WA Grower Magazine Winter 2020

VOL. 55 NO 2. WINTER 2020 $25.00 (inc GST)

wa

grower WORKING FOR WA GROWERS SINCE 1948

Annual benchmarking data released

Fall armyworm reaches Western Australia

Adapting your business during COVID-19 This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by vegetablesWA together with: • APC — Vegetable Producers Committee • Potato Growers Association • Pomewest • WA Citrus • Stonefruit WA

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inside Your vegetablesWA magazine

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Melon variety trials go virtual

40

4

VegNET IEO Update

42

President’s Report

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New Hort Innovation position in WA 44

YOUR PRODUCTION

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS CEO’s Report

Fall armyworm in Western Australia 8 Queensland fruit fly eradication 10 Tomato spotted wilt virus

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Fresh produce dual-action coating

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Weed cost

17

Mixed species cover crops

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The value of pollination

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Sanitation in the food industry Avocado fruit drop investigations

Temperature loggers

Celebrating our WA Food Heroes

45

Executive Officer’s Report

46

Marketing Update

47

Potato nachos

50

69

Adapting to a pandemic crisis

70

Will you miss out on labour?

74

Ahead of the curve

76

Labour hire providers

78

Growing the labour supply

80

Redundancy rights and entitlements 82 Report sheds light on profitability

84

vegetablesWA benchmarking

86

Executive Manager's Report

52

Is your business in good shape?

88

Chair’s chat

54

Keeping your business going

90

Challenges of harvest 2020

55

22

Juggling training

92

Tips to keep apples fresh in retail

56

24

How to stay connected

94

Social media strategy

58

DWER licensing needs

96

59

drumMUSTER operations update

98

POMEWEST

WA CITRUS

Regional mental health

100

27

From the industry

60

28

Protecting our business

61

R&D goes on-line

62

Check trees for citrus gall wasp

63

Export Facilitators Project update

104

65

Australian and Asian vegetables

107

Product provenance

110

Growing butternut pumpkins

112

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

114

How to examine your soil structure 30 YOUR INDUSTRY

WA POTATOES

YOUR BUSINESS

51

Permits 116 TOOL TIME

74

38

33 34

STONEFRUIT WA

Unrestricted pumping in Carnarvon 36

Chairman’s Report

66

Total Quality Assurance Systems

Indonesian promotions wrapup

67

Points of interest

68

38

Aus-QUAL food safety audit update 39

Is HARPS required for my business? 102 YOUR MARKET

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VOL. 55 NO 2. WINTER 2020

WORKING FOR WA GROWERS SINCE 1948

YOUR CONTACTS

contacts vegetablesWA

Management Committee

702–704 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 t: (08) 9486 7515 e: office@vegetableswa.com.au

President Dan Kuzmicich m: 0408 910 761

Chief Executive Officer John Shannon m: 0488 111 526 e: john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au Editor Amber Atkinson t: (08) 9486 7515 e: amber.atkinson@vegetableswa.com.au COVER IMAGE: Pink Lady harvest at Jardee for Rod and Sue Bamess from Bamess Farms Manjimup with Victoria (South Africa), Rob Dimitriou (permanent Australian supervisor), John (Vanuatu), back row Melissa (England), Alice (Vanuatu) and Rati (Indonesia).

Photo © Victoria Baker Photographer

Published by vegetablesWA This issue of the WA Grower is brought to you by: • vegetablesWA • APC — Vegetable Producers Committee • Potato Growers Association • Pomewest • WA Citrus • Stonefruit WA © 2020 All articles and other material published in this magazine is vegetablesWA copyright (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the authors and publisher.

DISCLAIMER: vegetablesWA make no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in WA Grower.

Reliance on any information provided by vegetablesWA is entirely at your own risk. vegetablesWA is not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way, including from any vegetablesWA or other person’s negligence or otherwise from your use or non-use of WA Grower, or from reliance on information contained in the material or that vegetablesWA provide to you by any other means.

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Operations Manager Karen Raybould t: (08) 9486 7515 e: karen.raybould@vegetableswa.com.au Regional Development Officer Truyen Vo m: 0457 457 559 e: truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au Regional Development Officer Sam Grubiša m: 0427 373 037 e: sam.grubisa@vegetableswa.com.au Benchmark Lead Bryn Edwards m: 0417 409 821 e: bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au Quality Assurance Coordinator Joel Dinsdale m: 0417 857 675 e: joel.dinsdale@vegetableswa.com.au Export Development Project Lead Manus Stockdale m: 0448 897 652 e: manus.stockdale@vegetableswa.com.au Labour Scheme Facilitator Melissa Denning m: 0477 477 044 e: melissa.denning@vegetableswa.com.au

Life Members

A.J. Anderson*, D.J. Arbuckle, J. Arbuckle Snr*, J.H. Arbuckle* (M.B.E.J.P), H.R. Ashby*, S. Calameri, M. Dobra, A. Harris*, A. Ingrilli, G. Kiriros*, R.G. Leach*, F. Natoli, S. Sawle*, R.M. Schultz, C.P. Stevens, W.R. Stevens* (M.B.E.J.P) and J. Turley. * Deceased

Carnarvon

Vice President Maurice Grubiša m: 0413 050 182 Metro North Committee Peter Dobra m: 0408 616 515 Gingin Lauren East m: 0419 047 371 Manjimup Paul Glavocich m: 0413 922 287 Gingin Peter Ivankovich m: 0428 919 211 Myalup Anthony Lieu m: 0401 558 886 Metro North Duc Nguyen t: (08) 9941 8376 Carnarvon Paul Shain m: 0419 041 045 Carnarvon

Agricultural Produce Commission APC Manager Ingrid Behr t: (08) 9368 3127 e: APCManager@dpird.wa.gov.au

Advertising For information on WA Grower advertising rates and sizing please go to: www.vegetableswa.com.au/wa-growersmagazine and click on the download media kit link.

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

your

industry association

Your industry associations

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

vegetablesWA

CEO’s Report I

BY JOHN SHANNON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

t has been an unprecedented few months, with the coronavirus pandemic presenting a multitude of serious challenges to the horticulture industry.

This is a period where we have been forced to adapt to changes at a rapid rate and I expect we will continue to do so for some time to come.

By my side during this challenging time was Karen Raybould, who I am delighted to announce has been appointed to the position of Operations Manager here at vegetablesWA.

Karen has been kicking goals in the vegetablesWA office since September last year and proven herself invaluable to the staff and committee.

Originally from the UK, where she worked as a Police Officer and Civil Servant within Corrections and Immigration, Karen relocated to Australia about eight years ago and has since worked in roles as an Organisational Development Manager.

This varied background has served to develop Karen’s pragmatic approach to business and staff management.

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Her hands-on approach to project management and operational processes showed she has traits needed to keep the Vegetables Team in line and her awareness around the intricacies of cultural diversity made her a good fit for an industry as multicultural as Horticulture.

Right out of the gate, Karen demonstrated an understanding of the passion required to work within an association that supports and represents Growers and an industry on a national level.

Six weeks out from our premier calendar event, Karen blindly jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire when she was handed organisational control of the two-day behemoth that is the Industry Summit.

With the clock ticking and a to do list as long as your arm, she got to organising everything from the interstate speakers to the snags for the Grower Group Tour lunchtime barbie.

3 KAREN Raybould, vegetablesWA Operations Manager.

which will ultimately translate to a more cohesive operational approach throughout the association and industry.

On another note, I am pleased to report that vegetablesWA, together with partner Planfarm, has completed its third-year vegetable of Financial and Production benchmarks across the vegetable industry in WA.

Benchmarking —building a long-term picture of vegetable growers in WA.

By the close of the event, Karen had revealed not even a baptism of fire would hold her back, as she stamped out the last of those pesky embers and we raised a glass to another successful event.

After a rather challenging introduction to horticulture, Karen’s appointment as Operations Manager was cemented and she hasn’t come up for air since!

Her focus on enabling all staff to drive their projects with their individual knowledge and expertise has allowed them to take ownership of the delivery,

For further information see page 84 or go to https://vegetableswa.com. au/benchmarking/ MORE INFORMATION John Shannon, phone 0488 111 526 or email john.shannon@vegetableswa.com.au

F O R C E

O F

N A T U R E

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YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

vegetablesWA

President’s Report H

BY DAN KUZMICICH PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

ello to all growers and industry. Well what a crazy year it has been so far, with COVID-19 and the media reported ‘storm of the decade’ you may well ask what’s next?

In Carnarvon and the general Gascoyne region I have heard reports that there was strong winds with minimal structural damage. However it was the poor plants that copped a beating, especially without protective infrastructure in place. Unfortunately in this region the storm had little to no rain and the winds whipped up the landscape like a dust bowl and sand blasted some plants badly. Some of our young capsicum plants had little or no leaf left standing. Time will tell if they bounce back or not. It was the lack of rain that was the most disappointing thing, only approximately 8mm recorded, not even enough to wash the plants down and the ground here is still left wanting. I was hoping for a decent 40–50mm of rain, a bit of wishful thinking on my part. In Geraldton it was a similar situation with gusty winds, little rain and no reprieve of the current dusty conditions.

Some growers were hit hard with structural damage to tunnels, losing 30% of established plants. This is particularly heart-breaking after the time and money spend in preparation for the harvest season, only to be taken away in a matter of hours with an unusual weather incident. I feel for those who have been hardest hit and wish them a quick recovery. Times like

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this, the idea of crop insurance would be reassuring to give growers piece of mind when dealing with the elements.

In the metro region, I am told that the storm hit with minimal damage. Perth got some decent rainfall which started the winter season.

Fall armyworm has been a talking point since its entry into Australia a few months ago. As expected, it has been working its way down from the top end and has now been detected in Carnarvon. It has been creating a few headaches for our corn growers in the North. Jim Trandos of Trandos Farms has advised me that there is a product ‘Fawligen’, from the US, that is used successfully to battle this pest — it could be the ‘silver bullet’. Produced by AgBitec it seems to be the silver bullet however we will have to wait about two years for testing to see whether there are any biosecurity concerns before use in Australia. For more information go to www.agbitech.com.

Thrips are also causing some damage in Carnarvon, Western Flower Thrip and Onion Thrip transmit TSWV (Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus). This virus is causing damage to Carnarvon capsicums and unfortunately there is no treatment once the plant has been infected. Just another cause for concern. In fact, on our property we had to remove plants to manage the spread of this virus.

Some other growers have had to pull half to whole patches! Again, not an ideal situation! I can’t express the importance of on farm hygiene. Cleanup of your old patches after harvest is the best way to ensure that you don’t create a host environment to harbour pests. Do the right thing for yourself, your neighbour and your region by keeping on top of your hygiene. I would like to mention that Carnarvon Growers Association have been providing great advice and service to the growers in our region in this regard.

On a brighter side, the price of vegetables in the recent period has been very good. The latest round of Market City reports indicate that tomato growers, in particular, have had a win this harvest season, which is always pleasing to see. Hopefully the COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease so the market system can supply the increased demand as markets such as hospitality comes back on line.

Lastly I would like to thank Michael Nixon for his efforts in representing vegetable growers from WA through his board position with AusVeg since 2014. It’s hard enough being a grower, let alone taking on a national industry role, with all that encompasses — travel and time away from family and your business. Michael is a respected grower in Carnarvon and is not shy in putting his front foot forward dealing with issues that need to be addressed on a regional, state and national level.

He has recently stepped down from the role and has served us well.

We are very lucky that replacing Michael’s position is Pennie Patane from Patane Produce in Myalup.

That’s me done for now, and we all know that there is always something that needs to be done and always obstacles in our way. So in finishing, I would like to remind you that vegetablesWA have a great team in place and if you need any assistance with any issues or to seek other information they are there and willing to help you, don’t hesitate to utilise this great resource.

Stay safe talk soon.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Dan Kuzmicich on 0408 910 761 or damir.kuzmicich@bigpond.com

YOUR PRODUCTION

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production Your production WA Grower WINTER 2020

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Fall armyworm in Western Australia

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BY DR HELEN SPAFFORD SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST, DPIRD

he invasive fall armyworm was confirmed in Western Australia on 1 April 2020 from a moth collected in a pheromone trap in Kununurra in March.

Eggs and larvae were found in maize in Kununurra on 2 April.

The subsequent confirmation of moths in Broome, also collected in March, heralded the establishment of fall armyworm in the Kimberley. Detection of the pest in Carnarvon on 29 April however, marked a new stage in fall armyworm’s spread across the State and new host crops.

Fall armyworm is known to feed on over 350 different plant species, including many crops. The larvae predominantly feed on crops and pastures from the Poaceae (grass) family, in particular maize, but also sorghum, and forage FIGURE 1 MAP INDICATING MODELLING OF THE EXPECTED AREAS OF DISTRIBUTION OF FALL ARMYWORM GLOBALLY AND IN AUSTRALIA BASED ON WEATHER CONDITIONS Source: du Plessis, H., van den Berg, J., Kriticos, D.J. & Ota, N. (2017) Spodaptera frugiperda (fall armyworm). Pest Geography.

CSIRO-InSTePP, Canberra. Used with Permission

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grasses. So far, in Western Australia, these are the only crops that fall armyworm has been collected on.

But, the pest can also feed on nongrass crops, such as cotton, peanuts, vegetables and some fruit crops.

With the latest discovery of fall armyworm in Carnarvon, the DPIRD encouraged growers in the Gascoyne region to actively monitor all horticultural crops, especially sweet corn, tomato and melons.

Larvae can reduce the yield of grain, forage and cobs by affecting plant establishment, damaging leaves and attacking cobs.

Spread and establishment The spread of fall armyworm in Western Australia is unavoidable. In May 2020, the National Management Group agreed with the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests that fall armyworm is not technically feasible to eradicate. This was due to the pest’s reproductive capacity, ability to fly long distances, wide host range, combined with the remoteness and spread of known infestations (see Figure 1).

Northern Australia’s conditions, including climate and access to suitable hosts, are favourable for fall armyworm to persist year-round. The pest’s migratory ability means it will have little trouble moving from areas where it can survive all year to environments that are suitable for the short-term.

In the United States, for example, fall armyworm lives year-round in its native southern Florida, but migrates annually up the east coast into Canada.

Fall armyworm can’t survive cold winters or persist when temperatures dip below 10ºC. Nonetheless, the pattern of distribution of fall armyworm overseas does not bode well for the South West and Great Southern regions of Western Australia, where abundant grains and horticultural crops may provide food for the pest during times of the year when temperatures are favourable.

Monitoring and trapping of the pest continues as part of DPIRD’s ongoing surveillance program. About 50 pheromone (lure) traps have been deployed throughout northern WA, including Kununurra, Carnarvon, Geraldton and the Pilbara, to determine fall armyworm distribution and assist in providing early warning advice to industry in the regions.

YOUR PRODUCTION

3 FALL armyworm larvae feeding on maize in Kununurra.

The key to effective management is early detection and regular monitoring.

PHOTO Š Scott Stewart, Kansas State University

3 A fall armyworm larvae causing feeding damage to the leaves of a bean plant.

Management Fall armyworm is clearly establishing in Western Australia and we are working with growers and stakeholders across the horticulture and grains sectors, in WA and nationally, to understand how to best manage this pest in its new home.

The key to effective management is early detection of the pest in the crop and regular monitoring to assess population build up. A significant challenge is that fall armyworm resembles pests already established in Western Australia. Adult moths appear very similar to those of cluster caterpillar, Spodoptera litura, and other armyworms. The larvae have similar markings to bollworms, like Helicoverpa punctigera and H. armigera, and other armyworm. Knowing what to look for, especially for the larvae, is essential for monitoring and managing fall armyworm spread throughout the State and in-crop.

To assist growers, DPIRD hosted a webinar conference for over 70 growers, agronomists and industry representatives in the Kimberley on 9 April to discuss how to identify,

conduct surveillance, and manage fall armyworm. This was followed by a webinar on 6 May, targeted at a similar audience, and DPIRD development officers in the Gascoyne region, to assist with fall armyworm in Carnarvon, a key horticultural growing area.

Although fall armyworm can be a voracious and highly damaging pest in large numbers, low numbers of the insect can be tolerated in most crops.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that employs a variety of tactics including insecticides will be essential to managing fall armyworm in the longterm. Biological control, host-plant resistance and variations in production practices have been used successfully in other parts of the world and can become part of the fall armyworm management toolbox here in Australia.

Insecticide resistance management will be an important element of any IPM program. Fall armyworm also has a history of developing resistance and cross-resistance to several classes of insecticides.

3 DPIRD’S fall armyworm project manager and senior research scientist Helen Spafford and biosecurity officer Tracey Vinnicombe prepare to deploy a fall armyworm pheromone trap in the Kimberley region.

Fall armyworm management has been a challenge worldwide. There is a lot we have to learn about where, when and how this new invasive insect will impact on our production systems.

Until we have an understanding of how fall armyworm behaves in Western Australia, it will be difficult to provide comprehensive management recommendations. DPIRD researchers are collaborating to help ensure industry has the best decision making tools and information available.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Dr Helen Spafford on (08) 9166 4074, email helen.spafford@agric.wa.gov.au, or go to agric.wa.gov.au/plant-biosecurity/fallarmyworm-western-australia.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

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3 QFLY is the most important economic pest of Australia’s horticultural industries.

Queensland fruit fly

IMAGE © Pia Scanlon, DPIRD

eradication program underway in Perth

T

he Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been responding to a Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) outbreak within the Perth metropolitan area since March 2020.

A significant number of male Qfly were detected in the Perth suburb of Dalkeith through DPIRD’s permanent Qfly trapping grid. DPIRD responded quickly with the installation of supplementary lure trapping, which detected more male Qfly in nearby Claremont and Nedlands.

DPIRD immediately instigated an eradication program aligned with the Code of Practice for Management of Queensland Fruit Fly. This included establishing a Quarantine Area over all of Dalkeith and parts of Claremont and Nedlands, and undertaking surveillance and baiting activities within the Outbreak Zone (200m from Qfly detections).

DPIRD Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer Sonya Broughton said DPIRD was well placed to respond to the incursions, having achieved eradication of Qfly from WA on seven separate occasions since 1989.

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“Qfly is the most important economic pest of Australia’s horticultural industries, attacking both fruit and some fruiting vegetables. Freedom from Qfly allows WA to meet national and international requirements for market access of host produce,” Dr Broughton said.

“If eradication is not successful, WA will lose access to those markets which recognise that WA is free from Qfly, including avocados to Japan and strawberries to Thailand.”

Dr Broughton said at the very minimum the export protocols which are currently all based on east-west distribution in Australia (no Qfly in the west, no Mediterranean fruit fly in the east) would need to be renegotiated. This would be a lengthy process that would impact on current market access and protocols currently under negotiation’.

“The price competitiveness of WA produce would also be weakened as produce imported from interstate would no longer require treatment for Qfly, and WA produce would still be subject to treatment for Medfly on produce shipped interstate.”

Dr Broughton said in the early stages of the program Qfly detections were increasing every day, which indicated a

breeding population, but early baiting of street trees had an immediate effect by reducing detection numbers.

“However, the eradication program was presented with an early challenge to contact approximately 2700 properties in the Outbreak Zone without door knocking, due to the CVOID-19 Pandemic,” she said.

“Contact with residents is essential to arranging access to all properties within the Outbreak Zone to identify host plants and conduct larvae searches in Qfly host fruit*, and to commence the application of spots of bait (using Naturalure®) on Qfly host trees, and shade trees when no hosts are present.”

Standard Operating Procedures were developed based on national and health government advice to allow door knocking to commence, due to a poor response to contact cards being left in mailboxes.

DPIRD also introduced a community awareness campaign to encourage residents to make contact about property access, as well as compliance with the Quarantine Area restrictions on moving and disposing of Qfly host fruit*.

“As of 19 May 2020, DPIRD has been able to make contact with owner/ occupiers of 97% of properties in the Outbreak Area, and have commenced baiting on 53% of properties,” Dr Broughton said.

YOUR PRODUCTION

“This has been a significant achievement given the number of properties in the Outbreak Zone has increased to almost 2700, due to further detections.”

Ordinarily, under the Quarantine Area regulations, residents are only required to regularly remove ripening fruit — unripe fruit can be left on trees and plants.

As of 13 May 2020, the Outbreak Zone is approximately 339 hectares and the Quarantine Area approximately 1,160 hectares.

Properties opting for no visits will also be required to host a Bio trap for eight weeks, which attracts and kills both male and female Qfly.

Dr Broughton said there was a still a lot of work ahead, with Qfly continuing to be caught every day, although numbers are now lower compared to the beginning of the campaign.

Dr Broughton said it was encouraging that the majority of residents were supporting the eradication effort and cooperating with field personnel.

“We are still facing the challenges of resident concerns about social distancing, and also reluctance to throw away Qfly host fruit*, particularly if residents are opting to rely on their garden produce to reduce supermarket visits,” Dr Broughton said.

“These concerns have been a priority since the start of the eradication program, and we have therefore put effort into creating an eradication program that can cater for everyone’s needs — the health and safety of both residents and DPIRD personnel, while at the same maximising the success of DPIRD’s activities in once again eradicating Qfly from WA.” This has meant developing new strategies not used in previous eradication programs, including providing residents with the option to have all their Qfly host fruit* removed, regardless of ripeness, as an alternative to weekly property visits to conduct baiting activities.

The program has also received great support from local government, industry and businesses.

“There are additional activities that are also playing an important role in preventing spread and further breeding, to ensure eradication.

“This includes regular inspections of extra Qfly supplementary lure traps installed near the Canning Vale Markets (dating from previous Qfly responses), where imported and exported produce transition as part of the supply chain.

“Additionally, all DPIRD Qfly permanent lure traps in the Suspension Zone (15km radius from Qfly detection points in Dalkeith) are being inspected once per week, and mass trapping has been introduced for hotspot areas in the Outbreak Zone to suppress fly numbers.

Mass trapping is a supplementary measure involving the placement of 50 Bio lure traps per hectare.

Dr Broughton said another challenge to the program has been green waste verge collections, with branches laden with fruit being left out for collection, and some being inadvertently transported out of the Quarantine Area.

“To address this, we have delivered information to all residents advising that green waste must be stripped of fruit, and additional Qfly lure traps have been installed at sites that are the end points for green waste collected in the Outbreak Zone. This means that any spread of Qfly to these sites should be detected.”

Dr Broughton said it was important to note there have been no Qfly detections in any commercial fruit or vegetable production areas within WA, and therefore to date no impact on interstate market access.

Area Freedom for Qfly has been suspended within the 15km Suspension Area, meaning commercial Qfly host fruit* grown within this area cannot be exported from the area without treatment or other approved protocol.

However, WA’s Area Freedom from Qfly remains in place for the remainder of WA. MORE INFORMATION Visit agric.wa.gov.au/qflyupdate for more information on the eradication program, a map of the Quarantine Area and Outbreak Zone, and the Quarantine Area Notice. *Fruit meaning any host of Qfly, including some fruiting vegetables, as listed in the Quarantine Area Notice

All DPIRD Qfly permanent lure traps in the Suspension Zone are being inspected once per week.

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3 SYMPTOMS of TSWV on tomatoes — purpling and ringspots.

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Tomato spotted wilt virus affecting tomato fruit 2

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BY DR CRAIG WEBSTER DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, DPIRD

omato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is a serious disease of many vegetables including tomato, capsicum and chilli but many other vegetables and weeds can also be infected (over 900 hosts are known).

3 ADULT western flower thrips feeding on bean leaves have caused the mottled effect.

These include common weeds like nightshade and cape weed, which often don’t show very strong symptoms.

