Chief Executive Officer’s report

contacts

Horticulture House 103 Outram Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 p: (08) 9481 0834 e: admin@wapotatoes.com.au w: todatoes.com.au Simon Moltoni, Chief Executive Officer m: 0447 141 752 e: simon@wapotatoes.com.au Morena Perdec, Finance & Admin Manager e: morena@wapotatoes.com.au Georgia Thomas, Project Manager e: georgia@wapotatoes.com.au

Committee 2019–2021

Vaughan Carter Chairperson Colin Ayres Deputy Chairperson Glen Ryan Secretary Gary Bendotti Treasurer Busselton m: 0417 092 505

Albany m: 0428 451 014

Pemberton m: 0428 827 126

Pemberton m: 0427 569 903

Patrick Fox Scott River m: 0499 887 202 Bronwyn Fox Dandaragan m: 0427 447 412 Christian deHaan Manjimup m: 0429 436 361

Elected Members

Representing the Ware Fresh sector: Vaughan Carter, Christian de Haan, Glen Ryan and Bronwyn Fox Representing the Seed sector: Colin Aryes Representing the Export sector: Patrick Fox Representing the Processing sector: Gary Bendotti

It is pleasing to hear some growers are testing seed for virus in order to identify potential risk.

WA Potatoes Chief Executive Officer’s report

SIMON MOLTONI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

The renovation of Horticulture House continues. As we dig deeper under her skin, we find the secrets that have been hiding waiting to hinder our progress.

Whether it be I.T, electrical, structural, or materials, we have had to make adjustments to ensure we meet our goals of honouring our history and being fitted out for the present and into the future. All challenges are being addressed and the progress, while behind schedule, is looking fantastic. I look forward to the completion of the project and perhaps a celebration of some sort to mark the occasion.

With the federal election on the horizon, planning has begun for gaining the best possible outcomes for horticulture.

The PGA continues to work with other state members and AUSVEG staff to ensure we have a voice in the national debate on our important issues. Labour availability continues to be the major concern. With the recent UK/AUS free trade agreement there will be less demand for UK backpackers to spend time working in the regions. Some of this future shortfall will be addressed by the new working visa proposal for ASEAN countries.

The recent announcement by Minister Littleproud is very positive but it will take some planning and resources to develop this new opportunity into a reliable ongoing labour source. In the May issue I made comment on the wet start to the season. This has continued with one of the wettest July rainfall totals on record.

Challenges for both planting and harvesting have been significant with growers making every break in the weather count in order to meet supply. Despite the wet winter there has not been widespread wind, hail or frost damage. We hope this continues to be the case until spring arrives. Due to the Albany floods and subsequent seed losses, some growers have been forced to shore up their seed supplies from non-seed scheme sources. It is pleasing to hear that a number of growers are testing this seed for virus in order to identify potential risk. I would encourage all growers who find themselves in this situation to gather as much knowledge as possible on the seed stock, including testing. It is a small investment for the potential returns. Some virus incursions can have a negative impact well beyond the initial crop/field/property. COVID-19 appears to be looming even larger on the horizon as we observe the situation on the east coast. It would be prudent to consider impacts to your business that potential lockdowns and restrictions could bring. We should not be complacent with our fortunate situation but rather use the time to prepare for more difficult trading circumstances.

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