WA Grower Spring 14 by vegetablesWA

$25.00 (inc GST)

WA Grower SINCE 1948 Vol. 49 No 3. Spring 2014

Seasons of potatoes Gascoyne highlights

Potato Growers Association Inc.

Agricultural Produce Commission

APC-VPC APC-PPC

Produced by

vegetablesWA

Management Committees

Cover photo: John Omodei (right) with his brother Danny

Vegetable Growers Association

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

President

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

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

Vice President Ken Sue m: 0417 986 467

Busselton

Treasurer Anthony Marinovich m: 0417 907 910

Myalup/Bunbury

Committee H. Shapland K. Edwards T. Le D. Rigali M. Grubisa S. Calameri P. Wauchope P. Shain D. Kuzmicich

t: m: m: m: m: m: m: m: m:

(08) 9845 1064 0427 724 243 0408 910 761 0407 447 524 0413 050 182 0418 957 236 0400 717 600 0419 041 045 0408 910 761

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

Potato Growers Association

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

President

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

To be advised

Life Members A.J. Anderson*, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), S. Calameri, G. Kiriros*, R.G.Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle*, R.M. Schultz, C.P. Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P), HR. Ashby*, Amy Harris*, A. Ingrilli. * deceased

Gingin

Albany Manjimup Metro Metro Metro North Metro South Gingin Carnarvon Carnarvon

Executive Officer Jim Turley m: 0410 697 842

Metro

Dean Ryan m: 0427 731 066

Pemberton

Vice President Treasurer Mia Rose m: 0409 112 245

Myalup

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

m: m: m: m: m: m: m:

0428 451 014 0427 569 903 0418 957 236 0417 092 505 0429 318 216 0427 731 066 0417 771 333

Albany Pemberton Metro Busselton Donnybrook Pemberton Manjimup

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

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

WA Grower 33 YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Vol. 49 No 3. Spring 2014

86‹

39 3

Grower profile — John Omodei

From the Executive Officer

Using fungi against stable flies

vegetablesWA President’s Report

Growing agriculture in Australia

PGA President’s Report

Fresh Potatoes Health Ambassador Fergus Kavanagh

Potato Marketing Corporation

New Potatodors

Chef farm tour

Welcome Dominic Jenkin

YOUR BUSINESS

What you need to know before employing staff

How do you handle chemicals?

Farm Finance

Ideas are cheap

Freshcare

Advertorial: Agribusiness — how we can help

First year of new stable fly regulations

Farm safety

GM techniques

Work health and safety — where do I start?

More Dollars per Drop

Lettuce Veggie Stats data

Seed potato virus testing

Integrated crop protection

Tomato food safety

Soil wealth

YOUR PRODUCTION

YOUR MARKET

Market analysis and strategy: broccoli to Japan

Convention export highlights

Holt says “don’t waste, donate”

Top WA chefs cook-off for a good cause

Australia’s farmers’ markets

Campaign for ugly fruits and vegetables

Permits

108

TOOL TIME

Restaurant Australia Rally Cry

What is Veggycation?

Growing Western Australian horticulture

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Minister of Water and Forestry

CSIRO: Spanish version of free pesticide risk tool

Farmer population study

Soil health workshops for potato growers

Star researcher from our potato patch

Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative

Potato Marketing Act Regulation

Grower profile — Tuan Quang Huynh

Gascoyne River aquifer update

Gascoyne Food Bowl drilling program to begin

YOUR INDUSTRY

YOUR SELF

Why kids don’t like vegies and how to change it?

Rural Women’s Award

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Two centuries of innovation. A lifetime of success. Duncan F1 + + + + + + + +

High Yields Short internodes with consistent 5-6 fruit per truss Large sized fruit of 180-200g Extremely uniform shape & size provides for high pack out High quality, firm fruit with good colour, exceptional gloss & outstanding shelf life Combination F3 and TSWV Resistances HR: ToMV / Va:1 (EUR 0) / Vd:1 (EUR 0) / Fol:1,2,3 (EU 0,1,2) / For IR: Ss / TSWV (T0)

Yellow Dragon F1 + + + + +

+ +

Large fruit size with elongated blocky shape Vigorous, strong plant, best suited to trellis crops Very even colour change from green to yellow Excellent firmness at full yellow Brilliant sunburn cover due to large leaf size Resistances HR: TMV / PMMoV:1,2,3 IR: TSWV

For more information, contact: Kevin Swan – Sales & Development Manager – Tel: 0400 622 314 – kevin.swan@hmclause.com Important: The descriptions, illustrations, photographs, advice, suggestions and vegetation cycles that may be presented herein are aimed at experienced professionals and are derived from observations made in defined conditions on various trials. They are offered in all good faith, for purely informational purposes, and shall not therefore, under any circumstances, be held to be exhaustive, be taken as any form of guarantee of harvest or performance, prejudge specific factors or circumstances (either current or future), and more generally, form any kind of contractual undertaking whatsoever. The user must first and foremost ensure that his exploitation conditions, local geographical conditions, his planned growing period, his soil, the means at his disposal (such as technical knowledge and experience and cultural techniques and operations), his resources (such as tests and control methods) and his equipment, and more generally his agronomical, climatic, sanitary, environmental and economic context are suitable for the crops, techniques and varieties that are presented herein. All the varieties illustrated in this publication were photographed in favourable conditions and no guarantee can be provided that results will be identical under different conditions. All reproductions, whether in part or in whole, of this publication (of the medium and/or the contents), in any form whatsoever, are strictly forbidden, unless specific prior permission is granted. Non contractual photographs - All rights reserved - © 2013 HM.CLAUSE

HM.Clause Pacific - P.O. Box 475 - Bulleen - VIC 3105 - AUSTRALIA Tel: +61 (0)3 8850 5400 - Fax: +61 (0)3 8850 5444

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

YOUR

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

From the Executive Officer BY JOHN SHANNON EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

The availability of productive legal workers continues as a key issue for the WA vegetable industry. A recent survey of WA growers demonstrated that 96% are experiencing shortages and the same percentage believed the situation has worsened over time. Most of this problem relates to picking and processing positions rather than higher level agronomy or management. There are generally very low numbers of Australian nationals employed in these positions because recruiting and retaining citizens is well-nigh impossible. However, growers need to ensure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fulfilling their legal obligations in employing staff with the correct visa status whilst vegetablesWA works on longer-term policy change and investigate other potential solutions. If growers are using labour hire companies they should also be sure that their contracts with those companies places the onus on them to ensure workers have the correct visa status. Contact vegetablesWA for more information or the Department of Immigration directly. In many ways WA is lucky to be a resource rich state, although it is not all upside as it also presents some challenges. The prospect of a drill rig in the middle of your garden is one of them. We have certainly made some strong policy representation to government in this area. vegetablesWA is also working with the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), West Australian

WA Grower SPRING 2014

A recent survey of WA growers demonstrated that 96% are experiencing shortages in productive picking and processing workers.

I encourage anyone interested in exploring these opportunities to contact our Export Development Manager, Gavin Foord, on (08) 9481 0934 or 0435 018 189.

Farmers Federation (WAFF) and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) to try developing some fair terms where a petrochemical company seeks to explore oil and gas reserves underneath grower property. We have also developed legal advice about rights and responsibilities for growers finding themselves in this position â&#x20AC;&#x201D; please contact me for a copy.

I would like to recognise the contribution of our recently departed Field Extension Officer, Sarah Houston, who has served our industry with distinction in this role over the last few years.

It has also been interesting to see a number of West Australian growers either individually or as a group investigate opportunities in export markets. Work so far has identified opportunities in a range of markets across a range of lines. Having some eggs in other baskets beyond the domestic market could be a good business strategy for a range of different growers.

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

Her abilities and professionalism were as appreciated in the office as they were by growers in the field. MORE INFORMATION

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

APC Vegetable

Producers Committee The Agricultural Produce Commission’s Vegetable Producers Committee (APCVPC) have approved a range of projects to support the West Australian vegetable industry in the 2014–15 financial year. These projects include a range of activities from marketing and promotion through to research and development, extension and support for the peak industry body. The projects and their funding are detailed in the accompanying table. Growers will note that vegetablesWA and the APC-VPC have been able to significantly leverage the Fee for Service contribution to access other funds for projects which wouldn’t otherwise be available. In fact, for those projects already initiated across 2013–17 and managed by vegetablesWA alone we have leveraged the APC-VPC Fee for Service by 300% to attract an additional investment of $1.85 million in the WA vegetable industry. The APC-VPC also again left the Fee for Service charge at the existing rate for 2014–15. In the last year we have assisted a small number of growers who had the wrong amount of Fee for Service deducted by their wholesale market agent. If you notice any errors in this regard on your invoice please don’t hesitate to contact me or Ingrid Smith at the APC. MORE INFORMATION The Committee encourages growers and other stakeholders to consider putting forward proposals for consideration when applications open again early next year for funding in 2015– 16. If you would like any assistance in scoping out a project I would be very pleased to assist. I can be contacted on (08) 9481 0834 or john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au

BY JOHN SHANNON SECRETARY, APC-VPC

Part funding: Continuation of good practice workshops & field days in WA This project is also funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL)

Part funding: Extension of managing Stable flies in vegetable crop residue This project is also funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), DAFWA and several shire councils

Part funding: Early career WA Vegetable Grower Development Program This project is also funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and corporate contributions

$10,000 $10,038

$20,000

Marketing and promotion: the Great WA Kids Cook Off

$87,950

Support: Supporting grower attendance at international carrot and spinach conference and visits

$15,000

Part funding: vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer This project is also funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL)

Part funding: Vietnamese Field Officer This project is also funded by WA Royalties for Regions and Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) Part funding: vegetablesWA peak industry body This project is also funded by magazine advertising and managed service fees

$87,000 $42,000 $330,000

Fee for Service charge for the 2013–14 has been set at:

<100kg

4 cents per container of vegetable produce weighing up to 100kg

101–1,000kg

40 cents per bin of vegetable produce weighting from 101kg to 1,000kg

>1,000kg

50 cents per tonne of vegetable produce contained within a trailer or truck

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

BY MAUREEN DOBRA PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

President’s Report Since the last report, we at vegetablesWA have been working very hard on the issue of labour. The labour issue is not just a problem for the vegetable growers in Western Australia but the issue is Australia wide and also world wide. Growers in countries such as the United States (US), Norway, France and many others, experience the same issues. Growers worldwide also rely on international workers performing the necessary tasks in horticulture and agriculture. If you need any information on any issues with your labour, please do not hesitate to contact the office. Lately the sun has been shining and the bitter cold from winter is slowly going. In my last report I mentioned our solar panels and the benefits that we are receiving from solar power. Certainly the 100kW system was a large asset to purchase, but on the up-side, our company received $80,000 in Smallscale Technology Certificates (STC) for purchasing our solar system. There is talk of this benefit being withdrawn. I would encourage all growers to seriously think about solar systems. All is takes is a phone call to a reputable and reliable solar company.

So far this year we have had a good amount of rain, however, we still have to be diligent with our water usage and endeavour to make our water last all through summer. All vegetable growers in Australia pay a levy on the produce that is sold. The levy is then spent on projects to benefit growers.

There have been a number of projects happening in the past few months. I would encourage growers to participate in these projects if you are contacted by the providers. These projects will often give you time to reflect on how far or what you have done in your businesses and I am sure that these projects will definitely benefit your business. On a sad note, vegetablesWA is saying goodbye to Sarah Houston. Sarah has been a very valuable asset to vegetablesWA and will be extremely missed. I wish her all the very best in her journeys of her life. On a brighter note — driving around the regional areas lately is so beautiful. The wattle is out as well as other wildflowers. There are paddocks of canola shining and it really is a special time of the year — Spring.

President’s Report BY DEAN RYAN PRESIDENT, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Congratulations to John Omodei who is now planting his 51st consecutive potato crop. John along with his brother Danny and families would be considered stalwarts of the fresh market potato industry in the Manjimup/Pemberton region, renowned for consistently producing high quality spuds. John can always be relied upon when asked, to provide a well thought out and considered view of how the industry should function. After enjoying a beer with John recently and noticing his youthful features I couldn't help wondering if he still had another 15–20 years of potato growing left in him. As expected the ERA’s final review of regulated potato industry was released with a recommendation to deregulate. Despite industry pointing out to them after the first draft that most of their facts and views were wrong, they continued to fill the final report with rubbish and nonsense to satisfy their own ideological beliefs. The icing on the cake was the fact that they recommended only one grower be singled out for compensation. This could only be construed as a reward for a free market ally. Hopefully the government will see this report for what it is and do not make a decision based on this biased view.

Potato Growers Association Inc.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Fresh Potatoes Health Ambassador

Fergus Kavanagh Celebrity profile Name Fergus Kavanagh Date of birth 21/05/1985 Home town Geraldton, WA Int caps 191 Major honours World Cup Gold Medal 2014, 2010; Olympic Bronze Medal 2012, 2008; Commonwealth Games Gold 2014, 2010

SERVE UP SOME GOODNESS 8

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

The Potato Marketing Corporation are excited to announce the re-signing of Fergus Kavanagh as an ambassador for the Serve Up Some Goodness campaign. Our knowledge of consumer perception of the ‘healthiness’ of potatoes has evolved significantly over the past year. Other Australian research has shed further light on this issue — one that West Australians had particularly highlighted as limiting their consumption of fresh potatoes. We now understand that consumers acknowledge that potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals. However, they perceive them as high in carbohydrates, high in starch and high GI. The vast majority associate this with ‘unhealthy’ and they therefore believe that potatoes are unhealthy by association.

Home Made Crisps

Special

Easy

Healthy

Perfect with Blue Potatoes Also great with Red Potatoes

Method: Microwave Cooking time: 7 minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients 1 large blue potato, skin on, thinly sliced into 1mm slices Oil spray 1 microwave safe dish lined with baking paper Sea salt & white pepper

1 Thinly slice potato with the skin on. 2 Lightly spray lined dish with oil spray and evenly lay sliced potato side by side around the plate, season with salt. 3 Microwave on high for 3 minutes. 4 Remove to cool for 1 minute then return to the microwave for another 3 minutes or until just golden brown. 5 Season with white pepper. Note: Store in air tight container for up to 5 days.

For more recipes and tips visit freshpotatoes.com.au

It’s important that we address these myths and make sure that consumers understand the true nutritional benefits of potatoes. Using one of WA’s highest achieving current playing sports stars as an ambassador gives our messages a huge credibility and publicity reach. We’ll be using Fergus to write articles for health publications, press and for our social media blog, as well as using his image and endorsement. Want a healthy potato snack? Why not give our healthy home made crisps a try?

Tip:

A mandolin is best to slice the potato.

Flavour Combos

Create your own flavour by seasoning with spices or sauces like paprika and BBQ.

Why are carbs essential? Our bodies need to have some carbohydrates each day to give us energy. The key is to eat mainly good carbohydrates. The best type is the complex carbohydrate which is absorbed more slowly. Potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates and they have essential vitamins and minerals too. It surprises many people to learn that for the same serving size, potatoes have less carbohydrates than rice or pasta. So you can enjoy eating potatoes as part of a healthy diet without having to worry about too many carbs.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Potato Marketing Corporation

Fresh Potatoes Marketing Plan 2014–15 Performance 2013–14

Marketing plan 2014–15

The Serve Up Some Goodness campaign launched on October 1, 2013. The objective was to halt the decline in per capita consumption of fresh potatoes in WA and put the category back into growth. It is designed as a three-year campaign so nine months in, how has it performed?

A 12 month themed marketing program concentrates on the key campaign messages. This year an additional message is introduced — promoting the great value benefits of the product.

Initial results are promising. More households are purchasing potatoes on a weekly basis; at every shopping transaction they are purchasing more volume; and they are paying more per kilo for the product. It would be a misrepresentation to assess that all these factors are a result of the marketing campaign. The Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) is focused on turning the potato category around through a suite of quality, variety development and marketing initiatives. At the same time the retailers and merchants have a raft of their own commercial initiatives designed to put the category back in growth. By any measure the category campaign is a supporting success. The industry should be proud that it has taken a category described by its own consumers as bland, boring and uninteresting and put it back into growth. Analysis of volume of fresh potatoes sold in WA shows that the PMC sold 2,000 more tonnes in the 2013–14 financial year than in 2012–13 financial year. Factoring in the imports to WA, the total volume of fresh potatoes sold in WA increased by 1,300 tonnes. Sustaining the performance levels of 2013–14 will be hard to achieve, but here’s a look at the Serve Up Some Goodness campaign for 2014–15.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

The 12 month activity plan is focused around 4 bursts. A July/August burst will focus on convenience messaging. A September/October burst will talk up taste with our positioning King of the Sides. A February/March burst will promote the health benefits of potatoes. A May/June burst will talk up the great value of the product. Here are some of the great activities to look out for:

Advertising Using the footage shot last year we’ve developed two new TV commercials and updated the existing ones with new introduction and end messaging. With over 75% of our target market having seen the TV ads 30 times or more, we need to make sure we keep viewers interested and engaged.

We’re continuing our commitment to online advertising (where we use online video on demand, search engine advertising and display advertising) but will also be extending our reach with radio and outdoor advertising (primarily around transit opportunities). We’ll be buying media more heavily, but in shorter bursts. The reason for this is scientific — for developed campaigns it is proven to keep your product front of mind, while minimising your media spend. Check out the new adverts that have been loaded online here: http://freshpotatoes.com.au/ tv-commercials

Point-of-sale We’re really keen to take the campaign in store and have meet with IGA, Coles and Woolworths to try and secure point-of-sale to coincide with our major media periods. Indications are positive that this will gain traction from the October burst onwards.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

KING OF the SIDE DISH

Whole Baby Roast Potatoes

KING OF the SIDE DISH Mash in Minut es

Perfect with Blue Potatoes Also Great With Yellow Potatoes Method: Oven Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 - 6 Ingredients: • 10 blue small potatoes • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp sea salt 1. Preheat oven and heavy baking pan to 200°C. 2. Leaving skin on, place potatoes

Perfect with Red Potatoes Also Great With Blue Potatoes Method: Microwav e & Stove Cooking Time: 7 minutes Serves: 1 Ingredients: • 1 large red potato • 1 tsp butter • 1 tbsp milk • Season to taste 1. Leaving skin on, prick potato both sides with a fork and place in microwave on High for 7 minutes. At 4 minutes, turn potato over and cook for remaining 3 minutes on High.

whole in mixing bowl and coat with olive oil and salt. 3. Remove pan from oven, line with baking paper and evenly place potatoes on pan and bake for 20 minutes. 4. Turn potatoes and bake for remaining 10 minutes or until skin is golden brown. 5. Season again with salt and pepper in pan and serve.

2. Carefully remove hot potato, cut into quarters and place in bowl to mash. 3. Place milk and butter into microwave and heat until warm. 4. Combine ingredien with potato masher ts and mash to a fluffy consistency. 5. Season to taste.

KING OF the SIDE DISH

See recipe on

page 2

Social media

Foodservice campaign

To save costs, the social media campaign will now be managed in-house. Facebook will be the primary activity focus and we will run four competitions each quarter, in addition to a bi-monthly recipe of month campaign. We are up to over 7,000 likes and counting. Are you liking, sharing and commenting on our page to help drive our exposure?

The campaign will move into its 3rd year and will continue to be spearheaded by Don Hancey. This year we’re taking two farm tours (one to Dandaragan and one to Pemberton/Manjimup). We have announced three new Potatodors and extend all Potatodor involvement into the consumer program. The successful industry sundowner will run again in February and we will look to start ramping up the use of the foodservice program to get new varieties out to market.

New content Consumers like news and we’re staying ahead of the game. We’ve over 20 new recipes to get to market — including home-made crisps in under seven minutes. Content will be used across recipes cards, website and social media.

Seed for schools With over 350 schools and early learning centres on board, this five-month program punches well above its weight. Revamped for 2015, it will continue to teach local WA kids about potatoes.

Royal Show With the success of last year’s show, we are sticking to the same formula. Kids will be invited to dig potatoes while their parents are taught how to cook microwaveable crisps. Complete with a social media campaign we’re hoping to match the success of 20,000 kids digging potatoes this year.

Outside of this generic marketing activity, we are working on a number of initiatives to drive growth into the category. They include variety development, product development and individualised washpacker projects. With your support we are looking to make 2014–15 an even better year for Fresh Potatoes than 2013–14. MORE INFORMATION Any marketing questions, suggestions or support please contact Paul, Laura or Bec at the email addresses below: Paul: paul@freshpotatoes.com.au Laura: laura@freshpotatoes.com.au Bec: rebecca@freshpotatoes.com.au

Brand Ambassadors Health, or perceived unhealthiness, is a major consumption limiting factor for potatoes. We’ve re-signed Dr Joe and Olympian Fergus Kavanagh to shout the health message loud and proud. Look out for their expert commentary on a monthly basis. It will peak in February/March with the health focus and (hopefully) a feature in The West Australian.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

2014–15

New Potatodors On Tuesday August 19 the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) hosted the annual Potatodor Dinner at Taste Budds Cooking Studio to announce three new Potatodors joining the Potatodor Program for 2014–15. Sophie Zalakor from Foragers, Ultan Kiely from Parliament House and Shane Watson from The Print hall join 12 existing Potatodors in this life membership club. Below are just some of the actives planned for 2014–15: • Dandaragen and Gingin Farm Tour August 2014 — see story on page 14 • P otato Week Radio promotion with Nova 937 September 2014 • M anjimup and Pemberton Farm Tour January 2015 • Sundowner February 2015 • Health Campaign February 2015. The Potato Marketing Corporation is delighted to boast a range of world-class chefs and we encourage all growers to head to their restaurants and support the chefs supporting your industry.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

ULTAN KIELY WA State Parliament

SHANE WATSON Print Hall

SOPHIE ZALAKOR Foragers

Originally from Ireland, Ultan worked under Head Chef William Stienbec in Hotel Europe, he travelled to England and worked under Head Chef Idris Caldora before landing a job in Park Lanes Grosenver House under Chef Andy Lee while Andy was a Nico Ladennis protégé. Leaving England he set his sights on France and worked with Chef Jonny Ricci in Restaurant Les Castorss Meribel then on to the south of France where he worked on board Super Yacht Midnight Saga working under Master Chef Herve Grail before returning to Ireland to head up the team in the oldest Yacht Club in the world The Royal Cork Yacht Club. Ultan later moved to Perth in June 2008 and started as a Junior Sous Chef at Victoria Station, Crown Perth. He quickly moved through to Sous Chef under Michael Wilcox and was again promoted to Head Chef in December 2009. Ultan then started with Sandfire Resources managing and cooking for an exploration camp as fly in fly out.

Shane completed his apprenticeship training at Sydney’s fine dining establishments, The Bathers Pavilion, Rockpool and with Sydney’s famous Merivale Group.

Originally from the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Sophie qualified as a chef at the Pheasant Farm Restaurant with Australian food icon Maggie Beer after which she cooked her way around world before settling in Fremantle in 1991.

After stints in fine dining restaurants and high end resorts in Adelaide, Palm Cove, Queenstown, Fiji, Sydney and Thailand, Shane landed in Perth, just in time for the opening of Print Hall. As Executive Chef of the Print Hall complex, Shane is embracing his fine dining roots, Asian experience and passion for locally sourced produce with his menus in the Print Hall Dining Room, The Apple Daily Bar & Eating House, Print Hall Bar, Small Print and Bobs Bar.

Now a writer, teacher and mother of two Sophie runs Foragers; a farm-based cooking school and restaurant with selfcontained chalets on a smallholding located 6km south of Pemberton in the Southern Forests region. www.foragers.com.au

www.printhall.com.au

Now as the Head Chef of Parliament House, Ultan has a large team who work tirelessly to produce quality food every day to all the states Politicians and all the esteemed Dignitaries they invite. www.parliament.wa.gov.au

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Chef farm tour

Gingin and Dandaragen

The chefs took valuable information from the farm tour and speaking with growers.

The group set off at 8am headed for Humphrey’s farm to meet Roy and Greg in Gingin. The chefs loved riding on the back of the harvester as Roy dug Royal Blue potatoes. On Monday August 25, The Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) hit the road with a busload of chefs on a tour of the northern potato growing regions, Gingin and Dandaragen.

The event is part of the Foodservice program which aims to inform chefs about Western Australia’s potato industry and create opportunities for chefs and growers to talk direct. Chefs who attended were: • Don Hancey Panorama Catering • Stuart Laws Comestibles Catering • Paul Beard Perth Arena • Sam Oakes Incontro • Kelly Rees Incontro.

The second stop was the impressive new Pemberton Washpacking shed in Dandaragen where the group saw the washing, grading and packing process of Nadine potatoes.

The final stop was the Fox’s family home where growers from the region joined the group for a BBQ lunch. Stuart Laws said “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the PMC for such an insightful day and to extend a personal thank you to Laura and Larry for their hospitality and knowledge. I found speaking with the growers to be a rewarding experience from both parties”. Fresh Potatoes would like to send a special thank you to all growers who dedicated their time throughout the day as without you, events such as this could not happen. The next Farm Tour will head to Manjimup Pemberton in January 2015. MORE INFORMATION If you would like any more information on the tour, please contact Laura Clarke laura@freshpotatoes.com.au

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Nothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n feeds like Poly-Feed Soluble NPK fertilisers for complete plant nutrition World-renowned Poly-Feed fertilisers enable growers to feed crops according to their developing needs by Nutrigation or as foliar sprays, providing plants with optimal, balanced nutrition throughout the growth season. The wide choice of formulae meets the needs of vegetable crops, fruit trees and flowers at all growth environments. Suitable with water of varied quality, Poly-Feed products are: Fully water soluble and safe for use with all irrigation and spraying systems. Comprise pure plant nutrients.

Haifa Australia

Free of chloride, sodium and other detrimental elements.

www.haifa-group.com

Pioneering the Future

Enriched with high levels of micronutrients.

QUALITY HAIFA FERTILISERS AVAILABLE FROM

MIRCO BROS www.mircobros.com.au

HENDERSON 800 Rockingham Road Ph 9410 2233 E: mirco@mirco.com.au

NEERABUP 2048 Wanneroo Road Ph 9407 4522 E: mirco@mirco.com.au

MANJIMUP TRADING 9-11 Pritchard Street Ph 9771 1044 E: trading@manjimup. mirco.com.au

Rob Illiano 0447 030 367

Johny Mirco 0419 909 648

Marty Collins 0429 372 607

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Welcome Dominic Jenkin

vegetablesWA are delighted to announce that we have recruited an outstanding new Field Extension Officer to replace Sarah Houston. Born in WA, our new team member Dominic, grew up on a citrus orchard in Queensland that exports mandarins to Asia and the Middle East.

He has an undergraduate and Masters degrees in agricultural engineering from University of Queensland and University College Dublin respectively. Dominic has had exposure to the breadth of the horticultural value chain; fields of production, processing, logistics, storage, conditioning, distribution, import/export, marketing, extension, agricultural development, and consulting in both developed and developing world and aims to use this experience to drive positive change in the West Australian vegetable sector.

The Potato Marketing Corporation

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Support Officers

Senior Operations Officer

There are two Quality Support Officers within the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) and their main role is to ensure that all product quality is optimised through the supply chain. Whilst they spend the majority of their time on farm with growers they are there to assist and provide them support where needed. The main areas are coordinating tests for virus, pathogens and nutrients from seed, plants and tubers.

Most people in the potato industry know Larry Hegarty, he has been with the PMC for over 20 years. His role as Senior Operations Officer enables him to have day-to-day contact with growers and merchants to ensure the PMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply objectives are met. His key focus is to ensure customers and consumers have access to fresh ware potatoes 52 weeks a year across a number of different varieties.

Growers can utilise the support officers in various ways such as helping with quality assurance paperwork, contacting agronomists to assist with soil testing or field crops. The two officers Joel and Michael are split across all of the PMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing regions. They can assist with liaising between growers and with the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), Potato Research Western Australia (PRWA), agronomists and grower groups. The support officers also assist seed growers by coordinating aspects of variety development including placement of minitubers and supporting efficient communications between seed and ware growers. There are various trial crops throughout WA and the full cycle can take anywhere from five to 15 years to develop a variety. As the large supermarket chains are moving towards yellow flesh potato varieties there are numerous trials taking place, the focus to bring new varieties to market.

The Senior Operations Officer looks after the licencing requirements of each pool, quality of potatoes, and delivery with the merchants. There is a large involvement with the Sales and Operations Planning process, including benchmark reports, which provides to each grower in the pool key data on how they compared to the pool averages. MORE INFORMATION Michael Allingame and Joel Dinsdale can be contacted for potato queries on (08) 9423 0500. Larry Hegarty can be contacted for any licencing or pool enquires on (08) 9423 0500.

Dominic is looking forward to meeting everyone and vegetablesWA are looking forward to what we can achieve with Dominic on board. MORE INFORMATION Contact Dominic on 0427 373 037 or email dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

L_R: Michael Allingame, Joel Dinsdale and Larry Hegarty.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

YOUR

PRODUCTION

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

First year

of new stable fly regulations

DAFWA Inspector Jeremy Lindsey discusses stable fly control with Ralph Trimbole of Bogdanich Farms.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

BY IAN MCPHARLIN 1 , DAVID COOK 2 AND DON TELFER 3 1 S ENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, DAFWA, SOUTH PERTH 2 D AFWA CONSULTANT ENTOMOLOGIST, UWA 3 M ANAGER REGIONAL OPERATIONS, DAFWA, MOORA

YOUR PRODUCTION

A year of compliance under the new Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act has resulted in reports of stable fly infestation significantly reduced in some areas but little change in others and 56 formal complaints to the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA).

Vegetable growers, in the main, have responded well and made efforts to comply with the new regulations. Mulching and irrigation management remain important aspects of stable fly control until other cost effective techniques are developed. Stable fly came under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act (Stable Fly) Management Plan 2013 and hence control of DAFWA after the Health (Poultry Manure) 2001 regulations expired on September 2, 2013. Inspectors from both DAFWA and local government authorities (LGAs) authorised by DAFWA have since carried out inspections in response to reports of stable fly infestations by livestock owners and residents in the declared LGAs. DAFWA, vegetablesWA and LGA staff worked to provide information on the requirements of the management plan. This took the form of many one-on-one visits, distribution of laminated hand-outs, WA Grower articles and media releases on stable fly control in various situations. Verbal warnings were issued to some vegetable growers, but cooperation was good and their management was modified quickly to alleviate problems, so no further action was needed. Significant reductions in stable fly infestation were reported in previously bad areas such as Woodridge and parts of Swan. In other areas locals claimed it was not much different to previous years, indicating there is still work to do. It became evident through the season that it was sometimes difficult to identify the source of the fly breeding.

TABLE 1 Stable fly inspections carried out by DAFWA inspectors* in response to complaints from October 2013 to June 2014 Month October 13 November 13 December 13

Complaints

Visits by inspectors

Local Government Authority^

1 Gingin 7 Gingin, 1 Stirling, 2 Swan, 1 Serpentine-Jarrahdale

On average an inspector would need to make at least three site visits and sometimes more in an attempt to identify a source before action could be taken. Gingin (77%) was by far the main local government area for complaints and compliance activity by DAFWA inspectors, followed by Swan at 13% (see Table 1).

Stable fly is very adaptable, can breed in various places and is readily distributed by wind. So an ‘apparent’ source close to an infestation may not always be the main culprit. It became obvious that there were other significant sources of stable fly breeding besides crop residues such as in untreated or inadequately treated poultry manure spread onto pastures. This aspect of the regulations needs tightening to clarify what is meant by ‘treated poultry manure’. Amendments to the regulations will require that poultry manure, either bulk or pelleted products, must be treated so that stable fly breeding is 10% or less that of untreated manure. This plus other issues was due to be considered by the Regulatory Reference Group in early September. Another unexpected breeding source was rotting hay applied to non-irrigated paddocks in summer that became wet with winter rains — a time when fly numbers would normally fall due to lower temperatures. A media release was issued to highlight this ‘new’ source of breeding to livestock owners. For vegetable growers, irrigation and mulching are key components of management required to significantly reduce stable fly breeding. Development of new cost effective techniques to control breeding in crop residues through the HAL R&D project (VG12022) has shown some promising biological options.

5 Gingin

January 14

12 Gingin, 1 Swan, 1 Capel

February 14

1 Gingin, 1 Capel, 2 Swan

March 14

5 Gingin, 2 Swan

April 14

2 Gingin, 1 Wanneroo

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

May 14

6 Gingin, 1 Swan

4 Gingin

169

We acknowledge the good work of DAFWA inspectors Tony Shimmin, Ken Talbot and Jeremy Lindsey in the first year of implementing the Stable Fly Management Plan 2013 under the BAM Act.

June 14 Total

43 Gingin, 7 Swan, 6 others

* Numbers do not include inspections carried out by LGA inspectors. ^ Capel and Stirling are not declared LGAs.