These plants provide a local source of the virus that allow it to spread into nearby crops. Symptoms of the virus vary but include necrosis, purpling and ringspots on the fruit and new leaves of infected plants. The ringspots are the

most common symptom in capsicum and chilli and are seen on the fruit and leaves. These symptoms impact on fruit marketability and can lead to losses of 100%, especially when young plants are infected before fruiting. In tomatoes, ringspots are only seen on fruit and symptoms on leaves but may be absent in resistant varieties.

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The virus is spread by thrips which, apart from spreading the virus, also directly cause damage to plants they feed and lay eggs on. Many species of thrips can spread the virus but in Western Australia, the main ones are the western flower thrips (WFT), tomato thrips and onion thrips. The rate that they spread the virus is different for each species so it is important to know which ones are present. Others, such as the plague thrips, are not known to be able to spread the virus. Adult and larvae thrips are usually found inside flowers or on the underside of leaves and cause silvery flecked scars with small black faecal spots. Thrips cannot be identified by eye and require specialists to identify the species.

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3 SYMPTOMS of TSWV on tomatoes — yellow ringspots and irregular ripening.

Thrips larvae are small and creamy yellow.

Effective control measures

• Control source reservoirs, such as weeds and alternative crops. Often chilli plants or weeds display few symptoms but act as good sources for thrips to breed on and acquire the virus before spreading to capsicum and tomatoes

• Use care when spraying weeds with herbicide — insects can migrate off dying weeds into crops. You may want to treat weeds with insecticides at the same time to prevent this • Inspect crops and remove plants with symptoms when seen. These can be treated with insecticide to prevent the insects moving the virus, then buried or burned • Check seedlings are free from thrips or symptoms when planting, or use seeds instead as the virus is not seed borne 3

3 1: Signs of thrips feeding including silvery scars with black spots on underside of capsicum leaves. Thrips larvae are small and creamy yellow.

2: Symptoms of TSWV on chilli — irregular ripening, ringspots.

3: Symptoms of TSWV on capsicum leaf — ringspots and yellowing caused by the virus.

For thrips to spread the virus they have to hatch on an infected plant. Older thrips cannot acquire the virus. Once they feed on an infected plant they incubate the virus for about five days as the virus moves through the thrips body before it can transmit. Once infected with the virus the thrips remain infectious for the rest of their life and can spread the virus to many plants.

Temperature affects the rate at which they develop. Only actively feeding larvae and adults can be killed by insecticides, so several treatments may be needed to kill all stages of thrips as they develop. Many populations of western flower thrips have become resistant to many insecticides, so it is important to rotate chemistries.

• Leave a fallow break between crops and avoid sowing crops close together to prevent TSWV and thrips moving from older to younger crops • Use yellow or blue sticky traps to monitor for thrips in crops — especially when plants are flowering and are most attractive to thrips • Take action to control thrips numbers before they become established — especially before

flowering. When they enter flowers they are hard to reach as they remain hidden

• Insect proof netting on entrances (0.192mm size) can prevent thrips movement into greenhouses • When spraying use small droplets (<100 microns) as this is more effective — use water sensitive paper to monitor droplet size • Spray in the early morning or late afternoon as leaves will remain wet for longer and provide longer exposure to the thrips • Don’t mix insecticides — the chemicals may be dangerous or deactivate each other. It will also encourage resistance to develop • Insecticides only work when insects are actively feeding (larvae or adults) but not when pupae are present. Spraying sequentially to kill all cycles is effective but depends on temperature • With daytime average temperatures of 10–20°C, sprays should be six days apart, when daytime average temperatures are 20–30°C, sprays should be 3–5 days apart.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Craig Webster, on 0499 997 563 or email craig.webster@dpird.wa.gov.au or go to https://ausveg.com.au/infoveg/infovegsearch/management-of-thrips-and-tomatospotted-wilt-virus/ This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and contributions from the Australian Government with co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries; Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources; the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources;

Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; and the University of Tasmania. It is supported by a second smaller project led by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and similarly funded by Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and contributions from the Australian Government and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

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w e N

dual-action coating

thwarts bacteria from cross-contaminating fresh produce 14

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3 VEGETABLES and fruits can sometimes get contaminated by microorganisms that can cause illnesses.

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3 THE coating’s water-repelling property can help food-contact surfaces retain their germicidal action much longer.

Dual-function coating to both repel and kill bacteria.

BY VANDANA SURESH SENIOR SCIENCE WRITER, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

O

ver the course of their journey from the open fields to the produce displays at grocery stores, fresh vegetables and fruits can sometimes get contaminated by microorganisms. These items can then spoil other produce, spreading the contamination further and increasing the number of food items that can cause illnesses.

Foodborne illnesses can be caused by a whole swarm of pathogens that include multiple strains of viruses and bacteria. To remedy any infection after harvest, fresh produce is generally washed and then sanitized in powerful antimicrobials, like hydrogen peroxide or acetic acid.

prevent indirect transmission ranging from antimicrobial surface coatings to antifouling polymer surfaces that act like springs to push bacteria away.

However, the researchers said for a variety of reasons, these approaches, although efficient at first, can lose their effects over time.

To overcome the obstacles posed by the current technologies, Akbulut and his team proceeded to create an antimicrobial surface coating that is also extremely hydrophobic.

To prevent cross-contamination between fresh produce, researchers at Texas A&M University have created a coating that can be applied to food-contact surfaces, like conveyor belts, rollers and collection buckets.

In addition to being germicidal, the researchers have designed their coating to be extremely water-repellent. They said without water, bacteria can’t stick or multiply on surfaces, thereby drastically curbing contamination from one produce item to another.

“Consuming contaminated raw foods causes hundreds of people to get sick annually, and so food contamination is not only a huge health concern but is also a significant economic burden,” said Dr Mustafa Akbulut, Associate Professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering.

“In our study, we show that our new dual-function coating — one that can both repel and kill bacteria — can greatly mitigate bacterial spread, averting cross-contamination” (see Figure 1).

The results of their study are in the February issue of the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

FIGURE 1 SCHEMATIC SHOWING DR AKBULUT’S DUAL-FUNCTION COATING THAT IS BOTH SUPERHYDROPHOBIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL Source: Texas A&M Engineering

However, bacteria can still escape unscathed if they manage to hide in hard-to-reach places on the skins of fruits and vegetables. Also, if the number of bacteria is large enough, they can form protective sheaths, called biofilms, that further protect them from the action of sanitisers.

Contaminated produce items can spread the pathogens either directly, by touching other food items, or indirectly, via food-contact surfaces.

Currently, there are several ways to

They noted the coating’s waterrepelling property can help food-contact surfaces retain their germicidal action much longer.

“Most bacteria can only survive in an aqueous environment,” said Akbulut.

“If surfaces are superhydrophobic, then water, and along with it most of the bacteria will be repelled away. With fewer bacteria around, less germicides are used up, increasing the overall lifetime of the coating.”

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3 FRESH produce is generally washed and then sanitized in powerful antimicrobials, like hydrogen peroxide or acetic acid.

To make their dual-function coating, Akbulut and his team started with an aluminium sheet, a metal commonly used in the food industry for contact surfaces. Onto the surface of the metal, they chemically attached a thin layer of a compound called silica using high heat.

Then, with this layer as a substrate, they added a mixture of silica and a naturally occurring germicidal protein found in tears and egg white called lysozyme.

When their superhydrophobic, lysozyme-infused coating was finetuned and ready, the researchers tested if it was effective at curbing the growth of two strains of disease-causing bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria innocua. Upon examination, they found that the number of bacteria on these surfaces was 99.99% lesser than that on bare surfaces.

Together, the silica-aluminium layer bound to the silica-lysozyme layer made a coating that had a rough texture when viewed at microscopic scales. The researchers noted that this submicroscopic roughness, or the tiny bumps and crevices on the coating, is key to superhydrophobicity.

MORE INFORMATION Despite the high smart surfaces that can Other contributors to the efficacy of their research include Michael coating in preventing avert any kind of pathogen from Bae and Dr Ethan A. attaching and multiplying,” Scholar bacterial spread, from the Texas A&M Department of Chemical the researchers said said Akbulut.

Engineering; Jeremy Zheng that more investigation and Beril Ulugun from the Texas is needed to determine A&M Department of Biomedical Engineering; Dr Li Hao from Zhongkai if the coating works equally University of Agriculture and Engineering, well for mitigating viral crossChina; Dr Thomas Matthew Taylor, Dr Luis contamination.

Cisneros-Zevallos and Yagmur Yegin from

“In general, if you increase roughness, the hydrophobicity of a material increases, but there is a limit,” said Shuhao Liu, a graduate student in the College of Engineering and the primary author of the study.

“If the coating is too rough, bacteria can once again hide behind crevices and contaminate. So, we tweaked the proportion of silica and lysozyme so that the roughness yielded the best possible hydrophobicity without compromising the coating’s overall function.”

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from attaching and multiplying,” said Akbulut.

“In this regard, we have developed surface coatings that can prevent bacteria from collecting on surfaces, which is one of the major reasons for cross-contamination. We are now working with researchers in agriculture to take our invention from bench to practice.”

“Our goal is to create

Although longer-lasting than other coatings, they noted that their coating too would need to be reapplied after a certain amount of use. Thus, as a next step, Akbulut and his team are working on developing more permanent, dual functionality coatings.

“Our goal is to create smart surfaces that can avert any kind of pathogen

the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Food Science; and Dr Jun Kyun Oh from Dankook University, Republic of Korea.

This work is supported by the Food Manufacturing Technologies Program and the United States Department of Agriculture.

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What do weeds cost Australian vegetable growers?

BY GRAHAM MARSHALL, MICHAEL COLEMAN AND PAUL KRISTIANSEN UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND

I

n 2019, the University of New England completed a case study assessment of the farm-level impacts of weeds in vegetable production, as part of Hort Innovationfunded project VG15070.

The economic impact of weeds was assessed on 19 vegetable farms.

The economic impact of weeds was assessed on 19 vegetable farms in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. Each case focused on a specific vegetable crop, and four organic farms were included in the case studies. The direct costs of managing weeds and their estimated economic impact on crop yield and quality were included in the evaluation.

Across the 19 farms, the weighted average reduction in operating profit due to weeds was $2,090 per hectare, comprising $1,403 per hectare net costs added due to weeds, and $687 per hectare revenue lost due to weeds.

3 BIOFUMIGANT cover cropping, Tasmania.

The reduction in operating profit due to weeds on organic farms was approximately six times higher than in conventional (herbicide-focused) management systems.

The per-hectare impact of adopting the innovative weed control practices on whole farm operating profit ranged from -$5,586 to $152,199. The impact was negative (reduced profit) in six of the evaluations, but positive (increased profit) for the other ten.

A range of specific innovative weed control practices were also evaluated in 16 cases, including cover cropping and biofumigation, diligent hand weeding to reduce the weed seed bank over time, thermal weed control, stale seed beds, and inter-row tillage.

In many cases where the impact was negative, a range of benefits outside of weed control were noted but could not be valued. The economic impact of these practices might be positive for the farm overall, if all benefits could be accounted for.

MORE INFORMATION Please visit www.une.edu.au/iwmvegetables and scroll down to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Publicationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to download the full report by Marshall et al.

VG15070 Project Leader: Associate Professor Paul Kristiansen, University of New England, paul.kristiansen@une.edu.au

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

For more information on the fund and strategic levy investment visit horticulture.com.au

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Mixed species cover crops stand out in Tassie trial

BY DIMI KYRIAKOU AND CARL LARSEN RMCG

T

he Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project works with growers nationally to put soil management and plant health research into practice.

This article provides an update on a successful trial conducted on the east coast, which focused on the use of mixed species cover crops in Tasmania.

Soil Wealth ICP Phase 2 (VG16078) is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund.

Since May 2019, Yuri Wolfert and his family have hosted a cover crop demonstration site in Kindred, northwest Tasmania, supported by Soil First Tasmania, Landcare Tasmania and followed by the team from Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection.

The trial aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of using mixed species cover crops in cropping rotations and find out if they could improve growing conditions and the profitability for potato crops in particular, and potentially other vegetable crops.

The learnings from this trial can also be analysed and applied to vegetable growing operations in Western Australia.

The Kindred trial was unique as it consisted of one field with seven large plots for different cover crop mixes.

These included: • Plot 1: Lupins and grass • Plot 2: Lupins and oats • Plot 3: Lupins, grass and phacelia

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• Plot 4: Lupins, grass, phacelia, barely and tic beans • Plot 5: Lupins, grass and tic beans • Plot 6: Lupins, grass and barley • Plot 7: Lupins and barley After seeing other cover crop trials in the local area, Yuri decided to host this trial to fast track his initial thoughts for using cover crops on-farm.

The most diverse mixture of species were the best performing plots in the trial.

“We wanted to improve harvestability and the general soil health for all of our crops because there are flow-on effects if you treat the paddock right,” he explained.

“Soil First Tasmania got the ball rolling and it meant we could do the trial in one field instead of many years of trials.

It was set out fairly well with most plots being one hectare, which allowed for any variation in the field to be evened out and better comparisons within each plot.”

The cover crops were sown in May 2019, while laboratory soil testing and a field day was undertaken in August.

The cover crops were incorporated (mostly mulched) in October before the potatoes were planted.

3 AN example of cover crop mix used in the trial.

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“I’ve used more species in my next cover crop mix to try to achieve a more balanced nutrient base. I will be working in a more challenging paddock from a soil structure perspective, which has made me put other deeper rooting plants in the mix,” he said.

“I’m also going to do a small trial before planting Brussels sprouts in a poorer patch of paddock and use a very low amount of nitrogen fixing plants and a lot of deep and fibrous rooting plants, but no brassicas.”

Yuri is happy to host future trials, and has some advice for other growers who may be interested in starting their own cover crop trial.

“Find out what you want to achieve in terms of nutrient base and soil structure and work back from that to decide what cover crop species are going to achieve those goals for you,” he said.

“If you can find a way to improve your lifestyle and your bottom line as well, that’s a bonus.”

MORE INFORMATION To find out more on this trial visit soilwealth.com.au/resources/case-studies/ cover-crops-before-potatoes-trial-updatekindred-tasmania/ or facebook.com/ soilfirsttasmania/.

3 YURI Wolfert’s farm in Tasmania recently hosted a mixed species cover crop trial, with promising results.

INSET: Tasmanian grower Yuri Wolfert.

For more information, please contact project leaders Dr Gordon Rogers on (02) 8627 1040 or email gordon@ahr.com.au and Dr AnneMaree Boland on (03) 9882 2670 or email anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au.

The cover crops with the most diverse mixture of species were the best performing plots in the trial. In particular, plot 3 (lupin, grass and phacelia) and plot 4 (lupin, grass, phacelia, barley and tic beans) produced the best soil that Yuri has seen on his property.

“Our observations from early on, before groundwork, was that the mixed crop underneath the ground was drier than our previous mixes, which meant that we could get onto our soil earlier. The soil was drier, which may have been our dry spring, but it was also better at holding water, which was a win-win.”

This cover crop trial was partly funded by Landcare Tasmania and the Tasmanian Landcare Fund.

“The holding water in the terminated biomass improved, and at the same time the workability of the ground improved. We spent less money on fertiliser, and a lot less time in the paddock for ground preparation — that was an added benefit,” he said.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing however, particularly when the mulcher broke due to the amount of biomass in the field. Despite this minor setback, Yuri was happy with the performance of the trial and has since applied the learnings from this trial and others to help tailor different cover crop mixes to each crop on the farm.

Key findings

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

Project Number: VG16078 For more information on the fund and strategic levy investment visit horticulture.com.au

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Honey bees are a key pollinator on orchards.

Survey of orchadists reveals awareness of the value of pollination is high

BY WENDY WILKINS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT MANAGER, SWCC

A

survey of twenty orchardists in the South West Natural Resource Management Region found that only 5% of those surveyed described their understanding of pollination of their crop as “poor” with threequarters saying they encourage pollinators such as insects and birds onto their properties, mainly by maintaining “weeds” in their inter-rows.

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The survey is part of a five-year project being undertaken by the South West Catchments Council (SWCC) that works with farmers to improve the pollination services provided by beneficial insects and other pollinators through revegetation programs that enhance food availability for pollinators.

Revegetation is designed to improve pollination services and biodiversity, ensuring the farm is more resilient and can better withstand the impacts of climate change.

SWCC Project Manager, Wendy Wilkins, who is working with three orchardists — two in Balingup and one in Winnejup — said the survey was designed to gauge producers’ current knowledge and attitudes to pollination and integrated

3 HOVERFLIES and flies are important pollinators in orchards.

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pest management, remnant vegetation and revegetation and farm resilience.

The survey will be undertaken again at the end of the project to see if knowledge and attitudes have changed.

“The majority of respondents believe the key pollinator for avocados is the honeybee, although hoverflies and flies also appear to be considered important,” Ms Wilkins said.

The large majority surveyed (80%) believe the changing climate is affecting how they farm, citing reduced rainfall, increased temperatures and hail affecting productivity. The main strategies identified to deal with these changes related to accessing more water sources and water conservation.

In fact, 90% of respondents have implemented water conservation

70% of respondents practice Integrated Pest Management.

3 THE survey revealed only 10% of respondents bring honeybee hives into their orchards when their orchards are flowering for pollination service.

“Nevertheless, only 10% of the respondents bring honeybee hives into their orchards when their orchards are flowering for pollination services,” she said.

Around 70% of orchardists surveyed also practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with the most common practice being assessing the number of pests prior to spraying and when numbers reach critical levels using more selective sprays or predatory insects.

3 REMNANT vegetation provides habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Almost 75% of respondents believe that remnant vegetation and vegetation is beneficial to production, with not one person saying it was detrimental.

The main benefit listed was habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects followed by greater biodiversity and reduced wind and water erosion. The main risks identified for vegetation were fire and as habitat for pest animals.

strategies, particularly using mulch and soil moisture instruments. The majority have also diversified their income streams to spread their risk.

“I’m very grateful to those who undertook this survey. Growers were incredibly generous with their time,” Ms Wilkins said.

“It’s heartening to know that producers are interested in our work and I look forward to sharing our findings from the project with them,” she concluded.

MORE INFORMATION To find out more about the project you can go to SWCC’s website at https://swccnrm. org.au/our-work/farming/pollination-andfarm-resilience/ Contact Wendy Wilkins, Project Manager, 0448 939 307.

This project is supported by the South West Catchments Council with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

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Sanitation

in the food industry U

BY PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION

Checklist

• Always use food grade cleaning and sanitation products • Seek technical advice from reliable chemical supply companies on cleaning and sanitation products and conditions of use

nder the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, food businesses must maintain clean and sanitised facilities and food contact surfaces. This is especially important for ensuring food safety, and meeting consumer expectations at a time when there are concerns about food safety and the transmission of the virus responsible for COVID-19 in the workplace.

• Develop, document, validate, and monitor the efficiency of your cleaning and sanitation program • In the event of supply restrictions, always try and substitute like with like and update your food safety program documentation.

Know your sanitiser and ensure it is prepared and used as recommended.

3 HUMAN coronaviruses are efficiently inactivated by surface disinfection — 62–71% ethanol.

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TABLE 1 SANITISERS TYPICALLY USED IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Cleaning and sanitation The achievement of hygienic conditions in the production, handling, and processing of food is based on the development, documentation, application, and validation of effective cleaning and sanitation programs.

These programs should cover food processing equipment and utensils, the food processing environment, transport vehicles, and storage facilities.

A wide selection of food-grade detergents and sanitisers are in use

by Australian and New Zealand food businesses. Food-grade implies that a chemical is safe for food contact surfaces and compels the food business to use these substances in a manner that will not contaminate food.

When documenting a cleaning and sanitation program it is important to retain material safety data sheets (MSDS) which outline recommended usage, dilution rates, and handling precautions for all cleaning and sanitation products.

What sanitisers are approved for food businesses?

Unfortunately, there are no lists of approved sanitisers for the food industry in Australia and New Zealand. Food businesses should contact trustworthy suppliers of cleaning products and seek technical advice on the types of foodgrade cleaning and sanitation products appropriate for their operations. See Table 1 for examples of sanitisers typically used in the food industry.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency publishes a list of sanitisers that meet their criteria for use against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Sanitisers on the list have either been effective against harder-to-kill viruses or have demonstrated efficacy against other human coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2. This includes sodium hypochlorite (chlorine-based sanitisers, quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxyacetic acid which when used at recommended concentrations and contact times are considered effective against coronaviruses.

Human coronaviruses such as the SARS coronavirus, MERS coronavirus or other human coronaviruses (HCoV) are efficiently inactivated by surface disinfection e.g. 62–71% ethanol, 0.1%

Class

Form

Concentration

Notes

Chlorinebased sanitisers

Sodium hypochlorite (12%) or household bleach (4%)

100ppm chlorine generally recommended in cold water for 10–30 seconds

• Commonly used chemical sanitiser — forms hypochlorous acid (HClO) when added to water • Effective against a wide range of organisms • Inexpensive • Does not handle organic matter

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QATS)

Benzalkonium chloride, Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides, Dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, etc.

150–200ppm

• Efficient and effective sanitiser • Odourless • Noncorrosive • Expensive

Organic acids

Peracetic acid or peroxyacetic acid

100–250ppm

• Effective against a broad spectrum of organisms • Effective against biofilms • Fast-acting • pH tolerant • Strong odour • Expensive

sodium hypochlorite. Or 0.5% hydrogen peroxide within 60 seconds.

There is no evidence to suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is any more resistant to sanitisers.

Supplies of cleaning and sanitation chemicals Increased demand has seen the challenge for food packers and processors obtaining regular supplies of sanitisers. If you need to change suppliers or substitute chemicals, check the material safety data sheets for the active ingredients and dosage rates.

Going to the hardware store for pool chlorine/stabilised chlorine (chlorinated cyanurates) is not acceptable — pool or spa chlorine is not food grade, and often contains cyanuric acid. Likewise, sanitisers recommended for use on floors and toilets are generally not suitable for food contact surfaces.

Try and substitute like with like when changing sanitisers and update your Food safety program/Cleaning and sanitation pre-requisite program to reflect the new compounds being used.

Alternative sanitisers

If you propose using alternative chemicals, their effectiveness will require validation and verification (plus documentation of concentration, pH, temperature, and contact time).

Alternative sanitisers such as vinegar, lemon juice, and methylated spirits are not recommended.

Considerations when using sanitisers Know your sanitiser and ensure it is prepared and used as recommended.

This includes: • Using the correct dilution rate • Ensuring the recommended contact time on the surface of equipment • Check if there are restrictions regarding its use on particular surfaces such as stainless steel, and • Determine if rinsing is necessary after application • Always check the concentrated sanitiser is within its recommended use-by-date.

MORE INFORMATION For more information go to the PMA Australia-New Zealand Ltd website at: www.pma.com/global-pma/anz

Hot water and steam are effective sanitisers in the food industry and yield no residues. Their use is influenced by cost, practicality, and occupational health considerations.

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Applied fruit drop investigations in avocado

BY DECLAN MCCAULEY RESEARCH OFFICER, DPIRD

I

t has been suggested avocado yields could reach 32.5 tonnes per hectare but are currently not achieving this limit (Whiley, 2013).

Factors limiting yield include pollination issues, insufficient disease control, rootstock choices, and management relating to pollination and fruit retention. Fruit retention in particular is a serious problem. Avocado trees regularly set many fertilised fruits which then begin to abscise for unknown, biologically complex reasons (Gün et al., 2008) (Sawicki et al., 2015).

