WA Grower Summer 2015 by vegetablesWA

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WA Grower Agricultural Produce Commission

SINCE 1948 Vol. 50 No 4. Summer 2015

APC-VPC APC-PPC

Welcome Pomewest

Capogreco Farms

wins Industry Export Award

Online grower portal now LIVE!

Produced by

vegetablesWA

Management Committees

Cover photo: Bruno & Dane Capogreco, Capogreco Farms

Vegetable Growers Association

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

President

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

Dan Kuzmicich m: 0408 910 761

Vice President Ken Sue m: 0417 986 467

Busselton

Committee M. Dobra K. Edwards M. Grubisa P. Ivankovich T. Le A. Natoli D. Nguyen P. Shain H. Shapland P. Wauchope

m: 0417 174 110 m: 0427 724 243 m: 0413 050 182 m: 0428 919 211 m: 0408 910 761 t: (08) 9405 4817 t: (08) 9941 8376 m: 0419 041 045 t: (08) 9845 1064 m: 0400 717 600

Export Development Manager Dominic Jenkin m: 0427 373 037 e: dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

Potato Growers Association

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

Vice President

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

Carnarvon

Gingin Manjimup Metro North Myalup Metro Metro North Carnarvon Carnarvon Albany Gingin

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

Pemberton

Busselton

Treasurer Mia Rose m: 0409 112 245

Myalup

Committee C. Ayres G. Bendotti R. Humfrey D. Terrigno

m: 0428 451 014 Albany m: 0427 569 903 Pemberton m: 0427 148 832 Gingin/Dandaragan m: 0417 771 333 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 36

Vol. 50 No 4. Summer 2015

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Integrated Crop Protection project update

From the Chief Executive Officer

Make me a hero

Committee of Management

Gascoyne Food Council at the 2015 Perth Royal Show

A new President for WA vegetable growers

Reduced tillage vegetable production & drip irrigation

vegetablesWA President’s Report

Angela & Scott Killick grower profile

PGA President’s Report

Collaborative approach to controlling cucurbit viruses

Melon Levy vote a resounding ‘YES’

APC-VPC supports successful Crunch&Sip Program

Fresh potatoes campaign

POMEWEST

Introduction from the Executive Officer

Australian-bred apples with enhanced health attributes 72

Aussie Apples at Perth Royal Show

Apples & pears in a changing climate

Pathology workshops for Perth and Carnarvon

Lower cost prompts change to drip irrigation

Robotic arm making light work for packers

Soil pH and its influences on crop nutrients

The key to success is surrounding yourself with experts 78

Burying crop residues offers benefits to growers

Are you a supplier to Coles, Woolworths or Aldi?

Fertigation projects

Horticulture Award challenged by Unions

Report horticulture crop pests

Exposure to organophosphate pesticides

Working together on healthier soils

Organophosphates: Health surveillance guide

Revolutionary new nematode control

UV radiation and duty of care

Farm hygiene for vegetables crops

Good practice management

YOUR PRODUCTION Building soil wealth in the south-west of WA

YOUR BUSINESS

YOUR MARKET

Western Australian produce showcased in Malaysia

Optimum vegetable portion size

Wanted: ‘e-daptable’ horticulture chains

Australian Made, Grown logo

Market Analysis and Strategy: Broccoli to Japan

Market City sale

Are you looking for greater visibility for your business?

Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative

The storm is coming for WA vegetable growers

Turbocharging yields, slashing water consumption

Development of new online toolkit for growers

100

Capogreco Farms wins WA Industry Export Award

Organics, sustainable growth

102

Growing Leaders

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”

104

Irrigation trial breaks new ground in remote Pilbara

Permits YOUR INDUSTRY

110

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS

105

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

Two centuries of innovation. A lifetime of success. Rosa F1 - Earliness & Productivity! + +

+ + +

Early producing with high yield potential Medium sized plant which is open & easy to pick Suitable for intermediate & warm season production Well suited to hand harvest Clean, smooth fruit with good dark colour Good powdery mildew & virus tolerance (IR)

Resistances IR: Px / ZYMV / WMV / PRSV

Caldo F1 - Numbers & Quality + + + + + +

Good against sunburn! Strong setting ability Thick walled, firm, smooth & blocky fruit Strong compact plant type covers fruit well Excellent shelf life Good resistance package

+ +

Resistances HR: TMV / PVY: 0,1,2 / Xv:1,2,3 IR: CMV / Pc

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 - © 2015 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 SUMMER 2015

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

From the

Chief Executive Officer BY JOHN SHANNON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Marketing has been an area which is often neglected or difficult for growers. However, vegetablesWA is very pleased to have recently launch two revolutionary marketing tools for our industry using Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) data.

SCREENSHOT of ‘Find a Grower’ tool

The collection of fee-for-service contributions on every first point of sale transaction by all vegetable growers creates a detailed and valuable dataset of vegetable sales records as a result, but this hasn’t been utilised properly before. Through this new tool accessible through the vegetablesWA website we are now making available the record of each grower’s own sales and the overall market to them, as well as education on how to interpret this information.

By giving registered growers access to this data and assistance to understand it we will allow them to apply greater supply-side power to influence market outcomes. The second tool is an online portal to allow offshore importers, domestic retailers and domestic wholesalers access to information about the state’s vegetable growers with products and

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

DASHBOARD view Homepage

associated supply windows as detailed through the APC data. This will facilitate the purchase of Western Australian vegetables particularly within export markets and encourage more direct value chains to form, which will also enable higher returns to growers at the farm gate. We understand that these types of tools using fee-for-service or levy data are unprecedented nationally or overseas and so I encourage all growers to contact vegetablesWA to set up their account. I must acknowledge the efforts of

THE new online grower portal tools.

Dominic Jenkin who has recently taken up the Export Development Manager’s position who has had carriage of this project. Dominic will now be available to growers to explain what their data means for them and help them with their value chain development.

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Committee of Management BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA HON Ken Baston MLC with Nardia Stacy showcasing the new WA apple variety ANABP 01 at the 2015 Perth Royal Show.

I am also very pleased that this edition of the WA Grower is the first to include content for apple and pear growers in collaboration with Pomewest. We provide the warmest welcome to our broader horticulture family members and hope our respective industries can continue to collaborate and learn together through the pages of the WA Grower and elsewhere.

The sale of Market City at Canning Vale is an issue which has caused considerable concern for industry as it threatens the future of the facility in 20 years’ time and threatens monopoly rents for the next 10. At the time of writing the sale will be complete before Christmas although the details are all yet to be made clear. vegetablesWA will continue doing all it can to ensure the future of this important piece of infrastructure. On behalf of the vegetablesWA Committee or Management and team, I wish all growers and other friends of the vegetable industry a safe and happy Christmas, and look forward to working with everyone in an exciting 2016.

During September, vegetablesWA hosted the Annual General Meeting and this year Ms Maureen Dobra stood down from the President’s role. Ms Dobra has been in the position for nine years and has worked tirelessly for the WA vegetable growing community during this time. We are very appreciative of the effort Ms Dobra has gone to and has agreed to continue on as a Committee Member for another year. Ms Dobra handed over the reins to Mr Dan Kuzmicich from Carnarvon, Mr Kuzmicich is ready for the challenge and is thankful to Ms Dobra for staying on the Committee of Management for an additional year to help with the transition. The Committee of Management is now: • Mr Dan Kuzmicich — President Carnarvon • Mr Ken Sue — Vice President Busselton • Ms Maureen Dobra — Gingin • Mr Peter Wauchope — Woodridge • Mr Maurice Grubisa — Wanneroo • Mr Aaron Natoli — Gnangara • Mr Duc Nguyen — Carnarvon • Mr Paul Shain — Carnarvon • Mr Howard Shapland — Albany

MORE INFORMATION

• Mr Thang Le — Gnangara

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

• Mr Kim Edwards — Manjimup

Mr Sam Calameri from Baldivis retired from the vegetablesWA Committee of Management and on behalf of the Association we would like to thank him for his service to the vegetable industry. Mr Calameri commenced in the 1980s and has undertaken a large commitment to the organisation.

Mr Calameri was President from 2000–04, Vice President for four years and in 2004 achieved Life Membership of Association. In addition to these achievements he has also contributed an additional 10 years of service as a committee member, he has been a wonderful contributor and vegetablesWA and the Committee are very grateful and very sad to see you go and lose you wise counsel. Thank you very much. Commencing on the Committee of Management is Mr Peter Ivankovich from Myalup. Mr Ivankovich has been in the industry since he was young. His farther commenced growing in Spearwood and 20 years ago moved the farm to Myalup. Ivankovich Farms focus on supplying quality carrots and onions to local and export markets. We would like to welcome Mr Ivankovich to the Committee of Management. MORE INFORMATION If you wish to contact the Committee Members please visit the website for their details www.vegetableswa.com.au/about or contact the office on (08) 9481 0834.

• Mr Peter Ivankovich — Myalup

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

vegetablesWA announces

a new President for WA vegetable growers vegetablesWA would like to announce the appointment of Mr Damir (Dan) Kuzmicich as the vegetablesWA President. He is taking over the role as Ms Maureen Dobra steps down after nine years of service in the position. vegetablesWA would like to extend its sincere thanks to Ms Dobra for her tireless efforts over the years and vegetablesWA are grateful to Ms Dobra for remaining on the Committee of Management for a further year. Mr Kuzmicich is well known to West Australian vegetable growers as he has been on the vegetablesWA Committee of Management for several years and has been a grower in Carnarvon for many years.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

Dan and his brother Rob run the family owned business which commenced over 45 years ago. The brothers took over the management in 2003 with the view to upgrade the business and incorporate shade houses. The brothers specialise in capsicums and eggplants and Dan says “It’s our passion, we express ourselves in our farm and our business”. Dan says “I am looking forward to taking on the role with vegetablesWA and thank Maureen for staying on the Committee to provide support”. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to speak to Dan or raise any issues he can be contacted on 0408 910 761 or email damir.kuzmicich@bigpond.com

L–R: Dan and Rob Kuzmicich.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report industry past the 20 year time cap placed within the sale terms. The sale looks to be finalised in December. BY DAMIR KUZMICICH PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

The Summer edition of the WA Grower sees my first President report and we have had a very busy few months since I commenced as President in September. The sale of Perth Market City has been hotly contested by Parliament and throughout the media. John has been working to advocate for the WA vegetable growers to ascertain certainty for the

ROADBASE

Carnarvon has had ongoing issues since Cyclone Olwyn in March mainly due to pests, biosecurity and hygiene. These issues are now being managed by a group within the region who are meeting regularly to stay on top of these issues. They are also working with the Med Fly eradication team to try and contain the problem and this will be a minimum of 12 months before we can see the results. The labour issues are continuing and I would urge you to contact reputable Labour Hire Companies if you require them. The VPC are commencing a joint project with the University of Adelaide to

RECYCLED AND QUARRY FILL SAND

look at Visa options for overseas workers, however this is some time away. Recently I have been working with a group of growers in Carnarvon to put them in touch with Dominic to progress a potential export opportunity for the region. We look to take a trip to Singapore to get the ball rolling and set up prior to next season. I have been in discussions recently with Vince Catania MLC to keep updated with the water pipe situation in Carnarvon. The current pipe is in need of full replacement to poly pipe which will cost approximately $17m. Whilst there are still discussions taking place it is looking positive and we are hopeful for a positive outcome in the near future. I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

DRAINAGE MATERIALS

TOP SOIL

PROCESSED GYPROCK WA RECYCLING is a relatively new company which believes that there is a need to recycle civil construction and demolition waste into reusable products so the wider community benefits.

Fertilizer and soil conditioner:

UNPROCESSED GYPROCK

Now recycling clean gyprock into Grade 1 gypsum (96.8%)

Total sulphur (S) 18% Total calcium (Ca) 23.8% Gypsum is approx. 15mm minus so you have slow release and immediate release with fines

Lot 501 Adelaide Street, Hazelmere WA 6055 P (08) 9250 1122 M 0408 952 200 E tony@warecycling.com.au

Call or email for a price to help you out with a cost effect product for soil management.

warecycling.com.au WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Melon Levy vote a resounding

‘YES’

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

As most of you will be aware the Smiths Canning Vale crisp manufacturing plant is closing in mid to late 2016, which will significantly impact our WA potato industry. About a dozen potato growers in Busselton, Myalup, Dandaragan, Gingin, Manjimup and Pemberton are supplying 12,000 tonnes of potatoes to the factory. This will leave a large hole in our industry, compounded by the fact that we are moving to a deregulated market concurrently.

The Potato Growers Association WA (PGAWA) is currently in consultation with the industry to work through a path forward regarding deregulation. It is imperative during this time that growers support the regulated market and that ware growers refrain from overplanting. If each grower can do this, it will minimise disruption and turmoil within the industry.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

I have heard from some growers that they are not receiving the emails which are being sent out by the PGAWA office. As there are due to be significant updates during the transition phase, I would urge you to contact Morena Tarbotton and ensure your correct details are on the email list. Morena can be contacted on (08) 9481 0834 or morena. tarbotton@vegetableswa.com.au The PGAWA has had a busy past few months, trying to obtain the best outcome for the industry and growers in the transition to deregulation. Thank you to Ross and the Committee for their leadership, dedication and contribution. Lastly I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hope you all have an enjoyable festive season.

Melon growers have responded to the melon levy ballot with a resounding ‘Yes’ to both the Research & Development levy and the Plant Health Australia & Emergency Plant Pest Response levies. Two thirds of the votes received voted ‘yes’. This result was reflected in both the numbers of votes and the production weighted vote for each of the two questions on the ballot paper. A business case for the melon levy will be prepared and sent to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources for his approval and pending that agreement, the levy will commence for all melon growers from 1st July 2016. AMA will now sign the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed and a notification has been sent to existing signatories to inform them of this intention.

The signing will occur before the end of 2015 so that the melon industry is covered under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) if another exotic incursion should occur. The AMA intends to visit growing areas in the next few months to discuss their expectations for the levy in regional areas and to present the draft Industry Strategic Plan for input from growers. The Strategic Plan will be the document that informs how the levy is spent in conjunction with the Grower Advisory Panels. MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Dianne Fullelove, Industry Development Manager, Australian Melon Association Inc on 0413 101 646 or email idp@melonsaustralia.org.au

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APC-VPC supports successful

Crunch&Sip Program 2015 What is Fruit & Veg September? Western Australian schools celebrate Fruit & Veg September each year with fun and exciting events to encourage eating fruit and vegetables. Fruit 'n' Veg Week in schools has been an annual event since 1990. In an effort to provide greater flexibility to schools, Fruit 'n' Veg Week became Fruit & Veg September in 2011.

Fruit & Veg September 2015 In 2015, Cancer Council WA has teamed up with the Agricultural Produce Commission to bring you The Great Aussie Crunch!

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

The Crunch&Sip program is an easy way to help kids stay healthy and happy! Crunch&Sip is a set break to eat fruit or salad vegetables and drink water in the classroom. Students re-fuel with fruit or vegetables during the morning or afternoon, assisting physical and mental performance and concentration in the classroom. This gives kids a chance to refuel, a bit like putting petrol in a car. Each day students bring fruit or salad vegetables to school to eat in the classroom at a set time. Each child has a small clear bottle of water in the classroom to drink throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Through Crunch&Sip, schools demonstrate their commitment to nutrition education in the classroom, by making links with the curriculum and creating a supportive school environment. The Crunch&Sip break gives children the opportunity to eat the piece of fruit that might otherwise be left in their lunchbox or not be eaten at all.

Teachers, parents, students, school staff, community agencies and local businesses can assist your school to Crunch&Sip. The objectives of the Crunch&Sip break are to: • increase awareness of the importance of eating fruit or vegetables and drinking water every day • enable students, teachers and staff to eat fruit or vegetables during an allocated Crunch&Sip break in the classroom • encourage students, teachers and staff to drink water throughout the day in the classroom, during break times and at sports, excursions and camps • encourage parents to provide students with fruit or vegetables every day

The Great Aussie Crunch aims to get WA kids eating more vegetables and have fun! Although gains have been made in vegetable consumption in recent years, school-aged children and adolescents still do not meet the daily intake levels. Schools could choose a time that suits them during the week of 14–18 September (week 9). Gather as many students as you can — a small group, a class, a block or the whole school! On 14th September Canning Vale Primary School had Channel 9 come to the school to do an early morning live cross to the newsroom. Students from Canning Vale Primary School were up bright and early in the morning to chat to Channel 9 reporter Sara Polanski about Crunch&Sip and the Great Aussie Crunch event. Even Vegie Man bounced out of bed to crunch on fresh vegetables during the live telecast. MORE INFORMATION For more information on the program see the website www.crunchandsip.com.au

• develop strategies to help students who don't have regular access to fruit and vegetables

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Annual Chef Farm Tour to Myalup

On Monday 2nd of November the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) hit the road with 15 chefs to tour the Myalup potato growing region. Now in its’ third year, the tour 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. First stop was Patane Produce to see potatoes washed, graded and packed.

The group also saw carrots washed and packed for export. Stuart Laws, 2016 Potatodor said “The washing and grading process was mind-blowing. The level of sophistication is impressive and I was surprised to find out the potato receives very little handling, especially when compared to carrots”.

The second stop at Joe Castro’s farm the group saw the range of yellow flesh varieties currently grown in WA. Joe kindly cut a range of varieties to demonstrate the range of flesh colours.

LAURA CLARKE BRAND MANAGER, FRESH POTATOES

THE group of Chefs on Myalup Farm tour at Patane Produce.

Kim Stanton, TAFE Lecturer Challenger Peel said “I wasn’t aware there was such a range of yellow flesh varieties available. I look forward to passing this knowledge on to my students”. The final stop was the Rose’s family home where chefs explored Graham’s crop then joined growers from the region for a BBQ lunch. Fresh Potatoes would like to send a special thank you to all growers who dedicated their time throughout the day especially Mia Rose for hosting the group for lunch. Without your support, events such as this could not happen. The next Farm Tour will head to Busselton in June 2016. MORE INFORMATION If you would like any more information on the tour, please contact Laura Clarke laura@freshpotatoes.com.au

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Kids dig potatoes at IGA Royal Show LAURA CLARKE BRAND MANAGER, FRESH POTATOES

The Fresh Potatoes Royal Show stand in the Farm 2 Food Pavilion was a great success with an estimated 10,000 children digging for potatoes. Across the eight days, the Fresh Potatoes stand was a buzz with Brand Ambassadors, Health Ambassadors and Growers educating participants about the cooking usage and health benefits of potatoes. The ‘Dinner Spinner’ competition, a game designed to inspire people to use potatoes as the essential ingredient to their meal attracted 1,021 participants who enter the competition also signed up for the Potato Pantry newsletter.

NEW!

the Potato Pantry newsletter! A video of the farming process played on a large TV showing people the various farming processes of potatoes from seed, irrigation, harvesting and transporting. One visitor said “This video is great, I never knew how potatoes were farmed.” Overall the activity was a great success however general attendance numbers were down from last year. A special thank you to Keith and Paula Taylor and Don Terrigno for their support and contribution to the show. MORE INFORMATION For further information please speak to Laura Clarke on 0400 996 153 or email laura@freshpotatoes.com.au

Feedback from people who visited our stand said:

“My kids love the digging, they do it every year!” “Thanks for the nutritional info doc! I’ll be having potatoes for dinner tonight!”

“There are so many recipes here!” “That was fun, I found all the different colours!”

“An iPad and free recipes, this is awesome” “Beef and mash, my alltime favourite!” WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Seed for Schools BY REBECCA BLACKMAN MARKETING COORDINATOR, FRESH POTATOES

Students across Western Australia are growing their own potatoes thanks to the Fresh Potatoes Seed for Schools program.

Now in its third year, with 400+ schools and early childhood learning centres participating, an estimated 5,000 students across WA have been busy planting, nurturing and learning about potatoes. Grower funded, the program provides schools with seed potatoes, educational resources for teachers to use in classrooms, and a monthly e-newsletter with gardening tips and stories of progress from participating schools.

Poynter Primary School Chantal Seymour Year 4 teacher Poynter Primary School had their school Potato Harvest on the 16th October, the whole school was involved and then on 23rd October they organised a Potato Cook Off which the whole school submitted dishes cooked by the students in hopes of winning a cooking lesson with a mystery chef!

Jacket potatoes

The Pre Primary students I met had used the potatoes to learn about sorting, they were able to place the potatoes in the correct order from small to large. They understood that they had to wait for the plants to die on top before being able to harvest the potatoes underneath. They were very excited to be a part of the program and had lots of fun planting and harvesting. Mrs New cooked some of the potatoes straight away and made Jacket Potatoes in the microwave and eaten at fruit time.

The medium sized were roasted and then we made wedges with a little bit of oil and salt. The adults in the classroom enjoyed their potatoes with basil and parmesan pesto. The second part of Poynter Primary’s potato learning was organised by Chantal Seymour, Year 4 teacher. They organised My Potato Rules and had 15 classes participate and a few original dishes created by students. The winning team was their Year 1 students with their original Potato Waffles. The ‘plating up’ was taken very seriously by some students! The Year 1s were very excited to hear they had won a cooking lesson with a mystery chef! Mrs Seymour said, “Thanks for joining us for our ‘My Potato Rules’ on Friday, we have photos of all the dishes and I have asked teachers to forward their recipes to me so our Green Team can ‘publish’ a Poynter Potato recipe book. Thanks again for being part of the fun”.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

St Emilie’s Catholic Primary School Kerrie Cogger Science teacher Science specialist teacher Kerrie Cogger has been taking part in the Seed for School program for a few years and uses it with her students teaching them the scientific aspects. This year it has been the focus of the Year 4 and 6 students. I met Sebastian whilst I was there, a very keen Year 6 student who was undertaking a project on the Seed for Schools program and I was interviewed — for a change! Some of the most important questions were what my favourite potato was; Royal Blue of course and how many potatoes were grown each year; 50,000 tonnes. It was great to see a different aspect of the program being utilised. The Year 4 students have studied the life cycle of plants and used biological science to understand the growth of a potato plant. They have drawn diagrams to see the life stages of the plant. Harvest day was mid-November and the students were very excited to be digging the potatoes after a 14 week wait. They had a production line going with some students digging potatoes, then being washed before drying in the sun. The potatoes were then wrapped in foil to be used for baked potatoes for lunch — a perfect way to end the Seed for School program.

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Sacred Heart Primary School Annie Gerhardy Kindy teacher

Sacred Heart Primary School has worked with the kindy children by asking each of the children to plant their own potato when the seeds arrived. They had to look after it and were able to watch it grow and learn how and what was required for the potatoes to grow.

The students read The Enormous Potato and asked lots of questions about how potatoes grow. Once the potatoes were ready to be harvested Mrs Gerhardy organised an entire day dedicated to the harvest and cooking of potatoes. The children helped with the potato harvest and had lots of fun getting dirty. They then got to grate carrot, potato and cheese and mix it together to make hash browns which the teachers helped cook and also baked potatoes which they topped with coleslaw (made themselves) and cheese. Mrs Gerhardy said “It was a great day and the students had a lot of fun getting dirty and learning at the same time!”.

Potato hash browns

Winthrop Primary School Katy Moriarty Year 1 teacher It was a sunny September day when I visited the Year 1 students at Winthrop Primary School and they were very excited to show off their great potatoes and get into harvesting. Mrs Moriarty had worked with the class over the last few months to teach them about growing vegetables as well as incorporating the lessons into English, Maths and Reading.

The children told me how they had grown the potatoes in lupin mulch which was kindly supplied by one of the Mum’s. They pointed out that the potato plants looked like they were dying which meant they were ready to harvest. They could recite the steps of the harvest and were looking forward to making their favourite potato dishes with the harvest.

It is great to see how growing potatoes can provide the students with so many learning opportunities and fresh wholesome food. Mrs Moriarty said “thank you to Fresh Potatoes for the monthly newsletters with all of the hints and tips this was a very useful resource”. MORE INFORMATION If you are interested in the Seed for Schools program please contact Rebecca Blackman on rebecca@freshpotatoes.com.au or (08) 9423 0500. REGISTRATION Registration is now open for 2016. Registration for Seeds for Schools is open from 1st October 2015 until the 31st March 2016. Encourage your local schools to register and participate via this link www.formstack.com/forms/?1561526WPcRL7xWpV

Mrs Moriarty had the children measure the growth of the plants and draw pictures of what the potato plants looked like above and below the ground. Using fractions and rulers to work out the measurements and then recorded the results with a graph. The students also read the book and had to sequence the events in their own words.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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September was a big month with the headline activity Potato Week running 5–11th October! Fresh Potatoes collaborated with leading radio station mix94.5 who advocates to listeners that ‘Potatoes are the essential ingredient to every meal’. Radio adverts matched recipes and days of the week as the creative message such as ‘Mash Monday’ and ‘Chip Tuesday’ as engaging ways to get potatoes on the menu during the week. The headline activity on 94.5 included: • Kids/Parents competition on 94.5 Drive to win a place in a Potatodor Cooking Class with Stuart Laws on Friday 9th October. • Cross promotion on 92.9 with a Health Fact Quiz extending the campaigns reach and frequency. • Integration with IGA on 92.9 giving away 14 x $200 shopping vouchers. • Interviews with Potatodors and Health Ambassadors on 94.5. • Social media posts and production of a video. These are the results: • 233% added media value

WINNERS of the Mini Mashers 94.5 competition with Bud the Spud, Stuart Laws Potatodor & Dr Joe Health Ambassador

• 441 entries to Myth Busting Quiz with a 34% conversion of people opting into the newsletter • Reaching 32,327 people on Facebook with 2 posts

Editorial also features advocating the positive health benefits of consuming potatoes.

• 20,340 digital impressions with a click through rate of 33% which delivered 11.45% of website sessions on freshpotatoes.com.au during promotion period

The tactical sponsorships supports our broader media campaign that aims to change peoples perceptions potatoes are unhealthy.

The campaign was heavily supported by outdoor advertising and IGA integration with point-of-sale and recipes in catalogue in all stores. Digital played a key role too with Potato Week digital adverts appearing across a targeted online networks and digital screens at major Perth CBD locations. Marketing are thrilled with the result and look forward to the challenge of building on the success in 2016! MORE INFORMATION

• 4 live radio adverts

Contact Laura Clarke on (08) 9423 0500 or laura@freshpotatoes.com.au

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

The spring edition of Bite Magazine and Diabetes Matters both featured potato recipes as part of a Fresh Potatoes recipe sponsorship.

• 2,074 people on Facebook viewing the Mini Mashers video

• 311 radio adverts • 174 promotion pointers

Recipe features in leading WA magazines!

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Building soil wealth in the south-west of WA

BY DANNY FYFFE AND GORDON ROGERS APPLIED HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH

On September 17th a field day on biofumigation at David and Lee East’s Bewray farm at Manjimup, WA attracted over 45 growers and industry specialists. The field day was held as part of Horticulture Innovation Australia’s (HIA) national Soil Wealth program, which aims to communicate information to farmers about practical and economically sound practices to improve soil health

The field day speakers included grower David East, leading vegetable agronomist Mike Titley and 2015 AUSVEG Researcher of the Year, Dr Doris Blaesing. Also speaking was Deb Archdeacon, a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture who has promoted a range of effective approaches to improving soil wealth in the South West of WA for many years. Around 45 people attended the day including many farmers, agronomists, government agencies and machinery dealers. Along with many local vegetable farmers, who travelled from Perth, Busselton and Bunbury to attend the field day.

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David and Lee East have been vegetable growers in Manjimup for over 25 years where they grow baby leaf and contract lettuce over the warmer months. Four years ago David, began including a cover crop of Caliente mustard for green manure and biofumigation purposes into his cropping mix.

How Caliente mustard works as a biofumigant All brassica crops contain glucosinalates which give brassicas their hot and spicy flavour (think horseradish and wasabi). However, most brassica crops for human consumption have been bred for less of these compounds to modify their flavour. In nature, the presence of these glucosinalates probably provided some repellent effect against chewing insects. In Caliente mustard these glucosinalates have been maximised. When the crop is mulched and incorporated, in the presence of moisture, the glucosinalates breakdown to produce the biofumigant ITC (Isothiocyanate). It is this biofumigant that is active against weeds and many soil borne diseases including Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Verticillium and Sclerotinia. It also has a suppressant effect on nematodes.

The cropping program David and Lee East’s production season begins with first plantings of lettuce and baby leaf in late September and the final harvest is in late May. Caliente is sown in April-May after the crop residues of the summer leaf program have been incorporated. It is generally a 120–130 day crop in the Southern Forest region of WA. The field day was timed to coincide with the incorporation of the Caliente crop into the soil so that visitors could witness this critical process that entails a three-pass operation. The forest soils on which the Easts farm are high in organic matter and can be prone to tie up phosphorous through elevated aluminium levels.

The process The optimal stage to mulch the Caliente crop is when the crop is at around 30% flowering. This is when the beneficial fumigant compounds within the plant are at their peak. The soil needs to be moist at the time of incorporation to obtain maximum benefit from the breakdown process. The crop is mulched down to ground level in a single pass and then has two passes with a speed cultivator before being rolled with a heavy roller to seal the soil.

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Sealing the soil is important to ensure that the gases released during the breakdown of the crop are activated against weeds and plant pathogens in the soil. If the soil is not rolled much of the ‘active’ moisture in the crop will evaporate and weaken the impact of the process. Importantly, the three passes need to be done within a total of twenty minutes.

Growing Caliente Prior to planting the crop David deep rips his soil in both directions to a depth of around 50cm. The crop is seeded between early April and mid May. It is important to get the crop established whilst there is still some warmth so that it has enough bulk before the winter slows it down. Crops were seeded this year at around 10kg/ha No fertiliser is added to grow the crop with David relying on the residues from his summer leaf cropping program. No herbicides are necessary as the crop smothers all competition. It is then just a matter of timing of incorporation which will generally be in September or around 120–130 days from sowing.

The benefits Though David stresses that Caliente and will not solve all of a farmers soil problems, he has observed a range of beneficial effects. These include • Suppression of soil borne diseases. Diseases like Pythium and Rhizoctonia resulting in fewer seedling losses and less fungicide use in subsequent crops. He told his fellow farmers that in the crops that he has grown following Caliente that he has not had to use a fungicide at all.

35–40kg of Phosphorous per hectare back into the soil in an organic form. Because the Caliente crop is deep rooted, much of the recycled nutrients are being brought up from deep in the soil profile, nutrients that would be normally unavailable to subsequent vegetable crops. • Improvement in the moisture holding capacity and infiltration of water into the soil. Where particular paddocks on the property had been prone to slipping and runoff after heavy rains, soils that had crops of Caliente incorporated were able to absorb the water without eroding or having runoff. Aside from these benefits the general health and fertility of the soil is enhanced through increasing organic matter in the soil.

Dr Doris Blaesing pointed out to the field day participants that “increasing the organic carbon in the soil stimulates a diverse range of soil microbes as well as worms”. “The diverse range of microbes provide a buffer against infection and stimulates increased mycorrhizal activity in the microenvironment around the plants’ roots enhancing soil fertility”, Doris said. David East said “Caliente is not a silver bullet but another safe and effective means by which farmers can increase their soil fertility as well as a tool for combatting soil borne pathogens and weeds”.

CALIENTE ready for mulching.

“Caliente is probably not suitable for rotating with brassica vegetables but other crop rotation practices such as the use of fumigator sorghum and the judicious use of lime and compost are also practices gaining favour in the south west”, David said. The Soil Wealth program has a further two years to run with further field days planned to showcase to farmers practical and economically smart ways to improve their soils. This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australian Government. MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Danny Fyffe on 0437 353 748, or you can visit the AHR website www.ahr.com.au or the Soil Wealth website www.soilwealth.com.au

CALIENTE chopped ready for incorporation.

• Weed suppression. The suppression of weeds has been significant, firstly from the crop smothering weeds during the crop growth and secondly from the fumigation effects of incorporating the crop. Wild radish in particular had been largely suppressed resulting in less need for herbicide. • Green manure. The Caliente crop on the East’s property grew around 80t/ha of bulk above ground not counting the roots. If we assume a dry matter content of around 8% and a phosphorous content of around 0.6% in the crop, then the incorporation of the Mustard is putting WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Pathology workshops for Perth and Carnarvon

well supported BY ROHAN PRINCE & BRENDA COUTTS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

IN Carnarvon, some capsicum growers reported crop losses of 80% from early CMV infection.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Carnarvon and Wanneroo growers showed support by attending three pathology workshops run in September.

As infection is a very rapid process, insecticides do little to slow the spread into a crop and can actually increase the spread within the crop by agitating aphids causing them to move around the crop probing plants and spreading virus.

These workshops were held to take advantage of national plant pathology experts being in Western Australia for the Australasian Plant Pathology Conference. Growers heard from horticultural specialist pathologists, virologists and entomologists.

No single method will control virus disease like CMV in crops and an integrated approach is recommended. This may include:

Financial support for the events was provided by HM Clause, South Pacific Seeds, Rijk Zwaan, David Grays, Agrilink, DeRuiters and Seminis, along with vegetablesWA, Carnarvon Growers Association and DAFWA.

• Destroy old crops immediately following harvest to reduce virus and aphid sources • Avoid planting a new crop immediately next to an older one which may contain sources of virus and aphids

• If sterilising the soil, make sure the whole area is treated. Treating a narrow band may leave the roots open to infection

The workshops brought together three AUSVEG Researcher of the year award winners including Len Tesoriero (NSW DPI), Denis Persley (DAF QLD) and Brenda Coutts (DAFWA).