The good news is HAL has agreed to an extension of the project until July 2015 to further develop these options.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

GM techniques:

Breeding involves utilising genetic variation to produce new combinations of genes and gene variants.

selective breeding and genetic engineering BY PETER LANGRIDGE CEO AT AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR PLANT FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS

Genetic modification (GM) sounds very laboratory-based — people in white coats inserting and deleting genes — but the vast majority of GM work was completed in the field through selective breeding. Early Middle Eastern farmers collected grain from natural grasslands, but they needed to time their harvest very carefully. If they were too early the grain wouldn’t store well, and if they were too late the grain would spread over the ground making collection difficult. At some stage, one of these early farmers must have noticed that some heads remained fixed on their stems even after the grain was fully dry. He obviously didn’t understand this at the time, but these were plants with a mutation in the genes controlling seed dispersal.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Farmers began preferentially choosing plants with this useful mutation and planting them, perhaps the first case of breeding and selecting for a novel trait.

Exploiting genetic variation Systematic breeding really began in the early 1900s when scientists rediscovered Silesian monk Gregor Mendel’s groundbreaking work on genetic inheritance in peas.

Breeding involves utilising genetic variation to produce new combinations of genes and gene variants. A breeder will cross two different lines and then select offspring that have improved performance. Breeders are always looking for new sources of variation, normally from within the elite germplasm pool — that is, within established varieties. Many important traits, such as disease resistance, are controlled by single genes and can be crossed into elite lines, with only the resistant offspring selected.

But for many crops the level of diversity available within the elite germplasm pool is very narrow and breeders must look further afield for novel variation. This search led breeders to explore land races (varieties grown by traditional farmers) and even wild relatives (undomesticated progenitors of our modern crops). In many cases crosses between the wild relatives and modern lines will not produce normal seeds, but the embryos can often be isolated from the developing seed and grown in sterile tissue culture to produce viable, fertile plants. This technique, called embryo rescue, has been widely used and many modern cultivars contain genes from wild relatives. The normal number of genes present in a crop plant is around 30,000 to 40,000 — the same as for humans. In making the crosses all 30,000 genes from the wild relative are introduced but the breeder may only want one gene.

YOUR PRODUCTION

The genes are linked along chromosomes with each chromosome carrying several thousand genes. The breeders need to break up the chromosomes from the wild relative into small fragments so that only the desired region is transferred — a process called chromosome engineering. This can take several decades of work, making the use of wide crosses technically difficult and slow. Breeders want other methods of generating useful variation.

Engineering mutations In the 1950s the idea of inducing mutations became an important technique for creating new variation. This involved using ionising radiation, such as X or gamma rays, or chemical mutagens. These techniques produce random damage to the genetic information in the plant by changing the DNA directly or knocking out segments of the genome (the genetic makeup). Most mutations are deleterious, and the mutagenesis usually generates many thousands of unwanted changes, so the clean-up can be slow. After exposing the plants to the mutagen, the breeders need to select for the beneficial mutations and remove the deleterious mutations. Scientifically the ideal solution would be to be able to take a gene from any source and introduce it into your crop plant to change the plant’s characteristics. This would allow breeders to use variation from diverse sources and make changes just one gene at a time without the extensive collateral damage done by mutagenesis or wide crosses. This is what genetic engineering offers.

Enter the lab coats … The first genetically engineered crops were produced in the 1980s and, as in all areas of science, the technology continues to advance. The most widely used method today takes advantage of a natural DNA transfer mechanism. Several groups of soil bacteria are able to engineer plants for their own benefit. These bacteria transfer a segment of their genome into the plant’s genome so that the transformed plant cells will proliferate and produce compounds that only the bacteria

can use. In this way the bacteria control the plant development to produce nutrients for the bacteria. The mechanisms for this type of natural genetic engineering are now well understood, allowing scientists to change the DNA segment transferred so that the genes causing altered plant growth are removed and new genes inserted. How does this work practically? In a laboratory the scientist will design and build a DNA sequence containing specific sequences that delineate the region of DNA to be transferred (the left and right borders). They then insert the gene of interest and usually a selectable marker, such as resistance to a herbicide. This construct is then introduced into a bacteria called Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which readily takes up DNA. The bacteria are then applied to growing plant tissues in sterile culture. After a period the bacteria are removed and the plant tissues placed onto media containing the herbicide. Only the plant cells that have been transformed (those that took up the construct from the bacterium) are able to grow and divide. These cells are allowed to multiply and divide until they produce plants, which are taken out of sterile culture to a glasshouse where they can grow to maturity. The genes that have been transferred will now be included in the genetic make-up of the plant. Different species and even varieties will differ in their ability to take up DNA from the bacterium and to regenerate normal plants. Where in the genome the new DNA inserts is usually random but will preferentially occur in regions containing active genes. Extensive growth trials and evaluation are needed to ensure that the transgenic or genetically engineered plant behaves as expected.

… and back to the field In Australia all aspects of genetic engineering research are closely regulated. The researcher, organisation and facilities used must all be licensed and meet tight standards.

Before a field trial can be grown, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) conducts a detailed risk assessment of the genes used, the reasons for the trial, and the design and management of the trial site. The OGTR have issued 103 licenses for field trials covering 14 different crops. In Australia 37 genetically engineered crops have been approved for commercial cultivation for seven different species, but only GM cotton (eight different events) and canola (three events) are grown to any great extent.

The resistance to GM crops in many parts of the world has encouraged scientists to look for alternative techniques for making targeted changes to the genetic make-up of crops and other organisms. For example, a new technique called ‘genome editing’ allows us to make specific changes to native genes within the plant that are essentially identical to the changes induced by mutagenesis but at only one site rather than all over the genome. Mutagenesis is widely used and is not subject to regulation — will the same apply to genome editing? There are other developments that are also challenging the community’s views on new technologies. How will people feel about GM crops where a native gene has been isolated, changed and re-inserted (a process known as cisgenics)? What about using GM rootstocks engineered for resistance to root diseases, but grafted with non-GM scion so that they produce non-GM apples or avocados? These questions are now challenging the regulators since the first examples are starting to become available.

Disclosure statement Peter Langridge receives research funding from Pioneer/Dupont, the Australian Research Council, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the South Australian Government, Australia/India Strategic Research Fund and the US AID program. He provides advice to several public sector research organisation in Europe, North America and to international agricultural aid programs.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Getting More Dollars per Drop

Department of Agriculture and Food

in Carnarvon BY ROHAN PRINCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

Gascoyne growers have had two opportunities to be involved in the Department of Agriculture and Foodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s More Dollars per Drop water use efficiency project this season â&#x20AC;&#x201D; farm assessments and good practice demonstrations. Farm assessments

Rohan Prince, DAFWA, showing growers the impact of water efficiency.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

The team assessing crop water use and water delivery efficiency visited the region in late August offering assessments. This round was the second done in Carnarvon with 31 fruit and vegetable growers participating in 2013.

The process includes an interview and detailed in-field irrigation assessment aimed at identifying opportunities for growers to improve water use efficiency. A report identifying ways to improve productivity and profitability is provided back to growers following analysis of results by DAFWA staff. Feedback from growers who participated last year suggests they found the assessments and reports very useful and learnt how significant savings could be achieved by matching irrigation scheduling to crop water requirements and improving irrigation design to allow correct irrigation scheduling.

YOUR PRODUCTION

The soil moisture monitoring companies will also have opportunity to explain their equipment and the level of service they can provide. Having the suppliers on hand will allow questions about any of the demonstrated systems to be answered by the company that knows them best. This will probably be in late November. Additionally DAFWA will be working to upskill the irrigation industry servicing the area. Working with major suppliers to train resellers in the benefit of correct design, installation and operation of irrigation equipment will help growers get the best advice when they are seeking to make improvements. MORE INFORMATION Anyone who has received advice through a formal assessment or would like to improve their system is invited to contact Rohan Prince (rohan.prince@agric.wa.gov.au) who can assist with putting you in contact with the appropriate irrigation professionals.

Good practice demonstrations Over the next 18 months, demonstrations and field days will be held to show how on-farm improvement in irrigation systems and practices can increase productivity and returns.

Capsicums growing adjacent to tensiometers.

A demonstration in July showed a practical way to test the spread of water from drip irrigation and the volume required to penetrate to depth without leaching of nutrients. This highlighted how soil type and cultivation can lead to hardpans and the effect on the movement of water in the soil.

Complementing the assessments, the demonstrations will involve solving common problems leading to poor irrigation uniformity, learning how evaporation can be used to guide irrigation, using soil moisture monitoring to fine-tune irrigation and creating a network of professionals that can help to improve irrigation in the Carnarvon region.

An expression of interest was put out for growers keen to use soil moisture monitoring equipment from commercial companies looking to provide service in the Carnarvon area. Six companies offered monitoring with remote telemetry so data can be accessed via the internet. About 10 growers took up the opportunity to be involved with systems being installed from July to September.

A workshop was run in March at Gascoyne Research Station when Wayne Jennings from Netafim discussed irrigation design and installation to maximise production and energy efficiency.

A field day is also planned to give participating growers opportunity to share their insights into usefulness of the process, suitability for their crops and level of support offered to assist with data interpretation.

Photo: Courtesy of CGA

More assessments may be offered, but limited places would be available. If you are interested, contact Valerie Shrubb at the Research Station on (08) 9956 3322 or valerie.shrubb@agric.wa.gov.au.

Soil moisture monitoring equipment provided by Mait industries installed at a growerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Lettuce Veggie Stats data The first of the Veggie Stats series have been released, which have been developed to enable deeper insights of the financial, production and exporting performance of key Australian vegetable commodities. The data underpinning the Veggie Stats documents is mostly sourced from ABARES and the Global Trade Atlas, funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

The data itself provides a broad indication of the performance of vegetable crop growers and should be interpreted carefully. The data is presented at the national level and therefore does not account for differences amongst jurisdictions and is not specific to every Australian grower since each enterprise operates differently from one another. In addition, whilst there may be positive figures for a commodity nationally, a particular state or groups of growers may not be sharing in the positive results enjoyed by others in the industry.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

For example, if an area is ravaged by floods, supply may come from another state and this will enhance the profitability of those growers from that state and impact on national figures. This does not mean all growers are prospering simultaneously.

VEGGIE STATS

LETTUCE

Moreover, interpreting this data should be undertaken cautiously and not misconstrued. The data should be only used to provide a general understanding of the industry’s performance.

Key facts and figures

The report suggests that lettuce growers’ average returns per farm have increased from 2008–09 to 2011–12 (sourced from ABARES). However, similar to other vegetable types, increasing production costs continue to be problematic.

• Since 2007–08, average domestic lettuce prices and costs have both grown at a similar rate of around 45%

Veggie Stats has been developed to enable deeper insights of the financial, production and exporting performance of key Australian vegetable commodities. AUSVEG is developing a series of six ‘Veggie Stats’ documents. The commodities analysed will include lettuce, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, pumpkin and cauliflower.

This project has been funded by HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

• Lettuce growers’ average returns have been increasing since 2008–09

• Lettuce production has varied over the recorded years, with no clear trend • Australia’s fresh lettuce exports were greater than $3 million in value in 2012–13 • More than 40% of Australia’s total fresh lettuce exports were sent to Singapore in 2012–13.

Tonnes Tonnes

500 600 400 500

YOUR PRODUCTION

300 400 200 300 100 200 0 100

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 0 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2011–12 FIGURE2006–07 3 Area planted versus yield (average per 2010–11 farm)

FIGURE 1 Australian lettuce growers’ financial performance (average per farm) Price

Costs (including imputed labour)

Return

Area planted

1,600

Area planted

1,400 Costs (including imputed labour)

Return

25 20

Hectares Hectares

$/tonne

1,400 800

20 15 15 10

1,000 400

10 5

800 200 400

2007–08

2008–09

2009–10

2010–11

2011–12

Source: 200ABARES vegetable farm survey 2011–12 and 2012–13, page 72 Returns: The difference between price and costs (including imputed labour).

0 700

2007–08

2008–09

2009–10

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 Source: ABARES vegetable farm survey 2011–12 and 2012-13, page 72

2010–11

FIGURE 4 Destination of Australian lettuce exports and export prices $8.00 45 received $1.3M 40 $7.00 $8.00 45 $1.3M 35 $6.00 40 $7.00 30 $5.00 35 $6.00 25 $4.00 30 $5.00 20 $0.9M 25 $3.00 15 $4.00 20 $0.7M $2.00 $0.9M 10 $3.00 15 $0.1M $0.2M $1.00 5 $0.7M $2.00 10 $0.00 0 $0.1M $0.2M $1.00 i 5 ia re ab ng ne ys po Ar tes Ko ru lam la d B $0.00 a g 0inga e ra a n M S ss nei Unit mi ab ia re Ho ng u s E o r r o s u ay K ap Da Br alam d A ate al ng ng M ite mir s Si s n Ho U E ru Da

% of exports % of exports

Tonnes

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

100 0

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 Area planted

Yield

Hectares

Source: UN Commtrade. Commodity 070519 and 070511

4025

Average lettuce 35 production has varied over 20 the years, with no clear trend.

2515

Australian lettuce growers’ returns on average totalled $418 per tonne in 2010 2011–12, up 6% on the previous year (see Figure 15 5 1).

3015

Hectares

The average area planted in 2011–12 25 fell by 42% from 10 the previous year (see Figure 3). 205

In 2011–12, the average price received 10 0 per tonne of lettuce2007–08 was $1,369, whereas 2006–07 2008–09 2009–10 the average cost to produce a tonne of 5 lettuce was $951. 0

Long-term trends 2006–07 2007–08

Yield

Tonne/hectare Tonne/hectare

Area planted

3020

40 35

25 vegetable farm survey 2011–12 and 2012-13, page 72 Source: ABARES

Current financial performance

150 growers’ average In 2011–12, lettuce yields increased 2010–11 2011–1210by 15% from the previous year. 5

Exports

2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 The majority of Australia’s lettuce

Lettuce growers’ returns, on average, have 45 $1.3M since 2008–09. increased annually

exports were sent $8.00to Singapore in 2012–13 (see Figure 4).

35 lettuce production Australian

Australia’s lettuce exports received the $6.00 highest export price per kg from Hong $8.00 $5.00 whilst the lowest Kong and Singapore, export price was Brunei Darussalam at $7.00 $4.00 $1.97 per kg.$6.00 $3.00

30 Australian production per farm 45 lettuce $1.3M averaged 25452 tonnes in 2011–12, down 40 31% on 20 the previous year (see Figure 2). 35 15 30 10 25 5 20 0 15

$0.9M

e or

sia

$0.7M ay

Please note that with any data related information errors may exist, recipients and individuals should use this information cautiously. For more information on this report, please contact the AUSVEG Economist Shaun Muscat on (03) 9882 0277 or email: shaun.muscat@ausveg.com.au. The original document can be sourced from the Ausveg website http://ausveg.com.au/emailresources/misc/VeggieStats-Lettuce.pdf

$5.00 $2.00

$0.7M

$0.9M

MORE INFORMATION

$7.00

Unit price/kg Unit price/kg

% of exports % of exports

2011–12

600 2 Australian lettuce growers’ production (average per farm) FIGURE 500 700 400 600 300 500 200 400 100 300 0 200

2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12

Unit price/kg Unit price/kg

$/tonne

1,200 600

35 40 30 35 25 30 20 25 15 20 10 15 5 10 0 5

Tonne/hectare Tonne/hectare

Price

1,600 1,000

Yield

30 25

1,200

600 0

Yield

$0.2M

$0.1M

ei un m

b ra s

$4.00 $1.00 $3.00 $0.00 $2.00

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Department of Agriculture and Food

Seed potato testing looking good BY DALE SPENCER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

Virus testing of registered and certified seed potatoes over the past 2013–14 financial year showed near-perfect results for five important viruses, with significant improvement over the previous year. Crops planted with generation 2 (G2) seed were tested to detect virus levels in the seed scheme at an early stage. Seed potato crops that do not meet the standards at this early stage can be removed from the scheme without severe financial hardship to the seed grower.

AGWEST Plant Laboratories tested more than 5600 samples from 14 growers in the year ending June 2014 and reported a clean bill of health for potato virus S, potato virus X and potato virus Y. Potato leafroll virus was found in less than 1% of one grower’s samples and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was detected in 0.3% of a second grower’s 360 samples. The other growers whose G2-sown registered and certified seed was tested were found free of viruses — a great result and credit to the industry. Technical officer Eva Gajda tests some potato leaf samples for viruses at AGWEST Plant Laboratories.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

to virus

Integrated crop protection: An extension project to help vegetable growers protect crops Protecting crops in sustainable way is vital for Australian vegetable producers to improve productivity and profitability.

While results can vary year to year depending on the season and aphid and western flower thrip activity, which are the main vectors for spreading some viruses, it shows steady improvement in recent times. However, please note that our statistics refer only to certified and registered seed schemes, and do not include product grown outside these schemes or exported without official labelling.

This testing is financed by growers’ levies collected through the Agricultural Produce Commission’s (APC) Potato Producers Committee. Over the last financial year nearly 450 hectares were planted under these schemes with an estimated total harvest of almost 15,000 tonnes or average yield of 33.5 tonnes per hectare. The value based on a price of $750/t would have been $11.2 million. This is a growing industry and nearly 2,500 tonnes were exported internationally and close to 2,800 tonnes sold interstate, much of it to South Australia. Industry must understand the importance in supporting financially this highly successful industry survey into the future, given it remains a very valuable tool in protecting the WA potato industry and additionally attracting markets from other states and countries.

• Improve management of chemicals (Good Plant Protection Practice [GPPP])

• Apply of Integrated Pest Management Crop protection practices, capabilities (IPM) and attitudes differ in the levy paying • Improve management of pests, vegetable industry. Markets and Integrated Protection: An extension project to weeds and diseases appropriate to consumers expectCrop pesticide use to the farming system (ICP). be help minimised. Pesticides may have protect crops vegetable growers detrimental effects on people who use The project will establish and deliver Protecting cropsenvironment. in sustainable way is vital for Australian vegetable producers to improve productivity and them and the the following activities from 2014 to profitability. 2017: A reduction in the use of Crop protection practices, capabilities and attitudes differ in the levy paying vegetable industry. Markets

• Regional demonstration pesticides class and consumers(especially expect pesticide use to be S6 minimised. Pesticides may have detrimental effectssites on people who use them and the environment. A reduction in the use pesticidesgroups (especially class S6 and S7, wide and S7, wide spectrum products) • ofGrower spectrum products) and crop protection costs is desirable. • Master classes/think tanks/ and crop protection costs is Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) and progressing along thechampion continuum towards increasingly advanced networking desirable. levels of implementation and adoption on farm is one way of achieving sustainable and cost effective crop

• Advisor engagement and training protection. Crop Protection (ICP) and Integrated • Benchmarking activities. progressing along the continuum There is currently an extensive amount of ICP information from previous projects and investment that can towards advanced levels of is These be built increasingly upon. It is important that this information accessible, practical will and relevant to individual activities be adjusted and commercial farmingand operations, ratheron thanfarm generating more information. implementation adoption refined on an annual basis to ensure is one way of achieving sustainable and the needsaims of growers the advisors industry This project, being delivered by RMCG, AHR and IPM Technologies, to work withand growers, cost crop protection. andeffective other industry service providers to: continue to be met. This will enable the Australian to respond § Improve awareness, and decision-making aboutvegetable pests, weedsindustry and diseases There is currently an knowledge, extensivecapacity amount to the current and future crop protection § Improve management of chemicals of ICP information from previous(Good Plant Protection Practice [GPPP]) challenges and opportunities. projects and investment that can be § Apply of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) built upon. It is important that this § Improve management of pests, weeds and diseases appropriate to the farming system (ICP). MORE INFORMATION information is accessible, practical The project willto establish and deliver the following activitiesFor from 2014 to information 2017: and relevant individual commercial further please contact Anne-Maree Boland (03) 9882 2670 or § Regional demonstration sites farming operations, rather than Gordon Rogers (02) 9527 0826. generating § Grower more groups information. The vegetablesWA Field Extension Officers will be helping growers become involved in this national project over the next two years. For further information please contact vegetablesWA office on (08)and 9481 0834. to ensure the needs of growers the industry These activities will be adjusted and refined on an annual basis

§ project, Master classes/think tanks/ champion networking This being delivered by RMCG, § and Advisor engagement and training AHR IPM Technologies, aims to work growers, advisors and other § with Benchmarking activities. industry service providers to:

• continue Improve awareness, knowledge, the Australian vegetable industry to respond to the current and future to be met. This will enable crop protection challenges and opportunities. capacity and decision-making about pests, weeds and diseases

For further information please contact Anne-Maree Boland (03) 9882 2670 or Gordon Rogers (02) 9527 0826.

This project has been funded by HAL using the vegetable industry levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

This project has been funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using the vegetable industry levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Tomato food safety Worker health and hygiene

Hygienic practices in tomato fields

Workers who have direct contact with tomatoes during production, harvesting and postharvest activities should maintain personal cleanliness.

• Start the harvest with bins, buckets and other harvest equipment that have been thoroughly cleaned

Sick or injured workers with symptoms of illness should remain at home or be assigned to duties in which they do not come in contact with fresh produce.

The Field Tomato Food Safety Guide is very useful to growers, below we have highlighted some of the key areas for growers to consider. Tomato harvesting is a process that can easily contaminate produce. The fruit comes into contact with a range of surfaces; including people, containers, soil, and water. Any of these can contaminate the fruit and start a microbial build-up. Under a project that has been funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using voluntary contributions and matched funds from the Australian Government the Field Tomato Food Safety Guide was produced. The document was compiled by Dianne Fullelove and Associates. The importance of this guide is to help growers maintain good hygiene and clean harvesting so that pathogen contamination in the packing house is less likely.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Things to consider in this guide also include: • Restrict visitors, particularly children, to growing and packing areas • Anyone in production and handling areas should adhere to high personal hygiene standards • All workers and visitors should be banned from tobacco use, spitting, chewing gum (or similar) and eating in the production and handling areas • Unhealthy practices such as unprotected sneezing or coughing over tomatoes or food contact surfaces must be discouraged • Workers should receive instruction on proper hand washing techniques and what to do if they are unwell.

• Remove as much dirt as practicable from harvest containers and trailers between harvest uses. This should be done outside the packing facility and isolated from any water source used for postharvest handling • Establish routine cleaning and sanitising programs for all reusable containers • Store empty boxes off the floor in a way that protects them from contamination • Tomatoes that have fallen from the plant to the ground or had contact with any faecal material should not be harvested • If animal activity is detected, measures should be taken to remove or prevent the harvest of any potentially contaminated product • Damaged, soft or decayed tomatoes should be excluded so they do not introduce pathogens to clean fruit • Tomatoes for harvest shall have been produced according to Good Agricultural Practices • A well-designed and managed packing facility, and its corresponding food safety program, can minimise the risk of contamination.

YOUR PRODUCTION

Key points in the document for packing house • Workers should have a designated area for eating and breaks • Workers should begin the work day in appropriate, clean clothing • Before handling tomatoes, workers should wash their hands properly using soap and potable water • Monitoring for compliance with hand cleaning policies should be done • If gloves are used, hands must be washed prior to use. Gloves should not be worn to the toilet • If the gloves are reusable, they should be made of materials that are easily cleaned and sanitised • Disposable gloves are preferable and they should be discarded when they become torn or contaminated • Workers should be encouraged to report symptoms of diarrhoeal or food transmissible, communicable diseases

GENERAL INFORMA TION

• Cuts, wounds and other injuries should be properly cleaned and disinfected, then protected by water proof dressings

Field Toma to Food Sa fety Guide

Compiled by D Fullelo ve B App Copyright pro Sc (Hortic ultural Tec for the purpostects this publication hnology) Gra . Exc d Dip Teach Act, reprodu e permitted by the Cop ept Australia & ction of text New Zealand yright by whateve or individual and industry ; tomato gro r wers prior written means is prohibited with images of their time staff who gave freely per out to inform the Australia Lim mission of Horticu project. lture ited or the Any recomm original sou end ations contain rce. The project publication ed in this has been fund do not necess Australia Lim current HAL ed by Horticu policy. No perarily represent lture contribution ited using voluntary the basis of s the content son should act on Australian Govand matched funds whether as s of this pub from the to lica acknowledg ernment. The project other content matters of fact or opin tion, es Bennett and the assistance of Richleader independen , without first obtaining ion or Fresh Produc ard t of the mattersprofessional advice in specific, e Safety Cen respect tre set out in this public.

• Toilets should be provided at a ratio of one per twenty workers and be located not more than 500 metres from workers

How to use the Guide

• Toilets must be maintained in a clean and hygienic way with single use paper towel or hand dry

This Guide is designed to identify to assist gro key wers concern and areas of food safety practice and to suggest improvemen implemente procedure that can eas t in d have to do on farm. Most grower ily be mu s however this ch beyond current pra won’t reminder of Guide might act as a ctices; timely things to be done.

• Equipment used to clean toilets should be labelled and kept separate from other cleaning materials.

QR Codes

link to further

information.

A QR Cod ® e code that can(Quick Response Cod e) is a b be scanned contains a on a mob wide a smart phon range of informati ile pho on. QR Code reade, and have one of the If you man picture of the ing apps installed, simp y f QR Cod e and the full ly tak will be dow nloaded to topic ve your phone. A free QR Cod iTunes www e scanner can be dow .itunes.apple nloaded .com QR Code is regist

ered tradem

ark of DENS

Checklist

Growers are recommended to read the full document Field tomato food safety guide, to obtain detailed information.

Yes

DOWNLOAD FOR

FREE

Checklist

FIELD OPER ATIONS Do topographi cal features encourage run-o (slop ff to the plant es, depressions) near the field ings? Do adjacent fields present microbial risks Are there hygie ? ne policies in place for the Are field work fields? ers provided a separate area for breaks and meals? IRRIGATION WATER Is the water source prote cted from run-o Is the water ff and flooding? source prote cted from anim Is contact minim al contamina tion? ized between irrigation wate Is the water r and the toma used to delive to fruit? plants of postharvest qualir chemicals and other amen ty? dments to SOIL ADDITIVES Is only prope the fields? rly-composted or adequatel y-aged manu re used on Is comp

ost stored in an appropriate manner? Are only reput able compost suppliers used Are all comp ? ost applicatio ns document ed?

Page Number

11 19 23 24

13 14 13 14

Yes

Checklist

PEST MANAGEM ENT Is movement of animals contr contamination? olled to preve nt microbial Does the area have a high bird population ? HARVEST CONT AINERS Are appropriate containers used ? Are containers inspected and replaced regul Are containers arly? cleaned and sanitized? PACKING SHED Are storage free of pestsfacilities cleaned and sanit ? ized regularly and kept Is the building designed to prevent cross Are cleaning -contamination tools cleaned ? and sanitized Is cleaning equip regularly? ment kept sepa rate from other equipment?

15 16 16 16

2-26 C R Sbc 68 Oﬃc: 8 98 69 F: 8 98 692 Em: m@.cm. ..cm.







FOR SALE BY OFFERS TO PURCHASE •

F          s.

• • •

85 k  cc. 5m2 Cb  s fm m sks. Ts   f c  m m cc b 5 m s.

• •

O WAVE INCO

GENERAL INFORMA TION

MORE INFORMATION

Go to www.horticulture.com.au/ librarymanager/libs/22/Field%20 Tomato%20Food%20Safety%20 Guide.PDF

The Guide is divided into Packhouse Field and sections with in each of different top thes ics sections are e sections. The two main coloured cod title can be found at the ed and the topic each page. top and bot tom of

6 bs  s f 5m – 65m 5   Km N f P CBD  ccss  W R.

All oﬀers to be presented by 4pm Tuesday, 30th September 2014 at the oﬃce of VNW Independent, 24-26 Coghlan Road Subiaco. F m fm s cc

S V 28 2  H Nss 28 55 2

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Page Nu

17 18

20 20 20

39 40 40 23

YOUR PRODUCTION

COWALLA/GINGIN 48.84 Ha – 120.68 Ac

Soil wealth: An extension project to help vegetable growers to manage soils Healthy soil is the lifeblood of Australian vegetable producers, and most growers are keen to manage their soils in an environmentally, and Soil Wealth: An extension economically sustainable way.

The project will feature: • Regionally based demonstration sites with a focus on themes, e.g. biofumigation/cover crops, biology/ project to help managing soilvegetable carbon, reduced tillage, nutrition management, and soil borne diseases

to manage soils In growers a recent survey, growers have identified management of soil-borne Healthy soil is the lifeblood of Australian vegetable producers, and most growers are keen to manage their • Reference sites for benchmarking disease, biofumigation, interpretation soils in an environmentally, and economically sustainable way. and monitoring of soil test reports and training in soil In a recent survey, growers have identified management of soil-borne disease, biofumigation, interpretation biology (e.g. organic supplements or • Regional training and field days. of soil test reports andareas trainingwhere in soil biology activators) as key they(e.g. organic supplements or activators) as key areas where they would like to improve their skills. It aims to deliver: would like to improve their skills. A sustainable extension system Growers also want information to be in an accessible form,• practical and relevant to individual commercial

Growers also want information farming operations. primed for up scaling, controlled by toThis benew in project, an accessible form, industry being run jointly by AHR and RMCG, aims to develop capacity among growers, practical relevant agronomists and and advisers, thereby to supporting soil management that achieves long-term crop returns for and • Agronomists supported, trained growers by delivering extension and capacity building using a linked focussed to approach. ongoing programs individual commercial farming The project will primarily assist growers to effectively use existing soil management sites information ratherbenefits than operations. • Demonstration to see

generate more information. on farm (biofumigation, biology, This new project, being run jointly reduced tillage, nutrition, disease) project will work closely commercial agronomists, on farm agronomist and with growers by The AHR andteam RMCG, aims towith develop directly to help add capacity to agronomic support services• in Australia. Improved resource use efficiency on capacity among growers, agronomists farm resulting in reduced input costs and advisers, thereby supporting soil The project will feature: (e.g. for crop protection products, management that achieves long-term § Regionally based demonstration sites with a focus on themes, e.g. biofumigation / cover crops, fuel, fertiliser) crop returns for growers by delivering biology/ managing soil carbon, reduced tillage, nutrition management, and soil borne diseases.

extension andsites capacity buildingand using a • Increased productivity, higher § Reference for benchmarking monitoring. focussed approach. marketable yield/packout. § Regional training and field days.

E ND

F OF

‘Manlee Farms’ — Horticulture Opportunity in WA • Outstanding horticulture property, close to Perth (110 kms to CBD) • 70 acres professionally developed for market gardening • Excellent Income potentials, secure markets • Family run and owned business (reluctant sale) • Amazing double story 4x2 brick home, something special • Staff accommodation — Managers office • Water license of 504,150 kL — excellent water and supply • Four big production bores and one domestic bore • Three phase commercial power, plus 100 kVA back up generator • Machinery/packing shed/cool room • Hard stand parking and fuel depot Web ID:LEP7993

$2,200,000 Adam Shields 0429 104 760

The project will primarily assist It aims to deliver: MORE INFORMATION growers to effectively use existing soil § A sustainable extension system primed for up scaling,For controlled by industry further information please contact management information rather than Gordon Rogers (02) 9527 0826 or Dr Doris § Agronomists supported, trained and linked to ongoing programs generate more information. §

Blaesing (03) 6437tillage, 1697.nutrition, disease) Demonstration sites to see benefits on farm (biofumigation, biology, reduced

The project team will work closely vegetablesWA Extension Officers § Improved resource use efficiency on farm resulting The in reduced input costsField (e.g. for crop protection with commercial agronomists, on farm products, fuel, fertilizer) will be helping growers become involved in agronomist and with growers directly to this national project over the next two years. § Increased productivity, higher marketable yield / packout. help add capacity to agronomic support For further information please contact services ininformation Australia. For further please contact Gordon Rogers (02)vegetablesWA 9527 0826 or Doris Blaesing (03) 6437 office on (08) 94811697. 0834.