In order to investigate fruit retention a method was chosen whereby different chemicals were trialled to attempt to reduce fruit drop.

Funding for these trials came from Hort Innovation as part of AV17006 Avocado capacity building WA. This work was done in conjunction with CSIRO who are investigating the underlying mechanisms of fruit drop.

Three chemicals were used Glycine betaine (GB), Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and Maxcel®. GB is a compound that occurs naturally in plants and is naturally accrued to provide stress

protecting effects. Trials with GB in South Africa have been promising so it was decided to trial GB in our experiment to test its effectiveness on fruit retention (Blakey, 2015). The product used in the South African trials that contains GB is called Greenstim®. Both Greenstim® and purer lab grade GB were used in our experiments. AVG is a well-known ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor and since ethylene has been suggested as a regulator of fruit drop (Sawicki et al., 2015) it could have an application for avocados. Maxcel® is a synthetic cytokinin normally used in the apple industry to induce fruit drop. Cytokinins are plant hormones with roles in regulating cell growth and the development of various organs in the plant, such as the roots.

They also control leaf and flower drop (Raines et al., 2016).

In order to evaluate these chemicals two approaches were taken. One approach was to apply GB by spray to trees under induced drought stress. The drought stress was induced to try and force some fruits to drop. As defoliation is known to cause massive fruit drop, the other approach was to defoliate some trees and dip individual fruits with either AVG, GB or Maxcel®.

Fruit retention is a serious problem.

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The second drought trial was started almost as soon as the first drought trial finished. Considerably more trees were chosen with six trees per treatment (28 trees total). The treatments started on the 5th of February were as follows: • Drought control: six trees with 20 tagged fruit • Drought plus GB: six trees with 20 tagged fruit, spray applied on the 5th and again seven days later • Drought plus Greenstim®: six trees with 20 tagged fruit, spray applied on the 5th and again seven days later.

Greenstim® was included here to compare it to the purer lab grade GB. Both GB and the Greenstim® were applied at 5g L-1 with the same amount of adjuvant as the first trial. The sprinklers were reconnected after one week had passed.

3 DEMONSTRATION of how the fruits were dipped.

For the defoliation approach with AVG, Maxcel®, and GB six ‘Hass’ and ‘Zutano’ trees growing in a Mediterranean climate in South West Western Australia were selected for defoliation. The trees were completely defoliated of leaves and shoots on the 21st of January. On the 22nd of January 40 ‘golfball’ sized fruits on each tree were tagged as: • 10 fruits tagged as the untreated control • 10 fruits tagged as the GB treatment (13.5g L-1) • 10 fruits tagged as the Maxcel® treatment (1980ppm) • 10 fruits tagged as the AVG treatment (200ppm).

On the 22nd of January the fruit were dipped up to the centre of the fruit pedicel. The fruits were dipped a second time on the 29th of January. The fruits were checked to see if they had abscised a total of four times on the 29th of January, 31st of January, 3rd of February and the 5th of February. Fruits were checked by gently ’wobbling’ each fruit in the hand for a few seconds to confirm if the fruit was going to abscise or not.

Two approaches were taken for the drought stress trial which was done at the same location as the defoliation trial. The first drought trial was started on 15th of January with disconnection of the sprinklers and the selection of trees and fruits as follows: • Control trees (normally irrigated): four trees with 20 fruits tagged • Drought trees: five trees with 20 fruit tagged

• Drought plus GB trees: five trees with 20 fruits tagged, GB was applied on the 16th of January.

As per the first trial 20 fruit were tagged on each tree.

Instead of measuring the fruit diameter they were instead only counted for presence absence.

The GB was applied with a packpack sprayer at a rate of 5g L-1 on the 16th of January. A wetting agent was mixed in at 0.6g L-1 with the GB to maximise penetration into the plant. The spray was applied to the point of runoff. The sprinklers were reconnected on the two weeks after the sprinklers had been disconnected as the trees were severely stressed. Fruit diameters were measured four times; on the 15th of January, the 21st of January, the 29th of January, and the 5th of February.

Fruit counts were done once a week on the 5th, 12th, 19th, 28th of February and the 4th of March. All data was analysed with a chi-squared statistical analysis to find significance.

Results and discussion The drought stress trial showed treatments of ‘drought’ and ‘drought plus GB’ cause a significant reduction of fruit on avocado trees in comparison to

The diameter of the tagged fruit were measured with digital calliper. The abscission of a fruit was noted at each of the four measurement times.

**

100.0 90.0

FRUIT PROPORTION REMAINING (%)

Method

X

*

80.0

X

X

70.0 60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 10 Jan

Control Drought Drought plus GB

15 Jan

20 Jan

* 25 Jan

30 Jan

4 Feb

* 9 Feb

14 Feb

19 Feb

24 Feb

TIME FIGURE 1 THE PROPORTION OF FRUIT RETAINED OVER TIME OF THE FIRST TRIAL OF TREES SUBJECTED TO DROUGHT AND TREATED WITH GB WITH STANDARD ERRORS SHOWN The X, *, and ** indicate treatments that are significantly different to other treatments, but only at the time point it is marked at.

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25

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 30 Jan

X

FRUIT PROPORTION REMAINING (%)

FRUIT PROPORTION REMAINING (%)

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X

*

Greenstim® GB Drought (Control)

9 Feb

19 Feb

TIME

29 Feb

10 Mar

100 90 80 70 * 60 X 50 40 MaxCel® 30 AVG 20 Control GB 10 * 0 20 Jan 22 Jan 24 Jan 26 Jan 28 Jan 30 Jan 1 Feb 3 Feb 5 Feb 7 Feb

TIME

FIGURE 2 THE PROPORTION OF FRUIT RETAINED OVER TIME OF THE SECOND TRIAL OF TREES SUBJECTED TO DROUGHT AND SPRAYED WITH GB AND GREENSTIM® WITH ERROR BARS

FIGURE 3 THE PROPORTION OF FRUIT RETAINED OVER TIME IN THE DEFOLIATION TRIAL WITH ERROR BARS The X and * indicate treatments that are significantly different to other treatments.

The X and * indicate treatments that are significantly different to other treatments.

the control (Figure 1). At the end of the experiment the control retained 75% of fruit, while the drought retained only 3% and the drought and GB retained 7.1%. The control treatment exhibited a slight reduction in fruit number with 75% of fruit remaining by the end of the experiment, which is likely due to late summer fruit drop. The greatest drop happened after the 29th which was after the sprinklers had been reconnected and was probably due to the shock of being irrigated again. Or possibly the accumulated stress had finally become high enough to cause fruit drop even after the drought.

While both drought and drought plus GB decreased after the 29th there were significantly fewer drought fruits than the drought plus GB fruits.

The fruit diameter measurements (not shown) of the control consistently increased over the time period while the drought measurements reduced from an average diameter of 40mm on the 21st of January down to 34.2mm by the 5th of February. The drought plus GB treatment slightly increased from 40.8mm to 42.6mm by the 5th of February. By the 19th of February the surviving fruits of the drought and drought plus GB treatments had resumed growth with the control being 51.4mm, drought 46.8mm, and drought plus GB being 48.5mm. Higher fruit growth in the drought plus GB treatment compared to the drought treatment, and the slightly higher fruit retention of drought plus GB compared to drought may be attributed to the

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WA Grower WINTER 2020

protectant effects of the GB, even if fruit retention was much lower than the irrigated control.

The second GB trial showed that most fruits dropped after the 19th. Fruit drop was highest in the drought control and Greenstim® treatment (Figure 2). The GB treatment retained the most fruit at the end of the experiment (65.8%) while the drought retained 45.8% and the Greenstim® 44.2%. The overall level of fruit drop was less than in the first trial and is probably because the drought stress was applied for a shorter period of time. The GB did make a difference in this trial, perhaps applying it twice improved the response. Furthermore, because the stress was applied for a shorter period the plant may have had a better response to the GB. The Greenstim® did not reduce fruit drop compared to the drought control. While the Greenstim® does contain GB it may be that the lower purity, and hence lower effective concentration of GB, of this product as compared to the lab grade GB used meant the effective concentration was lower. Therefore GB was shown to be effective in reducing fruit drop in this situation.

The AVG and control treatments used on the fruits in the defoliated trees failed to show a significant difference over time (Figure 3).

Maxcel® showed a significant difference on the 3rd of February and GB showed a significant difference to the other treatments on the 31st of January and the 3rd of February. GB causing more fruit drop is unexpected and requires further investigation. Despite these

slight differences overall fruit drop in all treatments were very similar and were all very close to losing all fruit at the end of the experiment. We found the defoliation treatment to be harsh and was probably too powerful to have an effect. Defoliation itself is successfully used in plant studies to understand physiological mechanisms but perhaps for applied studies it is less useful or needs to be changed to partial defoliation (Pastore et al., 2013; Srisook et al., 2015).

An applied approach to investigate fruit drop with drought and defoliation showed that GB was able to reduce fruit drop in a manipulated drought stress situation. Defoliation was probably too powerful for the applied system used.

AVG did not show difference compared to the control, however this may be due to the effect of suppression by the defoliation system. Further trials with GB will be done.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge the considerable assistance of Dr Amnon Haberman from CSIRO. MORE INFORMATION Please contact Declan McCauley, email declan.mccauley@dpird.wa.gov.au, or go to https://dpird.wa.gov.au

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

TOOL TIME

TOOL

TIME

your

production WA Grower WINTER 2020

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TOOL TIME

Temperature loggers

BY SAM GRUBIŠA | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

TOOL

WHAT DOES IT DO

WHO WOULD USE IT

THE COST

MORE INFORMATION

COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS TEMPERATURE LOGGER

ASSISTS TO OPTIMISE THE MEASURING, MONITORING AND RECORDING OF TEMPERATURES DURING COLD CHAIN TRANSPORT

LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FRESH PRODUCE SUPPLIERS

CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY

WWW.TEMPMATE.COM WWW.FRIGGATECH.COM

WITH EXPORT MARKETS opening up and an international reputation for quality to uphold, taking control of supply chain transport issues is becoming a necessary evil. To help broaden your horizons on the gizmos and gadgets out there, here are two examples that have come across my desk in recent weeks!

Single use temperature logger

TEMPMATE S1

Simply activate the temperature logger, drop it in the box and check the status via intuitive LEDs whilst handling the shipment, during shipment or once the final destination has been reached.

• Economic single-use GDP conform temperature logger with automated PDF & CSV reports for smart logistics. EN12830 compliant • Tempmate® S1 temperature loggers were especially developed for monitoring temperature-sensitive products throughout the entire cold chain

Source: www.tempmate.com

Features • Preconfigured • 6-point validation certificate • Backup-log functionality • Anti-stop functionality • Up to 200 days recording time • Up to 2-year service life • No additional software required • LED status indicators — with NFC function

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WA Grower WINTER 2020

Specifications

• Digital sensors measure the temperature with high accuracy, together

with long battery life and intuitive LED indication of the status • Ideal for air-cargo (labelling per IATA´s dangerous goods regulations are not required for your tempmate® S1) • The automatically generated report indicates exactly if and when your set threshold has been breached.

Data Logger Type

Single-use temperature logger

Weight

15.2gm

Certifications

Compliant TO EN 12830 & according to FCC, CE, ROHS

Data storage capacity

Max 31.200 records

Data transfer

USB

Measurement range

-30°C TO +70°C (-22°F TO 158°F)

Accuracy

Typical accuracy ±0.2°C (0–60°C) ±0.5°C (OTHERS)

Resolution

0.1°C

Recording interval

10 minutes standard

Recording duration

200 days standard

Alarm configuration

Up to 6 thresholds programmable

Shelf life/battery

Min. 24 months / CR2450 button cell

Protection class

IPE67/NEMA 6

Dimensions

88/47/8mm (L/W/H)

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FRIGGA A90

New experience of temperature logger products loss with realtime monitoring

• USB logger + Realtime cloud • Keeping all the usage habits of USB data logger • Full cold chain visibility (location, temperature, track routes) via Frigga cloud

• Data 24/7 data control & analysis manage quality and control of your products in-transit • Real time alert via SMS and email.

• Improve transportation efficiency and reduce Source: www.friggatech.com

3 DEVICE monitoring

3 TEMPERATURE alarm monitor

Specifications Usage type

Single-use

Sensor

Internal Digital Temperature Sensor (NIST Traceability)

Memory capacity

28800 readings

Measurement range

-20ºC ~ 70ºC (-4ºF ~ 158ºF)

Accuracy

±0.5ºC/0.9ºF (-10ºC ~ 45ºC), ±1ºC (other)

Resolution

0.1ºC

Location type

LBS Base Station Positioning

Cellular communications

Global Quad-band GSM (850,900,1800,1900MHz), GPRS data

SIM card

Internal Embedded (Global Data Roaming)

In-use life

10/20/30/60 Days (based on monitor and reporting intervals)

Shelf life/battery

1 Year

Data logging interval

10 Min. (settable via platform)

Data reporting interval

10 Min. (10/20/30/60 Mins settable via platform)

Upload content

Temperature, Time, LBS Data, Battery Level

Protection class

IP67

Connector

USB 2.0

Dimensions

85/51.5/9.4mm (L/W/H)

Temperature loggers... helping to retain our quality reputation.

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TOOL TIME

A simple way to examine your soil structure

BY VO THE TRUYEN | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

TOOL

EXAMINING SOIL FERTILITY

WHAT DOES IT DO

EDUCATING GROWERS TO TEST SOIL STRUCTURE

WHO WOULD USE IT

ALL GROWERS

THE COST

FREE

MORE INFORMATION

TRUYEN.VO@VEGETABLESWA. COM.AU

FIGURE 1 SOIL PARTICLES TO FORM SOIL AGGREGATES AND THE ARRANGEMENT OF SOIL AGGREGATES TO FORM SOIL STRUCTURE

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Soil particles (sand, silt, clay, organic matter)

SOIL FERTILITY IS examined by three main things — soil structural, chemical and biological properties. With increasing cropping intensity, soils of vegetable farms are becoming more vulnerable to the threat of deterioration which make soils become unable to sustain good productivity. The problems are usually unseen below ground and difficult to assess properly, many fail to put them right.

This article outlines vegetable growers with basic knowledge of soil structure and a simple way to examine it before providing guidance on how a better soil structure can be achieved and then maintained in the next articles.

Soil structure is defined as the way the primary soil particles (sand, silt and clay) are combined and arranged with other solid soil components (organic matters, soil fauna) to form clumps or aggregates. The size, shape and arrangement of these soil solids and the spaces between them influences the soil’s capacity to retain and transmit air, water, organic and inorganic substances, and its ability to support root growth and development (Figure 1).

Good soil structure is vital for sustainable agriculture. It limits gaseous exchange rates, for instance the gaseous form of soil fumigants in the treated soil profile. In the field trial on tomatoes and capsicum, the measurement of the biocidal breakdown

Soil aggregate

product of Metham sodium in the case of applications via strickle irrigation was higher on the upper 15cm than at 25cm, and 15–20 times lower at the edge than in the middle of the growing bed1. These greatly reduce the efficacy of soil fumigation practice to kill soil borne pests and weeds.

The soil structure influences the movement and storage of water, soil temperature, respiration and development, nutrient cycling, resistance to structural degradation, and supports biological activity. For example, cracks between aggregates that are larger than 0.2mm can be seen. These pores will allow air movement, rooting and drainage.

Cracks smaller than this only hold water or fertigation liquid due to capillary force, they don’t drain2.

Soil structure

TOOL TIME

A simple way to examine your soil structure All that is needed is a spade, a penknife and careful observation. 25–30cm topsoil structure can be examined by simply digging out a ‘spit’ of soil then carefully observe against a pre-defined index. It is useful to compare different soils and land uses.

In vegetables farms the examination should be done within the growing beds. Topsoils should be examined when moist, preferably in the spring or early summer. This is when bright white roots are most obvious and probably at their greatest depth.

Simply push the spade into the surface soil around three sides of a square, then, on the final dig, remove the spit of soil and, keeping it on the spade gently lay it on the ground. Examine the soil looking at the roots and the structures.

Carefully probe the spit apart using a knife or your fingers and notice their shape, strength and development. It is also useful to bang the spit of heavy loamy clay soil on the ground and see how it breaks.

3 WELL-STRUCTURED soil with numerous and well branched roots.

TABLE 1 A STRUCTURAL INDEX Clay and loamy soils

Sandy soils

Poor

Plough layer is dense and consists of large clods; roots only in cracks; top 6cm has angular aggregates; dense below 6cm

Almost single-grain structures; little cohesion; collapsed top layer; compacted lower layer; surface capping very thin but very effective at stopping emergence of seedlings and infiltration of water

Example

Moderate

Plough layer has large, but porous, aggregates; top 7 to 8cm small porous blocks, denser below

Slight cohesion of particles; moderate aggregation; some collapse

Good

Plough layer is mainly porous crumbs with few dense aggregates

Entire plough layer is stable crumbs and few dense aggregates

Source: www.agricology.co.uk/resources/guide-better-soil-structure. Retrieved by 09/05/2020

1. Note compacted zones: During digging and by probing the pit sides with a knife look out for any hard or compacted areas.

2. Look at the cracks: Cracks larger than 0.2mm can be seen. These pores will allow air movement, rooting and drainage. Cracks smaller than this only hold water or fertigation liquid due to capillary force, they don’t drain.

3. Look at the roots: Examine the root depth and root forms. In a wellstructured soil, the roots will be numerous and well branched with lots of fine root hairs. If the root growth restricted or they are balling up, then there may be soil structural problem.

Management for enhancing soil structure Soil structure holds a vital, but often overlooked role in sustainable vegetable farming and the well-being of the environment. It can impact the vigour and yield of individual plants and also nutrient and water cycles. Basic knowledge and guidance on improving soil structure of the three components of soil fertility: the structural chemical, biological properties will be outlines in our next publication.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact Truyen Vo, Vietnamese Regional Development Officer, (08) 9486 7515 or 4. Look for earthworm holes: Earthworm email truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au

will only live in well aerated soils.

Their channels help drainage, aeration and rooting.

5. Look at the structures: Note the size and shape of the structural units.

Are they too fine and collapse on each other or are they too large and separated leaving spaces without root or any organic matter?

6. Look for evidence of cultivation: Look to identify the depth where previous cultivations/rotary hoeing have taken place and examine what effects these have had on the soil such as plough pans, crop residues.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

For more information on the fund and strategic levy investment visit horticulture.com.au

WA Grower WINTER 2020

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Virtual Classroom Training Courses Due to the current COVID-19 situation and the recent changes to working arrangements and travel restrictions for all Australians, Irrigation Australia has adapted to the challenging circumstances and we will now be offering Nationally Accredited training courses via a Virtual Video Conferencing Platform.

This means you can complete training whilst at work or in the comfort of your own home! We will be delivering the theory components via Virtual Video conferencing; as if we were physically in the classroom. Students will be required to have access to a computer or laptop fitted with a camera and microphone.

You will be able to interact with your trainer and other students on your screen and be guided through the assessments and activities. The trainers will demonstrate practical exercises and then you may be required to replicate the same activity in your home or work environment and record what you do with a video recording device (mobile phone) etc.

For some of our training courses, students will still be required to attend face-to-face training to carry out the relevant assessments to complete the final practical components of some competencies (dates yet to be determined following government advice).

Study for the new “Irrigation Trade” We will be offering some competencies for the new “Certificate III in Irrigation Technology AHC32419” (Trade Level) training course through this new platform.

Online Training Courses 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (AHC32419)* Certificate IV in Irrigation Management (AHC41119)* Irrigation Pumps & Systems | $750 Irrigation Efficiency | $795 Meter Validation & Installation* | $1,750 Introduction to Irrigation ‘Urban’ | $475 Introduction to Irrigation ‘Agriculture’ | $750 NEW - Principles of Irrigation (Online Only) | $99

On completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion

*Students will be required to attend face-to-face

training to complete the practical components of the course. Practical assessments will be held in each state at a future date.

To register your interest in any of the above courses call Geoff Harvey - National Training, Certification & Marketing Manager on 0418 888 876

UPCOMING TRAINING COURSE DATES www.irrigationaustralia.com.au/training

Irrigation Australia | Peak National Organisation Representing the Entire Irrigation Industry 11/58 Metroplex Avenue, Murarrie Qld 4172 | 1300 949 891 | info@irrigation.org.au | irrigationaustralia.com.au

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WA Grower WINTER 2020

YOUR INDUSTRY

your

industry Your industry WA Grower WINTER 2020

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YOUR INDUSTRY

Celebrating our

WA Food Heroes

BY BUY WEST EAT BEST

A

ll around Western Australia there are amazing stories of #WAFoodHeroes keeping the supply chain running through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

With producers and business responding to the rapidly changing demands of intra and interstate border closures, industry sector pauses and wavering consumer confidence, the past months have disrupted the normal rhythms of daily life.

The need to communicate to our wider community the myriad of pressures business and producers incur that are keeping the food supply chain running — the heroes who grow, harvest, craft, manufacture and transport our food and drink within WA has never been so important.

In response to discussions with Buy West Eat Best program members, research and evaluation of community sentiment, behaviour and lifestyle coupled with overseas trend indicators; in April Buy West Eat Best launched a series of social conversations led by member businesses that are adapting in response to COVID-19, in context of the critical need to support local, through the #WAFoodHeroes campaign.

By focussing on the WA food hero community, the campaign highlights just some of the great work members are doing for and within their immediate communities.

The campaign purpose is to shine a light on local legends who deserve increased support and attention, and to create a movement to tell, share and celebrate the West Aussies who keep us fed and watered.

Rise of local More than ever, shoppers want to understand the supply chain, with complete transparency from farm to factory to distribution, and understand details of the measures being taken to assure their safety. Promoting a product’s local origins could help manufacturers and retailers alleviate some consumer concerns.

Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, a Nielsen survey found that global consumers were heavily swayed by origin: 11% of global consumers said they only bought products manufactured in their country while an additional 54% ‘mostly’ bought local products. We should expect those numbers to grow rapidly.

This report supports independent Buy West Eat Best research undertaken by Painted Dog Research in August 2019 that 56% of WA shoppers consider buying local an important factor and 51% think about where their food comes from when grocery shopping.

3 WA Corn Growers — just one of the many #WAFoodHeros ensuring supply across WA within days of harvest.

The WA Food Heroes campaign highlights some of the great work members are doing.

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WA Grower WINTER 2020

YOUR INDUSTRY

56% of WA shoppers consider buying local an important factor.

In early April 2020, we saw WA consumers saying that 34% were buying more locally grown or produced items when they shop and 40% spending more on fresh produce. Painted Dog Research, Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Survey, April 2020.

Who are our WA Food Heroes?

All who are connected to the supply chain in WA: growers, harvesters, manufacturers, wash packers, forklift and truck drivers, chefs, retailers, foodservice and hospitality venuesâ&#x20AC;Ś families and community.

How industry can get involved?

Industry, including regional food and primary production groups, local food hub groups, cafes and restaurants and especially consumers are encouraged

3 BUY West Eat Best members Harvey Beef, Pome West and WA Potatoes have all contributed content to tell the stories of our #WAFoodHeros.

to take part in the social conversation.

We encourage everyone to use their own platforms and voices to advocate on behalf of #WAFoodHeroes.

If you have a WA Food Hero in mind, please share a post on social media that tells their story and why they are important to you. Tagging producer accounts and @buywesteatbest is essential sharing these stories.

