber, brassica vegetables, lettuce, beans, peppers, eggplant and peas

Specified whitefly and mite species

31-Mar-21

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Betanal)

Lettuce, chicory, endive, radicchio & spinach

Broadleaf weeds

31-May-20

PER81260

Imidacloprid

Beetroot

Aphids & thrips

30-Sep-20

PER81271

Various Actives

Leeks

Specified grass and broadleaf weeds

31-Oct-21

PER81408

Phosphorous acid

Capsicum

Phytophthora soil fungus

30-Sep-20

PER81702

Dominex Duo EC Insecticide

Cucumbers

Loopers

31-Mar-21

PER81713

Mainman 500WG Insecticide

Tomatoes

Silverleaf whitefly

31-Mar-21

PER81914

Emamectin

Celery & eggplant

Heliothis, light brown apple moth & cluster caterpillar

31-Oct-19

PER82055

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Garlic

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-21

PER82063

TEBUCONAZOLE

Garlic

Orange rust

31-Mar-21

PER82136

Difenconazole

Brassica vegetables

Ring spot

30-Sep-20

PER82341

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Cucumber, peppers (sweet & chilli), zucchini, eggplant, sin qua, bitter melon, tomato & snake bean

Two-spotted mite

31-Mar-21

PER82359

Pirimor (pirimicarb)

Peppers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chilli

Aphids

31-Mar-21

PER82374

Talstar

Various crops

Brown marmorated stink bug & yellow-spotted stink bugs

28-Feb-23

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Product

Crop

Reason for use

PER82456

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Field grown capsicum, chillies, paprika

Downy mildew

Expiry date 30-Sep-20

PER82459

Clethodiim

Brassica vegetables

Various grass weeds

30-Sep-21

PER82460

Paraamite selective miticide

Cucurbits, Asian cucurbits

Two-spotted mite and red spider mite

31-Jul-22

PER82461

Folicur 430 SC Fungicide

Beetroot, chicory, endive, radish, silverbeet

Scletotinia rot

31-Aug-20

PER82551

Diazinon

Leeks & cauliflower

Onion fly & onion seedling maggot

31-Mar-21

PER82556

Fluazifop

Various vegetables

Grass weeds

31-Jan-23

PER82745

Difenconazole

Silverbeet, spinach, chicory, endive

Fungal diseases

31-Aug-20

PER82811

S-Metolachlor

Beetroot

Blackberry nightshade

1-Feb-20

PER82904

Fenhexamid

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Grey mould and chocolate spot

30-Jun-22

PER82992

Avatar (indoxacarb)

Asparagus

Garden weevil

31-May-22

PER83203

Fipronil (REGENT 200 SC)

Celery & field lettuce

Western flower thrips, onion thrips

13-Mar-22

PER83277

Iprodione

Garlic

Botrytis

31-Jul-21

PER83765

Maxim XL

Spinach and silverbeet

Damping off

30-Sep-20

PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Potato, sweet potato, tomato, capsicum, chilli, peppers, eggplant

Tomato potato psyllid

28-Feb-20

PER84249

Various

Potato

Tomato potato psyllid

31-Jul-20

PER84426

Various

Green beans, carrots, spinach and silverbeet

Sclerotinia, botrytis rot and black rot

31-Mar-19

PER84442

Pyrethrins

Vegetables

Tomato potato psylllid

31-May-19

PER84531

Methoxyfenozide

Sweet corn

Lepidopteran pests

31-Oct-20

PER84555

Vapormate (Ethyl Formate)

Fresh fruit & vegetables

Tomato potato psyllid

30-Jun-19

PER84734

Verdict (haloxyfop)

Onions

Storksbill

31-Dec-21

PER84740

Fluazifop-P as butyl

Various root crops

Grass weeds including couch and Guinea grass

30-Apr-19

PER84743

Sulfloxaflor

Fruiting vegetables

Tomato potato psyllid

31-Oct-22

PER84757

spinetoram

Fruiting vegetables other than cucurbits & root and tuber vegetables

Tomato potato psyllid

30-Nov-20

PER84805

cyantraniliprole

Fruiting vegetables, root and tuber vegetables

Tomato potato psyllid

31-Dec-22

PER84808

Ethofumesate (Tramat)

Onions

Broadleaf and grass weeds

28-Feb-23

PER84878

Switch Fungicide

Protected and field grown capsicum

Botrytis & sclerotinia

30-Nov-22

PER84955

Iprodione

Green beans, carrots, spinach & silverbeet

Sclerotinia, black rot & grey mould

28-Feb-23

PER85003

Ranman 400 SC Fungicide

Spinach and silverbeet

Pythium damping off

28-Feb-23

PER85011

Transform Insecticide

Nursery stock (non-food)

Aphid, mealybugs, mirids, scale, greenhouse whitefly

28-Feb-23

PER85307

Pirimicarb

Faba bean, broad bean and vetches

Bean aphid

31-Oct-19

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

119

v What's on

what’s on...

Upcoming important events!

2019 Biosecurity & Food safety workshop WHEN 5-8 May WHERE Wanneroo, Donnybrook, Manjimup and Albany vegetablesWA together with DPIRD and AUSVEG will be conducting a Biosecurity and Food Safety workshop during May. Further details to come shortly.

UNE Weed Trial Field Day WHEN July 2019 UNE together with vegetablesWA and David Grays will be hosting a field trial in Maylup on the Weed trial being conducted at Ivankovich Farms. Further details to come shortly.