This project has been funded by HAL using the vegetable industry levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

This project has been funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using the vegetable industry levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Landmark Harcourt WA (08) 9318 8260

TOOL

TIME

WA Grower SPRING 2014

TOOL TIME

Infrared weed sprayers Weed technology for increased efficiency and decreased environmental impact BY SARAH HOUSTON FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

New technology and innovation in the area of weed control for farmers aims to increase efficiency and ease of use as well as prevent resistance and environmental impacts. Infrared technology is one of the developments scientists are focusing on, with a detection spray system that sprays only the part of the field that needs it (the weeds) and not the rest of the ground or crop. In simple terms, it uses an electronic device that emits infrared or nearinfrared light to the ground. When the light bounces off a green weed in an otherwise brown or grey field, it sprays herbicide directly on the plant as the machine passes over. In a bit more detail, light emitting diodes (LEDs) point the two different light sources, infrared and near-infrared, towards the ground. Green weeds have a different reflective signature to stubble or soil. Since the system sprays individual weeds, herbicide is applied over a reduced area, thus reducing the spray volume, cost of herbicide and time of operation. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) research in northern NSW has shown that the average weed cover in fallow paddocks can be as low as 20% of the paddock area. This means that up to 80% of the herbicide is applied to bare soil and is wasted.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

The infrared weed spraying technology can therefore increase efficiency, reduce volumes of herbicides and therefore costs, as well as being more environmentally sustainable. With weeds becoming resistant to herbicides in some parts of Australia, it is increasingly important to ensure herbicide application is sustainable. With selective spraying, the infrared spray technology allows the use of mixtures of herbicide groups which may be too expensive to apply in a blanket application. It will also help prolong the life of existing herbicides and reduce resistance in weed populations, greatly improving the sustainability of cropping systems. Some other benefits include reducing spray drift, increasing adoption of no-till practices, reducing pesticide load on the environment and water savings due to covering more area per tank.

The technology is still fairly new and hence equipment is expensive. As the technology becomes more widely used and more easily accessed, the uptake will no doubt increase among vegetable growers. MORE INFORMATION For further information, you can go to the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) website and check out the section on Herbicide Application at www.agric. wa.gov.au/grains/herbicide-application. You could also contact your local ag supplies representative, or your vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer on (08) 9481 0834.

TOOL TIME

3D printers Commonplace in the farm workshop Printing objects in a three dimensional form in your own workshop could be a handy option. From spare parts, to tools or switches, imagine being able to ‘print’ these objects when you need them rather than ordering them and waiting weeks for them to arrive? 3D printers enable users to design objects on a computer and then build them, one tiny layer at a time, into a 3D object. The machines do this by using a process called ‘additive manufacturing’ and use base materials to build an object from the ‘ground up’. A computer design program directs the machine how to lay down the material for the specified shape which could be made out of any number of materials including plastic, rubber or metal. The printer adds the material layer by layer until the object has been rendered three dimensionally.

Commercially, 3D printing is used to make parts for aeroplanes, cars, industrial machinery, tools, medical and dental implants and devices, and many other products that have unique specifications. As you might expect then, the technology already has an important place in the agricultural industry. Many companies use 3D printing techniques in research and development to speed up the process of designing everything from tractor parts to tyre treads. The technology enables big manufacturers to design and build better prototypes and see how they work before building the real thing, allowing designers and engineers to test out their ideas cheaply before committing to expensive tooling and manufacturing processes. Some companies, such as Ford Motor Company, have been using the technology since the 1980s.

Some now believe that the new technology will be appearing in offices and workshops, available to farmers to be able to quickly fabricate parts for their machines via 3D printing. More feasible perhaps, would be that agricultural retailers and equipment dealers would use 3D printers as an inventory control solution. For example, when a tractor part breaks, the local dealer could simply ‘print’ a replacement part without worrying whether or not it was in stock. However, even having your own 3D printer on farm could definitely be a possibility, with some speculating that the cost of printers might come down to as little as $2,000 over the next few years. Farmers could then purchase computer assisted design (CAD) files created by engineers, and then create the parts they need. MORE INFORMATION For further information, please contact vegetablesWA on (08) 9481 0834.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

From as low as 40c* Crate Hire Excluding GST. Excluding crate deposit. *Perth depot pricing. (Cash discount rate)

United Crate Co-operative Ltd. Perth Office: 1 Zanni Street Canning Vale WA 6155 Phone: (08) 9455 1540 Fax: (08) 9455 2376 Email: info@unitedcrate.com.au Web: www.unicrates.com.au

YOUR INDUSTRY

YOUR

INDUSTRY

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Growing

Francis Tedesco, Peter Wauchope and The Hon Ken Baston MLC.

Western Australian horticulture Employing over 6,000 people and valued at almost $1 billion, Western Australia’s thriving horticulture industry is a vital and growing sector of the State’s economy, according to Agriculture and Food Minister, Ken Baston.

“We may not be the biggest horticulture producer in Australia at the moment, however with a number of WA Government policies now in place to boost the size and diversity of the State’s $6 billion agriculture and food industry, I believe we may see a significant expansion of our horticulture industry,” Minister Baston said. “Horticulture production requires good land and a good water supply. The Ord River Irrigation Expansion Stage 2 in WA’s Kimberley region — called Goomig farmlands — has both the land and the water needed to allow the development of horticulture in that area. “Almost 8,000 hectares were assessed as suitable for agricultural development and it is possible that in future we may see growing on those farmlands many of the horticulture products in high demand in WA and in our export markets. The Minister said drilling has begun to make more water available in the Gascoyne Food Bowl as part of the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

“The drilling program will determine the capacity for future development for horticultural production in the Gascoyne region, he said.

“The aim of the drilling is to find an additional four gigalitres (GL) per annum, over and above the 12GL currently licenced and available, to support additional horticultural production in Carnarvon. The Gascoyne Food Bowl, funded by the Royalties for Regions initiative and led by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), aims to significantly increase horticultural production from the Carnarvon area through the provision of new land and water resources for irrigation expansion. The additional water and land expected resulting from this program are expected to increase the value of production in the Carnarvon region to more than $100 million per annum.

YOUR INDUSTRY

“Recently, I visited Trandos Hydroponics and Sun City Farms and I couldn’t help be impressed with the extensive and innovative work being done at these two businesses,” Mr Baston said. Harry and Danny Trandos with The Hon Ken Baston MLC.

Mr Baston said WA produces a diverse range of top quality horticultural products, from delicious mangoes and other tropical crops from the existing Ord River Irrigation Area in the north, to crisp, crunchy vegetables on the coastal sands near Perth, and outstanding wines and delicious fruit from the South West. In 2012–13 WA’s horticulture exports were valued at almost $150 million, the top products being wine, carrots, strawberries, potatoes and avocados, with the main export markets Singapore, United Arab Emirates, China, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. “With the opening up of new areas for horticulture, such as in the Kimberley and Gascoyne regions, it is possible that we could significantly increase our horticulture exports,” Mr Baston said.

With WA horticulture in high demand around the world, Mr Baston said he welcomed further expansion of existing horticulture businesses — and the development of new ones — to take advantage of the export market opportunities that exist. Despite higher labour costs in Australia, our horticulture export advantages include: a reputation for reliability of supply and safe, quality-assured products; counter-seasonal production to the northern hemisphere providing windows of opportunity in specific markets; strong export culture; and short sea freight delivery times to many Asian and Middle East markets. The Minister said he congratulates all the very hard-working people who make up the State’s horticulture industry, and always welcomes the opportunity to meet with them on their farms.

“Before entering Parliament, I was a farmer for 34 years, so I appreciate all the hard work and the many challenges you face when you work on the land running these sort of businesses. “However, despite the difficulties and sometimes unpredictable nature of any sort of farming, including horticulture, it is an inherently rewarding activity when you are in the business of growing things. “High quality and safe WA horticulture products are in high demand around the world, so I encourage anyone looking at establishing a new business to seriously consider investing in horticulture, particularly in those areas of the State being opened up for agriculture development.” MORE INFORMATION For more information contact the Field Extension Officers at vegetablesWA on (08) 9481 0834.

“That would be great news for the State’s economy and great news for WA jobs.” Mr Baston said the WA Government, through DAFWA, continues to provide valuable support and research to ensure the State’s horticulture industry remains worldclass and efficient. “With Royalties for Regions funding support, DAFWA is running a water use efficiency project, More Dollars per Drop, to assess current use and develop innovative ways to improve water use in the horticulture, wine and dairy industries,” he said. “As a part of this initiative, 300 free comprehensive on-farm assessments of irrigation systems and production capacity are being undertaken across WA’s dairy, fruit, vegetable and grape industries, with around 100 already completed.” WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Minister of Water and Forestry3 meeting with Vietnamese growers in Carnarvon BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

The Hon Mia Davies MLA has met with representatives of the Vietnamese grower community in Carnarvon with vegetablesWA Vietnemese Field Extension Officer, Truyen Vo during her visit to Carnarvon in June. The meeting created the first ever opportunity for representatives of the Vietnamese grower community to raise concerns with The Hon Mia Davies regarding the water issues and communication issues relative to the expansion of 400ha of land for horticulture under the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative in the area. Key concerns include: • Vietnamese growers in the area having insufficient knowledge and information on the structure, organisation, and operation of water management and water supply bodies in the area • Lack of a platform to facilitate two-way communication between the Vietnamese growers and the water management and water supply bodies • Lack of power for the Vietnamese growers to participate in the decision making process relative to water management and water supply • Absence of a Vietnamese grower representatives in water management and water supply bodies • Lack of Vietnamese growers’ voice in the Carnarvon Ministerial Advisory Committee

WA Grower SPRING 2014

• Not being consulted in the preparation and implementation of the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative • Concern about the potential competitiveness for water resources and market between existing farming areas and the expanded horticultural area. The Vietnamese grower representatives discussed in the meeting the efforts made, with help of the Vietnamese Extension Officer, to address the concerns. Those include: • Participating in projects to improve water use efficiency • Participating in meetings to gain insight on the structure, organisation, and operation of water management and water supply bodies • Election of an active Vietnamese community member to take a seat on the management board of the Water Cooperative. We are waiting for approval • Actively link to vegetablesWA and its Vietnamese Extension Officer to obtain updated information related to the issues.

The Hon Mia Davies MLA appreciated the meeting as well as information provided by the Vietnamese growers and the Vietnamese Extension Officer and committed to take action to the issues raised. Following the meeting a number of activities have been made to improve the situation. A meeting was organised for representatives of the Vietnamese growers in Carnarvon to discuss with Dr Des Lord what the Carnarvon Ministerial Advisory Committee is undertaking and make him aware of any issues. The meeting will be at the Department of Water's (DoW) office.

These follow-up actions with the DoW and the Carnarvon Ministerial Advisory Committee (Dr Des Lord) has provided a pathway for the Vietnamese community of Carnarvon to be better represented in the industry, grower advisory groups and associations.

The Ministerial office has also sent a email to acknowledged the role of Vietnamese Extension Officer at vegetablesWA in the consultation with Dr Lord for the Ministerial Advisory Committee report. He is considering making nominations to the Carnarvon Water Allocation Advisory Committee that advises the Minister for Water directly on matters around water management and implementing the Lower Gascoyne Allocation Plan. Better communication and information channels were also created among involved participants and organisations. A point of contact was offered by the ministerial office to the Vietnamese Extension Officer. This point of contact is to take calls directly or email any issues or ideas for furthering the engagement of the Vietnamese community in water management and governance in the very important Carnarvon horticultural district. The Gascoyne River aquifer update and the and information on Gascoyne Food Bowl drilling program were sent to Vietnamese Field Extension Officers for translation into Vietnamese and then handed out to the Vietnamese growers in Carnarvon. This provides the growers with an assessment of the status of groundwater resources and keep them updated with progress of the program. MORE INFORMATION Please contact Truyen Vo at vegetablesWA if you would like any further information or have any concerns. Phone (08) 9481 0834 email truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au

8 33 3 45 749 YOUR INDUSTRY

32 5588

33 45

74 53

61 Study finds that Australia’s farmer population is

‘competitively young’ A new study funded by the Rural Industries R&D Corporation (RIRDC) has found that, while the number of younger farmers entering agriculture continues to fall, the Australian farm population remains ‘competitively young’ compared to other developed economies. The report, titled New entrants to Australian agricultural industries — where are all the young farmers? used Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population census data from the eight censuses conducted between 1976 to 2011 to examine the current demographic structure of the Australian farmer population. The report quantifies the extent of structural ageing in the Australian farm sector, examines the behaviours that are causing structural ageing and explores the social, demographic and economic conditions that influence these behaviours. The study found that the number of farmers aged under 35 years of age has fallen by 75% since 1976. The most important factor in this decline has been the falling numbers of farms due to farm aggregation, leaving fewer opportunities for younger people to enter agriculture.

The author of the report, Neil Barr, from the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria (DEPI), said another reason for declining numbers of younger farmers are factors that are common with the rest of the Australian labour market, including structural ageing of the Australian workforce and delayed entry to the workforce due to longer years spent in tertiary education. “What sets farming apart from other occupations is the lowering rate of exit from farming amongst farmers aged over 65 — since 1991 the population of farmers aged over 65 has increased by 55%. This decreases the proportional measure of farmers aged under 35 and is also an important contributor to the increasing median age of the farmer population. “In addition to these factors, the increasing age of first marriage in Australia has reduced the number of younger female entrants to farming.”

DOWNLOAD FOR

FREE

The increasing age of first marriage in Australia has reduced the number of younger female entrants to farming.

Of particular importance is the study’s tentative finding that many of Australia’s younger farmers can be found on the larger farms which produce the bulk of Australia’s farm production. “These farms are comparatively immune to the ageing seen in the rest of the farm sector. This means that structural ageing in the farm sector is probably not a threat to Australia’s food security or to future growth in the sector,” Mr Barr said. MORE INFORMATION The publication New entrants to Australian agricultural industries — where are all the young farmers? can be found on the RIRDC website: https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/ items/14-003

However, despite these figures the study concluded that there is little cause for concern over any link between farm sector structural ageing, low recruitment of younger people into agriculture and food security. Australia has a younger farming population compared to all but one other developed country — New Zealand. WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Star researcher

from our potato patch Department of Agriculture and Food

Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) virologist Brenda Coutts has been named the national vegetable industry’s Researcher of the Year for work on Australia’s favourite vegetable, the potato. The announcement was made at the AUSVEG National Awards for Excellence in Cairns in July. Over the last few years Ms Coutts has been investigating potato virus Y (PVY), work initially funded by Western Australian growers through the Agricultural Produce Commission’s fee for service in 2012. Her findings have been of great value to the industry nationally, and she has been invited to Victoria, South Australia and Queensland to talk to growers at industry workshops.

Most recently she spoke to the Australasian Plant Virology Workshop held in Brisbane in mid-August. This was attended by more than 100 delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United States as well as Australia.

“Good quarantine and monitoring are important to prevent its spread into WA. And it is encouraging that over the last year, virus testing of G2 registered and certified seed producers in WA found only one infected with PVY.”

“Viruses can reduce yields in vegetable crops by half and reduce quality and marketing opportunities. Better understanding of their control and spread is vital,” she said.

Ms Coutts is currently working on a review of research about PVY funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL). This aims to identify gaps in knowledge and make recommendation for future national research.

“Potato virus Y causes blackening inside the tuber, making it unsaleable. Planting virus tested seed is the best method to control PVY.” Ms Coutts stressed that growers should ensure they planted only certified, clean seed, however reputable its source appeared. WA growers are currently affected by the ordinary (O) strain of PVY, unlike the Victorian and South Australian industries which have been infected by the N and NTN (tuber necrosis) strains which appear to be much more virulent. “A few years ago Victoria and South Australia had mainly the O strain, but this seems to have been pushed out by NTN in some localised areas,” she said.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

She has also developed a short grower survey to help better understand what is happening on the ground. This was due to close in late September and could be accessed at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/ potatovirusY MORE INFORMATION The Researcher of the Year award is sponsored by Bayer CropScience and recognises research or extension work that has advanced industry and offered long-term benefits. This year’s award was shared with Professor Salah Sukkarieh from NSW who has developed a farm robot.

r t fo u o ! ch Wat osters imp

N COM OW PATI WITH BLE

Dacthal, the powerful concentrated granule from Crop Care, offers a safe and easy product to use for effective broad spectrum weed control. A high quality fully loaded Chlorthal Dimethyl formulation that you can trust to perform in all conditions. Using Crop Care’s patented WG technology, you can rely on the power of Dacthal 900 WG to control weeds in your crop. With 30 years experience we have the recipe for success. Watch out for inferior “wannabes”! Talk to your Crop Care dealer about the convenient 2kg pack or the 20kg bulk bag of Dacthal. www.cropcare.com.au Dacthal is a registered trademark of Amvac Chemical Corporation. Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd ACN 061 362 347.

YOUR INDUSTRY

Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative getting into gear

BY TONY DELLA BOSCA PROJ ECT MANAGER, GASCOYNE FOOD BOWL INITIATIVE

• $300,000 was released in November 2013 as an emergency drilling program. Twelve exploratory holes were drilled, with one production bore established. The bore is highly productive, producing 1.5 megalitres of water daily. Three other sites were identified by DAFWA and developed by Gascoyne Water Asset Mutual Cooperative, (GWAMCO) • Global Groundwater has been appointed as the drilling supervisor through an open tender process. Drilling targets have been identified and drilling access paths are being cleared. Drilling will commence by early August The Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative goal is to significantly increase horticultural production in the Carnarvon area.

The Carnarvon horticultural district is an important contributor to Western Australian production of fresh fruit and vegetables for both the local and export markets, thanks to irrigation from the Gascoyne River. Carnarvon is well placed geographically and offers short air and sea freight delivery times to many Asian and Middle East markets. Annual horticultural production from the area can exceed $100 million.

Over winter about 60% of Perth’s vegetables are supplied from the Carnarvon horticulture district. Carnarvon’s warmer winters, coupled with reliable water supplies, have enabled it to become a major source of out-of-season fresh vegetables when the southern growing areas cease production due to lower temperatures. The Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative was established in 2012. Its goal is to significantly increase horticultural production in the Carnarvon area through the provision of new land and water resources for irrigation expansion. This initiative is funded by the State Government's Royalties for Regions with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA), as the lead agency.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

The Gascoyne Food Bowl project has four major components and is due for completion in 2016:

• The contract for the electrification of the existing northern borefield has been awarded to Horizon Power with a targeted completion date of September 30, 2014

1. Sourcing and delivery of additional water suitable for horticultural production (about four gigalitres (GL) including surface water optimisation strategies.

• Drilling and water testing contracts have been accepted by the State Tender Review Committee and are due to be awarded by the end of July

2. Electrification of the existing northern borefield and the new northern borefield.

• The Native Title process has commenced with a detailed land development plan that has been accepted by the Department of Land

3. Identification, development and release of an additional 400 hectares for horticultural purposes. 4. Improved Natural Resource Management (NRM) practices. Improved management of land and water resources by growers can assist the Carnarvon Horticultural industry to address the impacts of flooding and conversely, of water shortages during drought. Great progress has been made so far with key achievements being: • An airborne electromagnetic survey (AEM) was carried out and analysed to assist in identifying drill target sites. These sites enable the drilling of water to be more targeted and effective

• A 400 hectare draft detailed farm design has been prepared

• The Local Consultative Committee (LCC) has been briefed on progress to date with the Gascoyne Food Bowl project. The next steps that are involved in the project are: • Progressing of the land tenure • Market and investment appraisal and review • Construction phase for electrical supply of current borefields • Exploratory and production drilling program. MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative visit www.agric.wa.gov.au or email gascoynefoodbowlinitiative@agric. wa.gov.au for a copy of the most recent newsletter.

YOUR INDUSTRY

Potato Marketing Act Regulation BY JIM TURLEY POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION OF WA INC

Continue Potato Marketing Act (Regulation) or deregulate?... that is the question gripping the fresh potato industry in Western Australia at this time. Our fresh potato grower’s livelihoods are in the hands of cabinet who will make the decision in the coming months. The free market advocates will argue the same old line “leave it to market forces to prevail”. Of course they don’t have to rely on their individual negotiations with the two largest supermarkets in Australia for their salaries each week.

A very small amount of growers may not be financially affected; however, the majority of growers will be seriously and financially affected. Regulation co-ordinates and controls a consistent supply of fresh potatoes 52 weeks a year where there is very little waste. There is no over or under supply whilst the industry remains at a steady and stable competitive price to consumers. The consumer has been paying less in WA than the Eastern States, for the past ten years. Regulation allows the fresh potato growers, to become involved in their supply chain. In particular their involvement with consumers.

So much so, that last financial year 2013–14, WA consumers of fresh potatoes increased their per capita consumption of fresh potatoes. This excellent achievement flies in the face of a worldwide trend, including the Eastern States, of decline in fresh potato consumption. This result was achieved following a very successful marketing and promotion campaign funded by the fresh potato growers of WA through the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC). Variety development has produced many exciting new varieties onto our local markets for example Royal Blue, Dutch Cream, Laura and many more. The regulated system allows consumers to dictate their choices, for example yellow flesh varieties are in demand more and more. All of the operations of the PMC who administrates the Marketing of Potatoes Act & Operations in WA are paid for by the potato growers. There is no financial involvement by the Government or tax payers. Finally I will say since 1946 the Potato Marketing Act has been reviewed every five years and the regulated system has survived. It has survived because it works for the consumers and growers in WA.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Grower profile Name Tuan Quang Huynh Location Carnarvon Property size 10ha PERTH

Enterprises Tomatoes

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Grower profile

Tuan Quang Huynh BY SARAH HOUSTON FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

A new grower to the district, Tuan Huynh has now been growing tomatoes in Carnarvon for just two years.

“The best things about being a grower in Carnarvon is being able to take advantage of the good times — taking my family fishing and going out bush with friends,” say Tuan about some of the reasons he made the seachange from city to country life.

Tuan grows a number of different varieties of tomatoes for the WA domestic market on his 25 acres of land on South River Road, Carnarvon. His product is predominantly sold through the local Loveapple group.

But being a grower also comes with its challenges. Tuan has found this in times such as last year’s 80% cut back on water allocations. Another major issue at the moment is cattle coming in from neighbouring stations and destroying his crops.

Prior to moving to Carnarvon to grow vegetables, Tuan was a service manager in Melbourne, installing and repairing automatic shop entry gates. After many years working his way up through the ranks in that industry, Tuan decided that it was time for a change and moved his family to the Gascoyne region. Already with family connections in Carnarvon, Tuan learnt to grow by working for other tomato growers, constantly gaining knowledge and working on his skills with the ambition to eventually own and run his own property. His family and friends have taught him everything he knows about growing tomatoes and making the right connections within the industry.

“It is difficult to get ahead when these sorts of unforeseen situations come up. As growers we can only control certain factors, but these things are completely out of our control. That can be the hardest thing to deal with sometimes.” These issues that relate to the whole community are some of the challenges that Tuan believes could be addressed by the industry in the future. He sees support from the community and the vegetable industry as very important to help growers through such problems and to find long term solutions.

Despite the challenges, Tuan is enjoying the new lifestyle for himself and his family and sees some great opportunities for the tomato industry in the future. He is a believer in keeping strong relationships and communication with other growers and community members to ensure his business and the region as a whole can be as productive and profitable as possible. “Being a new grower, you need make sure you maintain good friendships and communication with the other growers so that we can all help each other.”

Tuan grows a number of different varieties of tomatoes for the WA domestic market.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Photos: Department of Water (DoW)

YOUR INDUSTRY

Gascoyne River

aquifer update

During 2014 the Gascoyne River experienced three minor flow events in January, February and May.

This aquifer update provides an assessment of the status of groundwater resources for the Subarea A and Subarea B–L. The aquifer update utilises data between March 31, 2014 to June 30, 2014 from plantation production and Department of Water (DoW) monitoring bores in Subarea A, together with Water Corporation and Gascoyne water cooperatives monitoring data for Subarea B–L. The Gascoyne River aquifer system sustained several minor flow events in early 2014 that provided recharge to the River Bed Sand (RBS) and to a lesser extent the Older Alluvial Aquifer (OAA). Aquifer storage calculations after the flow events indicate a recharge of 11.5 gigalitres (GL) for the RBS and 2.8GL for the OAA. Since the March aquifer update the RBS storage has decreased by 0.9GL and the OAA has remained stable. The stable level of the OAA is likely to due to infiltration from the RBS into the underlying OAA offsetting abstraction. Subarea A is predicted to produce of 4.8GL and B-L 7.1GL for 2014, giving a total water district groundwater budget of 11.9GL in 2014.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Gascoyne River flow events During 2014 the Gascoyne River experienced three minor flow events in January, February and May. The highest peak was recorded on February 3, 2014 at 2.8m. There is a very low probability of further flow events in 2014. The probability of flow is highest in the February to April period each year.

Aquifer status Total storage volume — RBS Due to the minor flows of early 2014 the storage volume of the RBS aquifer in Subareas A and B–L increased from 4.1GL to 19.2GL. This is a full recharge of the RBS but there was not enough flow induced flushing of aquifer to remove all the brackish water intrusion that occurred in 2012.

Since the early 2014 flows the water levels in the RBS have started to decline due to abstraction and some downward migration of storage volume into the OAA. Total storage volume — OAA The total storage volume for the OAA is estimated using the CIDAC tool and reported as a depletion volume. A depletion volume of 9.2GL was calculated for early January 2014 and 6.4GL in March 2014. This represents an increase in available OAA groundwater of only 2.8GL, giving an indication of the limited recharge caused by the low river stage height and short duration of the 2014 flows.

The period between March 2014 and June 2014 portrayed very little change in the depletion volume. This is considered an effect of slow downward leakage (recharge) balancing abstraction through a period of low demand. With recharge from the RBS decreasing and abstraction increasing, the rate of depletion of storage volume is predicted to be approximately 0.8GL/month for the rest of 2014 which will result in the aquifer being approximately 70% depleted by the end of 2014. This depletion volume will be similar to levels experienced in late 2013. Ground water salinity — Aubarea A The groundwater salinity contouring for Subarea A (Figure 1) indicates a decrease in the volume of ‘fresh’ water available in the western extent of the Gascoyne River Subarea A where recharge arising from the small river flow events of 2014 was limited. There was an increase in ‘fresh’ groundwater volume in the eastern portion of Subarea A, east of the Bibbawarra crossing to the eastern extent of Subarea A, east of Nine Mile Bridge. Whilst overall levels of salinity decreased from the recharge, some areas of the RBS still show traces of the brackish taint from the 2012 saline flows due to its limited flushing.

Water budget In the first six months of 2014 private bores have abstracted 2.6GL from Subarea A. This is likely due to the good recharge of the RBS, unrestricted pumping being declared for two months and increased priority growers have placed on self-supply. This rate of usage will help offset limitations of irrigation scheme water at the district scale.

YOUR INDUSTRY

FIGURE 1 March 2014 and June 2014 groundwater salinity contours for Subarea A March 2014

7254000

2,000

7252000

7250000

1,500

7248000 1,000

7246000 500

7244000

7242000 764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000 784000

June 2014 7254000

Poor response to recharge in western area of Subarea A where effects of flow minimal, increase in ‘fresh’ water storage 9 Mile Bridge Where is the rest of the

7252000

2,000

sentence above???

7250000

1,500

7248000 1,000

7246000

7244000

Increase in ‘fresh’ water storage 9 Mile Bridge resulting from the small January to February 2014 flow events

7242000

764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000 784000

500

TABLE 1 2014 Carnarvon District water budget summary (GL) Subarea

Produced (Jan–June 2014)

Estimated production

Percentage of estimated production to date

6.1

2.6

4.8

54%

B-L south

1.6

4.0

40%

B-L north

3.6

1.3

3.1

42%

14.7

5.5

11.9

46%

Total

Sustainable limit

Not all private bores will be able to maintain this rate of production through the rest of 2014. Thus production from Subarea A is expected to be reduced towards the end of 2014 and into 2015 until a river flow occurs. Water abstraction from the northern and southern borefields is well balanced with both fields having produced 40% of their estimated 2014 production.

However, there will be limitations in how much they can produce on a daily basis due to infrastructure and aquifer limitations in the peak demand in October — January.

Gascoyne River update The Department of Water (DoW) provides an update on the status of the Gascoyne River alluvial aquifer system consisting of the shallow aquifer or ‘River Bed Sand’ and deep aquifer or ‘Older Alluvial Aquifer’ at regular intervals throughout the year. The Gascoyne River aquifer system is administered in accordance to groundwater management units described as Subarea A and Subarea B–L. The aim of this update is to provide growers, the general public and other interested parties information on the condition of the Gascoyne River alluvial aquifer groundwater resources.

Careful management of the OAA and associated borefields will be required until the next effective recharge event, which is not likely until early 2015.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Gascoyne Food Bowl drilling program to begin Contracts awarded for Carnarvon drilling program to make more water available for Gascoyne Food Bowl Fact file • The State Government is investing $25m through Royalties for Regions over four years (2012–16) to drive horticultural development and expansion of the Gascoyne Food Bowl • The additional water and land is set to move the value of production to well over $100m per annum from the Carnarvon region.

A landmark State Government drilling program to boost water supplies and expand horticultural production in the Gascoyne is set to begin.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston announced on August 5, contracts for drilling had been awarded to Austral Drilling Services and contracts for bore development had gone to Advanced Bore Services.

Water Minister Mia Davies said the Department of Water (DoW) would undertake the hydrogeological modelling required to allocate and license the water as part of its contribution to the important project.

“This marks a significant step forward in sourcing and delivering additional water suitable for horticultural production as part of the State Government’s Gascoyne Food Bowl initiative,” he said.

“The department’s groundwater expertise will be used to determine the exact quantity of the water able to be used once the drilling program has concluded, and I look forward to seeing the results,” Ms Davies said.

“The results of this drilling program should determine the capacity for future development of the Gascoyne horticultural industry using the alluvial aquifer.” Mr Baston said the first stage of the drilling program was across 11.5 kilometres of the northern side of the Gascoyne River, immediately east of the existing Northern Bore Field. The initial exploratory, production and flow testing program is scheduled to begin in August with around 20 exploratory holes drilled that should produce an estimated five new production bores by summer 2014. This program follows an airborne electromagnetic survey carried out in 2013 to enable more targeted drilling of water. The project is led by the Department of Agriculture and Food and funded through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the target was a substantial increase in water supplies to support additional horticultural production. “The Carnarvon irrigation area is a highvalue and efficient producer of fruit and vegetables for this State,” Mr Redman said. “The program is aiming to find four gigalitres (GL) per annum, in addition to the 12GL currently available. The project will also identify, develop and release about 400 hectares of additional land for horticultural purposes.” MORE INFORMATION For more information on the project please see this website www.agric.wa.gov.au/land-use/ gascoyne-food-bowl-initiative

YOUR INDUSTRY

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Grower profile Name John Omodei Location Pemberton PERTH

Property size 600ha Enterprises Potatoes

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

The seasons of potatoes John Omodei, a Pemberton potato grower, is planting his 51st crop of potatoes this year — a huge achievement for the Omodei family. The Omodei’s emigrated from Italy in 1915 and moved to Pemberton in 1925 where John’s grandfather started planting potatoes. John’s father Robbie took over the farm but after an accident which meant he could no longer plant, John carried on the planting in 1963 and has continued to do so every year since. John works closely with his brother Danny and together they have 600 hectares which they own and lease throughout Eastbrook. They work by two main motto’s; “It’s not a problem it’s an opportunity” and “Listen to learn and learn to listen” and this is obvious throughout their business and why they have such a successful farming enterprise. Even though they harvest potatoes from January to June, it still takes the full 12 months to get the soil ready, organise the seed, plant and harvest. Whilst they have been using agronomists for many years it has been only recently that they have started planting oats and peas to improve the soil and organic matter. This is a twoyear cycle where the oats and peas are grown, mulched in, regerminated and then ploughed in. This helps manage soil salinity and increase organic matter.

The Omodei’s currently supply Beta Spuds and Pemberton Wash Packers with varieties such as Delaware, Lady Crystl, Carisma, Virginia Rose, Rodeo, Royal Blue, Nadine, Soprano, Sifra and Mozart. John believes that the fresh market needs to adjust and grow to cater for more yellow varieties to better meet consumer needs. John believes that the industry needs to move and grow with the times and there is definitely a large capacity to grow seed potatoes throughout Manjimup, Pemberton and Albany areas as there is a huge demand from the Eastern seaboard. He said “the largest operators in the market, control the market, and we need to work with them to strengthen the industry”. John feels that the potato industry is no longer being supported by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) and there are projects which should be undertaken by them, however due to underfunding they are not able to be there for the potato industry. Instead DAFWA have been transferring their energy to the North into the Kimberly Dawn and Pilbara Dust.

John has a strong view on food labelling and believes what should be on the label is where the product was grown and what it includes, this will help make it clear to consumers.

John recently attended the Tasmanian Study Tour which was put together jointly by the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) and the Manjimup Pemberton Potato Growers Group and found this was a wonderful learning experience and he took two major learnings from the tour. As Tasmania has similar soil, surface water and climate change conditions we can use these learnings in WA. Bio-fumigation is a practice we need to embrace to ensure we can control the pests and diseases such as nematodes, white fringe weevil, powdery and common scab. Secondly in Tasmania they have started using G3 seed and found that the purer life of the seed has given higher yield results of up to an additional 10 tonnes per hectare. John believes that without the support of family, especially his wife Vicki and brother Danny he would not be in the position he is in today. Vicki used to work on the harvest and looked after four children. Every day she still brings John morning tea and helps out around the farm when needed. John plans to be in the potato industry for as long as physically possible and is looking forward to learning and changing as the industry develops as has happened in the last 50 years where the changes have been enormous.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Using fungi

against stable flies One was Associate Professor Michael Furlong (University of Queensland) who stressed the need to be certain of: • How you want the entomopathogenic fungal agent to work • What it is specifically targeting (that is, what insect and life cycle stage — egg, larvae, pupae or adult) • When your target is most vulnerable. As we want to target the egg stage of the stable fly, we must be more certain of when it first lays eggs onto each of the different high risk vegetable crops such as celery, broccoli, cauliflower, silverbeet, lettuce, cabbage and leek because the remnants rot after harvest. Within the fungal kingdom numerous species are shown to be lethal to insects.