Member participation Currently, Buy West Eat Best have received nominations from Chestnut Brae, Fruit West, Pome West, WA Potatoes, Chef Sophie Budd, Harvey Beef, Heavenly Strawberries, Beta Spuds, Chef Don Hancey, WA Citrus, Jus Burgers, Black Pig Deli, Bee Firm NRG, WA Corn Growers and many

others who have expressed interest to participate.

MORE INFORMATION CTA: Join the conversation online and tell us about your #WAFoodHeroes Campaign Hashtag: #WAFoodHeroes Account Tags: @buywesteatbest #buywesteatbest If you would like further information regarding this campaign or would like to join the Buy West Eat Best program email feedback@buywesteatbest.wa.gov.au www.buywesteatbest.org.au

WA Grower WINTER 2020

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YOUR INDUSTRY

Unrestricted pumping declared as Gascoyne flows into Carnarvon

W

ater Minister Dave Kelly announced unrestricted pumping from the Gascoyne River and Riverbed Sands aquifer in February.

The announcement came after the water started flowing at Nine Mile Bridge at around 8.30pm on 17 February.

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) measured the first flows of good water quality at 209mg/L TDS.

The flows were generated by substantial rain in the upper Gascoyne catchment as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien.

An earlier flow triggered by ex-Tropical Cyclone Blake, reached Nine Mile Bridge but did not provide sufficient water for unrestricted pumping.

3 THIS is the fourth year growers have experienced unrestricted pumping.

“It is good to see one of the State’s horticultural food bowls getting some good news in the form of extra irrigation water,” Minister Kelly said.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien delivers significant flows to Carnarvon region.

Unrestricted pumping was last declared in May 2019. It provides irrigators with access to water above their annual water entitlement from Subarea A, with no monthly limit.

“Unrestricted pumping provides not only the opportunity for irrigators to get some extra water, but it helps DWER manage the salinity of the aquifers that are used for high value horticulture by replenishing groundwater with new fresh flows.

“This is the fourth year that Carnarvon aquifers have been recharged and growers have experienced unrestricted pumping.

“This is good news for growers and regional water security after a tough few years prior to this. It is also good for Perth as most of the fruit and vegetables grown in Carnarvon are sold within Western Australia.”

MORE INFORMATION For more information go to: www.dwer.wa.gov.au

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WA Grower WINTER 2020

ADVERTORIAL

DELTA water treatment keeps growers in business

BY MELISSA POULIOT RURAL JOURNALIST

ONE THING MANY Australian fruit and vegetable have in common is the need for high quality bore water. Another thing that many also have in common is that they’ve turned to 100% Australian water treatment company DELTAwater solutions to keep their businesses on track.

North Queensland lime orchardist Phil Oliver says his family wouldn’t be farming without the DELTA, which they have installed on their 600-tree Tahitian lime orchard at Biboohra, north of Mareeba, as well as on their household water supply.

“People call me and ask why I’ve got so many limes and I tell them we wouldn’t be here without the DELTA. I’ll never disconnect it, no way. Since we put our DELTA on we’ve consistently had four times the amount of produce.”

Then there’s Helidon Lucerne grower Robert Hogan who relies heavily on his bore water. He installed a DELTA water treatment conditioner in 2015 and is now harvesting around 4000 extra bales every year.

“The DELTA has made a hell of a difference here,” Robert says. “Over the whole farm we’ve gone from only doing 17–20 bales a paddock to around 40 bales. That equates to around 4000 extra bales a year due to the DELTA.” WA market gardener Ben Tran says the DELTA conditioner has resulted in higher, stronger plants with better yields at the Bullsbrook property he runs with his parents.

3 DIANNE Panov from DELTAwater solutions visits vegetable grower Glen Jurgens from Bowen who has installed a water treatment conditioner to eliminate salinity problems including leaf burn, salt buildup in soils and stunted growth caused by his bore water supply.

Ben, dad Tran and mum Ma watched their capsicum crop climb for the sky after installing a DELTA water treatment system on their bore irrigation supply. The yield climbed too.

The family turned to DELTA technology to counteract the toll their groundwater, with its high levels of sodium and chloride, was taking on plant growth and yield on their 65-hectare property.

“If you have a stronger plant, you can get a higher plant. DELTA added another 30 centimetres of growth to our plants and our capsicum yield was a lot more than before the DELTA,” Ben says.

They also use DELTA-treated water on their strawberries, tomatoes, eggplants and watermelons.

3 PHIL and Lisa Oliver in their lime orchard, Phillisa Limes, which is thriving since installing a DELTA in 2009.

MORE INFORMATION Visit www.deltawater.com.au or phone DELTAwater solutions on 1800 283 600.

“DELTA’s technology has certainly worked for us, that’s for sure.”

WA Grower WINTER 2020

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YOUR INDUSTRY

3 MICROBIAL testing verifies that any pathogens detected are below acceptable limits for safe consumption.

Total Quality Assurance Systems

T

otal Quality Assurance Systems (TQAS) has been operating without any serious disruption to services. Our food safety activities have been recognised as an essential service to the food industry.

Our office remains open for sample drop-off between 5am and 11am.

Alternatively, contact our office to arrange drop off or pick up points and transport options.

Collections of horticultural samples for lab testing and maturity testing from Market City tenancies have continued on a daily basis. Laboratory testing businesses are also classified as essential services and we have not had any significant disruptions or delays to date.

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WA Grower WINTER 2020

Our staff are continuing to conduct Quality Assurance site inspections, pre audit reviews and consultation sessions upon request.

Travel is being kept to a minimum, but essential visits within social distancing controls can be arranged by prior appointment.

We are meeting the social distancing requirements outlined by the state and federal governments and have been helping others to include compliance in their business continuity planning.

We are committed to providing full client services whilst keeping everyone safe.

Our office remains open for sample drop-off between 5am and 11am.

3 COMMONLY required tests for fresh food items to meet the minimum testing requirements are AT3, MB3 and AM4.

YOUR INDUSTRY

Aus-QUAL food safety audit update

Lab testing — food safety Which tests should I conduct?

Choosing appropriate lab testing depends upon which Quality Assurance Standard or customer specifications you are wanting to meet.

Testing for chemical residues and heavy metals enables verification that any detections are below Maximum Residue Limits (MRL’s) which are defined in the Food Standards Code.

Microbial testing verifies that any pathogens detected are below acceptable limits for safe consumption.

The most commonly required tests for fresh food items to meet the minimum testing requirements for supply to major retailers are: • AT3 — Full Residue Analysis; • MB3 — E.coli, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes; and • AM4 — Lead.

Please note: Additional testing may be required for: • Leafy vegetables; • Root and tuber crops; • High risk items (e.g. berries, salads, herbs, mushrooms etc.); • Overseas imports/export markets; • Crops which have had post-harvest chemicals applied.

Water testing for E.coli and other pathogens is also being frequently requested for compliance.

MORE INFORMATION Chris Hall can assist you with QA systems designed to meet the compliance requirements of recognised Quality Standards and for meeting specifications for supply to major retailers. Contact TQAS for information about food safety, lab testing, record keeping, scope upgrades and for system reviews/pre-audit checks.

A

US-QUAL would like to thank industry for their continued commitment to food safety in this COVID-19 environment.

We are pleased that there has been minimal disruption to scheduling of audits within the horticulture sector and most of those delays have been in relation to interstate travel restrictions. The decision by all standard owners to allow for a review of certification and extension of certificates has been extremely helpful to those who have been directly impacted by COVID-19.

AUS-QUAL would like to ask sites to continue to schedule audits where practicable and only request for a deferral to audit if you have experienced illness, qualify as a high-risk candidate or where travel restrictions are still in place (hot spots).

Please continue to plan your audit with the auditor proactively. Some things to take into consideration include the ability to: • Meet social distancing practices still in force • Review documentation in isolation or outside in an open space rather than in a small office or shed • Plan the farm site tour in separate vehicles and communicate over hands-free mobile phone

• Increase personal hygiene best practice for all staff and visitors while on site.

Please ensure during the planning of the audit that the following points are also disclosed with the auditor: • Within the last 14 days, have any personnel or the auditor had close contact with any person suspected (Presumptive) or confirmed case of COVID-19?

• Within the last 14 days, have any personnel or the auditor had close contact with someone experiencing fever, flu like symptoms or shortness of breath who has returned to Australia from any international travel?

• Within the last 14 days, have any personnel or the auditor returned to Australia from any international travel (personal or business)?

MORE INFORMATION Please refer to the AUS-QUAL Positional Statement on COVID-19 on our website for more information: www.ausqual.com.au.

Once again we thank everyone for their cooperation and commitment to food safety and hygiene and ask that everyone remain vigilant during these extraordinary times.

3 CONTINUE to schedule audits and only request for a deferral if you have experienced illness, qualify as a high-risk candidate or where travel restrictions are still in place.

Total Quality Assurance Systems Pty Ltd Phone (08) 9456 2455 or email admin@tqas.com.au or

WA Grower WINTER 2020

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YOUR INDUSTRY

s l a i r t y t e i r a V

go virtual for Australian melon growers A glimpse of a few varieties...

BY DIANNE FULLELOVE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, AUSTRALIAN MELON ASSOCIATION

W

hile Aussie melon growers are confined to their own paddocks this season, the Australian Melon Association is bringing the latest in research and development to them via a video series featuring new melon varieties.

Many new varieties were due to be showcased by seed companies at the 2020 Syngenta Australian Melon Conference and Field Day that was scheduled to be held in late March in Western Australia but cancelled due to pandemic restrictions.

1

2

Inthanon RZ

Tailgate

• Galia type

• Dark mottled stripe with a uniform and oblong shape

• High yielding • High brix • Green fleshed

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WA Grower WINTER 2020

• Good flesh colour and good flesh firmness • Size between 7–9kg

YOUR INDUSTRY

Shot on location at Capogreco Farms at Hamel in Western Australia, the video series features five melon variety trial sites by seed companies Syngenta, Seminis, BASF Nunhems, HM Clause and Rijk Zwaan, as well as a highlight compilation video featuring all variety trials.

Australian Melon Association Industry Development Manager Dianne Fullelove said seed trials are always a highlight of the biennial conference and field day.

“Making the call to cancel such an important event was difficult but absolutely necessary, and we wanted to make sure that our growers weren’t disadvantaged when it came to planning the seasons ahead,” she said.

“Trialling new varieties is an important part of a farmer’s efforts to make the most of their growing selection, and we think that the new range of videos filmed by the team at Fireteller, offer a really comprehensive overview of what’s on track for release.”

3 TRIALLING new varieties is an important part of a farmer’s efforts to make the most of their growing selection.

Ms Fullelove said the videos highlight the importance of melons to the

New melon varieties are showcased on YouTube!

3

4 Sunpeek

464851

• Unique

• Flat skinned

• Fruit golden colour with maturity with green stripes

• Firm, crisp sweet flesh

• Very sweet

• Adapted to long storage times

To view the videos visit the Melons Australia Association website: www.melonsaustralia.org.au/ youtube-videos-of-the-2020-melonconference-variety-trial-site-nowavailable

portfolios of seed companies, as well as some of the impressive results of breeding and trialling programs both in Australia and overseas.

“There are a lot of traditional melon offerings, but also varieties that meet the ongoing demands of the grower, such as aphid resistance and high yield potential, and the interest from consumers for sweetness, keepability and outstanding taste profiles,” she said.

“There’s a strong commitment by seed companies to breeding new varieties of melons to meet the growing market for melons in Australia, which puts the industry in good stead.

“Having options when considering what to grow in their production schedules is definitely a great advantage for Australian melon growers, and the industry as a whole is grateful for the support of the seed companies in making these trials so successful.”

MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Dianne Fullelove, Australian Melon Association, 0413 101 646.

WA Grower WINTER 2020

41

YOUR INDUSTRY

Australia continues to produce superb, health sustaining fresh produce.

VegNET IEO Update

Winter 2020

A

BY SAM GRUBIŠA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

fter an all-round, tough end to 2019, the promise of a new year rejuvenated all who were touched by the magical, golden rays of summer sunshine.

As drought-stricken Farmers finally got a little rain and the amazing men and women, who eventually tamed the beast of Mother Nature’s fury of fire, were released from duty; we all breathed a little easier as we faced a new day on this big, beautiful brown land of ours. That was until 2020 stood up, stretched, cracked its knuckles and said — “Hang on a sec, here…hold my Corona!”.

With 2020 trying its best to out-do its predecessor, it makes me proud to be part of an industry that a) refuses to curl up in a corner and cry and b) continues to produce superb, health sustaining fresh produce to feed a nation in need. While being a Grower in today’s ‘COVID New World’ isn’t all rainbows and lollipops; whether you’re

42

WA Grower WINTER 2020

Vietnamese, Croatian or generationally Australian, you adhere to the virtues synonymous with the beloved ‘Aussie Battler’.

An insurmountable ability to improvise, survive and a hint of the anti-authoritarian is what pushes these great men and women to continue providing for their neighbours, communities and country.

It is human nature to adapt to change… and adapt we have! The Benchmarking Project, headed by Bryn, has broken through the constraints of isolation and onto the digital stage, with participant’s personal consultations being presented via Zoom.

With the support of our own brilliant Bryn and the team at PlanFarm, the reluctance of some to enter the ‘Age of Technology’ has fallen by the wayside, as business and financial insights were passed on from afar. As someone who is more comfortable with a shovel than a keyboard, I commend the efforts of all involved!

Melissa the ‘Labour Scheme Hurricane’ seems to be gaining more speed as the days pass. Her wealth of knowledge has been put to good use in assisting with the Food Alliance WA

joint initiative, Jobs in WA Food and Ag — job seeker information service.

With the closure of state and regional borders and many primary industries amping up for pre-harvest and harvest ‘GO TIME’, Melissa has been working tirelessly to ensure employers have healthy, reliable staff on-hand and job seekers are prepared for employment.

This has allowed all primary industries to safeguard their ability to provide produce whether meat, grains, fruit or veg to the community that supports them.

With the home front covered, Manus continues to be our eagle-eyed export expert! He’s been in constant contact with international freight forwarders, national facilitators and exporters from across multiple states. With updates on the who/what/when/where and most importantly ‘how much’ changing almost on the daily, he has somehow kept his finger on the export pulse, produced a webinar on issues affecting freight and still managed to be (in my opinion) one of the best ‘Home School Principals’ our state has ever seen! I tip my hat to those who are educating the next generation, while working full-time from home!

A seamless example of humanity’s capacity to adapt, is our very own QA Coordinator. Without flinching he has kept the food safety ball rolling.

YOUR INDUSTRY

me!), searching permits and working By lending his knowledge and expertise out how we can support you, the to a state advisory committee, Growers, best in this time of isolation conducting Freshcare training across and insanity. Due to the state’s isolation borders via Zoom and being the first directives, we are refraining from facein the office with a G2G Pass, he has to-face farm visits and boy are our feet ensured he could continue supporting the state’s Growers in their pursuit of food safety and quality assurance. For this, Joel surely deserves the With COVID-19 moniker — Optimus Prime, that’s hit hard for his ability to ‘Transform on a global and Roll Out’!

scale, it’s As for myself and Truyen, your friendly important (for neighbourhood Extension your own sanity) Officers, we have been to find little busy sourcing relevant WH&S, business and things to make trade information to add you smile. to our vegetablesWA — COVID-19 resources page, created by Comms Guru Amber. However, we are both aware that ‘The Farm Stops for No Man…or virus’ and so getting itchy! Just a heads up for when we’ve been trolling through national isolation is over — regional road trips and international research, holding are VERY high on our agenda, so make webinars, translating documents (ok… sure you get you morning/arvo tea ‘treat that’s more the legendary Truyen than of choice’ orders in!

T-Tape Drip Tape

With COVID-19 that’s hit hard on a global scale, it’s important (for your own sanity) to find little things to make you smile. As I write this, trying to keep warm sitting at my home isodesk, wearing one of my old farm flannos and ugly striped socks with ‘toes’; I smile when I look outside and see the sun shining and the sky a brilliant blue.

But as with the lifting of iso-restrictions, don’t be fooled into thinking winter is not upon us! Diligence, guts and a spare pair of trackies in the ute, could save you from the dreaded ‘soggy arse’ when the next downpour hits.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Sam Grubiša, phone (08) 9486 7515 or email sam.grubisa@vegetableswa.com.au

Drip Irrigation for Better Perfomance Trusted by Australian growers for over 30 years , T-Tape continues to deliver outstanding performance.

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RIVULIS

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P: +61 7 3881 4071

1/29/2020 11:22:18 AM

WA Grower WINTER 2020

43

YOUR INDUSTRY

New Hort Innovation extension position in WA

F

ollowing the new Extension initiative launched by Hort Innovation, Bronwyn Walsh is the newly appointed Regional Extension Manager for Western Australia.

New to the position but not to WA, Bronwyn has been working with horticulture since finishing her studies at University of Western Australia (UWA). She has been working with the WA citrus industry for the past 10 years, after returning to WA from Queensland where she worked with the vegetable industry for 13 years.

The Extension initiative aims to ensure communication and extension activities truly support our growers’ business decisions and ability to enhance their practices on farm.

One of six positions in the national Hort Innovation Extension team, Bronwyn will be using a regionally tailored,

collaborative approach to enable delivery of levy investment outcomes for levy payers, their business and industry, play a linking role within industry.

The team’s primary objectives are to: • Participate in industry activities so that Hort Innovation can better understand the demands growers face and identify opportunities to invest in initiatives to address significant issues that cut across industries • Develop relationships with growers, Hort Leadership Network members, delivery partners, industry organisations and existing extension personnel to amplify levy outcomes.

During COVID-19 situation, the team are connecting with growers and their staff in relation to their current needs and upcoming challenges. This information is shared with all Hort Innovation business units to ensure that we continue to deliver relevant support to levy payers.

The team is also working on: • Initiating the development of Regional Extension Plans that focus on across industry needs • Investigating ways to support existing industry development and extension delivery partners • Developing networking opportunities and gain valuable insights into how we can work together • Managing the levy-funded industry development portfolio.

Once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, Bronwyn is looking forward to participating in regional industry events and activities.

MORE INFORMATION

3 BRONWYN Walsh, new regional extension manager in Western Australia.

44

WA Grower WINTER 2020

You can learn more on the Hort Innovation website at www.horticulture.com.au/ hort-innovation/our-work/extension or contact Bronwyn to share your experiences and ideas, so we can best understand and address your RD&E needs. Email Bronwyn at Bronwyn.walsh@horticulture.com.au or on 0427 694 863.

Masterclass in Horticultural Business Applications are currently open for the mid-year intake for the Masterclass in Horticultural Business.

Best described as a ‘mini MBA’, the Masterclass is a nine-month course where participants develop their business skills and build their own business plans for the future. The course is delivered predominantly online, with several face-to-face sessions and field trips to some of Australia’s savviest horticulture outfits.

Levies from some horticulture industries have been co-invested into the Masterclass investment to support scholarships for industry levy-payers. Scholarships are advertised in industry channels as they become available, however paid enrolment places are also available to all relevant applicants.

We encourage anyone to apply who has professional aspirations in the Australian horticulture industry, and who is looking to develop a business idea, address a business need, solve a business problem, or simply strengthen their current career in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For more information on the course and how to apply, head to the University of Tasmania website at www.utas.edu. au/tia/study/masterclassin-horticultural-business.

Applications close on Sunday June 14.

WA POTATOES

potato

update WA Potatoes

WA Grower WINTER 2020

45

WA POTATOES

WA Potatoes

contacts Horticulture House 103 Outram Street, WEST PERTH WA 6005 p: (08) 9481 0834 e: admin@wapotatoes.com.au w: todatoes.com.au

Executive Officer’s Report

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

SIMON MOLTONI EXECUTIVE OFFICER, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Committee 2019–20 Vaughan Carter Chairperson

Busselton

Albany Colin Ayres Deputy Chairperson

m: 0417 092 505 m: 0428 451 014

Glen Ryan Secretary

Pemberton

m: 0428 827 126

Gary Bendotti Treasurer

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

W

inter is Coming!

In fact, winter is already here along with an early storm season that has affected many crops right across the state.

After a summer of tight supply, the storm damage could well leave a winter market in short supply. We are already seeing potatoes imported from the east hitting the market and unfortunately this could continue for some time. It would be reasonable to expect grower returns to reflect these market conditions.

Generally, the supply situation has seen an improvement in returns for summer production after several years of poor prices and plough — ins of surplus stock. Growers need to carefully consider production commitments going forward as periods of undersupply can easily swing back to oversupply very quickly, along with reduced dollar returns.

Fee-for-service charge 2019–20

WA Grower WINTER 2020

The Fresh market saw an initial surge in sales that has settled down recently and remains positive.

Exports of seed and chip stock seem to be progressing as planned.

Unfortunately, the French fry market has suffered significantly. With the closure of pubs, cafés and restaurants demand has fallen drastically and it will take some time before sales get back to normal. The biggest risk, however, is the potential for imported frozen product from the northern hemisphere to be “dumped” in Australia. To address this concern, Ausveg has, at the request of the state industry bodies, presented the federal Minister for Agriculture with a comprehensive outline of the situation and requested a temporary ban on imported frozen potato product. This request was co signed by Simplot and McCain and sent to many other relevant

Projects approved 2019–20 Part funding for PGA

Processing potatoes — local and export

$6.00/t

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

$150/ha Delivery of Registered Seed Potato Certification Schemes & Virus Testing $8.00/t Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid (PSTVd) $6.00/t surveillance of the Seed Scheme

Ware (fresh) potatoes — marketing

$2.50/t

Ware (fresh) potatoes — local

46

COVID-19 has been the single biggest factor affecting all our lives. Some industry sectors have been more affected than others.

$310,500 $96,000

Part Funding for Export Development Project $100,000

WA POTATOES

WA Potatoes

3 THE French fry market has suffered significantly with the closure of pubs, cafés and restaurants.

Marketing Update

ministers. We believe that this measure is compatible with our international obligations according to Australia’s WTO agreement on Agriculture.

Further impacts are yet to be felt. There is concern that labour may be hard to procure as backpackers head home and may not be able to be replaced, depending on international travel restrictions. Concessions have been made for these visa holders to remain for longer and further steps may be taken if required. Other inputs, such as chemical and fertiliser, are being monitored for supply chain disruption.

The Export Development Project has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 travel restrictions.

This has seen a delay in the development of AusFarm Connect but things are on the go again. The constitution and business plan are being finalised and commercial opportunities investigated. We will soon be having another round of regional meetings to bring all growers up to speed.

Thank you to our Committee of Management and AFC Sub-Committee for their continued efforts for all our members.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Simon Moltoni on 0447 141 752 or email simon@wapotatoes.com.au

3 LORRAINE Smedley (Biggest Potato Comp winner) with Simon Moloni.

D

espite recent challenges, the WA Potatoes marketing program has been continuing with some great results.

While some activities have been postponed or cancelled, digital marketing has been working well, along with the radio and podcast campaigns.

Since COVID-19 restrictions have been in place, social media use has reportedly increased about 40% which has been reflected in the April results. WA Potatoes Instagram and Facebook showed a cumulative reach of over 500,000 people and website traffic also doubled during this time.

More updates include: · The WA Potatoes team attended and supported the Warren Districts Ag Show in Manjimup on 14th March 2020 which included a Potato Industry Dinner at Tall Timbers Manjimup on March 13th, hosting industry and stakeholders a potato theme menu.

WA Grower WINTER 2020

47

WA POTATOES

RECIPE

S

Featuring...

Eating out in the Southern Forests!