• Avoid planting at a time when aphid numbers are expected to be high, so as not to expose young plants to high risk of infection

• Reduce infection source by disinfecting farm machinery and stakes between seasons

• Use healthy virus-tested transplants

• Monitor nitrogen levels and minimise the use of ammonium based fertiliser as it can influence symptoms of Fusarium wilt and pith necrosis.

Well respected South Australian Pathologist Trevor Wicks along with DAFWA staff, Monica Kehoe (Plant virologist), Alison Mackie (Plant Pathologist) and Entomologists, Bill Woods and Sandy Leighton were also part of the experienced discussion panels. Discussions were driven by issues experienced by local growers. These focussed on the loss of crops or reduction of yield due to several diseases including, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in capsicum, bacterial canker and fusarium wilt in tomatoes. In Carnarvon, some capsicum growers reported crop losses of 80% from early CMV infection while many tomato growers will miss out on trusses higher up on the plant, as they wilt and die from bacterial canker and fusarium. The unusually high levels of virus disease was likely due to weeds growing in bushland over a wet summer providing a green bridge for aphids and virus to survive. CMV is a non-persistently transmitted virus, this means an aphid picks up the virus within 1–2 seconds while probing an infected plant and then transmits the virus within 1–2 seconds to healthy plants. After the aphid has probed one or two healthy plants the virus is lost to the aphid until it probes another infected plant.

• Controlling alternative weed and crop hosts in and around crops, also remove infected fruit

• Remove any capsicum plants showing virus symptoms. • Plant a tall non-host border crop such as sorghum around the capsicum crop approximately four weeks before planting. This border acts as a cleansing barrier. Infected aphids that feed on it will lose the virus and no longer be infective if they land on the capsicum crop. Two common, wide spread diseases in tomatoes are Bacterial Canker and Fusarium wilt. The panel discussion focussed around the different way these diseases are spread and how the management of them varied. Bacterial canker causes brown lesions on the edges of leaves but may also develop lesions interveinally. There is often a yellowing between the burnt looking margins and the green middle of the leaf. The bacteria are very contagious and are spread by touch, pruning and picking and on tools, clothes, shoes and hands. Wet conditions will increase the spread of the bacteria that can survive in dead plants, soil and on stakes for several years. Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease with symptoms starting as yellowing of older leaves progressing upwards, often with yellowing on one side of the leaf or branch. Infection occurs through the root system and travel in the plants vascular tissue leading to browning within the stem and crown.

The fungus lives and can survive for many years in the soil. There are three strains or races of Fusarium wilt (race 1, 2 and 3) identified that may affect tomatoes and choosing a resistant variety is likely to be more effective than any control after the crop is planted. Infection of non-resistant plants may occur in soil that has not been fumigated properly or by reusing stakes that have soil and therefore the Fusarium fungus on them. Management to prevent infection from one season to the next should include good farm hygiene: • Remove infected plant material

• Monitor soil moisture to prevent plant stress that may increase risk of infection

In a relatively small, but densely farmed and isolated area like Carnarvon, area wide management may be able to reduce the impact of pest and disease significantly. This was discussed as an option to reduce both insect pest and virus disease and many growers saw its merit. Area wide management that included good farm hygiene and crop management would also support the work to eradicate fruit fly in Carnarvon, with larvae found in older waste or non-harvested capsicums and in large numbers in chilli crops. MORE INFORMATION More information on CMV in Capsicum and Chillies can be found on the DAFWA website by searching Cucumber mosaic virus or following this link www.agric.wa.gov.au/capsicums-andchillies/cucumber-mosaic-virus-capsicum

Department of Agriculture and Food

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Robotic arm making light work for packers

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

A new robotic ‘arm’, which works safely alongside humans, is working its way into the food processing industry. The Australian distributor, Auto Control Systems is working with a company to implement their concept of packing strawberry punnets into larger boxes at a strawberry farm. This use could extend to the Western Australian and Northern Territory ‘food bowl’ growing areas, reducing labour costs and freeing employees from boring, repetitive work. “We are liaising with companies who are running trials and we have had a number of enquiries from the fresh produce industry,” says Perth based Auto Control Systems Sales Manager, Rob Nunn.

These robots are ideal for pick and place type applications, packaging food into containers and boxes or onto pallets. Given the built in force control and safety features they are (in most cases) quick and easy to integrate and only require a small footprint on the factory floor. The user friendly interface also means staff can be quickly trained to operate the robot and work alongside it. While harvesting of fresh produce in the field is not yet a reality there is substantial R&D invested into achieving this goal with field trials currently being carried out in Australia. This involves the integrating of other technologies with the robotic arm such as force torque sensing and vision systems.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

THE user friendly interface also means staff can be quickly trained to operate the robot and work alongside it.

“With the right vision system we can determine the size, shape and orientation of an object, this allows us to communicate to the robot how the object should be picked up,” adds Mr Nunn. “There is no off the shelf offering with this type of automation, so it can be designed to suit any number of applications. Return on investment is also pretty quick, from as little as a few months up to around two years.” The Universal Robot can also operate in the harsh and unpleasant conditions which often deter human workers, according to Mr Nunn. “The device has been tested and works in temperatures as hot as 50ºC”.

Auto Control Systems is the Australian distributor for Universal Robots, which is manufactured in Denmark. Auto Control Systems is a WA family owned and operated business founded in 2006 with a wealth of experience in the automation industry. They specialise in electrical engineering and robotics and also have divisions dedicated to electrical and auto electrical allowing them to take an idea from concept to completion. MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact Rob Nunn on 0488 025 644 or email rob.nunn@autocontrols.com.au.

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Soil pH

and its influences on crop nutrients BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Plants can show symptoms of nutrient deficiency which is often related to the pH of the soil despite the application of general fertilisers. Soil pH may change due to natural events such as water logging, and human activities such as fertilisers or lime application. The importance of soil pH in relation to plant health has been stressed in a number of publications specified for Western Australia condition such as Soil pH and plant health and Carnarvon good agricultural practice guide.

The pH of the soil and its effect on nutrient availability to plants

Looking at each individual element, such as phosphorous (P) for example, the availability of P is greatest in the pH range between 5.5 and 7.5, dropping off below 5.5. In other words, for a given soil, if P is applied at pH 6, there will be more of it available than if the same amount is applied when the soil pH is below 5.5. Similarly, because the availability of Mo is increased greatly as soil pH increases over 6.5, Mo deficiencies usually can be corrected by liming.

The significance of soil pH, in relation to agriculture, is its effect on the nutrient availability to the plant and crops. Nutrient availability to plant crops means that the presence of nutrient elements in the soil under the form that plant can uptake. Low availability of nutrient elements may cause nutrient deficiency regardless how much fertilisers are applied whilst too high availability leads to toxicity.

The pH of the agricultural soil in Western Australia

Figure 1 is a classical expression of this concept used in most literature.

It is reported in Soil pH and plant health by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australian (DAFWA) soils typically have a pH range between 4 and 8.5.

As it is shown in the chart, a very slightly acid soil (pH value ranges 6.5 to 7.0) is the most suitable condition where nutrition elements are readily available to plant crops.

This article again explains the basics of soil pH, the pH of the soil and its effect on nutrient availability to plants, and cultural practices that affect soil pH and the general health of plants.

Strong acid

In the metropolitan area, soils are more alkaline near the limestone-based coastal sands. Soils further inland, and most agricultural areas, are naturally acidic (pH is below 7).

Medium Slightly Very Very Slightly Medium acid acid slightly slightly alkaline alkaline acid alkaline

Strongly alkaline

Nitrogen

The basic of soil pH

Phosphorus

In scientific term the pH of the soil is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Values below 7 indicate an acid soil which usually is expressed by growers as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sour soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and above 7, alkaline.

Potassium Sulphur Calcium Magnesium Iron

It is important to note that a pH change by 1 unit means it is 10 times more acidic (sourer) or alkaline.

Manganese Boron Copper & zinc Molybdenum 4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

6.5

FIGURE 1 Effect of soil pH on nutrient availability Source: DAFWA, Nov 15

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7.0

7.5

8.0

8.5

9.0

9.5

10.0

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IN the metropolitan area, soils are more alkaline near the limestone-based coastal sands. Soils further inland, and most agricultural areas, are naturally acidic.

TABLE 1 Effect of fertilisers in soil pH Material

Impact on pH

Ammonium sulphate

Very acidifying

Calcium nitrate

Minimal

Potassium nitrate

Neutralising

Ammonium nitrate

Acidifying

Urea

Slightly acidifying

Mono-ammonium phosphate Acidifying

In agricultural regions, soils which were not very acid when cleared have become increasingly so through the continuous application of fertiliser.

As pH starts to increase towards being strongly alkaline (pH > 8.5), the availability of phosphorus, iron (Fe), copper, zinc and manganese drops rapidly and regular tissue tests may be needed to identify possible deficiencies of these elements.

Measurement of pH of the soil within tomato rows in North Perth ranges from 5.0 to 6.5, usually lower than that of soil between rows. Similar patterns were recorded in farms growing other crop types such as zucchini, snow pea, cucumber and eggplants.

Cultural practices that effect soil pH

In some cases where sawdust is used as growing medium such as kang kung and cucumber growing in greenhouse, the measured pH were as low as 4.5 due to the production of organic acid by decomposing sawdust and dead roots. In the Carnarvon good agricultural practice guide most Carnarvon soils have a pH range of 6.8 to 7.8 and are classified as ‘neutral to slightly alkaline’. At this range of pH the solubility of micronutrients such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) falls rapidly and plant availability starts to decline.

Fertiliser application influences the soil pH the most. The following generalisations presented in Carnarvon good agricultural practice guide are represented as a guide: • Ammonium (NH4+) or ammoniumforming fertilisers (e.g. urea) reduce soil pH (acidify) over time. • Nitrate (NO3-) sources carrying a basic cation are less acidifying than ammonium fertilisers.

Di-ammonium phosphate

Acidifying

Triple superphosphate

Neutralising

Superphosphate

Neutralising

Potassium chloride

Neutralising

Potassium sulphate

Neutralising

Limestone

Minimal

Hydrated lime

Minimal

Gypsum (calcium sulphate)

Minimal

Source: www.vegetableswa.com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2015/06/Carnarvon_Best_Practice_LR_Definitive.pdf

• Gypsum (calcium sulphate — CaSO4) has minimal impact on soil pH. However, in areas where excess sodium is a problem, gypsum can help to improve soil structure. Impact of different commercial fertilisers on soil pH are presented in Table 1. MORE INFORMATION If you would like assistance please contact Truyen Vo on 0457 457 559 or truyen.vo@ vegetableswa.com.au • www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-ph-and-planthealth?page=0%2C0#smartpaging_toc_ p0_s0_h2 • www.vegetableswa.com.au/wp-content/ uploads/2015/06/Carnarvon_Best_ Practice_LR_Definitive.pdf

• The presence of calcium (Ca), magnesium, potassium, and sodium in the fertiliser may slightly increase or cause no change in soil pH. • Elemental sulphur, ammonium sulphate, and compounds such as iron or aluminium sulphates can reduce the soil pH. WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Burying crop residues offers benefits to growers â&#x20AC;Ś and prevents stable flies BY DAVID COOK AND DON TELFER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

It has for some time been thought that deep burying crop residues may assist in controlling insects such as stable flies in market gardens. But it may also offer a more profitable and productive advantage to growers if the deep burial is carried out immediately after harvest is completed. Research work funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) and Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) has commenced on the burial of vegetable crop residues as a means of preventing stable flies from developing in this material. Successful burial that leaves no crop residue near the soil surface can deny stable flies the chance to lay eggs in the residues if buried quickly and completely. The current best management approach to managing stable flies in vegetable crops residues involves high speed mulching of residues, turning-off overhead irrigation, applying a pesticide to the residues, and leaving the area undisturbed for at least one week before incorporating into the soil. This approach aims to dry out the residue on the soil surface to stop infestation by stable flies, whilst adding a protective barrier of insecticide to kill any fly eggs laid on the residue or that develop in the root matter still left in the soil.

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This approach can reduce stable fly development significantly, but leaves the roots of celery and broccoli and similar crops near the surface of the soil, where stable flies can still develop. Most importantly, this involves at least three separate operations for vegetable producers (i.e. mulching, pesticide application and rotary hoeing).

This has led us to the machinery such as counter rotating (contravator) rotary hoes and stone buriers that are capable of completely burying material up to a depth of 30cm underground (see Figure 1).

Conventional rotary hoeing

Waste left on surface as well as partially buried

Contravator rotary hoeing

Waste buried underground

High speed mulching

Leaves roots still in the soil to breed stable fly

FIGURE 1 Types of mechanical burial of crop residues Source: David Cook, UWA

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This operation is done in a single pass and leaves a clean top layer of sieved soil ready for the next planting. It is believed this machinery will save time and money to vegetable growers, which should be a huge incentive for its adoption and a bigger driver for change.

FIGURE 2 Mulched crop residue buried to a depth of 10cm (L) and then covered with soil (R)

This machinery offers the very real potential of being able to remove vegetable matter from access by stable flies, whilst providing the following productivity benefits to growers: • Less watering of soils to reduce erosion and pumping costs • Less mechanical working of the soil and reduced running costs of tractors and machinery • Retention of the organic matter from the crop residues • No need to apply a pesticide for stable fly control and reduced chance of pesticide resistance

FIGURE 3 Mulched crop residue on the surface (L) and the randomised treatments marked with pegs in a vegetable production area

• Single operation ready for immediate planting of the next crop.

Mulched crop residue will be buried at different depths (2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30cm) in soil to determine the depth at which stable flies are unable to access the material, either to lay eggs onto the residue directly, or to lay eggs in cracks in the soil where the resultant larvae that hatch are able to burrow down to the residue.

The two critical elements of this approach are: 1) that the residues are buried deep enough to ensure that stable flies cannot access the material; and 2) that the residues are buried quickly enough after harvest, before stable flies are able to lay eggs onto the residues. Burying of residues that already have stable fly eggs and/or larvae on them may not have a big enough impact on their survival. The research which has just commenced will take form in two phases. The first is small trail work, to work out how far adult and larvae stable fly can move vertically through the soil to access rotting vegetable matter. The second phase is to take this biological information and apply it to various contravator rotary hoes and stone buriers so that the optimal depth of burial can be employed to prevent stable fly development whilst promoting productivity gains for producers.

PVC tubes (150mm diameter and height) will be buried flush with the soil surface and a set amount of mulched residue placed inside (Figure 2). The tubes are to prevent stable fly larvae that may be in the soil already from accessing the material laterally through the soil profile.

Two weeks after exposing the residues in the field (both on the surface and buried (Figure 3) the material will be dug up and placed in fly proof boxes so that any fly larvae present can develop into adult flies. The first experiment is comparing 2cm, 5cm and 10cm depths of buried crop residues to residues left on the surface. Experiments to follow will look at burying residues deeper (15, 20 and 30cm) as well as examining the impact of soil compaction, burying residues that are not mulched, and time after harvest that residues are buried. MORE INFORMATION Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) on 1800 084 881 or info@agric.wa.gov.au. For further stable fly information please go to the DAFWA website www.agric.wa.gov.au/ vegetables/stable-fly-western-australia

Department of Agriculture and Food

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Fertigation projects Vietnamese Cucumber growers based in Geraldton have been growing over the past 20 years, some 20,000,000 cucumbers in hot houses yearly from 1,000,000 plants. The largest grower in this region has for the past 20 years been operating his irrigation drip system manually. This includes manually turning on and off each valve to water and includes manually mixing and injecting fertiliser into each hothouse via the suction lines of the pumps using a slug dose method. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a total of over 300 tonne of fertiliser each year for the Geraldton region. 100% of the regions growers are currently still growing in soil which after 20 years is creating many issues. Slowly new ideas are being introduced along with products to deal with all the issues facing these growers.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

These growers are now mostly second generation farmers and are exploring new and innovative ideas, products and methods. They have faced many difficulties over the years, including the obvious language barriers, formal education and traditional growing methods, which has until now somewhat held growers back from trialling new technology and methods. A new era has arrived and the second generation growers are now utilising new methods and have adapted to an easier way of irrigating and fertilising. There are four variations of dosing currently being used: 1. Manual injection with no automatic control 2. Semi automatic-controller with manual fertiliser injection 3. Fully automatic with bulk dosing 4. Fully automatic with controlled injection to maintain constant ec/ph.

In an attempt to find solutions to the injection issues, systems such as the Netafim Pro that has the ability to automatically control watering, dosing, temperature, solar and radiation adjustment are being utilised. These systems are versatile and have the ability to be run via 2-wire, radio connection and now can be remotely activated via the RAC (remote access computer) which enable the grower to have full total access to the controller when off site. Growers have the ability to log into their controllers from Asia, Europe and the United States. From a retailer perspective, this system is proving valuable as it allows the download of all the irrigation data logging to help identify issues that be ongoing or immediate. The controller can be set to switch off the controller if any damage will be caused by a system failure. Benefits are being seen as this type of controlled system is assisting in improved harvest results.

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1 This season saw the growers commence with slug dosing and they are all investigating in constant dosing to maintain recommended ec/Ph levels in a matter of just four months. To date there are four growers in the Region that have fully converted their systems to automatic dosing and mixing within this period. Triangle dosing pumps have been favoured for their ease of adjustment and the simple piston operation style. Great reliability has been evident with this system and they suit the growers that like to see the injection system working. The addition of the Te controller means that programming can be automated to trickle feed consistently. The controller will automatically adjust to stronger mixes of fertiliser and also water quality. The Triangle dosing pump controllers allow for each growers preference of dosing by simply changing speed of the pumps. Some growers prefer to slug dose at a higher rate per minute, and some will dose more calculated using wetting down time before dosing and flushing the lines after dosing.

3 1000L shuttles have been set up with agitation motor assemblies to cater to the grower’s preference of mixing their own fertilisers. These motors are programmed to agitate every 10 minutes via the Netafim Pro control system.

1. Cucumbers.

Alongside the dosing systems are now Netafim filters, Controllers including remote access controllers and variable speed hydrovars. These are all new products being used by the growers to assist in creating a reliable and efficient automatic system.

6. Trial hothouse at Great Northern Rural premises.

Great Northern Rural (GNR) based in Geraldton has taken the lead assisting these Cucumber Growers by investing in hands on research and took an unused part of their yard and erected a ‘to scale’ growing tunnel to experiment and prove new ideas. They set up a ‘To waste fertiliser system’ using grow bags to eliminate soil bred diseases which can simply be replaced with a new 100% clean bag each year. GNR’s results to date have been fantastic. “The cucumbers are successfully growing with this new method and harvest results are on par with traditional methods. Which means any growers taking up the new methods can be assured of similar yields*,” says Stacey Oakley Irrigation Designer at GNR.

2. Typical hothouses. 3. Triangle dosing pumps. 4. Speed modules. 5. Fertigation shuttles with mixed agitator motors.

This Growing tunnel will surely help GNR gain more knowledge when trialling new ideas and are striving to find the best results through products and methods to suit their growers ever changing needs. On a fact finding trip to a Perth grower recently, GNR were able to visit a site that they felt had achieved a near perfect set up and hope to replicate as much of this system as possible. GNR hope that all of their grower customers will soon embrace this new way of controlling water and dosing. MORE INFORMATION Source: Overflow — Winter 2015. * GNR will be donating the harvest from the 96 plants which will harvest roughly 2,200 cucumbers to the local food bank and salvation army in Geraldton.

6 WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Report or find expert information on stable fly and other horticulture crop pests

BY KIRRILY PALMER IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

the automatic location of the device is on or off. If you are not reporting on a pest or an event at the site it is occurring or was observed, you may give an address or other location in the ‘Where’ text box.

Recently the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) released a suite of mobile phone apps, one of which will assist the community with reporting Stable Fly and other pest outbreaks.

Once you have sent the report to DAFWA the information is verified by an expert, mapped online as per where the report was sent from based on the location (which is why it’s important to leave this turned on), then the photos and information are securely stored on a DAFWA database allowing us to contact you if required as well as send you a message back to onto your device.

The new app, called MyPestGuide Reporter, is available to download free of charge for both iPhone and Android smart phones. The other app, called MyPestGuide Crops is more often used for identifying and reporting specifically on grains pests in crops. MyPestGuide Reporter lets everyone reports pests and maps it online.

To obtain the expert feedback the user needs to refresh or download reports in the main menu as this draws the information from the database onto your phone.

When using the MyPestGuide Reporter app on your smart phone, you have the ability to take and submit up to four photos, it will automatically locate the observation site (if the phone’s GPS or location remains on), you can describe what you see and where, and it will store the information sent in a folder for you. The report page walks you through attaching photographs, and you can see if

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DAFWA can also use the information to respond to the report when needed if an exotic pest is found, and to help gather all similar reports and map them together to highlight pest hotspots or pest outbreaks which might impact an industry. You are able to ask for someone to ring you on your mobile as soon as they receive the report, and you can agree to or disallow your report to be shared with others publicly on the online map. However, by sharing this builds up useful information for us to be able to

THE information gathered will be used to infer Australia's freedom from pests and diseases in order to maintain access to overseas markets.

accumulate a number of similar reports and make them available to the public for example when other countries ask us if we are free from certain pests or disease, thus keeping our markets open for trade. If you are reporting stable flies you may expedite the process by using the ‘Send report to’ drop down box and clicking on ‘Stable Fly Reports’. This will ensure the report goes directly to the Stable Fly expert, rather than the default clearing point for all other pest reports which is the MyPestGuide option. You may also wish to use to make reports using the new desk top option (or if you do not have a smart phone) by going to https://mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au Here you can submit your own reports and view the community’s pest reports too! MORE INFORMATION Further questions? Contact the Department of Agriculture & Food on 1800 084 881 or mypestguide@agric.wa.gov.au

Department of Agriculture and Food

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Working together on healthier soils BY PETER CLIFTON PROJECT MANAGER, SOUTH WEST CATCHMENTS COUNCIL

Busselton potato growers have banded together in a three-year trial to improve soil health and potato quality. The trial of high biomass crop rotations is being funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme with assistance from Potato Research WA. Local farmer Vaughan Carter said pooling knowledge was “worth a fortune” to a grower because issues could be resolved relatively quickly. L–R: Busselton-Marybrook growers Chris Payne, Vaughan Carter, Dan Taylor and Tom Payne with researcher Steve Milroy.

Mr Carter helped launch the BusseltonMarybrook Grower Group in 2014 when he received a sustainable farming grant from South West Catchments Council (SWCC) on behalf of the group.

A caliente crop recently grown in Manjimup was estimated to add more than six tonnes of dry matter per hectare to the soil.

“Visual quality is one of our biggest issues because of the low tolerance in the marketplace for any defects, and we think poor quality is linked to poor soil structure and soil health,” said Mr Carter.

It’s an approach that local growers Keith and Daniel Taylor have been practising for some time, primarily using sorghum, but until now there hasn’t been the resources to monitor and quantify results. The anecdotal evidence is, however, promising.

“To stay profitable, most of us are on three year rotations or less. So we are aiming to recover soil condition within that timeframe and meet Class 1 specifications for visual quality.” The group is trialling high biomass crop rotations on two farms to see how improvements in soil organic matter and soil structure affect yield and quality.

“We have been taking every opportunity to build soil organic matter between potato crops,” said Keith Taylor. “I believe that where we’ve done this the longest, the soil’s in better shape than it’s been for a long time.” Mr Carter hosts one of the trial sites, and after one year trialling an oats cover crop he saw some signs that soil structure was improving. However, Steve Milroy from Potato Research WA noted that the oats didn’t provide much more biomass compared to the rye grass and clover control, and that the build-up of soil organic matter was also possibly inhibited by cultivation. “Every cultivation results in a loss of organic matter,” Mr Milroy said. “While cultivation is integral to the industry, over-cultivation can be detrimental to soil health.” The Taylors have avoided cultivating their cover crops as much as possible. Pemberton grower, Glen Ryan, who also partly inspired the project, agrees that cultivation can be detrimental. He has also made several changes on his farm to reduce cultivation.

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THE biofumigant Caliente was recently trialled and mulched by Busselton grower Chris Payne.

This project is due for completion in 2017, and by then Vaughan Carter hopes the results will speak for themselves. “It can be hard to decipher results when trials aren’t scientifically monitored,” Mr Carter said. “But through this grant we can record those factors and hopefully at the end of it we will have some pretty substantial evidence one way or the other.” MORE INFORMATION

“People think that the more you work the ground the better it is going to come up. But in our experience that’s not always the case. A lot of the time you are destroying the soil structure,” he said. “We use plant life to loosen the soil up and protect the topsoil. The roots will do a fair bit for you if you give them a chance. We also use a blade plough to incorporate metham sodium (soil fumigant) instead of a rotary hoe.” Mr Ryan is slowly moving away from metham, which would further reduce the number of passes required, and could have a direct effect on profits. This is something that the Busselton group is also interested in, with grower Chris Payne recently trialling the biofumigation crop caliente, which might also provide more biomass compared to oats.

OATS trialled in year one provided some increase in organic residue compared to the control.

“A naturally healthy soil is easier to manage than using chemicals. Metham is getting more expensive and we don’t expect that it will be around forever, so if there’s a way of avoiding it we are going to be far better off,” said Mr Payne.

For more information contact Peter Clifton, Project Manager, South West Catchments Council on (08) 9724 2469 or email peter.clifton@swccnrm.org.au This project is supported by the South West Catchments Council, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

But the fear is that without metham, there may not be a crop to harvest. Glen Ryan believes that the successful transition away from metham may also be influenced by soil health. “When we first started trailing ‘no-metham’ our soil was in pretty poor health and product quality suffered. As we improved soil health, the low-cost ‘no-metham’ areas have started to match metham areas for product quality. I also think our root mass has generally been better where we haven’t used metham,” he said.

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ADVERTORIAL

Revolutionary new

nematode control ADAMA Australia is pleased to announce that NIMITZ® has received registration approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and is now available for use in Queensland in cucurbits (including cucumbers, watermelons, rockmelons and squash), and fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, okra and eggplants). A highly effective nematicide featuring simplified application options and unmatched user safety, “NIMITZ is the nematicide that growers across Australia have been waiting for,” says Dave Stewart, Commercial Manager, Horticulture, for Adama in Western Australia. “The release of NIMITZ has been eagerly anticipated by many after several years of trials have demonstrated its unique handling benefits and its effectiveness in controlling plantparasitic nematodes.”

“Registration for use in these crops in other states including WA is planned after the first year of working closely with Adama Innovation Centre Partners and growers in Queensland,” says Mr Stewart. The active ingredient in NIMITZ has a unique mode of action — no other nematicide in the world currently has this same mode of action or classification — and is a new paradigm for nematode control on these high value crops. NIMITZ eliminates many of the stringent use requirements of existing nematicides including fumigant management plans, extended re-entry intervals (REI) and restrictive buffer zones. “In contrast to other older nematicides, NIMITZ simplifies nematode management by significantly improving user safety and lessening complex handling practices,” says Mr Stewart. “NIMITZ is used at low application rates, has a very short REI and requires minimal personal protective equipment”. ADAMA Australia CEO Darrin Hines points out that the registration of NIMITZ is the first unique active ingredient to

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

be delivered by Adama since rebranding from Farmoz to Adama Australia in July 2014. “The launch of Adama has been more than a name change. Our first year as Adama has been the culmination of several years of development and planning our new business strategy to deliver on our promise to our distribution partners and growers alike. The exciting news is that there is even greater value for us to deliver in the next 12 months including innovative digital solutions, another new active ingredient and several unique products.”

Revolutionising global nematode control Nematodes are among the most destructive and problematic pests for growers worldwide, causing yield loss of more than $100 billion annually. Since 2007, more than 1,000 field trials and hundreds of regulatory studies have been conducted in 23 countries to demonstrate the effectiveness and unique handling benefits of NIMITZ. This research consistently shows nematode control, with NIMITZ as effective as, or better than, the previous commercial standards. “As the first new chemical nematicide to be developed in more than 20 years, NIMITZ will fill an industry-wide demand for highly-effective nematode control as other chemistry is phased out,” says Andrew Horsfield, General Manager, Technical Development, for Adama Australia. “NIMITZ is a ‘true’ nematicide, which delivers irreversible nematicidal activity immediately following an application. Within one hour of contact, nematodes cease feeding and quickly become paralysed. Within 24 to 48 hours, pest mortality occurs rather than the temporary ‘freezing’ or nematostatic activity, as seen with organophosphate and carbamate nematicides”.

With fenamiphos (Nemacur*) to have approval for use in Australia on cucurbits, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots and several other key crops withdrawn as of July 2016, NIMITZ® will play a very important role in nematode management in the years to come. “NIMITZ provides a truly effective alternative that is safe and easy to apply, and can be incorporated into an existing nematode management strategy that includes cultural and biological practices with little or no disruption to important soil microfauna and microflora including earthworms and key biological control agents such as parasitic fungi and predatory nematodes.”

Product application, future registrations NIMITZ application options include simple injection via drip-irrigation, and broadcast or banded spray application with mechanical incorporation, meaning for most growers that the operations can be carried out with no requirement for additional application equipment and without the need for input from an external contractor. Adama expects to obtain further registrations of NIMITZ in more countries and an extended list of approved uses in susceptible crops. Work in Australia is continuing with the aim to include leafy vegetables, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, turf and even potential in cereals, cotton, tree crops and vines. MORE INFORMATION For more information about NIMITZ and its potential uses in Western Australia including the Product Label, MSDS, Product User Guide and Product Technical Manual visit adama.com or contact Dave Stewart on 0418 920 982.

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Nimitz What this country has been waiting for. ®

The fast acting and unique mode of action and user safety profile of new Nimitz® from Adama exemplifies our promise to Simply. Grow. Together. Behind the scenes and in collaboration with growers around the world and here in Australia, more than 1000 field trials and hundreds of regulatory studies in 23 countries have been conducted to develop Nimitz® and deliver a truly effective solution to a global problem. Nimitz® is safe and easy to use and will become a key tool across a wide range of crops. Nimitz® is a long awaited breakthrough in nematode control. adama.com To find out more about Nimitz® use your QR reader. WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Farm hygiene for vegetables crops Farm hygiene is the key vital management method for not only disease but agricultural pests in general. Observed poor farm hygiene practices in terms of poor quarantine, poor treatment of tomato debris and the present of wild solanacean plants as year-round weed was linked as a contributing factor to the outburst of disease in North Perth last summer.

BY VO THE TRUYEN FIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

ESTRICT movement of machinery, vehicles, R equipment and people both onto your property and within your fields.

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Fusarium disease (Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. licopersici) and Black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes) were detected as causes of the problems.

The disease incident on tomatoes is even worse in Carnarvon this year which has been confirmed by different scientists that have been caused by different pathogens including fusarium and bacterial canker. Among recommendations to control the problem, farm hygiene is stressed as the major effective preventive measure since chemical treatments after the disease are detected do not guarantee desired outcomes.

What can growers do? Below are 10 actions that are recommended to reduce the risks on your farm of both introducing new pests and spreading those currently present on your farm. 1. Restrict movement of machinery, vehicles, equipment and people both onto your property and within your fields. This is not a common practice in most of small scale farms and those which contract several share farmers. It is also observed that a guest vehicle travels across a farm as a shortcut to next one or around a farm to look for some personnel. This should be restricted in all cases.

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2. Organise a standard delivery point for all deliveries, preferably as close to your farm gate or main access road as possible. 3. Place a sign at your front gate requesting visitors to visit your office first. If they need to proceed further, supply them with a footbath or boot covers etc. This is not a common practice in most small scale farms and those which contract several share farmers. Thing must change if growers want to improve the situation. 4. Keep machinery, vehicles and clothing/footwear clean. Provide footbaths or boot covers for workers and visitors. There are many disinfectants available. Discuss the best choice for your situation with your local consultant or reseller.

EEP machinery, vehicles and clothing/ K footwear clean.

Again, provision of footbaths or boot covers is not an often seen practised. Gloves are provided but it is often seen workers use a pair of gloves for a whole day working in different plots and for different duties. It is common that a worker will not change their clothes when moving from one farm to another. This must change if growers want to improve the situation. 5. Check any plant material used. Buy certified seed and ensure seedlings are pest, disease and virus free. Be aware of potential pest problems when purchasing mulch or soil amendments. Use soil-less potting mix when producing seedlings. In many cases growers see quarantine is not their responsibility, it is the work of seedling factories or suppliers. A large number of purchase orders donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t describe how quarantine is organised. This must change if growers want to improve the situation. 6. If crop consultants or resellers visit your property, ensure they take precautions (use footbaths or clean boots etc.) as they are likely to have visited several other properties recently. Ensure seasonal or casual staff who may have worked on other properties also take these precautions. Refer rules number 1 and number 4. This must change if growers want to improve the situation.

7. Begin all tasks at the youngest and work through to the oldest plantings as younger plantings are less likely to have pests present. It is often seen that growers and their workers start from the points that they have left unfinished or where relocating machines and equipment is convenient. This must be reconsidered if growers want to improve the situation. 8. If you use harvesting contractors or pre-used harvest bins, ensure that all machinery and equipment used is thoroughly cleaned before it enters your fields.

Refer rules number 1, 4 and 6.

9. Remove crop residue known to harbour pests or diseases as soon as practical. Place cover crops to reduce erosion hazards in fallowing fields. Choose cover crops that are not hosts for the pests that are likely to be present. 10. Learn as much as possible about the pests on your farm and surrounding properties, and any new pests in your region. Correct pest identification and a thorough knowledge of their lifecycle are very useful skills when planning a hygiene program for your farm. SOURCE www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/fruit-andvegetables/vegetables/farm-hygiene-forvegetable-crops For further information contact your local crop consultant development officers and field extension officers of DAFWA and vegetablesWA.