Recent research into better ways to control breeding of stable flies in vegetable crop residues has suggested fungi as part of the answer. To refine work into entomopathogenic (meaning lethal to insects) fungi to control stable flies in rotting vegetable residues, I recently visited several experts in Brisbane.

We are planning to conduct controlled experiments to determine how soon stable flies lay eggs in these vegetable crops under a range of environmental conditions. I also visited Nutrilife in Yandina, 110km north of Brisbane, to discuss Myoforce, a product which contains three entomopathogenic fungi that can impact deleteriously on stable flies. Although designed as an agronomic product for improved soil and plant health, Myoforce has potential to be a key component of stable fly management in crop residues.

BY DAVID COOK CONSULTANT ENTOMOLOGIST, THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

One of the key points from the talks was the need to do separate laboratory bioassays (in the first instance) on each of the three fungi individually, as having multiple fungi often results in them competing against each other as well as the target host, and not being as effective as if they were used singly. Based on those results, test formulations with the best single entomopathogenic fungus at different concentrations (number of conidial spores per millilitre) will be trialled in the field with initial high humidity (watering) in the critical phase when the spores germinate, contact and invade insect hosts. Once the fungi have invaded the target pest, then high humidity is not so critical, which means that overhead reticulation can be turned off, in line with the current stable fly management plan. MORE INFORMATION These trials are planned to begin in October 2014 as part of the extension to the research project supported by vegetablesWA and eight local government shires with matching funds provided by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL).

Entomopathogenic fungi could be applied to vegetable crop residues to prevent stable fly eggs from developing into adults.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

~Energising Western Australia

Come talk to us to see what we can do for eligible business customers Supply electricity and gas Arrange energy audits and energy efficiency programs Organise renewable energy system finance and installation

Offer Accredited Green Power We can buy back your intermittent renewable energy using our Wholesale Electricity Market operation and back-up from our super-fast-response Kwinana Swift Power Station

Our one-stop-shop business brings clean energy solutions to your door step.

your power to choose Give us a call today on 9420 0300 to find out more or visit

www.perthenergy.com.au.

YOUR INDUSTRY

To grow agriculture in Australia

farmers need to think like miners

BY MICHAEL D’OCCHIO 1 , BEVERLEY HENRY 2 , CHRIS TAYLOR 3 , LUCIANO GONZALEZ 4 AND ROBYN ALDERS 5 1 N ANCY ROMA PAECH CHAIR IN RANGE SCIENCE AT UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 2 A SSOCIATE PROFESSOR, LIVESTOCK AND THE ENVIRONMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 3 R ESEARCH FELLOW, GLOBAL CHANGE INSTITUTE AT UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND 4 A SSOCIATE PROFESSOR, LIVESTOCK IN FUTURE LANDSCAPES AT UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 5 P RINCIPAL RESEARCH FELLOW AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR — FOOD SECURITY, INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

It’s perhaps fitting that mining magnate Andrew Forrest is in the vanguard of a move to position Australia as a major food supplier to China. Fitting, because if the plan is to work, Australian agriculture… A substantial increase in food production will require major improvements in the efficiency of existing systems, plus the expansion of farming into new areas. That will mean spending an estimated A$600 billion to upgrade and add to the ageing network that currently supports Australian farming, in much the same way that the resources industry paves the way for its activities by building roads, rail, ports and even entire towns and cities. Industry and federal and state governments want to increase Australia’s food production in order to contribute to the unprecedented global demand for food, particularly in China.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

The renewed interest in agriculture is also partly due to the new free trade agreements with major importers of our food, including China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United States. Many people, including the federal government, see northern Australia as having significant potential for food production. In a Green Paper released earlier this year the government pledged that:

No longer will northern Australia be seen as the last frontier: it is, in fact, the next frontier.

A dose of realism Yet this enthusiasm needs to be balanced with careful consideration of the scale of investment in infrastructure needed for agriculture. Indeed, recent agricultural assessments in northern Australia have highlighted the lack of transport and other infrastructure in areas that are being considered for food production, such as the Flinders and Gilbert catchments.

YOUR INDUSTRY

Many people, including the federal government, see northern Australia as having significant potential for food production.

The government has a very important role in contributing to infrastructure development across northern Australia as part of nation building.

It could be argued that the lack of supporting infrastructure is probably one of the main reasons why Western Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ord River Scheme has not been as successful as predicted, and past mistakes should be avoided. The expansion of agriculture across northern Australia will be influenced by the availability of natural resources (soil, water) and capacity (people, communities). But any significant expansion will also depend on the infrastructure that is necessary for food production, transport, processing and marketing. The movement of food in Australia relies heavily on road and rail networks, which are mainly concentrated in eastern, southeast, southern and southwest Australia. Transport networks largely radiate from capital cities, because urban areas are a major destination for food and also contain export facilities such as ports and airports. From cities, the transport networks penetrate into regional population centres and areas that have historically been major agricultural regions.

Much of northern Australia lacks decent road and rail networks. Expanding agriculture will therefore require a largescale investment in this infrastructure. And, crucially, this infrastructure needs to be in place before significant food production begins. This is where agriculture could learn from the resources sector. Mining firms typically invest billions of dollars in infrastructure before digging anything out of the ground. The large up-front investment is justified by the relatively quick and substantial flow of money once the operation finally begins. Of course, it helps that large mining companies have ready access to money and credit.

Putting the cart before the horse In contrast, it is not uncommon for agricultural production to start before infrastructure is in place, and for that infrastructure to be progressively added as production expands. But this model will not work for the magnitude, and predicted time-frame, of the increased food production envisaged across northern Australia.

The agricultural industry must itself look at non-traditional sources of capital for infrastructure. Resource companies' recent major investment in the northern beef industry is an interesting development, which illustrates the capital reserves of resource companies, their large investment potential, and their capacity to drive major transformations in how industries operate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of thinking that northern Australia needs.

The road to the north At the moment, northern Australia is not ready for large-scale agricultural expansion. Infrastructure is still concentrated around traditional areas of food production in other parts of the country. Take beef, for example, where facilities for processing and marketing are mainly found in eastern, southeast, southern and southwest Australia. If beef production is to increase substantially in northern Australia, infrastructure will need to be a priority consideration. The new beef abattoir near Darwin is a rare example of new infrastructure driving production, rather than the reverse. Similarly, grain infrastructure (silos, export facilities) is found mainly near existing rail links. Expanding grain production into northwest Australia, partly in response to climate variability and change, would require major investment in storage and transport infrastructure. WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

Dairy is a slightly different question, as the future could see the current pasturebased system give way to intensive, largerscale production – a move that would need lots of new transport and processing infrastructure — or a broad retention of the existing system.

Can Australia capitalise? If Australia is going to benefit from booming global food demand, perhaps we need to focus more on investment, rather than other issues such as free trade agreements and land sovereignty. Trade deals are important, but we need to make sure we can actually deliver the goods.

Without this funding, Australia’s ageing road, rail and ports will come under increased pressure, while whole new systems will need to be constructed if the north is to join other parts of the country as a major farming area. That’s why farming should take its cue from the mining industry, where billions of dollars are routinely invested up-front for projects that typically last for 15–20 years. If managed correctly, agriculture lasts much longer than that, potentially creating opportunities for rural and regional communities that will last for generations.

Disclosure statement Michael D’Occhio receives funding from Meat and Livestock Australia and has confidential funding agreements with three veterinary pharmaceutical companies. Beverley Henry, Chris Taylor, Luciano Gonzalez, and Robyn Alders do not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article. They also have no relevant affiliations.

According to an analysis by ANZ, Australia MORE INFORMATION needs to plough A$600 billion into For the original story http://theconversation. agriculture by 2050 if it is to realise the com/to-grow-agriculture-in-australiaopportunity from the global increase in farmers-need-to-think-like-miners-29988 demand for food. Much of that investment will need to be in infrastructure, rather GS 2294 half page ad_Layout 1 30/04/14 8:44 AM Page 1 than production.

Increase your growth profit with G&S When we founded G&S in 1989, we did so knowing that market gardeners seeding for themselves was both inefficient and expensive. Coming from within the industry, we wanted to create a solution that would allow businesses more time to focus on better grow-out, decrease their costs and add value to their bottom line. The solution really worked. Today G&S is WA’s largest commercial provider, producing in excess of one million brilliant, sun hardened seedlings each and every week with an ever-increasing range of varieties. Importantly, our family company remains committed to its values of friendly, reliable service and the supply of a quality assured product at a very competitive price. To find out more, call us today or visit our comprehensive website and increase your growth profit with G&S Seedling Nursery.

9407 5400 lateralaspect.GS2294

WA Grower SPRING 2014

gsseedlings.com.au

1 Dunstan Road Nowergup WA

YOUR BUSINESS

YOUR

BUSINESS

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

Setting up a structured human resource process is not expensive and will help you attract and retain quality workers.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

Look before you leap!

What you need to know before employing staff BY DI GRAHAM SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Whether you’re just starting out in business, or you’ve had a business of your own for years, the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is an organisation you need to know about. There comes a time when volume of work, customer demands or plans for future growth may call for the employment of new or additional workers. But before making the commitment, there are some issues you need to consider. First of all, the work to be done and the duties and responsibilities of the job should be evaluated, and the skills, expertise and experience required to do the job identified. The Small Business Development Corporation has a range of information to help business owners through this process, and the Department of Commerce and Wageline can also provide information on wages, award conditions, unfair dismissal and other employment related matters under the state industrial relations system. Information on the national workplace relations system is available on the Fair Work website or from the Fair Work info line.

How much will it cost? By considering employment conditions, level of pay and other costs of employment, you’ll be in a good position to gauge whether the benefits will outweigh the costs. Other considerations include; workers’ compensation insurance cover, superannuation guarantee legislation,

taxation (including payroll tax), apprenticeships and traineeships, long service leave, occupational health and safety, recordkeeping, equal opportunity legislation and maternity/parental leave.

When it’s time to part ways

Setting up a structured human resource process is not expensive and will help you attract and retain quality workers. Careful advertising, interviewing, and induction will also put you in a better position to choose the right person for your business. In turn, your new employee(s) will also know what the job involves and what is expected of them.

Before deciding to terminate an employee’s employment, make sure you understand your obligations under their employment contract, award or agreement.

Employee vs contractor

• Appropriate notice (not required if dismissal is for serious misconduct);

If you’re considering taking on a contractor, it’s important to know the different legal rights and obligations that apply for employees and contractors. If you answer yes to the following questions, it’s likely the person is an employee: • Do they work hours which are set by an agreement or an award? • Are they recognised as part of the business, take no commercial risk and cannot make a profit or loss from the work performed? • Will they receive paid leave (sick, annual, long service etc)? For more information on these rights and obligations, visit the Australian Tax Office website at www.ato.gov.au.

Attracting and retaining good staff Retaining good quality staff should be a priority for any business 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.

Employees can be dismissed in various ways, with special obligations applying to probationary employees, and those being made redundant.

In general, when dismissing an employee, you must provide the following;

• Outstanding leave entitlements; and • Where appropriate, redundancy or severance pay. Employees who believe they have been dismissed harshly, oppressively or unfairly may claim unfair dismissal. Claims under the State Industrial Relations system can be made to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC). Under the Federal system, claims can be handled by Fair Work Australia. MORE INFORMATION For further information on any staff employment matters including recruiting, remuneration, or dismissal, contact the relevant agency listed below: • w ww.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au or free information line 13 12 49 • www.commerce.wa.gov.au • w ww.commerce.wa.gov.au/wageline or free information line 1300 655 266 • w ww.fairwork.gov.au or free information line 13 13 94 • www.wairc.wa.gov.au Contact the Small Business Development Corporation if you require further information about employing staff.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

How do you handle chemicals? A family owned vegetable growing business in Victoria claims that “even when you think you’re doing it right, you can never be too careful”. The business grows a range of vegetables including lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower; supplying the major retailers as well as wholesale and central farmers markets — locally and interstate. Chemical application to crops for pest, disease and weeds is a regular activity undertaken on-farm and as such, there were “pretty good procedures in place” to ensure the spray operators’ safety, particularly when mixing chemicals. These procedures include: • The use of personal protective clothing, such as PVC gloves, an apron, gum boots and a face shield. A separate pair of overalls are to be worn when mixing chemicals so the smell is not transferred to the tractor cab • Operators are required to read the label prior to mixing to ensure they are wearing appropriate protective clothing • Keeping good records on what is sprayed when, including the rate of application, the product used and what crop it was applied to. This information is required for their Quality Management.

Does your farm have a plan for handling chemicals?

WA Grower SPRING 2014

On one particular occasion during chemical spraying, an operator was completing a routine nozzle check in the field when one of the nozzles appeared to be blocked. Due to pressure in the line, the operator was splashed with diluted chemical as he tried to unblock the nozzle. Even though he was wearing gloves, the chemical splashed his upper body and face. Fortunately, all of the contractor’s boom sprays carry fresh water with them, so the contractor was able to wash the chemical off immediately and then went back to the sheds for a shower. “We’ve now fitted taps to the end of the line to ensure that any pressure can be released prior to changing or removing nozzles. It is now common practice to turn these taps on before any work is done on the line. “It’s unfortunate the incident occurred and we are lucky it wasn’t more serious. However, it’s been a good lesson that by making a pretty simple change to the way we do things we can remove the risk of this happening again,” said the farm manager. Have you had a close call like this on your farm? Check to see if you’re safe — it’s not hard.

Start here today We are conducting FREE workplace health and safety workshops and risk assessment farm walks in most Australian states.

Find out how you can improve health and safety on your property RM Consulting Group (RMCG) and Advanced Viticulture & Management (AV&M), on behalf of Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), will be conducting FREE Workplace Health & Safety workshops and risk assessment farm walks in most Australian states in late 2014. We can provide: • Health and safety workshops • Farm risk assessment walks • Health and safety vegetable industry manual. MORE INFORMATION To find out more or register your interest in a FREE workshop or farm walk, contact Jackie Scally at RMCG: phone: 0468 813 609 email: jaclynes@rmcg.com.au The free workshops and farm walks are available for all National Vegetable Levy* payers.

This project has been funded by HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

* Do you pay a National Vegetable Levy? The National Vegetable Levy applies to all vegetables with the following exceptions: asparagus, garlic, hard onions (being bulbs of the species Allium cepa), herbs (other than fresh culinary shallots and parsley), melons, mushrooms, potatoes (other than sweet potatoes), seed sprouts, tomatoes or vegetables of a kind for which the following rates of levy or charge are not applicable: (i) a rate of levy for subclause 4 (3) of Schedule 15 to the Excise Levies Act; (ii) a rate of charge for subclause 3 (5) of Schedule 10 to the Customs Charges Act. Note 1: Vegetables to which Part 17 of Schedule 10 to the Customs Charges Regulations applies are chargeable horticultural products — see that Part. Note 2: Vegetables to which Part 17 of Schedule 15 to the Excise Levies Regulations applies are leviable horticultural products — see that Part.

YOUR BUSINESS

Including records of the previous year's cash flow and prepared cash flow for the coming year, aids in the preparation of a successful application.

Farm Finance

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

application success story Linh and Bông Nguyen are a family farming business in Carnarvon growing mainly tomatoes to supply to the Perth Markets. Linh and Bông have had their Farm Finance Application approved to purchase a new farm, which they believe will provide them the confidence to invest and enhance their business. “The success of the farm finance application resulted from a careful process of preparation and application with valuable help from supporters,” said Linh and Bông.

Obtain support for information and guidance The provision of information, guidance and documents for the application of the Farm Finance Concessional Loan Scheme (FFCLS) were integrated in the refreshed Plan, Prepare and Prosper workshops organised by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) in Carnarvon early 2014. The activities were conducted with language assistance from the Vietnamese Extension Officer at vegetablesWA. Missing that workshop had left Linh and Bông Nguyen at a huge disadvantage of not having documents as well as missing a useful direct consultation from the program officer for the process of preparation and application. Linh and Bông have had to overcome that problem by contacting the Vietnamese Extension Officer for help. A meeting with the Vietnamese Extension Officer has helped

Linh and Bông gain good insight to the program as well as all necessary information and application forms. Through the Vietnamese Extension Officer, Linh and Bông were also introduced to an officer at DAFWA who is involved in and has full knowledge of the FFCLS. This helped them to regain a good understanding on the application process they had missed.

• All required documents are valuable: It was observed that some other growers have stopped the application preparation process as they did not have support from the bank. Linh and Bông experienced that it is valuable to try even when the bank provides “No” and “Not known” comments — the application assessment is made by the FFCLS judge panel, not by the bank

Linh and Bông maintained close contact with the supportive officers to ask for technical guidance to submit a good application and continue to receive advice throughout the application process.

• It is very important to have a good five year management plan that shows clear planned investment using the loan funds and how it will measurably enhance the financial performance of the business. This need to provide information detailing what the loan funds will purchase, the costs associated with each activity or purchase, commencement and completion dates and how it will be funded (including the loan)

Moreover, the Vietnamese Extension Officer has helped Linh and Bông complete the application forms which are too difficult for them because of limited English skill. “External sources of support are very important. I could not even complete the application forms without help from these officers,” said Bông.

Submitting a good application Tips that make Linh and Bông’s FFCLS application successful include: • The applicants were very clear that the borrowing money they would have to repay in five years, was a sound business decision. They assessed the calculation on return from investment before making a decision to apply for the FFCLS

• Having good record of the previous year cash flow and prepared cash flow for the coming year. This again helps to illustrate the five year plan as well as adding weight to description of planned investment and returns • Being ready to be asked for additional information and stay in touch with supportive officers throughout the application process to ask them for advice. Linh and Bông are now working on their new farm to implement the planned investment and activities. They are confident making the best possible return out of the loan.

• The purpose of Linh and Bôngs’ loan was to add to their existing resources and to purchase a new farm which perfectly matches the aims of FFCLS WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

IDEAS ARE CHEAP IT’S A COACH THAT BUSINESS REALLY NEEDS BY GORDON SPENCE 1 AND PADRAIG O'SULLIVAN 2 1 P ROGRAM DIRECTOR, MASTERS OF BUSINESS COACHING AT UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG 2 L ECTURER, SYDNEY BUSINESS SCHOOL AT UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG

“We want to be innovative” is a catch cry of most Australian organisations. Little wonder. Australian companies are among the least proficient innovators in the OECD and seem to fail at creating the conditions needed for innovation to flourish. Peter Drucker’s famed comment, “Innovate or die” applies today as it ever did. The forecasted end (or slowing) of the resource boom coupled with comparatively high labour costs means Australian firms have to find new ways of competing. To be clear, the term innovation refers not to a random moment of Eureka! Rather, it refers to a constructive process where idea generation (creative thought), experimentation and trial-and-error learning are combined in a search for products or services that provide a competitive advantage. It is a highly complex, multifaceted process that draws on individual and collective inputs. It is, therefore, an innately social process and the “people factor” must be handled well if innovation is to result.

There are many reasons why innovation fails. According to innovation researchers, 64% of leaders fail to back innovation projects (due to risk aversion), 40% of projects fall over due to turf wars, and 35% of the time it is due to poor project implementation.

Interestingly, a lack of ideas is not a common reason for innovation failure. So, if Australian businesses aren’t short on ideas, what’s stopping us? From the top down An obvious place to look is leadership. Given business leaders have the job of positioning organisations for success in a rapidly changing, competitive environment, innovation must be considered a core leadership or management responsibility.

But the innovation process demands a lot of leaders. For instance, as it is intimately bound up with the strategy of an organisation, leaders need to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. They must be capable of embracing fresh thinking (often not their own) and the risk that comes with it, whilst steadfastly maintaining a customer focus. They must also be able to actively and systematically manage the process — from ideation to output — within an environment (culture) that values and supports such transformation and change. The more you think about it, the more you realise the challenge is not about leaders being the wellspring of innovation themselves, but rather being the facilitator of conditions that enable innovation to occur. In essence this is a social challenge, and so the question becomes “how can leaders be assisted to provide the social supports needed for innovation?” Business coaching is one viable option.

The forecasted end (or slowing) of the resource boom coupled with comparatively high labour costs means Australian firms have to find new ways of competing.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

Business coaching is a structured form of collaboration designed to help business leaders and employees accomplish company or performance objectives. Whilst it can be used with individuals and/or teams, coaching seeks to surface human potential, including the latent creativity of individuals that is often stifled by work stress.

Recent postgraduate research conducted at Sydney Business School found business coaching plays a key role in innovation. In this study, survey respondents from 44 organisations reported that coaching not only supports the generation of learning and knowledge (that fuels current innovation), but also strongly contributes to the perception that a culture of innovation exists (that perpetuates future innovation). Findings like these suggest business coaching has an important role to play in innovation management. Whilst it could do this in several ways, two possibilities stand out.

Start with the individual, win the team First, the collaborative nature of coaching is likely to enhance interpersonal trust and promote expansive thought and action within organisations. Studies of human emotion consistently show that fearful people think in a constrained way, with little creativity. The reverse is true of those who feel more secure and experience a range of positive emotions. As innovation relies on novel, “out of the box” thinking, a core task for business leaders would seem to be the creation of high trust, positive interpersonal climates that support novel thinking and encourage the sharing of unusual ideas.

Innovation relies on novel, “out of the box” thinking.

Second, business coaching can help leaders understand the mechanics of team leadership and how to develop high functioning teams. The Australian Institute of Management (AIM) and the University of Melbourne recently reported that leaders working in the top 25 percentile of innovative Australian organisations dedicate considerably more time to communicating with, and developing, their employees. Such managerial skills can be easily developed with education and training, and coaching can providing support to embed changes in behaviour. Business coaching can also be supplemented by innovation training and mentoring to teach the core skills of creativity to anyone. However, as has already been pointed out, innovation is not about creativity per se, nor is ideation a major barrier to innovation success. Learning to create processes that allow innovation to occur systemically and consistently over time requires concentrated support. In the same way that athletes enhance their performance through the assistance of a coach, a business leader also has the option of turning to the skills and experience of a business coach when seeking to address the issue of innovation performance. MORE INFORMATION For the original article please see The Conversation http://theconversation.com/ ideas-are-cheap-its-a-coach-that-businessreally-needs-19335

Disclosure statement Dr Gordon Spence is Program Director, Master of Business Coaching at Sydney Business School. Padraig O'Sullivan lectures on Coaching for Innovation at Sydney Business School.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

Freshcare Questions & answers

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

It has been noted during my extension service to Vietnamese grower community around Perth and in Carnarvon that there is confusion between Freshcare training and Freshcare certification. Below are key questions which can be referenced from the Freshcare website: www.freshcare.com.au

What is the complete Freshcare accreditation process? The complete process towards obtaining Freshcare accreditation includes four steps; Training, Implementation, Audit and Certification.

What does the Freshcare training cover? The Freshcare training introduces the key areas of food safety risk on a farm and allows you to apply these to your own situation. It provides guidelines as to how to manage these risks and outlines the procedures and record keeping required to demonstrate compliance with Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Code of Practice.

What are the training costs? The cost of Freshcare training is set by the individual Trainers; they should be contacted directly for detailed cost information on the services required. The Freshcare training course is likely to cost between $500 and $900.

How do I implement Freshcare? Once you have attended the training course, it’s time to implement the system on your property. Freshcare Trainers are responsible for guiding growers through a streamlined process from initial registration onto full certification and may be contacted for any queries or problems encountered.

When do you have a Freshcare audit? When you have implemented the system on your property and are ready for audit you may approach any of the six approved Certification Bodies to schedule an audit using the information gathered at training and detailed in the Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Code of Practice. To become Freshcare certified you must successfully complete and pass an audit.

What are the audit costs? The cost of an audit is set by the individual Certification Bodies; they should be contacted directly for detailed cost information on the services required. It is likely to cost between $400 and $700. A $102.30 annual certification fee is also charged by the Certification Body and remitted to Freshcare.

Freshcare provides guidelines on managing food safety risks and outlines procedures and record keeping required for compliance.

How long does it take to achieve certification to Freshcare? For most growers it takes three to six months to undertake training, implement and achieve certification. We don’t like to put a time frame on achieving certification, growers are advised to progress to audit once the program is fully implemented on their property.

How long does certification last for? Certificates are issued annually and are valid for 13 months from the date of audit. Subsequent audits should be scheduled to allow the audit to be reported and processed prior to the expiry date.

What is the annual cost of maintaining my Freshcare certification? Annual costs comprise of the cost of audit, typically $400–$700; and the annual Freshcare Certification Fee of $99.00. In addition there is the cost of any testing required. WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

ADVERTORIAL

Agribusiness how we can help With so much competition in the market, it is not enough for banks to only provide finance. Banks must partner with their customers and take the time to understand their personal and professional aspirations.

PERTH

NAB Agri banker locations

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

The understanding and insight a banker can provide is invaluable and at NAB, we seek to add further value by using our deep understanding of the agriculture industry to advise customers and provide the best possible service via Agribusiness specialists who are passionate about the industry.

Who are we? National Australia Bank (NAB) is a very strong supporter of Agribusiness in Australia with over 150 years of experience working with primary producers nationally. In Western Australia we field a team of 55 bankers in various rural and metro locations. Our Perth team includes five relationship managers and eight support staff and each member of the NAB Agribusiness team is passionate about agriculture, whether this is from a childhood on the farm or exposure to agriculture later in life. Our managers provide service to businesses from farm level to the first and second levels of post-farm gate processing.

What can we do? In NAB Agribusiness we recognise personal and business needs often come hand in hand, which means NAB Agribusiness managers are able to provide advice and support for both personal and business lending. In addition to every day banking products, NAB provides customers access to a range of specialists to assist with investments, risk management, payments services or supply chain finance. An example of products and services we offer are: 1. Business lending term debt, working capital, asset finance, business cards 2. Personal lending home loans, credit cards 3. Savings/investments personal, business and superannuation solutions

• Understand customers and their businesses

4. Risk management foreign currency services, insurance (personal and business), rate risk management

• Understand the various industries involved in agriculture and their idiosyncrasies

5. Payment services Eftpos, BPAY, online channels.

NAB Agribusiness’ purpose is to:

• To assist agribusinesses in growing, whether domestically or internationally.

Where are we? NAB Agri bankers are located throughout regional and metro locations across WA. Having a wide-spread workforce allows us to have people on the ground with local knowledge of the areas in which they operate. We have bankers located in Kununurra, Bunbury, Geraldton, Albany, Perth and several other regions across the South West. Our Perth team concentrates on locations around the CBD, or businesses whose key decision makers are based in the metro area. Farm visits are key to gaining a strong understanding of a customer’s business, all of our managers are mobile and make regular visits to key agricultural areas around Perth.

How can we help you? Many businesses can be uncertain as to where to start when it comes to applying for finance, but don’t let this process overwhelm you. Simply put: the bank wants to understand you and your business, and below are some of the basics you need to provide to help the bank better understand your lending capacity: Cash flow — Forward projections demonstrate how much cash the business is expected to generate, and timing of that cash across the year. This will be the major source of repayment for the loans and will also play a large part in structuring banking facilities to best suit the business. Statement of position — A snapshot of assets and liabilities of a business which provides the current position of the business, and highlights any off-farm investments that may help support the proposal.

Financials (balance sheet and profit and loss) — Financial records which provide an indication of how the business has performed historically, and which direction it is heading. Often in Agriculture there are significant seasonal variations or onceoff events that can impact the financial performance. This is an area where the local knowledge of our managers can provide further information or relevance to these events/discrepancies. Valuation — It is vital to know what a property is worth in the current market to avoid over- capitalisation and ensure they are placed best financial position.

Why should you talk to us? NAB Agribusiness bankers want to gain a deep understanding of your business so we can offer you a solution to meet your particular requirements. We understand agricultural businesses can vary, and local knowledge means we can customise solutions to meet your specific goals. Often when a customers is asked what their ultimate goal is, the answer is based on a success for the business. Yet when we dig a bit deeper and look at this more holistically, it is often revealed that there is a personal achievement behind any business objective. By understanding how business and personal aspirations differ, we can help structure finances to help customers achieve their ultimate goals. Developing partnerships with clients, suppliers and stakeholders is essential to the ongoing success of your business, and developing a solid relationship with your bank is no different. NAB Agribusiness can give specialist advice and we want to add value by helping you achieve your personal and business goals. MORE INFORMATION If any of the above products or services would benefit you or you would like further information please contact Daniel Dadd (0427 383 901) or Stuart Fysh (0429 119 348) and we can arrange an on farm meeting to discuss your needs.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

Farm safety What you need to know

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

WorkSafe is currently conducting a proactive inspection program in the vegetable growing industry with a view to reducing injuries in the sector. The program will involve inspectors visiting farms to identify any common safety risks and provide employers with information on how to comply with occupational safety and health requirements. Inspectors will check a number of key areas.

Agricultural mobile plant safety Mobile plant is the number one cause of occupational deaths in the Agriculture Sector. One in every five deaths is due to the operator falling or climbing off a moving item of mobile plant and being run over by the plant or attached machinery. In the agricultural industry, mobile plant includes: • Tractors, trucks and other vehicles • Earthmoving machinery, dozers, graders and similar • Headers • Self-propelled spray units • Forklifts and multi-tool carriers • Mobile cranes.

Agricultural chemical safety Most agricultural chemicals are hazardous and can cause injury or harm to health if not handled and used correctly and stored and disposed of safely. The effects of chronic exposure to chemicals such as pesticides are not always immediately obvious and sometimes do not appear for many years. Sometimes the effects of exposure are subtle, such as personality changes or memory loss.

Electrical safety Hazards associated with all electrical power cords, fittings, machinery, tools and equipment need to be identified as electric shock can be fatal. It is important to check electrical cords and fittings on a regular basis and test residual current devices. If there is any risk of electric shock or electrocution, make sure the item is put out of use and either isolated or kept in a safe place until repaired by a competent person or discarded.

Agricultural bikes Agricultural bikes are any motorcycles with two, three or four wheels used for work on rural properties. Four wheelers are also known as quad bikes.

A quad bike can be a useful piece of equipment but can have serious safety risks when used incorrectly.

Most agricultural bike injuries result from a lack of training and experience, speed, steep, uneven or unfamiliar ground, carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load, attachments, unsuitable protective clothing and equipment and unsafe driving. Young people aged between 10 and 24 have a much higher risk of injury.

A guard may be any shield, cover, casing or physical or electronic barrier intended to prevent contact between a hazardous machine part and any part of a person or a person’s clothing.

A quad bike can be a useful piece of equipment but can have serious safety risks when used incorrectly. Before you use a quad bike, always check if it is the best vehicle option for the job. If you consider using an attachment, make sure that it is for use with your quad bike. Attachments can reduce the stability, operation, control and performance of the vehicle. Make sure that all persons using a quad bike are trained and that they are using the right protective clothing and equipment. This includes a motor cycle helmet, eye protection, hand protection, long sleeves and full length pants and sturdy footwear.

Machinery guarding Manufacturers, designers and suppliers of machinery and equipment are legally required to ensure dangerous parts are safely guarded so operators and others are protected from injury.

Old machinery is sometimes poorly or not guarded. Hazard areas may include moving parts like shafts, sprockets and pulleys that may have been added for various other uses. Original guarding may have also been removed for maintenance and not put back. It is important to identify poorly or unguarded machinery and ensure that adequate guarding is put in place where practicable. There may be times when an operator may need to reach over, under, around or into a machine while it is running. If so, any moving parts or other hazards must be appropriately guarded from human contact.

Noise Noise from agricultural tools and machinery can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, and repeated exposure to noise will lead to permanent damage. The damage can occur gradually over a number of years and remain unnoticed until it is too late, and can lead to a loss in quality of life. WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

anyone at the workplace in the event of an emergency; and a general ‘duty of care’ obligation to prepare for potential emergencies that might occur. This includes identifying potential hazards that could arise in case of an emergency and ensuring that workers will not be exposed to them. The initial treatment a person receives directly after an injury, incident or when they become ill at work is extremely important. Appropriately trained first aid trained staff and first aid supplies must be available in the workplace. Noise from agricultural tools and machinery can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.

Manual tasks

Safety induction

The most common cause of lost time injury in agriculture is manual tasks. Bad backs are not only painful, but keep you from working easily.

Injuries to inexperienced workers account for a substantial number of workplace injuries. When a new worker is engaged for full time, casual or for seasonal work, they need to be provided with the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for them to carry out their job safely. It cannot be assumed they have sufficient prior knowledge, training or experience.