Protecting Cropping Australia’s 15th biennial conference, trade show & farm tours Save the Date WHEN 7–10 July 2019 WHERE Star Casino, Gold Coast Queensland Connecting growers to valuable information and relevant technology. If you are interested in the Naming Rights for the event, please contact; Saskia PCA Company Secretary admin@protectedcroppingaustralia.com t: 0414 333 996 Jonathan Eccles 2019 Conference Chair jonathan@eccles.com.au t: 0407 242 757

Industry Summit and Grower Tour Save the Date WHEN 17–18 October 2019 WHERE TBC vegetablesWA will host its 5th Annual Grower Tour and Industry Summit in October 2019. In our 5th year we will continue to hold the Industry Summit and networking event at Crown however will move to the Crown Towers Ballroom. We will also host the HortConnectWA Brunch in the same location.

The grower tour and export events will be held on Thursday 17th October. We ask all growers and stakeholders to save the date to allow you to attend our premier event.

Rebecca Blackman Operations Manager, vegetablesWA e: rebecca.blackman@vegetableswa.com.au

WA Grower advertiser contacts

120

Name

Website/Email

Address

Contact name

Contact no.

Bon Electrics (IBC)

www.bon-electrics.com.au

Lot 4, Bullsbrook Road, Bullsbrook, WA 6084

Kaela Bonomi

(08) 9571 1314

Centerwest Insurance Brokers (OBC)

www.centrewest.com.au

Gavin Stathem

(08) 9349 7900

edp australia pty ltd (p43)

www.edp.com.au

31-37 OBrien Street, Mooroopna, VIC 3269

Mick Schirmer

0437 252 122

HortConnectWA

www.hortconnectwa.net

702-704 Murray Street, West Perth, WA 6005

Claire McClelland

(08) 9486 7515

Horticulture Innovation Australia (p9)

www.horticulture.com.au

Level 8, 1 Chifley Square, Sydney ,NSW 2000

(02) 8295 2300

HortConnectionWA (p6–8)

info@hortconnections.com.au (08) 9407 5182

Madec (p51)

www.harvesttrail.gov.au

Organic 2000 (Benara Nurseries) (p97)

www.organic2000.com.au

59 Safari Place, Carabooda, WA 6033

Paliz Agriculture (p23)

www.paliz.com.au

21 / 110 Inspiration Drive Wangara, WA 6065

R & E Engineering (p52)

www.reeng.com.au

(08) 6261 7171

Rivulis (p47)

www.Rivulis.com.au

1800 558 009

Seminis (p107)

seminis.com

Signet (IFC)

signet.net.au

WA Crates (p91)

service@wacrates.com.au

WA Grower AUTUMN 2019

1800 062 332 Hossein Darvish

Fiona Crate Yard, Market City

(08) 9303 9638

0411 427 220 (08) 9456 4092

Powering WA growers for more than 30 years_ The WA horticultural landscape is unique. At BON Electrics we’ve been working with all sorts of growers in every corner of the state for more than three decades. WA growers rely on us to provide holistic solutions, covering all their electrical, water and refrigeration needs.

We can help bring your vision to life through the design and install of new infrastructure, and we can partner with you for ongoing maintenance to keep things running as they should. As a family owned and run business, we take the time to understand your needs, we develop a solution that helps you get to where you want to go and we deliver it with the level of service you expect.

Pictured in the photo, left to right: Brandon Southern (Project Manager), Frank Bonomi (Company Director), Ben Bonomi (Technical Director).

Electrical Back Up Power Solutions | Packing Lines | Control Growing Technology | General Electrical Maintenance Programmable Logic Control Systems | Energy Efficient Lighting Solutions | Energy Harvesting Solutions Refrigeration Systems and Solutions

Water Comprehensive Irrigation System Solutions | Pump Systems and Associated Controls | Filtration Systems and Solutions | Dosing Systems and Solutions | Maintenance of your entire water supply system

“Over the past 20 years BON Electrics have been our electrical contractor of choice. We have worked with them on numerous projects and they continually support our business with ongoing maintenance. We recommend BON Electrics without hesitation, they’re efficient, knowledgeable and consistently deliver the high quality of work required by WA Corn Growers.”

- Jim Trandos, Trandos Farms

If you want a partner that understands the ins and outs of the WA horticultural industry, book your free consultation with BON Electrics today.

We work for you, not the insurer Centrewest Insurance Brokers are partnered with vegetablesWA to provide you and your business with excellent service as your insurance broker.

Whether you’re a small or large grower operation we can help you review and manage risks on your property and for your business.

Our service is personal, offering you an insurance package that is tailor-made to suit your specific requirements.

Mention

vegetablesWA

and we will waive the broker fee for the first 12 months

In house claims team that will be there every step of the way in the event of a claim Types of insurance available: • Farm Pack • Crop Insurance • Caravan Insurance • Corporate Travel • Building &/or Contents Insurance • Management Liability • Cyber Risk & Liability

• • • • • • • •

Marine Transit Workers’ Compensation Income Protection Motor Vehicle Landlords Insurance Aviation Insurance Boat Insurance Home Professional Indemnity

Contact Gavin Statham today to review your insurance Phone: 08 9349 7900 Mobile: 0488 988 697 Email: Gavin.Statham@centrewest.com.au enquiries@centrewest.com.au

www.centrewest.com.au

Sparaxis Pty Ltd trading as Centrewest Insurance Brokers ABN: 44 009 265 105 AFSL: 245406