WA POTATOES
WA Potatoes
Chair’s Report
D
BY VAUGHAN CARTER CHAIR, PGAWA
ear growers, it has taken till the first week in November for the weather to change to a spring pattern.
I know here in the southwest region that growers have had a tricky winter and subsequently crops are showing signs of this, with very few sunny days and constant rain events the ability to get size into potato tubers becomes a factor. Still, I’m telling you all nothing really, as everyone who works in horticulture knows the risks associated with life on the land and just gets on with it! should be available shortly, keep an eye on your inbox. The State Government recently presented the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill. There is certainly grounds for concern for landowners from this bill. We have engaged with relevant organisations and MP’s to gain a full understanding of potential issues, in order to support any amendments necessary to ensure that landowners rights are not negatively impacted. Renovations at Horticulture House are on the go again. After several months of back and forth with the Council it is great to see some action! We expect to have all works completed by the Christmas break and we look forward to starting the New Year back in the office. Thank you to Morena and Georgia for their efforts in maintaining the teams output during this difficult period. MORE INFORMATION Contact Simon Moltoni on 0447 141 752 or email simon@wapotatoes.com.au
Our display and its informative nature make it a huge hit with show goers! The pilot program overseen by AFC/ PGA to supply chip stock to PepsiCo Thailand is on target to meet delivery times. Harvest, delivery and packaging will be conducted during December/ January. Let’s hope from this trial we can see increase volumes and a great opportunity for an alternative other than the fresh WA market.
Fertiliser has hit all-time highs and fuel is on an upward spiral.
One concern I do have moving towards the end of 2021 is the costs associated with food production. The topic of conversation is input costs and the high increase in price. Fertiliser has hit all-time highs and fuel is on an upward spiral. With these two crucial factors for horticulture and the difficulty to secure labour, farms will want to see some movement for farm gate prices to increase. The Perth Royal Show has come and gone but it would be remiss of me not to thank the people who do amazing work to promote potatoes for good of the industry.
PGA office renovations are nearly at the pointy end and it will be great to have a modern fresh and professional space for industry to engage with all things potatoes.
I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and prosperous 2022. To our PGA and frontline workforce thank you for your amazing contribution this year and I look forward to our industry doing great things in the next 12 months. MORE INFORMATION Contact Vaughan on 0417 092 505 or email marybrook438@gmail.com
The WA Potatoes team want to wish all our growers and industry stakeholders a happy and safe festive break. We look forward to working with you all in 2022.
Simon, Morena and Georgia. WA Grower SUMMER 2021
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