Manual task injuries result from activities that involve pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, repetitive movements and lifting. It includes continually lifting and handling of heavy awkward items and poor work postures.

Most manual task injuries are cumulative. It is the gradual wear and tear from manual handling that takes its toll on your body. Therefore, the way you handle things on a day-to-day basis makes a difference. Some early warning signs of hearing loss include: • Ringing in the ears after work • Difficulty understanding a normal conversation • Turning up the volume on radio or television when others appear to be able to hear adequately • Failing to hear background noises such as a ringing telephone or doorbell. The noise exposure standard for an eight hour day in Western Australian workplaces is 85 dB(A). Typical noises in agriculture that can damage hearing include: • Tractor 95–100dB(A) • Header 88–90dB(A) • Angle grinder 95–105dB(A) • Bench grinder 90–95dB(A) • Chainsaw 105–120dB(A).

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Identify manual task risk factors and make changes to the workplace or work processes to reduce the risk of sprains and strains. Where practicable, use tools, mobile plant, trolleys or other equipment to reduce the risk of injuries.

Workshop safety Agricultural workers routinely perform workshop tasks that in other industries would be undertaken by a variety of skilled tradespeople. Injuries associated with slips trips and falls, repairs and maintenance of machinery and associated workshop tasks are among the most frequent causes of injury.

Emergency procedures & first aid Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and Regulations, the person who has responsibility for the workplace has specific obligations for emergency evacuations. This includes having an evacuation procedure in place to protect

An induction needs to be carried out for each new worker. Induction for new workers will help create a safer and more productive workplace. The induction, information, instruction and training you must provide includes: • The occupational safety and health responsibilities of both the employer and the employee (sections 19 and 20 of the OSH Act) • Arrangements for the reporting of safety hazards and injuries • Safety and health procedures relevant to the worker’s job • How safety and health information can be accessed.

What can you do before an inspector visits? The following are some things that can be done before an inspector visits: • Work through the checklists in the Agricultural Safety and Health Workbook to identify safety issues, then using the risk rating table, rate the risk, prioritise the issues and work out a plan to resolve any issues identified • Ensure your workers have received training for manual tasks, hazardous substances, slips, trips and falls and safety procedures.

YOUR BUSINESS

What is WorkSafe? WorkSafe is a Division of the Department of Commerce, and its role is the regulation of workplace safety and health in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the OSH Act).

The principal objective of the occupational safety and health (OSH) laws is to promote and secure the safety and health of people at the workplace. As a Division of the Department of Commerce, WorkSafe works to support a state-wide business environment that is productive, innovative, fair and safe. The development of a world-class regulatory environment and enforcing the law in respect to safety and health in Western Australian workplaces has priority focus within the agency.

What happens when an inspector calls? WorkSafe generally do not make appointments. On arriving at a workplace, the inspector will contact the employer or the person in charge of the workplace.

It would then be expected that inspector would be accompanied on their inspection of the workplace. In some circumstances, it may be possible for the inspector and the employer to arrange for the inspection to take place at a more convenient time. Inspectors have certain rights under the Act, such as the taking of photos and the viewing of documents such as training records and procedures.

Work safety Notices Where an inspector identifies noncompliance with the legislation, he or she can take action in one of three ways. Verbal direction can be issued if the problem can be resolved prior to the inspector leaving the workplace. An improvement notice is a written direction issued by a WorkSafe inspector requiring a person to fix something which is believed to not be in compliance with the OSH Act or Regulations. An improvement notice states the reasons for the inspector issuing the notice and includes a reference to the specific

Regulation or provision of the OSH Act that applies. Employers are given a reasonable timeframe by which to comply with the notice. A prohibition notice is issued where the inspector is of the opinion that there is a risk of imminent and serious injury or harm to the health of a person. This is a written direction that prohibits the relevant activity from continuing. A prohibition notice states the reason the inspector issued the notice and may include a reference to a specific Regulation or provision of the OSH Act. When a prohibition notice is issued, the inspector will stay at the workplace until the employer is advised of the notice and the prohibited activity has ceased. Failure to comply with a prohibition notice can lead to prosecution. MORE INFORMATION For more information please go to our website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe

Induction for new workers will help create a safer and more productive workplace.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

Work health and safety — where do I start? A family business on the outskirts of Adelaide produces hydroponic crops for supermarkets. The business regularly employs a number of casual staff to conduct a variety of tasks in the greenhouses. The family members realise that they have some risks that need to be managed, such as working from scissor lifts, forklift use, using heavy machinery in the workshop and hazards around the site. To date, they have tried to do the majority of ‘dangerous’ tasks themselves so that it does not put employees at risk. They do not have a Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) system.

Expanding the business The business is looking to install more greenhouses and significantly expand production in the next couple of years. This will mean taking on more staff and working on a remote site where the family may not be able to do all the dangerous tasks. The family are unsure about exactly what they need to do, or how to go about starting a WHS system. They expect it may require a consultant or be quite expensive. Are you worried that WHS is expensive and don’t quite know where to start? Choose to be safe; it’s not hard. (It’s not expensive either!)

Start here today We are conducting FREE workplace health and safety workshops and risk assessment farm walks in most Australian states. Find out how you can improve health and safety on your property RM Consulting Group (RMCG) and Advanced Viticulture & Management (AV&M), on behalf of Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), will be conducting FREE Workplace Health & Safety workshops and risk assessment farm walks in most Australian states in late 2014.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

If you decided to expand your business, do you have the health and safety systems in place?

We can provide: • Health and safety workshops • Farm risk assessment walks • Health and safety vegetable industry manual. MORE INFORMATION To find out more or register your interest in a FREE workshop or farm walk, contact Jackie Scally at RMCG: phone: 0468 813 609 email: jaclynes@rmcg.com.au

The free workshops and farm walks are available for all National Vegetable Levy* payers.

This project has been funded by HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

YOUR MARKET

YOUR

MARKET

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

Market analysis and strategy: broccoli to Japan Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) has identified that there are opportunities to re-establish Australia’s exports to Japan and recapture 10 percent of the import market for broccoli. The project team have been commissioned by HAL to produce an in-depth analysis of the broccoli market in Japan and pending IAC endorsement develop a three year export investment strategy to develop broccoli exports to Japan.

There are six key components to the project, they include: desktop research, supply chain mapping, consumer research, competitor analysis, economic analysis and communication and extension.

To date a number of project activities have been undertaken including desktop research and industry consultation. HAL has identified that there are opportunities to re-establish Australia’s exports to Japan.

BY BRONWYN WARFIELD PRINCIPAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT OFFICER, CLIENT SERVICES, TRADE AND INVESTMENT QUEENSLAND

As part of the industry consultation process growers were surveyed to identify their information needs from this project and a seminar was held in Brisbane on June 17, 2014 involving businesses from a long the supply chain. Businesses and organisations attended and presented from Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Four guest speakers delivered presentations which stimulated discussion and ideas to be considered by the project team. The speakers included: • Jenny Ekman, AHR, Better Broccoli — maximising storage life and quality • Gavin Foord, vegetablesWA, WA Carrot Exports • Mike Titley, AHR, Broccoli Exports to South East Asia and Japan • Scott Bretherton, Department of Agriculture, Phytosanitary Certification for Broccoli to Japan. A workshop session was also held to canvas input from industry participants. Outlined in the following profile are the key seminar messages and key findings from the grower survey.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

specifications Varieties YOUR MARKET

Competing nations Consistent Australian Domestic price fluctuations Australia costs of production 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

FIGURE 2 Key areas to research

Market demand

Industry consultation As part of the HAL funded project VG13048 Market Analysis and Strategy: Broccoli to Japan a range of consultation activities were undertaken withPrice businesses received along the supply chain. The purpose was to identify the Logistics, i.e. research parameters for the project and freight time determineQuality what commercial information is required by industry to export specifications broccoli to Japan. Two key activities Varieties were undertaken. They were a survey of Competing growers and a seminar. nations Consistent The survey was disseminated through Australian Department of Agriculture Forestry

Current supply analysis Market trends Market access requirements Retail prices in Japan Wholesale prices in Japan Japanese broccoli Market specifications Japanese consumer The supply chain to Japan

price andDomestic Fisheries, AUSVEG, vegetablesWA fluctuations and Vegetables Victoria through their Australia costs newsletters and networks. A cross of production section of businesses from growers 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% through to service providers participated in the survey as depicted in Figure 1. Respondents were from three states, Market Queensland, Victoria and Western demand Australia. 78% of respondents had Current supply exported analysis broccoli previously.

Economics of supplying Japan 0% 50%

Logistics, i.e. Exporter freight time Quality Packer specifications Input supplier Varieties i.e. seedling Competing Service nations provider Consistent Australian0%

The supply chain

1. Whattostrategies used by the carrot Japan industry are transferrable to Economics of broccoli? Mechanisation, production supplying Japan costs and marketing. 30%

90% 100%

10%

20%

30%

Domestic price fluctuations Australia costs of production

Japanesethemes came out of the Four overriding consumer seminar:

20%

80%

Price received Grower

Wholesale prices the key impediments. Figure 3 outlines in Japan The main barriers seen to impeding Japanese Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exports to Japan included broccoli price and our ability to compete with Market lower cost competitors. specifications

10%

70%

20%

FIGURE 3 Impediments

Market the key areas for Figure 2 identified trends research including market specifications, Market access current supply analysis of competitors, requirements market access and wholesale prices in Retail prices Japan. in Japan

60%

10%

40%

10%

20%

30%

40%

2. What are the alternatives to ice and Market copyingdemand the USA? How receptive is the market other packing/packaging Current to supply optionsanalysis and what will convince them Market to try other options? 50%

60%

70% 80% trends

90% 100%

Retail prices in Japan

Grower

Wholesale prices in Japan

Exporter

Japanese broccoli

Packer

Japanese consumer 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

70%

80%

90% 100%

3. How can Australia differentiate itself in the Japanese market? How has MLA achieved this in the Japanese market and are these strategies transferrable to broccoli?

Differentiation was identified as the key focus for the project team.

Market specifications

Input supplier i.e. seedling Service provider

60%

4. What is the history of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broccoli exports to Japan? Why did we lose the market and not regain it? What has happened since with the development of the industry that can be applied to the Japanese market?

Market access requirements

FIGURE 1 Type of business

50%

The supply chain Japan 80% 50% 60% to 70% Economics of supplying Japan 0%

This project has been funded by HAL using the vegetable levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

90% 100%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

WA Grower SPRING 2014

70%

80%

90% 100%

YOUR MARKET

Convention

export highlights BY GAVIN FOORD EXPORT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, HORTICULTUREWA

Reverse Trade Mission

In the winter edition of the WA Grower I wrote about National projects to benefit local growers. Continuing with that theme, I’d like to draw attention to two of the export highlights of the AUSVEG Convention in Cairns.

From my perspective, this was a great opportunity to meet with buyers from some of our target markets. It was particularly useful to become re-acquainted with buyers from Singapore and Malaysia whom I had met previously. The Convention environment allowed us to interact in a relaxed atmosphere, which I’m sure will be remembered well and become a nice icebreaker when we meet again. Supafresh Baby Leaves and Center West Exports were among the number of Australian businesses who took the opportunity to show their wares at this event. The following overview was provided by Hayden Moore and Claire McClelland from the AUSVEG export development team: The 2014 AUSVEG Reverse Trade Mission, running from June 16–22, saw 37 buyers from Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan visit Australia to learn more about our vegetable industry and meet with Australian vegetable growers interested in exporting their produce.

The delegation also attended the 2014 AUSVEG National Convention Trade Show and Awards for Excellence. There, they were able to meet with over 50 Australian vegetable growers who participated in a Produce Display. This Produce Display facilitated one-onone discussions with Australian growers to investigate business opportunities and enhance trading relationships. The 2014 Reverse Trade Mission delegates departed Australia at the conclusion of the Convention. The feedback given by these delegates indicates that 90% of the buyers who attended the mission are interested in increasing the amount of Australian vegetables they currently import. One respondent indicated that their business would increase imports of Australian produce by 25–35% by the end of 2014.

Project Mandarin — how to confuse a citrus grower at a veggie convention Project Mandarin VG 12095 — Identifying Market Opportunities for Australian Vegetables in China is a Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) project and the report prepared and presented by Cognition Research includes some really good information. The presentation and report confirmed everything I thought I knew about China and much, much, more. This report clearly identifies opportunities for Australian vegetables in China and strategies to address some of the constraints so we can make it work. The following is the executive summary from the final report. The report in its entirety is very straight forward, easy-to-read and absolutely recommended reading for anyone interested in the future of our industries.

Buyers meeting delegates to help export their produce.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

Executive summary There is a large and growing demand for premium vegetables amongst China’s growing middle class: • The 3 tier one cities (Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing) alone have a population of 56 million people, of whom roughly one third have an income similar to average Australians • Of these, Guangzhou is the smallest market, but may be easiest to address due to its proximity to Hong Kong, which enables easier market access • In these cities the Premium Packaged vegetable segment, which is addressable by Australian producers, was at least 400kT in 2012 (cf Australian market ~4mT) — and is growing very rapidly (forecast to be more than 1.6mT by F18) • Modern Channels, such as Hypermarkets and Premium Retail, are addressable by Australian producers, and are steadily replacing traditional wet markets.

Chinese produce — whilst Australian vegetables are perceived to be healthy and safe • Australia (and New Zealand) are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of Chinese consumers — European or American vegetables would not be nearly as attractive. Regular Australian vegetables would be as favourably perceived as Chinese Organics • Within the target market the consumer sweet spot is families with a young child and a willingness to spend extra on premium food — partly for nutrition for the child. The following positioning statement is rationally and emotionally compelling:

“The freshest, safest, most nutritious and tasty vegetables, grown in the unpolluted soil and water of Australia. Complying with Australian government standards, they’re perfect for your growing family”. Overall, this is a very promising market opportunity for Australian vegetable producers.

Ideal proposition and priority product types: An Australia Branded range of products will make most impact and best meet consumer and retailer needs, but there may also be ‘single product’ opportunities for producers to pioneer the market. The following products have greatest consumer demand, and a high probability of being able to be sold economically in the pricing sweet spot: broccoli; tomato; sweetcorn; carrot; coloured capsicum; and cucumber.

The target market for Australian vegetables is large and has a real need for safe, premium product: • The target market is defined as households with >15kRMB (AU$2,500) per month household income, who currently shop from modern channels — approximately 11.6 million people consuming 3.3mT of vegetables in 2013. This group is most likely to buy premium, packaged and organic vegetables • Chinese consumers eat a wide range of vegetables and are highly engaged with the category. Currently there are few imported vegetables in the market (in Guangzhou only), but there is strong latent demand for vegetables from Australia • Demand is driven by acute lack of confidence in the safety and quality of WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

learning curve, but the opportunity is there. Working with a knowledgeable import partner (i.e. an experienced Chinese wholesaler) is the practical way forward in the short term • Hypermarkets, specialty retailers and wholesalers are willing to talk. Retailers are in a position to recommend how to proceed, including which wholesaler to approach.

Recommended next steps Pricing The Chinese market has a huge price differential between the cheapest (loose product in the Wet markets) and the most expensive (Organic in premium Retailers) — up to 8x. The pricing sweetspot for Australian product is between domestic (i.e. Chinese) Farm Branded produce and domestic Organic. A high proportion of consumers claim they would buy at this price level.

Unique packaging needs It will be essential for Australian product to be packaged — preferably in Australia to avoid contamination. Vacuum packaging is appealing, but consumers are pragmatic. Small pack sizes are essential, as most shoppers buy small quantities of multiple types on an almost daily basis. Transparency is important and design should be simple, natural and modern. Packaging design should immediately evoke AUSTRALIA, using the word, a map, or the kangaroo. It should be bilingual, and include a quality logo and QR code linking to a website to create a sense of traceability.

Market access This project was principally intended to determine whether there is a market opportunity, and establish its nature. Market Access is the subject of a forthcoming project, but we can make the following preliminary observations:

WA Grower SPRING 2014

• Only a handful of commodities are explicitly ‘permitted’ access currently, but as a practical matter access via grey channels is almost certainly possible whilst ‘official’ access is negotiated for more crop types • ‘Grey’ does not mean ‘illegal’ — Chinese regulations are often not consistently understood, or enforced, even within Chinese officialdom, creating legal ‘grey’ areas that are commonly exploited by experienced Chinese traders. In China precedent if often everything, once a product has gained entry ‘acceptance’ by officials may well take place. Cognition does not ever recommend illegal conduct • Producers will have to be pragmatic and accept a level of ambiguity and risk to pioneer the market. There will be a

The industry should focus on achieving ‘permitted’ access for the priority product types. The opportunity is there. The forthcoming Market Access Study should explore the options for the industry to create a single point of contact for Chinese customers to access a range of commodities, with a view to enabling Brand Australia to market a product range in China, and to sell directly to retailers. In the meantime, producers could pioneer the market via partnerships with experienced Chinese wholesalers, subject to their own commercial and legal due diligence and understanding the ambiguity/risk of working via ‘grey’ channels.

YOUR MARKET

Member for the South West Region Colin Holt MLC is urging South West vegetable growers and packers to support his 5th annual Food Drive for Foodbank. Mr Holt is asking primary producers and processors to consider making a bulk contribution during the Food Run week or during peak production times. Second and third grade produce is welcomed, with Mr Holt stating “donating non-market grade produce is a great way of reducing waste and helping those in need”.

All bulk donations are tax deductible, with prices set by the person donating the goods.

Holt says “don’t waste, donate”

Foodbank delivers hunger relief Statewide, assisting 55,000 Western Australians each month. Foodbank’s School Breakfast program also provides 17,000 school kids with a healthy start to the day and emergency meals when required. From October 6, Mr Holt will be driving from Mandurah to Albany, stopping at over twenty towns to collect food donations that will then be distributed to South West families experiencing tough times. "Whether it's a tin of soup or a truckload of carrots, every donation makes a tremendous difference, directly helping members of our own community," Mr Holt said. Bulk donations to Foodbank enable them to supply greater quantities of fresh or frozen produce to people in need. Mr Holt said “I’ll pick up donated produce direct from farm gate or the packing shed, just call my office to let us know when it will be available”. Mr Holt commended South West producers including Patane Produce, Harvey Beef and Fawcett’s Orchards for their previous generosity and said he hoped 2014 would be the most successful food drive to date.

Bulk donations to Foodbank enable them to supply greater quantities of fresh or frozen produce to people in need.

MORE INFORMATION Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Mr Holt’s Office on (08) 9724 1181 to find out more information.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

Top WA chefs cook-off for a good cause

Photos: Anton Blume

The freshest produce, the best chefs, a tropical plantation setting and a long table set for 180 people was the yearly highlight of the Gascoyne Food Festival held in Carnarvon from the August 14â&#x20AC;&#x201C;16.

Nick Donlin, Michelle Forbes, Shane Watson and Scott Bridger in the paddock.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

The Long Table Lunch was hailed another success by all who were lucky enough to get hold of tickets for this annual gourmet extravaganza. WA’s Food Ambassador Don Hancey and his team from Panorama Catering lead the charge again this year along with other leading Perth restaurateurs including Peter Manifis from Incontro, Shane Watson from Print Hall, Scott Bridger from Bib and Tucker, Nick Donlin from Beaumonde Catering and Michelle Forbes from The Trustee Bar and Bistro. Utilising local fresh fruit and vegetables from local grower groups Loveapple and Sweeter Banana, prawns from Norwest Seafood, beef from Lyndon Station and the freshest herbs from Morels the chefs challenge was to each provide a signature dish.

The event was held at Bentwaters Plantation and along with a purpose-built outdoor kitchen under the shade of magnificent old Poinciana trees, surrounded by mangos and grapefruit, made for an idyllic setting. As guests arrived they were greeted by the flurry of white aprons and the exotic smells of a myriad of aromas which made up the 10 signature dishes designed to showcase the Gascoyne’s sensational array of fresh food and produce. The Gascoyne’s very own WA Signature Dish finalist, Paul Kelly, kicked off the day with his Abacas Crab tartlet. The concept of the Gascoyne Food Festival is to showcase Carnarvon and Gascoyne produce to visiting chefs, locals and tourists to the region. The event spans three days and includes a Chef ’s paddock tour, BBQ on the Beach, Long Table Lunch and tastings at the Gascoyne Growers Markets.

Lyndon Station beef short ribs.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

The events celebrate the coming together of the restaurant industry with local growers and the supply chain whilst creating brand awareness for the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s produce. As an annual attendee since its inception the Member for Mining and Pastoral, Mark Lewis MLC, said that the government was a keen sponsor of the event through Tourism WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Events Scheme, which is jointly funded by the Department of Regional Development through its Royalties for Regions program. Mr Lewis made special mention of Peter Cooke and Alex Maslen from the Gascoyne Food Council and congratulated them on running a professional event that not only highlights the region as a food bowl for WA but provides a critical role in ensuring a supply chain approach is taken to marketing the range of Gascoyne food products. MORE INFORMATION For those wanting to know more about, or to be a part of, this gourmet extravaganza next year they should contact Alex Maslen of the Gascoyne Food Council by email at admin@gascoynefood.com.au and for more information please see the website www.gascoynefood.com.au

Above: Loveapple tomato grower Duc Nguyen with The Trustee chef Michelle Forbes. Right: Growers Phil and Liana Frzop with chef Michelle Forbes (centre).

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

It also provided community members the opportunity to support the local community, local businesses and the environment.

AUSTRALIA’S FARMERS’ MARKETS A study into Australia’s farmers’ markets has revealed that they provide a number of benefits to farmers, consumers and the communities in which they are situated.

Farmers’ markets can provide consumers with alternative access to fresh, local and seasonal food.

Funded and released by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the study considered farmers’ markets for four stakeholder groups — consumers, farmers, value added food businesses and local communities.

“The farmers’ markets not only provide an economically viable distribution option but also a platform for farmers and value added food businesses to grow their business, test their products with consumers and improve other aspects of their business, such as management approaches.

The author of the report, Vicki Woodburn said the study identified a range of strengths and weaknesses of Australia’s farmers’ markets in relation to these four stakeholder groups.

“Only 7% of those farmers and food businesses surveyed as part of the study solely used farmers’ markets to sell their produce. The other distribution channels used by farmers and food value added businesses showed how the farmers’ markets were used as part of the overall business model and were a viable avenue to play a role in maximising their business success.”

“The study showed a number of benefits across all the stakeholder groups but the general message was that farmers’ markets are valued by participating farmers and food businesses, with nearly 80% of stallholders participating in a survey conducted as part of the study reporting that they made a profit through their farmers’ market stall,” Ms Woodburn said.

The study found that farmers’ markets could provide consumers with alternative access to fresh, local and seasonal food sourced directly from the food producer; exposure to a variety of foods and the opportunity to learn about how the food was produced and how to use it.

The study reported that local communities can benefit from farmers’ markets through utilising them as a tactic to achieve important community outcomes, such as health, education, tourism, social wellbeing and regional economic benefits. However, the report noted that a farmers’ market may not suit all communities’ demographics and preferences. Jane Adams, Chair of the peak representative body, the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association (AFMA) said the study paints a very positive picture of farmers’ markets and will be a catalyst for the ongoing evolution and sustainable growth of the farmers’ market sector in the future.

“Farmers’ markets are a vital and increasingly significant link in Australia’s food chain and provide a valuable distribution channel connecting farmers and specialty food producers directly with customers,” Ms Adams said. “This significant national study will be pivotal in supporting the continued evolution of Australia’s farmers’ markets, especially in alerting government to the viability of the farmers’ market sector and the role it plays in supporting food producers and regional communities.” MORE INFORMATION The report, titled Understanding the characteristics of Australian farmers’ markets is available for free download from the RIRDC website — https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/ items/14-040

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

CAMPAIGN FOR UGLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AIMS TO END FOOD WASTE... BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

Recently there has been a lot on social media regarding the Intermarché Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables marketing campaign, with so many blogs, Facebook pages and websites going crazy with this campaign. The supermarket, Intermarché France, purchased produce usually discarded for purely cosmetic reasons and displayed it in special aisles, sold them at a 30% discount and calling the campaign Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables. When it was launched, the program was an immediate success; within a month, it reached over 13 million people and stirred a national conversation about food waste and just what makes a piece of fruit, or a vegetable acceptable to the consumer. The campaign only faced one problem: the produce quickly sold out. Now the ugly fruit and vegetables are available in soup and fruit juice form. Intermarché calls it 'a glorious fight against food waste'. The campaign by Intermarché is supported by advertising agency Marcel who, with the help of photographer Patrice de Villiers, produced seven posters starring the unattractive produce to go alongside it. The posters included images of the grotesque apple, the ridiculous potato, the hideous orange, the failed lemon, the disfigured eggplant, the ugly carrot, and the unfortunate clementine. For de Villiers “The most vital element was ensuring the ‘strange but lovable’ theme shone through. I spent time observing our uglies trying to find the precise angle which showed both their ‘ugliness’ and their loveliness, finding their unique character”.

There are obviously sensual aspects to food and eating that we can’t deny: smell, texture, colour. But just because a piece of food isn’t especially beautiful to the eye doesn’t detract from its other attributes. Every year Australians waste about $10 billion worth of food. It starts on the farm, where fruit and vegetables are rejected for cosmetic reasons, and continues right through to the household, where leftover or unwanted food is thrown out. In Australia, between 20 and 40% of fruit and vegetables grown are rejected before they reach the shops because they don't meet supermarkets' high cosmetic standards and specifications. This move is brilliant in so many ways: local farmers can sell what would otherwise be tossed as garbage, the supermarket makes money on unique novelty items, and consumers get healthy food at a great discount. Win-win-win.

STILL GOOD TO EAT...

The Food and Agriculture Organisation reports one third of the food produced for human consumption, or 1.3 billion tonnes a year, is wasted. Food waste comprises 35–40% of household garbage. Once it goes to landfill it produces methane, a greenhouse gas. In the developing world the waste mainly occurs due to infrastructure problems after harvest and during processing. In developed countries like Australia most of the waste occurs at retail level and by consumers. Wasting food also means wasting the resources that went into producing it: the water, labour, chemicals and soil fertility. MORE INFORMATION You can view the YouTube Intermarché — Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables here www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2nSECWq_PE

Let’s face it: we’re superficial food snobs. What food looks like is almost as important to us as how it tastes or its nutritional value.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

Restaurant Australia

Rally Cry We all know Australia has some of the best food and wine experiences in the world but we need to let more people know about it. Tourism Australia’s ongoing Restaurant Australia campaign, focusing on the great culinary experiences our country has to offer is all about trying to change perceptions around the world to entice more and more international visitors to choose Australia as their next holiday destination. As well as conducting Restaurant Australia marketing activity around the world, Tourism Australia is also looking for fantastic food and wine experiences to feature on its platform, www.australia.com/restaurantaustralia

Already, over 160 food and wine related businesses have been profiled on the platform, but there’s always more content being created, so now is your chance to showcase your business to a potential global audience of millions. They’ve even made a ‘how-to’ guide to help you get the best possible listing for your business http:// restaurant.australia.com/content/dam/foodand-wine/pdf/TAIM8585-RA-Website-how-toguide-A4.pdf

You can also engage with the campaign by using the #restaurantaustralia from your social media platforms, so your businesses can be highlighted via Tourism Australia’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google+ pages.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

The most compelling and unique content that showcases people, produce and place will be featured and will be promoted to a global audience of potential travellers to Australia. This is a marketing opportunity not to be missed for your business and is absolutely free. All it will cost you is a bit of your time.

Members of vegetablesWA and Potato Growers Association (PGA) supported the National Tourism Marketing Campaign Restaurant Australia Rally Cry launch at Perth City Farm on June 19, 2014. The WA launch was managed by Chef and WA Food Ambassador Don Hancey, along with Chef Peter Manifis co-owner of InContro Restaurant South Perth.

Other chefs who gave generously of their time to make the launch a resounding success were: • Michelle Forbes The Trustee Bar & Grill • Russell Blaikie Must Wine Bar • Tony Howell Aravina Estate Winery • Michael Waldock Sweetlips Fish and Chip shops Fremantle, Scarborough and Leederville • Ian Leaning Figjam Hospitality • Sophie Budd Taste Budds Cooking Studio • Paul Iskov Fervor.

Dorper lamb shoulder, slow roasted.

Loretta De Stefani, Project Manager Tourism WA said “Feedback from everyone was so positive, about the food, produce displays, all chefs and producers everyone involved, service, venue and mostly about the atmosphere which happened because you pulled everyone to work together”. John O’Sullivan, managing director of Tourism Australia in his speech said “it’s the most atmospheric and best of the Restaurant Australia Rally Cry events so far”.

YOUR MARKET

Display at Perth City Farm.

“The event was a true reflection of what Restaurant Australia is all about, people, produce, place,” Mr O’Sullivan said. WA vegetable growers and companies whose produce was used and showcased at the lunch included: Trandos Tomatoes, Farmland Greens, Sumich EVOO, Mushrooms Growers Association (MGA), Sweeter Bananas, Gascoyne Food Council, vegetablesWA, Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC), Beta Spuds and Southern Forests Growers. MORE INFORMATION For more information on the campaign, please visit www.australia.com/restaurantaustralia

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR MARKET

What is BY DR HAZEL MACTAVISH-WEST MACTAVISH WEST PTY LTD

Veggycation is a new website www.veggycation.com.au with plenty of information and resources to help the vegetable industry promote Australiangrown vegetables because of their nutrition and health benefits. The work was funded by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) using the vegetable levy and matched funds from the Australian Government, and is being undertaken by Plant and Food Research Australia and MacTavish West Pty Ltd.

For kids (& teachers)

Fun facts, recipes and jokes, just for you!

“We have developed a really bright, fun and informative place where kids, parents, education and health professionals and the vegetable industry can find information to better understand how great vegetables are,” Dr MacTavish-West said.

health benefits, and we wanted to give the vegetable industry some tools to talk about how good vegetables really are, and to help consumers realise they can get solutions for most of their health needs in the fresh produce section,” said Dr MacTavish-West.

Giving the industry something to chew over

A tailored website just a click away

There are now plenty of information you can say legally on packs of vegetables linked to their fibre, vitamin and mineral content. FSANZ pre-approved over 200 nutrition and health claims in 2013 that are relevant to vegetables. This is a fabulous opportunity for the industry — to achieve this level of scientifically valid on-pack information for a new product would have cost tens of thousands if not millions of dollars as well as many years of scientific research. So we really need to make the most of our chance. The team have developed some great symbols which call out the specific health benefits. “Veggycation helps you find your way through the legislation, and turns scientific jargon into consumer friendly words and pictures,” said Dr Carolyn Lister. “Breakfast cereals and dairy products have been banging on for some time about their

WA Grower SPRING 2014

There is a page for ‘Kids and Teachers’ which links each levied vegetable and its nutrients to a meaningful health benefit for kids. We also have some simple ways kids can enjoy more vegetables.

Currently the team are developing resources for dieticians and doctors to use in practice talking about vegetables and health, and developing point of sale materials for greengrocers and farmer’s markets. A workshop was held in Perth Market City in June which was very well attended. The Veggycation website now hosts video links to the information presented in the workshops, standard Nutrient Information Panels for 20 of the top selling vegetables, and is about to be updated with information about cooking vegetables for maximum health benefits.

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

YOUR

ENVIRONMENT

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

CSIRO

releases Spanish version of free pesticide risk tool

Spanish-speaking farmers and regulators will be better equipped to manage the impacts of pesticides on water resources thanks to a new version of CSIRO’s popular Pesticide Impact Rating Index (PIRI) tool. The Australian national science agency, the CSIRO, this month, released a Spanish version of the freely available software tool, which rates the potential pollution risk of pesticides to surface and ground waters based on different land uses or industry type, at both catchment and regional scales. CSIRO project leader Dr Rai Kookana said that the new version of the tool vastly improves its accessibility across the globe. A 2005 independent evaluation of PIRI in Australia calculated its net benefit as $13.6 million, with a 37:1 return on investment.

“PIRI has been successfully used in Australia for nearly a decade and, impressively, has been downloaded for use in 59 countries,” said Dr Kookana said. “With more than 400 million people speaking Spanish as a first language, the tool will now benefit farmers and practitioners in Latin America and other regions of the world.” With more than 400 million people speaking Spanish as a first language, the tool will now benefit farmers and practitioners in Latin America and other regions of the world.”

Dr Rai Kookana, CSIRO project leader Most agriculturally developed countries rely, to some extent, on pesticides to enable economic production. In Australia alone, more than $1 billion worth of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) are applied each year. The offsite effects of pesticides, such as contamination of water sources or impacts on biodiversity, are of increasing concern to growers, planners, resource managers, consumers, regulators and industry. The scientifically-validated software determines whether there is a low, medium or high likelihood of a pesticide moving offsite under the prevailing conditions. Dr Kookana said that in translating the tool to Spanish, the research team identified a number of improvements to be made to the English version.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

“These include updated pesticide information and pesticide degradation calculations as well as simplified ways to input data and extract results from the tool,” said Dr Kookana. PIRI has previously been customised for several Australian states, and now for developing countries in Asia as well as Latin America. The development of the Spanish version was supported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation/International Atomic Energy Agency Joint Programme (FAO-IAEA).