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Good practice management

for manures and vegetable crops Good management of animal manure and crop residue in vegetable production is critical to the control of Stable Fly and other nuisance flies.

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The practices outlined in this article reflects current Good Practice for minimising fly breeding associated with the use of raw animal manures and vegetable crop residues.

• Advisory: Ensure that the manure is delivered in covered trucks and that it arrives dry, lump free, and without any fly larvae already in the manure.

Adopting these practices will reduce the risk of excessive fly breeding and breaches of the Health (Fly Eradication) Regulations (for nuisance flies in general) or specifically Stable Flies, which are a Declared Pest under the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management (BAM) Act 2007. Good management of animal manures and crop residue includes aspects that are described as being either:

• Essential: When the consignment of raw manure has been spread it shall be incorporated immediately or buried to a minimum of 100mm.

1. Essential and therefore required in all situations or; 2. Advisory, in which case they should be considered as a part of Good Practice. It should be noted that the sale, supply, storage and use of raw poultry manure is restricted in over 12 peri-urban Shires around Perth covered under the Stable Fly Management Plan in the BAM Act. If you are unsure if your property is located in a prescribed area, check with your local council environmental health officer.

1.0 Storage and delivery of manure Minimise storage time and ensure that manure is kept dry at all times. The vegetable producer is responsible for co-ordinating the delivery, storage, spreading and incorporation of raw and treated manures. 1.1 Storage area — essential Provide adequate hard surface such as asphalt, concrete or compacted crushed limestone that:

• Essential: Any spillage of manure between the storage area and cropping area must be cleaned up immediately.

2.0 Chemical control of fly breeding — advisory To maximise the effectiveness of insecticides against flies, they should be applied: • within 3–5 days of manure application; • late in the day when conditions are cool; • to soil that is surface moist; and • in at least 700 to 800 litres of water per hectare. Only use chemicals registered for use in vegetables to control fly breeding. Products must be applied in accordance with the label or with APVMA Permit. There are four chemical groups with minor use permits for control of stable flies in post-harvest residues. For up to date information contact vegetablesWA or visit the APVMA website at www.apvma.gov.au. CHECK the Health (Poultry Manure) Regulations 2001 to see if you can use poultry manure in your area.

• is outside the range of sprinklers, WHEN a consignment of raw manure has been spread, immediately incorporate it to a minimum of 100mm.

• is located on high ground, well away (at least 30 metres) from any watercourse and not in any depression where surface water can accumulate, • can be kept clean and free of manure between deliveries. 1.2 Delivery and application • Essential: Coordinate delivery and spreading so that each consignment of manure will be spread within three days of the delivery to the storage area. Or if stored for longer than three days, the consignment will be covered and sealed so that flies and water are unable to contact the manure. WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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3.0 Management of crop residues Significant levels of fly breeding (particularly stable fly), can occur from rotting vegetable material. Minimising fly breeding in crop residues relies on the application of a range of management practices. Highest risks are associated with: • crops that leave large volumes of fleshy vegetative matter,

• Essential: Thoroughly breaking up crop residues is a key management practice. The more effectively this is done, the less fly breeding will result. • Advisory: The use of the following practices are determined largely by level of risk and should therefore ALL be used in high risk situations:

— Apply an approved insecticide to the crop residue AFTER it has been mulched and broken up and then stop all irrigation for at least seven days before rotary cultivating into the soil.

— In low risk situations a single, deep rotary cultivation will usually be sufficient; any elevation of risk may require more cultivations.

• difficult to break up woody roots as in brassica, celery and lettuce, • high temperatures in spring, summer and autumn, which allow rapid fly breeding 3.1 Managing harvested field residues In high risk situations, a combination of management practices are needed including the use of mulching to break up crop residues, application of insecticides, turning off overhead irrigation and regular monitoring for stable fly. • Essential: In all situations minimise the number of harvests and time taken to complete harvests. This will reduce the amount of material that is exposed to fly breeding. SIGNIFICANT levels of fly breeding can occur from decaying vegetable material.

• Essential: In all situations, carry out regular monitoring — see Section 4.0 to assess management effectiveness in controlling fly breeding. 3.2 Other crop waste disposal Surplus or unmarketable produce must be handled in a manner that does not give rise to fly breeding. Recommended management practices are: • E ssential: Spread the material thinly over a harvested area and treat as described in 3.1. • Essential: If fed to livestock, ensure it is spread in long, thin lines so that it is all consumed and no residue is left to allow fly breeding.

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• A dvisory: Compost the material either on site or remove to a facility off-site. • E ssential: If this material is buried, it must be placed deep enough in the ground so that at least 300mm of soil can be placed over the top after applying an approved pesticide.

4.0 Monitoring — Advisory Regularly monitor for fly breeding by checking for the presence of fly larvae, particularly in clumps of animal manure, decaying crop waste (stalks, leaves and roots), reject produce and any other sources of organic matter on your property. To monitor for fly breeding, collect ten samples with a small garden trowel or equivalent. Count the number of fly larvae present and if there are more than ten larvae in two or more samples, take immediate steps to control them. If smaller numbers of fly larvae are present, re-sample within a week.

5.0 Considerations for neighbours and the public — Advisory Locate manure storage away from boundaries and avoid applying on weekends, public holidays and windy conditions. MORE INFORMATION Contact vegetablesWA on (08) 9481 0834 or Department of Agriculture and Food, Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) on 1800 084 881 or online www.agric.wa.gov.au/ vegetables/stable-fly-western-australia

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YOUR

INDUSTRY

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Australian Made, Grown logo to be incorporated into proposed new country-of-origin food labels Country of Origin Food Labels Mandatory labels ‘Made in’ country of origin claims

The Australian Made Campaign has welcomed the Government’s proposed new country-of-origin labelling system for food. It will for the first time incorporate a bar chart showing what proportion of ingredients come from Australia, and will also include — for those products made and grown in Australia — the Australian Made, Australian Grown kangaroo logo. “We welcome the Government’s initiative to help consumers quickly and easily identify great Aussie products,” Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said. “The Australian Made Campaign contributed significant input during the development of this proposal and looks forward to working with the Government to efficiently and effectively implement the new scheme.”

Mr Harrison said the iconic green-and-gold kangaroo logo had been helping farmers and manufacturers promote genuine Aussie products and produce for nearly three decades. “The new system will help consumers make informed choices based on the ‘Australianness’ of products,” Mr Harrison said. “Independent Roy Morgan Research surveys confirm the enormous levels of recognition and trust Australians have in the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo.” “A greater number of growers and manufacturers using the logo will further strengthen its impact for the benefit of both consumers and producers,” Mr Harrison said.

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Made in Australia from 0% Australian ingredients

Made in Australia from less than 25% Australian ingredients

Made in Australia from more than 25% Australian ingredients

‘Grown in’ country of origin claims

Made in Australia from more than 50% Australian ingredients

Made in Australia from more than 75% Australian ingredients

Made in Australia from 100% Australian ingredients

Grown in Australia

‘Packed in’ statements (imported ingredients)

Imported products

‘Packed in’ statements must also include a country of origin (made in or grown in) claim

Imported food products must continue to declare their original country of origin Made in France

Packed in Australia Made in Canada

Product of Canada

Packed in Australia Grown in France

Providing additional information Companies will be encouraged to provide information on the origin of significant ingredients where possible

Some of these include: • Fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts Made in Australia from Australian milk

Made in Australia from Canadian pork

Made in Australia from Australian carrots and French peas

• Meat, poultry and seafood • Eggs and dairy products (e.g. milk, butter, cheese) • Deli products and cured meats (e.g. salami, ham, bacon) For more information: industry.gov.au/cool • Fruit and vegetable juices

The proposed new ‘contents symbol’ will be mandatory for most (but not all) food products and the roll-out will commence next year — following consultation with the States and Territories — with a phased implementation period for small business.

• Canned/dried/packaged fruit and vegetables. MORE INFORMATION

What will the new food labels apply to?

For further information visit http:// industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/ FoodManufacturingIndustry/Pages/Countryof-Origin-Labelling.aspx

The new labelling will apply to those food categories which consumers and the community indicated they were most interested in country of origin food labelling — this was mainly fresh produce or minimally processed foods.

Australian Made Contact Catherine Sekulovski, Media and Communications Officer P: (03) 9686 1500 or 0422 071 256 E: catherine@australianmade.com.au www.australianmade.com.au

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Market City sale BY JOHN SHANNON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

At the time of writing the State Government is in the process of potentially destroying the long-term ability of growers to sell fresh fruit and vegetables through the wholesale market, in its desire to turn even minor government assets into gold as it looks to prop up its depleted coffers. The first target in the crosshairs as part of the asset sales program is the wholesale fruit and vegetable market at Canning Vale, better known to growers as the Perth Markets. To put this particular asset sale in perspective, this patch of ground will likely yield enough cash to pay the State’s interest bill for about a month. The sale of other assets on the Government’s chopping block, such as the Fremantle Port, will obviously yield a much greater price — but we should realise that the sale of the Perth Markets will likely result not in a big pot of gold but in a quicksilver interest payment which will be gone before any taxpayer receives much benefit, or any meaningful debt is paid down. Minor asset sales cannot compensate for the larger reforms necessary for this State. In fact, the consequences of this short-term decision making will potentially haunt West Australians through higher fresh produce prices for many years to come. The private holding company for one of Australia’s richest businessmen and one industry bid came through the Expressions of Interest stage to be invited to tender for the Canning Vale site.

This sale process is supposed to be concluded by Christmas, unless the sensible idea currently being debated in the upper house to consider the sale legislation in more detail through a Committee reporting in February gains enough support from the Nationals, Greens and Shooters and Fishers in addition to the Labour Party.

Nearly 50% of WA’s vegetable production goes through the Perth Markets, as compared to the approximately 25% which goes to Coles and Woolworths direct. That makes the prospect of not having a wholesale market in 20 years a frightening one indeed, and one we should all be worried about. It could see WA end up on a much worse footing than even Tasmania with no wholesale market, but has a government Bass Strait freight scheme in place to offset transport costs and a much closer alternative wholesale market in Melbourne than we have in WA, given the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. In order to protect this vital asset, and ensure the continuing security of WA’s fresh produce supply, the government needs to extend the current 20-year requirement that the buyer retain the site as a wholesale market to 50 years. Even better, remove an end date altogether. We should note that other states like Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide have successfully sold their markets, but this success has been guaranteed because they were transferred to industry consortia rather than other outside interests.

IN order to protect this vital asset the government needs to extend the current 20-year requirement that the buyer retain the site as a wholesale market to 50 years.

If government insists on limited time period guarantees rather than an indefinite one, it must also use part of the asset proceeds to land bank a new market site near a current or future port or airport for use. But we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that this alone will easily solve the problem. Locating a site big enough to house the markets will prove impossible without heading to the city fringe, which means losing the central location that works so well for market users such as retailers. Relocating the markets on the outskirts of a growing city also means greater transport costs, which will ultimately be borne by consumers. Back in 100AD, the Roman poet Juvenal meant to disparage the people’s interest in “bread and circuses” rather than important policy issues. However, the subsequent 1,915 years of history have proved the critical importance of markets in supplying affordable fresh fruit and vegetables for the people. Here in WA right now, the State Government is risking even our future bread to satisfy its current circus. So quick, send in the clowns — don’t bother, they’re already here. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to discuss this further please contact me on (08) 9481 0834 or john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au

There are also concerning provisions in the sale legislation which create the markets as a monopoly sales floor with no external oversight to ensure that a new landlord doesn’t use the monopoly power to unfairly jack up the rents. There also needs to be better transparency around the sale contract itself. WA Grower SUMMER 2015

Little problems quickly become

big problems

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ParaMite applied early stops small problems from becoming big problems. ParaMite stops egg, larvae and nymph development and sterilises adult females to provide lasting mite control across a range of crops. While highly effective against mites, ParaMite is soft on beneficials making it an ideal fit in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems.

www.sumitomo-chem.com.au ParaMite速 is a registered trademark of Sumitomo Chemical Co. Limited Japan.

Grower experiences usinG samurai® systemic insecticide for fruit fly control under permit numBer - per80790 “I found Samurai very easy to apply and it worked well in keeping my fruit fly numbers low. It was used in a program together with baiting, lures and traps, and this approach worked as well as the old fenthion program.” Gordon Schultz Bangalow’s Best Bangalow NSW

“This year my program to control fruit fly included Samurai and Maxx Organosilicone Surfactant™, and it certainly proved itself to be part of the answer – together with the other components including hygiene, netting, baiting, trapping and lures. There were no issues with Samurai and I will continue to use it to protect my stone fruit.“

“This year would have been a disaster without Samurai to control fruit fly in my peaches. I used it in a program as close as possible to harvest, and only had a very small number of fruit with maggots in them. Samurai will be a permanent part of my program going forward.” Ray Zahra Yenda NSW

Robert Hood High Valley Orchard Newrybar NSW

www.sumitomo-chem.com.au Scan here to see more information about Samurai Systemic Insecticide

Sumitomo has a submission with the APVMA for registration of this use pattern. APVMA permit number PER80790. Samurai® is a registered trademark of Sumitomo Chemical Co. Limited Japan. Maxx Organosilicone Surfactant™ is a trademark of Sumitomo Chemical Australia Pty Ltd.

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Gascoyne

Food Bowl Initiative

Growing the

Gascoyne region!

BY TONY DELLA BOSCA PROJECT MANAGER, GASCOYNE FOOD BOWL, DAFWA

The Gascoyne Food Bowl (GFB) Initiative (Phase 2) 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 project will contribute to the economic diversity and growth of the Gascoyne region by increasing the value of agricultural production. The project will lead to increased food security for Western Australians and the opportunity to grow domestic markets and develop export market opportunities.

This initiative is funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA), as the lead agency.

• First sand spear is installed

DAFWA is developing land and water infrastructure for an economically robust expanded horticultural precinct and sustainable soil, water and catchment management practices for the Carnarvon horticultural district. The GFB plans to deliver a 400 hectare expansion of the horticulture industry and identification of suitable soil for a future expansion of 800ha.

The drilling program has now been completed, ahead of time and within budget.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

This article will provide the following updates on the Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative: • An update on the drilling program • Electrification and pipeline progress • An update on the land expansion process

Drilling program

The program started in September 2014 and was completed in May 2015 with 120 exploration and 35 production bores being drilled in the northern borefield — within three focus areas: i) Expansion area — where 35 production bores have now been installed

MINISTER Baston visits the first Top Water Optimisation Collector Spear with Geoff Strickland, Director Irrigated Agriculture, DAFWA and Saxon Boston.

ii) Eastern area — to forecast future water supplies iii) Infill of the current Gascoyne Water Cooperative (GWC) borefield — to assist in drought conditions prior to river flow and Cyclone Olwyn The test pumping of production bores has confirmed that a majority of the 35 bores have above average yields compared to existing bores in the area and the borefield has the capacity to deliver 4GL/year.

DAFWA has commenced the last stage of the water development program and commissioned a modelling study of the groundwater resource to test the aquifer’s capacity to sustainably deliver this water. The updated aquifer model and results of analysis will be given to the Department of Water (DoW) to assist with the water licensing process. The model results will be reviewed towards the end of 2015.

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First sand spear is installed Under the Top Water Optimisation program, the first sand spear (to pump water from the sands of the river bed after a flow event) has been installed with another five possible sites identified. This program is aimed at optimising the use of the water resource by further reducing the draw from the aquifer during and post river flow events.

Electrification In November 2014, the Stage 1 section of the power line was completed. This 22,000 Volt (high voltage) line was built by Horizon Power from McGlades Road to the end of the current GWC borefield. The line provides the opportunity for growers and GWC to reduce the cost of pumping water and increase the operating efficiency of the borefield.

The preliminary design for the proposed GFB pipe was based on a borefield of approximately 33km in length (McGlades Road to just west of Rocky Pool), an average flow of 10L/second per bore, and a peak flow of 20L/sec per kilometre of river frontage. The GFB collector main will be capable of delivering 400L/second peak instantaneous flow.

Land expansion The GFB initiative will see 400 hectares of additional land and infrastructure for horticulture development released to the market. During 2013/2014, DAFWA undertook rigorous processes to identify suitable parcels of unconstrained land for future release. This included:

The Stage 2 power line will extend from the 11.5km point to approximately 24km at the proposed end of the production bore and pipeline program. Planning for the Stage 2 power line design is underway and construction is anticipated to commence in October 2015.

• an airborne electromagnetic survey (AEM) and analysis of soil quality and salinity risk

Power supplied by Horizon Power is sourced from the 18MW Mungullah Power Station. In the longer term, Horizon is also considering solar fields to provide power to the GFB borefield and similar projects.

As a result of this work, approximately 600ha of high to moderate capability land has been identified for potential annual and perennial horticulture.

Pipeline Planning for the pipeline started prior to initiation of the replacement of the out-dated asbestos/cement pipe during the Gascoyne Irrigation Pipeline Project (GIPP). Reports identified that High Density Polyethylene pipe (HDPE) connected to the new GIPP 900mm supply main at McGlades Road would provide optimum pressure and serviceability.

• land based soil surveys • revised floodway modelling • land use constraints mapping • flora surveys

From this it is expected that about 400ha will ultimately be released to the market, with the scale of the land release being closely tied to confirmation of, and access to, the groundwater resource.

During 2015, the focus to progress the GFB new land expansion will be land tenure change and land use planning. There are several types of existing land tenure covering the proposed new land release areas. Tenure change from Unallocated Crown Land and Pastoral Lease to special lease and freehold will be facilitated before the land can be made available to the market. Importantly, the majority of land also requires Native Title negotiations to be completed. Town Planning consultants Urbis have recently been commissioned by DAFWA to undertake the necessary technical and land use planning studies required to incorporate the new land into the Shire of Carnarvon’s Town Planning Scheme 10 and Region Scheme 11. Part of this work will be a formal advertising of the new land plans for public comment by the Shire. This is expected to occur late 2015 and the overall land use planning process will take approximately one year. Finally, it is anticipated that an ‘Expression of Interest’ (EoI) competitive process will be the mechanism by which interested parties will be able to submit proposals to enter into a lease for the new land. An EoI would typically address a number of matters including financial capacity, project proposal, access, land management and water supply and would be assessed by a GFB EoI evaluation panel. This could occur as early as 2016; however this is dependent on the land use planning, land tenure and Native Title processes proceeding in a timely manner. The next steps you can look forward to seeing in the GFP project are the: • Drilling results to be reviewed

IRRIGATED crops in the Gascoyne.

• Further sand spears to be installed • The land use planning and tenure change process to continue to progress • EoI process for interested parties to submit proposals to enter into a lease for the new land, eta 2016 MORE INFORMATION For more regular information on the GFB project, please visit the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia Facebook site www.facebook.com/ DepartmentofAgricultureandFoodWA

Department of Agriculture and Food

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Turbocharging yields, slashing water consumption BY NATIONAL BANK AUSTRALIA AGRIBUSINESS VIEW

THERE is no need for chemical treatments or pesticides, which makes for more wholesome veggies.

Just over an hour’s drive east of Melbourne, a cutting-edge hydroponic facility of KAITEKI Fresh Australia, an offshoot of Mitsubishi Plastics Inc. is producing pesticide-free spinach, rocket and kale.

It’s also developing technology that could come to play a vital role in managing one of this sunburnt country’s most overtaxed resources. Opened in July in the regional town of Bunyip, the facility is the first of its kind outside Asia. It was the result of five years of collaboration between the Victorian Government and the KAITEKI Institute (TKI) and Mitsubishi Plastics Inc. of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (MCHC) Group. TKI was established in 2009 as a think tank and global research institute of MCHC with the aim of realising KAITEKI.

Greater yields with much less MELBOURNE

Business KAITEKI Fresh Australia Location Bunyip, Victoria Enterprises Spinach, rocket & kale

KAITEKI Fresh claims its methods – developed in Japan and evaluated by scientists at AgriBio, Victoria’s Centre for AgriBioscience — use less than over 19% of the water consumed in conventional farming.

The secret to the massive cut in water consumption lies in an innovative closed hydroponic system developed by Mitsubishi and dubbed Nae-Terasu, or ‘seedling-terrace’. These systems, sometimes referred to as ‘plant factories’, use a combination of sensors and clever computer software to control and adjust everything from the intensity of light to humidity, airflow and the amount of water supplied to the seedlings. Having such precise control of the growing environment means there are no seasons, resulting in a dramatic increase in yields. Yields eight times greater than those produced in conventional farming according to experts at LaTrobe’s AgriBio biosciences research and development unit.

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There’s also no need for chemical treatments or pesticides, which makes for more wholesome veggies, notes KAITEKI Fresh CEO Katsutoshi Ogihara. “People are becoming more aware of healthier food and where it is derived from in the world and are seeking environmentally friendly, high quality, safe and secure vegetables,” he says. “KAITEKI Fresh was established to accelerate the promotion of pesticide free leafy vegetables grown by the state of art, water-saving hydroponic technology … I’m thrilled to launch the new company in Melbourne and am very confident we will continue to contribute to the growth of the Victorian agriculture and food sector into the future.”

Meeting future food demand

A win-win partnership

The KAITEKI Institute has big ambitions for the technology KAITEKI fresh’s trialling in Bunyip. The organisation’s website points out that access to fresh water is becoming an issue around the globe, particularly in Asia’s so-called megacities where expanding populations are competing for access to it.

At a time when emotions are running high over foreign investments in Australia agriculture, KAITEKI Fresh is a timely reminder that such investments can be an entirely win-win proposition.

KAITEKI Fresh is also handling the packaging, marketing and distribution of spinach, rocket and kale from the Bunyip facility.

The type of technology being experimented with at the Bunyip facility could facilitate the widespread construction of bountiful ‘plant factories’ able to produce huge quantities of food in miniscule amounts of space. That’s something likely to be increasingly necessary if populations continue to grow and that very population growth, alongside climate change, reduces the world’s supply of arable land. Even though there’s no shortage of affordable acreage around Bunyip, KAITEKI Fresh required a mere 5,000m2 for its operations there.

Its ecoLEAF™ produce is now on the shelves of more than a dozen supermarkets and restaurants around Melbourne, and the company says it’s received “very positive” feedback.

“TKI is currently working on developing business concepts in sustainable agriculture that can help meet future food demand,” a company report promises. “One of our business concepts involves the production and distribution of Japanese varieties of vegetables in sunlight type water-saving plant factories in urban areas around the world.”

It seems likely that increasing numbers of Australian farmers will either make use of the water-saving hydroponic technology developed by pioneers such as KAITEKI Fresh or be spurred to develop their own. In the process, heavily populated Asian nations will be able to test agricultural innovations down under that allow them to guarantee food security for their populations. That’s the optimistic view of Victoria’s Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford, who says, “This state-of-the-art hydroponic facility is a potential game changer for our local growers and exporters … Securing KAITEKI’s new operations confirms our reputation as a global leader in food production and as a state ready to attract and accept investment from across our region.” MORE INFORMATION Source: http://business.nab.com.au/ turbocharging-yields-slashing-waterconsumption-12895/

Capogreco Farms

wins WA Industry Export Award BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

This year we celebrate 27 years of the Western Australian Industry and Export Awards program which provides support and encouragement to some of the state’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies. Coordinated by the Department of Commerce, the awards recognise and honour the ‘best of the best’ in WA.

Winners of the 12 selected export award categories from each state and territory awards program automatically progress to the 53rd Australian Export Awards as national finalists. vegetablesWA are very proud to announce Capogreco Farms were the winner of the Western Australian Industry and Export Awards, Regional Export category. We wish them every success with the National Awards on 27th November.

DANE Capogreco was there to accept the award from Dianne May, State Manager, AusIndustry.

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Growing Leaders

National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program 2015 ble industry a t e g e v z O he t r fo l’ ia oc Embracing ‘s BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Fifteen leaders graduated from the six-month 2015 Growing Leaders — National Vegetable Industry Leadership Program in Canberra on the 10th of September 2015. Local industry star, Lauren East, one of the fifteen participants from across the industry, was officially graduated by Senator Richard Colbeck officially representing the Hon. Tony Abbott, MP, former Prime Minister of Australia. The Growing Leaders Graduation was part of the final industry networking dinner that was once again strongly supported by key stakeholders of the vegetable industry, who flew in for the event from across Australia.

During the Graduation participants provided an overview of the outcomes of the six month 2015 Growing Leaders Mission which they have facilitated and implemented. The outcomes included a new social media campaign #ibelong which visually represents the people who belong to the Australian vegetable Industry. This social media activity combines with other concepts researched during the program including the effective use of the industry ‘waste’ produce.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

LAUREN East graduating from the 2015 Growing Leaders with Senator Colbeck.

Jill Briggs, Growing Leaders Program Manager from Rural Training Initiatives said, “This is one of the great concepts for the Australian vegetable industry. What better way to ‘future proof ’ our country than an ongoing investment in the leadership capability for the people of the industry. Rural Training Initiatives provides skills sessions and practical activities that enhance participant’s knowledge and confidence to lead the industry into the future.” During the teams visit to Canberra they facilitated multiple stakeholder meetings including Members of Parliament including Darren Chester, National Farmers Federation (NFF) and Plant Health Australia (PHA). The Growing Leaders had a number of industry heads provide ‘future focused’ guest speaking sessions including Freshstate, APVMA and Minister Joyce’s Office.

“I believe that the greatest gains I received from Growing Leaders was an opportunity to network with contacts in the industry, working with a mentor and building a vision for the future of my workplace and my position within the industry”, said Lauren East, Manager of Blackbutt Broccoli Manjimup. MORE INFORMATION Applications for 2016 are now open and you can contact Jill Briggs (02) 6035 7284 or 0409 455 710 www.ruraltraininginitiatives.com.au

COUNTRY PROPERTY EXPERTS

cvcp.com.au

COUNTRY PROPERTYCOUNTRY EXPERTS

cvcp.com.au cvcp

Superb Market Gardening with water license allocations (subject to transfer) Farm 1: 64.75 ha / 160 acres

Price $2.2mil

Orchard: 32.23 ha / 79.6 acres (oranges, mandarins and lemons) Buildings: Packing shed, cool stores, storage facility and office. Includes plant and equipment too many to list Water license: 400,000kl. Bore pump 93kW 120,00lt per hour

Farm 2: 46.23 ha / 114.2 acres

Price: $1.5mil

Orchard: approximately 8.46 ha / 20.9 acres (mangoes) Buildings: Three bedroom, two bathroom transportable house

And Farm 6: 18.52 ha / 45.7 acres Nil orchards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; vacant Buildings: Three bedroom, one bathroom farmhouse Water license: 250,000kl. Bore pump 37kW 123,000lt per hour supplies both properties

Farm 7: 147.19 ha / 363.7 acres

Price: $1.5mil

Orchard: Approximately 40.48 ha / 100 acres (oranges and mangoes) Buildings: Three bedroom farmhouse and shed Water license: 300,000kl. Bore pump 75kW, 140,000lt per hour

Farm 8: 16.19 ha / 40 acres

Price: $650,000

Orchard: 9.9 ha / 24.5 acres (has previously cultivated wine grapes) Buildings: Accommodation unit and shed. Water license: 50,000kl per hour

Farm 9: 16.19 ha / 40 acres

Price: $625,000

Note: Farms 2, 4 and 5 have been sold

Orchard: 11.8 ha / 29.2 acres (has previously cultivated wine grapes) Brook pump and filter system, all drip irrigation Water license: 50,000kl per hour

Farm 10: 16.19 ha / 40 acres â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nil orchard use

Price: $850,000

Buildings: 4 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms, 2 storey shed (20m x 20m) Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864 tom@cvp.com.au

Water license: 50,000kl per hour

GINGIN: 9575 2566

BINDOON: 9576 0626

GINGIN: 9575 2566

BINDOON: 9576 0626

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Department of Agriculture and Food

Irrigation trial

breaks new ground in remote Pilbara BY DR CHRIS SCHELFHOUT PROJECT MANAGER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

An outback project on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert in remote Western Australia aims to transform mine dewater into an oasis of productive potential, as the first round of seeding wraps up. The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) has embarked on a two-year $4.1 million project to explore the potential to harvest surplus mine dewater to grow a range of fodder and biofuel crops.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

The Woodie Woodie pilot project is part of DAFWA’s Pilbara Hinterland Agricultural Development Initiative (PHADI), backed by the WA Government’s Royalties for Regions funding.

The 38-hectare Woodie Woodie pilot takes its name from the nearby Consolidated Minerals’ manganese mine, which provides the source of dewater for the irrigation trial. The department has joined with the Mills family, veteran pastoralists from Warrawagine station, who will host the trial on their 404,685 hectare station 190 kilometres east of Marble Bar, Australia’s hottest town. The Mills have invested in two additional pivots at the Woodie Woodie pilot site and also provide in-kind support by keeping an eye on the equipment and the remote trial site.

DAFWA project manager Chris Schelfhout said while there have been similar projects in the past in the Pilbara, this trial will undertake a full analysis of the potential to cultivate a range of crops under irrigation and make this knowledge available to use for future planning and investment decisions by government, industry and investors. “This work will identify options and pathways to irrigated agricultural development in the Pilbara, providing pastoralists, agribusiness entrepreneurs and investors with new information,” Dr Schelfhout said.

Green light The irrigation system’s ‘taps’ were finally turned in early September using surplus dewater from the Woodie Woodie mine, 10 kilometres away, which is discharged into Wet Creek and runs past the trial site.

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ABOVE: Surplus mine dewater is discharged from Consolidated Minerals’ manganese mine. The water flows into a nearby creek where it is picked up downstream and used for irrigation trials. BELOW: The Woodie Woodie pilot site is located on Warrawagine station, 190 kilometres east of Marble Bar, Australia’s hottest town.

PORT HEDLAND

ABOVE: Sorghum, one of the first trial crops to be sown at the Woodie Woodie pilot, at 30cm high.

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Woodie Woodie Pilot Site

“We don’t have a formal agreement with the mine connecting their dewater surplus to our irrigation supply; the mine has approval to discharge dewater into the creek, and we have approval to pick up water from that same creek,” Dr Schelfhout said.

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“It highlights how using mine dewater for irrigation is closely linked to changes in mine operations, and the issues that can create if dewater is the sole supply for irrigation.”

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Woodie Woodie Mine Site

“It’s an interesting and important lessonlearned from this project and we want to share these project learnings with others so they can use this information to develop successful and sustainable irrigated agriculture.”

Western Australia 0 PERTH

500

Marble Bar Rd

PORT HEADLAND

Woodie Woodie

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Woodie Woodie Pilot Site

The achievement was temporarily delayed after an encounter with one of the risks associated with relying on mine dewater — a change in the mine’s operations saw dewatering rates fluctuate and affect the water supply for the trial.

100

The mine recommenced dewatering in June and water is now flowing down Wet Creek at a rate of more than 400 litres per second.

Kilometres

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In addition, DAFWA provided a cone seeder to establish small plot trials in a designated area of the pivot which is part of the Royalties for Regions Northern Beef Futures project, co-located at the site. A further 20 species have been selected, including grain, fodder and biofuel species to trial in the coming months of the project. The plant species were selected to examine their agronomic and economic potential in the Pilbara’s extreme environment. Summer stretches from October to April, with hot days and nights with maximum temperatures often over 40ºC and occasional cyclones dumping heavy rainfall.

TOP: Warrawagine Station’s Nat Byrne calibrating the modified Chamberlain 753 combine, chosen to handle crops with small seeds such as lucerne.

Winters are dry, with pleasant days and maximum temperatures in the mid-twenty to thirty degree range and often cool nights but rarely frosts. Dr Schelfhout said he believed this was the first time a quantitative study of irrigated pastoral crops had been undertaken.

DAFWA has extensively tested the quality of the water, which is 500–600 milligrams per litre of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) — well within the parameters for agricultural production. The water for the trial is transported through high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe placed in a natural pool via three diesel powered turbine pumps to the centre pivots. The first pivot is supplied by 885m of 450mm diameter pipe, which continues a further 740m at 355mm diameter to the second pivot, and then 725m at 315mm diameter to the third pivot. Each pivot is powered by a 12KVa genset.

Centre pivot The Pierce centre pivot was imported from the United States (US), then transported from Perth to the Pilbara via road and assembled on site.

“The controls are manipulated from the trial contractor Global Groundwater’s headquarters in Perth, more than 1500 kilometres away,” he said. “The equipment is monitored and can be manoeuvred remotely, while the flowrate is tailored to each individual crop’s needs. “Injection rates of soluble fertiliser can be altered as required and the mix changed using flowmeters and variable speed-drive motors on the injectors, via a computer control system.” Average annual water use is expected to around 23ML/ha but will vary, depending on the season and what each crop requires.

Crops An initial range of crops were chosen after they were assessed as having potential for cattle feed.

It is 350 metres long and will irrigate 38 hectares with up to 15 millimetres of water per day, based on low pressure sprinklers to conserve energy.

Approval to grow the selected species, via a Pastoral Diversification Permit was attained, which includes sorghum, Rhodes grass, oats, lucerne and maize.

The absorbed pump power is about 40 kilowatts (kW), with another kW absorbed by the diesel generator running the electrical system.

The pivot is divided into 4 sectors to trial a mix of perennial and annual crop species. A modified combine seeder with disc openers is being used for seeding and has been chosen to handle crops with small seeds such as lucerne.

