YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
vegetablesWA
President’s Report BY DAN KUZMICICH PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA
A
s I write this, my final report of the year, I almost can’t believe that the year is almost over. In Carnarvon we are noticing most of the tourists are now moving South and the town is becoming quieter. We have had unusually cool conditions both here, and around the State in general, which has been optimal for the plants as it limits heat stress that is typical at this time of the year.
Pollination has been high, which means the plant crop has remained consistent during harvest. Reviewing market prices is a good measurement in understanding how the industry and individual businesses are tracking, and this year they continue to remain buoyant. Some lines are stronger than others, but generally fresh food across the board is traveling well, with the consumer valuing fresh food, particularly during the pandemic.
We are all looking for a ‘window of opportunity’, so taking advantage of low supply and high demand is an optimal situation for any grower.
It is also pleasing to know that grower businesses all over the State are collaborating, as the labour issue affects multiple commodities.
Identifying that perfect storm is easier said than done, especially considering the high risks involved with growing, but keeping a constant supply of premium product is essential.
I would like to thank in particular Maureen Dobra of Loose Leaf Lettuce Company for being a major driver in this practise.
Is luck involved? Possibly, but having a fluid approach to your business and understanding your position puts you in an ideal place to ‘roll with the punches’. Labour still remains an issue and securing your workforce will always be a priority. Being a ‘good employer’ that looks after and nurtures their staff is a good start.
She has referred and recommended two of her former workers to come North to our business and they are doing really well here.
Labour still remains an issue and securing your workforce will always be a priority.
Making sure you are paying the correct wages, in line with your respective awards, prioritising safety and correct induction processes are key. Acts of positive reinforcement and progression opportunities also help. Our business is looking at taking up the Seasonal Worker Program, as we are anticipating that the current labour situation will continue to challenge the industry for some time. Melissa Denning at vegetablesWA is helping us with that process, and I recommend that if you are thinking along the same lines you get in touch with her as her expertise are second to none.
Maureen is a one of the most supportive and dedicated advocates in our industry and we really appreciate her efforts.
As most growers in our region prepare for the end of harvest season, it is great to report that our tomato growers have had a good result both with prices and an overall improvement of quality. Particularly as growers have been managing the tomato spotted wilt virus, which was doing a lot of damage to the crop earlier in the season. Our rockmelon growers have now begun their season in the Gascoyne and some have been impacted by the virus. The long-term effects remain to be seen, but in the meantime the prices remain sound and steady.
WA Grower SUMMER 2020
5