“The UN FAO-IAEA have shown a lot of interest in PIRI and have funded workshops for us to train users in Central and Latin America,” said Dr Kookana. A 2005 independent evaluation of PIRI in Australia calculated its net benefit as $13.6 million, with a 37:1 return on investment. The University of Zurich in Switzerland included PIRI in a group of three risk indicator applications rated favourably for use in less developed countries. MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact: Leane Regan, Communication Manager, Land and Water Flagship on (02) 6246 4565 or email leane.regan@csiro.au Dr Rai Kookana (BSc, MSc, PhD), Senior Principal Research Scientist, Land and Water on (08) 8303 8450 or email rai.kookana@csiro.au

KARNUP CLEARING SALE Wednesday, 15th October 2014 Commencing at 12.00pm Landmark has received instructions from M & M POLLOCK trading as KARNUP FLOWER FARM, to offer by public auction on the property, which is situated on 301 Amarillo Drive, off Paganoni Road, Karnup (watch for company signs) the following items. SUNDRIES - PLANT - MACHINERY PLANT & MACHINERY Novatron reverse osmosis unit 100,000 L/DAY; 2 x poly tanks with solenoids and Davy pump for RO unit; R.A Lister 75 KVA generator with automatic cut in & 1000lt diesel tank; Highline galvanised shed 6.2m W x 31m L (3.6m H & 2.8m H) with a 3.1m W x 9.3m L x 2.8m H lean to and 2 x evaporative coolers; 6 x single greenhouse tunnel (31.2m x 7.3m); single greenhouse tunnel (20.4m x 8.1m); triple span greenhouse tunnel (33.4m x 18.8m); double span greenhouse tunnel (26.4m x 20.6m); double span greenhouse tunnel (22.2m x 20.6m); double span greenhouse tunnel (26.4m x 20.6m); shade house (48.2m x 44.4m); shade house (32m x 27m); L-shaped shade house (858.40 sqm); 20 x galvanised (greenhouse) support shelving (L 20m W 55cm H 45cm); 20 x galvanised (greenhouse) support shelving (L 25m W 55cm H 45cm); coolroom W 3.08m L 5.48m H2.15m (All the above items have 1 month to disassemble and remove at purchasers expense). 2 x refrigerated container 2.5m x 6.1m; 2 x storage container 2.5m x 6.1m; 1998 Mercedes long wheel base van; 1998 Ford transit van; Kubota B1702 tractor (769hrs); Zen-Noh ZB6000 tractor; Croplands 600L trailer mounted spray unit with Honda 5.5hp & automatic reel; Croplands 300L trailer mounted spray unit; Silvan 200lt trailer mounted spray unit; trailer 1.8m x 1.6m; trailer 1.1m x 0.9m; 2 x Ebara electric 3hp pump; Stalker electric 3hp pump; Davy electric 2hp pump; electric motor fertilizer mixer; TECO 3 phase dual injection fertilizer injector with control modules; 4 x Vortex fans; 19 x sulphur burners; 3 x Brivis 120 mega joule gas heaters; Nissan van (wrecking); Econo-van maxi (wrecking); Mazda van (wrecking); SIMPLEX staff time recorder; 7 x metal work benches. SUNDRIES Qty reticulation 18mm poly pipe with microjets; qty PVC reticulation pipe with offsets; qty poly reticulation drip line; qty plastic reticulation spikes; qty weed mat metal spikes; qty reticulation micro jets; qty galvanised wire mesh 7 Line 90cm high various widths; vast qty star pickets 1.8m; qty wooden garden stakes 1.8m; Earthlite poly star pickets 1.6m; qty pine posts 1.8m 8-15cm diameter; qty pine posts 3.1m 8-15cm diameter; 2 x plastic garden trolley; 2 x yard commander metal trolley; 4 x metal wheel barrows; 2 x metal bag trolleys; various garden tools (rakes, hoes, shovels); vast qty plastic garden pots 200mm; vast qty plastic garden pots 250mm; vast qty hard plastic square buckets; vast qty square hard plastic crates; qty hand secateurs; 4 x 240v shed lights; office chairs; various office furniture; small plastic tables; printer and spare cartridges; qty scrap metal; plus other sundries too numerous to mention. TERMS: Payment required by Cash or Cheque on the day of the sale, unless prior arrangements have been made with your local Landmark Branch EFTPOS/Credit Card Facilities Intending purchasers must register prior to sale commencing, ID required for registration Please call to check availability of items prior to the sale No outside vendors Light luncheon and refreshments will be available www.landmark.com.au Further details Landmark Pinjarra Allan Pearce 0477 331 001 Technical details Matthew Pollock 0419 955 251

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Soil health workshops for potato growers

Day four was Q & A Wrap Up session allowing growers to ask any questions they had formed during the week. Dr Blaesing revisited the exercise from the first day asking the growers what they have learned and what changes they are likely to implement into the future and how they would build on what we have learnt during the four days.

BY JOEL DINSDALE POTATO MARKETING CORPORATION

Dr Doris Blaesing discussing soil structure and its ability to hold water and nutrients.

Dr Doris Blaesing, Senior Consultant, for RMCG travelled to Western Australia for a series of workshops from May 5–9.

Dr Blaesing talked about the structure of the soils on each property and how different management techniques influence the soil structure and its ability to hold water and nutrients. Samples were then taken from each site to be analysed the next day.

In 2012 Dr Blaesing completed a project for the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) titled, Healthy, High Quality Potatoes; site Specific disease and nutrient management for high marketable yield. This project was focused on trials conducted at Manjimup and Pemberton. Dr Blaesing’s visit to WA was sponsored by the Manjimup Pemberton Grower Group, AgriFood Skills Australia and the PMC.

Day two consisted of a discussion about all the limiting factors that are affecting the Manjimup Pemberton area.

Dr Blaesing spent four days with the Manjimup Pemberton Grower Group talking about soil health, crop rotation and crop management. Day one started with a braining storming exercise allowing growers to highlight areas within the industry that have changed, and where they believed the industry is heading. The group then visited three properties examining a paddock that had recently been harvested of potatoes, paddocks that are currently being cropped and one that was about to go back into potato production.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Day five was a workshop held at Joe Castro’s farm in Myalup, the workshop was a compressed version of the soil health, crop rotation and crop management workshops held earlier in the week. Twenty five growers and industry representatives attended the whole day workshop. Issues addressed during the day included; what is a healthy soil and why you should care? How the plant and soil interact and the effects of crop rotation/tillage/green crops on soil health. One of the major issues to be addressed was the effect of saline irrigation water on potato production. It was discussed how you could manage this now and into the future. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The PMC would like to thank Dr Blaesing for her time and effort over the week, and all growers and industry representatives that attended the workshops over the five days.

It was established that the main issue within the region was low soil pH. The soil sample from the previous day were visually assessed by the growers and rated. Tests were conducted on the soil to find out how accurate their assessments were, with some interesting results observed. Day three started with Dr Blaesing visiting individual growers for one on one farm assessment. These visits allowed the growers to ask specific question relating to their own farms. The afternoon session comprised of Dr Blaesing running through a ‘cost and benefit’ analysis of changing practice spreadsheet. This process allows the growers to be able to recognise and manage risks associated with their farming systems.

Dr Doris Blaesing conducting soil sampling.

YOUR SELF

YOUR

SELF

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR SELF

Hea th check:

why kids don’t like vegies and how to change it? BY DAVID COX GROUP LEADER, SENSORY AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES AT CSIRO

So little Harry won’t eat his vegetables? Well, he’s not alone. Poor Harry is just protecting himself from the danger of alkaloid toxins — although he doesn’t actually know this. At the tender age of four, Harry is neophobic (fearful of new things) and facing ‘the omnivore’s dilemma’. The dilemma is that humans need to eat a variety of foods to grow healthy and strong but there are lots of foods out there that our sense of taste tells us might be poisonous. There are good reasons for this because some bitter plants, for instance, contain alkaloid toxins. But some bitter components of foods, particularly in vegetables, are good for us. So avoidance of bitterness is innate because it’s associated with toxins — and it results in children rejecting vegetables.

d r a w e r 's y r Har r each Earn a sticker fo u try! new vegetable yo

one u Week ns to help yo Go for gree ! stay fit and healthy

o Week tw ry ve low in Eggplant is calories and fats

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR SELF

Widening Harry’s palate Children only have an innate preference for sweet foods because of their association with dietary energy, and only learn to like salt early in life (at about four months of age). But they need to learn to like bitter and sour foods too. In brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale, for instance, compounds such as glucosinolates and phenolics that contribute to the tastes bitterness and sourness are the same as those that contribute to their ‘healthy’ characteristics — the inhibition of carcinogenesis. Luckily, for Harry, he has his family around him. Mum is a trusted source of information about what’s right and what’s wrong, and the gatekeeper of the food supply.

Things will also change as eating vegetables becomes associated with pleasant outcomes, such as having a nice meal with friends and family. The conviviality associated with the consumption of a formal meal is thought to unconsciously increase the liking for the foods eaten. But it’s tough because there aren’t too many immediate benefits from eating vegetables and it’s a waste of time telling him they’re healthy.

The trouble, of course, is that mum can’t face another temper tantrum over a Brussels sprout. So what to do?

We know that taste perception rather than health information has the biggest influence on liking brassica vegetables among adults. So learning to like his vegetables early on is important because it’s going to influence what Harry eats for the rest of his life.

Reaping rewards

The importance of persistence

Researchers in Australia, including me, and the United Kingdom have found ways of getting Harry to eat his vegetables.

chart

It’s true that, at four years of age, Harry has hit his neophobic peak and things might get better through gradual exposure and learning what’s safe.

The study I was involved in included a group of four- to six-year-old neophobic children. We found exposing kids to vegetables about eight or nine times over two weeks and offering them a non-food reward for tasting them resulted in a significant increase in liking vegetables, compared to just exposing them to the food. For example, every time a child tasted a vegetable, she got a sticker to put on a chart. This kind of reward provides positive reinforcement, and the display and selfmonitoring of achievement. All this is stuff is known to reinforce behaviours. The UK research echoed and supported these findings.

Models of behaviour Parental role modelling is important too and more work is needed to provide parents with the skills to deal with refusals. This includes improving parents' belief in their ability to prevail in certain situations. This belief plays a major role in how people approach goals and tasks. But does it even matter? Won’t Harry just grow out of it?

Loving eating vegetables at an early age could set Harry up for a life of low energy dense, high micronutrient rich diets that are going to help his weight and may protect him against chronic diseases. So don’t give up. Exposure to a wide range of tastes in a pleasant eating environment, and watching his mum and dad eat vegetables will all help. And when Harry’s younger sibling is still in the womb, it will probably help a lot if mum eats her vegetables because research shows flavours travel through the amniotic fluid to the growing foetus and influence food acceptance soon after birth. So investing in their own healthy eating helps mothers save dinner table battles months or years later. Fathers, who are likely to be worse at protecting their health, should also take heed and become the right kind of role model for their children by eating vegetables too. MORE INFORMATION For the original article please go to http:// theconversation.com/health-check-why-kidsdont-like-vegies-and-how-to-change-it-12673

Disclosure statement David Cox receives funding from Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL). He is affiliated with Flinders University of South Australia, Public Health Department.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR SELF

RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR SELF

The Award identifies and supports emerging leaders and change agents who have the capability and resources to drive innovation, productivity and sustainability within primary industries, and build economic and social development within rural communities.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s pre-eminent Award for rural women.

The Award acknowledges that women offer a unique approach to leadership, which involves connecting and collaborating to effect change and influence, often without the need for position or authority. The Award also encourages primary industries and rural communities to embrace diversity in leadership to successfully navigate future challenges. The Award supports women with demonstrated leadership capabilities, or leadership potential and community contribution, who have the desire and commitment to make a greater contribution to their industries and communities. It provides women with financial and professional support to implement their visions for primary industries and enhance their leadership capabilities. Each State and Territory winner will receive a $10,000 financial bursary to implement their Award vision. Each State and Territory winner will have the opportunity to participate in the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course and will be supported to develop an individual integrated leadership plan. The Award is an amazing opportunity to further your leadership development, make a tangible difference and inspire others. The Award is a life changing experience that will link recipients with a positive and powerful alumni network of like-minded women across the country who are passionate about primary industries and rural Australia.

Who can enter? The Award is open to all women involved in primary industries and/or rural Australia. No formal qualifications are required. Potential applicants can express their interest through the Expression of Interest process and gain access to mentors and feedback whilst undertaking their applications. The application process alone provides a leadership development opportunity for applicants to focus their passion.

Expression of interest The Expression of Interest process aims to assist applicants by providing guidance and advice around the award program and development of an applicant’s award vision or project. It is highly recommended that all applicants engage in this process.

How do I enter or nominate someone? To express an interest in applying or to nominate an applicant: P: (02) 6271 4132 E: rwa@rirdc.gov.au

For WA entrants contact: Christine Thompson, DAFWA Locked Bag 4, Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 P: 0427 986 351 E: christine.thompson@agric.wa.gov.au

Applicants will also need to complete the official entry form, addressing each of the selection criteria and include the name and details of two referees. Referees will only be contacted if your application makes it to the final round. Email, post or fax your entry to your state or territory contact.

What is the process and schedule? Nominations for the 2015 Rural Women's Award opened on August 1, 2014 and close on October 30, 2014. Applicants will then be short-listed and interviewed in each state and territory. The successful applicants will be announced at formal state presentation events. All state and territory winners will then be invited to attend the AICD Course in Canberra. All state and territory winners will proceed to national selection of the National RIRDC Rural Women’s Award 2015 winner. This selection is undertaken by the national selection committee prior to the award national celebratory dinner. MORE INFORMATION For more information on the award please download the brochure www.rirdc.gov.au/docs/ default-document-library/download-the-awardbrochure.pdf?sfvrsn=0 or visit the website www.rirdc.gov.au/rural-women's-award

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR INDUSTRY

GASCOYNE FOOD BOWL DRILLING PROGRAM TO BEGIN — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Chương trình khoan giếng trong dự án Vựa lương thực Gascoyne khởi công Fact file • Đ ã ký hợp đồng cho chương trình khoan giếng • K hoan giếng để khai thác nhiều nước hơn cho Vựa lương thực Gascoyne.

Chương trình khoan giếng của chính phủ tiểu bang đánh dấu nổ lực tăng cường cung cấp nước và mở rộng sản xuất rau củ quả lưu vực Gascoyne đang được khởi công.

Vào ngày 05 tháng 8 bộ trưởng bộ Nông Nghiệp và Lương Thực Ken Baston đã tuyên bố hợp đồng khoan giếng đã được trao cho công ty Austral Drilling Services và hợp đồng hoàn thiện các giếng khai thác đã được trao cho công ty Advanced Bore Services. Bộ trưởng phát biểu rằng “Điều này đánh dấu một bước tiến có ý nghĩa trong nổ lực tìm kiếm và phân phối thêm nguồn nước phù hợp cho nhu cầu sản xuất - một hợp phần của dự án Vựa lương thực Gascoyne”. Bộ trưởng thêm rằng “Công việc này sẻ giúp xác định qui mô phát triển ngành trồng trọt dựa vào nguồn nước ngầm của khu vực Gascoyne trong tương lai”. Trong giai đoạn đầu của chương trình tuyến khoan sẽ trãi dài 11,5 km của bờ Bắc sông Gascoyne, ngay sát rìa phía Đông của khu Giếng Bắc. Chương trình thăm dò và đánh giá sản lượng được ấn định khởi động vào tháng 8 với khoảng 20 lổ khoan thăm dò và dự kiến hình thành được 5 giếng khai thác mới trong năm 2014. Công tác này tiếp nối theo chương trình viển thám điện từ xác định vị trí khoan đã thực hiện từ năm 2013. Toàn bộ dự án này do Bộ Nông Nghiệp và lương Thực điều phối thông qua sự tài trợ của Chính phủ tiểu bang cho Sáng kiến phát triển vùng. Bộ trưởng bộ Nước bà Mia Davies cho biết bộ này sẽ thực hiện các mô hình địa thủy văn cần thiết để tiến tới phân bổ và cấp phép sữ dụng nước, xem đây như là một phần đóng góp của Bộ cho dự án quan trọng này.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Bộ trưởng Davies cũng phát biểu rằng “Các chuyên gia về nước ngầm của Bộ này sẽ giúp xác định chính xác lượng nước được khai thác một khi công tác khoan kết thúc, tôi đang mong mõi nhìn thấy kết quả”. Trong khi đó Bộ trưởng bộ Phát triển vùng ông Terry Redman nói mục tiêu chính là tăng cường thêm lượng nước đáng kể để hổ trợ vùng sản xuất đuợc mở rộng. Ông nói thêm rằng vùng trồng trọt được tưới tiêu Carnarvon là vùng sản xuất rau quả có giá trị cao và hiệu quả cho tiểu bang. “Chương trình này nhằm tìm thêm 4 triệu mét khối nước mỗi năm cùng với 12 triệu khối nước hiện có. Chương trình cũng sẽ quy hoạch và phân bổ khoảng 400 ha đất mới cho mục đích trồng trọt”. Con số và sự kiện:

• Chính phủ tiểu bang đang đầu tư 25 triệu đô-la thông qua chương trình phát triển vùng trong 4 năm (20122016) để thúc đẩy sự phát triển ngành rau quả và mở rộng vựa lương thực Gascoyne • Lượng nước tăng cường và diện tích mở rộng được ấn định để đưa giá trị sản xuất khu vực Carnarvon vượt mức 100 triệu đô-la mỗi năm. MORE INFORMATION

Muốn biết thêm chi tiết dự án xin vui lòng tra thêm trên trang tin điện tử: www.agric.wa.gov.au/land-use/ gascoyne-food-bowl-initiative

YOUR INDUSTRY

MINISTER OF WATER — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Bộ trưởng bộ Thủy lợi họp gặp gở đại diện nộng dân Việt Nam ở Carnarvon VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU TÂY ÚC

Bộ trưởng bộ Thủy lợi đã có cuộc gặp gở và trao đổi với đại diện nông dân Việt Nam tại Carnarvon và chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam nhân chuyến công tác tại đây. Cuộc gặp gở đã tạo điều kiện chưa có tiền lệ cho những người có mặt nêu lên những quan ngại về vấn đề nước và các vấn đề liên quan đến dự án mở rộng 400 mẩu đất nong nghiệp tại địa phương. Các vấn đề quan ngại đã được nêu lên gồm có: • Thiếu kiến thức và thông tin về cấu trúc, tổ chức, và hoạt động của các cơ quan quản lý và phân phối nước ại địa phương

• Thiếu cơ chế tạo điều kiện cho sự trao đổi thông tin giửa nông dân Việt Nam với các cơ quan quản lý và phân phối nước

• Thiếu tiếng nói của nông dân Việt Nam trong việc hoạch định phân phối nước • Thiếu tiếng nói của nông dân Việt Nam trong Hội đồng tư vấn • Thiếu tư vấn cho nông dân Việt Nam trong việc hoạch định và thực hiện dự án Dựa lương thực Gascoyne

• Quan ngại về khả năng cạnh tranh nguồn nước và thị trường giửa diện tích đang canh tác và diện tích sắp mở thêm. Những người có mặt cũng đã nêu lên cố gắng của cộng đồng và các cơ quan hửu quan để giải quyết vấn đề nhưng chưa đạt được kết quả mỹ mãn: • Nhiều nông dân Việt Nam đã tham gia vào các dự án để tăng cường hiệu quả sử dụng nước • Tham gia các buổi họp và hội thảo để tìm hiểu thông tin và kiến thức về cấu trúc, tổ chức, và hoạt động của các cơ quan quản lý và phân phối nước ại địa phương

• Cử đại diện tham gia vào hợp tác xã phân phối nước để có tiếng nói và thông tin, nhưng vẫn đang chờ để được tham gia chính thức

• Tích cực kết nối với Hiệp hội Rau Tây Úc để nhận được thông tin và hổ trợ khi cần thiết.

Chào mừng Dominic Jenkin

Bộ trưởng Mia Davies cảm ơn những người đã có mặt trao đổi và nghi nhận các quan ngại cũng như nổ lực giải quyết khó khăn của nông dân Việt Nam tại Carnarvon. Đồng thời bà bộ trưởng Mia Davies cũng cam kết sẽ có những hành động cần thiết để xem xét giải quyết các vấn đề được nêu lên. Nhiều công tác đã được các cơ quan thực hiện sau cuộc họp nhằm cải thiện tình hình.

Hội đồng tư vấn cho Bộ đã tổ chức một cuộc họp vào ngày 19 tháng sáu tạo điều kiện cho đại diện nong dân Việt Nam gặp gở và trao đổi với tiến sỹ Des Lord tại văn phòng cơ quan quản lý nguồn nước Carnarvon. Buổi gặp gở giúp hướng dẩn đại diện nong dân Việt Nam các bước đi cần thiết để có được đại diện chính thức trong các tổ chức.

Văn phòng bộ trưởng cũng đã gởi thư ghi nhận vai trò của chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam trong việc phối hợp tư vấn với tiến sỹ Des Lord về hội đồng. Điều này giúp góp ý trực tiếp đến bộ trưởng các vấn đề liên quan đến việc quan lý và phân phối nước khu vực song Gascoyne.

Các kênh trao đổi thông tin trực tiếp giửa các các nhân và tổ chức có liên quan cũng đã được thiết lập. Ngoài ra văn phòng bộ trưởng cũng thiết kênh liên hệ trực tiếp với chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam thông qua bà Liz Western, cố vấn chính sách của văn phòng bộ trưởng. Kênh liên lạc này sẽ nhận diện thoại trực tiếp hoặc email trao đổi các vấn đề và ý kiến để làm thế nào gắn kế cộng đồng nông dân Việt Nam vào công tác điều hành và quản lý nước trong khu vực trồng trọt quan trọng Carnarvon.

Hiện nay thông tin cập nhật về hiện trạng nguồn nước và tiến trình khoan giếng được gởi đến chuyên viên khuyến nong Việt Nam dịch sang tiếng Việt và phân phối cho cộng đồng. Điều này giúp cho cộng đồng nông dân người Việt luôn tiếp cận với tình hình về hiện trạng nguồn nước và tiến độ của chương trình khoan giếng.

Hiệp hội Rau Tây Úc vui mừng thông báo rằng chúng tôi đã tuyển được một chuyên viên khuyến nông rất giỏi thay thế cô Sarah Houston. Thành viên mới, Dominic, sinh ra trong tiểu bang WA và trưởng thành trong trang trại trồng cam quít ở Queensland chuyên xuất khẩu sang châu Á và Trung Đông. Dominic tốt nghiệp bằng kỹ sư nông nghiệp tại Đại học Queensland và bằng thạc sỹ tại College Dublin.

Dominic từng tham gia làm việc trong nhiều lảnh vực có liên quan đến ngành rau củ quả như thị trường, tiếp thị, sản xuất, chế biến, tồn trử, hậu cần, xử lý sau thu hoạch, phân phối, xuất nhập khẩu, khuyến nông và phát triển, tư vấn ở các quốc gia phát triển và đang phát triển và muốn đem kinh nghiệm và kiến thức đóng góp cho sự tiến bộ của ngành rau quả của tiểu bang WA. Dominic mong được gặp gở, trao đổi, cộng tác với tất cả quí vị và Hiệp hội Rau Tây Úc củng mong nhìn thấy thành quả nào đó cùng đạt được với Dominic.

Bộ trưởng Mia Davies rất quan tâm về cơ hội tiếp tục gặp gở với nhóm nông dân cũng như với chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam khi bà có dịp làm việc tại Carnarvon.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Sức khỏe và an toàn

Vấn đề sức khỏe và an toàn lao động – Nên bắt đầu từ đâu? Một doanh nghiệp ở ngoại ô Adelaide chuyên trồng cây thủy canh cung cấp cho siêu thị phải thường xuyên thuê nhân công làm công nhật trong nhà kính. Các thành viên trong gia đình của doanh nghiệp nhận thấy rằng có một số khâu rủi ro mà họ phải lưu ý như sử dụng máy xén cây, xe nâng, hay các loại máy móc khác nơi làm việc.

Bà con xử lý nông dược như thế nào? Một doanh nghiệp gia đình chuyên trồng sà lách, bông cải ỡ Victoria để cung cấp cho siêu thị, chợ đầu mối và cửa hành bán lẻ đã tuyên bố rằng “Thậm chí khi quí vị nghĩ rằng mọi thứ đều tốt thì cẩn thận cũng chẳng bao giờ là thừa”. Phun thuốc phòng trừ sâu bệnh và cỏ dại là việc làm thường xuyên trong trang trại mà vì thế “phải có qui trình bài bản” để bảo vệ cho người phun thuốc, đặc biệt là lúc pha chế. Qui trình gồm có:

• Sử dụng trang bị bảo hộ đầu đủ: găng tay PVC, giày cao su, mặt nạ. Phải có 2 bộ quần áo riêng biệt, quần áo mặc khi pha thuốc không được mang lên xe để tránh mang hoá chất theo.

• Người sử dụng thuốc phải đọc kỹ hướng dẫn trong nhản thuốc để đảm bảo áp dụng biện pháp bảo hộ đầy đủ. • Ghi chép đầy đủ tên thuốc, ngày phun, liều lượng, loại cây trồng. Thông tin này cần thiết cho qui định quản lý chất lượng sản phẩm.

Một trường hợp rủi ro đã từng xảy ra khi một béc phun bị nghẹt, người phun thuốc mở béc ra sửa khi áp lực còn trong ống và bị “tắm” thuốc mặc dù có trang bị bảo hộ đầy đủ. May mắn là tất cả các xe phun thuốc đều có trang bị bồn nước sạch vì vậy người phun thuốc có thể tắm sạch hoá chất ngay lập tức trước khi trở về nơi làm việc xử lý kỹ hơn. Hiện nay chúng tôi gắn thiết bị xả cho mỗi thiết bị phun để đảm bảo rằng áp lực được xả hết trước khi thay béc. Bây giờ thì động tác xả áp lực trước khi tháo béc phun trở thành thói quen. “Thậm chí khi quí vị nghĩ rằng mọi thứ đều tốt thì cẩn thận cũng chẳng bao giờ là thừa”.

Tại nạn xảy ra là điều rủi ro và chúng tôi thật may mắn là nó không quá nghiêm trọng. Tuy nhiên đó là bài học thấm thía rằng chỉ cần một thay đổi nhỏ trong cách làm việc là có thể tránh được rủi ro lặp lại. Qui vị đã từng trải qua bất trắc như tôi chưa?

Thường thì họ luôn đảm trách các công việc có tính “nguy hiểm” để tránh rủi ro cho nhân công vì vậy họ không có chứng nhận qui trình an toàn lao động bởi vì họ sợ rằng để chứng nhận qui trình an toàn lao động cần phải thuê mướn tư vấn và phải tốn kém chi phí.

Mở rộng qui mô doanh nghiệp

Doanh nghiệp có ý định xây thêm nhà kính và mở rộng qui mô trong vài năm tới. Điều này có nghĩa là họ phải thuê mướn thêm nhân công và làm việc cách xa cơ sở chính khi đó thí người trong nhà khó lòng đảm trách hết các công việc có tính nguy hiểm.

Đến lúc này thì họ không biết họ phải xoay sở như thế nào và làm thế nào để bắt đầu thiết lập qui trình an toàn và sức khỏe lao động. Họ nghĩ rằng để chứng nhận qui trình an toàn lao động cần phải thuê mướn tư vấn và phải tốn kém chi phí đắc tiền. Quí vị có rơi vào hoàn cảnh này không?

Hảy ưu tiên cho sự an toàn — Điều này không khó và cũng chẳng tôn kém mấy.

Hảy luôn kiểm tra liệu mọi thứ đã an toàn — điều này đâu có khó!

Hảy bắt đầu ngay từ hôm nay Chúng tôi đang tiến hành tổc chức hội thảo vả thăm viếng miển phí để hướng dẫn về an toàn lao động và đánh giá rủi ro trên khắp cả nước. Để tìm hiểu thông tin và đăng ký tham gia chương trình xin vui lòng liên hệ: Jackie Scally tại RM Consulting Group, điện thoại: 0468 813 609 hoặc email: jaclynes@rmcg.com.au Hai tổ chức RM Consulting Group (RMCG) và Advanced Viticulture & Management (AV&M), đại diện cho HAL (Horticulture Australia Limited) thực hiện các hoạt động của chương trình năm 2014.

Chương trình này do HAL tài trợ bằng ngân sách thu được từ phí nông dân đóng góp và ngân sách đối ứng của chính phủ phục vụ miển phí cho tất cả nông dân có đóng phí dịch vụ theo qui định liên bang (levy).

100

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR BUSINESS

GASCOYNE RIVER AQUIFER UPDATE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Thông tin cập nhật tình hình bổ xung và sữ dụng nguồn nước sông Gascoyne Ấn bản tháng 7/2014 Báo cáo này của Sở quản lý tài nguyên nước cung cấp thông tin về hiện trạng nguồn nước khu vực sông Gascoyne bao gồm trử lượng nước tầng nông (thường được nông dân gọi là nước sông hay là river water) và trử lượng nước tầng sâu (nguồn cung cấp cho nước Scheme) theo định kỳ. Mục đích của báo cáo này nhằm cung cấp cho bà con nông dân, cho công chúng và cho những đối tượng quan tâm số liệu về tình trạng bổ xung tự nhiên cũng như lượng nước đã sữ dụng cho đến 30/6/2014. Báo cáo tiếng Việt này trình bày nhiều số liệu về số lần nước sông về, tình trạng bổ xung tự nhiên của nguồn nước, lượng nước còn lại trong đất, ước tính lượng nước có thể bơm lên sữ dụng từ nay đến cuối năm và bản đồ thay đổi biên độ mặn của khu vực trồng trọt thời điểm tháng 3/2014 và tháng 6/2014. Thông tin tóm tắt hiện trạng nguồn nước khu vực song Gascoyne:

Lưu vực sông Gascoyne nhận được nguồn nước bổ xung nhờ những lần nước về đầu năm 2014 bổ xung thêm lượng nước dự trử cho nước tầng nông và nước tầng sâu. Tính toán cho thấy lượng nước tầng nông được bổ xung 11,5 Gigalitres (11.5 triệu mét khối, lưu ý 1 mét khối = 1 kí lô lít) và nước tầng sâu được thêm 2,8 triệu mét khối. Kể tứ lần báo cáo trong tháng 3/2014 thì lượng nước dự trử của tầng nông giảm hết 0,9 triệu mét khối trong khi lượng nước tầng sâu giử nguyên ổn định (có lẻ nhờ vào sự bù đắp do nước tầng nông thấm xuống). Dự đoán trong suốt năm 2014 nước tầng nông sẽ cung cấp 4,8 triệu mét khối và khu giếng B-L cung cấp 7,1 triệu khối, tổng cộng là 11,9 triệu khối.

Nhờ vào nguồn nước về đầu năm mà qui định bơm nước sông hạn chế được giở bỏ. Tuy nhiên nên lưu ý rằng từ nay đến cuối năm 2014 không phải tất cả giếng bơm tư nhân đều có thể lượng bơm như thế. Lượng khai thác nước sông có thể bị giới hạn cuối năm 2014 và đầu năm 2015 cho đến khi nào nước sông về. Cho đến nay việc khai thác nước tầng sâu khá cân đối ( chỉ khoảng 40% so với trử lượng có thể khai thác). Tuy nhiên vẫn sẽ có những hạn chế cung cấp do khả năng hạn chế của thiết bị nhà máy và hạn chế của nguồn nước vào đỉnh điểm của nhu cầu trong khoảng tháng 10 đến

FIGURE 1 March 2014 and June 2014 groundwater salinity contours for Subarea A Tháng 3/2014

7254000

2,000

7252000

7250000

1,500

7248000 1,000

7246000 500

7244000

7242000 764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000 784000

Tháng 6/2014 7254000

Vùng ít nhận được nguồn nước bổ xung 2,000

e f f e c t s o f f l o w m i n i m a l

7252000

Where is the rest of the sentence above???