Dr Schelfhout said the operation of the centre pivot was an engineering marvel.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

“The aim is to capture information about crop production, as well as the nutritional composition and crop physiology during the calendar year,” he said. “That will provide information from which an economic analysis of stand-alone crop production and potential benefit in livestock feeding systems. “This includes the tonnes per hectare of biomass, metabolisable energy, protein content and the digestibility of the feed.” Crop management will also come under scrutiny, as well as determining preferred crop sequences (rotations) during the final 18 months of the trial. Hay produced from the trial will be fed to some of the Mills’ 23,000 head Droughtmaster and Droughtmaster-cross cattle herd. “Ultimately we hope to identify a suite of species that are suitable for cattle feeding systems or biofuel production that perform well in this environment,” Dr Schelfhout said. “Market research will also explore the domestic and export opportunities for these and other irrigated crops.”

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Irrigation scheduling

Collaboration

Sustainable future

Woodie Woodie site contractors, Global Groundwater, have partnered with Advanced Fertigation Systems to benchmark optimal water and fertigation application for the crop and environment.

A field day will be held later in the year for pastoralists, miners and entrepreneurs to examine the trial site and discuss the project.

Dr Schelfhout said the research at the Woodie Woodie pilot is transformational.

Irrigation scheduling is based on forward forecasting to ensure optimal soil moisture and greatest crop return per millimetre of water applied. Crop water use and response is monitored by telemetry including weather station, flow meters, soil moisture probes and satellite NDVI analyses correlated to field readings. Fertiliser optimisation is achieved by use of both liquid and granular types with the focus of cost per kilogram of fodder. Variable rate application at an elemental level coupled with yield response and laboratory analysis is used to achieve the crops potential for the lowest cost and without waste. Water efficiency is gained by using crop response to refine and ground-truth the forward forecast irrigation schedule model. The water collected form the creek is sufficient quality for irrigation, and although this is not expected to vary throughout the year, electrical conductivity of the water can be observed daily through the irrigation management equipment. Biannual sampling will identify any changes to the incoming irrigation water chemistry. Sampling points have been established to alert site operators to any nutrient run-off or deep drainage from irrigation.

Warrawagine station owner Robin Mills said the long-term vision for the project would benefit not only his station but others in the Pilbara, which can be subject to a fickle climate. “We see the value of irrigated agriculture as a way to help drought proof our operations and reduce risk,” Mr Mills said. “A lot of creative thinking has been required along the way to meet the challenges of working in such a remote environment.” Collaboration has been a key feature of the PHADI project, which DAFWA is delivering in partnership with the Pilbara Development Commission and the WA Department of Regional Development, in association with the local mining and pastoral industries and Aboriginal groups. DAFWA met with the Traditional Owners of the land at Woodie Woodie, the local Njamal people, to discuss the project. An Aboriginal heritage survey was carried out at the site and a number of small artefacts were identified. As a result, the area in which these artefacts were found could be avoided during the construction of the pilot site. Resource giant Rio Tinto is also using about 20 gigalitres of mine dewater from its Marandoo iron-ore mine to run 17 centre pivots across 800ha near Tom Price, as part of their water management strategy for the mine.

“The Pilbara — one of Australia’s most resource-rich regions — is well known for its iron-ore industry and contribution to strong state and national economies,” he said.

“It is increasingly recognised that irrigated agriculture has the potential to expand the economic base of the Pilbara and attract major capital investment to the region and the state.” However, this potential needs to be better understood. “This project will put the science behind innovation, and produce a package of valuable information which pastoralists and developers can use to turn the irrigation opportunity into reality,” Dr Schelfhout said. “It could also pave the way for alternative income streams, such as biofuels and horticulture crops, which together with the stockfeed would also assist pastoral businesses to endure drought conditions.” The Woodie Woodie and PHADI projects will conclude in 2017. MORE INFORMATION Email phadi@agric.wa.gov.au or visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter: www.agric.wa.gov.au/r4r/pilbara-hinterlandagricultural-development-initiative-phadi Follow us on

#PHADI

Market opportunities for irrigated agricultural produce from Northern Western Australia

Growing the north Supporting your success

Department of Agriculture and Food

New release from the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia. • I dentifies high-potential products, at the intersection of what markets are demanding in Asia and the Middle East — and what northern WA could produce NOW AVAILABLE

agric.wa.gov.au

• I nformation to assist businesses, industry and potential investors • M arket-led approach to research, to stimulate discussion about market opportunities for northern WA

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it. Copyright © Western Australian Agriculture Authority, 2015

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Integrated Crop Protection project update October 2015 Improved awareness, knowledge, capacity and decision-making The key activities undertaken include:

INFORMATION session in Werribee, Victoria. BY CARL LARSEN SENIOR CONSULTANT, RMCG

Overview of the project The Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) extension project aims to promote best management practices for plant health in the Australian vegetable industry, including responsible chemical use. Protecting crops is vital for vegetable producers to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability. However practices, capabilities and attitudes differ throughout the country. The project is continuing to work with growers, advisors and other industry service providers to tailor solutions that suit their circumstances. The main project outcomes include: 1. Improved awareness, knowledge, capacity and decision-making about pest, weeds and diseases 2. Improved management of chemicals 3. Application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 4. Improved management of pests, weeds and diseases (ICP). Progress towards each of these outcomes is provided in this industry update.

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• Communication and knowledge management: use of multiple faceto-face, online and soft/hard copy communication tools to reach target audiences where they seek information. This includes undertaking events, development of project website (www. integratedcropprotection.com.au), use of Twitter (@ProtectingCrops) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ protectingcrops), and articles in industry magazines and newsletter such as Vegetables Australia and AUSVEG Weekly Update • Development of a suite of 22 publications and videos for extension of ICP information, based on our ICP R&D database to ensure previous projects and investment are being built upon • Delivery of 11 workshops, information sessions and field days in QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and WA on insect pest control, spray application, resistance management, insect contamination and biofumigation to improve crop protection knowledge and capacity

• Establishment of three grower groups to harness existing mechanisms for delivery of activities, communication and information, including Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers group (QLD), Graduate Alumni Industry Network — Vegetables (National), and AUSVEG EnviroVeg and EnviroVeg Platinum (National) • Participation in nine other industry events to increase awareness and participation in the project, including AUSVEG and state associations in VIC, TAS, SA, NT, WA and QLD. Key outcomes to date: • Over 260 growers, advisors and industry stakeholders involved in project extension events • Approximately 17,000 hectares of vegetable production has been covered by participating growers in training and events

FIELD day in Kalbar, Queensland.

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• Training and events are resulting in improved knowledge and confidence, and ability to make more informed decisions amongst participants. Specific data on evaluation survey findings is outlined below

“Very informative and feedback by surrounding peers was answered precisely. Good strong performance.” Information session participant • The topic and content, delivery, relevance to business, venue location and catering of all 11 training and events has been rated above 4/5 by participants • Access to advisors extends the reach of information provision to growers (multiplier effect) • Over 300 followers on Twitter and 165 likes on Facebook.

Improved management of chemicals The key activities undertaken include: • Training and events: — Spray application workshops for getting the most out of your chemicals in VIC and SA during May 2015 — Managing pesticide resistance and insect contamination information sessions in QLD, VIC and WA during September and October 2015 • Publications and videos: — Spray Application Basics fact sheet

Key outcomes to date:

• Publications and videos:

• Knowledge and confidence of participants in spray equipment and chemical application generally improved as a result of the workshops (rating shift from 2.7/5 to 3.3/5)

— Mega Pests fact sheet series: Basics of Protecting Your Crop; Managing Major Chewing and Biting Insects; Managing Sucking Pests; Managing Foliar Diseases; Managing Soil borne Diseases

• The majority of participants were able to make more informed decisions about: — Spray equipment and chemical application following the workshops (93%) — Controlling insect pests and managing insecticide resistance following the information sessions (95%).

Application of Integrated Pest Management The key activities undertaken include: • Demonstration sites: — Sydney Basin, NSW focussing on using IPM — Cranbourne, VIC focussing on using IPM and disease management • Training and events: — Control of pests in brassicas information sessions in VIC, TAS and SA during November 2014 — Controlling Diamondback Moth, Rutherglen bug and Brassica whitefly information session in the Sydney Basin, NSW in February 2015

INFORMATIVE new fact sheets.

— Using an IPM Approach in Brassicas fact sheet — Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in vegetables (broccoli), Werribee, Victoria video https://youtu.be/Xm6_ GvSpHNc — Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in vegetables (leafy, brassica, leeks), Devon Meadows, Victoria video https://youtu.be/5HQWeSO8xIw — Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in vegetables (Asian greens, celery and lettuce), Mornington Peninsula, Victoria video https://youtu.be/rz1EiOIc5IA Key outcomes to date: • Knowledge and confidence of participants in controlling insect pests generally improved as a result of attending the information sessions (rating shift from 3.1/5 to 3.6/5) • Almost all participants identified they were able to make more informed decisions about which pesticide to use following the information sessions (93%) • The majority of participants were aware of IPM with over half (50–70%) applying IPM to their farm business or the advice they were providing. A smaller percentage (10–15%) were interested in starting.

— Managing Pesticide Resistance fact sheet — Alternatives to Metham Sodium fact sheet, in conjunction with the Soil Wealth project — Biofumigation fact sheet, in conjunction with the Soil Wealth project — What can I use? Chemical options for controlling high priority pests in (based on the Strategic Agrichemical Review [SARP] process): Brassicas; Carrots; Celery; Cucumber; Lettuce; Capsicum.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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EXAMPLE of video produced.

Improved management of pests, weeds and diseases (ICP) The key activities undertaken include: • Demonstration sites: — North West, TAS focussing on integrated crop protection and beyond IPM

MASTER class in Mornington Peninsula, VIC.

• Publications and videos: — Managing Plant Health and Soils in Vegetables — Experiences from leading growers video https:// youtu.be/JD7ccNy99AQ (involving demonstration site growers)

— Bundaberg, QLD focussing on pest management and nematode control

— Reduced till vegetable production — WHY? video in conjunction with the Soil Wealth project https://youtu.be/ RfbhOxnULyI

— Koo Wee Rup, VIC focussing on biofumigation / cover crops, soil borne disease control, in conjunction with the Soil Wealth project

— Reduced till in vegetable production — HOW? video in conjunction with the Soil Wealth project https://youtu. be/5rH3CFh7yvU

— Manjimup, WA focussing on soil borne disease, biofumigation and nutrient management, in conjunction with the Soil Wealth project

Key outcomes to date:

• Master classes and networking: — Tools for Transition: Precision Horticulture master class conducted in May 2015, hosted by the Horticulture Centre of Excellence VIC in conjunction with the Victorian Farmers Federation — Soil borne disease master class conducted in September 2015, in conjunction with the Soil Wealth project — ICP Community of Practice (ICP COP) has been established, which is a group of link-minded individuals who have a passion for, and actively involved in, the management of insects, diseases and weeks in Australian vegetable crops

• Soil borne disease masterclass participants generally improved their knowledge and understanding of: causes of soil borne disease; soil conditions and predisposition to disease; cultural control options; biological control options; soil borne disease tests; soil borne disease risk assessment and management; financial assessment of management options • Many master class participants stated they would now either look at, or will change their management strategies for soil borne disease in relation to research, techniques and practices, and attitudes

“The best work shop I've been to so far, I've learn so much and met a lot of nice and interesting people. The presenters including the organisers were fantastic! It exceeds my expectations.”

• Over 25 active members in the ICP Community of Practice • Over 1,750 views of videos online since January 2015. Next steps and working with you The ICP extension team continues to work closely with the Soil Wealth project, which aims to improve soil management practices for better economic outcomes. The project is also collaborating with other organisations who are already doing great work in plant health management for vegetables. This includes the agrochemical industry, training providers, industry associations, universities, government departments and other service providers. MORE INFORMATION We are keen to hear your success stories or challenges about crop protection. To stay up to date or for more information: Phone or email: Anne-Maree Boland, RMCG on 0427 679 042 or anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au or Gordon Rogers, AHR on 0418 517 777 or gordon@ahr.com.au Online: www.integratedcropprotection.com.au, or register your interest at www.surveymonkey. com/s/soilwealth_ICP_EoI Social media: follow us on Twitter @ ProtectingCrops or our Community of Practice at www.facebook.com/protectingcrops In person: at one of our many workshops, field days and events around the country, check the website above for details.

Master class participant

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

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

The facts • 76% of people want to integrate more veg into their diets (Consumer research by Colmar Brunton 2015)

It’s well known that Australians are not eating the recommended portions of vegetables that we should. It’s well known that the cost to society (health and financial) are huge.

• 63% of people are overweight or obese costing the health system $57 billion per year (Government Health Department statistics 2015) • Global protein consumption will triple from 200m tonnes in 1990 to 750m tonnes in 2030. (Rabobank 2014).

Butternut Pumpkin Roasted Onion Cauliflower Pomegranate Mint ras el hanout Labne

With the forecasted shortfall in global protein production, there has never been a better time for the vegetable to emerge from the shadows. So, WA vegetable growers have partnered with the Eat Brighter Live Lighter campaign to put vegetables firmly in the spotlight on menus around Perth.

The project is capitalising on the national growth of a foodie culture and the ability of modern chefs, restaurants and cafes to influence home diets. It’s challenging chefs across the state to make a statement. They are being challenged to make the dining experience in WA one that showcases the vegetable. To make people understand that stunning centrepiece dishes can focus on a vegetable as its core ingredient. To let people discover how to add sensational tasting, easy to prepare side dishes to their main course. To change a mentality that eating vegetables is a chore, to a mentality that sees eating vegetables as a tasty, healthy food solution.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Beetroot Turkish Delight

Pete Manifis of InContro, South Perth was recruited by the project early in the piece. Raised 2,000km north of Perth in the Gascoyne, he’s long been passionate about fresh, seasonal, local produce. Pete says “The project team asked me to create a range of dishes that focused on vegetables as the hero. I’ve created 20 dishes that fit the bill and I have to say, it’s inspired me to take a fresh look at how we use vegetables in my restaurant. In response to the work I have been doing, I have changed my restaurant menu and put some dishes on there with a real point of difference. I’m serving great tasting food, that is healthy and different — and importantly for a commercial business, we’re seeing an improvement to the bottom line. This is a win all round”. The project has recruited 25 venues across Perth to be part of a pilot project. Paul Graham, Project Manager says “We’ve got a range of participants from white table clothes to pubs to cafes to caterers. We’re trying to prove that a focus on vegetables can benefit everyone in every sector. We hope to prove the success of the project and then expand it in 2016.” We’re managing communications through our new Instagram page (@wavegies) and our existing Facebook page www.facebook. com/wavegies (which has 8,000 + likes). Both user names are wavegies and use the #makemeahero.

Tomatoes Young Garlic Italian Parsley Ash Goats Cheve We’ll profile participating venues here so people know where to visit or can take inspiration to participate. The campaign launch was held in October at InContro with over 20 chefs, café/ restaurant/business owners, food bloggers and wholesale merchants in attendance to hear from Pete and Paul as to how they can become involved. The food served was delicious and an inspiration to many. Not only can this project benefit the consumers by encouraging them to eat more vegetables it can be beneficial for the restaurants to increase the bottom line and most importantly assist our WA vegetable growers in producing more vegetables. Pete’s created a range of wonderful vegetable dishes. But the challenge has just started. We want to see what the food community of Perth can come up with. We know the chefs are up for the challenge. MORE INFORMATION For further information on the project please contact Paul Graham, Marketing Manager on 0414 382 738 or paul@marketstrategy.com.au.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Fresh from Carnarvon

Gascoyne Food Council

at the 2015 Perth Royal Show BY GEORGIA BEER CONSULTANT, GASCOYNE FOOD COUNCIL

The annual regional showcase attracts thousands to the Centenary Pavilion during the school holidays. This year’s Perth Royal Show was held from the 26th September to the 3rd of October in stunning spring weather. While it has been reported that attendance was lower than previous years, there was still a steady flow of traffic and a great audience to talk to about Gascoyne produce. Taking up space previously used by Sweeter Bananas, the Gascoyne Food Council coordinated a stand within the Centenary Pavilion next to the Gascoyne District Display to promote a wide range of produce.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

“We won’t have fresh bananas until early year, so is even more important for the region to promote the huge range of produce we have and encourage people to support us while the Gascoyne continues to recover,” said Doriana Mangili, Executive Officer of the Gascoyne Food Council.

The stand was the only place giving away food samples in the Centenary Pavilion which provided a great attraction and opportunity to engage with Perth customers. “Many people were surprised about how many different products come from the region and we had plenty of questions about the lack of bananas. Luckily people loved the Sweeter Banana bread made from recovered and frozen bananas and I am sure will seek it out to buy,” said Doriana.

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e Gascoyne Produc

is AMAZING!

THE stand handed out an estimated 5,000 cups of zucchini salad with cherry tomatoes and sliced capsicums, plus around 3,000 mouthfuls of delicious banana bread.

The stand handed out a huge number of samples, with an estimated 5,000 cups of zucchini salad with cherry tomatoes and sliced capsicums. Plus around 3,000 mouthfuls of delicious banana bread.

“I was amazed by how many people loved the veggies as a snack at the show and the zucchini noodles were a massive hit — served raw with a cherry tomato and dressing,” said Doriana. “Parents were impressed that children would eat raw vegetables presented in an interesting way. There were so many comments about how crisp the capsicums were and the sweetness of the vine ripened tomatoes. It was a great way to get the conversation started about how food is grown and where it comes from,” said Doriana.

Fresh from Carnarvon

In a good year, the Gascoyne region produces massive amounts of Perth’s favourite foods.

Fun facts that might amaze you! 1 6

If you laid out a years supply of BANANAS end to end, they would extend from

Perth to Carnarvon and back around 6 times

You can make

The beautiful warm climate of northern Western Australia produces hot CHILLIES – enough to make more than

6 times Carnarvon

10.5 million fritters with all the ZUCCHINI produced each year

1 million bottles

Perth

of sweet chilli sauce The region produces enough TOMATOES each year to make nearly

During the week the region also hosted the annual Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Produce Dinner, held in the Presidential Lounge of the RAS building. Chef Matt Leahy from Ultimo Catering developed the menu using his experience gained from attending the Gascoyne Food Festival earlier in the year and featured crab, beef, strawberries and various produce. According to Grower Rob Kuzmicich it was brilliant event and a great opportunity to engage with stakeholders within our wonderful Industry.

The

Gascoyne River

d nine hundre Fresh from Carnarvon

12 million bottles

The region grows PUMPKINS weighing the equivalent of more than

of tomato sauce

900 male African elephants

4 You can r fill more than Rive

CONDENSATION

Gascoyne

2 olympic sized swimming pools

The Gascoyne River is

CARNARVON

Gascoyne River

kilometres long

PERTH

Swan River

TRANSPIRATION

OCEAN

Water supply The Carnarvon Horticulture District water supply comes from aquifers beneath and next to the Gascoyne River. Value The region produces around

100 million dollars

worth of fresh fruit and vegetables each year.

STREAM

There are enough GREEN BEANS produced to join together and go back and forth

RIVER & LAKE

across Subiaco oval nearly 20,000 times

The Gascoyne River is 865 kilometres long, making it the longest river in Western Australia. The Swan River, in comparison, is about 72 kilometres long, and the Canning River is about 110 kilometres long. During floods it can discharge around 6000 m3/second, which is enough to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools in one second.

Thanks to fertile soils around the Gascoyne River there are many types of fruit and vegetables grown in the region. These include bananas, table grapes, tomatoes, capsicums, cucurbits, avocados and mangoes. Local fisheries are also impacted by the river, especially when a flood causes fresh water to flow into coastal waters. Inland pastoralists rely on the river and subsurface water for maintaining livestock.

How industry accesses the water The Carnarvon Horticulture District water supply comes from aquifers (underground water systems) beneath and next to the Gascoyne River. Horticulturalists on the river banks have ground water licences allowing them to take water to irrigate their properties by using private bores in the river bed. Scheme water is also available to growers which is supplied from areas upstream of Carnarvon. Having two supplies makes water supplies very reliable for growers. On average about 12 GL* of water is abstracted per year which services approximately 1200 ha of farmed area. Many horticulturalists in the region use water efficient irrigation techniques such as micro-irrigation technology, subsurface drip tape and ground covering mulch to use water effectively and efficiently, to grow large quantities of fruits and vegetables. Carnarvon produces about $6 to $7 million dollars of crop per GL compared to the national average of $1 to $2 million per GL.

red, yellow or orange

Learn more and follow us: gascoynefood.com.au GascoyneFoodCouncil @gascoynefood

Which industries rely on the river

The type of sediment around and in the river is closely linked to how easily water is stored. High clay areas are not good at storing water. Layers of sand and gravel can trap and hold much larger volumes of water.

All CAPSICUMS start off green but depending on variety and length of time on the vine will turn

GROUND WATER (AQUIFERS)

Crops Major crops produced in Carnarvon include bananas, grapes, tomatoes, These facts are based on the table 2012 harvest figures and standard recipes and information. capsicums, cucurbits, avocados and mangoes.

Size and flow of the river

The Gascoyne River flows most years, and flows are the main source of recharge to the underground water stores which are directly connected to the river. There are however extended periods of time when there is ‘no-flow’ but if aquifers are managed carefully water supplies can be maintained for up to four years without flow.

with BASIL pesto made from an 6 8 annual BASIL harvest from the Kilometres Gascoyne. Thats a lot of pesto! N

CARNARVON

kilometres long

The Swan River is

RAIN

EVAPORATION

865

Managing salinity during flood and drought Salinity is a major factor in managing water availability in the Gascoyne River. There are highly saline waters around and below the main river channel. This saline water can move into the river sediments, due to manmade causes (e.g. people taking too much water from the river) or natural features such as limestone (which water can move through easily) and occasional brackish flows after very large flood events. These changes to water quality can happen over short distances and affect some areas of the river system and not others. Once salinity of bores reach 1000mg/L Total Dissolved Solids the bores are switched off to protect the aquifer and topsoils of Carnarvon. Good quality and reliable water supplies are important to help industry. The Department of Water works with state and local government, industry and local growers to maximise water use and availability, whilst minimising the risk to water quality.

Government of Western Australia Department of Water This factsheet was developed in collaboration with the Department of Water, Western Australia. One GL or gigalitre = 1000 million litres

MORE INFORMATION Contact Doriana Mangili from Gascoyne Food Council at admin@gascoynefood.com.au Follow us on Facebook here www.facebook. com/GascoyneFoodCouncil or Instagram @ gascoynefood

THE stand provided a Fun Fact sheet and River Infographic aimed at 5–10 year old children, recipe cards and magnets.

The stand also provided a Fun Fact sheet and River Infographic aimed at 5–10 year old children, recipe cards, plus some magnets with the Council’s digital media links. The region is looking to grow its 500 Facebook followers and nearly 250 Instagram followers to regularly update its audience about the region and provide recipes and information. Carnarvon grower Michael Nixon worked on the Gascoyne Food stand during the event. “The experience builds pride in what we do as food producers. It lets people pretty much thank you for giving them something that they enjoy every day,” he said. WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Reduced tillage

vegetable production & drip irrigation BY SAM BIRRELL AGRONOMIST, NETAFIM AUSTRALIA

Reduced disease pressure and less soil compaction are two of the early findings from a trial looking at minimum tillage techniques in vegetable production. The trial is being conducted by Applied Horticultural Research, in conjunction with Netafim whereby a series of crops are being rotated under four main areas of management: no tillage (with drip irrigation), reduced tillage (with drip irrigation) and conventional tillage under both drip and conventional sprinkler irrigation systems.

Netafim agronomist Sam Birrell said they were observing soil characteristics and measuring marketable yields of each of the techniques being used in the trial. He said while minimum and no-tillage were common practices in broadacre agriculture, they were relatively new to the vegetable industry but held a lot of potential. “In dryland broadacre cropping, minimum till and zero tillage techniques have become more popular as farmers try to improve the fertility and productivity of their soils,” Sam said.

“Part of the minimum and no-till method is to retain stubbles from previous crops, plant cover crops during fallow periods and add manures and other organic matter to soils.

A field day was held on May 21, at the trial site at Bulmer’s vegetable farm in Lindenow, near Bairnsdale in eastern Gippsland, Victoria.

“More organic matter in the soil generally leads to improved soil structure and water holding capacity, as well as better nutrient supply to plants.”

Around 55 people attended the field day, interested in the early findings of the trial which has so far seen a rotation of baby leaf lettuce, iceberg lettuce and broccolini.

Sam said drip irrigation worked well as part of a reduced tillage system and early trial results were already demonstrating that fact.

POTATOES growing with drip irrigation.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

He said those plots using both no-till and reduced tillage techniques under drip irrigation had shown a reduction in disease pressure and soil compaction.

“Overhead sprinklers can cause compaction and work against the measures being taken to improve soil structure,” he said. “The slow application of water and nutrient to the soil via drip irrigation works in synergy with the efforts to improve the soil structure with the stubble retention and reduced cultivation. “So far we’ve seen a significant reduction in Varnish Spot in lettuce, it’s still early days but there is a lot of interest in this trial.” In addition to the drip irrigation, the trial is using Netafim’s new portable mainline technology FlatNet. FlatNet is a durable product that has threaded outlets for dripline laterals already welded in. All the installer needs to do is unroll the FlatNet and screw in the dripline joiners. It saves time and labour costs, has a very long lifespan. The trial will run until the end of 2016. MORE INFORMATION To find your closest supplier visit Netafim website www.netafim.com.au

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Angela & Scott Killick grower profile BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Angela and Scott are relatively new to growing vegetables, they commenced growing garlic in 2011 however moved to the Chapman Valley area in the early 2000s after growing up in regional areas they returned after many years up North. Scott working in oil and gas and Angela in Occupational Health and Safety in the construction and mining industry. When Angela and Scott moved to the area they found that olives and chillies where grown everywhere and they wanted to grow a crop that hadn’t been done in the area in the before and they got to experiment with.

PERTH

Business Bawang Farm Location Chapman Valley Size 120 acres Enterprises Garlic & spaghetti squash

This is where their love for garlic started. It was quite difficult to get started as they found sourcing information and growing information difficult without many other growers being able to share. This meant that their first crop in 2011 was small of 8,000 cloves with friends helping weed and no physical weed barrier was in place. The first crop was good and they had enough to sell at the local markets and save some cloves for seed. The following year however they planted 16,000 cloves and lost all of the garlic. They had tried a few different techniques which hadn’t worked and with the low rains, both Angela and Scott still working full time and not enough knowledge or experience this lead to the crop failing.

Angela and Scott still kept on and purchased Italian Pink WA garlic seed and an unknown variety from SA and moved to a new paddock to see how they fared. This year the soil had too much clay and was quite constrictive, the SA garlic failed however the WA garlic worked well enough to sell through the local farmers market and to local consumers and keep for seed. Angela is expecting a successful season this year, the Italian Pink garlic early harvest did really well and produced more than enough to sell and save for seed. The other variety which was late harvest didn’t do as well. Garlic is a notoriously temperamental herb to grow, and Angela says that out of 32,000 plantings of one variety, 30,000 were lost from last year’s crop. “We tried to plant a late harvest variety last year, but the soil heated up in August, then again in October and December when it was ready to harvest. That opens the door for fungi to infest the bulbs, meaning we can’t sell the produce we harvest.”

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

The Italian Pink variety grew and cured very well in the 2014 season, as it is an early harvest crop. Angela said that they manually manage the crop each year and it is hard work. “To anyone trying to make money out of growing garlic in a relatively small capacity I’d say ‘good luck to you’” she adds. “I do it because I love it and I love selling it at the markets.” Angela and Scott have also had success with selling garlic online around Australia via their Facebook page, Bawang Farm Chapman Valley. Part of the success of their 2014 harvest is they implemented weed gunnel. The impact of this meant it would reduce the weeds and mean less labour is required to manage the crop. If looked after correctly the weed gunnel can be used for three to five years. The weed gunnel can provide better yield and management of the garlic, as it allows the garlic to grow without the competing with the weeds. A few learnings have taken place over the last few years and one of the major ones is in the Chapman Valley area it is too hot for a late harvest to be viable. The garlic performs better when it is cold in the ground and with the hot months, the garlic wanted to be kept cold and as this didn’t occur it didn’t form cloves.

GARLIC is a notoriously temperamental herb to grow.

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When they are not busy with garlic, they are growing spaghetti squash. Last year was the first year they grew the vegetable, to take to the markets and it required a large amount of education for consumers at the markets. The spaghetti squash was successful in Winter last year and they grew another crop over summer and harvested in December. The Summer time is too hot for the crop, Angela and Scott are not likely to grow anything in January and February. The ground heats up over these two months and it is too hot to grow in the Summer.

They are looking to plant spaghetti squash each September and harvest during December and then plant another crop in February to harvest in May approximately 100–110 days, depending on environmental factors. February this year they leased some additional property to grow herbs and other vegetables, this has been another learning experience and they are selling anything which they grow through the local farmers markets.

They are looking to experiment over the next year to find what the market may require and consumers want in their area. Angela is now full time on the farm whilst Scott works away and then works full time on the farm when he is home. They have friends assist or employ WWOOFer’s (if there are any available) during heavy labour periods and they have their two sons help out when needed.

Angela says, “The importance of the WA vegetable grower is sharing their produce, as long as someone is out there growing so consumers have a choice and are able to buy locally grown produce.” MORE INFORMATION Contact Angela and Scott from Bawang Farm on Facebook www.facebook.com bawangfarmchapmanvalleygarlic

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Collaborative approach to controlling

cucurbit viruses BY ROGER JONES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

Department of Agriculture and Food

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

MELON aphids infesting rockmelon leaves in the ORIA field experiment.

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The new Royalties for Regions Project concerned with controlling devastating epidemics of cucurbit viruses in the ORD River Irrigation Area (ORIA) has hit the ground running. Virus diseases severely damage cucurbit crops throughout horticultural cropping regions of northern Australia. They greatly diminish both yield and quality of produce which seriously damages industry profitability. In recent years, virus epidemics have become so severe that they threaten long-term cucurbit industry viability, particularly in the ORIA and Gascoyne Horticultural (GHA) Areas of Western Australia. The ORIA is a winter-producing area for the whole country and the GHA is the key supplier for Perth. Disappearance of parts or all of this industry would have major consequences for the regional and national supply of cucurbits.

PROJECT participants at inaugural meeting at the DAFWA Research Station, Kununurra, 21 July 2015: Back row L–R: David Cross (ORDCO), Chris Jowett (Acacia Farms), David Menzel (Barradale Farm), Christian Bloecker (Bothkamp Farm), Matthew Gray (Ceres Farms), Rohan Clarke (Living Farms). Front row L–R: Brenda Coutts (DAFWA), Mark Warmington (DAFWA), Roger Jones (DAFWA), Sonya Broughton (DAFWA). ABSENT: Penny Goldsmith (ORDCO) and Monica Kehoe (DAFWA).

The project called Resolving the critical disease threats to the WA cucurbit industry from new and previous incursions of damaging cucurbit viruses commenced in June 2015. It constitutes a strong collaboration between the ORIA cucurbit growers, the ORD River Co-operative (ORDCO), and DAFWA regional and Perth-based staff. In addition to funding through the Boosting Biosecurity Defences Project’s Research and Development (R&D) Fund made possible by Royalties for Regions, DAFWA, ORDCO and ORIA commercial cucurbit enterprises Ceres Farm, Barradale Farm and Bothkamp Australia Farm are all providing financial and in-kind support. The project will help safeguard WA’s $75 million/year cucurbit industry, enhance its productivity, and foster cucurbit industry biosecurity partnerships and collaborations. The inaugural meeting with industry participants was held in July at DAFWA’s ORIA Agricultural Research Station.

WATERMELON field experiment with ZYMV and aphids soon after emergence in the ORIA in 2015.

Project Manager, DAFWA’s Dr Roger Jones said the primary purpose of the project is to develop innovative solutions to manage two virus threats to ORIA cucurbit industry viability. These are the severe disease caused by the Southeast Asian strain Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). ZYMV is transmitted by aphids and CGMMV by plant-plant-contact, and both are also transmitted by seed.

ZYMV-INFECTED watermelon fruit showing severe quality defects found in the 20 x 20m square ORIA plot in 2015.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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“The ORIA is the only place in Australia where the aggressive Southeast Asian strain of ZYMV occurs. Other cucurbit growing areas in WA suffer from milder ZYMV strains. CGMMV was first found in Australia in 2014 when it devastated melon and pumpkin crops in the Northern Territory and was also found in Queensland. So far, it has not been found in WA. “The project focusses on filling critical information gaps and equipping industry to better respond to these serious disease threats.” Its objectives are to provide new information on how: i) both viruses survive and spread ii) to prevent CGMMV reaching WA and south-east Asian ZYMV from spreading further in the state, and iii) to effectively manage virulent ZYMV in the ORIA, and CGMMV should it become established in WA. The project will: i) fill epidemiology and management information gaps; and ii) devise and distribute comprehensive user-friendly protocols that prevent or manage both viruses.

Field experiments Dr Coutts said, in the 2015 growing season, a large-scale, field experiment at DAFWA’s ORIA Research Station evaluated the effectiveness of mineral oil, foliar insecticide and insecticidal seed dressing in reducing aphid numbers and spread of ZYMV in watermelon. “The experiment involved a) seed treated with imidacloprid (15mL/kg seed), and b) seed without seed dressing. For both a) and b), the four treatments were: none (control); 240g/L Sulfoxaflor; 830g/L Paraffinic Oil; and both Sulfoxaflor and Paraffinic Oil. Plant sampling for virus and aphid assessments were done fortnightly.” “Although control of aphid numbers occurred following application of the seed dressing this was only effective for 18–24 days after emergence. Sulfoxaflor reduced aphid numbers significantly compared to use of mineral oil or no spray.”