3 TALL TIMBERS: Pecorino & rockett croquettes.

Ad d an

egg and enjoy for

Smokey pota black bean to and chilli

18

3 POTATO Industry Dinner at Tall Timbers Manjimup on March 13th.

3 BUY West Eat Best has commenced a WA Food Heroes campaign to support WA food producers.

WA Potat

oes Maga

zine Autum

· The Autumn/Winter edition of the WA Potatoes Magazine was completed and has been used at events and for retailers/washpackers to support potato sales. In order to get magazines out to consumers, we have moved to hosting the magazine online and posting out copies direct to consumers (which has had a great response). More copies are available so please get in touch if you would like some. · The FreshTV segment with Rayne Bryant and Carmen Hudson for Channel 7 has been replayed three times achieving at least 40,000 viewers per show. · We have commenced a radio strategy with Nova 93.7 across multiple streams including podcast advertising, advertorial articles and radio ads, aiming for around 400,000 listeners and 650,000 impressions. Last month, NOVA gave us 20 free bonus day time advertising slots also.

48

WA Grower WINTER 2020

n/Winter 2020

st! kfa brea

WA POTATOES

· Buy West Eat Best has commenced a WA Food Heroes campaign to support WA food producers. All members of the program are welcome to submit content for the campaign.

3 TALL TIMBERS: Skillet fried potato hash with Black Angus sirloin & basil butter.

Unfortunately some activities have been delayed or cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19:

Get playfu

RECIPE

l...

S

Add charre d corn

Get spicy with this

Smokey po tato and

Cooking time

ING RED Perf Perfect ect with with::

White pot atoes

2–3 hour s | Serves

veg an

pota to ch

black bean

4–6

illi bo w

l.

chilli

IEN TS

1 onion, dice d 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minc ed 1 to 2 tsp chilli (depending ground on how hot you like it) 2 tsp cum in, ground 2 tsp coria nder, grou nd 1 bay leaf

1 tsp smo ked paprika, ground 2 tbsp tom ato paste 500g tinn ed tomatoe s 500ml vege table stoc k 4 large whit e potatoes (I used Dutc h Cream) diced 1cm ½ (100g) cup quinoa ½ medium swe peeled and et potato, grated 1 tin blac k beans, rinsed and drained Juice of 1 lime Salt and pepper to taste

To serve Avocado

Coriande r Coconut yoghurt Salsas of choice

ME THO D

1. Heat a fry medium high pan over oil then onio heat, add olive ns and cook a couple for 5. Cook of minutes for two hour before adding all s, stirring occa the sionally, befo tomato past spices and adding the re e. blac and continuin k beans 2. Continue g to cook a further for stirring for cooking and thirty minu another minu tes. you need before addi te to add extra If ng tinned as the quin liquid tomatoes oa and pota and stock. cook and to the sauce 3. Heat thick simply top to a simm up with wate ens er then pour the half cup at ra onion and a time. liquids into a slow cooker.

6. Serve when the 4. Add quin potato is tender oa, sweet but has not and diced potato fallen apart. Seas potato, stir on to tast well, fit the lid and e lime with set to high juice, salt and pepp . er.

WA Potat

Top with

oes Maga

AVOCAD O, SPRING ONION, CORIAND ER & COC ONU YOGHUR T & THROW T IN SOME COR N CHIPS FOR CRU NCH.

zine Autum

n/Winter 20

19

· 2020 Seed for Schools program — received its highest registrations yet in 2020 with 750 packs due to go out before COVID-19 restrictions came into place (estimated to reach around 20,000 students across WA). All hardcopy materials will be repurposed in 2021. Online materials are being shared for parents looking for activities with children at home.

The WA Potatoes team are currently reviewing the marketing budget, strategy and activities in light of the consumer survey results and the impact of COVID-19. Updates will be provided soon.

Consumer survey In order to better understand the current position of fresh potatoes in the market, we appointed Painted Dog consultants to undertake a consumer survey in Perth.

The survey sample group was developed to represent the population by gender, age and location.

· Events as part of the Buy West Eat Best — Good Choice campaign have been postponed or cancelled. Priority is now on the digital elements and we are working to finalise our activity in this area.

As part of the project, the infographic below has been created to summarise results. More information will be provided to industry in due course.

· Annual Perth Royal Show activities are not yet confirmed for 2020

Contact Georgia Thomas on 0431 444 918 or georgia@wapotatoes.com.au with any feedback or questions.

· The next edition of the WA Potatoes Magazine may be delayed also (due September) as a lot of the content

3 THE Autumn/Winter edition of the WA Potatoes Magazine.

requires on-location photo shoots and will also depend on budget.

MORE INFORMATION

Brand Health Study To inform its future direction, WA Potatoes commission Painted Dog Research to undertake an online survey with n=1,029 Perth household grocery buyers representative of the WA population. Conducted in February 2020, the strategic aim of the research was to understand its current position and status within the market. Key objectives were to identify WA consumers’ awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of the WA Potatoes brand and its partners; measure current purchase behaviours and identify opportunities to positively influence consumer behaviour further; and assess the reach and effectiveness of current campaign materials.

Satisfaction

Purchase Behaviour

86%

2 in 5 Are satisfied with the quality of potatoes

Purchase potatoes at least weekly – most commonly from Coles, Woolworths and Spudshed.

Perceptions % of WA shoppers who agree…

84

potatoes are great value for money

47

51

78

potatoes are a healthy vegetable

40

68

65

potatoes are a great source of vitamins

58

that they pick the same potatoes each time

50

potatoes are good for gut health

42

20 Recently purchased Nadine

they prefer sweet potatoes

28

all potatoes sold in WA are grown in WA

26

potatoes are all basically the same

21

diabetics should avoid potatoes

20

potatoes are too expensive

66%

Royal Blue

Ruby Lou

7 27

39

12 22

67

Cooking / recipes / preference

Top-3 Reasons for decreased consumption 65

28 9

Health / Weight control Cooking / recipes / preference Lifestyle / Environment

Beliefs

57 25

% of WA shoppers who believe potatoes are…

serve potatoes as MASH in a usual week at home

19

83

Versatile

14

77

Key drivers of increased consumption

#1 Potatoes are good for gut health #2 Potatoes are a healthy vegetable #3 Potatoes are a great source of vitamins #4 Potatoes are the most versatile vegetable #5 Potatoes are great value for money

High in Carbs

75

Easy to prep

67

Nutritious

Preferred variety

people who want to control their weight should avoid

Top-3 Reasons for increased consumption

Prefer Loose Potatoes

39

Potatoes are sooo good for you and they are easy to prepare in dishes as well as making home made chips with them!!

Increased compared to the last 12 months

Health / Weight control

65

potatoes are high in fibre

Decreased compared to the last 12 months

Affordable

74

potatoes keep you fuller for longer than other carbs

Unchanged compared to the last 12 months

Prefer Bagged Potatoes

Prefer Ready to cook Potatoes

potatoes are the most versatile vegetable

Consumption

Opportunities Offer alternative packaging to plastic Highlight health and nutrition benefits Compare health benefits of sweet potato Leverage positive perceptions of potatoes Highlight health benefits particularly to older consumers to overcome misperceptions Focus on drivers of consumption in comms, value, recipes and health information Increase advertising at point of sale, promote where potatoes are grown and health benefits

63

Quick to prep

47

Gluten free

27

Low GI

14

High in Vit C

83

Starchy

73

Delicious

69

Cheap

59

Clean

57

Low fat

24

Superfood

21

Bland

Painted Dog Research Suite 1, Level 2, 658 Newcastle Street, Leederville WA 6007 T/F 08 9227 6464 E info@painteddogresearch.com W painteddogresearch.com

WA Grower WINTER 2020

49

WA POTATOES

Tip

EASILY SWAP A FEW INGREDIENTS TO MAKE THIS VEGAN!

Perfect with:

Red potatoes

Fi nis

Also great with:

hw

Blue potatoes

i th

do llop s of

Potato nachos

sou r cre am

and top with

coriander.

Serves 6–8 Ingredients Potato nachos 6 large roasting potatoes (blue or red) 2 tsp cumin, ground 2 tsp coriander, ground 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp paprika smoked (or replace all the spices with a shop bought taco mix) 1 tsp salt 3 tbsp olive oil

Salsa 1 cob corn, charred and kernels sliced from the cob 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered

50

WA Grower WINTER 2020

2 spring onion, finely sliced 400g tin black beans, rinsed and drained ½ clove garlic minced 1 tbsp olive oil Juice half 1 lime Season with salt

Garnish 1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin strips ½ bunch coriander leaves, chopped 200ml sour cream or natural yoghurt

Method 1. Preheat oven to 220ºC/200ºC fan forced.

2. Line two large baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

3. Place potato slices in a large bowl. Add spices, salt and oil and toss to evenly coat the potato slices.

until the corn is cooked and some kernels are blackened. This will take around 8 minutes.

4. Spread potato slices on trays and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp.

6. Once cool enough to handle slice off the kernels and add a below with all the salsa ingredients.

Toss to evenly coat the ingredients in lime juice, salt and garlic.

5. Meanwhile... charr the corn and create the salsa. Heat a frypan over medium high heat. Add a little olive oil, then place the cob into the hot pan, leaving it to charr before turning repeatedly

7. Once the potatoes are cooked and crispy, transfer to a large serving dish. Scatter over salsa and avocado then finish with dollops of sour cream and top with coriander.

PHOTOS: Victoria Baker Photographer

POMEWEST

pome

update Pomewest

WA Grower WINTER 2020

51

POMEWEST

contacts Pomewest Committee and Officers

Mark Scott, Chair e: markpscott@bigpond.com Mario Casotti e: mario@casottigroup.com Wayne Ghilarducci e: strathspey@modnet.com.au Jason Jarvis e: twinpack@bigpond.com Harvey Giblett e: newtonbros@wn.com.au Sam Licciardello e: sam@orchard1sixty.com.au Susie Murphy White, Project Manager e: susan.murphy-white@dpird.wa.gov.au Nardia Stacy, Executive Manager e: nardia@fruitwest.org.au

APC–Pomewest FFS Income 2019–20 Project General Account Budget including FFS, Project Grant Funding APAL, HIA and DPIRD and Fruit West Co-operative Biosecurity Account Budget (FFS)

$ 588,710 60,000

APC-Pomewest expenditure general account 2019–20

Project $ New technology project (Susie Murphy White) 90,000 Maturity standards legislation & compliance 40,000 Medfly surveillance trapping network 61,557 (Ashmere Consulting) Systems approach to market access 40,000 Disinfestation & quality management of BRAVO 229,280 apples in the cold chain for market access (DPIRD & Fruit West Co-operative are co-funders) Other projects 15,000 Annual meetings and communications 15,000 Industry sponsorships & association 4,800 memberships Promotion & publicity local project (Fresh Finesse) 37,500 Administration including salary and office costs 165,567 APC charge @10% of FFS income 45,000 Total 743,704

APC-Pomewest expenditure biosecurity account 2019–20 Project Codling moth (DPIRD) Biosecurity Liaison Officer APC charge @10% of FFS income Total

$ 35,000 15,000 6,000 56,000

APC fee-for-service charge

POME FRUIT EFFECTIVE FROM 1 JANUARY 2015 Type of fruit Fresh fruit — apples, pears, Nashi, other Processing fruit Biosecurity FFS for fresh fruit Biosecurity FFS for processing fruit

52

WA Grower WINTER 2020

$/kg 0.015 0.005 0.002 0.001

From the Pomewest

Executive Manager Season update

BY NARDIA STACY EXECUTIVE MANAGER, POMEWEST

A

s I review the report written for the WA Grower in February, it is incredible how the world has changed in just a few short months.

Resilient as usual, the WA pome industry has carried on regardless, taking the necessary precautions to keep businesses, families and staff safe. Pomewest staff too have had to make changes in work place including working from home, meetings via zoom, remote trial work etc., in order to continue to do business.

Efficiencies sometimes have been slightly compromised, so we thank

our growers for their patience and understanding as we continue to manage through this situation.

It’s sometimes hard to assess the best way to serve growers under these conditions. We hope that our shared information via communications through our newsletters has eased some confusion and provided some support. As I write my report today, the COVID-19 situation in Australia, and in particular WA looks positive.

Although there is a still feeling of apprehension, which has meant a cautionary approach with the next steps of easing restrictions. At this moment it’s a ‘back to business’ restart to the economy. The next months will position us all to understand the full impact.

POMEWEST

Harvest season update With the harvest period now over, WA growers will be relieved that all the fruit has been picked. By all reports, workers and work places have made it so far COVID-19 free. We can report sound volumes this year and we look forward to steady sales and prices throughout the marketing season. It will be interesting to see how the next phase of marketing pans out.

In preparation for 2021 season, we are asking APAL to apply further pressure on the federal government with the National Netting Scheme. Pomewest have recently written letters to two local federal ministers to strengthen the case. These communications highlighted the difficulties of this season with bird, hail and sunburn damage. We also invited our growers to individually write to add weight to our request of consideration. The other states are all behind a collective and united approach to progress the scheme under the efficacy lead of APAL. I fear that after the bushfires early this year and now with the pressure of the purse-strings with COVID-19 crisis it may be put on the back-burner again, however that will not stop our resolve to continue to push a decision on the initiative.

Promotions and marketing Pomewest as an industry member of Buy West Eat Best has been involved in the local campaign ‘Shining a light on WA Local Food Heroes‘. We have used some of the promotional budget to engage local photographer Victoria Baker (who was responsible for some of the recent APAL images of Matt Fox for the Australian Fruit Grower magazine). We intend to also use the images for our social media, magazines and website in the coming months.

We have also focused our messages on ‘waapplesandpears’ social media on understanding cosmetic imperfections on our fruit due to hail and sun damage this season and focusing on taste being the ultimate guide in choosing fruit. We also sent out press releases about this and scored some local radio interviews to promote new season fruit and the health benefits of eating natural foods at this time.

Looking to the future, I believe that the key message that has identified by this crisis is the importance of the consumption fresh produce to boost health and wellbeing. This is an opportunity to embrace this initiative. The benefits of consuming a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables needs to continue to be highlighted.

It is pleasing to see the start of some co-ordinated and collaborative programs between the industries in this space on the national stage. We should embrace all fresh produce and not compete between ourselves but focus on taking on food products that potentially compromise health.

Maturity Standards Update Pomewest has managed to continue our quality project despite the current COVID-19 situation. The results, particularly at the end of harvest, have been extremely good at wholesale.

Growers have had weekly reports during this process and we hope that the testing and reporting has encouraged commitment to the program and this means good news for our consumers!

We are particularly proud of the impact that the project has being receiving and our work is being noticed nationally as positive approach to improving and building the pome industry.

Also resulting from this process, we have recently developed a ‘tips to keep apples fresh in retail’ document which we have converted into a poster to use as a resource (see page 56).

March Pomewest Committee Meeting The second committee meeting for the year was held via Zoom on May 21 and the agenda and discussion was focused on the consideration of 2020–21 project proposals, a review of the production numbers, current fee for service income and budget forecasts for the next financial year — a statutory governance requirement by the APC. Minutes are available on request.

Strategic Plan 2021–25 Peter Cooke of Acknowledge has been appointed as the lead consultant to assist Pomewest with the next Pome Strategic Industry Plan. The preparation and delivery of the plan for 2021–25 is set to commence shortly and should take approximately four months to complete. Growers can expect to be involved in some form of engagement in the next few months as part of the initial consultative process and then the complete plan will be presented at future grower meetings later in the year. The outcomes and strategies derived from the plan will guide our projects and industry direction in the future. Pomewest invites and welcomes any growers who would like to volunteer to be involved in the consultative process.

Thank you to our WA growers for their dedication to providing our food security.

The latest data findings have revealed some issues in retail, and in particular Royal Gala’s holding shelf-life and impacting the taste experiences for our customers. We all know that Gala is the prelude to our season, so it is important to get this right for the sake of the whole varietal category and to safeguard sales.

Pomewest will be exploring ways to extend and build the project for 2021 and beyond. There is real merit in tracking fruit to see how and where breakdowns occur and the impact of handling and varying temperatures along the supply chain. In the meantime, we have been in contact with several retailers who have been involved in the program, including sharing results. We have had good feedback, particularly from the major suppliers who are keen to be involved to build demand in the apple category.

I would like to again thank our WA growers for their dedication to deliver the essential service of providing food security during these unprecedented times. As always, in closing this report, I welcome you to contact myself, Susie or Committee members at any time to discuss any industry matters.

MORE INFORMATION Nardia Stacy on (08) 9368 3869, 0411 138 103 or nardia@pomewest.net.au.

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POMEWEST

Chair’s chat

A

BY MARK SCOTT CHAIR, POMEWEST

s we all tidy up our harvest for another season, I hope it treated you all well. Like most years it has presented it challenges and I think it’s fair to say that volumes may have been a little lower than targeted.

After you have had a chance to catch up on a few of those jobs neglected during harvest I would encourage you all to take the time to look at your cost of production. This is not to try and squeeze a few more dollars of savings out — I believe most growers have optimised their business — but as a really good place to start a discussion with your marketers about what prices you need to be sustainable.

I think as an industry we have been poor at communicating what it really costs to produce our product.

PHOTO: Victoria Baker Photographer

When deciding what is a fair price how many of us include all the hours, we spend working our property in the price?

And if we do, do we price ourselves at the same amount as a backpacker or the professional mangers we are?

The recent round of inspections by Worksafe in our industry raise the issue of machinery maintenance and replacement.

enough gross revenue to cover all these things? Ask ourselves does sending fruit to market that will end up selling (and sometimes retailing) below our cost of production really send the right message to the consumer of what it costs to produce apples and pears that is safe for employees, ourselves and to consume?

Do you allow for professionals to come and carry out your repairs and maintenance, do you allow to replace your tractors, sprayers and cherry pickers every five to ten years so that they stay current with the latest safety standards? These are all things that other industries take for granted — so why are we asking to keep machines that are 25 or thirty years old?

The rest of the supply chain

As an industry we need to build all of these things into our costs otherwise we risk losing our social licence. This social licence extends to not just safety but also food safety, employees’ rights and the way we treat the environment — the cost of netting as bird control for example.

With regulators

If as an industry we include the true costs associated with all of the activities that we as growers are now expected to deliver — I personally don’t believe the current price we receive is sustainable — in fact the rise of low price retailers has seen fruit selling in these shops at below the growers cost of production.

If we want to remain sustainable as growers, we must have some hard conversations.

First with ourselves Whilst growers have made huge changes to their orchards in recent years — we can only cut costs so far — do we have blocks that will never provide

3 DO you allow to replace your tractors, sprayers and cherry pickers every five to ten years so that they stay current with the latest safety standards?

Policy makers are always reluctant to make laws that will increase food price.

Communicate the real cost of your production? Don’t skimp. The company’s we deal with have a responsibility to make money for their shareholders and owners — they will always push back — but they need us to provide product for them to sell — if we aren’t sustainable in the long run it will hurt them to.

Policy makers are always reluctant to make laws that will increase food prices.

That said it is unfair for regulators to impose safety, employment and environmental, requirements on growers that will damage them financially to the point where eventually produce will be imported from overseas jurisdictions that have less regulations to have to comply with.

I am not asking for us not to have to comply with our community expectations rather that we have a system that recognises the costs and allows them to flow through the system.

Thinking outside the box might provide the answer — for example the safety regulations already contain chain of responsibility conditions. Maybe simply asking regulators to look up the chain — is it right for a wholesaler to knowingly offer a price for our product where it is impossible for the grower to meet our safety obligations — is this any different from asking a worker to carry out a dangerous task.

On a different note, I would like to thank the rest of the committee and staff for their help and support over the past season.

I would welcome your feedback and hope you all find time for a break during dormancy and look forward to catching up with growers as conditions allow.

MORE INFORMATION Mark Scott at markpscott@bigpond.com.

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POMEWEST

3 STEVE Westcott and the team at Bluemoon Packing, located in Kirup.

f o s e g n e ll a h C

harvest 2020

here were some pretty happy faces at Pink Lady harvest time this year it may have just been a sign of relief after getting through one of the most trying times in history with the conditions that COVID-19 placed on everyone.

The season started with below average winter rainfall followed by hail storms in late October that damaged a good portion of the crop and then some very extreme heat starting in mid-November and continued through until February.

This year there were 13 days above 34.1ºC between November and March in Manjimup. Above this temperature sunburn can occur in the open orchard.

The Gala harvest time was early this year starting in January for most only 120 days from full bloom to first pick a record that hadn’t been broken in a long time.

Yields were down due to hail damage and sunburn as the estimates had been very optimistic. Most Gala apples were small compared to previous seasons and this same trend occurred across Australia.

Then the COVID-19 conditions came into play with social distancing and a flood of backpackers looking for work that couldn’t get home or no longer had work in the hospitality sector.

Most growers had their picking teams in place and were set for the season

Fuji apples were a mixed bag this season, some reporting heavy crops and others lighter crops. Size was good for most with the Western Australian average fruit above the national average for Fuji. This variety was harvested 8–10 days early than average. Granny Smith apples were next to be picked with most growers having a sound yield and size was average similar to the national average. Again the harvest was still earlier than had been experience, approximately 170 days from full bloom to first pick.

While Pink Lady harvest was set to be early too, the picking season started to slow down, as the warm autumn conditions meant that colour

development was slow. The mean minimum temperature for Autumn in Manjimup was at least five degrees higher than the long term average. The bonus of slowing down the track to harvest timing is the increase in late season fruit growth of the Pink Lady apples, this can be seen in the fruit size data across all growing regions.

The warmer conditions have increased the pest and disease pressure this year.

So it is important to ensure that good orchard hygiene post-harvest is given extra care. The most practical method is to sweep then mulch fruit in orchard rows using a slasher or flail mower.

You will need to check that the fruit is being well mulched and whole fruit are not being left behind to ensure no pest and disease issues are carried over into the next season.

Now is a good time to be thinking about post-harvest nutrition regimes, pruning requirements (invigorate, devigorate or restructure), disease management, redevelopment plans and labour requirements.

It is years like 2020 when you are able to sit back and reflect on the season, think about what is good about growing apples and pears and that what you do is producing quality food for consumers.

We recently captured this in some photos of growers during the Pink Lady Harvest for the Buy West Eat Best “Shinning a light on WA Food Heroes’.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Susie Murphy White on: 0429 413 420 or email susan.murphywhite@dpird.wa.gov.au.

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PHOTO: Victoria Baker Photographer

T

BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE PROJECT MANAGER, POMEWEST

and prepared to finish harvest with their trusted workers in place knowing that they were no longer able to travel the state while working. The implementation of good health and safety precautions in the orchard and pack houses was underway by everyone to stop the spread and ensure the pome fruit harvest was able to be completed. Continuing the supply of quality produce to consumers. Nielsen ‘Harvest to Home’ data reported the increase in grocery sales better than a pre-Christmas period. The consumption of fruit and vegetables driven by health conscious people now staying at home. The home snacking occasions had increased but the sales of fruit did not increase in the March quarter. The fruit that did perform best were bananas, apples and stone fruit.

The gaps left by food services were now being met by home delivery services by smaller operators. The new normal for consumers buying fresh produce will include consumers looking for trust, safety and provenance.

POMEWEST

s p i T to keep

•

apples fresh in retail

Pomewest, serving West Australian growers, would like to see a better rate of passes in our retail quality tests.

As a retailer, keeping produce fresh and in optimal eating condition can sometimes be a challenge. Research tells us that care in handling and presenting apples will result in great eating experiences and results in return sales. The following are some practical tips for best practice which will assist you to keep your apple lines in tip-top shape for freshness and customer eating satisfaction.

2 Improve stacking procedures

1 Implement an effective stock rotation system All fresh produce should be rotated using the first in first out method, to ensure older produce doesn’t get lost in the back of displays.

