WA Potatoes CEO’s report

contacts

Horticulture House 103 Outram Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 p: (08) 9481 0834 e: admin@wapotatoes.com.au w: todatoes.com.au Simon Moltoni, Chief Executive Officer m: 0447 141 752 e: simon@wapotatoes.com.au Morena Perdec, Finance & Admin Manager e: morena@wapotatoes.com.au Georgia Thomas, Project Manager e: georgia@wapotatoes.com.au

Committee 2021–22

Vaughan Carter Chairperson Colin Ayres Deputy Chairperson Glen Ryan Secretary Gary Bendotti Treasurer Busselton m: 0417 092 505

Albany m: 0428 451 014

Pemberton m: 0428 827 126

Pemberton m: 0427 569 903

Patrick Fox

Scott River m: 0499 887 202 Bronwyn Fox Dandaragan m: 0427 447 412 Christian deHaan Manjimup m: 0429 436 361

Elected Members

Representing the Ware Fresh sector: Vaughan Carter, Christian de Haan, Glen Ryan and Bronwyn Fox Representing the Seed sector: Colin Aryes Representing the Export sector: Patrick Fox Representing the Processing sector: Gary Bendotti

Fee-for-service charge 2021–22

Processing potatoes — local and export Seed potatoes — local and export Ware (fresh) potatoes — local Ware (fresh) potatoes — export Ware (fresh) potatoes — marketing

^ after grower consultation $6.00/t TBC^ $8.00/t $6.00/t $2.50/t

Projects approved 2021–22

PGA: Association PGA: Biosecurity Plan DPIRD: Seed Certification Scheme & Virus Testing DPIRD: Database improvements and digital solutions support delivery of seed scheme DPIRD: Investigation of molecular testing for potato viruses (2 year project) Murdoch University: Field survey of predators of TPP in WA (2 year project) $330,000 $6,050 $46,000

$10,000

$40,000

COVID-19 is to blame for input costs soaring this year.

WA Potatoes Chief Executive Officer’s report

SIMON MOLTONI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

COVID-19 continues to significantly affect our lives and business, even though we have had very few cases in Western Australia.

The recent announcement by the State Government of its mandatory vaccine policy for the WA workforce needs to be well understood by all members. We have sent this information, including frequently asked Questions, in recent grower updates. Do not wait for an outbreak to react. Read the information, seek help if necessary, and implement a course of action.

Ensure that your staff, contractors, and all supply chain partners are aware and prepared so in the event of an outbreak your business can continue unimpeded. COVID-19 is also to blame for the chain reaction that has seen input costs soaring this year. Increases in energy costs and manufacturing and supply chain issues, along with a lack of international workers, are all contributing to cost of production increases. This is a very difficult area to address as international policies are well beyond our influence. The main area of influence for WA/ Australia really is labour supply. From a national perspective we have two main concerns. The opening of the international border. And the development of the proposed Australian Agricultural Visa. Addressing both of these issues is well advanced and we believe that by early next year we will see the first workers arriving under the new Ag Visa. It has been pleasing to see AUSVEG, our Peak Industry Body, engaging with all states on this important issue, and representing our interests at the highest level. Planning for the next Federal election is well under way with the finalisation of the 2022 Federal Election Priorities document. Again, good to see States having input with AUSVEG to best represent our members. This document