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

“ZYMV spread was not controlled by any of the chemicals as winged melon aphids which spread ZYMV were present from 10–53 days after emergence on all treatments.” “During the growing season in the ORIA we need to understand when aphid species are most active as ZYMV vectors, and also identify which climatic and other factors drive ZYMV epidemics in crops,” Dr Jones said. Dr Coutts said, in 2015, a 20 x 20m square of watermelon to which no insecticide was applied was used to assess ZYMV spread and aphid numbers. The block was monitored for migratory aphids weekly using sticky and pan traps. Counts of colonising aphids and leaf sampling for ZYMV testing were done fortnightly. “The results obtained were consistent with the cucurbit industry experience of aphids appearing in large numbers in July leading to >95% ZYMV infection of all crops by the end of the growing season,” she said.

Sources of virus and aphids “This project will determine how ZYMV and its aphid vectors survive and spread inside and outside the ORIA growing season, and on explaining why epidemics are becoming increasingly severe,” Dr Jones said. “We’re aiming to fill information gaps that will provide critical knowledge required to target vulnerabilities in the disease cycle and so develop integrated control procedures to effectively manage virus spread,” he said. Dr Coutts said, all-year-round work commenced to identify alternative hosts of ZYMV and its aphid vectors in the ORIA. In three visits during the growing season by staff from South Perth, many samples of weeds and crop plants were taken at multiple locations in the ORIA. Sampling was focussed on roadside verges, irrigation channels and sandalwood plantations. “The samples were tested for ZYMV infection and examined for aphid infestation. Plant samples are still being assessed for virus infection and at least six different aphid species seemed present from initial visual inspections which included oat aphids, corn-leaf aphids and cotton aphids,” she said.

“A plan with ORDCO agronomist, Penny Goldsmith was developed to trap aphids at five sites across the ORIA at weekly intervals outside the growing season. Traps will be sent to DAFWA South Perth for assessment of aphid numbers.”

CGMMV studies Dr Jones said, “Since CGMMV is spread by contact and seed, the aim is to devise effective biosecurity procedures to prevent CGMMV reaching WA, or, should it get through, eliminating it should it arrive. “The project will investigate CGMMV control measures within secure quarantine facilities in Perth. This study will commence in late 2015”.

Summary This project will address how best to manage damaging ZYMV epidemics in the ORIA. It will determine how best to prevent spread of the south-east Asian ZYMV strain from the ORIA to other parts of WA, avoid further dissemination once it is present. It will also examine how to manage it effectively should it become established. It will address how best to prevent GCMMV spread from outside WA into the ORIA and the rest of WA, and how to avoid further dissemination should it arrive.

In the 2015 growing season, field experiments in the ORIA provided information about the effectiveness of chemical control measures for ZYMV, and the timing of aphid flights in relation to ZYMV spread. Work commenced to determine how ZYMV and its aphid vectors survive and spread inside and outside the ORIA growing season, and on explaining why epidemics are becoming increasingly severe. CGMMV studies will commence before the end of 2015. MORE INFORMATION For more information, go to the DAFWA website agric.wa.gov.au/biosecurity/resolvingcritical-disease-threat-western-australiancucurbit-industry Please also contact Dr Roger Jones at the Department of Agriculture and Food WA on (08) 9368 3269.

POMEWEST

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

POMEWEST

Introduction

from the Executive Officer HON Ken Baston MLC with Nardia Stacy showcasing the new WA apple variety ANABP 01 at the 2015 Perth Royal Show.

This provides Western Australian agricultural producers with the legal framework to collect funds to provide for the development and security of their industry sector.

The Pomewest Committee and staff All major production areas are represented by the Committee representatives. Harvey Giblett Newton Orchards, Manjimup, Chair BY NARDIA STACY EXECUTIVE OFFICER, POMEWEST

Pomewest are honoured and excited to join the WA Grower family with vegetablesWA (vWA) and the Potato Growers Association of Western Australia (PGAWA). This is a fine example of how like-minded industries can collaborate to achieve common goals and outcomes. This concept empowers and enables members to benefit by sharing information cross commodity and report on the specialised Pome activities their Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) Pome fee for service (FFS) is able to provide.

Background and objectives of Pomewest Pomewest is a sub-committee of the Pome, Citrus and Stonefruit Committee (formerly Fruitwest) of the APC. All commercial pome growers of Western Australia, are automatic members of Pomewest, as you contribute a Fee for Service under the APC Act 1988.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

Mario Casotti Karragullen Coolstores, Casuarina Valley Orchard, Perth Hills, Manjimup John Gregorovich Pickering Brook, Perth Hills Terry Martella Santa Rita Orchards, Donnybrook Mark Scott Nannup Fresh Fruit Pty Ltd, Nannup Nardia Stacy Executive Officer, Perth Office The Pomewest Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prime activities are to manage and approve the FFS budgets and assess to approve project proposals based on pome FFS paying producersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; current and future requirements. Pomewest are also exploring ways to continue to co-fund with other entities via grant funding to increase capacity and further benefit members.

POMEWEST

TABLE 1 APC-Pomewest major projects 2015–16 and their funding allocation Project

Funding ($)

Commercialisation for WA (FW Co-operative)

120,000

Maturity standards for identified WA Apple varieties (Ashmere Consulting)

82,000

Medfly surveillance trapping network (Ashmere Consulting)

52,750

Codling moth (DAFWA)

35,000

Markers, markets and validated nutritional qualities of Australian apples (UWA)

25,000

Natural mite control project (shared with the Stone Fruit Subcommittee) (Stewart Learmonth DAFWA)

18,300

Promotion and publicity local project (Fresh Finesse)

16,000

Apple looper project (shared with the Wines of Western Australia) (Stewart Learmonth DAFWA)

Projects Pomewest have approved a range of projects this year and some are shared with other APC Committees. These range from marketing and promotion, variety development, research and biosecurity monitoring. The major projects and their funding are detailed in Table 1. In addition a new Strategic Plan 2016 — 2020 has been developed this year. All the above projects address the criteria within objectives and outcomes of this statement.

Fee for Service Table 2 demonstrates the FFS payable on pome fruit for both fresh and processed and identifies the newest FFS that provides for a Biosecurity Fund. Note: the main FFS has remained the same since November 2009.

So how can our pome FFS paying producers be more involved in Pomewest in 2016 and beyond? Essentially The Committee encourages growers and other stakeholders to consider putting forward proposals to the APC in the next funding round for 2016–17. If you have identified a project and require some assistance to scope a project we can offer assistance. TABLE 2 APC Fee for Service — pome fruit effective from 1 January 2015 Fee for Service

$/kg

Fresh fruit — apples, pears, nashi, other

0.015

Processing fruit

0.005

Biosecurity for fresh fruit

0.002

Biosecurity for processing fruit

0.001

Industry news: New appointment Dr Peter Richardson

4,870

Pomewest members are encouraged to attend grower meetings which usually are scheduled pre and post season. This gives you an opportunity to raise any issues or queries and be informed on projects managed by Pomewest. We also update on other related information at these meetings including information from associated bodies including Apples and Pears Australia Ltd (APAL), Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd (HIA) and Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA).

This edition In this issue we will present on updates from our markers, markets and validated nutritional qualities of Australian apples, climate change and promotions projects. In the future I hope to be able to present other articles based on research outcomes from our other projects and other articles of interest for WA pome growers. Lastly I would like to thank the committee and all growers for all their support with the recent transition to Pomewest and acknowledge their patience and goodwill in this process. MORE INFORMATION I can be contacted on (08) 9368 3869 or nardia@fruitwest.org.au

At the recent Fruit West Co-operative Ltd Annual General Meeting the appointment of Dr Peter Richardson as the Business Development Manager was announced. Peter is already well known to the WA Pome industry as the former National Business Manager for Fresh Produce for the Craig Mostyn Group. Craig Mostyn has recently exited the fresh produce business.

FWCL have seized the opportunity to engage Peter to work directly with its directors to establish and develop export marketing and broader aspects of commercialisation of ANABP 01. FWCL has been able secure Peter’s services on a part-time basis to leverage off other work he will be doing in the fruit industry both within Australia and in export markets. Peter has a long association with the Pome industry. He has championed the export of WA apples to the UK and managed the development of the Pink Lady brand across Asia. He is now poised to apply his experience and skills to the commercialisation of ANABP 01.

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Identification of Australian-bred apples

with enhanced health attributes According to the World Health Organisation, around 30% of deaths worldwide are caused by heart disease. Despite the improvements that have been seen over the past several decades, it remains one of the biggest burdens on our economy. Many cases of heart disease, however, can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking and alcohol. It is well known that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

One theory is that this beneficial effect of fruits and vegetables is due a least in part to flavonoids. Flavonoids are molecules that plants produce as a defence against stress such as sunlight and disease. It has been suggested that these molecules may work similarly in animals that consume these plants as food.

How are flavonoids protective in humans? To understand this, we need to look at a very important molecule called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating the constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, and therefore helps to control blood pressure and blood vessel function. Research has shown that flavonoids from fruits can increase the production of nitric oxide in our bodies.

Why apples? Apples are a huge part of our diet as they are the most consumed fruit in Australia. Apples are rich in flavonoids and we have shown that apples can increase our production of nitric oxide. In fact, more and more research is showing that there is some truth behind the 19th century health promotion message â&#x20AC;&#x153;an apple a day keeps the doctor awayâ&#x20AC;?. If, in addition to having other desirable qualities (taste/texture/colour/keeping quality/yield), an apple can be marketed based on specific nutritional characteristics that enhance health, this could add significant value to the apple and the industry.

What is our research about? Screening of apples for flavonoid content The main aim of our research has been to screen apple selections for flavonoid composition, to find out which flavonoids are present in apples and which apple varieties have the highest levels. The results are shown in Figure 1. We have now expanded the apple screening program and are currently screening the flavonoid composition of 116 selections from the Australian National Apple Breeding Program.

These selections will also be screened for genetic markers, with the aim to improve the speed of future breeding and selection. The next step is to measure the flavonoid content before and after long-term storage to assess how stable flavonoids are during storage. Demonstrating in humans that consumption of apples will result in heart health benefits. In a previous study, we have shown that healthy volunteers produce larger quantities of nitric oxide and have improved blood vessel function a few hours after eating apples. We now wish to demonstrate in human volunteers that regular consumption of apples over four weeks, with high levels of flavonoids, improves risk factors for heart disease. We are currently running a clinical trial with 33 volunteers who have at least one risk factor heart disease (such has high blood pressure, high cholesterol or central obesity). The volunteers will consume two apples a day with no skin for four weeks, have a two week break and then consume two apples a day with skin for four weeks. Or vice versa.

30 Flavonoid content (mg/100g)

BY DR CATHERINE BONDONNO RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, UWA

25 20 15 10 5 0

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Australian apple varieties FIGURE 1 Flavonoid content of apple varieties Source: UWA, 2015

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MEASURING blood vessel health.

Department of Agriculture and Food

Flavonoids are concentrated in the skin of apples. We will be taking measurements before and after each of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;apple eatingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; periods, to assess changes in heart and blood vessel health as well as cognitive function. We can then compare flavonoid rich apple skin with flavonoid low apple flesh, by seeing if there are any differences in the results of the measurements that we take.

What is the significance of our research? The main goal of our research and collaboration with Pomewest is to transform the efficiency of the Australian apple breeding program, to produce apples with a higher nutritional value. Our research will facilitate the release of flavonoid-rich apples with proven heart benefits. This important research will provide impetus for the promotion of increased intake of apples, for heart health and will provide new therapeutic options for the treatment of heart disease and its risk factors. Additionally, the release of flavonoid-rich apples with proven heart benefits will benefit both Australian industry and the general population. MORE INFORMATION Please contact Nardia Stacy at Pomewest on (08) 9368 3869 or nardia@fruitwest.org.au

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Aussie Apples

at Perth Royal Show AUSSIE apple juice was offered again this year, providing an affordable and healthy drink to show goers.

The high excitement of local teams in the football finals and grand final disrupted the attendance early in the show which impacted accordingly on the daily figures. Despite the footy fever, the final budget closed on a positive note and proved to be a successfully self funded promotion with strong engagement of families. We would recommend continued involvement in this pavilion in future years.

BY NOELENE SWAIN FRESH FINESSE

Apples were once again a key attraction at the Perth Royal Show in the popular children’s pavilion — Farm 2 Food.

or to prepare apples for cooking. These machines have a strong following in Primary Schools and school canteens. Even young adults drooled affectionately over the apples as they recalled their primary school memories.

This integrated, hands on experience for kids allowing children to gain a better understanding of where food comes from. It also provides a good opportunity to connect local fruit production in the mind of children and families.

Sale of cups of chilled 100% Aussie apple juice was also offered again year, providing an affordable and healthy drink to show goers whilst also providing an additional income stream to assist fund the cost of the promotion.

Strong Aussie Apples messages displayed in the backdrop signage whilst a ‘farmer’ styled team were armed with Apple Skinky machines to swirl and twirl their way through over 3,000 Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples whilst chatting to show goers about the importance of eating locally produced fruit. The opportunity to buy a $1 apple slinky was extremely well received by show goers eager to take a break from the usual show food and keen to enjoy something fresh, crisp and healthy. Sale of the Apple Slinky machines appealed to those keen to continue the apple ‘magic’ at home. Such a simple tool provides a key easy mechanism for kids (of all ages!) to enjoy apples fresh

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

Generous assistance from Harvey Fresh was much appreciated to allow this element of the program to work so well. Over 5,000 cups of juice were served during the show with warm weather contributing to their popularity. The apple stand provided an opportunity for an early introduction of the un-named new dark skinned apple. People were able to taste samples of the new apple and were asked to complete a survey to collect responses to the flavour, texture and appearance. Responses of over 2,000 people have been gathered. Analysis of the data is not yet complete however responses were very positive.

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

POMEWEST

Apples & pears

SUSIE Murphy White counting flowers to determine full bloom.

in a changing climate BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE PROJECT MANAGER (POME), POMEWEST

With mean temperatures in Australian apple and pear growing regions predicted to increase by up to 1.2 degrees by 2030, two national projects funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) and the Australian Government aim to reduce the vulnerability of fruit production to a changing climate. The project is investigating the implementation of appropriate adaptation strategies to reduce the apple and pear industry’s vulnerability in the longer term. It is not yet clear how warmer average temperatures and increased frequency of extreme heat days will impact on apple and pear production, which is why this research is so important.

To investigate the potential impacts of a warming climate, three years of temperature data have been collected, along with bud burst and flowering time of apple and pear varieties from the growing regions of Applethorpe in Queensland, Shepparton in Victoria and Manjimup in Western Australia.

Bud burst and flowering dates were generally later and more protracted in Manjimup, which is possibly a result of inadequate chill experienced in the milder winter conditions of that region. It’s interesting that Manjimup’s winter chilling climate is similar to that of the projected climate for the other regions being investigated, providing the potential to assist in determining appropriate adaptation strategies for these regions. The effectiveness of different types of netting to protect fruit from sunburn damage is being investigated as a potential adaptation to increased frequency of extreme heat events. Findings to date suggest that netted fruit is less likely to be rejected or downgraded due to sun damage than non-netted fruit.

Further investigations are underway to determine the suitability of currently available physiological models to predict the timing of bud burst and flowering for apple and pear varieties. The research is being led by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Victoria (DEDJTR), Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) and now Pomewest. This project demonstrates how beneficial collaborative work among research agencies nationwide is to producing strategic outcomes that can be applied to more than one specific growing region. MORE INFORMATION More information about the project can be found on the DAFWA site https://agric.wa.gov. au/n/4863

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Lower cost and water security prompts change to drip irrigation

BY ROHAN PRINCE 1 AND SUSIE MURPHY WHITE 2 1 DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, DAFWA 2 PROJECT MANAGER, POMEWEST

The whole netted apple orchard demonstration site is being converted to drip irrigation, reflecting the great results of improved water use efficiency over the past two seasons. Previously divided into four blocks, the 1.2 hectares of established Cripps Pink and Fuji trees will comprise of three new drip irrigated treatments. The original demonstration, established 2013 at the Lyster’s orchard in Manjimup, comprised of sections of black and white 16mm quad netting, each covering 0.25ha, with the remaining areas of un-netted orchard divided into another two comparison blocks; a DAFWA-managed no netted area and a grower practice no netted area as control treatments. All treatments were irrigated using under tree sprinklers, in the 2013–14 season. A 15% reduction in water use was recorded when irrigating using under tree sprinklers under net compared to outside the net. Last season, four double rows of drip irrigation were installed under the netted area with great results. A 45% reduction in water applied to trees under net, occurred using drip irrigation compared with under tree sprinkler irrigation. There was a 51% reduction in applied irrigation for drip sprinklers compared to under tree sprinklers with no netting. There was no decrease in yield measured when using drip irrigation.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

With no reduction in yield, the Lyster’s have decided that drip irrigation is worth installing to reduce input costs and help make the farm water supply more secure in years of low rainfall. Benefits seen from last year’s mini trial of four drip lines included lower pumping costs due to the lower volume used, lower labour from reduced maintenance of sod culture and better control of tree vigour, which should lead to lower costs for tree pruning. This year the demonstration will comprise of three treatments: 1. Black net, drip irrigated 2. White net, drip irrigated 3. No net drip irrigated. Evaporation based scheduling will be used to apply irrigation appropriate to crop stage and vigour, with soil moisture monitoring used to confirm the effectiveness of irrigation and the water potential in the soil, preventing unwanted crop stress. The reduction in water requirement by 45% using drip irrigation was expected, and reflected the orchard area shaded by canopy. Measured by a method described by Goodwin, I (2009) ‘Determining effective area of shade in orchards and vineyards to estimate crop water requirement’, leaf canopy coverage is taken into account to calculate water requirement of orchards of different densities. The full text can be found at www.depi.vic.gov.au, No: AG1383. When the canopy coverage of the demonstration block was measured, only 54% of the total area was effectively shaded by the canopy. With irrigation limited to the canopy area and removed from between the rows where the sod culture is grown, the significant reduction in water required was reflected in the water metre readings.

The proportion of shade was calculated by measuring photo synthetically active radiation (PAR) using a hand held ceptometer, on a clear sunny day in February 2014 and 2015. Several measurements were taken throughout the orchard at morning, solar noon and afternoon to measure the amount of the shade created by the trees.

Following this season the Lyster’s suggested that not only the netted area was converted to drip, but the un-netted section was as well. Grower, Ann Lyster commented, “The less the pump is turned on the better. It saves in fuel and therefore money.” The lower the input cost with the same return means greater profit. MORE INFORMATION The work is supported through funding from Royalties for Regions Department of Regional Development, Horticulture Innovation Australia and The Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, and Water Resources. Search Netted apple demonstration on DAFWA’s website for updates or for more information contact Rohan Prince on (08) 9368 3210, email rohan.prince@agric.wa.gov.au, or Susie Murphy White on (08) 9777 0151, email susan.murphywhite@agric.wa.gov.au

Department of Agriculture and Food

YOUR BUSINESS

YOUR

BUSINESS

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

YOUR BUSINESS

The key to success

is surrounding yourself with experts Contact

SBDC

for advice on 13 12 49

BY DI GRAHAM SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

There are currently more than 211,000 small businesses in Western Australia, across all industry types, with agriculture, fishery and forestry making up 8.3% of them. Whilst each business is different from another, there are certain elements that are common to all. Building a team of experts to support your business will provide you with the skills your business needs, without the cost of having them permanently on your payroll.

Provide a clear picture of your situation and what you hope to achieve. Make sure you’re comfortable with their style and that you feel confident asking them for advice. For your first visit, take as many documents related to your issue as you can and have a written list of questions. Professional services can be expensive so use the time productively. Having positive and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers is also crucial to running a successful business and the bedrock for this is having well defined expectations in regard to quality, delivery and payment arrangements.

The SBDC advises small business operators to build a support team that may include a lawyer and an accountant, reliable suppliers, a bank or other financial lender, a web professional and an industry or business association.

Talk with sales representatives to check their product knowledge and understanding of your business needs. It’s important to establish and maintain a good relationship so they will keep you updated on new products, services and special deals.

If you intend to start or buy a business, it’s best to find an accountant and a lawyer beforehand so you can have the right advice and business structure in place to ensure a smooth business launch or takeover.

Be sure to thoroughly research your supply options and rate the services of each supplier against your priorities, including quality, reliability, returns policy, price, location, speed of delivery and trading terms.

In choosing a professional service, ask for referrals from other small business owners and be sure to deal only with professionals who are registered with their peak professional body.

To further minimise your risk, do credit checks. There are trade and industry specific credit reporting bodies that can undertake checks and risk ratings on potential suppliers — and customers.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

SOURCES of finance can range from traditional banks and other financial institutions to family, friends and even crowd funding.

Money, of course, is vital to every small business and there may come a time when you will need the supportive services of a sound financial lender. Sources of finance can range from traditional banks and other financial institutions to family, friends and even crowd funding. Be prepared to ‘sell’ the feasibility of your business to prospective lenders. The three documents you will need to help prove why your enterprise is worthy of investment are a business plan, marketing strategy and financial plan.

Your business plan provides an overview of the business including the products and services you offer, and how you differ from your competitors. Your marketing plan sets out how you will convert your target market into customers and the financial plan explains how you will generate sufficient funds to repay loans and interest. If you are borrowing money from family or friends, clarify from the start whether it’s a loan they expect to be repaid, potentially with interest, or if it’s a gift.

YOUR BUSINESS

Put your agreement in writing and have it witnessed by an independent third party. Any business today that does not have an online presence, is missing out on customers and valuable cashflow, but deciding who to use to develop your business website can be confusing. While you can certainly build your own website, there are many advantages to hiring an expert in this field. Start your research by looking at the websites of businesses similar to yours. See what works and what doesn’t work from a customers’ point of view. Seek out referrals from the sites you like as well as from industry colleagues, friends or family.

Before approaching potential website developers, create a clear written brief of what you expect from the website professional and use it to obtain at least three quotes. Ask for written answers to your questions and keep a copy in case you have future concerns. Make sure your website has a content management system (CMS) which allows you to edit and update your content, without having to pay a third party. Finally, making friends with business owners in your neighbourhood or in your industry will help grow your business through learning from others. Industry and business associations protect and promote the interests of their members and provide access to industry-specific information and training. Chambers of commerce represent businesses within a particular region. Choose your association carefully and ensure the group you join provides plenty of networking opportunities. Look for ways to actively participate and contribute to the organisation so that you and your business will benefit.

Are you a supplier

to Coles, Woolworths or Aldi? Key protections include: BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

If you’re a grocery supplier, you may have new protections under the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. The voluntary code is enforced by the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) and so far Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and Sydney-based retailer About Life have signed up to it.

If you currently supply products to one of these retailers, or are considering becoming their supplier, it’s important that you’re aware of your rights under the Code.

• Retailers and wholesalers must enter into written grocery supply agreements with suppliers • Retailers and wholesalers must act lawfully and in good faith • A set of minimum behavioural standards for a retailer when dealing with matters such as payment, de-listing, standards and specifications for fresh produce, and allocating shelf space • Processes to help suppliers resolve disputes with retailers and wholesalers. You can find out more about the Food and Grocery Code and watch the short video about it on the ACCC website. MORE INFORMATION If you have concerns that a retailer has done something that’s prohibited under the Code, or you have an inquiry about the Code, you can call the ACCC’s Small Business Helpline on 1300 302 021, or visit the ACCC website.

Visit the

ACCC website for more information!

MORE INFORMATION For more information on starting a small business or building your support team, contact the SBDC on 13 12 49 or visit our website at: smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

YOUR BUSINESS

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

vegetablesWA

launches new member services

NOW AVAILABLE

Bookkeeping for your business BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Following on from my article in the Winter 2015 edition of WA Grower, Cashflow & BAS Lodgement, vegetablesWA is pleased to announce that we will now be offering an in-house bookkeeping service for growers. This will provide growers with the opportunity to have their finances kept up to date on a regular basis for much less than an accountant will charge! Not only will it save you time, it will provide you with the visibility on your financials.

One of the definite advantages is an improved cashflow — especially if you are lodging your BAS each quarter. The improved cashflow could allow you to make those purchases and increase your business. After an initial meeting the bookkeeping can be conducted on a monthly or quarterly basis, suited to your requirements. To save everyone time the process can be done via email with the accounting system being accessed via the cloud (to allow you access to the data whenever and wherever you need it).

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There are a number of services we can provide: • Accounts Receivables — collection • Accounts Payable — reconciliation • Bank reconciliations • BAS lodgement • PAYG lodgement • Payroll Tax • Superannuation reconciliation and reporting.

We look forward to being able to save you time and money especially at this time of the year. MORE INFORMATION If you are interested in the new service please contact Rebecca Blackman on (08) 9481 0834 or finance@vegetableswa.com.au to discuss your requirements.

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Horticulture Award

challenged by Unions BY DONNA MOGG COMMERCIAL SERVICES MANAGER, GROWCOM

As part of the four yearly review into the ‘modern’ awards operating under the federal system the ACTU and relevant unions (AWU/NUW) have logged the following claims against the Horticulture Award: • Four hour minimum engagement of casuals and part-time employees (ACTU) • Conversion of casual to full time employees after six or 12 months employment (ACTU) • Overtime rates and weekend penalties for casual employees (AWU) • Notice requirements of casuals when employing them including likely hours (ACTU) • Restrictions on further casual and part time employment to require additional hours to existing casuals and part time employees (ACTU). It is clear any of these claims, if successful, would impose significant additional cost to labour for our horticultural businesses. Success in all of them will undoubtedly send some small operators out of business. A four hour minimum engagement period in an industry such as horticulture, which is subject to a range of environmental and other factors outside the grower’s influence or control, could be very serious. Imagine for a moment a scenario (and not an unrealistic one) where 100 employees start work at 6.00am and the rain/storm/wind/cyclone/ tornado starts at 6.30 am. You now have 400 hours of work to pay for with little or no work to show for it.

Similarly, overtime after 38 hours, and weekend penalty rates of 150% and 200% are being sought in a price-taking industry where these costs cannot be easily recouped if at all. Conversion clauses seek to provide more secure employment to casual employees after a qualifying period. There is some validity to this approach, given the numbers of long term, ‘fulltime’ casuals in our industry and in wanting to provide more secure forms of employment which are beneficial to both employees and employers. However a six month qualifying period is in our view, too short, and an argument for a longer period (e.g. at least two years) will allow employers to ensure that the work is genuinely ongoing. Long-term planning around your workforce is a noble goal, but not always possible or certain in our industry.

We also know that many casuals prefer to stay casual due to the higher wage rate (with the loading) and are reluctant to convert to a lower paid, if more secure form of employment. The claim for notice requirements to advise casual employees of hours of work and periods of employment is also a challenge. The nature of casual work is that which ‘fills’ a gap — in workforce numbers or specific skills. The nature of our industry is that it is dictated by weather events which can affect all aspects of the harvest. It is not unusual to hear of a major storm taking out an entire crop the day before harvest is due to start. All of these issues are realistic and genuine possibilities in our industry — the most labour intensive of all the agriculture industries.

We must fight these claims and we are. A group of industry representatives have been working with the Voice of Horticulture (new national body), the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and a range of other interested bodies to ensure our issues get front and centre of this debate. Our award comes in front of the Fair Work Commission next March so we are working hard to ensure that our arguments are solid and our evidence tells the story that needs to be told in order that our award conditions work to support and enhance our industry, not send it to the wall. MORE INFORMATION For further information, call vegetablesWA or feel free to call Donna Mogg at Growcom in Queensland, phone (07) 3620 3844 or email dmogg@growcom.com.au Note: Western Australia has two industrial relations systems — State and Federal. Generally, the national system applies to incorporated business — those with ‘Pty Ltd’ or ‘Ltd’ in their name, while the state system applies to sole traders, unincorporated partnerships and some trusts. There is some overlap between the state and national systems; for example termination notice and parental leave is covered by the national, while employers covered by the national system must abide by state laws in relation to long service leave and when children can work. If your business belongs under the national system, the Fair Work Ombudsman can provide you with assistance and information to meet your employer obligations. In the state system, you can contact Wageline for assistance on 1300 655 266.

It is clear that the unions have little understanding of the true nature of this industry and the requirements and flexibilities which enable us to get the harvest off, in good condition, on time and at a price which is ultimately not of our making. WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Health surveillance

for exposure to organophosphate pesticides BY GWENDOLINE DEMPSEY OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSE/ INSPECTOR, WORKSAFE WA

PPE

By some estimates, as many as 10 times the number of workers die every year from work-related illnesses than from workplace injuries. Work-related illnesses and diseases can be difficult to identify and quantify, as exposures to health hazards in the workplace may not affect the worker for many years, often until after retirement. There are no flashing lights or sirens in these cases, as opposed to those traumatic ‘blood and guts’ injuries and fatalities. With the delayed onset of ill health the worker often passes away unbeknownst to anyone but close family and friends. It is absolutely crucial to be aware of health hazards, such as organophosphate pesticides exposure, because unlike safety hazards they are a ‘grey’ area; invisible, intangible and therefore ‘out of sight, out of mind’. With health hazards the risk may not be obvious, the health effects may not be obvious and the effects or disease may be delayed (by months or years). The risks to health depend on the amount of substance exposure, the method of use of the substance, previous exposure history, whether personal protective equipment is used and the present state of the person’s health.

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In many instances there are limited tests available to determine absorption of the hazardous substance by the individual. All of these factors result in a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety. Fortunately exposure/absorption of organophosphate pesticides can be confirmed by means of a specific blood test. The presence of organophosphate pesticides can also be detected in urine samples.

Health effects from absorption of organophosphate pesticides Acute exposure to organophosphate pesticides can cause (but is not limited to) nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, sweating, anxiety, dizziness, restlessness, breathing difficulty and even death if treatment is delayed. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted/are ongoing on the adverse health effects of chronic, long term, low level exposure to organophosphate pesticides. This type of exposure has been linked to neurological disorders including depression and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease and is a hotly debated topic.

is mandatory under WA Safety and Health Legislation.

So what is health surveillance? Health surveillance is “the monitoring of a person for the purpose of identifying changes in the person’s health status resulting from exposure to a hazardous substance”.

Organophosphate pesticides are classified as hazardous substances and as such it is mandatory under the Western Australian Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 to have health surveillance conducted if your work involves exposure to organophosphate pesticides. Your employer pays for the health surveillance and it has to be supervised by an Appointed Medical Practitioner (AMP). The employer is responsible for appointing the AMP. The results of your health surveillance are confidential. The frequency of testing is decided by the AMP based on the legislative requirements and your individual test results.

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Q&A

LONG-TERM, low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides has been linked to neurological disorders including depression and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

Frequently asked questions by employers regarding AMPs

Q Why do I need an Appointed Medical Practitioner (AMP)? A Because the AMP is the medical expert (doctor) who assesses your health surveillance results and subsequently notifies you and WorkSafe WA of the results and gives advice on remedial action and other identified controls. Q Do I need to have an AMP nearby (geographically)?

Organophosphate pesticides health surveillance consists of a questionnaire detailing your occupational and medical history and a baseline blood test before exposure. Further blood tests are carried out depending on results of the blood test and patterns of exposure. Additional blood tests can be conducted if there is suspected poisoning or excessive exposure or you are worried. Your AMP should explain the results of the blood tests to you and advise you about signs and symptoms of excessive absorption of organophosphate pesticides.

Organophosphate pesticides contamination Organophosphate pesticides contamination can occur through inhalation (breathing it in), ingestion (swallowing it) or through skin absorption. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory under WA Safety and Health Legislation.

Your employer has to provide the PPE. You have to look after the PPE and be familiar with the proper use and care of it. Your employer has to provide you with comprehensive information about the health effects of exposure to organophosphate pesticides and training on relevant personal controls such as stringent personal hygiene and use of PPE in order to minimise exposure and absorption of organophosphate pesticides.

A No because he/she assesses your health surveillance results but does not need to see you every time. There should be an initial consultation and further visits only needed in the event of change in health status or results indicate excessive absorption etc. Q How do I arrange an AMP? A WorkSafe WA can provide you with a current list of medical providers who conduct health surveillance. You will then need to contact the practice and set up a formal arrangement for the process to commence. You will have to pay for the health surveillance and it is not refundable on Medicare. Q Can I use my own General Practitioner (doctor)? A Yes. However you need to explain to your G.P. that he/she needs to be fully conversant with the role of an AMP as per WorkSafe WA Regulations. This includes knowledge re the health effects of exposure to the substance, frequency of testing etc. If the G.P. is willing to become your AMP he/she has to contact the WorkSafe WA Occupational Health Physician and the process will be explained in more detail and an AMP pack will be sent to the G.P. N.B. an AMP can be penalised for noncompliance with legislation!

It is strongly advised that you engage an AMP from one of the occupational medical practices. They are familiar with the legislation and the health surveillance requirements for the scheduled substances.

Organophosphates health surveillance is complex (testing regime etc.) as opposed to some other substances so it needs to be carried out correctly. Q Can the AMP provide the hazardous substances (organophosphates) training for me? A No. Training and information must be provided by the employer. It is fine for the AMP to supplement health advice to employees but it must not be relied upon as the sole means of training on hazardous substances. Q Where do I get information on organophosphates? A You have a duty of care to provide a safe workplace for your employees, which includes being familiar with the hazards within the workplace. Hazardous substances is a health hazard and there is a need for you to be familiar with the health risks and toxic effects of same just as there is a need for you to be familiar with other workplace hazards such as machine guarding etc. MSDS’s provide information and WorkSafe WA and your industry body can also provide you with further information that can be used by you to provide training to your employees. Q Who else needs to have health surveillance besides the operators? A You must carry out a risk assessment to determine who else is likely to be exposed to the hazardous substance during the course of their work. The assessment will determine who else needs to be tested. MORE INFORMATION Further information can be obtained by contacting WorkSafe WA on (08) 6251 2200. The call centre can refer the query to the appropriate officers.