People buy with their eyes and people gravitate to the bestlooking produce.

© Agricultural Produce Commission, 2020

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Over stacking (more than two rows high), can also bruise and crush produce, reducing the quality of the fruit. Whilst apples are hard to touch, they can still bruise, so place them carefully to avoid damage.

3 Deal with damaged products Ensure your employees are regularly checking for product spoilage as they carry out their daily store duties.

POMEWEST

tips 6 Have the correct cold storage solution

4 Be aware of ethylene sensitivity Apples produce high levels of ethylene and are best displayed away from produce that also produce high levels.

Avocados, bananas, peaches and tomatoes are examples to name a few.

5 Check your deliveries Before your stock even makes its way to the shelves, produce should be checked to ensure it has arrived under the correct conditions and has the capacity to store for long periods.

Try to avoid buying large volumes of cheap fruit to store for extended periods in your cool-stores. If it’s cheap it may be that it has a specific use-by date. A fully trained member of staff should always check the temperature and visible quality of the produce.

Once in storage, apples should be kept in the correct type of refrigerated container or cold store. Apples are best stored at temperatures from 1–2 degrees to maintain pristine freshness, however that is not always a practical temperature when sharing space with other fresh produce in your cool room.

Even at 4 degrees, some form of refrigeration is better than room temperature, for shelf life.

8 Clean storage areas Much like on the shop floor, an unsanitary cold store unit can cause product spoilage.

Off or damaged produce can cause unpleasant smells and leakage, both of which can contaminate ‘good’ stock. To keep food as fresh as possible in the summer heat, regularly check and clean your cold store units.

7 Check temperatures Retailers should have to an easily visible thermometer or electronic temperature measuring device in all cold store units and cabinets. To ensure that produce is at a safe and correct temperature, these should be checked regularly be a designated member of staff.

9 Educate employees One of the easiest ways you can keep retail produce fresh is to educate your employees on the issues your store faces when temperatures rise.

Teach your staff how to recognise and effectively deal with damaged produce, and ensure everyone understands the importance of stocking produce lines correctly.

pomewest.net.au WA Grower WINTER 2020

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POMEWEST

PHOTO: Victoria Baker Photographer

Social media strategy driving apples and pears during COVID-19

BY BY NOELENE SWAIN POMEWEST PROMOTIONS CO-ORDINATOR

T

he local apple and pear season is now well underway marking a season of particular historic note.

Along with some of the most extremely growing conditions across the country impacting on the volume and appearance of the current crop, producers have also had to cope with the current unusual and uncertain times resulting from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing a change in consumer purchase behaviours amongst the COVID-19 pandemic which has placed a focus on maintaining health by eating well yet also requires us to react and adopt new ways to accommodate for shifting consumer demands and purchase patterns.

A range of promotional activities scheduled to promote apples and pears have been cancelled in the wake of the community restrictions required to maintain social distancing. A range of activities planned in schools, community events and festivals were all pulled in the interest of community safety.

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www.instagram.com/ waapplesandpears

3 SOCIAL media activities were stepped up to a more intense level in mid March.

People staying home and reaching out to others via social media created a focussed opportunity to increase the level of interaction via social media.

Social media activities were stepped up to a more intense level in mid March, with a strategy to drive: • Increased interest in health • Emphasis in quality and food safety • Greater assurance that fruit is free of risk and of the highest quality when it comes to safety standards • Understanding of seasonal conditions impacting on visual presentation • Better personal connection to the individuals and families producing local fruit • Wider understanding of the range of varieties available • Increased motivation to snack of apples and pears • Inspiration to cook with apples and pears.

Social media communications have been tailored to ensure communications are appropriate in the current climate, while continuing to inspire West Australians to choose local natural, healthy fruit as snacks and providing delicious recipe inspiration they can create at home.

Media content has been based around additional photography undertaken in local orchards for original posts, sharing of relevant posts from others and crafting promoted competitions.

As a result of this intensity, all metrics for measuring engagements have rocketed over the previous month, with followers steadily increasing and levels of reach, impressions, likes and comments typically seeing a five-fold increase. Impact has been further amplified by reposting by some locally influential food accounts which extends the message reach.

WA CITRUS

citrus

update WA Citrus

WA Grower WINTER 2020

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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 Andrew Sorgiovanni Cliff Winfield Daniel Ying

Affiliate Committee Members

From the

industry

Damien Guthrey 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 Western Australian citrus fruit

BY BRONWYN WALSH INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (IDM)

W

e are facing incredibly challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has raised many issues including the movement restrictions international, inter and intra-state, which has impact access to labour; disruptions to supplies such as cleaning products, chemicals and fertiliser; and access to export markets.

WA Grower WINTER 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on all businesses is still being monitored so please contact myself, Bronwyn or a Committee member to discuss what information or action you need.

The 2020 season is looking similar to 2019.

I have spoken to growers in northern and southern regions and overall the 2020 season is looking similar to 2019, in terms of supply, with some varieties substantially reduced and others carrying a similar or slight increased load.

The desire by consumers to increase their consumption of immune boosting foods has increased demand for fresh fruit and vegetables. Time will tell if this will see a good return to growers for their product.

60

The ability for our industry to be represented in various networks involved with monitoring and responding to the unfolding COVID-19 situation has been of great benefit. It has enabled us to be well prepared, keeping ourselves, family, business and supply chain healthy. Thanks to Joseph, Shane and Bronwyn for attending weekly videolinks as well the Committee for ongoing support.

Meanwhile, our industry activities continue to progress. The APC Citrus SubCommittee (CSC) has recommended the fee for service rate for next financial year remain the same after careful consideration of the crop forecast and potential impact of COVID-19. This recommendation will go to the APC Commission for approval. The CSC also reviewed seven proposals for services to the industry, including R&D, promotions and communication and leadership. After considering the five assessment criteria, three proposals

WA CITRUS

Protecting our business

T

he COVID-19 situation is yet another change the industry and its businesses face. Rural West has been working with primary production enterprises to assist getting through difficult and turbulent times.

3 THERE has been an increased demand for fresh fruit and vegetables.

• Are you financially stressed, doing it tough and unsure of where to next?

• Overwhelmed by industry change and challenges?

Free call 1800 612 004 or go to www.ruralwest.com.au

were successful and will mean the industry will receiving promotional, communication, leadership and peel quality R&D services. Each year the priorities of the industry are reviewed and there is an annual call for services.

Please contact CSC Chair, Joseph Ling, Bronwyn Walsh or Ingrid Behr, APC Manager if you’d like to raise a priority or know more about this process.

Streamlining our industry structure continues, slightly slowed as the focus has shifted to dealing with COVID. The plan is still to have the vote from WA Citrus members at the AGM to move to one Committee.

There has also been changes to Industry officer roles as Bronwyn and Kate expand their experience and job security. Bronwyn has accepted a part-time position with Horticulture Innovation Australia as Regional Extension Manager for WA. Discussion is now underway for recruiting to undertake the duties that will no longer be undertaken by Bronwyn. Kate will be allocating specific days (Monday and Friday) to her work with the WA citrus industry.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au.

Addressing the health risk posed by COVID-19 to citrus business owners, their staff, family, supply chain and consumers has resulted in a lot of activity. Since March Bronwyn, (Citrus Industry Development Manager), and Joseph Ling (Chair of APC Citrus Sub-Committee) participated in the ‘WA Horticulture Network’, lead by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

This was an excellent opportunity and immediate response for us to get quickly up to speed with what was going on, and learn from other WA horticulture industries, government and Citrus Australia.

The experiences of Queensland citrus growers, starting their season earlier than WA gave us a head start on putting in place COVID-19 management practices to citrus businesses, as well as production of the Citrus growers and packers guide.

mid-May and beyond could bring further changes. If you have any queries on preparing your business for potential COVID-19 consequences please contact Bronwyn, or visit websites: www.wa.gov.au, https:// citrusaustralia.com.au/media/covid19-ca-updates.

Queensland fruit fly DPIRD is currently responding to an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly in the Perth suburbs of Dalkeith, Nedlands and Claremont. DPIRD staff are monitoring and baiting as part of the eradication program. More information is available at www.agric.wa.gov.au.

Fall Armyworm

Another new pest found across northern Australia is Fall Armyworm. It was determined that it is not technically feasible to eradicate this pest. For 3 CITRUS grower and packer guide information please visit for COVID. the DPIRD website, www.agric.wa.gov.au/ plant-biosecurity/fall-armywormThis is now up to its sixth edition. western-australia. There is also a video vegetablesWA also had some useful can watch this video on YouTube, www. information on their website. Combined, youtube.com/watch?v=H6N4K19B5this meant we could produce a weekly Q&feature=youtu.be eNews to keep growers informed.

By May the frequency of WA Horticulture Network meetings had dropped back to fortnightly, with a watching brief as information unfolds.

The change in conditions in WA from

MORE INFORMATION Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au.

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WA CITRUS

Markets U

ncertainty is the status quo as we start the 2020 citrus season. A fall in prices for lemons and limes in Autumn with the immediate overnight and ongoing loss of the food service market, negatively impacted on growers.

3 DAN Papacek, Bugs for Bugs, presents on Qfly via Zoom.

R&D goes on-line

A

s a result of technology and researchers’ flexibility, we have been able to link to various on-line presentations relevant to our industry.

In some cases, perhaps more than what would have done in a normal year. Bronwyn listened to a presentation by Dan Papacek on his experience with areawide management of Queensland fruit fly in the Burnett region of Queensland. Thanks to organisers from the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area program.

of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will be collaborating on with Steven and WA afourer growers.

Research proposals Research proposals were called for

by Horticulture Innovation Australia for using the national citrus levy on integrated pest and disease management. WA is part of a tender that was submitted. If successful this will mean three years of activities related to pests, including workshops, farm walks and demonstrations. An article from DPIRD on Citrus gall wasp is also in this edition of the WA Grower (see page 63).

FREE

pre-harvest fruit testing has started!

Steven Fallivene (NSWDPI) hosted several online presentations with South African citrus industry colleagues to talk about their experiences with Afourer mandarin management.

More than 20 people joined the forum from across Australia. This is a part of a national citrus levy project that Rachelle Johnstone from Department

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Maturity standards

Maturity standards for 2020 were approved and free preharvest fruit testing has started as part of our industry development program. The program provides free testing of internal brix and acid levels to see if they meet the minimum standard. This helps growers ensure their fruit is picked when it meets consumer expectations.

By May, mandarin and orange harvests began, with volumes increasing into June as more orchards supply the popular Imperial mandarin. Growers will be watching to see if the reported consumer demand for fresh produce that boosts the immune system will follow through to sales. Exports are due to start in June. Shipping reports to date indicate a levelling in port logistics after early disruptions in Australia and export markets. Some export markets are not viable as internal country logistics are impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Monitoring internal fruit quality of WA citrus fruit in the market has begun for 2020.

This is part of a national levy project lead

by Citrus Australia. Before the unexpected impacts of COVID-19, Citrus Australia hosted their annual Market Outlook Forum event in Melbourne this year.

Topical presentations were on traceability, national crop forecast and packaging.

Citrus Australia are undertaking a project aimed at improving traceability in horticulture supply chains. Presentations from the Forum are available for Grower and Affiliate members on the Citrus Australia website.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au.

3 CITRUS growers, packers and marketers attend the Citrus Australia Market Outlook Forum.

WA CITRUS

Check trees for citrus gall wasp

BY RACHELLE JOHNSTONE RESEARCH SCIENTIST, DPIRD

N

ow’s the time to keep your eyes peeled for Citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis).

In south-west Western Australia, June is the best time to check the orchard for galls as they are close to fully grown and easily visible on close inspection.

Galls removed in June can be chopped up or mulched and left in the orchard without further treatment.

To date, there have been no reports of citrus gall wasp (CGW) in a commercial orchard in WA. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and WA Citrus have worked together to engage Perth gardeners to slow the spread of this pest for a number of years. This has included flyer drops in certain suburbs in 2018, emails to shires, press releases and social media posts encouraging gardeners to check and treat backyard trees and report CGW using the MyPestGuide reporter (Figure 1). The flyer drop led to a large increase in reports in October 2018.

After this initial increase, reports have come through at a lower but consistent rate. Interestingly, as COVID-19 restrictions increased in early April this year, the number of reports increased more than usual at this time of year, reaching 300 reports by 8 May (five months earlier than the last two years!).

PHOTO: Pia Scanlan, DPIRD

Wasps in galls removed after June may still emerge if galls do not dry out before September.

3 CITRUS gall wasp adult.

3 NEW galls become visible from April.

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WA CITRUS

600

NUMBER OF REPORTS

500

2018 2019 2020

400 300 200 Flyer drop & media release 2018

100 0 1 Jan

1 Feb

1 Mar

1 Apr

1 May

1 Jun

1 Jul

1 Aug

1 Sep

1 Oct

1 Nov

1 Dec

DATE FIGURE 1 YEAR TO YEAR COMPARISON OF THE CUMULATIVE NUMBER OF CITRUS GALL WASP REPORTS FROM 1 JANUARY 2018 TO 8 MAY 2020

Galls tend to be more abundant in the lower canopy.

3 CITRUS gall wasps laying eggs in a new shoot.

3 LARGE galls on a Citrus gall wasp infested tree.

Monitoring is essential, as low levels of CGW infestation may not require chemical intervention.

PHOTO: Helen Newman, WA Citrus

If you find something

Most reports continue to come from the northern suburbs, particularly in the Cities of Bassendean and Bayswater.

There is an increasing number of reports in suburbs in the Cities of Stirling and Swan.

While the pest hasn’t spread too far beyond known suburbs since 2018, the number of reports are increasing in known suburbs.

The spread north of Perth has reached Beldon and northeast in Ellenbrook.

There have been a few reports to the east in Helena Valley and Glen Forest.

CGW has not spread as far in the southern suburbs, with one confirmed report in Bentley.

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What to look for New infestations are difficult to detect as galls can be small and hidden in the canopy behind the summer and autumn flushes.

Galls tend to be more abundant in the lower canopy, so a good monitoring technique is to check underneath the canopy and look for shoots growing at right angles from the main branch. The wasp itself is small and difficult to see when it emerges in spring.

Control Management strategies currently focus on removing galls before emergence.

Two soil-applied systemic pesticides that target the larvae are also available.

Early detection of citrus gall wasp in our growing regions is important for effective control of this pest. If you find galls in your orchard or in trees close to your orchard please report them using the MyPestGuide reporter app or web tool.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Rachelle Johnstone at: rachelle.johnstone@dpird.wa.gov.au • DPIRD website agric.wa.gov.au/citrusgall-wasp • MyPestGuide agric.wa.gov.au/pestsweeds-diseases/mypestguide • NSW DPI Factsheet www.dpi.nsw.gov. au/agriculture/horticulture/citrus/ content/insects-diseases-disordersand-biosecurity/inect-pest-factsheets/ citrus-gall-wasp

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

STONEFRUIT

stonefruit

update Stonefruit WA

WA Grower WINTER 2020

65

STONEFRUIT

contacts

3 YELLOW flesh peaches for sale at a farm gate.

Stonefruit Sub-Committee Danny Di Marco, Chair e: dimarconson@gmail.com Anthony Fullam

e: afullam@wn.com.au

Bruno Delsimone

e: bdelsimone@mercermooney.com.au

Anthony Caccetta

e: antc83@hotmail.com

Mark Scott

e: markpscott@bigpond.com

Sebastian Fiolo

e: karragullen@bigpond.com

Mick Padula

e: mickpadula@yahoo.com.au

Shay Crouch, Value Chain Facilitator

e: shay.crouch@perthnrm.com e: (08) 9374 3306

APC fee for service charge Stone fruit effective from 1 November 2009 Type of fruit

$/kg

All fresh stone fruit (apricots, cherries, loquats, nectarines, peaches and plums)

0.015

Processing fruit

0.006

what’s on...

2020

DPIRD Indonesian Fruit and Vegetable Inbound Buyers Mission WHEN Postponed from March 2020 to early 2021

Chairman’s

BY DANNY DI MARCO CHAIRMAN, STONEFRUIT WA

W

Report

hat a season it has been, finishing on a high with great plum varieties hitting the domestic market, though not without its challenges.

The season did, however end quickly with an early finish, several weeks shorter than the previous year. The fruit was of high standard this year and with the uncertain times ahead, we need to maintain fruit quality into the next season. Those quality standards start now.

Whether it is deciding what varieties to pull out and plant, determining which QA systems you will

implement, branding and labelling options, and even if you are going to export some of your produce. I hope that the projects run by the committee can help in making more informed decisions around some of these matters.

This season saw 100 in-store demonstrations with tastings, paired together with the Buy West Eat Best Good Choice Campaign, with great consumer engagement across multiple platforms.

It has allowed us to monitor customer satisfaction and the willingness of customers to return buy, with great feedback that our produce is of a great standard and flavour.

Shelf life and handling of fruit on shop shelves still receives some criticism, which we continue to work on.

The committee thanks you all for your support and input going into the future. ● MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Danny Di Marco on 0435 270 055.

3 POINT-OF-SALE material on display in store.

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STONEFRUIT

Indonesian promotions wrapup

T

BY SHAY CROUCH VALUE CHAIN FACILITATOR, STONEFRUIT WA

This was conducted in March/April of this year through three major retailers; Ranch Market, KemChicks and Food Hall. Unfortunately, this activity was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic as it raced across the globe.

However, this did not diminish the good impression our WA plums were making in the retail market.

Point-of-sale material and in store tasting were conducted over these weeks, with many observations made along the way.

As the first international campaign carried out by our industry, there was lots to learn and takeaway from the project.

• Feedback was positive with many customers commenting that our plums were sweet and had a great texture • In times of COVID-19, prepacked fruit is preferred by consumers. Similar trends seen here in Australia • Tasting reinforced that besides price, people buy for sweetness

PHOTOS © MoreLink

he final part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Asian Market Success funding was implementing a marketing campaign at retail level in Jakarta.

3 POINT-OF-SALE material on display in a Food Hall shop in Jakarta during March/April season.

3 LARGE display of WA plums in Jakarta with Sales Promotion lady handing out tasters.

• Plums are still an exotic fruit and more information on Red and Black plums is needed • Ranch Market still prefers larger size plums for its premium locations • Fruit quality was high with all stakeholders having no issues

• Freight and supply were severely impacted by COVID-19 as access to some markets was restricted, creating an oversupply in other markets, such as Jakarta.

This promotion work should be viewed as a scoping exercise, as it wasn’t large enough to generate a huge increase in sales. However, it has shown where future funds can be best spent to generate those increases. We have started to build upon those relationships and can now see potential for the WA industry in developing further into this market. ●

WA plums

making a great impression in the retail market.

• Point-of-sale material was well received with clear imagery of friendly Aussie kids enjoying a plum • To keep up with consumer buying trends growers should look at growing sweeter plum varieties such as Honey Punch and the Candy series

MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Shay via email shay.crouch@perthnrm.com or phone (08) 9374 3306.

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Points of interest Stay vigilant Pest monitoring

Export registrations are now open!

China, Taiwan and Thailand export registrations are now open Preparation is key to getting access to these markets so make sure you head to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website for details.

Registration requires pest monitoring from bud-burst so make sure you are monitoring beforehand.

The Queensland fruit fly (QFly) outbreak in the Perth Metro area in April is being managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

It is wise to stay vigilant in your pest monitoring program to ensure our commercial orchards do not see a similar outbreak. Hopefully, the cooler weather keeps them at bay. Continuous Medfly trapping has been seeing some increased numbers of the pest.

Again, be watchful.

Fall Armyworm Fall Armyworm has made its way in Western Australia, it has over 30 host species including stonefruit. There are a range of management methods if it does get into the orchards, these include pheromone lures and sprays (see page 8 for more information on Fall Armyworm).

Podcasts Workers Looking for workers may be a little different this year as borders have been closed. There are a range of places which are designed to help with recruiting staff. Locally you can check out Studium and Jobs in Ag and Food. There is also the National Harvest Labour Trial and Back Picker which operate at a national level.

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Looking for some listening material?

Hort Innovation has a range of podcasts covering off on many topics affecting those in horticulture. Head to their website or look for Growing Matters where you listen to your podcasts. ● MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Shay via email shay.crouch@perthnrm.com or phone (08) 9374 3306.

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your

business Your business WA Grower WINTER 2020

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Adapting quickly

as a food supplier to a pandemic crisis

BY JOE LEDERMAN EXECUTIVE CHAIRPERSON, FOODLEGAL

I

n April 2007, FoodLegal was commissioned by Australia’s Department of Agriculture to provide a literature review of historical models for equitable food distribution for the scenario of a pandemic.

The observations and thoughts in this article, provided by FoodLegal Executive Chairperson Joe Lederman, fall outside the terms of reference of the FoodLegal 2007 report but are only intended to stimulate ideas that may assist food businesses in these difficult times.

This same article appeared on 7 March 2020 in Foodlegal Bulletin just as Australia entered the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Many of the author’s predictions have eventuated or are still occurring as part of the new reality in the Australian food industry.

3 EMPTY shelves can be attributed to the systemic problem that our usual retail supply efficiencies require inventory stock levels to be kept to minimum levels.

Many suppliers have limited reserves and normally run materials to a minimum.

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The existing business ailments, symptoms and their diagnosis 1 Empty shelves Shoppers will have noticed an emptying out of stock at supermarkets and pharmacies. However, it would be wrong to blame the stripping of shelves to greed or selfish consumers. Primarily, it is attributable to the systemic problem that our usual retail supply efficiencies require inventory stock levels to be kept to minimum levels. The concept of just-in-time production, delivery and display are in-built into our supply chains and retail modes of operation.

Likewise, many suppliers have limited reserves and normally run materials to a minimum to account for an 'average' safety stock at best. A domino effect is therefore created.

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2 Weaknesses in re-ordering systems

3 A large amount of packaging materials and inputs come from overseas.

Despite daily news reports of empty retail shelf space, some suppliers seem to be left waiting for retailers to order extra product to replenish the shelves. Why? My diagnosis is that food production systems, and in particular purchase re-ordering systems, are geared to the continuity of typical patterns and levels of consumption without having been adjusted for an atypical scenario.

If a retailer has programmed software to order small amounts of restocking based on previous buying patterns, then the conventional software may need to be modified or overridden to facilitate large orders and to adjust to a scenario that sees shoppers buying up larger volume now and in the near future, although at less frequent shopping intervals.

If this is not done quickly, production and supply chain problems will be exacerbated.

If or when supply chains may develop unhealthy symptoms, retailers may need to impose buying quotas on purchasers. In a worst-case scenario, government intervention in the marketplace may be necessary to prevent market abuse being caused by shortages.

Examples may include mandatory quotas on individual purchases; in the old days this was called rationing.

of supermarket private labels (or home brands).

Retailers are continuously pushing for supplier innovation coupled with cost reduction, and whilst in some cases tenure of a supply contract may be an aspect of supplier negotiation with any retailer, it tends to be a rare occurrence for a few selected supply partners.

Typically these longer term contracts are used to lock in commodities such as home brand milks or speciallysourced top line co-investment fruit or vegetable brands.

Adapting to packaging shortages during a pandemic.

The existence of new technologies such as cloudbased phone apps, retailer and government databases on customers could be adapted relatively quickly for this function.

3 The packaging problem

Despite significant food manufacture in Australia, a large amount of packaging materials and inputs come from overseas. Australia’s food manufacturing base has experienced somewhat of a renaissance in the past decade. New supplier brands have emerged in unconventional marketing of bakery products, snack foods and soft drinks, but nonetheless these food businesses have also depended heavily on the buying commitment

Accordingly, investment in supply inputs or developing new sources of supply from within Australia is made difficult because of the usual uncertainties of short-term contract tenure.

