vegetablesWA President’s Report

vegetablesWA

President’s Report

BY DAN KUZMICICH PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

As 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 It is also pleasing to know that grower opportunity’, so taking advantage of low businesses all over the State are supply and high demand is an optimal collaborating, as the labour issue affects situation for any grower. multiple commodities. Identifying that perfect storm is easier I would like to thank in particular said than done, especially considering Maureen Dobra of Loose Leaf Lettuce the high risks involved with growing, but Company for being a major driver in keeping a constant supply of premium this practise. product is essential. She has referred and recommended two Is luck involved? Possibly, but having a of her former workers to come North fluid approach to your business and to our business and they are doing understanding your position really well here. puts you in an ideal place to ‘roll with the punches’. Labour still remains Maureen is a one of the most supportive and 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. 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 an issue and securing your workforce will always be apriority. Making sure you are paying the correct have had a good result both with prices wages, in line with your respective and an overall improvement of quality. awards, prioritising safety and correct induction processes are key. Acts of positive reinforcement and progression opportunities also help. 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 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. 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 Melissa Denning at vegetablesWA is sound and steady. 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.

Capsicum growers, like myself, have done well too. Production yield has been high and the prices have remained high for us. Having a good year is a positive thing and reminds us why we are still in this game. Metro capsicum growers have just started picking and it looks like the prices will stay at this level; I wish them all the best for their coming season. The fall armyworm is still in town and a cause for concern with our corn growers. I have been keeping a close eye on our property, but it seems it loves corn and so far is staying away from capsicums and eggplants. Still, this pest is fast moving, and I believe it has recently been found in Gingin. When I spoke with Jim Trandos of Trandos Farms, he said the worm has had little to no impact on his corn farm just outside of Broome. This was surprising, but he explained that his team were able to manage the damage with their processing methods. He’s had a win with corn prices; however, he informs me that his beans have not been so profitable. I have recently been advised, in a friendly chat with Rohan Prince at WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), that the Queensland Fruit Fly (Qfly) eradication program is progressing well. We appreciate that the State Government has invested a significant amount of funding to manage the outbreak and takes us back to ‘area freedom’ for our market access requirements. DPIRD have been dedicated to this Well done to the Gascoyne Food Council outcome, setting up their headquarters team for their consistent success with at the Claremont Showgrounds and this event. monitoring the identified zones to clean up the outbreak. The next day I had the pleasure of continuing the celebrations while Rohan seems confident of eradicating attending the Carnarvon Cup race the pest from the infected area and day. WA Agriculture Minister Alannah hinted at plans to release sterile male MacTiernan and Vince Catania MLA were Qfly in mid-December, to help them there to judge the Fashions on the Field. reach their goal of eradication. No, I did not win the fashion stakes I am sure, like me, you would all be and no, did not pick a horse either, but very pleased and relieved people came from far and wide to that this is the case and enjoy both events, which was is a good example of the really great. service to industry by the Department. I had the opportunity to Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I would like to wish all of our growers and industry stakeholders all the best catch up with Rohan in late over the festive season. November for the opening of the new Cravo Greenhouse, recently erected at the Carnarvon Research Station, which is another exciting development for the region and the hort industry in general. I would also like to thank the vegetablesWA management committee, our CEO John Shannon, and all the wonderful staff at vegetablesWA for your hard work and commitment during this We look forward to our association difficult year. and the continued support of Again, growers, if you require any DPIRD in the future as we move help with any aspect of the vegetable into 2021. growing business, please don’t hesitate to contact these people as they are all The social scene in general has been capable and committed to helping and quiet this year, as expected, however providing service to our industry. I did partake in the Long Table Twilight Dinner back in September. This again was a huge success but a little cold with the wind. The move in times was a welcome change, but On that note, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and please stay safe over the New Year period. event more enjoyable. Either way, it’s MORE INFORMATION a must-do event and showcases the Contact Dan Kuzmicich on 0408 910 761 or region perfectly. damir.kuzmicich@bigpond.com

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