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Organophosphates:

Health surveillance guide for employers What are organophosphates? Organophosphates (OP) are a group of pesticides (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) which may be applied to a range of crops, often by spraying.

What organophosphate pesticides are used in Australia? See Table 1.

What is the hazard? Exposure to organophosphate pesticides by skin absorption, inhalation of spray mist, or accidental swallowing can cause: • Headache • Slurred speech • Sweating • Convulsions

The health risk will depend upon the frequency and duration of use, concentration of OP handled, and control measures in place. What is health surveillance? Health surveillance is monitoring a person to identify changes in their health resulting from exposure to a hazardous substance. Blood or urine testing may be conducted.

Why should health surveillance be conducted? Health surveillance may detect harm to health before the problem gets too serious, allowing controls to be improved to protect workers’ health.

• Blurred vision • Coma • Anxiety • Respiratory and circulatory problems • Restlessness • Muscle weakness 1–4 days after exposure, continuing for up to several weeks

TABLE 1 Organophosphate pesticides used in Australia Acephate

Methidathion

Azamethiphos

Mevinphos

Azinphos-methyl

Naled

• Confusion

Cadusafos

Naphthalophos

• High level exposure can be fatal.

Carbofuran

Omethoate

Ongoing overexposure may cause lack of appetite, weakness, tingling or burning feelings in the hands or feet, and muscle wasting.

Chlorfenvinphos

Oxydemeton-methyl

What types of activities with organophosphate pesticides may present a health risk? • Agricultural and horticultural activities like mixing, loading and applications where direct handling of the chemical occurs • Pest control activities, by operators who use OP regularly • Manufacture of OP • Veterinary activities like cattle and sheep dipping.

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Chlorpyrifos

Parathion

Chlorpyrifos-methyl

Parathion-methyl

Coumaphos

Phorate

Cythioate

Phosmet

Diazinon

Pirimiphos-methyl

Dichlorvos

Profenofos

Dimethoate

Propetamphos

Ethion

Prothiofos

Fenamiphos

Temephos

Fenitrothion

Terbufos

Fenthion

Tetrachlorvinphos

Maldison (Malathion)

Thiometon

Methamidophos

Trichlorfon

What regulations apply to health surveillance? If the health of a person is at risk as a result of exposure to organophosphate pesticides at work, the employer must ensure that health surveillance is carried out in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Regulations 1996. Regulation 5.1 defines ‘health surveillance’ and regulation 5.23 requires an employer, main contractor or selfemployed person to provide health surveillance to a worker in relation to hazardous substances.

Who can provide health surveillance? Health surveillance must be conducted by an Appointed Medical Practitioner (AMP), who is a doctor with adequate training in relation to organophosphate pesticides and who has been appointed by the employer after consultation with the worker/s. WorkSafe has a list of doctors who conduct health surveillance work, although not all such doctors are listed. If the doctor you choose has not conducted health surveillance for organophosphate pesticides previously, it is essential for them to contact WorkSafe’s occupational physician on 1300 307 877 to ensure they are aware of their duties under OSH legislation.

How often should health surveillance for OP be conducted? This will be based on medical advice, however Safe Work Australia provides the following guidance (see Table 2). (Extract from Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring)

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TABLE 2 How often health surveillance should be carried out Definition of pattern of use

Action required

Baseline

• Baseline measurement should be carried out — two are desirable — at a time when there has been at least four weeks without exposure.

Very occasional use

• Use should be recorded. • No test is needed unless the worker has symptoms which could be related to organophosphate pesticides during or after use, or there has been an exposure incident leading to symptoms.

If use of organophosphate pesticides is only half a day every month or less, then this is very occasional use. Intermittent use If use of organophosphate pesticides is for two to three days at a time, all day with gaps of time of a month or more between use, then this is intermittent use. Seasonal use If use of organophosphate pesticides is say four days a week, and extends over a long season then, this is seasonal use.

• Use should be recorded. • Test during the period of peak exposure/use. Testing provides valuable information on the effectiveness of controls. • Controls must be updated if levels of exposure indicate high work-related exposure. • No further testing is needed unless the worker has symptoms which could be related to organophosphate pesticides during or after use or there is concern overexposure may have occurred. • Use should be recorded. • For heavy or seasonal use, testing should occur during the period of peak exposure/use. Workers exposed should be tested at the end of the work shift on the last day of a work week, early in the season, once work practices have settled, in order to check the effectiveness of work practices and controls. Adjustments to controls can then be made if necessary. Workers should be advised of their results. • The timing of further tests should be based on the nature of the work and previous test results. A worker having greater than 20% cholinesterase depression from baseline values should be retested at an early stage. • No further test is needed unless the person has symptoms which could be related to organophosphate pesticides during or after use or there is concern overexposure may have occurred.

MORE INFORMATION What further information is available? Organophosphate pesticides health surveillance reporting form (for the AMP to report results to WorkSafe): www.commerce. wa.gov.au/publications/organophosphatehealth-surveillance-notification-form Safe Work Australia guidance: • Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals — Guide for persons conducting a business or undertaking • Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals — Guide for workers • Health Monitoring for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals — Guide for medical practitioners • Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring A9734522

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UV radiation

e r a c f o y t u d d an

BY CATHY SPEED CANCER COUNCIL OF WA

For producers and growers who employ workers, even on a casual or seasonal basis, there is a duty of care requirement to protect these workers from known hazards. Agricultural workers are exposed to a number of workplace hazards, including working with machinery, noise hazards and exposure to UV radiation, among others. UV radiation is internationally recognised as a class 1 carcinogen, and overexposure is known to cause skin cancer and a number of eye conditions including cataracts and cancers of the eye.

AUSTRALIA has the highest levels of skin cancer in the world, and Western Australia has the second highest rate in Australia.

Australia has the highest levels of skin cancer in the world, and Western Australia has the second highest rate in Australia. Studies have shown that workplaces are a major source of UV radiation overexposure, with outdoor workers receiving between 5 and 10 times more sun exposure than indoor workers. In the past decade the number of workers compensation claims made for sun exposure related illnesses such as skin cancer has steadily increased. In fact, in Australia it is estimated that approximately 200 melanomas and 34,000 other skin cancers per year are due to occupational exposure to UV radiation. All employers must protect workers, regardless if they are full time, casual or seasonal workers, providing a safe working environment by taking proper steps to reduce the health risks associated with UV radiation exposure for workers who spend all or part of their time working outdoors. Workers also have a duty of care to cooperate with the employer’s efforts and policies to create a safe working environment.

A comprehensive workplace sun protection policy would include detail on the following: • Conducting risk assessments on a periodic basis to identify the UV radiation exposure risk to all workers, including considering surfaces that may reflect UV radiation • Sun protection control measures such as employing temporary or permanent shade structures, window tinting of vehicles, scheduling rotation of outdoor workers to avoid long periods of consistent exposure, or providing personal protective equipment and clothing • Training workers to work safely in the sun by providing information, instruction and supervision to ensure they are correctly employing the sun protection control measures • Monitoring the adherence to control measures and make necessary changes to ensure effectiveness of the controls.

It is important to ensure that all workers have access to, or are supplied with a copy of this policy upon commencement of employment. Duty of care requirements under the Australian health and safety legislation apply whether you employ two workers or two thousand workers, as the risk to the workers is still the same. If you are selfemployed it is in your best interest to look after yourself and use sun protection when working outdoors. MORE INFORMATION If you would like more information about your duty of care requirements with regard to sun protection, or assistance in setting up a sun protection policy, please contact Cancer Council WA at sunsmart@cancerwa.asn.au or by calling 13 11 20. Alternatively you will find comprehensive free information on the Cancer Council WA website at www.cancerwa.asn.au

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Western Australian produce

showcased in Malaysian stores

“The fresh ranges we offer are high quality fresh food products from Australia which are appealing to Malaysian consumers,” Mr Ng said. “Our customers are always looking for great quality and nutritious fresh products at great prices. With this expanded range of Australian imported fresh products, I believe customers will look forward to enjoy cooking at home.” BY SOON CHYE TAN TRADE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

Western Australian produce has been sampled by consumers across Malaysia as part of the ‘Australian Food Fair’ promotion. The recent two-week in-store promotion by Tesco Malaysia featured fresh Australian produce including vegetables, fruits, meats and seafood.

(L–R) At the launch of the Australia Food Fair, Jim Trandos, of Trandos Farms; Simon Ng, Fresh Commercial Director of Tesco Malaysia; Naila Mazzucco, Australian Trade Commissioner Malaysia; and Dato’ Azlan, Corporate Affairs Director of Tesco Malaysia.

“Malaysia is a traditional export market for fresh Western Australian produce – our product is well known and highly regarded for food quality and safety.”

The event involved support from the Department of Agriculture and Food, Horticulture WA, AUSVEG and Austrade.

The event follows a Tesco Malaysia delegation visit to Western Australia in April this year to investigate further fresh food supply opportunities for their hypermarket outlets.

Department Trade Development Officer Soon Chye Tan said Western Australian lamb, sweet corn and strawberries were among the products on show.

“The tour, facilitated by HorticultureWA, enabled delegates to meet with growers, producers and exporters here in Western Australia,” Dr Tan said.

“Tesco is Malaysia’s leading retailer and has 52 stores in Malaysia, with 22 in Kuala Lumpur,” Dr Tan said.

Simon Ng, the Commercial Director of Tesco Malaysia, said they were excited to be able to offer this new fresh range of Australian products.

“The Australian Food Fair has been carried out in many of the stores.

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Naila Mazzucco, Australian Trade Commissioner Malaysia, said there were 40 types of new and fresh food items including premium beef, mutton, pears, carrots, cauliflowers, brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet corn and seafood being showcased. JIM Trandos, of Trandos Farms, with Western Australian sweet corn in a Tesco Malaysia store.

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“A broad range of fruit and vegetables are available for export virtually year-round thanks to a range of climatic zones and growing conditions, while proximity to Asia shortens transport times and maximises the freshness of produce,” Ms Mazzucco said. Western Australian sweet corn, sourced from Trandos Farms, were part of the promotion. Managing Director Jim Trandos said it was the family-run company’s first trial consignment of sweet corn to Malaysia.

WESTERN Australian produce is generally regarded as premium food by Malaysian consumers.

He said Western Australian produce was generally regarded as premium food by Malaysian consumers. “Our product is marketed under the Western Australian Corn Growers label. Our packaging has the kangaroo and the sun on it, which is recognisable by customers.” MORE INFORMATION If you are interested in exporting produce please speak to Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

“It was an extremely well run campaign including sophisticated point-of-sale stands in the Tesco stores,” Mr Trandos said. “The feedback we have had to date has been positive. Western Australian sweet corn tastes different to that grown in Malaysia. We use different varieties and it’s sweeter.”

Department of Agriculture and Food

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Optimum vegetable portion size

to meet consumer needs The vegetable industry is always looking for ways to increase vegetable consumption. The recent Optimal Vegetable Portion Size to Meet Consumer Needs study by Horticulture Innovation Australia for the vegetable industry looked at determining optimum portion sizes for Australian vegetables in response to the assumption that consumers buy fewer vegetables for fear of wasting them.

The research focussed on six vegetables including carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, cauliflower, celery and broccoli. According to the most recent data, Australian households throw out over $1 billion of fresh produce each year, as consumers have a strong aversion to vegetable wastage. At an emotional level, wastage evokes feelings of guilt because consumers resent paying for what they won't use. At a rational level, consumers do not like paying for vegetables and not using them. As a result of this, consumers would rather pay more per kilo if it meant they wasted less. Consumers have unconsciously adapted their behaviour to avoid vegetable wastage, with 81% of consumers trying to purchase the right amount of vegetables for their needs. As expected, there is not necessarily one optimum portion size for each vegetable, however offering a larger range of alternatives would result in an overall uplift in purchase consumption.

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The vegetables are a result of years of selective breeding and are half the size of the current cauliflowers available, allowing consumers to buy the smaller portions to limit waste.

Australian households throw out over

$1 billion of fresh produce each year

MURRAY Bridge, vegetable grower at Swanport Harvest has taken industry research findings on board and created a new range of petite cauliflowers to meet the consumer demand.

'New' portion sizes do not necessarily need to be developed, with consumers welcoming a greater availability of the 'standard' vegetable options. Murray Bridge, vegetable grower at Swanport Harvest has taken industry research findings on board and created a new range of petite cauliflowers to meet the consumer demand.

The vegetables are a result of years of selective breeding and are half the size of the current cauliflowers available, allowing consumers to buy the smaller portions to limit waste. Managing Director, Don Ruggiero said the study's results had supported his innovative idea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I noticed that the industry was only offering a standard-sized whole or half cauliflower and saw an opportunity in the market for a smaller cauliflower to

meet the needs of singles who may be intimidated buying a cauliflower due to the size and potential wastage,â&#x20AC;? he said. The initial response from South Australian consumers was very positive and Mr Ruggiero was hoping to distribute the new variety Australia-wide or even start to look into export options. MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited www.horticulture.com.au or phone: (02) 8295 2300.

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Wanted: ‘e-daptable’ horticulture chains RIJS VA N Y D IN BY C NK OBA RAB

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

WIJC

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Rabobank expects

I have never ordered food shopping from the internet, but types like me are a dying breed. The Rabobank expects around a quarter of groceries to be bought over the internet in 2030. Those grocers will not just be nappies and crates of beer, but also potatoes, vegetables, fruit and flowers.

From silent revolution to new challenge For more fruit, vegetable and decorative suppliers, the rise of the online shopping is still a silent revolution. Along the way they will start to notice more. The complexity in the chain will increase when fresh products can be delivered to your home in no time, pre packaged and looking 100% like they do on the photo. And the choice between ‘ready to eat’ and ‘ripe after a few days’ plays an important role too.

More choice and a shorter chain Supermarkets have sunk a lot of money into their online shops and don’t want online shoppers to ignore high margin products like fruits and vegetables. They also don’t want to be outdone by the many fast growing parties who deliver crates and boxes of fresh foods, such as Beebox and HelloFresh. This is why existing supermarket chains and new players in online food will do everything to offer an attractive fresh assortment online.

The British Ocado, the first pure online supermarket in the United Kingdom, already offers over 1,000 items in fresh fruits and vegetables. Bananas are available in fair trade and organic varieties, in children’s sizes, in a small or large packaging, ripe and less ripe.

Online shops with central distribution centres and few (or even no) stocks can offer a huge assortment that no physical supermarket can match. For suppliers of niche products, seasonal products, diet products or very exclusive products, this offers opportunities to reach a larger buyer audience. And if the online orders are taken centrally, products can reach our kitchen in optima forma. With less detours, transactions, touches and breaks in the cold chain.

More alternatives, more competition Such a massive online supply makes for a different competitive playing field. Supermarkets get more control over what consumers see or don’t see and also what they do or don’t buy.

25%

groceries will be bought over the internet in 2030 SUPERMARKETS have sunk a lot of money into their online shops and don’t want online shoppers to ignore high margin products like fruits and vegetables.

Traditional flower delivery services can also join in. Jumbo already offers roses for three Euro a bunch (10 flowers) in their online supermarket. At the same time some other online supermarkets don’t offer flowers at all. Do consumers who order their shopping online with a weekly list still buy that bunch of flowers for their table? By using the right photos, search terms, (paid) banners and other active ‘screen management’ suppliers try to influence the online shopper as much as possible. MORE INFORMATION Source: www.freshplaza.com/article/144829/ Wanted-e-daptable-horticulturechains?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_ medium=ed5&utm_source=s6

Consumers are offered a lot of alternatives in their online search and can simply compare prices. Someone who searches for apples, will also get results for pears, apple juice, squeezing fruit and apple tarts. WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Market Ana lysis and Strateg y:

BROCCOLI TO JAPAN BY BRONWYN WARFIELD TRADE & INVESTMENT QLD

Market Analysis and Strategy: Broccoli to Japan was funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) in 2014. The research is the result of the collaborative efforts of Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ), Griffith University (GU) and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland) (DAF). The objective of the research was to undertake an in-depth market analysis to determine if potential exists for Australian broccoli exports to Japan. The research focused on the following areas: current market size and growth trends of the broccoli market (fresh and frozen); market access; market segments; competitors; supply chains; consumer research; and economic analysis. A combination of factors has placed Australia in a position to re-enter the Japanese fresh broccoli market and target the retail and high end food service segments. These factors include: falling supply and quality issues with United States (US) sourced broccoli; the ratification of the Japan Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA); and the falling value of the Australian dollar. This combination of circumstances is providing a window of opportunity for Australia to re-establish exports to Japan.

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Consultation Instrumental to this project has been a coordinated national approach and industry consultation. At the outset of the project in June 2014 an Industry Seminar was held to which industry participants from around Australia were invited to provide input into the research methodology. A national project steering committee was formed to oversee the research including representatives from businesses, vegetable associations and government from Queensland, Western Australia (WA) and Victoria. Brad Ipsen from Twin Lakes Holdings and HorticultureWA participated as part of the steering committee.

Australia’s broccoli industry/ export history The Australian broccoli industry produces around 48,500 tonnes (t) per annum with the key production states being Victoria, Queensland, WA and Tasmania. In 2014, Australia exported approximately 3,300t of broccoli valued at AUD$8M, with 70% of exports going to Singapore. Australia exported broccoli to Japan through the 1990s until they ceased in 2006. In June 2014, an Industry Seminar was held at which participants requested that the project team investigate Australia’s history of exporting broccoli to Japan. Twenty years of Japanese import data was analysed. The assessment found that from 1994 to 2006 (when Australia’s exports ceased), Australian exports to Japan averaged between 100–300t/ month. These shipments were mainly supplied during Japan’s summer season. In contrast, the US was exporting 6,000t/ month at that time.

THE Australian broccoli industry produces around 48,500 tonnes per annum with the key production states being Victoria, Queensland, WA and Tasmania.

From 1994 to 2004 Australia enjoyed a price premium over the US achieving between AUD$4.00–$6.00/kg. From 2000 prices for broccoli from both the US and Australia declined until they reached AUD$2.20/kg in 2006. The fall in the weighted average prices, rather than exchange rates, appears to have contributed to the termination of Australia’s exports.

Market access requirements/ tariffs Japan is a quarantine market and, as such, broccoli imports require a phytosanitary certificate. Imported broccoli is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for quarantine pests and is tested by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) to ensure compliance with Japan’s MRLs for chemicals. If a quarantine pest if found then the product is fumigated. According to MAFF and MHLW only 10% of US broccoli is fumigated and there have been no MRL issues since 2009. Tariffs ranging from 3–5% apply to fresh broccoli and 6% for frozen broccoli arriving in Japan. In January 2015 the implementation of JAEPA saw the elimination of the tariff on fresh Australia broccoli and is to be followed by the phasing out of the tariff on frozen broccoli over the next five years. Product from the US continues to attract these tariffs.

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Broccoli market Over the past six years, the total broccoli market (domestic production and fresh and frozen imports) in Japan has ranged between 176,000 and 208,000t/annum. Since 2009, the market has grown by 9%. Annual domestic Japanese production accounts for around 64% of the market and has stabilised at around 120,000t. The remainder is made up of imports. Over the past six years, fresh broccoli imports have averaged around 36,000t and frozen broccoli 31,000t/annum. The main market segments for US sourced broccoli are retail and high end food service sectors. These are the segments for Australia to target with high quality product. Most retailers offer consumers two options being: the domestic product which retails at a higher price of between ¥239–¥398/piece; and, the US sourced product selling for ¥110–¥199/piece.

Product is visually differentiated with the Japanese broccoli, sold with the petioles attached, whereas the US sourced broccoli is trimmed. Importers in Japan are key supply chain partners to these segments and will be key partners in building a presence in the market for Australian broccoli. There are around 13 broccoli importers and four of these import 10 or more 40 foot containers per week. The key specification required by most importers is for product to be supplied in wax cartons and 38 head count per carton. Broccoli in Japan is sold by the piece rather than by kilogram, hence the focus on count. Existing Styrofoam cartons were found to be unsuitable as they do not allow for fumigation. Wax cartons are re-iced and slotted into Styrofoam crates in Japan before being transported to customers.

containers a week). However, in September 2014 most importers were paying between US$8–$10 per carton more. Most importers stated that Australian exporters would need to aim at between US$17–20/10kg wax carton in order to be competitive An economic analysis of both sea and airfreight out of Brisbane found that sea freighting broccoli to Japan is the most viable option given the proposed CIF/CFR prices.

Competitors Japan’s local production is the main competitor dominating the market. Since 1994, Japan’s production has increased by 71%, during which time there has been a corresponding decline in fresh broccoli imports. In terms of fresh broccoli imports, the US dominates with 96% market share in 2014. In the 1990s, imports from the US were around 6,000t/month, however, imports now average around 3,000t/month. The USA is a large scale, low cost producer and has been the leading supplier of fresh broccoli to Japan for more than 20 years. The US supplies all year round, with peak supply during Japan’s summer season. China and Mexico supplement supply with small volumes over Japan’s winter/spring period.

Export Development Strategies Seven key factors have been identified as critical to re-establish Australian broccoli exports to Japan into the retail and high end food service sectors. These are: relationships; supply chains and product quality; production; differentiation; product opportunities; market development; and, competitors. The focus should be on differentiating Australian broccoli from competitors on the basis of high quality, consistent supply and food safety issues. Significant support will be needed to resume Australia’s exports to this market, as it will require a shift from air to sea freight logistics, a focus on quality and shelf-life, building relationships and gaining an in-depth understanding of the needs of Japanese customers and consumers so that Australian broccoli can be successfully differentiated from its competitors. MORE INFORMATION Check out website for further information www.tiq.qld.gov.au/broccoli-to-japan For more information please contact Bronwyn Warfield, Principal Trade and Investment Officer, Food and Agribusiness, Trade and Investment Queensland.

Consumers

Phone: +617 4688 1251 Mobile: +617 (0) 418 783404 Email: bronwyn.warfield@tiq.qld.gov.au Web: www.tiq.qld.gov.au

Preliminary consumer research found that broccoli consumption is increasing, although overall vegetable consumption is declining. The core socio-demographic group for broccoli consumers is aged over 35 years, with a high (>¥9 million) annual household income. The research also found no strong image of Australian vegetables in terms of quality or safety. This represents an opportunity to build an image of Australian vegetables as being high quality and safe.

(L–R) Dominic Jenkins, vegetablesWA; Robert Nave, Fragapane Farms; Adriano Brescia, TIQ; Kees Versteeg, Qualipac; Mr Nishikawa, Union Corporation; James Terry, Momack Produce; Darren Wood, Withcott Group; Bronwyn Warfield, TIQ; Daiji Takashima, TIQ.

The frozen broccoli market is dominated by China and Ecuador, with most product going into the food processing segment. The focus in this segment is on price with one importer quoting prices of Chinese broccoli being as low as US$9–$10/10kg carton.

Pricing Prices paid by Japanese importers of fresh broccoli typically range between US$15–$17/10kg wax carton paid by large importers (sourcing 10 or more, 40ft containers a week) and US$18–$22/10kg for small importers (sourcing one to five, 40ft WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Are you looking for greater visibility for your business? BY DOMINIC JENKIN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, HORTICULTUREWA

Asia Fruit Logistica is Asia’s leading trade show for the international fresh fruit and vegetable business. Held in September 2015 in Hong Kong it was host to 9,200 trade visitors, which was a 14% increase on 2014. West Australian horticulture was represented at the Trade Show by:

Some facts and figures Europe 7.2%

North America 7.2%

Asia 60.0%

Middle East/Africa 6.7% Oceania 9.9% Latin America 9.0%

• AgriFresh • Capogreco Farms • Centre West Exports and Sun City Farms

FIGURE 1 60% of visitors are based in Asia TABLE 2 Visitors interest in the products on offer

• Loveapple • Moora Citrus

TABLE 1 Area of business of visitors

• Southern Forest Food Council

Area of business

Percentage (%)

Importer/exporter

55.2

Fruit/vegetable grower

44.2

Wholesale/retail

16.1

• Supafresh Baby Leaves • Trandos Farms • WA Farm Direct

There were visitors from over 70 different countries, of which 66% were from Asia, giving attendees great market exposure. China was the biggest country represented, accounting for one third of visitors. There were 574 companies that exhibited (up 20% from 2014) from over 40 countries. China again was the biggest with 105 companies exhibiting, followed by Italy at 54 (39% increase on 2014), Egypt at 36, USA at 31 and Australia at 30. Loveapple and Trandos Farms exhibited their products as part of the AUSVEG display in the Australia Fresh pavilion.

Transport/logistics

6.1

Food Service/catering

3.6

Involved 86% Decisive role 43% Co-decisive role 27% Advisory role 16% Not involved 14% FIGURE 2 86% of trade visitors are closely involved in the purchasing and procuring process

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Product category

Percentage (%)

Fresh fruit

83.9

Fresh vegetables

35.8

Transport/logistics

13.9

Marketing/market research

9.7

Packaging supplies

9.4

Fresh-cut/convenience products

8.4

Dried fruits/nuts

8.1

Packaging machinery

6.8

Potatoes

6.1

Storage

6.1

Technical services

4.2

YOUR MARKET Involved 86% Decisive role 43% Co-decisive role 27% Advisory role 16% Not involved 14%

95.8% 91.2%

AUSVEG exhibit at Asia Fruit Logistica.

of visitors would recommend visiting and

Business deals arranged at Asia Fruit Logistica 73% FIGURE 3 Business results â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 73% of exhibitors actually arranged business deals at Asia Fruit Logistica

intend to revisit in 2016 TABLE 3 Focus of exhibitors Exhibitor category

Proportion of total exhibits (%)

Fresh fruit

79.9

Fresh vegetables

29.1

90.9%

of exhibitors would recommend exhibiting and

90.9%

Packaging supplies

6.9

Fresh-cut/convenience

6.4

Transport/logistics

6.4

Potatoes

5.8

Packaging machines

5.8

Storage

5.8

Dried fruits/nuts

4.8

MORE INFORMATION

Technical services

4.8

Marketing/market research

4.2

If you are interested in attending in 2016 contact Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or Dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

intend on returning in 2016

JOSEPH Ling, Agrifresh; Bronwyn Walsh, Citrus WA; George Lim, Agrifresh; Gavin Foord, HorticultureWA; Shane Kay, Moora Citrus; and Dominic Jenkin, HorticultureWA.

Should this be something to put in your calendar for 2016?

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

YOUR MARKET

The storm is coming

for WA vegetable growers BY DOMINIC JENKIN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, HORTICULTUREWA

There are some product lines that are produced for interstate markets (for example the cucumbers produced in Geraldton) however these options are limited to seasonal windows or some specific market gaps as logistical and quarantine requirements hamper trade. Domestic growth in Western Australia has stagnated somewhat in recent years, and a reduction in the state population and economic growth rates has led to a drop in the purchasing power of vegetable consumers (see Figures 2–4).

Contracting and changing markets have put stress on the state’s production systems. There is little help available from the local government as rising debts have led to the gutting of the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA), A reduction in the state population and significantly reducing their capacity economic growth rates has led to a drop in the to deliver vital services. Add to this the purchasing power of vegetable consumers. 250,000,000 impending sale of the central markets which add another layer of uncertainty for200,000,000 We have seen in recent times the market the local growers. becoming increasingly unstable on commodity 150,000,000 Whilst many vegetable production lines due to speculative growing of cash crops businesses were geared for growth, to try and recoup losses. This instability is 100,000,000 responding to the boom of recent years, impacting the businesses of all producers. changes in the local industry have severely 50,000,000 In this environment what is required is impacted their operations and putting greater 0 access to information on market pressure on their bottom lines. This stress 2008 2009what2010 dynamics to identify can be 2011 done to 2012 can lead to some growers making poor influence outcomes. production choices.

Production volume (kg)

250,000,000

Export Domestic — other Domestic — super market

200,000,000 150,000,000 100,000,000 50,000,000 0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

4.0 West Australian population growth (%)

Whilst export offers potential for growth due to the drop in the dollar and improved terms of trade, technical and logistical market access remains a barrier for a large number of vegetable commodities.

This has resulted in a contraction in the domestic vegetable market with negative volume growth recorded in the last two calendar years at the Perth central markets across the aggregated vegetable commodities.

Production volume (kg)

Local vegetable production is largely geared towards the local market, outside of the large and consolidated carrot export industry (see Figure 1).

2013

3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

FIGURE 2 Western Australia’s population growth rate

Source: Agricultural Produce Commission WA, 2014

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014

4.0 SUMMER 2015 WA Grower lation

3.5

ate (%)

FIGURE 1 Production of vegetables in Western Australia

9.0 8.0 7.0

201

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Production volume (kg)

250,000,000

Export Domestic — other Domestic — super market

200,000,000 150,000,000 100,000,000 50,000,000 0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Perth GDP growth rate (%)

West Australian population growth (%)

4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0

Perth Western Australia Australia

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

FIGURE 3 Western Australia’s and Perth’s GDP growth rate Source: SGS Economics and Planning, 2014

Perth market growth (%)

15.0 10.0 5.0

-5.0

The role has also been focussed on improving knowledge on new market opportunities and identifying creative modes to connect with new customers. With funding from the APC-VPC approved in March, we have been developing two online tools which will help with these functions. See the article on page 100, Development of new online toolkit for growers.

20.0

0.0

The activities that I undertook as Field Extension Officer were to respond to these needs, by improving access to market information and educating growers on how to respond to market dynamics and better plan production.

MORE INFORMATION 2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Contact Dominic Jenkin if you are interested in further information 0427 373 037 or dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

-10.0 -15.0

FIGURE 4 Domestic vegetable market growth Source: Chamber of Fruit & Vegetable Industries WA

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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Development of new

online toolkit for growers BY DOMINIC JENKIN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, HORTICULTUREWA

vegetablesWA is happy to announce the Online Grower Portal is now LIVE! Read below to find out further information. With the West Australian fee-for-service collected by the Agricultural Produce Commission (APC), paid by all vegetable growers, there is also a detailed and valuable dataset of vegetable sales records. The fee-for-service is paid monthly by the state’s vegetable growers and represents a record of who is producing what, where, when and to whom they are selling these products. It was conceived that this record, could be used to educate growers of the supply side market dynamics and advertise the produce that is available from WA.

By giving growers access to this data along with education on how to interpret this information could allow growers to apply greater supply-side controls to influence market outcomes.

FIGURE 1 Screenshot of ‘Find a Supplier’ tool

100

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

By giving retailers and importer access to a database of the state’s vegetable growers it will facilitate the purchase of Western Australian vegetables and encourage more direct value chains to form. The details of these two developments are listed below, these projects were fully-funded by the APC-VPC.

Facilitating greater communication along the value chain will increase consumer alignment, this will help to create more direct value chains and reduce costs.

‘Find a Supplier’ search tool

Participating growers will have the opportunity to advertise their details, upload photos and brands and write a brief profile of their business. Their profile will include a ‘Contact’ form that can be filled out by prospective customers wishing to acquire their products. Producers not wishing to engage directly with markets may instead nominate an agent to communicate on their behalf.

WA producers will be given direct access to buyers in both domestic and export markets through this online search tool (see Figure 1). This will also likely be a welcome development for retailers, importers and exporters alike to allow them to easily source product and respond quickly to market dynamics. Allowing importers, exporters and retailers to easily find suppliers will facilitate trade with West Australian producers. The online portal aims to help connect producers directly to potential buyers/ markets, streamlining sourcing of West Australian vegetables. The website will allow potential buyers to search for product by: • Product type • Month of production • Export capacity • Organic certification • Geographic location

FIGURE 2 Dashboard view #1

Producers will be encouraged to consent to publishing their product availability and contact details so their business may feature in search results.

During the development phase this online search tool was presented to a number of both importers and exporters for comment. It was very positively received by all and they valued it as a tool to facilitate trade.

Market analysis dashboard WA producers will be given access to detailed market intelligence that could dramatically change the way they engage with their markets. This information will be sourced from the APCs records of feefor-service collection.

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FIGURE 3 Dashboard view #2

FIGURE 5 Product-specific view #2

FIGURE 4 Product-specific view #1

FIGURE 6 Product-specific view #3

As part of the APCs fee-for-service payment data is collected monthly by producer on:

• Allow producers to view their market share on their range of products (local and export markets)

• Volume sold

• A llow producers to pivot their data for a detailed production record and to analyse value chains for market opportunities.

• By product • By market • By dealer Using the data generated by the APCs fee-for-service collection, vegetablesWA has created a web portal that will enable growers to flexibly visualise and analyse their production records and chart their relative performance. By aggregating these records, we have a complete record of production in Western Australia. By determining the proportion of volume that each grower represents, we are able to determine market share. By determining dealer location and business type we are able to determine market distribution. By determining the physical location of each producer, we are able to determine the geographic variability of production. Intended outcomes and benefits: • Improve access to reliable data to assist in business decision making • Allow producers to analyse supply and demand relationship to make better marketing decisions

The dashboard view was designed to give growers an overview of their production and markets across all lines, to summarise broad indicators before allowing them to drill in on particular detail (see Figures 2 and 3). This information they are able to filter by time, market, dealer, and pack-type. The product-specific view (see Figure 4) was designed to give growers insight into each of their product lines and the supply dynamics of the state. The first view allows growers to see the total volume of a particular product and their proportional market share. The second graph, displayed in Figure 4, allows producers to compare the current season against previous seasons for the selected period. Like the dashboard this information can be filtered by time period, pack-type, market, and dealer.