7250000

1,500

7248000 1,000

7246000

7244000

Tăng cường dự trử nước ngọt nhận đượctừ nguồn nước bổ xung đầu năm 2014

7242000

500

764000 766000 768000 770000 772000 774000 776000 778000 780000 782000 784000

Bảng tóm tắt nguồn nước Carnarvon 2014 Khu vực

B-L south B-L north Total

Giới hạn dự trử an toàn

Dự đoán tiềm năng khai thác

6.1

3.6

14.7

Đã khai thác từ tháng 1 đến tháng 6/2014

4.8

2.6

3.1

1.3

4.0

11.9

1.6

5.5

Phần trăm đã khai thác trong trử lượng cho phép từ đầu năm đến 6/2014 54% 40%

42%

46%

tháng Giêng. Cần phải quản lý khai thác một cách cẩn thận cho đến khi có lượng bổ xung tự nhiên từ nước về, thường thì không trước đầu năm 2015.

Ảnh: Sơ đồ khoanh vùng mức độ mặn của nước ngầm khu giếng A tháng 3 và tháng 6 năm 2014.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

101

YOUR BUSINESS

FARM FINANCE APPLICATION SUCCESS STORY — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Các yếu tố hổ trợ tốt cho hồ sơ vay tiền hổ trợ của chính phủ VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU TÂY ÚC

Gia đình anh Linh và chị Bông lập nghiệp ở Carnarvon được 5 năm, chủ yếu là trồng cà cung cấp cho thị trường Perth. Từ khởi đầu là làm hợp đồng và mướn farm, gần đây anh chị đạ mua được farm riêng cho mình mà một phần vốn là nhờ vay được vốn hổ trợ của chính phủ. Anh chi cho biết hồ sơ vay tiền được chấp thuận là kết quả của sự cố gắng tìm hiểu và chuẩn bị chu đáo cùng với nhận được sự giúp đở rất quí báu của các chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam và chuyên viên của chương trình cho vay. Kinh nghiệm thành công được anh chi chia sẻ trong phần dưới đây.

Tận dụng tối đa sự hổ trợ để có được thông tin và hướng dẫn cần thiết Thông tin về chương trình cho vay ưu đãi của chính phủ trong ngành nông nghiệp cùng với tư vấn trực tiếp cho nông dân được lồng ghép vào chương trình hội thảo ôn lại kế hoạch chiến lược tổ chức vào đầu năm 2014. Hội thảo này có phiên dịch của chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam để hổ trợ cho bà con. Vì vắng mặt trong dịp này nên anh Linh và chị Bông không có hồ sơ, thông tin và sự giúp đở tư vấn về chương trình cho vay. Để vượt qua trở ngại trên anh chị đạ tranh thủ liên hệ với chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam nhờ truyền đạt lại thông tin và cung cấp hồ sơ cần thiết. Thông qua chuyên viên này anh Linh và chị Bông cũng được tiếp xúc với chuyên viên của chương trình cho vay để được hướng dẩn thêm về các qui địng của chương trình và cách thức chuẩn bị hồ sơ. Vì trở ngại tiếng Anh nên việc chuẩn bị hồ sơ là vấn đề hết sức khó khăn đối với hai anh chị, cũng nhờ tranh thủ sự hổ trợ ngôn ngử và tư vấn của chuyên viên khuyến nông Việt Nam mà anh chị hoàn chỉnh được hồ sơ xin vay.

Trong suốt quá trình chuận bị sồ sơ và chờ xét duyệt sau khi nộp, anh Linh và chị bông liên lạc thường xuyên với các chuyên viên này để được tư vấn thêm khi cần phải bổ xung thông tin cho hồ sơ vay cũng như

102

WA Grower SPRING 2014

được thông tin về tiến trình và kết quả xét duyệt. Anh chị nhận xét rằng “Có được sự hổ trợ bên ngoài là rất quan trọng. Nếu không có sự hổ trợ này thì chúng tôi thậm chí không điền được đơn xin vay”

Chuẩn bị hồ sơ thật hoàn chỉnh Một số kinh nghiệm để chuẩn bị hồ sơ hoàn chỉnh được anh Linh và chị Bông cho biết như sau: • Vì dây là tiền vay nên trước tiên phải xác định thật rỏ mục đích vay tiền cũng như tính toán kỹ lưỡng khả năng sinh lợi của việc đầu tư để trả lại tiền vay trong 5 năm • Mục thiêu vay tiền phải phù hợp với mục tiên cho vay của chương trình. Trường hợp vay tiền mua farm của anh chị hoàn toàn nằm trong tiêu chí của chương trình qui định • Từng loại giấy tờ trong bộ hồ sơ vay tiền đều có giá trị của nó. Nhiều bà con nông dân ngưng làm đơn vay tiền giửa chừng vì không hoàn thành được một loại thủ tục nào đó, chẳng hạn không được ngân hang xác nhận đồng ý. Trong trường hợp này kinh nghiệm

của anh Linh và chị Bông cho thấy rằng thậm chí nếu ngân hàng khẳng định “không đồng ý” hay “không biết” thì vẫn nên tiếp tục hoàn tất bộ hồ sơ xin vay vi người xét duyện cuối cùng không phải là ngân hàng mà là hội đồng của chương trình cho vay

• Hoàn chỉnh kế hoạch 5 năm với các số liệu rỏ ràng về chi phí đầu tư và lợi nhuận qua từng giai đoạn. Kế hoạch này có ý nghĩa rất quan trọng để hội đồng xét duyệt thẩm định khả năng quản lý và khả năng trả lại tiền vay khi đến hạn • Có ghi chép cẩn thận dòng tiền ra vào doanh nghiệp năm trước đó và dự kiến dòng tiền ra vào doanh nghiệp năm tiếp theo. Phần này giúp minh hoạ them rỏ nét tính khả thi của kế hoạch 5 năm trên

• Sẳn sàng trả lời câu hỏi và cung cấp thêm thông tin cho hội đồng thẩm định khi cần. Để làm được tốt việc này thì nên tiếp tục nhờ vào sự hổ trợ của các chuyên viên đã giúp đở ngay từ ban đầu. Giờ thì anh Linh và chị Bông được canh tác trên mảnh đất của chính mình để thực hiện những kế hoạch đã đề ra. Anh chị tự tin đầu tư và cố gắng để đạt được thành quả cao nhất.

YOUR BUSINESS

FRESHCARE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Hỏi đáp về Freshcare VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU TÂY ÚC

Freshcare cung cấp cho quí vị các nguyên tắt và qui trình về quản lý rủi ro trong an toàn thực phẩm cũng như cách thức ghi chép đúng theo qui định.

Trong quá trình công tác khuyến nông tôi ghi nhận còn một số nông dân Việt Nam tại Perth và Carnarvon nhầm lẩn giửa giấy xác nhận đã qua lớp tập huấn Freshcare và giấy chứng nhận đạt tiêu chuẩn Freshcare cùng với nhiều câu hỏi có liên quan. Vấn đề nầy củng có thể xảy ra với các nông dân khác. Sau đây là thông tin về một số câu hỏi thường gằp về Freshcare cùng với giải đáp ngắn gọn được cung cấp trên trang mạng của tổ chức này: www.freshcare.com.au

Toàn bộ qui trình để có được chứng nhận đạt tiêu chuẩn Freshcare? Nông dân phải hoàn thành tất cà các bước: Tập huấn – Thực thi các vấn đề được tập huấn – Kiểm định đánh giá trang trại – cấp giấy chứng nhận.

Tập huấn bao gồm các vấn đề gì? Nội dung tập huấn bao gồm các vấn đề thiết yêu liên quan đến an toàn vệ sinh thực phẩm, rủi ro và quản lý rủi ro, các qui trình xử lý rủi ro, phương pháp ghi chép lưu giử số liệu tuân thủ theo tiêu chuẩn Freshcare.

Chi phí tập huấn? Chi phí thay đổi tùy theo người tập huấn, thường trong khoảng $500-900. Người học nên liện hệ trưc tiếp với người dạy để biết cụ thể.

Thực thi? Một khi quí vị đã trãi qua khoá tập huấn, quí vị phải thực hiện các vấn đề đã được học trong trang trại mình. Người dạy có trách nhiệm giúp đở người học trong quá trình này cho đến khi được chứng nhận.

Thời gian từ khi kiểm định đến cấp bằng? Thời gian thay đổi tùy theo trường hợp. Nói chung mất từ 3-6 tháng từ khi bắt đầu học tập huấn đến khi được chứng nhận.

Kiểm định đánh giá trang trại?

Giấy chứng nhận có giá trị bao lâu?

Một khi quí vị đã thực thi tốt và sẳn sàng được Kiểm định đánh giá trang trại, quí vị có thể tiếp xúc với một trong sáu cơ quan được ủy quyền đánh gia để đăng ký và lên lịch thực hiện Kiểm định đánh giá trang trại qua những tiêu chí mà quí vị đạ thu thập được trong khóa tập huấn. Quí vị phải đạt khâu kiểm định này mới được chứng nhận.

Giấy có giá trị 13 tháng và được cấp lại hành năm sau khi đánh giá farm. Phải tổ chức đánh giá farm trước khi giấy hết hạn.

Chi phí duy trì chứng nhận Freshcare hàng năm? Khoảng $550-650 + chi phí xét nghiệm dư lượng thuốc.

Chi phí kiểm định? $400-700 cho lần đấu. Ngoài ra phí chứng nhận mổi năm là $102.30.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

103

YOUR BUSINESS

FARM SAFETY — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

An toàn nông trại Mặc dù rất phổ biến và hửu dụng trong nông nghiệp nhưng rủi ro tại nạn do phương tiện mô-tô rất nghiêm trọng nếu không sử dụng đúng cách. Trước khi dùng phải cân nhắc rằng phương tiện này có phù hợp cho công việc hay không. Nếu mô-tô có kèm theo rờ-mọt thì phải đảm bảo đúng chủng loại vì các thiết bị kèm theo có thể gây mất thăng bằng và ảnh hưởng đến khả năng vận hành bình thường của phương tiện. Người sử dụng mô-tô phải được huấn luyện và có đầy đủ đồ bảo vệ như nón bảo hiểm, kính, găng tay, giày bảo hộ.

An toàn thiết bị che chắn máy móc và công cụ

Huấn luyện cho nhân công mới sẻ tạo ra điều kiện làm việc an toàn và năng suất cao hơn.

Ban An toàn lao động (WorkSafe) đang tiến hành một chương trình thanh tra chủ động trong ngành rau nhằm giảm thiểu thương tật trong lảnh vực này. Chương trình sẽ bao gồm các cuộc viếng thăm của thanh tra đến các trang trại để xác định mọi nguy cơ thuộc về an toàn chung và hướng dẩn chủ trang trại cách thức tuân thủ qui định về an toàn và sức khoẻ nghề nghiệp. Công tác thanh tra an toàn bao gồm các vấn đề chính như sau:

An toàn các phương tiện di động Các phương tiện di động là nguyên nhân hàng đầu dẩn đến tai nạn gây tử vong trong nông nghiệp. Cứ mổi 5 trường hợp tử vong thì có một trường hợp do người điều khiển bị té ngã hay nhảy xuống khi phương tiện đang di chuyển và bị phương tiện này hay các máy công cụ phía sau cán qua. Các phưong tiện này bao gồm: • Máy kéo, xe tải hay các loại xe khác • Máy cày, máy phân loại • Máy xén tỉa

• Máy phun thuốc • Xe nâng

• Cần cẩu di động.

104

WA Grower SPRING 2014

An toàn nông dược Hầu hết các loại hoá chất trong nông nghiệp đều có tính độc và có thể ảnh hưởng đến sức khỏe nếu không áp dụng đúng cách. Tác hại của nông dược không phải lúc nào củng biểu hiện ngay mà đôi khi tiềm ẩn qua nhiều năm. Củng có khi biểu hiện của ảnh hưởng nông dược khó nhận ra chẳng hạn như thay đổi tính tình hay giảm trí nhớ.

An toàn về điện

Luật pháp qui định các nhà sản xuất, thiết kế, cung cấp máy móc thiết bị đều phải bảo đảm có che chắn an toàn cho các bộ phận nguy hiểm để tránh rủi ro tai nạn cho người sữ dụng. Các tiết bị che chằn thường là các tấm che, nắp đậy các bộ phận chuyển động để người vận hành và quần áo không bị tiếp xúc. Vấn đề che chắn trên các máy móc thiết bị củ thường rất kém nhất là nơi có nguy cơ cao như láp, nhông, pu-li gắn thêm vào cho các mục đích khác. Đôi khi nắp che chắn bị tháo ra khi vận hành, sửa chửa và không lắp trở lại. Kiểm tra an toàn các thiết bị che chắn là việc làm hết sức cần thiết vì nhiều khi người điều khiển máy phải xoay trở, khom, với tới các vị trí dể bị va chạm khi máy đang chạy và sẻ rất nguy hiểm.

Tất cả những mối nguy hại liên quan đến điện như dây điện, công tắt điên, công cụ sữ dụng điện…đều cần phải được gắn nhản “nguy cơ điện giật chết người”. Thường xuyên kiểm tra đường dây và các thiết bị điện là việc làm rất quan trọng. Nếu phát hiện bất kỳ nguy cơ rò rỉ điện hay gây điện giật nào thì phải cách ly ngay thiết bị gây nguy cơ và nhờ người có chuyên môn xử lý.

Tiếng ồn

An toàn xe mô-tô dùng trong nông nghiệp

• Ù tai sau khi làm việc

Mô-tô dùng trong nông nghiệp bao gồm các loại xe 2,3,4 bánh có gắn động cơ thường gọi là xe địa hình. Đa số tại nạn liên quan đến loại này thường là do thiếu kinh nghiệm và thiếu tập huấn về tốc độ, độ dốc, địa hình, mất cân bằng khi chở người hay vật dụng, thiếu quần áo bảo vệ và lái xe không an toàn. Nguy cơ tai nạn thường rơi vào thanh thiếu niên từ 10-24 tuổi.

Tiếng ồn do máy móc công cụ nông nghiệp có thể gây ù tai và thậm chí mất thính lực vĩnh viển nếu tình trạng kéo dài. Thính lực có thể bị ảnh hưởng qua thời gian dài mà ít được chú ý cho đến khi phát hiện thì đã muộn dẩn đến giảm chất lượng cuộc sống. Một số biểu hiện suy giảm thính lực: • Lảng tai

• Hay mở âm thanh TV, máy thu âm to hơn mức bình thường

• Không nghe được âm thanh như chuông điện thoại, chuông cửa. Qui định ngưỡng tiếng ồn trong môi trường làm việc bình thường 8giờ/ngày của tiểu bang Tây Úc là 80dB. Những tiếng ồn trong nông nghiệp có thể gây nguy hại đến thính lực gồm:

YOUR BUSINESS

• Máy cày 95-100dB

• Máy xén cành 88-90dB

Thương tật trong trường hợp này thường do té ngả hay đồ vật rơi trúng.

• Cưa máy 105-120dB.

Trường hợp khẩn cấp và biện pháp sơ cấp cứu

• Máy nghiền 95-105dB

An toàn trong lao động thủ công Tổn thương dẩn đến nghỉ do ốm đau nhiều nhất trong nông nghiệp thuộc về lảnh vực lao động thủ công chẳng hạn như đau lưng. Thường thì chấn thương gây ra khi lặp đi lặp lại các thao tác kéo, đẩy, nâng, bẻ, vặn hay thực hiện trong tư thế không đúng. Hầu hết các chấn thương diển ra âm thầm trong thời gian dài làm hao tổn dần cơ thể cho đến khi gây đau nhức. Chính vì vậy thao tác hàng ngày đúng cách là rất quan trọng. Cần nên xác định các công việc có khả năng gây tổn thương và thay đổi môi trường và cách thức làm việc phù hợp và áp dụng các công cụ hổ trợ hiểu quả để ngăn ngừa rủi ro.

An toàn trong nhà xưởng Người làm trong ngành nông nghiệp thường phải kiêm luôn các công việc mà trong các nghành khác phải thuê thợ chuyên môn như sửa chửa máy móc. Mô tô địa hình là loại phương tiện rất hửu ích nhưng cũng tiềm ẩn những rủi ro nghiêm trọng khi sử dụng không đúng cách.

Luật an toan và sức khỏe lao động 1984 qui định nguời có trách nhiệm nơi làm việc có bổn phận cao nhất trong trường hợp sơ tán khẩn cấp. Việc này bao gồm chuẩn bị sẳn sàng qui trình sơ tán để bảo vệ tất cả mọi người khi có nguy cơ và qui định tổng thể phòng ngừa cho mọi trường hợp khẩn cấp có thể xảy ra. Qui định này bao gồm việc xác định các mối nguy hiểm tiềm ẩn khi xảy ra trườnh hợp khẩn cấp và đảm bảo rằng nhân công không bị các nguy cơ đó đe dọa.

Khi có tai nạn xảy ra thì các biện pháp sơ cấp cứu có tầm quan trong đặc biệt. Vì vậy nơi làm việc phải được trang bị phương tiện sơ cấp cứu và có nhân viện được huấn luyện đầy đủ.

Chỉ dẩn an toàn bắt buộc Tai nạn lao động thường xảy ra với người thiếu kinh nghiệm. Vì vậy người tham gia lao động bất kể là mới hay củ, tạm thời hay lâu dài đều cần phải được giới thiệu và hướng dẩn đầy đủ các qui tắt an toàn lao động. Không nên nghĩ rằng họ đương nhiên có đủ kiến thức và kinh nghiệm.

Mọi nhân công khi bắt đầu làm việc đều phải trải qua hướng dẩn bắt buộc. Điều này giúp cho môi trường lao động an toàn và có năng suất. Hướng dẩn an toàn lao động bắt buộc bao gồm: • Trách nhiệm về an toàn và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp của nhân công và người thuê mướn nhân công (khoản 19 và 20 trong qui định An toàn và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp)

• Những qui trình báo cáo nguy cơ tai nạn và tai nạn lao động

• Vấn đề an toàn và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp có liên quan trực tiếp đến công việc được giao • Hướng dẩn tìm hiểu về an toàn và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp.

Cần chuẩn bị thế nào mỗi khi có thanh tra lao động? An toàn lao động (WorkSafe) là một ban của bộ Thương mại. Vai trò của ban này là quản lý hành chính về an toàn và sức khỏe theo luật An toàn và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp 1984. Mục tiêu chính của luật này là đảm

bảo và khuyến khích thực hành an toàn và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp tại nơi làm việc. Là một bộ phận của bộ Thương nghiệp, ban An toàn lao động có trách nhiệm làm sao cho môi trường làm việc trên toàn quốc có được an toàn, năng xuất, công bằng và tiến bộ. Tại Tây Úc ban này luôn tập trung phát triển một môi trường lao động hoàn hảo và luôn củng cố các qui định an toàn và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp.

Điều gì xảy ra khi thanh tra lao động gọi đến? Thường thì Ban An toàn lao động đến không cần thông báo trước. Họ sẽ đến liên hệ trực tiếp với chủ hay người có trách nhiệm để tổ chức thanh tra nếu thuận tiện và sẻ phối hợp thanh tra ngay sau đó. Trong một số trường hợp, chủ và thanh tra lao động sẽ thảo thuận tiến hành thanh tra vào một thời điểm thuận lợi khác. Theo luật thì thanh tra lao động có một số quyền hạn nhất định chẳng hạn như chụp ảnh, xem xét tài liệu về tập huấn và qui trình làm việc.

Cảnh báo an toàn lao động Khi thanh tra lao động phát hiện ra các vấn đề không tuân thủ theo qui định thì họ có 3 cách xử lý:

Hướng dẩn xử lý tại chổ nếu vấn đề có thể xử lý được trước khi thanh tra rời đi. Gởi thư thông báo yêu cầu người chủ phải chỉnh sửa hay cải thiện các vấn đề được cho rằng chưa tuân thủ đúng qui định. Gởi thư thông báo nêu rỏ lý do tại sao có thông báo kèm theo các điều luật liên quan và thời gian yêu cầu người chủ phải tuân thủ các qui định trong thông báo.

Lệnh cấm được ban hành khi thanh tra xác định có nguy cơ gây thương tích hay tổn hại sức khỏe nghiêm trọng. Đây là lệnh phải ngưng một hoạt động nào đó nơi làm việc. Lệnh này tuyên bố rỏ ràng lý do thông báo kèm theo các điều luật liên quan. Khi ban hành lệnh cấm thanh tra sẽ hiện diện tại nơi làm việc cho đến khi nào người chủ nhận được lệnh cấm trực tiếp và ngừng hẳn các hoạt động bị chỉ định. Người không chấp hành lệnh cấm có thể bị truy tố ra toà.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

105

YOUR PRODUCTION

GETTING MORE DOLLARS PER DROP IN CARNARVON — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Hiệu quả cao hơn cho mỗi giọt nước tưới ở Carnarvon ROHAN PRINCE CHUYÊN VIÊN PHÁT TRIỂN, BỘ NÔNG NGHIỆP VÀ LƯƠNG THỰC

Nông dân khu vực Gascoyne đã được tạo điều kiện tham gia 2 hoạt động trong dự án tăng cường hiệu quả sử dụng nước tưới của bộ Nông nghiệp và lương thực – hoạt động đánh giá hiện trạng sử dụng nước và thị phạm các biện pháp thực hành tốt.

Khảo sát hiện trạng sử dụng nước Nhóm chuyên gia khảo sát nhu cầu nước của hoa màu và hiện trạng về áp dụng kỹ thuật tưới đã làm việc tại Crnarvon tháng 8 năm 2013 với sự tham gia của 31 nông dân trồng rau quả. Công việc khảo sát bao gồm phỏng vấn tực tiếp và đánh giá hiện trạng của hệ thống ống và phương pháp tưới nhằm xác định các vấn đề có thể được cải thiện để tăng hiệu quả sử dụng nước. Kết quả đánh giá thực địa được chuyên viên bộ Nông nghiệp và lương thực phân tích và gởi báo cáo về cho từng hộ nông dân. Rohan Prince, Bộ Nông Nghiệp và Lương Thực (DAFWA), trình bày cho nông dân tác dụng của hiệu quả tưới tiêu.

Phản hồi của nông dân tham gia năm rồi đã cho thấy rằng công tác khảo sát và khuyến cáo có tác dụng rất tốt giúp họ học hỏi được các phương pháp tiết kiệm nước bằng cách xác định lịch tưới và thời lượng tưới theo nhu cầu của cây trồng và đồng thời cải thiện công tác thiết kế hệ thống ống tưới phù hợp.

Tới đây nông dân vẫn còn cơ hội tham gia để được khảo sát hiệu quả tưới cho trang trại mình, nhưng số lượng giới hạn. Vì vậy những ai quan tâm và muốn tham gia xin liên hệ với Valerie Shrubb tại trạm nghiên cứu nông nghiệp Gascoyne theo số (08) 9956 3322 hoặc gởi thư điện tử tới valerie.shrubb@agric.wa.gov.au Thị phạm các biện pháp thực hành tốt.

Các lô thực nghiệm và thị phạm ngoài đồng sẽ được tổ chức trong vòng 18 tháng tới để tiếp tục giới hiệu các biện pháp cải thiện hệ thống tưới và các biện pháp canh tác tốt giúp gia tăng năng suất và lợi nhuận.

Việc phối hợp công tác khảo sát và các mô hình thị phạm sẻ liên quan đến giải quyết các trở ngại ảnh hưởng đến dộ đồng đều của nước tưới, học hỏi cách xác định lượng nước tưới thông qua chỉ số bốc hơi, theo dõi ẩm độ đất để điều chỉnh liều lượng nước chính xác, và thiết lập mạng lưới các nhà chuyên môn để giúp nâng cao vấn đề tưới tiêu tại Carnarvon.

Một cuộc hội thảo đã được tổ chức vào tháng 3 vừa qua tại trạm nghiên cứu Gascoyne do Wayne Jennings đại diện Nettafilm trình bày đã đề cập tới việc thế kế và lắp đặt hệ thống tưới để tối ưu hóa hiệu quả sử dụng nước và điện năng. Tương tự như vậy, một cuộc thị phạm đã được tổ chức hồi tháng 7 để trình bày bằng thực hành cho thấy nước tưới nhỏ giọt lan tỏa như thế nào trong đất và lượng nước tưới vừa đủ để tránh thất thoát nước và phấn bón ra khỏi vùng rể cây. Phần trình bày này cũng chỉ ra tại sao các biện pháp làm đất và lọai đất có thể dẩn đến sự hình thành lớp đế cày nén chặt phía dưới ảnh hưởng đến sự di chuyển của nước trong đất. Dự án cũng đã thông báo cho những ai có quan tâm muốn sử dụng các công cụ theo dõi ẩm độ đất mà các công ty trong khu vực muốn giới thiệu để cung cấp dịch vụ. Tham gia phần này có 6 công ty áp dụng kỹ thuật theo dõi và thu thập số liệu từ xa thông qua hệ thống thông tin trực tuyến. Có 10 nông dân tham gia chương trình này và được lắp đặt thiết bị trong khoảng từ tháng 7 đến tháng 9. Dự án cũng sẽ tổ chức một cuộc hôi thảo ngoài đồng để nông dân gặp gở chia sẽ kinh nghiệm và thông tin về lợi ích của chương trình, mức độ phù hợp của các thiết bị theo dõi từ xa và mức độ hổ trợ kỹ thuật cần có để diển giải số liệu thu thập được. Các công ty cung cấp thiết bị theo dõi âm độ đất củng sẽ có cơ hội trình bày tính năng của các thiết bị và các dịch vụ kèm theo. Sự góp mặt của các công ty sẽ giúp giải đáp một cách tốt nhất các thắc mắc của nông dân về các điểm thị phạm trong chương trình đ4 sữ dụng thiết bị của họ. Phần này dự kiến thực hiện vào tháng 11. Ngoài ra Bộ Nông nghiệp cũng sẽ hướng tới việc tăng cường kỹ năng phục vụ của công nghệ tưới trong khu vực. Bộ sẽ làm việc với các công ty để họ tập huấn cho

106

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

TOMATO FOOD SAFETY — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Thực hành canh tác an toàn thực phẩm trên cà chua VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, HIỆP HỘI RAU TÂY ÚC

Thu hoạch cà chua là khâu dể bị tạp nhiểm khi trái cà tiếp xúc với nhiều môi trường như người nhân công, dụng cụ chứa, đất, nước mà mỗi bước đều có thể khơi mào cho vi sinh vật phát triển. các cửa hàng bán lẻ v6è kỹ thuật thiết kế, lắp đặt và vận hành thiết bị tưới để người mua được hưởng dịch vụ hướng dẩn kỹ thuật tốt nhất. MORE INFORMATION

Những ai quan tânm đến vấn đề tăng cường hiệu quả sử dụng nước tưới hay muốn được hướng dẫn kỹ thậut thông qua việc khảo sát đánh giá trang trại của mình xin mời liên lạc với Rohan Prince, người có thể giúp quí vị liên hệ với các nhà chuyên môn trong lảnh vực này, qua email: rohan.prince@agric.wa.gov.au.

Một tài liệu hướng dẫn thực hành an toàn vệ sinh trái cà chua được Dianne Fullelove và cộng sự soạn thảo trong một chương trình do HAL tại trợ cùng với sự đóng góp kinh phí đối ứng của chính phủ. Tầm quan trọng của Tài liệu này ở chổ nó giúp nông dân thực hiện và duy rì vệ sinh và thu hoạch sạch sẻ sao cho sự tạp nhiểm bị hạn chế tốt nhất. Dưới góc nhìn của công tác khuyến nông thì nông dân nên nắm được các thông tin trong hướng dẫn này. Vì vậy một số thông tin của tài liệu hướng dẫn sẽ được thu thập và trình bày cho nông dân suy nghĩ.

Vệ sinh và sức khỏe của nhân công Thiệt bị theo dõi ẩm độ trong đất do công ty Mait cung cấp được lắp đặt trong trang trại của nông dân.

Nhân công tiếp xúc trực tiếp đến trái cà trong qú trình sản xuất, thu hoạch, và xử lý sau thu hoạch phải tuyệt đối giử gìn vệ sinh cá nhân. Công nhân có triệu chứng ốm đau không nên được bố trí làm việc các khâu này. Các vấn đề đáng quan tâm trong tài liện hướng dẩn như sau: • Hạn chế người lạ, đặc biệt là trẻ em, vào khu trồng và đóng thùng cà

• Tất cả mọi người có trách nhiệm trong các khâu trên đều phải đảm bảo tuân thủ nghiêm túc qui định về vệ sinh

• Cấm mọi người trong khu vực sử dụng thuốc lá, khạc nhổ, nhai kẹo cao su, ăn uống • Hạn chế tối đa tình trạng hắt hơi, ho trong khu vực

• Có hướng dẫn về phương pháp rửa tay cũng như các tuân thủ khi bị ốm đau.

Thực hành vệ sinh trên đồng ruộng • Mọi dụng cụ, thùng đựng đều phải được vệ sinh sạch sẻ trước khi đưa vào thu hoạch • Giửa hai lần sử dụng phải chú ý loại bỏ tạp chất như lá, rác còn sót trong thùng. Việc này phải được thực hiện bên ngoài khu vực sản xuất và đóng thùng

• Phải có qui trình vệ sinh định kỳ tất cả dụng cụ được sử dụng nhiều lần

• Thùng không phải được chất khỏi mặt đất và tránh bị nhiểm bẩn

• Không thu nhặt trái rơi rụng xuống đất • Nếu phát hiện có hiện tượng động vậtxâm nhập trong khu vực thì tìm cách ngăn chặn và tránh thu hoạch ở những điểm tình nghi bị xâm nhiểm • Loại bỏ trái có biểu hiện hư dập

• Thực gành thu hoạch theo hướng dẫn của phương pháp thực hành nông nghiệp tốt

• Khu đóng thùng được thiết kế và quản lý hợp lý.

Đối với khu đóng thùng (trong trường hợp lựa và đóng thùng tại farm) • Có khu ăn uống và giải lao riêng cho nhân công

• Khi bắt tay vào việc thì nhân công phải mặc quần áo sạch sẽ • Phải rửa tay bằng xà bông và nướch sạch trước khi làm việc có tiếp xúc với sản phẩm • Phải có hệ thống gám sát việc vệ sinh tay

• Nếu có sử dụng bao tay thì dùng loại bao xài 1 lần hay bao tay bằng loại vật liệu dể giặt tẩy • Nên dung bao tay xài 1 lần, phai thay bao tay nếu bị rách trong lúc làm việc

• Nhân công nên được khuyến kích trình báo nếu có triệu chứng bệnh tiêu chảy hay các loại bệnh lây lan theo đường thức ăn • Vết đứt, vết thương phải được làm sạch, tiệt trùng và băng bó cẩn thận bằng loại băng không thấm nước

• Mỗi 20 nhân công phải có 1 nhà vệ sinh cách xa không quá 500m từ nơi làm việc

• Dụng cụ sử dụng trong nhà vệ sinh phải có đánh dấu và để nơi riêng biệt. Bà con nông dân nên tìm hiểu toàn bộ thông tin từ tài liệu hướng dẫn an toàn vệ sinh thực phẩm trên trái cà theo như đường dẩn internet trên.

WA Grower SPRING 2014

107

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits Permit No.

Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at www.apvma.gov.au/permits/search.php

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14936

Haloxyfop

Grass weeds

9-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER13610

Procymidone

Sclerotinia rot

1-Jan-13

31-Dec-14

PER13607

Spinnaker Herbicide

Weeds

31-Dec-12

30-Sep-18

PER13451

Pirimicarb

Cowpea aphid and soyabean aphid

20-Dec-12

31-Mar-16

PER14496

Metolachlor

Certain annual grasses & broadleaf weeds

21-Mar-14

31-Mar-19

PER13384

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite & brown almond mite

1-Apr-12

30-Jun-18

PER14415

Altacor (chlorantraniliprole)

Carob moth

3-Dec-13

30-Jun-19

PER14310

Apollo SC Miticide (clofentezine)

Two-spotted mite & brown almond mite

5-Aug-13

30-Sep-18

PER13553

Methoxyfenozide (Prodigy Insecticide)

Carob moth

3-Oct-12

30-Sep-15

PER13199

Phos acid

Phytopthora

12-Dec-11

31-Mar-15

PER13387

Pirimicarb

Aphids

17-Apr-12

31-Mar-17

PER12989

Propiconazole

Blossom blight, anthracnose

1-Sep-11

31-Aug-16

PER13383

Pymetrozine (Chess)

Green peach aphid

2-Apr-12

31-Mar-17

Avatar (indoxacarb)

Garden weevil

2-Nov-11

30-Sep-16

PER14597

Methomyl (Lannate L)

Ectropis looper

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER13808

Lebaycid Insecticide (Fenthion)

Queensland fruit fly

7-Dec-12

30-Oct-14

PER13624

Phosphorous acid

Phytophthora root rot

31-Oct-12

31-Aug-14

PER14237

Diesel Distillate

Removal of unwanted suckers

1-Dec-13

30-Sep-23

PER14512

Glyphosate

Destruction of plants infected with banana freckle

31-Oct-13

30-Sep-14

PER14516

Tatodust

Banana fruit speckle disease

26-Nov-13

31-Mar-16

PER14235

Rattoff Zinc Phosphine Bait Sachet

Roof or black rat and mice

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-23

PER13599

Glyphosate, imidacloprid & paraffinic oil

Plant destruction & banana aphid control

27-Jun-12

31-Oct-16

PER14850

Glyphosate

Destruction of banana plants

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14240

Chlorpyrifos

ugarcane bud moth, banana scab moth, banana rust thrips, S caterpillars, mealy bugs

28-Jun-13

30-Sep-15

PER14239

Nufarm Amicide

Destruction of banana suckers

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-23

Prosper 500 EC (spiroxamine)

Powdery mildew

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-16

PER14245

Score Foliar Fungicide

Leaf Spot

16-Dec-13

31-Aug-18

PER14223

Flint 500 WG Fungicide (trifloxystrobin)

Alternaria leaf spot and cercospora leaf spot

1-Oct-13

31-Dec-14

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

20-Jun-12

31-May-15

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

Dimethoate

Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly

2-Feb-12

5-Oct-14

Abamectin (Vertimec Miticide)

Fruit fly

23-May-14

30-Jun-17

Glufosinate

Various weed species

7-Jul-11

30-Jun-16

Adzuki bean

Almonds

Asparagus PER12777 Avocado

Banana

Barley PER14012 Beetroot

Bilberries PER13290 Blackberries PER14423 Blackcurrant PER12750

108

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER12763

Permethrin dust

European wasps

8-May-12

30-Apr-17

PER14423

Abamectin (Vertimec Miticide)

Fruit fly

23-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER12793

Metham

Weed seeds & soil born pathogens

1-Jul-11

30-Jun-16

PER14309

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

27-Aug-13

30-Sep-16

PER14132

Copper

Anthracnose

26-Nov-13

30-Sep-18

PER14741

FUSILADE

As per label, grass control within crops

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER14739

Glufosinate-Ammonium (Basta)

Various weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER13955

Infruta Sulphur Dioxide Pads

Botrytis cinerea

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-23

PER14134

Methomyl

Red-shouldered leaf beetle, Helicoverpa spp. & plague thrips

31-May-13

30-Jun-23

PER13629

Pristine Fungicide

Grey mould, anthracnose, rust

15-Oct-13

31-Oct-16

PER13532

Suscon Blue Soil Insecticide (chlorpyrifos)

Scarab beetles

1-Aug-12

31-Jul-17

PER14133

Suscon Blue Soil Insecticide

Scarab beetles

31-May-13

31-Jul-17

PER13630

Switch Fungicide

Grey mould & anthracnose

28-Feb-14

30-Sep-18

PER14740

Tilt 250 EC (propiconazole)

Rust (Pucciniastrum vaccinii)

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER13289

Dupont Avatar Insecticide (indoxacarb)

Light brown apple moth

31-Oct-12

30-Jun-17

PER13290

Dimethoate

Queensland fruit fly and mediterranean fruit fly

2-Feb-12

5-Oct-14

PER12816

Tebufenozide (Mimic)

Light brown apple moth

29-Jun-11

30-Jun-15

PER14448

Bifenthrin

Elephant weevil, monolepta beetles and plague thrips

21-Mar-14

31-May-17

PER13677

Hy Mal Insecticide

Fruit fly bait spray

28-Jun-13

30-Jun-16

Blueberries

Brassica leafy vegetables PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER13154

Dual Gold Herbicide

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

20-Feb-12

31-Mar-17

PER14584

Imidacloprid

Aphids, whitefly and thrips

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Oct-13

31-Aug-18

PER14292

Secure 360SC (chlorfenapyr)

Lepiotera and mites

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-16

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14596

Chlorpyrifos

Vegetable beetle adults

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER13672

Chlorpyrifos

Vegetable beetle adults

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-14

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

PER14352

Metalaxyl-M (Apron XL 350) and Fludioxonil (Maxim 100)

Damping-off and rhizoctonia

28-Jan-14

31-Mar-19

PER14051

Iprodione

Rhizoctinia

1-May-13

31-Mar-18

Broccoli

Brussel sprouts PER14432

Pendimethalin

Weeds

23-May-14

30-Jun-19

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

Cabbage PER14384

WA Grower SPRING 2014

109

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER14050

Flint 500 WG Fungicide

Powdery mildew

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-23

PER13901

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds

6-Apr-13

30-Jun-19

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

6-Oct-11

31-May-16

PER13567

Bifenthrin

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER13566

Methomyl

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14816

Azoxystrobin

Powdery mildew, sclerotinia rot (white mould), black rot

1-Jun-14

30-Jun-19

PER13795

Agpro Propazine 500

Nightshade, fat hen & wireweed

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

PER14535

Clethodim

Grass weed control

12-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER13305

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Certain broadleaf and grass weeds

28-May-12

30-Jun-15

PER13091

Tebuconazole

Powdery mildew

14-May-12

31-Mar-16

PER13656

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide

Various diseases

25-Jan-13

30-Sep-14

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14384

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

PER13147

Lontrel

Capeweed and clover

21-Nov-11

30-Sep-16

PER14037

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Staphylinid beetle

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER13114

Prometryn

Grass weeds listed on label

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-17

PER13323

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Cercospora leaf spot & septoria leaf blight

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-May-13

30-Apr-16

PER13122

Proclaim Insecticide

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth and cluster caterpillar

31-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight & downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

1-Nov-12

30-Sep-14

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER13090

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insect pests

20-Jun-12

31-May-15

PER14436

Applaud Insecticide (buprofezin)

Greenhouse whitefly

9-May-14

30-Jun-19

PER13654

Avatar Insecticide (indoxacarb)

eliothis, lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller and H vegetable weevil

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-14

PER14341

Chess Insecticide (pymetrozine)

Aphids

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER13496

Linuron

Range of weeds

4-May-12

30-Apr-17

PER14049

Permethrin (Ambush )

Helicoverpa and looper

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-23

PER13627

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Cercospora leaf spot & septoria spots

29-Nov-12

31-Dec-15

Gallery 750 Dry Flowable Herbicide

Wild radish

30-Nov-12

30-Nov-15

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

Capsicums

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celeriac

Celery

Chard PER13691 Chicory

110

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Redlegged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER13254

Dimethoate

Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly

2-Feb-12

5-Oct-14

PER13860

Lebaycid (fenthion)

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

30-Oct-14

PER12823

Trifluralin

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

11-May-11

30-Jun-21

PER13656

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide

Various diseases

25-Jan-13

30-Sep-14

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER13499

Diazinon

Onion maggot

4-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER13396

Methomyl

Thrips and western flower thrips

29-Jun-12

30-Jun-15

Chillies

Choko PER12712 Coriander

Cucumber PER12998

Amistar Fungicide

Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria cucumerina)

30-Nov-12

30-Sep-14

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER14050

Flint 500 WG Fungicide

Powdery mildew

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-23

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

6-Oct-11

31-May-16

PER14046

Mancozeb

Grey mould

1-May-13

31-Mar-18

PER13349

Pyranica

Two-spotted mite

3-Apr-12

31-Mar-15

PER13790

Mancozeb

Specific fungal diseases

16-May-13

30-Jun-18

PER14158

Metolachlor

Weeds

16-May-13

30-Jun-23

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER12823

Trifluralin

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

11-May-11

30-Jun-21

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER14036

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER13351

Pirimicarb

Aphids

28-Jun-13

31-Mar-16

PER13517

Rovral (iprodione)

Grey mould

1-Nov-12

30-Sep-15

PER14186

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Melon thrips

3-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14047

Methidathion

Rutherglen bug

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER13122

Proclaim Insecticide

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth and cluster caterpillar

31-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

Culinary herbs

Eggplant

Endive

WA Grower SPRING 2014

111

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

Bravo 720 SC

Downy mildew, purple blotch

21-Sep-11

31-Jul-16

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14606

Bromoxynil

Broadleaf weeds

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

PER14815

Carbendazim

Botrytis

17-Jun-14

28-Feb-15

PER14607

Chlorothalonil (Rover & Bravo)

Downy mildew

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-15

PER14610

Clethodim

Winter grass

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

PER14626

Copper as tribasic copper sulphate

Downy mildew

10-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER14612

Imidacloprid

Aphids

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

PER14604

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Selected insect pests

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-17

PER14008

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Downy mildew & purple blotch

27-Feb-13

31-Mar-23

PER14609

Methabenzthiazuron

Annual grass and broadleaf weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-15

PER14886

Pendimethalin

Grass & broadleaf weeds

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER14608

Pirimicarb

Bulb aphid and other aphid species

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-15

PER14270

Royal MH-30XTRA plant growth regulator

Inhibit sprouting of bulbs

31-Oct-13

28-Feb-15

PER14605

Tebuconazole

Orange rust

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-15

PER14611

Iprodione

Damping off diseases

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-15

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

3-Jun-14

30-Oct-14

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-May-13

30-Apr-16

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

Fennel PER13036 Garlic

Green beans PER13626 Honeydew PER14870 Leeks

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

1-Oct-12

31-Oct-18

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-16

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

Grass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER14210

Acramite Miticide

Two-spotted (red spider) mite

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

PER13301

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite & vegetable weevil

12-Jun-12

31-May-15

PER14257

BALAN (benfluralin)

Grass and broadleaf weed control

29-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER14351

DC-Tron Plus

Various bugs

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-17

PER14318

Metalaxyl-M

Damping off

23-Dec-13

30-Sep-18

PER14431

Rizolex Liquid

Bottom rot

21-Mar-14

30-Jun-17

PER12846

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

31-May-13

30-Sep-17

PER13698

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

PER13332

BALAN (benfluralin)

Grass and broadleaf weed control

1-Apr-12

31-Mar-22

PER14795

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

1-Jul-14

31-Dec-15

Pirimicarb

Cowpea aphid and soyabean aphid

20-Dec-12

31-Mar-16

Lettuce

Mung bean PER13451

112

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14496

Metolachlor

Certain annual grasses & broadleaf weeds

21-Mar-14

31-Mar-19

PER13604

Cabrio Fungicide (pyraclostrobin)

Powdery mildew

4-Dec-12

30-Jun-15

PER13606

Methomyl

Bean pod borer

19-Nov-12

31-Mar-15

PER13293

Abamectin

Two-spotted mites and onion thrips

7-May-12

30-Apr-15

PER13609

Carbendazim

Powdery mildew

1-Dec-12

30-Nov-14

PER13605

Sulphur

Powdery mildew

3-Sep-12

30-Sep-15

PER13979

Tebuconazole

Powdery mildew

3-Feb-14

30-Jun-17

PER12847

Abamectin

Mushroom mites and nematodes

15-Apr-14

30-Jun-17

PER12848

Carbendazim

Dry bubble, wet bubble & green mould

1-Oct-11

30-Sep-14

PER12965

Imazalil

Green mould

31-Jul-12

31-Jul-17

PER14350

VectoBac WG Biological Larvicide

Fungus gnats and sciarids

27-Aug-13

31-May-19

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER13459

Aero Fungicide

Various

14-May-13

31-May-15

PER13942

Suscon Maxi Insecticide

Various insects

5-Feb-13

31-May-15

PER14767

Amistar (azoxystrobin)

owny mildew, powdery mildew, grey mould, rusts and leaf D spots

1-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER14768

Acrobat + Mancozeb

Downy mildew, alternaria, anthracnose & phytophthora

1-Nov-14

30-Sep-19

PER12982

Alpha-cypermethrin

hrips, grasshoppers, locusts, aphids, cutworms and Rutherglen T bug

24-Dec-13

31-May-15

PER14769

Applaud Insecticide (buprofezin)

Mealybug, leafhoppers, scale and whitefly

1-Dec-14

30-Sep-19

PER13959

Brigade

Red imported fire ant

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER13328

Copper Hydroxide

Specified diseases

28-May-12

31-May-15

PER13382

Durivo Insecticide

iamond-black moth, cabbage white butterfly, heliothis, loopers, D leafhoppers and aphids

28-Aug-12

31-May-15

PER12983

Fipronil

Range of pests

21-Mar-14

31-Oct-17

PER13330

Ecocarb Fungicide

Powdery mildew

11-Oct-12

31-May-15

PER13329

Petroleum oil

Thrips, mites, scale, aphids and leafhoppers

21-Mar-14

31-May-16

PER14602

Boscalid, Iprodione & Chlorothalonil

Botrytis neck-rot

24-Jul-14

30-Sep-16

PER14773

Basagran (bentazone-sodium)

Broadleaf weeds

16-Apr-14

30-Jun-16

PER13119

Diazinon

Onion thrips

6-Mar-12

31-Mar-17

PER13076

Propamocarb

Damping off

5-Apr-12

31-Mar-17

PER14417

Copper (cupric) hydroxide

Phytophthora fruit rot

28-Feb-14

31-Mar-19

PER14096

Acramite (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

5-Dec-13

30-Sep-18

PER13671

Bulldock 25 EC

Fruit-spotting bug and the banana-spotting bug

28-Nov-12

31-Oct-17

PER14098

Paramite Selective Miticide (etoxazole)

Two-spotted mite

3-Oct-13

30-Jun-18

PER14097

Abamectin & Fenbutatin oxide

Two-spotted mite

31-Oct-13

30-Jun-18

PER14490

Metalaxyl-M (Ridomil Gold 25G), Metalaxyl (Zee-mil 50G) + Phosphorous acid

Phytophthora root rot & pythium

4-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER13656

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide

Various diseases

25-Jan-13

30-Sep-14

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

Mushrooms

Navy beans PER13626 Nursery stock

Onions

Papaya

Paprika

Parsley PER13303

WA Grower SPRING 2014

113

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14032

Chlorthal-dimethyl

Various broadleaf weeds and grasses

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER13121

Ridomil Gold 25G (metalaxyl-M)

Pythium & phytophthora

16-Nov-11

30-Nov-16

PER13499

Diazinon

Onion maggot

4-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER13396

Methomyl

Thrips and western flower thrips

29-Jun-12

30-Jun-15

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14581

Pendimethalin

Grasses and broadleaf weeds

1-Feb-14

31-Mar-15

PER14695

Ridomil Gold 25G (metalaxyl-M)

Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp.

1-May-14

30-Jun-19

PER13696

Trifluralin

Wintergrass

28-Aug-12

31-Mar-18

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14665

Abamectin

Passionvine mite & two-spotted mite

13-Jul-14

30-Aug-17

PER12781

Cabrio and Cabrio 200WG (pyraclostrobin)

Anthracnose & septoria spot

13-Mar-12

30-Jun-18

PER14421

Glyphosate

Grass & broadleaf Weeds

31-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

PER14552

Phosphorous acid

Phytophthora

1-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER13641

Sacoa Biopest (paraffinic oil)

Red scale, hemispherical scale & passionvine mealybug

1-Sep-12

30-Sep-14

PER14663

Torque Miticide (fenbutatin oxide)

Passionvine mite and two-spotted mite

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

Parsnips

Passionfruit

Peanuts PER14069

Amistar (azoxystrobin)

Sclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia solani

11-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14248

Dynasty PD Fungicide

Aspergillus crown rot

19-Jun-13

30-Sep-15

PER14735

Imidacloprid

Cane grubs, white grubs

10-Apr-14

31-Mar-16

PER14681

Optimerge

Pre-emergence root rot and seedling blight

15-Apr-14

14-Apr-15

PER14800

Thiram and Thiabendazole

Pre-emergence seedling rot and seedling blight

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

Diflufenican

Broadleaf weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Dec-16

PER14144

Pirimor (pirimicarb)

Aphids

5-Apr-13

31-Mar-16

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Sclerotinia rot

1-Jul-14

31-Mar-17

PER14454

Ridomil Gold MZ

Downy mildew

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14047

Methidathion

Rutherglen bug

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two Spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER14840

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER13445

Chlorothalonil

Cercospora leaf spot

22-Aug-12

30-Sep-15

PER13815

Maldison

Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly

20-Feb-13

31-May-16

PER13932

Chlorpyrifos

Cluster grub

1-May-13

31-Mar-18

PER14547

Chlorpyrifos

Mealybug

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER13694

Methidathion

Various insect pests

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

PER14548

Methomyl

Thrips

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER13933

Petroleum oil

Scale insects

1-Jan-13

30-Nov-17

PER14779

Samurai Systemic Insecticide (clothianidin)

Mealybug

13-Jul-14

30-Jun-18

PER13176

Shin Etsu MD Carmenta Pheromone

Clearwing persimmon borer

30-Nov-12

30-Sep-15

Peas PER14035 Peppers

Persimmon

114

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER13243

Iprodione

Botrytis rot & alternaria leaf spot

7-Aug-12

30-Jun-15

PER14219

Mancozeb

Antracnose & panicle and shoot blight

31-May-13

31-Dec-14

PER14217

Pristine Fungicide

Anthracnose, panicle and shoot blight

1-Jun-13

31-Dec-14

PER14308

Success Neo or Delegate

Carob moth

30-Aug-13

30-Jun-15

PER14218

Switch Fungicide

Anthracnose & panicle and shoot blight

31-May-13

31-Dec-14

PER13954

Copper salts

Suppression of botryosphaeria, Alternaria alternata and bacterial dieback

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-22

PER14627

Petroleum oil

Soft scales (black scale & soft brown scale)

28-Feb-14

31-Mar-19

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER13035

Clethodim

Control of grasses

27-Sep-11

30-Sep-16

PER13444

Propiconazole

Cercospora

1-Apr-12

31-Mar-17

Abamectin (Vertimec Miticide)

Fruit fly

23-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER13441

Ambush Emulsifiable Concentrate Insecticide

reen peach aphid, green looper, light brown apple moth and G budworms

11-Apr-12

31-Mar-17

PER13300

Abamectin

Broad mite

11-Oct-13

31-Dec-16

PER14744

Clethodim

Grass weeds listed on label

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER14212

Imidacloprid

Aphids

31-Oct-13

30-Jun-18

PER13152

MCPA 250 Selective Herbicide

Broadleaf weeds

4-Dec-11

30-Sep-16

PER14493

Phos acid

Downy mildew

1-Jul-14

31-Jan-19

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Oct-13

31-Aug-18

PER14292

Secure 360SC (chlorfenapyr)

Lepiotera and mites

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-16

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

3-Jun-14

30-Oct-14

PER13907

Triadimenol, Azoxystrobin, Propiconazole, Potassium bicarbonate & Phos acid

Myrtle rust

26-Feb-13

31-Aug-16

PER14234

Eco-Oil

Two-spotted mite

10-Sep-13

31-Aug-18

PER13957

Petroleum Oil (incl. paraffinic and mineral oil)

Two-spotted mite and scale insects

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14238

Ridomil Gold MZ

Downy mildew

17-Dec-13

30-Sep-16

PER14425

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite & European red spider mite

28-Feb-14

30-Sep-18

PER13087

Pristine Fungicide

Various diseases

18-Oct-13

30-Sep-17

PER14422

Switch Fungicide (cyprodinil + fludioxonil)

Grey mould

28-Feb-14

30-Sep-18

PER13006

Switch Fungicide (cyprodinil + fludioxonil)

Grey mould

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-15

Pistachio

Radicchio

Radishes

Raspberries PER14423 Rhubarb

Rocket

Rockmelon PER14870 Rubus crops

WA Grower SPRING 2014

115

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14424

Teldor 500SC Fungicide (fenhexamid)

Grey mould

28-Jan-14

30-Sep-18

PER14509

Azoxystrobin

Anthracnose, botrytis & cladosporium

2-Apr-14

31-Mar-17

PER14449

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

1-Oct-14

31-May-17

PER14138

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

16-May-13

30-Sep-14

PER14443

Cooper Hydroxide

Rust & leaf spot

28-Feb-14

31-Mar-19

PER14233

Carfentrazone

Sucker control

29-Aug-13

31-Mar-16

PER14448

Bifenthrin

Elephant weevil, monolepta beetles and plague thrips

21-Mar-14

31-May-17

PER13677

Hy Mal Insecticide

Fruit fly bait spray

28-Jun-13

30-Jun-16

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Various pests

30-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER14842

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

PER14080

Lannate L (methomyl)

Western flower thrips

1-Apr-13

30-Sep-14

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

28-May-12

30-Jun-17

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

1-Oct-12

31-Oct-18

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-16

Shallots

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

Grass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight & downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

1-Nov-12

30-Sep-14

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14703

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

1-Aug-14

31-Jul-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER13901

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds

6-Apr-13

30-Jun-19

PER13899

Etoxazole

Two-spotted mite

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-15

PER14470

Mancozeb & Dimethomorph

Downy mildew

1-May-14

30-Apr-17

PER14211

Fenhexamid

Grey mould and chocolate spot

27-Nov-13

30-Sep-16

PER14044

Acramite Miticide

Mites

12-Mar-14

30-Nov-15

PER14185

Chess Insecticide

Aphids

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-15

PER14033

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug and thrips

1-Jun-13

31-May-18

PER14505

Pyrimethanil

Grey mould (botrytis)

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

Petroleum oil

Silverleaf whitefly

22-Feb-13

30-Jun-15

Silverbeet

Snow peas

Soy beans PER13849

116

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER12699

Shield Systemic Insecticide (clothianidin)

Redbanded shield bug and green vegetable bug

9-Aug-12

30-Sep-14

PER13850

Spirotetramat

Silverleaf whitefly

22-Feb-13

30-Jun-15

PER14645

Tebuconazole

Powdery mildew

30-May-14

30-Jun-16

PER14288

Abamectin

Soybean moth

22-Nov-13

30-Jun-17

PER14413

Tebuconazole

Soybean rust

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-16

PER13451

Pirimicarb

Cowpea aphid and soyabean aphid

20-Dec-12

31-Mar-16

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER14703

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

1-Aug-14

31-Jul-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight & downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER13658

Flint 500 WG (trifloxystrobin)

Various diseases

1-Nov-12

30-Sep-14

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora & septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14841

Walabi Fungicide

Botrytis and alternaria

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14473

Dimethomorph & Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

18-Dec-13

30-Jun-18

PER13653

Maldison

Onion thrips

1-Oct-12

31-Oct-18

Spinach

Spring onions

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-16

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

Grass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Various pests

30-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER14842

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

PER14080

Lannate L (methomyl)

Western flower thrips

1-Apr-13

30-Sep-14

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

28-May-12

30-Jun-17

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER14252

Samurai Systemic Insecticide (clothianidin)

Fruit fly

5-Sep-13

30-Jun-15

PER14562

Calypso Insecticide

Mediterranean fruit fly

13-Dec-13

30-Nov-18

PER14124

Aliette WG

Phytophthora

18-Dec-13

31-Dec-16

PER12907

Maldison

Fruit fly

6-Oct-11

31-May-16

PER13331

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Greenhouse & silverleaf whitefly

8-May-12

31-Oct-15

PER14192

Avatar Insecticide

White fringed weevil and garden weevil

24-Dec-13

30-Sep-18

PER14724

Bifenazate

Two-spotted mite

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-17

Squash PER12712 Stone fruit

Strawberries

WA Grower SPRING 2014

117

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14453

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis

12-Mar-14

31-May-17

PER13542

Maldison

Rutherglen bug

1-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER14646

Pirimicarb

Aphids

4-Feb-14

31-Mar-15

PER13377

Proclaim Insecticide (emamectin)

Cluster caterpillar, heliothis, lightbrown apple moth & looper

8-Aug-12

30-Sep-15

PER13120

Bitertanol (Baycor)

Powdery mildew, blight, scorch

16-Nov-11

30-Nov-16

PER13749

Maldison

Fruit fly

29-Oct-12

31-May-16

PER12940

Maldison

Fruit fly

6-Oct-11

31-May-16

PER13038

Phosphorous acid

Phytophthora

1-Nov-11

31-Oct-14

PER12927

Dow AgroSciences Success Neo (spinetoram)

Fruit fly (suppression only)

6-Oct-11

31-May-16

PER14307

Zinc phosphide

Mice

5-May-14

31-Jan-17

PER14577

Legend

Powdery mildew

23-May-14

30-Sep-19

PER14598

Fenamiphos (Nemacur)

Leaf and bud nematode

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER13697

Ridomil Gold 480EC and Phos acid

Root & crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum)

28-Aug-12

30-Sep-17

PER14483

Cabrio Fungicide

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

29-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

Sugar snap peas PER13901

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds

6-Apr-13

30-Jun-19

PER13899

Etoxazole

Two-spotted mite

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-15

PER14211

Fenhexamid

Grey mould and chocolate spot

27-Nov-13

30-Sep-16

PER14044

Acramite Miticide

Mites

12-Mar-14

30-Nov-15

PER14185

Chess Insecticide

Aphids

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-15

PER14033

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug and thrips

1-Jun-13

31-May-18

PER14505

Pyrimethanil

Grey mould (botrytis)

1-Jul-14

30-Jun-19

PER13460

Quizalofop-ethyl

Windmill grass

22-Jun-12

31-Mar-17

PER12941

Verdict 520 (haloxyfop)

Feathertop Rhodes grass

9-Feb-12

31-Aug-16

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

PER13116

Propiconazole

Northern corn leaf blight

8-Feb-12

31-Mar-16

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER13151

Mouseoff and Rattoff Zinc Phosphide Baits

House mouse and introduced rats

14-Dec-11

31-Dec-16

PER14582

Oxamyl (Dupont Vydate L)

Nematodes

1-Apr-14

30-Sep-15

PER13153

Regent 200 SC

White fringed weevil & wireworm

14-Dec-11

31-Dec-16

PER13902

Phorate

phids, thrips, jassids and organophosphate susceptible twoA spotted mite and wireworm

2-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

PER14492

Acramite Miticide

Two-spotted mites

12-Nov-13

31-Oct-15

PER13253

Maldison

Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly

31-Jan-12

31-May-16

PER13424

Sulphur Dioxide & Carbon Dioxide

Redback spiders

1-Apr-12

31-Mar-17

PER13378

Torque Miticide (fenbutatin-oxide)

Rust mite & two-spotted mite

9-Nov-12

30-Sep-17

PER13968

Buprofezin

Greenhouse whitefly

28-Aug-13

30-Jun-16

PER13967

Imidacloprid

Greenhouse whitefly

28-Aug-13

30-Jun-16

Summer fallow

Swede

Sweet corn

Sweet potatoes

Table grapes

Tamarillo

118

WA Grower SPRING 2014

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Disease

Issued date

Expiry date

PER13348

Methomyl

Green peach aphid

29-Jun-12

30-Jun-15

PER13969

Paraffinic oil

Greenhouse whitefly

15-May-13

30-Jun-16

PER13765

Fenthion

Mediterranean fruit fly (post harvest)

12-Oct-12

1-Nov-14

Lorsban

African black beetle

11-Apr-12

31-Mar-22

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER13675

Maldison

ueensland, Mediterranean and lesser Queensland fruit fly and Q cucumber fly

16-May-13

31-May-18

PER13567

Bifenthrin

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER13566

Methomyl

Fruit fly

7-Dec-12

31-May-16

PER13721

Switch

Grey mould (Botrytis)

7-May-13

31-May-16

PER13716

Abrade Abrasive Barrier Insecticide

Various insect pests

24-Dec-12

31-Jan-16

PER13717

Amistar Top (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole)

Powdery mildew

31-Jan-14

31-May-16

PER13723

Avatar

eliothis (corn earworm), looper, cluster caterpillar, H leafhoppers, green mirid

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER14100

Buprofezin

Greenhouse whitefly

1-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER13725

Chess

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly, green peach aphid

18-Apr-13

31-May-16

PER13724

Previcur

Root rot

18-Apr-13

31-May-16

PER13720

Pristine

Powdery mildew

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER13722

Teldor 500SC Fungicide

Grey mould (botrytis)

30-Sep-13

31-May-16

PER13726

Trifloxystrobin

Powdery mildew

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER13303

Coragen Insecticide

Heliothis, cluster caterpillar

28-May-12

31-Mar-15

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

PER14383

Retain Plant Growth Regulator

Pistillate flower abortion

29-Aug-13

31-Oct-14

PER14455

Botanical & Petroleum Oils

Frosted scale

20-Dec-13

31-Mar-19

PER13939

Diquat, Paraquat & Simazine

Weed control

24-Dec-12

31-Mar-22

PER14390

Ethephon

Aid harvesting

12-Feb-14

30-Jun-19

PER13214

Mancozeb & Copper

Bacterial blight

5-Mar-12

31-Mar-22

PER13937

Phosphonic acid

Phytopthora root rot

21-Dec-12

30-Sep-17

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

3-Jun-14

30-Oct-14

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

Taro PER13446 Tomatoes

Turnips

Walnuts

Watermelon PER14870 Welsh onions PER14142 Zucchini

WA Grower SPRING 2014

119

WA Grower ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS

Preferred format: press ready PDF

FULL PAGE Full page with bleed 210mm wide x 297mm high plus 5mm bleed — 220mm wide x 307mm high

Must be saved as: • 300dpi • CMYK • Fonts embedded

HALF PAGE vegetablesWA

Half page without bleed 190mm wide x 130mm high

Horticultural House 103 Outram Street, West Perth 6005

t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024 e: finance@vegetableswa.com.au

ONE THIRD PAGE One third page without bleed 60mm wide x 254mm high

WA Grower advertiser contacts

120

Name

Website/Email

Address

Contact name

Clause Pacific (2)

www.hmclause.com

PO Box 475, Bulleen VIC 3105

Kevin Swan

0400 622 314

Crop Care (41)

www.cropcare.com.au

Unit 15, 16 Metroplex Ave, Murarrie QLD 4172

Customer Care

1800 111 454

C-Wise (7)

www.cwise.com.au

Nambeelup Rd, Nambeelup WA 6207

David Howey

(08) 9581 9582

Contact number

Delta Water Solution (49)

wwwdeltawater.com.au

PO Box 507, HRMC NSW 2310

Dianne Panov

1800 283 600

Dobmac Ag Machinery (OBC)

www.dobmac.com.au

36-38 Industrial Drive, Ulverstone TAS 7315

Mark Dobson

(03) 6425 5533

G & S Seedling Nursery (56)

www.gsseedlings.com.au

1 Dunstan Rd, Nowergup WA 6032

Glenn McKay

(08) 9407 5400

Pinjarra

Allan Pearce

0477 331 001

Landmark Pinjarra (91)

www.landmark.com.au

Landmark Harcourts (30)

www.landmarkharcourts.com.au Gingin

Micro Bros (15)

www.mircobros.com.au

Adam Shields

800 Rockingham Road, Henderson 6166

0429 104 760 (08) 9410 2233

Peacock Bros Pty Ltd (43)

www.peacocks.com.au

Unit 8, 28 Belmont Ave, Rivervale WA 6103

Perth Energy (53)

www.perthenergy.com.au

Level 4, 165 Adelaide Tce, East Perth WA 6004

(08) 9420 0300

United Crate (34)

www.unicrate.com.au

1 Zanni Street, Canning Vale WA 6155

(08) 9455 1540

VNW Independent (29)

www.vnwindependent.com.au

24-26 Coghlan Rd, Subiaco WA 6008

WA Crates (IBC)

service@wacrates.com.au

Crate Yard, Market City, 280 Bannister Rd, Canning Vale WA 6155

WA Grower SPRING 2014

Daryl Collins

Steve Vaughan

(08) 9475 3700

(08) 9380 6191 (08) 9456 4092

WA crates

The professional packaging service for WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ nest fresh fruit and vegetables

0 email: service@wacrates.com.au

ONION GRADING & PACKING SOLUTIONS M & P Onion Peelers • Small Peeler for 18-45mm Onions or Shallots • Large Peeler for Onions over 45mm • Stainless Steel Construction • Variable Speed Drive • Dry Peeling Process

• Manual Orientation of Onions • Adjustable Operator Station • 415v 3 Phase 50 Hz • Unique Peeling System

Baxmatic®

Fully automated Bagging System Combination Weighing Scale (Optional)

• High capacity (up to 1200 bags/hr) • Quick start-up & changes • Automatic bag placement • Automatic sewing & closing • Bag sizes from 2.5kg to 50kg • Heavy duty construction • Integrated labelling • Online support system • 12 & 16 Head Combination Scales • Up to 1500 scale movements per hour

Turn Key Pack House Solutions • Onion Toppers • Pre Sizers • Intake Hoppers • Dirt Separation • Inspection Tables • Box/Big Bag Fillers • 5-25kg Baggers • Semi & Fully Automatic Palletisers

36-38 Industrial Drive (PO Box 93) Ulverstone TASMANIA. 7315 AUSTRALIA Phone: (03) 6425 5533 Fax: (03) 6425 5847

PO Box 1021, Pukekohe. New Zealand Phone: 0272 907 281

Email: dobmac@dobmac.com.au Website: www.dobmac.com.au A leader in the design, manufacture & supply of specialised agricultural machinery