Another factor against establishing a deeper local manufacturing base for supply chain inputs is the revenue reliance by Australian governments on Australian mineral exports and primary production bulk exports. Australian government free trade advocacy goes hand-in-hand with a floating currency, and its volatility that echoes commodity price movements. This volatility has discouraged the development of greater entrepreneurial investment in a vertical manufacturing supply chain.

Australian government policies to date have not focused on investment incentives for import substitution.

Such incentives may be desirable to compensate for the huge risks of long-term swings in the Australian dollar exchange rate adverse to ensuring ongoing supply capabilities for manufacturing inputs in Australia. In the meantime Australians rely heavily on the global packaging giants whose operations include cross-border trading between their different facilities.

Two major global packagers (Amcor and Visy) have strong Australian operations and are certainly well-placed to service major global food brands operating in Australia. There are also a number of well-scaled medium sized packaging groups that also rely heavily on imported raw materials.

New food distribution priorities might require governments to intervene for the duration of the crisis period to reallocate packaging resources on an equitable basis.

In circumstances of a pandemic crisis, there may well be opportunities for smaller food suppliers including fresh produce growers and small manufacturers to develop or adapt to new forms of bulk packaging and to utilise these in supply distribution systems that reach potential customers more directly. In my childhood, fruit and vegetables used to be bought by households by the box or the crate. Even if the wooden box of my youth is now

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replaced by a plastic box or a large thick plastic bag, such things can be done.

4 Selling online There are different ways of selling food online. Some foods are sold on private platforms such as producer websites.

Other options may include online market platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Catch and Kogan. Alternatively some food businesses may use food delivery services such as UberEats, Deliveroo and MenuLog. Alternatively some food businesses may partner with food retailers or other online networks.

The Cloud and the use of apps create the potential for more food producers to consider the extraordinary circumstances of a pandemic as a catalyst to the rapid development of new distribution networks, partnerships, joint ventures and logistical arrangements. The existence of new urban conglomerations such as resident-occupied city apartment blocks may be a new opportunity for new forms of delivery without compromising human quarantine measures to stop or slow down the spread of infection.

5 Pre-marketing regulatory compliance Any supplier expanding or developing a new type of food business must consider regulatory requirements for product integrity and food safety. Supply chain management would need to cover safety requirements such as labelling, lot identification or batch numbers, useby dates, barcoding and serial tracking, as well as temperature controls.

6 Lost exports One effect may be the resultant glut of Australian products originally intended for export, but the problem is matching that excess supply to a domestic demand that may either not exist or may be difficult to access. Suppliers will need to be innovative and improvise in order to find new ways to sell their product and to reach new consumers quickly. They may also need to preserve their product in ways that they have not previously done. This may involve extra processing, new packaging and finding new forms of preservation such as modified atmospheric or refrigerated conditions. Another consequence of the drop in demand for Australian product outside Australia might be a counter-

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intuitive market shift. For example, despite Australia lacking any significant on-shore petroleum refining capacity of its own, the drop in international demand for energy fuels could enable domestic fuel reserves to be rapidly increased to allow for transportation of food and other critical supplies in all locations throughout Australia.

This may need government funding intervention to accelerate and prioritise the usage of domestic fuel resources.

7 Shipping shortages The economics of freight management and logistics requires two-way flow of traffic in the form of a primary load and the backload. If quarantine leads to a shipping hold-up at one port, there will be a consequent hold-up of product for the return journey or vice versa. Government intervention may be a necessity. There is a historical precedent for this. At the end of World War One, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes commandeered shipping necessary to maintain Australian exports of wheat.

8 Decentralising logistics The economics of supermarket supply chains have typically focused on centralisation. However, the shift to online selling platforms and the Cloud, has afforded the opportunity for food suppliers to decentralise their distribution depots.

Major online platform brands are focused on business agility to control the last mile of the distribution channel to the consumer.

The current crisis may likely accelerate this focus on decentralisation of distribution networks. Producers and suppliers should recognise this also as an opportunity for them to reach new markets without having to go through a giant central distribution centre.

9 Price gouging I would expect the government to have the ACCC direct attention to so-called market abuses where product shortages lead to rapid increases in market prices for high demand products. I think that enforcement pronouncements are not likely to be effective for controlling private sales in online markets. If the problems were endemic and serious enough,

the government could institute heavier market controls and emergency powers that would constitutionally require approval by all Australian States. This could include rationing or control over trading practices and trading hours.

10 Enhancing resilience In the 1930s Depression and during World War Two, food shortages in the shops could be ameliorated by friends and family in the neighbourhood sharing garden produce and by irregular personal initiatives such as by the visiting rabbitoh, fishing on the Bay pier, or the lady with the chook-pen down the street. Although Australians by nature are resilient, these oldfashioned Australian habits may be less common than they used to be.

For example, many city-dwellers have assumed for many years that ready-toeat food will always be readily available by purchase nearby or within a short car-distance. In my previous studies of eating habits, some of the available data at the time of the FoodLegal report in 2007 showed that about 40% of the population relied on acquiring at least one meal a day from a food outlet. Since then there has been a proliferation of television cooking programs that may have enhanced the capabilities and interest of young urban Australians in home cooking. However, if there are shortages of particular food categories in particular areas, it could be helpful for food suppliers to provide online guidance for the cooking or processing of their produce. This could be done as part of a marketing strategy.

This is general information rather than legal advice and is current as of 4 Mar 2020. We therefore recommend you seek legal advice for your particular circumstances if you want to rely on advice or information to be a basis for any commercial decision-making by you or your business.

MORE INFORMATION Copyright March 2020 Lawmedia Pty Ltd ABN 49 114 751 983, All rights reserved. Reprinted with kind permission of the publisher and the author Joe Lederman. The original article is to be found here: www.foodlegal.com.au/ inhouse/document/2183 Joe Lederman is the founder, Executive Chairman and Managing Principal of FoodLegal.

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Checklist for fresh produce sector Actions for your workforce

This checklist is for producers, packers, and processors in the fresh produce sector for use as part of their effort to contain the spread and limit the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

No.

Key considerations: Maintaining the health and wellbeing of you, your staff, and your family Ensuring you maintain work teams to keep your business functioning Identifying ways to work that are consistent with current best hygienic practice Retaining access to goods and services

Question

1

A safe working environment has been provided for all staff in your business

2

Precautions are in place for your workers or family who are over 60 or in a high-risk group (underlying medical conditions)

3

4

No

No

Needs Needs action Not relevant improvement

Workers are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment – gloves, masks, etc as appropriate Hand washing facilities and hand sanitisers are provided and regularly maintained

6

Workers who are sick understand the need to self-isolate

7

Systems are in place to isolate work teams if a team member tests positive Visitors are not permitted on site

9

Contractors are appropriately briefed and follow all hygiene protocols when on site

10

Regularly check with Government and relevant industry websites on the latest precautions and measures designed to control the virus

11

Yes

Ensure all workers are briefed on ways of working and can demonstrate them in practice – physical distancing, hygienic coughing/sneezing, etc

5

8

Yes

It is in place

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Will you miss out on labour?

T

OPINION PIECE BY MELISSA DENNING AND AMBER ATKINSON VEGETABLESWA

he seeds have been planted, the rain has fallen and the sun has shone and now the fruits of your labour are ready to be harvested.

The time has now come that you must depend on others: pickers, packers, backpackers, travellers, students, labourers and anyone else who can get your crop into the bins/crates/boxes/ bags/punnets to get them to market.

But who will you get; how will you get them; and how long will they stay?

These are all questions and issues that get raised every year, but add in a pandemic, travel restrictions, and an unknown number of available workers and you’ve got a unique set of circumstances that require careful consideration.

Labour is always an issue.

The time it takes to recruit, train and then get those employees up to competent speed are all costs to the business.

Comments from growers over the last couple of months have indicated a varying range of concern over labour.

Some growers are sorted. They have their workers already in Australia under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and will see through their season.

Other employers that would have had SWP workers arrive have been able to source from other farms that are finishing their crops.

Some farms are not able to bring in their workers so will revert to Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) this year and wait to return to normal next year.

Others have their fingers crossed that they will be able to find enough people to cover their needs.

Employers that utilise the SWP are very familiar with having to submit plans and paperwork several months in advance in order to garner approval from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE).

We know for a fact that Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud, will allow Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers to extend their stay for 12 months to work for approved employers.

Meanwhile Working Holiday Makers (WHM) will be exempt from the six-month limit with one employer and be eligible for a further visa to continue helping farmers get on with the jobs.

To get a clear picture of what is currently happening in the WA labour space, we spoke to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Agribusiness Development Manager Jackie Jarvis.

Who will you get; how will you get them; and how long will they stay?

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She confirmed that while there was an influx of backpackers and WHM’s into some parts of regional WA following the closure of the hospitality sector in March, she has been provided with data from the Department of Home Affairs that shows 34% of WHM have left Australia since March.

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PHOTO © Craig Kinder

Working Holiday Makers (WHM) will be exempt from the six-month limit with one employer.

DPIRD estimated there were less than 9,000 WHM left in WA at the end of May, when there would usually have close to 15,000.

There are obviously no more coming for some time and we need you, our members, to consider the potential impact on accessing the suitable workforce into spring and summer.

In April and May 2020 the labour demand of the WA agrifood sector was around 1,500 seasonal/casual workers.

DPIRD data shows that by September this demand lifts to approximately 7,000 seasonal workers servicing the agrifood sector in WA on any given day.

We also saw the northern hospitality sector commence recruiting WHM at the end of May, in preparation for an influx of domestic tourists.

We expect other WA regions to also start recruiting WHM for their hospitality sectors ahead of the July school holidays, increasing in Spring.

With the decline in the overall number of the WHM, and the peak agricultural labour requirements coinciding with an expected pick-up in domestic tourism, DPIRD is working to ensure growers have the required number of workers in each region.

The Agribusiness Food & Trade team has funded an employment matching platform, Stadium, (https://studium. work/wa-regions) launched on April 14, 2020 to provide job matching services to WA agrifood employers, recruitment agencies and labour hire companies.

This recruitment platform and personalised employment matching services allows employers to access registered job seekers, including temporary visa holders from across regional WA. A geo-targeted social media campaign was launched in late April 2020 resulting in over 2,000 job seeker registrations across WA; with this database growing daily.

3 DPIRD estimated there were less than 9,000 WHM left in WA at the end of May, when there would usually have close to 15,000.

Essentially we now have registered job seekers (WHM and locals) and we have a platform that enables employers to search through that platform for both skilled and/or experienced workers; as well as unskilled.

DPIRD has funded this service for six months to enable all employers and industry groups to access the platform.

The use of the platform by WA employers will also provide great data to support future workforce development projects in the agricultural sector; and we at vegetablesWA encourage all employers and industry groups access the database.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Melissa Denning, Labour Scheme Facilitator, vegetablesWA on 0477 477 044.

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Ahead of the curve 3 LIZ and Roger Fahl.

BY MELISSA DENNING LABOUR SCHEME FACILITATOR

3 A key element to Fruitico’s success has been its diversification of labour.

Current circumstances have required a changed process for most businesses.

Some businesses have gone online only, others have reinvented how they operate. Fruitico has had to do this also, however their ‘change’ came about in 2016.

2016 was the tipping point for Roger and Liz Fahl. After 20 years in the industry they were starting to see more and more overseas produce arriving onto West Australian supermarket shelves. Rather than continue in the same fashion they realised they had to get ahead of their own curve, for their company’s survival.

New plant varieties, new markets and a new joint venture all contributed to their adapted business model, but a key element to their success has been their diversification of labour.

Originally the Meelon farm used local Australian and international labour.

20 years ago, Australians would travel from crop to crop following the harvest trail to gain employment.

Spending the summer in South-West WA was pleasant and bountiful for work, however this type of Australia

PHOTOS © Fruitico

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ruitico is in an enviable position, some might say lucky. Whilst most companies have been dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic, Fruitico has quietly and efficiently continued to provide amazing produce to local and international markets.

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The first year proved hard. Fruitico had to learn about the workers and the workers had to learn about Australia and the crop. But their perseverance has now led to a stable and returning workforce, year after year. In November 2019 Fruitico invited most of the workers to return from the previous year and have now seen a 30% increase in productivity from their SWP workers.

Fruitico understand that workers are their main assets and base their working model on respect, fairness and acceptance. Fruitico is keen to encourage Australians into their workforce however since 2016 they have only had two fruit pickers stay for longer than two weeks.

Fruitico’s original 80-hectare farm in Hamel is about to expand to include a new $4 million project in Broome over the next four months.

This substantial increase will require a significant rise in labour. Fruitico would love to employ a 100% Australian workforce, however in the current climate the numbers are simply not available. Based on current projections the optimal levels would be 30% Australians and 70% from the SWP with any shortfall being made up with WHM workers. His diversification will ensure a constant and stable workforce for Fruitico. The SWP workers that were in situ from this [2020] harvest season, unable to return home due to flight restrictions, are excited to be staying on to learn more about the stages of the crop.

Fruitico base their working model on respect, fairness and acceptance.

3 WORKERS are key assets at Fruitico.

is few and far between now. Transient Australians were replaced by Working Holiday Makers (WHM), young foreign workers keen to earn some money and see Australia. Backpackers, 88-dayers or visa workers are all terms used to describe these types of workers.

Usually they would stay to fulfil their 88-days and then depart, however for a six-month season it meant having to train and then retrain a new cohort at least twice a season, if not more. Fruitico realised that this was not optimal.

So where was their ‘vaccine’ coming from? Rather than sticking to the same-same, Fruitico started looking out of the box and into the Circle — the Pacific Circle. The Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) had the potential to inject a new labour source into the company and from all accounts the programme has given a boost to the company. SWP workers began arriving in February 2018, with the first cohort from Fiji. Fruitico had a previous worker from Fiji and used these connections to recruit and train their first group. Later than year their first group of Timorese workers arrived under the SWP.

Fruitico and the Fahls are proof that adversity can lead to a newer and stronger company. Fruitico has shown that change can be hard, but that perseverance does lead to improvement.

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Guidelines

for using labour hire providers Before you choose a Labour Hire Provider, it is important to do your due diligence.

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3 EXPERIENCE shows that extending the labour supply chain increases the risk of workers being exploited.

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G

rowers all around Australia rely on Labour Hire Providers for the engagement of seasonal workers. Contrary to widespread belief, using a Labour Hire Provider does not entirely release the grower from their legal and ethical duties to ensure compliance and workers’ welfare. Therefore, it is important to have good processes in place to manage the outsourcing of labour and mitigate the risks involved.

Key recommendations around the use of Labour Hire Providers Do your due diligence up front Before you choose a Labour Hire Provider, it is important to do your due diligence. Steps for selecting a professional provider and identifying dodgy operators may include: • Reference checks (asking around for experience with a provider) • Check if the provider has the appropriate license (if applicable) and examine the restrictions and history of that license • Look for a provider with StaffSure certification (www.staffsure.org) • Check for unusual patterns that could point towards a sham operator, for example: — Frequent changes to business name or ABN — No physical business address or phone number — No track record of GST — An ABN check that reveals the entity was registered very recently.

Sign a written contract Your business relationship with the Labour Hire Provider should be documented in a written contract that outlines each party’s legal and ethical obligations to one another and towards workers. The contract should also cover off on how adherence to these obligations will be monitored. Further guidance on what should be included in the contract is given in the Fair Farms Standard (www.fairfarms.com.au).

Monitor what goes on

• Superannuation

Continuous monitoring is critical for ensuring that your Labour Hire Provider sticks to their side of the bargain. After all, that’s what you are paying them for. You should put robust monitoring practices in place that suit your circumstances. Ways to monitor the provider should include:

• WorkCover and other insurances

• Asking to review a random selection of worker pay-slips periodically

• Payroll tax • Admin overhead.

Always remember that if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Such a proposition is often built on underpayment of workers.

Avoid further subcontracting

Finally, one should be cautioned against further subcontracting of labour (i.e. your provider engaging another provider to send you workers).

Experience shows that extending the labour supply chain increases the risk of workers being exploited, as each business in the chain takes their cut, often not leaving enough for the worker to get a legal wage. While 3 YOUR business relationship with further subcontracting the Labour Hire Provider should be can be legitimate in documented in a written contract. certain circumstances, for example for contingency workforce • Asking the provider for evidence of planning, as general guidance, it paying super requires additional due diligence and • Inspecting worker accommodation or should be avoided. requesting photos • Educating workers about their legal rights and entitlements • Providing a grievance process for workers.

Pay a reasonable fee You should ensure that the fees charged by your provider are enough to cover their costs plus a reasonable profit margin. The provider’s costs should normally include: • Minimum wage for workers (keep in mind overtime and piecework provisions if applicable)

MORE INFORMATION These and other topics around ethical employment are covered in the Fair Farms Standard, which outlines the accepted principles of fair and ethical employment in Australian horticulture. Employers who wish to get trained and certified against the Standard can join the Fair Farms Initiative here: www.fairfarms.com.au/registration For more information, visit: www.fairfarms.com.au or email us at fairfarms@growcom.com.au

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Growing the labour supply a WA innovation

BY STUART SCOTT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, STUDIUM

A

“What we are looking for is partnerships with the local business communities, to jump on board the platform if they are looking for candidates.”

Backed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Studium has created a free platform that helps connect employers and jobseekers in areas of high need.

The platform — which was initially geared towards helping students, and graduates find opportunities and employers find talent — has shifted it's focus to fill the current need.

LOCAL start-up is helping primary producers deal with labour shortages caused by the pandemic.

It’s part of the temporary Jobs in Food and Agriculture initiative, supporting jobs and filling seasonal labour shortage issues that have arisen as our borders have locked down.

“The COVID-19 crisis has absolutely reinforced the important of agriculture and we are working closely with WA industry leaders to keep our supply chains open and businesses operating,” Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said.

“We know primary producers are concerned about labour shortages — the new FoodAllianceWA website will help fill these gaps by connecting businesses with workers who have been displaced from other industries such as hospitality.”

“Employers can also search the new online database to find workers with specific skills and qualifications such as forklift tickets, construction white cards or livestock experience.”

Studium CEO Stuart Scott said the platform was designed for headhunting based on skills, attributes and experiences and allowed employers to get to suitable candidates quickly.

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It’s already been overwhelmed by the level of interest from candidates, and in a few short months more than 9000 people have joined, demonstrating that people are desperate for better ways to find meaningful employment opportunities.

“As a start-up, we are in a unique position to help,” Mr Scott said.

“What we need is to make the agriculture community aware of a product that is there for them.”

Studium has a team of staff ready to help regional and local employers. And can step them through the process.

MORE INFORMATION Visit www.jobsinwafoodandag.com, employers with opportunities are encouraged to register at studium.work For comment contact Studium CEO Stuart Scott on 0421 411 641.

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3 EMPLOYERS are recommended to do everything reasonable to enable employees to work from home if possible.

Understanding changes to the Horticulture Award

I

BY STEPHEN FARRELL HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT

n early April the Fair Work Commission (FWC) made amendments to a number of modern awards, most relevantly, the Horticulture Award 2010. The amendments to the Awards are in response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

New clauses to the Awards 1 Unpaid Pandemic Leave This leave provides employees who are acting on medical advice from a medical practitioner or are required by medical authorities or any government authority (State or Federal) to self isolate, two weeks unpaid leave where ordinarily they would be required to attend work at the employer’s premises.

Whilst the leave is unpaid, it is an authorised absence from the workplace and it would be illegal for adverse action to be taken against an employee because they have accessed this leave.

Furthermore, if there is useful work for the employee to do, during the self-isolation period AND it is possible for the employee to do that work from home, I strongly advise members to do everything reasonable to enable the employee to do that work.

Naturally, if the employee is able to work from home, they need to be paid.

2 Changes to annual Leave If the employer AND the employee agree, employees can now take double the amount of annual leave on half pay. For example, an employee and employer can agree for the employee to take two weeks annual leave at half pay, which will result in only one week of leave being deducted from the employee’s annual leave accrual.

Changes effective 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020.

In addition, if the employee has accrued annual or long services leave AND would prefer to access those paid entitlements, it is strongly advised that employers allow the employees to access the paid leave.

If the employee is sick/injured and/or is required to care for an immediate family member who is sick/injured, the employee is entitled to access any paid personal leave entitlements that they have accrued.

Next steps

The decision inserts the clauses with effect from 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020. Should the pandemic still be ongoing at that point in time, or the Commission decides that the clauses need to be operative after 30 June 2020, the clauses may be continued after 30 June 2020.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Stephen Farrell on 0455 833 352 or email stephen@sjfworkadvice.com.au.

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3 CASUALS, independent contractors, trainees and apprentices are generally not entitled to receive a redundancy payment.

Redundancy rights and entitlements

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9 1 D I V O C during

our position being made redundant can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where you stand legally — especially given all that’s happening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We asked Alexandra Targett, Lawyer at McDonald Murholme to explain employee rights and entitlements when it comes to redundancy, to help you work out where you stand if you’re facing this situation.

What are reasons for a redundancy?

There are a few reasons your position may become redundant. Your employer may determine that your role is no longer required, or the business may become insolvent or bankrupt, Targett says.

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“Businesses may also need to make a position redundant if they are suffering from low sales or are undergoing a restructure, forcing them to cut down on jobs,” she adds.

She says if there’s an obligation to consult about redundancy, your employer must comply with this obligation for the redundancy to be genuine.

Redundancies aren’t considered genuine from a legal perspective if an employer could have, in reasonable circumstances, redeployed the employee into a suitable position within their business or an associated entity.

“Consultation should take place before an irreversible decision has been made by the employer,” Targett explains.

“The employee should be afforded the opportunity to influence the decision and provide feedback and input regarding the redundancy.”

In this situation you may be able to file an unfair dismissal claim against the organisation.

Do I get a say in my position being made redundant?

“Employers are not required to consult employees about redundancy unless the obligation arises in a modern award or enterprise agreement that applies to their employment,” Targett says.

How much notice do employers have to provide?

Employers must provide the minimum notice period outlined in the National Employment Standards — how long this is for you will depend on how long you’ve been with the company.

“If you have been working for your employer for one year or less, you are entitled to a minimum of one week’s notice,” Targett says.

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“For example, if you have been employed for at least one year, but less than two, then the minimum redundancy pay is four weeks’ salary.

Employees with a length of service of at least nine years but less than 10 are entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks’ redundancy pay,” she says.

Snapshot

• SEEK is the Australian workforce’s number one destination for career-related content

The Fair Work website has a handy calculator where you can work out how many weeks’ redundancy pay you’re entitled to by answering a few questions about your employment. It can also tell you how much notice your employer should give you.

• Over five times more people in the Australian workforce would go to SEEK first to find career related content than any other online employment site

Targett says small businesses — those that employ fewer than 15 people — may not be required to make a redundancy payment. This will depend on the industry the organisation operates in, and any modern award or enterprise agreement governing its operations.

• 47% of people in the workforce state that they would go to SEEK first to find careerrelated content — more than a 5x lead on nearest competitor

Likewise, casuals, independent contractors, trainees and apprentices are generally not entitled to receive a redundancy payment.

• SEEK would be the first place nearly half of the Australian workforce would go to find career-related content.

“The most you could attain under the National Employment Standards is four weeks’ notice if you’ve been employed with them for more than five years. The exception is employees over 45 years of age who have completed at least two years of employment — this entitles you to an additional week of notice.”