The views presented in Figure 5 allow growers to better understand the seasonal variation in production zones and better coordinate with other regions to ensure supply consistency between shoulder seasons. This information is presented both as a static chart that divides production zones by electoral district but also spatially on a map by postcode. The map is a dynamic heat map that allows the grower to press play and view how the production zones moves geographically across the state by month. Figure 6 view looks specifically to the customers and markets that a particular grower serves, allowing them in a broad manner to evaluate their performance. The aim was to create a user-friendly interface for interaction with production and market data to enable growers to gain valuable insights into supply dynamics. MORE INFORMATION Please contact Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au for details on how to access these services.

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This performance yields a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2009 and 2014 of 15.4%, demonstrating the sustained growth of the organic industry over the five years to 2014. The organic industry is one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest-growing industries and has continued to significantly outperform most equivalent conventional sectors.

ORGANIC

ORGANICS, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

The Australian Organic Market Report 2014 estimates the total value of the Australian certified organic industry to be $1.72bn.

Australia has also performed better than most other organic markets in the Asia-Pacific region in the five years to 2014. The Asia-Pacific organic region comprises Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. The Asia-Pacific organic market has a total value of $5.47bn in 2014, an increase of $2.45bn from $3.02bn in 2009, representing an overall CAGR of 12.6% between 2009 and 2014. The Asia-Pacific organic food market is forecast to reach $6.38bn in 2016, with an anticipated CAGR of 8% between 2014 and 2016.

Recession-proof growth While most conventional food and beverage industries suffered declines during the global financial crisis, on the whole the global recession had no serious impact on the organic food and beverage sectors. Global sales of organics experienced double-digit growth between 2006 and 2008. During the global recession in 2008 and 2009, organic growth dropped to 7.1%. Between 2011 and 2012, it returned to a strong 9%. Between 2014 and 2016, global sales of organic food and beverages are expected to continue showing higher growth than their conventional counterparts. Global organic food markets are projected to remain strong with an overall growth rate of 5.1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5.9%. Conventional food globally is forecast to decline as a result of the aftermath of the global financial crisis and the recession in North America and Europe.

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TABLE 1 Organic fruit and vegetable production and markets statistics Organic food market (%)

Total $ (Million)

Retail $ (Million)

Processing $ (Million)

Production $ (Million)

Export $ (Million)

Import $ (Million)

CAGR 2012–14

11.9

234.2

210.0

141.1

122.2

24.2

47.3

+13%

Global sales of organic products for babies and children are amongst the most recession proof. Food safety and chemical contamination is a major concern in many overseas markets, hence organic baby products such as formula and solid foods experienced an average growth of 7% during the decade to 2014 and will continue to remain strong in the next five years.

Organics leads the way in exports Despite the rapid growth of organic farming in North America and Europe, production has not increased fast enough to keep up with demand. As a result, North America and Europe are the largest overseas markets for Australian organic food exporters and represent opportunities for further export growth. The top five export countries/regions in 2014 are the same as 2012: 1. North America 2. Europe 3. Singapore/Malaysia 4. Hong Kong 5. Japan The top five exported products in 2014 are also similar to 2012: 1. Meat 2. Processed foods 3. Dairy 4. Wine and beverages 5. Fruit and vegetables Australia’s reputation for premium quality conventional produce has guaranteed a similar reputation for Australian organic produce globally.

Australia’s nationally enforced organic export standards, in place since the 1990s, gives Australia an edge for organic trade globally. The increasing demand for organic commodities for export grows particular organic industries and in turn supports other organic industries. The export value of the Australian organic sector has increased from $126m (9.87% of total organic industry value) in 2012 to $340m (20% of total organic industry value) in 2014.

Fruit and vegetables Fruit and vegetables make up 11.9% of the total organic market. Sixty per cent of organic consumers note fruit and vegetables as their most regular purchase. This organic sector still has significant room for growth. Organic vegetables and herbs have traditionally been the largest product segment within the organic industry. In terms of value, carrot, potato, other root crops, pumpkins, zucchini and cucumbers dominate the segment. Revenue from the vegetables and herbs segment is expected to grow marginally over the next five years as supply issues ease (see Table 1).

Sales and volume The farm-gate value of organic fruit and vegetables is $122.2m in 2014 with an annual growth rate of 13% and a combined growth rate of 44% between 2011 and 2014 for the vegetable sector. The major value crops are bean ($14m), potato ($8.2m), olive ($3m) and broccoli ($2.91m), while lines such as lettuce ($1.97m) and tomato ($1.97m) filled niches in this market. The ABS-reported ‘other vegetables’ category — which includes zucchini, eggplant and capsicum — alone reported $33.13m in value.

ORGANIC vegetables and herbs have traditionally been the largest product segment within the organic industry.

Looking forward Post-farm-gate surveys from organic processors and wholesalers make this point clear: “The lack of a reliable and constant supply of organic fruit and vegetables (for processing) in Australia makes it extremely difficult for the processors to support local growers.” Larger retailers continue to cite lack of consistent volumes of supply of a range of staple organic vegetables as hampering the potential growth of this sector – this is despite many farmers claiming they are regularly stuck with product that cannot be sold on the organic market at a reasonable price. Producers also cite pricing and cutting of margins to points where it is not viable for them to risk production of a given crop. The work of wholesalers and retailers collaborating to establish more confidence in production and supply planning will be critical in moving this industry sector beyond this impasse. MORE INFORMATION Let us support your successes. vegetablesWA needs to know who our state’s organic growers are so we can connect you to markets, foster collaboration and support your successes. If you are an organic grower or are in the process of organic conversion please contact Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au Source: Australian Organic Market Report 2014, www.austorganic.com

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” Leonardo Da Vinci BY DOMINIC JENKIN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, HORTICULTUREWA

With this article I intend to raise awareness of just how many links may exist between grower and consumer. As shown in Figure 1 there can be as many as four links in the chain, or as few as one.

How many links in your value chain? How much value do they contribute? Obviously each link in the chain will add costs to the final product as each entity has their own operating costs and margin expectations. Each link offers their own service and this service is tailored to the needs of their clients. Understanding the linkages and whom they service is critical to assessing whether the service they offer is necessary for your value chain, or if this is a service that you may wish to absorb in your business or outsource to a third party. Marketing groups with plant breeder’s rights (international examples are Driscolls and Sun World) have invested in developing unique genetic material or coordinated marketing programs. For this investment these companies charge a fee on the basis of the service or product they provide to the growers or markets.

The central markets typically charge a commission base which can be as little as 10% or as much as 18%, depending on the arrangement that has been negotiated between grower and their wholesaler. For this rate the wholesalers market the produce, provide logistical support, quality control, advertising, administration, logistical support, among others services. Independent grocers who don't do their own buying can also pay a fee to a buying group or consolidator who could buy through the market system and may buy for a group of stores (6–20 stores typically) and then add on their fee for service. Growers obviously who have the right scale and processes can supply direct to supermarkets which removes a lot of added costs through the chain. The impediments to engaging directly with the supermarkets are that these growers would need to have a minimum QA standard on their farm, a consistent supply, consistent quality, good communication and book keeping standards and are maturely commercial minded to be able to understand their costs and can negotiate a fair price based on the volume they have available (and can make a profit to remain commercially viable). However, for this investment, growers usually get a written growing commitment (good for the bank manager) they also get forward visibility of their orders by day (most supermarkets send orders anywhere from 7–10 days out.

They also get regular payments on their invoices in a routine fashion. Costs are also generally agreed seven days out and once in transit they are locked in.

It is good practice for growers critically analyse value chains, adapting processes/practices for increased efficiency and profitability. This is about rationalising whether the partners in your value chain are contributing their relative share of value or if there is the opportunity to effectively reduce the number of linkages and increase your farm-gate return. MORE INFORMATION Should you need assistance in process mapping and critically analysing your value chain please contact Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or dominic.jenkin@vegetableswa.com.au

“Everything should be made as simple as possible. But not simpler” Albert Einstein

Supermarket Broker, marketer, breeders rights Grower

FIGURE 1 Value chain Source: vegetablesWA, Dominic Jenkin Nov 2015

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WA Grower SUMMER 2015

Consumer Market agent or broker

Independent grocer Buyer or consolidator

YOUR PRODUCTION

FERTIGATION PROJECTS — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Nông dân có thể truy cập vào hệ thống điều khiển tù chau Á, châu Âu và từ Hoa Kỳ NGƯỜI DỊCH: VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN, CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, VEGETABLESWA

Những người Việt Nam trồng dưa leo ở Geraldton đã canh tác ở đây suốt hơn 20 năm. Hàng năm họ trồng khoảng 1 triệu cây và cung cấp cho thị trường khoảng 20 triệu trái dưa leo. Nhà vườn qui mô nhất ở đây suốt 20 năm qua vận hành hệ thống tưới bằng biện pháp thủ công. Biện pháp này đòi hỏi nông dân phải đi đến từng lô tắt mở thủ công từng khóa một đồng thời phải phải pha dung dịch phân bón theo kiểu tất cả các thứ cùng pha chung và bơm đến từng nhà trồng. Tổng lượng phân của vùng trồng đến hơn 300 tấn /năm. Toàn bộ nông dân ở đay vẫn còn trồng cây trực tiếp dưới đất, trãi qua nhiều năm bất đầu nổi lên nhiều vấn đề. Nhiều ý tưởng cùng với sản phẩm mới mới dần dần được đưa vào để giải quyết các khó khăn nông dân phải đối mặt.

Đa số nông dân Việt Nam ở đây hiện nay là thế hệ nông dân người Việt thứ hai và họ luôn tìm cách khám phá ý tưởng, phương tiện và phương pháp tiến bộ. Họ đã trãi qua khó khăn trong nhiều năm, kể cả khó khăn về ngôn ngữ, học hành và lối canh tác truyền thống lạc hậu…những thứ mà đôi khi tới giờ vẫn khiesn họ e ngại tiếp cận và thử nghiệm các tiến bộ kỹ thuật. Mọi thứ giờ đang thay đổi khi thế hệ nông dân thứ hai đang ứng dụng nhiều phương pháp mới vào kỹ thuật tưới và áp dụng phân bón theo cách dể dàng hơn. Hiện có 4 mức độ áp dụng khoa hoc kỹ thuật trong khâu này: 1. Hoàn toàn thủ công

2. B án tự động kết hợp với bơm phân thủ công

thay đổi khác nhau và có thể được điều khiển qua 2 dạng gồm song radio và tín hiệu không dây qua máy tính cho phép nông dân truy cập vào hệ thống từ xa. Nông dân có thể truy cập vào hệ thống kể cả khi họ đang ở châu Á, châu Au, Hoa kỳ. Trên quan điểm của nhà phân phối, hệ thống này rất giá trị, giúp lưu giử và truy cập tất cả dử liệu để xác định trục trặc ở một thời điểm hay trong suốt một thòi kỳ. Có thể cài đặt cho hệ thống tự động tắt khi có bát cứ sự cố nào. Lợi ích của hệ thống đã được minh chứng qua sụ gia tăng của sản lượng thu hoạch. Nông dân bất đầu vụ mùa vẫn vói biện pháp vô phân thủ công cố gắng tìm cách duy trì các thông số ổn định chỉ nội trong 4 tháng. Hiện nay có 4 nông dân trong vùng đà chuyển sang ứng dụng hệ thống hoàn toàn tự động. Hệ thống bơm phân tam giác vận hành dể dàng và rất ổn định và thích hợp cho người có sở thích quan sát hệ tống bơm hoạt động.

Bộ phận khống chế các loaị phân bón vi lượng bổ xung có nghĩa là chương trình cài đặt có thể tự động hóa việc đưa vào đều đặn một lương nhỏ ổn định. Hệ thống có thể tự động trộn dung dịch phân đậm hơn và hòa nước đạt chất lượng. Hệ thống bơm tam giác cho phép điều chỉnh liều lượng phân đơn giản bằng cách điều chirng tốc độ bơm. Một số nông dân vẫn thích vô phân nhanh với lượng lớn trong khi số khác lại thích đi phân theo tốc độ thấm của nước vào đất trước khi tống hết phân đi và xúc ống. Bộ đảo 1000 tua lắp đặt với mô-tơ đảo phân cho phép nhưng ai vẫn muốn pha

phân thủ công theo cách riêng của mình. B ộ đảo này được cài đặt tự đảo mổi 10 phút nhờ vào bộ điều khiển Netafim Pro.

Cùng với hệ thống điều chỉnh liều lượng là bộ lọc Netafim có điều khiển từ xa và tốc độ thay đổi được. Nông dân áp dụng tất cả hệ thống này nhằm hổ trợ hệ thống tự động hóa hiệu quả và ổn định hơn. Great Northern Rural (GNR) ở Geraldton đang chủ động hổ trợ nông dân ở đây bằng cách thiết lập một mô hình nhà bầu bầng kích cở thật để thử nghiệm và chứng minh các ý tưởng mới và tiến bộ kỹ thuật. Họ thiết lập hệ thống trồng cây trong bao để loại trừ nguy cơ bệnh phát sinh từ đất và đơn giản là thay bao mới mỗi năm.

Kết quả thử nghiệm rất tốt. Nhà thiết kế hệ thống tưới của GNR Stacey Oakley đã cho biết rằng: “Cây sinh trưởng tốt và sản lượng tương đương với phương pháp trồng thẳng xuống đất – có nghĩa là nếu nông dân áp dụng biện pháp này thì đảm bảo năng suất tương đương. Mô hình thử nghiệm này chắc chắn sẽ giúp GNR thu hoạch nhiều kiến thức hơn nữa khi tiếp tục thử nghiệm các ý tưởng và mong tìm ra phương pháp và sản phẩm tốt nhất phù hợp với nhu cầu thay đổi không ngừng của nông dân. Trong chuyến công tác thâm nông dân ở Perth gần đây, GNR đã phát hiện một mô kình gần như hoàn hảo và hy vọng sẽ cố cài đặt lai y hệt như thế. Hy vọng rằng tất cả nông dân khách hàng của GNR sẽ sớm hưởng lợi biện pháp mới khống chế liều lương nước và phân bón. (GNR tặng toàn bộ 2200 trái dưa từ 96 cây thử nghiệm cho tổ chức từ thiện ở Geraldton)

3. T ự động hoàn toàn nhưng phân vẫn bơm chung toàn bộ.

4. H oàn toàn tự động trong đó liều lượng phân bón bơm vào được điều tiết duy trì ổn định các chỉ số pH, khả năng trao đổi i-on.

Trong nổ lực tìm kiếm giải pháp cho các vấn đề liên quan đến bơm phân bón vào hệ thống tưới sản phẩm Netafim Pro loại có khả năng tự động điều chỉnh liều lượng nước, phân, ánh sáng, nhiệt độ, bức xạ hiện đang được áp dụng. Đây là loại sản phẩm dể uuwngs dụng vào các điều kiên

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

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YOUR PRODUCTION

GOOD PRACTICE MANAGEMENT FOR MANURES AND VEGETABLE CROPS — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Thực hành quản lý tốt vấn đề phân chuồng trong canh tác rau màu 2.0 Phòng trừ ruồi sinh sản bằng hóa chất – khuyến cáo Khống chế ruồi sinh sản bằng hóa chất cá tác dụng hạn chế. Đế gia tăng tối đa hiệu quả thì biện pháp phun hóa chất nên được áp dụng trong điều kiện sau đây: • Trong vòng 3-5 ngày sau khi rãi phân chuồng • Áp dụng vào buổi chiều khi trời mát, mặt đất đã được tưới ẩm

• Lượng dung dịch thuốc đã pha tối thiểu 700l-800l trên hec-ta.

NGƯỜI DỊCH: VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN, CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, VEGETABLESWA

Xử lý hiệu quả phân chuồng và rác xanh loại thải trong sản xuất rau màu là công việc thiết yếu để khống chế ruồi trâu và các loài ruồi gây hại khác. Các biện pháp canh tác được trình bày trong tài liệu này phản ánh những cách thức canh tác tốt đang được áp dụng để giảm thiểu ruồi sinh sản trong trường hợp có sử dụng phân chuồng và xác bả rau màu loại thải. Ứng dụng các biện pháp này sẽ kéo giảm vấn nạn ruồi sinh sản quá mức và vấn đề sai phạm các qui định về sức khỏe liên quan đến diệt ruồi

Xử lý hiệu quả phân chuồng và rác xanh bao gồm các khía cạnh được trình bày trên 2 mức độ, hoặc là (1) Là vấn đề bắt buộc và chính vì vậy phải tuân thủ trong mọi trường hợp hoặc là (2) Là khuyến cáo trong trường hợp nên cân nhắc áp dụng như một phần của các biện pháp thực hành quản lý tốt.

Nên lưu ý rằng buôn bán, cung cấp, tồn trữ và sữ dụng phân gia cầm bị cấm hoàn toàn ở các địa phương có tên trong qui định y tế 2001 (mục phân gia cầm). Nếu quí vị không rỏ liệu trang trại của mình có thuộc các khu vực cấm đó không thì nên liên hệ với chuyên viên vệ sinh môi trường địa phương.

1.0 Tồn trữ và phân phối phân chuồng Giảm tối thiểu thời gian tồn trữ và đảm bảo rằng phải giử phân chuồng luôn luôn khô. Người trồng rau chịu trách nhiệm trong các công đoạn giao nhận, tồn trữ, rãi phân và xới trộn phân vào trong đất. 1.1 Khu vực tồn trử - Vấn đề bắt buộc

Phải có nền cứng chắc như tráng nhựa, bê tông, hoặc cát trắng vỏ sò đầm chặt: • Nằm ngoài phạm vi của các vòi tưới phun

• Ở địa thế đất cao ráo, cách xa các nguồn nước (tối thiểu 30m) và không bị đọng nước • Phải dọn sạch giửa các lần giao nhận phân. 1.2 Giao nhận và rãi phân

• Bắt buộc: Tổ chức giao nhận và sử dụng sao cho mỗi đợt phân phải được rãi ra đồng trong vòng 3 ngày sau khi nhận. Nếu phải tồn trử trên 3 ngày thì phải trùm kín sao cho phân không tiếp xúc với nước • Khuyến cáo: Phương tiện chuyên chở phân phải được che đậy kín, phân không bị vón cục và không nhiểm trứng ruồi

• Bắt buộc: Sau khi rãi phân ra ruộng phải lập tức xới trộn phân vào đất sâu tối thieeru 10cm

• Bắt buộc: Phân rơi vãi dọc đường từ kho ra ruộng phải được dọn sạch ngay.

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Chỉ áp dụng các loại thuốc có đăng ký sử dụng trên rau để khống chế ruồi sinh sản. Thuốc phải được áp dụng đúng theo chỉ dẩn trên nhản thuốc hoặc theo khuyến cáo của APVMA. Để có thông tin cập nhật hảy liên hệ APVMA theo địa chỉ trang thônb tin trên internet: www.apvma.gov.au

3.0 Quản lý rau màu loại thải. Ruồi sinh sản (đặc biệt là ruồi trâu) với mức độ đáng kể trên xác bả rau màu. Giảm thiểu ruồi sinh sản trên loại vật liệu này tùy thuộc vào sự áp dụng nhiều biện pháp quản lý. Nguy cơ cao nhất là trong các trường hợp: • Các loại rau màu bị bỏ lại ngoài đồng một lượng lớn phần không thu hoạch

• Các loaị rau màu có phần rể hóa gổ khó phân hủy như các loại cải, cần tây, bẹ vún (lettuce) • Nhiệt độ cao trong các mùa xuân, hạ và mùa thu. 3.1 Quản lý phần rau màu loại thải ngoài ruộng

Trong các trường hợp nguy cơ ruồi sinh sản cao, các biện pháp quản lý tổng hợp cần được áp dụng bao gồm sử dụng hóa chất, dùng cơ giới băm nhuyển phần rau màu loại thải, để phần rau màu loại thải phơi khô ngoài ruộng và thường xuyên kiểm tra.

• Bắt buộc: Trong mọi trường hợp cần nên thu hoạch hết trong thời gian ngắn nhất để giảm thiểu lượng chất thải phơi nhiểm cho ruồi sinh sản • Bắt buộc: Băm nhỏ phần rau màu loại thải là biện pháp chính, băm càng nhuyển càng ít ruồi sinh sản.

• Khuyến cáo: Việc áp dụng các biện pháp sau đây được quyết định tùy theo mức độ nguy cơ ruồi sinh sản và có khi

YOUR INDUSTRY

REDUCED TILLAGE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION & DRIP IRRIGATION — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Thí nghiệm biện pháp cày xới tối thiểu và tưới nhỏ giọt trong sản xuất rau màu phải áp dụng tất cả trong trượng hợp cần thiết:

• P hun hóa chất dược chứng nhận trước khi dùng sơ giới băm nhuyển phần loại thải. • Đ ể phần loại thải đã băm nhuyển phơi khô trước khi xới trộn vùi xuống đất.

• Trong trường hợp ít nguy cơ thì chỉ cần xới trộn một lần là đủ, tuy nhiên khi nguy cơ cao thì phải xới nhiều lần.

• Bắt buộc:Trong mọi trường hợp đều phải thường xuyên theo dõi - Xem phần 5 để đánh giá hiệu quả khống chế ruồi sinh sản.

3.2 Các loại rác thải từ hoa màu khác Phần đã thu hoạch nhưng ế thừa hay đổ bỏ cần phải xử lý không để ruồi sinh sản. Các biện pháp được khuyến cáo là: • Bắt buộc: rải mỏng rác loại thải ra diên tích đã thu hoạch và tiến hành xử lý như trong phần 4.1

• Bắt buộc: Làm thức ăn gia súc, đảm bảo rải thành lớp mỏng để gia súc ăn hết ngay

• Khuyến cáo: Ủ phân rác rau màu loại thải trong trang trại hoặc khu đất ngoài trang trại. Không nên chôn lấp.

4.0 Theo dõi — Khuyến cáo Thường xuyên theo dõi ruồi sinh sôi bằng cách kiểm tra ấu trùng ruồi (vòi), đặc biệt là trong các cục phân chuồng, phần thân rể rau cải thối và các nơi tập trung xác bả hửu cơ khác trong trang trại.

Để theo dõi các nơi ruồi có thể đẻ trứng, dùng xẻng nhỏ thu thập 10 mẩu để xét nghiệm. Đếm số vòi trong mỗi mẩu, nếu phát hiện có tối thiểu 10 con vòi/mẩu trong 2 mẩu trở lên thì phải lập tức xử lý. Nếu ít hơn 10 con/mẩu thì tiếp tục theo dõi hàng tuần.

Giảm thiểu áp lực bệnh và đất bớt chai cứng là 2 phát hiện đầu tiên trong thí nghiệm áp dụng biện pháp cày xới tối thiểu trong sản xuất rau màu. Thí nghiềm này do Applied Horticultural Research cùng phối hợp với Netafim tiến hành, trong đó một loạt các loại hoa màu khác nhau được luân canh trên 4 nghiệm thức quản lý đất đai gồm: không cày xới (tưới nhỏ giọt); cày xới tối thiểu (tưới nhỏ giọt); cày xới bình thường theo tập quán với tưới nhỏ giọt và cày xới bình thường theo tập quán với tưới phun. Một cuộc tham quan điểm thí nghiệm đã được tổ chức hồi đầu năm tại trang trại rau cải của Bulmer ở Lindenow gần Bairnsdale phía Đông Gippsland, Victoria. Có 55 nông dân tham dự chuyến tham quan và họ rất chú ý đến các phát hiện đầu tiên của thí nghiệm trên hệ thống luân canh cải nhí (Baby leaf lettuce), xà lách bắp (iceberg lettuce) và bông cải xanh lai (broccolini).

Chuyên gia nông học của Netafim, Sam Birrell, cho biết ằng các đặc tính đất đai đang được theo dõi và sản lượng thương phẩm của mỗi nghiệm thức trong thí nghiệm đều được đo lường. Ông nói rằng trong khi biện pháp cày xới tối thiểu và không cày xới rất phổ biến trên ruộng gieo xạ đại trà (trồng ngủ cốc và các loại hạt như cải dầu, hướng dương), chúng tương đối mới trong ngành trồng rau màu nhưng cũng có nhiều triển vọng. Ông nói: “trong canh tác gieo xạ đại trà nhờ nước trời các biện pháp cày xới tối thiểu và không cày xới trở nên phổ biến hơn vì nông dân cố gắng cải thiện độ phì nhiêu và sức sản xuất của đất.

“một phần trong biện pháp không cày và cày tối thiểu là giử lại gốc rạ của vụ trước,

trồng cây che phủ trong các khoảng thời gian nghỉ giửa hai vụ và bổ xung phân chuồng và chất hửu cơ cho đất”. “Thêm nhiều chất hửu cơ giúp cải thiện cấu trúc và khả năng cầm giử nước của đất củng như cung cấp dinh dưỡng cho cây trồng tốt hơn”.

Sam củng nói rằng tưới nhỏ giọt có tác dụng tốt khi kết hợp với biện pháp cày xới tối thiểu và không cày và các kết quả ban đầu của thí nghiệm đã chứng minh điều đó. Các lô thí nghiệm áp dụng biện pháp này đều cho kết quả giảm áp lực bệnh và đất ít chai cứng. Ông ấy nói: “ Tưới phun có thể gây chai cứng đất và kỹ thuật tưới này làm giảm tác dụng của các biện pháp khác được đưa vào nhằm cải thiện cấu trúc đất”.

Cung cấp nước và phân bón vào đất dưới hình thức tưới nhỏ giọt có tác dụng đồng bộ với các nổ lực cái thiện cấu trúc đất bằng cách giử lại gốc rạ và giảm thiểu cày xới. Sam nói rằng:” Kết quả cho đến nay cho chúng tôi thấy có sự giảm thiểu một cách đáng kể bệnh Varnish spot trên cải thảo, dù chỉ là kết quả bước đầu nhưng điều đó củng rất đáng quan tâm”.

Ngoài biện pháp tưới nhỏ giọt, thí nghiệm củng đưa vào áp dụng thử sản phẩm mới của Netafim, đó là dạng ống cái có đính sẳn đầu nối để nối ống nhỏ giọt. Mọi việc cần làm chỉ là trãi cuộn ống ra và đấu đầu ống nhỉ vào, rất tiết kiệm công lao động và cũng rất bền. Thí nghiệm sẽ kéo dài đến cuối năm 2016.

Để tìm gần nhất nhà cung cấp truy cập trang web Netafim www.netafim.com.au của bạn

5.0 Lưu tâm đến láng giềng và công cộng — Khuyến cáo Tồn trử phân chuồng xa ranh giới nhà lân cận và tránh rải phân vào cuối tuần, ngày nghĩ và nhuuxng ngày gió to.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

107

YOUR BUSINESS

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FOR EXPOSURE TO ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Tầm soát sức khỏe phơi nhiểm hóa chất có gốc lân hửu cơ gồm một bảng câu hỏi điều tra chi tiết về tiền sử ốm đau và nghề nghiệp và một đợt thử máu trước khi tiếp xúc với chất độc. Các đợt thử máu tiếp theo được thuujc hiện tùy thuộc vào kết quả của đợt trước và tần suất phơi nhiểm.

Giám sát y tế tiếp xúc với thuốc trừ sâu organophosphate GWENDOLINE DEMPSEY ĐIỀU DƯỠNG/THANH TRA SỨC KHỎE NGHỀ NGHIỆP, WORKSAFE, WA

PHIÊN DỊCH: VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN, CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, VEGETABLESWA Ước tính cho thấy số người tử vong hàng năm do bệnh cao gấp 10 lần so với tử vong do thương tật. Các loại bệnh tật ốm đau do nghề nghiệp đôi khi khó xác định nguyên nhân vì từ khi phơi nhiểm đến khi phát bệnh trãi qua nhiều năm, đôi khi tận đến lúc nghỉ hưu. Ngược vơi biểu hiện rỏ ràng cùa thương tật như chảy máu, xây xát, các biểu hiện bệnh lý đôi khi âm thầm, không có báo động rỏ ràng, người bệnh đôi khi ra đi không biết nguyên nhân ngoại trừ người thân. Ý thức về những rủi ro đến sức khỏe, chẳng hạn như phơi nhiểm hóa chất có gốc lân hửu cơ, là tối quan trọng vì đó là hiểm họa tàng hình, không biểu hiện, không triệu chứng – chính vì vậy mà “không thấy - không biết”. Nguy cơ ảnh hưởng đến sức khỏe tùy thuộc vào liều lượng bị phơi nhiểm, phương pháp áp dụng, tiền sử phơi nhiểm, mức độ trang bị bảo hộ lao động và tình trạng sức khỏe khi phơi nhiểm. Nhiều trường hợp không có phương tiện kiểm tra liều lượng hấp thu chất độc vào cơ thể. Các yếu tố trên làm cho ngươi ta lầm lẩn, nghi nghờ về bệnh tình. Điều may mắn là hiện nay trương hợp bị phơi nhiểm hay hấp thụ thuốc có gốc lân hửu cơ có thể được kiểm tra bằng phương pháp thử máu chuyên biệt. Sự hiện diện

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WA Grower SUMMER 2015

của thuốc có gốc lân hửu cơ còn có thể xét nghiệm trong mẩu nước tiểu.

Ảnh hưởng sức khỏe từ sự hấp thu của thuốc trừ sâu organophosphate Phơi nhiểm thuốc có gốc lân hửu cơ liều lượng cao thường gây ra triệu chứng buồn nôn, ói mửa, tiêu chảy, đau bụng, đổ mồ hôi, bần thần, chóng mặt, uể oải, khó thở, thậm chí dẩn đến tử vong nếu không cấp cứu kịp thời. Các nghiên cứu củng đang tìm hiểu ảnh hưởng của phơi nhiểm liều lượng thấp lên sức khỏe. Dạng phơi nhiểm nhẹ này được cho là có liên quan đến các rối loạn thần kinh bao gồm bệnh trầm cảm và thoái hóa thần kinh như bệnh “lẩn” (Parkinson’s disease), liệt rung (Alzheimer’s disease) và đề tài này hiện nay củng thu hút rất nhiều tranh luận.

Vì vậy, giám sát sức khỏe là gì ? Tầm soát sức khỏe là “theo dõi một người vối mục đích phát hiện những thay đổi về tình trạng sức khỏe do hậu quả của phơi nhiểm chất độc”.

Các loại thuốc sâu có chứa gốc lân hửu cơ được xếp vào loại chất độc và vì thế người sử dụng chúng bị liệt vào diện buộc phải được tầm soát sức khỏe. Người chủ phải có trách nhiệm chi trả chi phí tầm soát sức khỏe và việc tầm soát sức khỏe phải do chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định theo dõi. Người chủ chịu trách nhiệm đăng ký chuyên gia y tế được chỉ định. Tần suất kiểm tra sức khỏe do chuyên gia y tế quyết định theo qui định cua pháp luật và các kết quả xét nghiệm.

Người ta củng có thể yêu cầu các đợt thử máu bổ xung nếu nghi ngờ bị nhiểm độc, bị phơi nhiểm quá mức, hay quí vị cảm thấy lo lắng. Chuyên gia y tế có trách nhiệm giải thích kết quả xét nghiệm máu và cho quí vị lời khuyên về biểu hiện, triệu chứng khi bị hấp thu chất độc quá mức.

Thuốc trừ sâu organophosphate ô nhiễm Nhiểm thuốc sâu gốc lân hửu cơ có thể xảy ra qua đường thở do hít phải, qua đường tiêu hóa, hya bị thấm qua da. Luật An toàn sức khỏe nghề nghiệp bắt buộc sử dụng dồ bào hộ lao động. Nười chủ có trách nhiệm cung cấp đồ bảo hộ cho nhân công. Quí vị phải chú ý giử gìn, kiểm tra và tập sử dụng đồ bảo hộ đúng cách.

Nguwif chủ có trách nhiệm cung cấp cho quí vị đầy đủ thông tin về ảnh hưởng sức khỏe khi phơi nhiểm độc chất lân hửu cơ và tập huấn về vệ sinh cá nhân và sử dụng đồ bảo hộ lao động để giảm thiểu nguy cơ phơi nhiểm.

Các câu hỏi thường gặp sử dụng lao động liên quan đến AMPs 1/ Tại sao tôi cần phải đăng ký một chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định? Bỏi vì họ là chuyên gia (bác sỹ) y tế thẩm định kết quả tầm soát sức khỏe rồi thông báo cho quí vị và tổ chức thanh tra an toàn lao động và đưa ra các chỉ định y tế hoặc điều trị các vấn đề được phát hiện.

2/ Có cần phải đăng ký chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định gần nhà? Không, bởi vì chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định chỉ thẩm định kết quả tầm soát sức khỏe chứ không cần phải gặp quí vị thường xuyên. Có thể họ chỉ gặp mặt lần tham vấn ban đầu rồi sau đó chỉ gặp khi cần thiết nếu phát hiện có thay đổi về tình trạng sức khỏe hoặc bị phơi nhiểm nghiêm trọng. 3/ Làm thế nào đăng ký một chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định?

Tổ chức thanh tra an toàn lao động có thể cung cấp cho quí vị danh sách các dịch vụ y tế có tầm soát sức khỏe. Quí vị liên hệ các nơi đó và đăng ký toàn bộ qui trình để bắt đầu Quí vị phải trả chi phí tầm soát sức khỏe. Chi phi này KHÔNG được Medicare hoàn trả.

