WA CITRUS
contacts WA Citrus Committee Producer Committee Members Mary Ann O’Connor, Chair m: 0429 012 503 e: chair@wacitrus.com.au Richard Eckersley Shane Kay
From the
industry
Andrew Sorgiovanni Cliff Winfield Daniel Ying
Affiliate Committee Members Damien Guthrey
BY MARY ANN O’CONNOR CHAIR, WA CITRUS
Brett Heather
WA Citrus Office Building 16, 3 Baron-Hay Court, SOUTH PERTH WA 6151 Bronwyn Walsh, Industry Development Manager m: 0400 873 875 e: industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au Kate Cox, Administrative Services m: 0439 899 600 e: admin@wacitrus.com.au Helen Newman, Biosecurity Representative e: biosecurity@wacitrus.com.au
about WA Citrus is the industry body representing citrus growers and industry in Western Australia. WA Citrus aims to: • Assist in the development of a profitable and sustainable citrus industry in WA • Provide services, facilities and support to assist WA citrus growers supply premium citrus in the local, national and export markets • Assist with growing the consumption of WA citrus fruit
I
t is nice to see some normality to the year as planning for the traditional end of season industry day in November is well underway at the time of writing this article.
In the background research has also continued over the year with results planned to be presented at the Industry day and at the proposed Tech Forum in March. Not to get overconfident that times are getting back to normal, the turmoil of the labour market for spring and summer harvest crops continues including competitive rates for labour driven by the shortage. We are grateful that we’ve been able to participate in the ongoing conversation with DPIRD and fellow horticultural industries to work through these issues.
From November 14 WA moved to controlled border entry into WA, reminding us to maintain our COVID plans to keep businesses ticking over and minimise the impact on business continuity in the event of cases in WA. DPIRD are also leading WA activities of surveillance of Fall armyworm, and eradication response of Queensland fruit fly providing regular updates via email or on their website. Thanks to our biosecurity representative Helen Newman for keeping an eye on all things ‘Biosecurity’ and the biosecurity working group.
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WA Grower SUMMER 2020
Weather events such as hail in the West Gingin area and extremely strong winds in Carnarvon have also had an impact on fruit and potentially supply. Exports were able to go ahead this season meaning a stronger domestic market for navels than would otherwise have been the case. Seedless lemons from new southern orchards were also in the market this year. I encourage all our growers and industry members to look after themselves in the coming months. Stay connected, plan for next season and enjoy the festive season with family and friends. I look forward to catching up with you at the Industry day. MORE INFORMATION Contact Mary Ann O'Connor on 0429 012 503 or chair@wacitrus.com.au • More information is available on the DPIRD website at agric.wa.gov.au. Search for ‘fall armyworm in Western Australia’ • COVID movement wa.gov.au • Helen Newman, WA Citrus biosecurity representative, biosecurity@wacitrus. com.au