YOUR BUSINESS

GASCOYNE FOOD BOWL INITIATIVE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

4/ Tôi có thể nhờ bác sỹ gia đình vào mục đích này được không? Được. Tuy nhiên quí vị phải trình bày với vị bác sỹ gia đình rằng họ phải hoàn toàn đủ tư cách là chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định cho việc này theo qui định An toàn lao động của tiểu bang WA. Điều này bao gồm kiến thức liên quan đến ảnh hưởng của phơi nhiểm độc chất đối với sức khỏe tần suất xét nghiệm…Nếu vị bác sỹ gia đìng đồng ý trở thành chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định thì họ phải liên hệ với chuyên viên của tổ chức Thanh ra an toàn lao động và sức khỏe nghề nghiệp để được giải thích và cung cấp tài liệu hướng dẫn. Ghi chú: Một chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định có thể bị phạt nếu không tuân thủ các qui định!

Chúng tôi thành thật khuyên quí vị nên đăng ký một chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định là những người trong lảnh vực y tế nghề nghiệp. Họ quen với luật lệ và qui định về yêu cầu tầm soát sức khỏe với các danh mục chất độc. Tầm soát sức khỏe cho ngươi sử dụng độc chất gốc lân hửu cơ là vấn đề phức tạp và khác hẳn với các chất khác nên cần phải thực hiện đúng đắn. 5/ Chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định có được tập huấn cho tôi về chất độc không?

Không. Cung cấp thông tin và tập huấn là trách nhiệm của chủ doanh nghiệp. Chuyên viên y tế được chỉ định có thể bổ xung them các khuyến cáo cho người lao động nhưng không được lệ thuộc vào đó thay cho thông tin tập huấn. 6/ Tìm thông tin về độc chất gốc lân hửu cơ ở đâu?

Chủ doanh nghiệp có trách nhiệm chăm sóc và tạo ra nơi làm việc an toàn cho nhân công bao gồm cả những vấn đề liên quan đến tránh rủi ro tai nạn. Vì vậy họ phải có ký thức và kiến thức về vấn đề này củng như là các nguy cơ khác thí dụ như máy móc.

Bảng thông số kỹ thuật về tính chất độc hại của các loại hóa chất sử dụng (MSDS) củng cung cấp thông tin và Tổ chức thanh tra an toàn lao động củng như các tổ chức nghề nghiệp củng có thể cung cấp cho quí vị thông tin hửu ích cho chính quí vị và cho nhân công.

Bộ Nông Nghiệp và Lương Thực Cơ quan phát triển khu vực

Chương trình dựa lương thực Gascoyne – Gascoyne Food Bowl Innitiative TONY DELLA BOSCA, QUẢN LÝ CHƯƠNG TRÌNH - CHƯƠNG TRÌNH DỰA LƯƠNG THỰC GASCOYNE - BỘ NÔNG NGHIỆP VÀ LƯƠNG THỰC NGƯỜI DỊCH: VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN, CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG, VEGETABLESWA

Chương trình dựa lương thực Gascoyne (GFB) (phần 2) được xây dựng năm 2012. Mục đích của chương trình nhằm gia tăng đáng kể sản lượng rau quả của khu vực Carnarvon thông qua việc mở rộng đất trồng và tăng cường nguồn nước để mở rộng diện tích được tưới. Chương trifng này do chính phủ tiểu bang tài trợ và do Bộ Nông Nghiệp và Lương Thực (DAFWA) chủ trì. DAFWA đang tăng cường diện tích đất canh tác và hệ thống nước cũng như các biện pháp quản lý nước và lưu vực đối với một khu vực rau quả phát triển mạnh mẻ về mặt kinh tế, đất đai phù hợp của Carnarvon. GFB hoạch định mở thêm 400ha và có hướng xác định vùng đất thích hợp để nâng lên 800ha.

Chương trình này sẽ đóng góp vào sự đa dạng hóa về mặt kinh teesvaf phát triern của vùng Gascoyne bầng cách gia tăng giá trị của sản xuất nông nghiệp. Chương trình sẽ dẫn đến sự gia tăng an toàn lương thực cho dân Tây Úc cũng như cơ hội để thúc đẩy tăng trưởng thị trường nội địa và phát triển cơ hội xuất khẩu. Các bước tiếp theo có thể diển ra trong chương trình: • Tổng kết kết quả khoan giếng

• Lắp đặt thêm giếng cạn bờ sông

• Tiếp tục quá trình quy hoạch sử dụng đất và thay đổi hiên trạng sở hửu • Tiến trình trình bày sự quan tâm của người muốn mua/thuê (khoảng năm 2016). Muốn cập nhật thông tin về Chương trình dựa lương thực Gascoyne xin vui lòng vào trang thông tin điện tử (internet): www.facebook.com/ DepartmentofAgricultureandFoodWA

Bộ trưởng Baston thăm đầu tiên Top nước Optimisation Collector Spear với Geoff Strickland, Giám đốc tưới tiêu nông nghiệp, DAFWA và Saxon Boston.

7/ Ngoài ngươi có trách nhiệm làm việc với độc chất, ai cần phải được tầm soát sức khỏe? Chủ doanh nghiệp có trách nhiệm thẩm định nguy cơ để xác định xem ai có nguy cơ phơi nhiểm trong quá trình làm việc. Kết quả thẩm định sẽ chỉ ra ai cần phải được tầm soát sức khỏe.

Muốn biết thêm chi tiết về các vấn đề nêu trên xin vui lòng liên hệ Tổ chức thanh tra an toàn lao động WA (08) 6251 2200. Thắc mắc của quí vị có thể được chuyển đến những người có chức năng.

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

109

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits Permit No. Description

Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

Weeds

12-Nov-13

30-Nov-16

Confidor 200 SC Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly and green peach aphid

12-Apr-15

30-Sep-20

Avatar (indoxacarb)

Garden weevil

2-Nov-11

30-Sep-16

Artichoke â&#x20AC;&#x201D; globe PER14203

Propyzamide

Asian root vegetables PER12716 Asparagus PER12777 Beans PER12947

Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Miticide

Specified whitefly and mite species

7-May-12

30-Apr-16

PER14701

Pyriproxyfen

Silverleaf whitefly

4-Feb-15

30-Jun-20

16-Dec-13

31-Aug-18

Beetroot PER14245

Score Foliar Fungicide

Leaf spot

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER11853

Imidacloprid

Aphids and thrips

10-Apr-12

30-Sep-16

PER14891

Trifloxystrobin

Alternaria leaf spot

1-Jan-15

30-Sep-19 31-Mar-20

PER11949

Lambda-Cyhalothrin

Various insects

1-Apr-10

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

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

Bitter melon PER12906

Brassica leafy vegetables PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

18-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER11990

Chlorothalonil

Downy mildew, alternaria spot and grey mould

12-Apr-15

30-Jun-17

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

PER10845

Barmac Zineb Fungicide

PER13154

Dual Gold Herbicide

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

Cercospora leaf spot and downy mildew

11-Jun-09

31-May-20

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

20-Feb-12

31-Mar-17

PER14907

Emamectin

Various pests

9-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

PER14584

Imidacloprid

Aphids, whitefly and thrips

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Oct-13

31-Aug-18

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

20-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

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

PER14958

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew and other diseases

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

Brassica vegetables PER12947

Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Miticide

Specified whitefly and mite species

7-May-12

30-Apr-16

PER14596

Chlorpyrifos

Vegetable beetle adults

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19 31-Mar-18

Broccoli PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

Broccoli seed treatment 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

Brussels sprouts

110

PER14432

Pendimethalin

Weeds

23-May-14

30-Jun-19

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER80910

Grey mould

1-Aug-15

31-Jul-20

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

Frontier-P

Nut grass and other Cyperus spp.

31-Aug-15

31-Jul-18

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER81408

PHOSPHOROUS ACID

Phytophthora soil fungus

CURRENT

7-Sep-15

PER12565

Scala Fungicide

Botrytis rots

5-Apr-12

30-Sep-17

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER11564

Switch Fungicide

Botrytis and sclerotinia

28-May-12

30-Nov-17

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

Iprodione

Bulb (Allium) vegetables PER13698 Bulb onions PER80060 Capsicum

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

6-Oct-11

31-May-17

PER11778

Agri-fos 600 Systemic Fungicide (phosphorous acid)

Phytophthora soil fungus

29-Jun-11

30-Nov-15

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Damping off and downy mildew

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-17

PER14816

Azoxystrobin

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

1-Jun-14

30-Jun-19

PER10918

Imidacloprid

Greenhouse whitefly and aphids

30-Jun-15

31-May-18

Carrot

PER12048

Prometryn

Weeds

9-May-12

30-Sep-20

PER11747

2,2-Dichloropropionic Acid

Promotion of bolting and grass weed control

1-Oct-09

30-Nov-19

PER12567

Various

Sclerotinia, botrytis rot and black rot

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

PER14535

Clethodim

PER13305

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer) Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

18-Nov-14

30-Sep-17

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

Grass weed control

12-May-14

31-Mar-19

Certain broadleaf and grass weeds

28-May-12

30-Jun-20

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18 31-Mar-20

Cauliflower PER14045 PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

PER14164

Clethodim

Rye grass, winter grass

11-Oct-13

30-Jun-17

PER13147

Lontrel

Capeweed and clover

21-Nov-11

30-Nov-19

PER10272

Diazinon

Onion fly and onion seedling maggot

13-Aug-13

30-Sep-16

PER14037

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Staphylinid beetle

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

Celeriac PER14043 PER10875

Pirimor WG Aphicide (pirimicarb)

Aphids

7-May-12

30-Sep-20

PER13114

Prometryn

Grass weeds listed on label

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-17

PER13323

Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole)

Cercospora leaf spot and septoria leaf blight

28-May-12

31-Mar-20

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-May-13

30-Apr-16

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Sclerotinia rot

1-Jul-14

31-Mar-17

PER13088

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Various insect pests

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-17

Imidacloprid

Aphids

30-Jun-15

31-May-20 30-Jun-19

Celery PER12489 PER14436

Applaud Insecticide (buprofezin)

Greenhouse whitefly

9-May-14

PER14341

Chess Insecticide (pymetrozine)

Aphids

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14843

Indoxacarb (Avatar Insecticide)

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

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER13496

Linuron

Range of weeds

4-May-12

30-Apr-17

PER14049

Permethrin (Ambush )

Helicoverpa and looper

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-23

PER14812

Score Fungicide

Cercospora and septoria leaf spots

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER13122

Proclaim Insecticide

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth and cluster caterpillar

31-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

111

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER11686

Nufarm Regent 200SC Insecticide

Western flower thrips (celery) and onion thrips (lettuce)

25-Mar-14

31-Mar-17

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight and downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora and septoria

PER11127

Nufarm Filan Fungicide

Sclerotinia rot

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

30-Jun-15

30-Jun-18

PER14071

Pirmicarb

Aphids

7-Jun-15

30-Jun-19

PER12709

Nufarm Pristine Fungicide

Brown rot and botrytis

4-Jun-13

30-Jun-17

Chicory PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

20-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora and septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER10677

Propyzamide

Grass and broadleef weeds

14-Apr-08

30-Apr-18

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

29-May-15

31-May-20

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER13254

Dimethoate

Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly

2-Feb-12

5-Oct-17

PER12823

Trifluralin

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

11-May-11

30-Jun-21

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

Triadimenol

White rot (Sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

PER12447

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Botrytis rot

30-Sep-13

31-May-16

PER12489

Imidacloprid

Aphids

30-Jun-15

31-May-20

PER14043

Chlorothalonil

Various diseases

16-Apr-14

30-Nov-18

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER12947

Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Miticide

Specified whitefly and mite species

7-May-12

30-Apr-16

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

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

31-May-13

30-Sep-17

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER13031

Maldison

Fruit fly

6-Oct-11

31-May-17

Chillies

Chinese onions PER14906 Choko PER12712 Cucumber

PER14046

Mancozeb

Grey mould

1-May-13

31-Mar-18

PER13349

Pyranica

Two-spotted mite

3-Apr-12

31-Mar-16

PER80891

Pyranica Miticide

Two-spotted mite and European red mite

30-Sep-15

30-Sep-20

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

Tomato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

Cucurbits PER14765

112

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER80138

Alpha-cypermethrin

Cucumber fruit fly

26-Feb-15

31-Mar-20

PER14840

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER13304

Paramite

Two-spotted mite, red spider mite

12-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

11-May-11

30-Jun-21

Eggplant PER12823

Trifluralin

PER12947

Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Miticide

Specified whitefly and mite species

7-May-12

30-Apr-16

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

31-May-13

30-Sep-17

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER11451

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

12-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER80910

Iprodione

Grey mould

1-Aug-15

31-Jul-20

PER11778

Agri-fos 600 Systemic Fungicide (phosphorous acid)

Phytophthora soil fungus

29-Jun-11

30-Nov-15 31-Mar-18

PER14036

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Apr-13

PER12506

Dimethoate

Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly

30-Jan-13

5-Oct-17

PER13351

Pirimicarb

Aphids

28-Jun-13

31-Mar-16

PER14186

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Melon thrips

3-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

14-Aug-11

31-Jul-16

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER80717

Trichlorfon

Fruit fly

28-Oct-15

31-Oct-20

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

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

Endive PER14456 PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

29-May-15

31-May-20

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

20-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora and septoria

PER10677

Propyzamide

Grass and broadleef weeds

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

14-Apr-08

30-Apr-18

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

Fennel PER13698

Fruiting vegetables PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato T russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER80099

Alpha-Cpermethrin

Mediterrean fruit fly and Queeensland fruit fly

26-Feb-15

31-Mar-20

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

12-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER13466

Various Actives

Grass and broadleaf weeds

17-May-12

30-Sep-16

PER12567

Various

Sclerotinia, botrytis rot and black rot

18-Nov-14

30-Sep-17

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER14696

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

1-Apr-14

31-Mar-19

PER10918

Imidacloprid

Greenhouse whitefly and aphids

30-Jun-15

31-May-18

PER14326

Captan

Grey mould

19-Dec-13

30-Nov-16

Garden peas PER11451 Garlic

Green beans

Leafy lettuce

PER14958

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew and other diseases

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

31-May-13

30-Sep-17

PER14837

Mandipropamid (Revus Fungicide)

Downy mildew

24-May-15

31-Mar-18

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

113

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date 31-Oct-19

Leeks PER14906

Triadimenol

White rot (sclerotium)

22-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

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

rass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa G annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER81271

Various Actives

Specified grass and broadleaf weeds

10-Nov-15

31-Oct-21

PER13367

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

31-May-13

30-Apr-16

PER13466

Various Actives

Grass and broadleaf weeds

17-May-12

30-Sep-16

PER10272

Diazinon

Onion fly and onion seedling maggot

13-Aug-13

30-Sep-16

PER14473

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch and 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-21

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

Lettuce PER12947

Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Miticide

Specified whitefly and mite species

7-May-12

30-Apr-16

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

18-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14077

Eco-Oil (Botanical Oil)

Silverleaf whitefly

1-Oct-13

30-Sep-23

PER14210

Acramite Miticide

Two-spotted (red spider) mite

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-18

PER13301

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite and vegetable weevil

12-Jun-12

31-May-20

PER14430

Azoxystrobin (Amistar 250 SC)

Bottom rot

21-Mar-14

30-Jun-17

PER12386

Dacthal (chlorthal-dimethyl)

Stinging nettle

29-Jun-11

31-Aug-16

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

PER81136

SWITCH FUNGICIDE

Anthracnose

12-Oct-15

30-Sep-18

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

29-May-15

31-May-20

PER12447

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Botrytis rot

30-Sep-13

31-May-16

PER12846

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

31-May-13

30-Sep-17

PER13698

Phosphorous

Downy mildew

1-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

PER12565

Scala Fungicide

Botrytis rots

5-Apr-12

30-Sep-17

PER11686

Nufarm Regent 200SC Insecticide

Western flower thrips (celery) and onion thrips (lettuce)

25-Mar-14

31-Mar-17

Lettuce seedlings PER13332

BALAN (benfluralin)

Grass and broadleaf weed control

1-Apr-12

31-Mar-22

PER14964

Chlorothalonil

Antracnose (shot hole)

21-Dec-14

30-Nov-19

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

Marrow PER12712 Melons PER14649

Acramite (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

7-Nov-14

30-Jun-17

PER14650

Paramite (etoxazole)

Two-spotted mite

7-Nov-14

31-May-18

PER13170

Dimethoate

Various fruit fly species

13-Oct-11

5-Oct-17

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

Navy beans PER13626 Onions PER14602

Boscalid, Iprodione and Chlorothalonil

Botrytis neck-rot

24-Jul-14

30-Sep-18

PER14773

Basagran (bentazone-sodium)

Broadleaf weeds

16-Apr-14

30-Jun-16

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

Fruit fly

9-Feb-15

31-Jul-24

Downy mildew and other diseases

21-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

Orchard cleanup fruit fly host crops PER13859

Dimethoate

Other leafy vegetables PER14958

114

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

Paprika PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER12823

Trifluralin

Various broad leaf and grass weeds

11-May-11

30-Jun-21

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

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

PER11348

Clethodim

Grass weeds

11-Jan-12

31-Mar-22

PER14858

Pendimethalin

Grasses and broadleaf weeds

1-Apr-15

31-Mar-20

Parsnip

PER12048

Prometryn

Weeds

9-May-12

30-Sep-20

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER12357

Linuron

Grass and broadleaf weeds

9-May-12

30-Sep-20

PER13696

Trifluralin

Wintergrass

28-Aug-12

31-Mar-18

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-17

Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Miticide

Specified whitefly and mite species

7-May-12

30-Apr-16

Peas PER12947 PER14035

Diflufenican

Broadleaf weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

PER12391

Prodigy Insecticide

Lepidopteran pests

31-May-13

30-Sep-17

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

Peppers

PER12947

Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Miticide

Specified whitefly and mite species

7-May-12

30-Apr-16

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

14-Aug-11

31-Jul-16

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Sclerotinia rot

1-Jul-14

31-Mar-17

PER14047

Methidathion

Rutherglen bug

1-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER12489

Imidacloprid

Aphids

30-Jun-15

31-May-20

PER14840

Bupirimate

Powdery mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER11127

Nufarm Filan Fungicide

Sclerotinia rot

30-Jun-15

30-Jun-18

PER12447

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Botrytis rot

30-Sep-13

31-May-16

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

Calypso Insecticide

Mediterranean fruit fly

13-Dec-13

30-Nov-18

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER80344

Chlorpyrifos

lack beetle, wingless grasshopper, red-legged earth B mite

2-Jan-15

30-Sep-20

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato T russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER10822

Sodium hypochlorite

Various insect and fungal pests

30-Jan-09

30-Nov-19

PER12612

Alpha-cypermethrin

Garden weevil

29-Jun-11

30-Apr-16

Chlorpyrifos

African black beetle

28-Jun-13

31-Mar-16

Pome fruit PER14562 Potatoes

Pumpkin PER11768 Radicchio PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

PER11848

Clethodim

Grass weeds

20-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

1-Apr-13

31-Mar-18

29-May-15

31-May-20

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

115

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.) Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

PER14864

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

Pirimicarb

Radish PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-17

PER13444

Propiconazole

Cercospora

1-Apr-12

31-Mar-17 31-Mar-20

PER11949

Lambda-Cyhalothrin

Various insects

1-Apr-10

PER11451

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

12-Jun-13

30-Jun-18

PER13035

Clethodim

Control of grasses

27-Sep-11

30-Sep-16

PER14126

Methomyl

Various

30-Jun-15

30-Sep-17

PER11441

Propachlor

Grass and broadleaf weeds

27-May-09

31-Dec-19

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23 31-Mar-18

Rocket PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Various fungal diseases

1-Apr-13

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

18-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Weeds

31-Oct-13

31-Aug-18

PER14292

Secure 360SC (chlorfenapyr)

Lepiotera and mites

24-Dec-13

31-Mar-16

PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

Triadimenol

White rot (sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

Shallots PER14906 PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

18-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14842

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

PER14890

Methomyl (Lannate-L)

Western flower thrips

25-Nov-14

31-Oct-19

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

28-May-12

30-Jun-17

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

rass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa G annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

14-Aug-11

31-Jul-16

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER14473

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch and 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-21

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Various pests

30-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria leaf blight and downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora and septoria

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER10918

Imidacloprid

Greenhouse whitefly and aphids

30-Jun-15

31-May-18

PER12567

Various

Sclerotinia, botrytis rot and black rot

18-Nov-14

30-Sep-17

PER11991

Legend Fungicide (quinoxyfen)

Powdery mildew

29-Jun-11

31-Mar-16

PER14703

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

1-Aug-14

31-Jul-19

PER14034

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

9-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

Silverbeet

116

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Description

Virus

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

Issued date 23-Jul-12

Expiry date 30-Jun-17

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

18-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER13397

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

Sin qua PER12906 Snake bean PER12906 Snow peas PER14722 PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato T russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER12846

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

31-May-13

30-Sep-17 31-Mar-20

PER13899

Etoxazole

Two-spotted mite

1-Jan-13

PER14470

Mancozeb and Dimethomorph

Downy mildew

1-May-14

30-Apr-17

PER14211

Fenhexamid

Grey mould and chocolate spot

27-Nov-13

30-Sep-16

PER11964

Chlorothalonil (Bravo)

Downy mildew and chocolate spot

13-Nov-12

31-Mar-18

PER11764

Spiroxamine

Powdery mildew

1-Jul-15

30-Jun-18

PER10976

Bentazone

Broadleaf weeds

10-Aug-09

31-Mar-20

PER10988

Bladex 900 WG (cyanazine)

Broadleaf weeds

10-Aug-09

31-Mar-20

PER10938

Imidacloprid

Greenhouse whitefly

1-Jul-15

31-Jul-18

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

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

Various insect pests

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-17

Potato moth

12-Jun-12

31-May-17

Specified alliums PER13088

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Specified leafy vegetables PER13322

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Specified root vegetables PER14385

Prometryn

Grass and broadleaf weeds

10-Mar-14

31-Mar-19

PER13088

Success Neo Insecticide (spinetoram)

Various insect pests

29-Mar-12

31-Mar-17

Specified vegetable crops PER12221

Petroleum oil

Specified insect pests

29-Jun-12

30-Nov-17

PER11438

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Grass and broadleaf weeds

5-May-09

30-Jun-19

PER14433

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various insects

31-Jan-14

30-Jun-17

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Downy mildew

1-Nov-10

31-Mar-20

PER14839

Zineb

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

1-Aug-14

30-Sep-19

Spinach

PER14034

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

9-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

18-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14456

Tebuconazole

Sclerotonia rot

1-Apr-14

30-Jun-19

PER10918

Imidacloprid

Greenhouse whitefly and aphids

30-Jun-15

31-May-18

PER13673

Ridomil Gold MZ WG

Late blight, septoria Leaf blight and downy mildew

22-Apr-13

30-Sep-16

PER14494

Trifloxystrobin

DM, cercospora and septoria

PER12567

Various

PER81241 PER13397 PER14703

1-Oct-14

30-Jun-19

Sclerotinia, botrytis rot and black rot

18-Nov-14

30-Sep-17

Phenmedipham (Bental)

Broadleaf weeds

29-May-15

31-May-20

Clethodim (Select Herbicide)

Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass

15-Nov-13

31-Mar-18

Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds

1-Aug-14

31-Jul-19

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

19-Mar-14

30-Jun-19

Spring onions PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

117

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

PER8930

Phorate

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot

14-Aug-11

Expiry date 31-Jul-16

PER14484

Fluazifop

Grass weeds

16-Apr-14

31-Mar-18

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

16-Dec-14

30-Nov-17

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Various pests

30-May-14

31-Mar-19

PER14034

Chlorothalonil

Various fungal diseases

9-Dec-14

31-Oct-19

PER13626

Metolachlor

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

23-Jul-12

30-Jun-17

PER12008

PROPACHLOR

Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

18-Jun-12

30-Sep-16

PER14842

Copper Oxychloride, Cuprous Oxide or Cupric Hydroxide

Downy mildew

1-Oct-14

30-Sep-19

PER14073

Diazinon

Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot

1-Jul-13

30-Jun-18

PER14890

Methomyl (Lannate-L)

Western flower thrips

25-Nov-14

31-Oct-19

PER13205

Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr)

Western flower thrips

28-May-12

30-Jun-17

PER13257

Select Herbicide (clethodim)

rass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa G annua)

28-May-12

31-Mar-17

PER14048

Pendimethalin

Various broadleaf and grass weeds

1-May-13

31-Mar-23

PER14142

Ioxynil

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

PER14071

Pirmicarb

Aphids

7-Jun-15

30-Jun-19

PER14906

Triadimenol

White rot (sclerotium)

22-Oct-14

31-Oct-19

PER14473

Dimethomorph and Mancozeb

Downy mildew, purple blotch and 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-21

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17 30-Sep-20

Squash (all type) PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Sugar snap peas PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

PER14765

Hexythiazox (Calibre 100 EC miticide)

omato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato T russet mite

21-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER12846

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

31-May-13

30-Sep-17

PER13899

Etoxazole

Two-spotted mite

1-Jan-13

31-Mar-20

PER14211

Fenhexamid

Grey mould and chocolate spot

27-Nov-13

30-Sep-16

PER11964

Chlorothalonil (Bravo)

Downy mildew and chocolate spot

13-Nov-12

31-Mar-18

PER11764

Spiroxamine

Powdery mildew

1-Jul-15

30-Jun-18

PER10976

Bentazone

Broadleaf weeds

10-Aug-09

31-Mar-20

10-Aug-09

31-Mar-20

PER10988

Bladex 900 WG (cyanazine)

Broadleaf weeds

PER10938

Imidacloprid

Greenhouse whitefly

1-Jul-15

31-Jul-18

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

PER12399

Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew

17-Oct-13

30-Sep-16

Swede PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-17

PER14126

Methomyl

Various

30-Jun-15

30-Sep-17

PER11441

Propachlor

Grass and broadleaf weeds

27-May-09

31-Dec-19

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER14474

Methoxyfenozide

Lepidopteran pests

25-Nov-14

30-Jul-17

PER13116

Propiconazole

Northern corn leaf blight

8-Feb-12

31-Mar-16

PER14536

Abamectin

Two-spotted mite

PER14071

Pirmicarb

Aphids

Sweet corn

118

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

30-May-14

30-Jun-17

7-Jun-15

30-Jun-19

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Description

Virus

Issued date

Expiry date

Western flower thrips

25-Oct-10

31-Oct-20

Sweet peppers PER12378

Acephate

Sweet potato PER14864

Pirimicarb

Aphids

11-Nov-14

30-Jun-19

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

PER13153

Regent 200 SC

White fringed weevil and wireworm

14-Dec-11

31-Dec-16

PER12047

Tecto Flowable SC Fungicide (thiabendazole)

Field rots caused by scurf and root rot

29-Jun-11

30-Sep-16

PER13902

Phorate

phids, thrips, jassids and organophosphate susceptible A two-spotted mite and wireworm

2-Jan-13

31-Mar-18

Trichlorfon

Fruit fly

28-Oct-15

31-Oct-20

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

31-Mar-18

PER14725

Paramite Selective Miticide

Tomato spider mites

22-Oct-14

30-Jun-18

Thai eggplant PER80717 Tomato

PER12378

Acephate

Western flower thrips

25-Oct-10

31-Oct-20

PER13675

Maldison

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

16-May-13

31-May-18

31-May-16

Tomatoes (protected) PER13721

Switch

Grey mould (botrytis)

7-May-13

PER13716

Abrade Abrasive Barrier Insecticide

Various insect pests

24-Dec-12

31-Jan-20

PER13717

Amistar Top (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole)

Powdery mildew

31-Jan-14

31-May-16

PER14100

Buprofezin

Greenhouse whitefly

1-Oct-13

31-Mar-16

PER13725

Chess

reenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly, green peach G Aphid

18-Apr-13

31-May-16

PER13724

Previcur

Root rot

18-Apr-13

31-May-16

PER13720

Pristine

Powdery mildew

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER13722

Teldor 500SC Fungicide

Grey mould (Botrytis)

30-Sep-13

31-May-16

PER80216

Torque Insecticide (fenbutatin oxide)

Two-spotted mite

17-Feb-15

31-Mar-18

PER13726

Trifloxystrobin

Powdery mildew

28-Jun-13

31-May-16

PER80210

Pyrimethanil

Botrytis

13-Nov-14

30-Jun-20

Turnip PER11935

Triadimenol

Powdery mildew

5-Feb-10

30-Jun-17

PER14126

Methomyl

Various

30-Jun-15

30-Sep-17

PER11441

Propachlor

Grass and broadleaf weeds

27-May-09

31-Dec-19

PER14337

Trifluralin

Weeds

10-Mar-14

30-Jun-20

Various vegetables PER13695

Ecocarb Fungicide

Powdery mildew

31-Oct-12

30-Sep-17

PER14892

Pymetrozine (Chess Insecticide)

Whitefly and aphid pests

6-Jan-15

31-May-17

Broad leaf and grass weeds

17-Oct-13

31-Mar-16 31-Mar-18

Welsh onions PER14142

Ioxynil

Zucchini PER12906

Acramite Miticide (bifenazate)

Two-spotted mite

21-Oct-13

PER14722

Abamectin

Tomato red spider mite

17-Feb-15

30-Sep-20

PER12712

Applaud Insecticide

Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers

13-May-14

31-Mar-17

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

119

WA Grower ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS

Preferred format: press ready PDF

FULL PAGE Full page with bleed 210mm(W) x 297mm(H) plus 3mm bleed — 216mm(W) x 303mm(H)

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

HALF PAGE vegetablesWA

Half page without bleed 190mm(W) x 130mm(H)

Horticultural House 103 Outram Street, West Perth 6005

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

ONE THIRD PAGE One third page without bleed 190mm(W) x 80mm(H) or 60mm(W) x 254mm(H)

WA Grower advertiser contacts Name

Website/Email

Address

Adama Australia (p33)

www.adama.com

Suite 1, Level 4 Building B, 207 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065 Dave Stewart

Contact name

0418 920 982

Commonwealth Bank (p85)

tim.svehlak@cba.com.au

Level 14d, 300 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000

Tim Svehlak

0477 724 462

Contact number

Crop Care (p29)

www.cropcare.com.au

Unit 15, 16 Metroplex Ave, Murarrie QLD 4172

Customer Care

1800 111 454

C-Wise (p91)

www.cwise.com.au

Nambeelup Road, Nambeelup WA 6207

David Howey

(08) 9581 9582

Country Value Real Estate (p49)

tom@cvp.com.au

4 Brockman St, Gingin WA 6503

Tom Cabassi

0429 095 864

Dobmac Ag Machinery (OBC)

www.dobmac.com.au

36-38 Industrial Dve, Ulverstone TAS 7315

Mark Dobson

(03) 6425 5533

edp australia pty ltd (p65)

www.edp.com.au

E.E. Muir and Sons (p89)

33-37 O'Brien St, Mooroopna VIC 3629 32 Lancaster Rd, Wangara WA 6065

4 Farmers (p63)

www.4farmers.com.au

35 McDowell St, Welshpool WA 6106

HM.Clause Pacific (p2)

www.hmclause.com

165 Templestowe Rd, Lower Templestowe VIC 3107

Perth Energy (p21)

www.perthenergy.com.au

Level 24, 221 St Georges Tce, Perth WA 6000

Sumitomo Chemical (p42)

www.sumitomo-chem.com.au

Level 5, 51 Rawson St, Epping NSW 2121

WA Crates (IBC)

service@wacrates.com.au

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

WA Recyling (p7)

www.warecycling.com.au

1/219 Midland Rd, Hazelmere WA 6055

Rural Bank (p57)

120

WA Grower SUMMER 2015

(03) 5820 5337 Chris Hartl

(08) 9409 6847 (08) 9356 3445

Kevin Swan

0400 622 314 (08) 9420 0300

Level 3, 225 St Georges Tce, Perth WA 6000 Imre Toth

0429 105 381 (08) 9456 4092

Tony Gangemi

0408 952 200

WA crates

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

0 email: service@wacrates.com.au

DOBMAC AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Dobmac Potato Planter

T2 POTATO HARVESTERS The STANDEN-PEARSON T2 is a tractor trailed 2-row potato harvester featuring advanced harvesting technology. Chassis design, lifting, separating, haulm removing and discharging functions are all optimised to give you a great harvesting performance every time you lift your crops. With large area digging and sieving webs, the VariSep adjustable web step, and the new OMEGA fluted roller separating system, T2 is built to perform. Gentle lifting with lowest possible transfer heights and low angle webs; all helping to ensure that your crops are always handled with care.

Features: • Touch screen & joystick controls • T2-All hydraulic • Variable speed drives • Total control

• Open plan chassis • Great driver visibility • VariSep – adjustable step between digging and sieving webs • OMEGA – new fluted roller separation

• High capacity discharge elevator with extra reach • High power wheel drives • New RoTo Axle – ready for the road in minutes

A leader in the design, manufacture & supply of specialised agricultural machinery Tasmania - AUSTRALIA Phone: (03) 6425 5533 Industrial Drive, Ulverstone, Tasmania. AUSTRALIA 7315 Email: dobmac@dobmac.com.au Phone: • Website: www.dobmac.com. (03) 6425 5533 au Email: dobmac@dobmac.com.au • Website: www.dobmac.com.au