How much of a redundancy payout am I entitled to?

To be entitled to a redundancy payout under the National Employment Standards, Targett says you must have been working with your employer on an ongoing basis for at least 12 months.

The amount payable is calculated at your base rate for ordinary hours worked, which Targett says generally excludes any loadings, overtime rates, monetary allowances or other separately identifiable amounts.

The total amount is based on your length of continuous service with the employer.

It’s worth noting that your employer must provide notice of termination (or payment in lieu of notice) even if your redundancy pay has been lawfully reduced by the Fair Work Commission.

What legal options do I have for challenging a redundancy?

If you want to challenge your redundancy, you may be eligible to bring an application to the Fair Work Commission under unfair dismissal or general protections laws.

There are key differences between these two types of claims, so you should seek independent legal advice to determine which claim better suits your situation.

An unfair dismissal claim may be more appropriate if your redundancy was not genuine, but a general protections claim may be more suitable if you were selected for redundancy for an unlawful reason (such as discrimination).

Small businesses may not be required to make a redundancy payment.

Could the COVID-19 pandemic affect my redundancy pay?

“An employer may apply to the Fair Work Commission for an exemption from paying the full redundancy entitlement due to financial hardship. The Commission then has the discretion to reduce an employee’s redundancy pay to an amount that it considers appropriate (which may be nil),” Targett says.

“We have recently seen two Fair Work Commission decisions in this area in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“On 9 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission held that a small carpentry business was eligible to reduce an employee’s redundancy pay, as it was satisfied that the business was under significant financial strain due to the current crisis” she says.

“The above decision may be contrasted to a different decision from the same day. In this case, the Fair Work Commission concluded that a manufacturing company had the current financial means to pay the full redundancy entitlement to its employees, despite the business entering a period of economic uncertainty and declining sales due to COVID-19,” Targett says.

If you’ve been made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic, your redundancy may still be considered unfair or unlawful if your employer failed to comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

You have just 21 days from the date your dismissal takes effect to file an unfair dismissal or general protections application with the Fair Work Commission, so it’s wise to seek professional advice as soon as you can to help you make an informed decision.

MORE INFORMATION Information provided in this article is general only and it does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. SEEK provides no warranty as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness. Before taking any course of action related to this article you should make your own inquiries and seek independent advice (including the appropriate legal advice) on whether it is suitable for your circumstances.

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Report sheds light

on profitability of WA vegetable growers

BY BRYN EDWARDS BENCHMARK LEAD, VEGETABLESWA

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he third annual vegetable industry financial and production benchmark report has been released by vegetablesWA and partners Planfarm, revealing important data on the profitability and key financial performance of Western Australian growers.

The benchmarking initiative assesses the financial performance of the vegetable industry across WA, while also providing individual growers with a financial analysis of their business.

The project has led to striking increases in the profitability of some participating businesses, which span across the full length of WA, from Carnarvon, Geraldton, Gingin and Metro Perth, right through to Myalup and Manjimup. vegetablesWA Benchmarking Lead Bryn Edwards said the financial and production benchmark report analysed data from the full range of vegetable crops grown during the 2018–19 financial year.

“What is really powerful this year is that in addition to the single financial year 2018–19 results, we’ve also been able to produce three-year averages across the key financial measures and metrics,” Mr Edwards said.

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“Having access to three years of financial data from growers now provides a new level of rigorous insight that has not been available to growers previously.

“Producing this level of data around return on capital, operating profit and operating efficiency measures, provides clear insights about just how viable vegetable growing is compared to other asset investment options.

“Having access to these detailed insights plays a role that will begin to set the WA vegetable industry apart from any other state,” Mr Edwards said.

According to the data, an average return on capital for the financial year 2018–19 was 8% (see Figure 1), and the three-year average is 9% (see Figure 2).

Planfarm Director Paul Omodei said the third-year results revealed again that the most profitable growers [as measured by vegetable operating profit per hectare] were not those from a particular area, of greater scale or a particular vegetable type.

An average return on capital for the 2018–19 financial year was 8%.

“It also highlights areas of potential growth in terms of future profitability to be gained.”

Mr Edwards explained that having a more rigorous, longer term understanding of the industry is an extremely important step towards providing vegetable growers with key information that will empower them to make shorter and longer-term business decisions with confidence.

“We found that the most lucrative growers were focused on driving a higher income per hectare, through increased saleable yield and a strong focus on marketing their product, while actively managing costs,” Mr Omodei said.

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While this demonstrates that generating a good return is open to all WA growers, he said “the findings also suggest that there’s more profitability left on the table that could be in the pockets of vegetable growers”.

“We have worked very hard to support those growers that have participated in the benchmarking initiative to turn their individual findings into tangible actions and changes they can make in their business,” Mr Omodei said.

When examining the operating efficiency metrics, which Mr Omodei explained is the ratio of operating costs as a percentage of income, the 2018–19 financial year industry average was 74%, while the three-year industry average is 72%.

“This has paid off as we’ve seen some significant improvements and increases in profitability over the past three years.”

“In plain English this means growers are spending on average of 74 cents and 72 cents, respectively, to make $1 before paying for finance, tax, depreciation, land leases, or management drawings,” he said.

“We’d like to see that figure closer to 65 cents, as the top 25% of growers are averaging 60 cents of operating costs to make a dollar, which shows that it is achievable.”

11%

Western Australia Vegetable Industry Benchmarks report was produced by vegetablesWA together with Planfarm, through funding from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Agribusiness Innovation Fund and Hort Innovation.

3% PLANFARM TARGET

8%

Contact Bryn Edwards, vegetablesWA Benchmarking Lead, on 0417 409 821 or email bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au

FIGURE 1 2018–19 RETURN ON CAPITAL Source: Western Australia Vegetable Industry Benchmarks 2020 report

9%

To download a copy of the report and watch a detailed presentation of the findings, please go to https:// vegetableswa.com.au/ benchmarking/

8–1

9 FI

Average

VEGETABLE INDUSTRY BENCHMARKS R

12%

Top 25%

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

YEA

Bottom 25%

“The three-year averages will be a critical measuring stick when assessing the true impact of COVID-19 on the industry and understanding exactly where all business recovery efforts should be targeted,” Mr Shannon said.

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8%

Average

vegetablesWA CEO John Shannon said the findings of the report have a wider and more timely impact than originally foreseen.

CIAL

Top 25%

“Over the past three years we’ve seen growers make some impressive improvements and changes — this extends beyond the financial performance of their business and strategically into their standard of life with their family and beyond the farm,” he said.

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3 THE report highlights areas of potential growth in terms of future profitability to be gained.

In terms of impact on growers at an individual business level, Mr Omodei said he had been pleased with how participating growers have acted on the feedback they had received.

The benchmarking initiative isn’t solely about increasing the profitability of horticulture businesses, Mr Edwards explained that it also places an emphasis on accelerating business management skills and strategic thinking.

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FIGURE 2 THREE-YEAR AVERAGE RETURN ON CAPITAL Source: Western Australia Vegetable Industry Benchmarks 2020 report

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Bottom 25%

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

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A peek behind the vegetablesWA benchmarking curtain agricultural benchmarking specialists, Planfarm, to partners with us was the toughest part.

I was wrong.

I was surprised initially by the sceptical and frosty reception I received in the first year by a large number of growers.

BY BRYN EDWARDS BENCHMARK LEAD, VEGETABLESWA

3 THERE is a dynamic relationship between strategic planning, managing figures, business management, marketing and informed decision making.

V

egetablesWA benchmarking lead, Bryn Edwards, has wrapped up the third year of the Western Australian Vegetable Industry Benchmarks results.

The 2018–19 annual report contains significant insight into the financial performance of the State’s vegetable growers.

In the following article Bryn offers raw, honest commentary around his benchmarking journey and why it’s such a vital part of the industry’s future.

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Having completed and published the third year of vegetable industry benchmarks I thought I’d take time to share some thoughts, reflections and observations from across the three years.

With no background in horticulture or agriculture prior to starting the project, but a 16 plus year background in solving some major business problems and challenges in a variety of business sectors across the world, you could take this as an outsider’s view looking in; although my look in has been up close and personal over the past three years.

To be clear, when I get involved in a project or initiative, I don’t take it lightly.

If I’m going to get in involved, I get involved — which I quickly began to realise was a trait I have in common with most growers.

In the beginning I thought that winning the funding for the three years and convincing Australia’s foremost leading

In fact I was baffled — here I am offering a free service (which would normally cost $6,000 to $8,000 privately) that will pin point and help growers to understand where you could increase profitability year on year, and where to steer their business to deliver some future prosperity and most growers were simply not interested.

It just didn’t make sense to me.

The first year did test my resolve and there were times when I questioned myself and the process.

However, there were a number of brave growers who gave me the time and decided to participate — to whom I am super grateful.

Without these individuals the initiative would have been dead in the water (much like a similar initiative that was started at the same time in Victoria).

Taking those first growers through the process of gathering up data, analysing and then sitting with them to really critically analyse the results was extremely rewarding, as I could visibly see the impact that I knew this process would deliver to those who got involved.

To be clear these sessions are not easy going for a grower.

The results lay bare, not just the true performance of the business on many levels, but also the consequences of all the decisions they have made during

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that year, both longer term and short term focused.

While the sessions can be confronting, all growers stated how very necessary they are because they cut through the stories that we tell ourselves and dispel any myths that we might have bought into that aren’t quite serving us or our business.

And let’s not forget, while there is a lot of romance in being connected to the land and growing vital produce for others, the function of your business is to provide you and your family with the resources (i.e. money) to shape the life you want and open up greater options and decisions.

By going through the process, growers also remarked on how educational it was.

Many just simply hadn’t had any solid and robust financial and business management training in the past.

They knew how to grow great produce but couldn’t stay on top of the money side and were all so often left confused why all their efforts and labours didn’t result in the expected level of returns in the pocket.

No-one likes to feel like they don’t know where they’re going or that they’re not on top of everything — particularly if you’re male (to which I can honesty attest to!).

While the genuine foundational intentions of benchmarking are to help growers to flourish, the process and the light it shines on the business can bring about a situation that triggers those thoughts or questions, or a sense of not knowing what you’re doing.

And so, it was with a deeper level of understanding of the underlying issues that we progressed into the following years of the benchmarking initiative.

By being more aware and pitching the conversations at that level we were able to bring more growers on board to participate and build the dataset up to where it is today.

To be clear, there is still a long way to go across the industry — just as a world-class 100m sprinter will never be able to run fast enough because he always wants to go faster — so too, I believe, should growers want to continuously get better and better at managing their business.

Third year of the Western Australian Vegetable Industry Benchmarks results.

It was during these sessions and listening to growers that I began to get a better understanding of the reasons behind the reception I had received during that first year of the project.

During the first year I would frequently be told “I’m not sharing my information with anyone? Why would I do that?

Sounds too much like hard work! or too busy, mate!

Through engaging more growers and listening to them I began to realise that a core reason behind the lack of take up was a widespread gap in understanding relating to the dynamic relationship between strategic planning, managing figures, business management, marketing and informed decision making.

And by understanding this, growers gain much greater control in their business and less at the whim of outside pressures.

To add to this there is a very human element — pride and the feelings of self-efficacy or self-confidence.

The industry faces many challenges and successful businesses can meet that challenge more successfully from a place of inside knowing and informed decision making, rather than from a place of hoping and blaming the outside world — which is a very weak business planning strategy.

The great thing is that filling the gap in understanding is a straightforward job to do but it does need both parties to come to the table honestly, acknowledging what is and isn’t in place.

Over the past three years we’ve seen growers make some impressive improvements and changes — this extends beyond the financial performance of their business to their standard of living, with their family beyond the farm.

To be honest, there’s still a level of frustration within me because I know we’re only scratching the surface of what the WA vegetable industry is capable of, and the ingrained business consultant in me hates it when I can see inefficiencies anywhere and the missed opportunity of more money staying in the pockets of you, the growers, for the tremendous effort you put in.

I am always happy I traded the corporate meeting room for ‘a cup of tea and chat around the kitchen table’, it’s more real and means something.

That’s why I’m working hard to get this initiative extended for another three years because I feel we’ve only just got started.

You may agree or disagree with what I’ve written, but I’ve always been clear with growers: don’t come asking me about crop rotation, soil or flies — that’s simply not my game.

If you want a more expansive strategic future focused conversation, whether it’s financial or beyond, then get in touch.

My offer to assist you still stands!

MORE INFORMATION Bryn Edwards, Benchmarking Lead, email bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au

What has been very pleasing has been playing a role in the acceleration of the business management skills and the strategic thinking of the growers who have participated.

Over the past three years we’ve seen growers make some impressive improvements.

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Is your business in good shape?

How well does your business treat you?

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BY CHRIS PUCKRIDGE RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR, RURAL WEST WA

egetables WA recently chaired a webinar where Rural West was invited to discuss the key issues revolving around analysing the health of your business.

The complete webinar is available on the vegetablesWA Facebook page and in this article, we focus on one part of the webinar where we looked at the key issues of investigating the health of your business.

Business webinar is available on the vegetablesWA Facebook page!

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Every business is different, often there is no one rule that fits everyone, so business operators need to make their own investigations and seek their own information, but to put it in a broad picture we suggest that there are 8 key points that can help you identify if your business is in good shape or if it might need some work.

The eight points to consider if your business is healthy!

1 How well does the business present its financial information so you can understand it?

Most businesses at some stage complete a tax return and their accountant will often produce a booklet titled Financial Statements or similar. As the business operator what do you do with that information? Do you flick through it and then put in the drawer and not look at it again? If so, what has to change for it to be useful? Do you consider your balance sheet important? Does it allow you to

investigate the differences between this year and last year in the expenses? Are you able to discuss the results with your accountant and focus on areas where the business can or needs to improve?

Maybe your business is involved with a family trust or some other type of trust, do you really understand it?

These reports are very powerful and if used correctly they can give you a lot of traction in your business and you can understand if you are really going forwards or backwards.

2 Does the business have financial benchmarks that are reviewed regularly?

Your financial statements produced by your accountant are a financial benchmark allowing you to compare your business performance from one year to the next.

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These can help you to analyse the impact of costs and income on your equity position, this can be helpful when you are thinking about the future.

This can help you to think about the potential to expand your business and if you can have the capacity to increase spending on plant and equipment or if you might need to tighten up on spending.

The other benchmarks that are helpful are the external benchmarks where you can compare your performance to other producers. This benchmarking has been used successfully in broadacre cropping for many years and many broadacre farmers are able to see how their farm compares to others in their local environment and across the state.

Vegetable growers are now able to take part in benchmarking through the Vegetables WA Industry Benchmarking Project and this not only gives individual producers the ability to compare their own business to others but also gives you the opportunity to use this information to support your business with financiers and banks who can now look at your business objectively and confirm your professional production and financial performance compared to other producers. This can help in many ways including refinancing or gaining a better arrangement with your current bank or other lender. If your lender can see that you are performing above the average that can help them justify a better interest rate on your debt or the scope to provide you with more funding. There are many possibilities that you can take advantage of by taking part in the Vegetables WA Benchmarking Project.

3 Is the business a profit maker or a profit taker?

It is helpful to look at the trend of financial performance in your business over the past five years. All businesses can have difficult circumstances and particularly in horticulture there are some specific risks that can impact on you, but if the business is loss making 60% (three years in the past five years you have recorded a loss) of the time it’s time to have a hard look. Perhaps it is time to discuss with your accountant or another trusted advisor. It often takes more hard work to make a loss than to make a profit!

4 Does the business meet its financial commitments without stressing you?

All growers have times when they reach peak debt and low cashflow but if your business is consistently under pressure with overdue accounts and perhaps phone calls from creditors chasing payments this can be a sign that your financial structure is not right. It is also very draining on you as the operator when you are having to make excuses about overdue payments and it can be expensive in that you may be paying penalty fees and extra interest rates. This is well worth investigating and there are several strategies that can help reduce this pressure on you and the business.

5 Does the business clear its overdraft at least once a year?

Overdrafts are generally higher priced debt facilities that were designed to manage short term debt, they are not meant to carry core debt. Many growers fall into the habit of leaving debt in the overdraft and as a result they are not only paying higher interest, but they are also reducing their ability to access cashflow when they need it. If you are not clearing your overdraft at least once a year there is the opportunity to do something to adjust your structure to address this.

6 Does the business keep up with ATO requirements?

If you are constantly battling to finalise your BAS each quarter and it is causing stress this can be a red flag that your business does not have the right supports in place. If you are in debt to the ATO and not making PAYG or employee superannuation payments on time this can lead to serious action from the ATO. This is another sign that the business is not healthy, and this can be addressed.

7 Does the business keep you awake at nights?

Are you losing sleep? Worrying about debts and how you are going to pay for critical inputs? This is a red flag. Worry and anxiety are draining emotions which can really impact on your health, your relationships, and your ability to make sound decisions. Many growers love the physical aspects of their work but struggle with the “bookwork”.

There are strategies to reduce this stress and to support growers who want to reduce their time spent with

accounts and invoices but running a business also means that you need to take responsibility for the financials and be involved.

8 How well does the business handle alternative views in making decisions?

All family businesses have stress points but its important to have a strategy to handle that stress. If your family has long arguments and find it difficult to come to agreement on various things this will be draining a lot of energy that could be used in a positive way. If your family are arguing and fighting it might be time to look at what you can do to minimise this.

Successful businesses often have a mentor or perhaps a small team of trusted advisors who they can turn to when they have a problem. If you have paid advisors, are they relevant to the business today? Are your advisors delivering value? Are they increasing your efficiency and effectiveness to operate the business or are you using them to outsource decision making yourself? It pays to make sure you are getting the best outcomes possible from outside experience, but the business needs to be controlled by the owners who are the ones who live with the consequences of their decisions.

Many family businesses have found ways to manage the differences between family members and harness the value of external experience, and when they do this well the business can often make a significant leap forward!

MORE INFORMATION Rural West is the brand name of our organisation formerly known as The Rural Financial Counselling Service of WA. We are funded by the state and federal government and we assist businesses in rural and regional WA to build their strength and to manage difficult circumstances. We work with primary producers in farming, forestry and fishing and we work with small business in regional communities. Our services are free to eligible businesses.

Our services are confidential, and we can visit you at your property or in your office.

Please contact us on 1800 612 004.

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Keeping your business going through disruption

COVID-19 will have an ongoing impact on local businesses well into next year.

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here is no doubt that COVID-19 is one of the biggest threats businesses in Western Australia has ever experienced.

To survive the disruption and keep your business going, decisive action is needed.

3 VISIT smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/blog for a breakdown of the different stimulus and relief measures.

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A host of factors outside your control can cause unexpected challenges for your small business — ones that you may have weathered before. From a key staff member becoming ill and cash flow challenges, to environmental issues like drought and bushfires, the horticultural sector is used to adapting and overcoming disruption. However, most small business operators in WA have never experienced anything like the challenge of COVID-19.

With unemployment predicted to rise to around 10% as a result of the crisis, travel restrictions likely to remain for some time to come, and major markets such as hospitality and food services amongst the hardest hit, COVID-19 will have an ongoing impact on local businesses well into next year.

deferring certain tax obligations (Note that deferring payments may impact on your eligibility for other stimulus measures).

• Contacting your bank or lender to discuss new loan deferral arrangements for small business.

Their hardship team may also be able to assist with relief from personal mortgages or loans. The Australian Banking Association website (ausbanking.org.au) lists hardship contacts for each bank.

• Asking your insurance broker about payment deferrals or refunds, as the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim authorisation to allow these measures for businesses impacted

by COVID-19.

tax rebates have also been created to assist landlords. More detail is available at smallbusiness.wa.gov.au and you can seek guidance from Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) advisers as to where you stand.

Communicate with your stakeholders Clear stakeholder communication about how your business is running during the COVID-19 pandemic will stand your business in good stead when it is time to get back on track.

Keep your customers updated about your services, for example if restrictions that affect your business are eased and allow you to carry on more business as usual, let them know.

The task for small businesses will be to take business continuity measures that can be sustained through the medium to long term to keep surviving, and ultimately to recover from the disruption.

3 KEEP your customers updated about your services.

Check your eligibility for government assistance Both the Australian and Western Australian Governments have announced several stimulus packages to help business owners manage the disruptions to their business.

Visit smallbusiness.wa.gov. au/blog for a breakdown of the different stimulus and relief measures and who they are designed for.

If you are applying for the JobKeeper Payment to keep your staff on board, it is a good idea to regularly check the ATO’s JobKeeper website ato.gov.au/general/ JobKeeper-Payment for updates.

Understand and act on your current financial position It is essential to make informed decisions based on your current financial position, as this will determine your ability to trade through this period and meet your financial commitments.

Contact your accountant to discuss options available for your situation and plan how you could minimise the impact on your business. Some measures you might like to consider include: • Speaking to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on 1800 806 218 about

• Communicating with any other creditors to see what payments you may be able to defer, while following up with your debtors to see which overdue payments you can call in.

• Considering withdrawing funds from your superannuation. Tax-free withdrawals (available to applicants who meet specific criteria around coronavirus financial disruption) are capped at $10,000 in both the 2019–20 and 2020–21 financial years.

The access to super can be applied for via the my.gov.au portal.

• Discussing rent relief with your landlord. New legislation has been passed in the WA parliament and a code of conduct will soon be in place, aimed at protecting small business tenants from a range of prohibited actions while they are financially affected by the pandemic. Land

Assess whether you are making the most of all the communication channels available during this time.

With in-person contact restricted, it’s a good time to put digital communication platforms like websites, social media and online meetings to use.

MORE INFORMATION During the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses in WA can turn to the SBDC for practical, up-to-date information and business advice on dealing with coronavirus.

Visit www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/ coronavirus

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Training is something that you should ‘want’ to do…OFTEN!

Juggling training P

BY JOEL DINSDALE QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR, VEGETABLESWA

rimary production of pre-processed fruit and vegetables as a very dynamic space in 2020. In my opinion, it can be described as juggling.

Currently, there are so many issues (balls) in play — many of which we touch on in this publication) and that was before the outbreak of COVID-19 came into the picture. This means that as producers, we are ‘juggling many balls’ in order to meet market requirements. With lots of balls in the air, it’s possible that these balls may be dropped along the line.

So how do we keep these hypothetical balls in the air? The answer is by improving our knowledge. What’s the best way to do this? By completing training. I’m not sure who said it but “knowledge equals power” certainly is true in the fresh produce game in 2020.

So, what is training?

The Collins English Dictionary defines training as “the process of learning the skills that you need for a particular job or activity”.

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This certainly applies to Quality Assurance and Food Safety. If we look at all of the GFSI food safety systems that fit under the HARPS Scheme, you can see that Training is a hugely important element that needs to be covered in order to demonstrate compliance against the applicable system(s).

In Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Edition 4.1, all of the training requirements are clearly outlined in the Standard under element M3 (Training).

Perhaps the most important element of training is completing Freshcare FSQ4.1 training as this underpins your knowledge in the system (and in turn, the training) requirements.

According to the Standard (which references Appendix AM-3 on page 9) — a business is compliant to the Freshcare Training requirement (M3.1) if “management representative completes approved Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Training…evidence is kept”. This can be FSQ3, FSQ4 or FSQ4.1 training.

(NOTE: you must be compliant to M3.2 requirements in order to be compliant to the whole M3 module of Freshcare. Check the Standard for details.)

So, you’ve ascertained that you’ve got an Edition 3 training certificate on file (so your compliant). Why should you refresh your training if your already compliant?

The answer is, because you need to constantly build on your knowledge base (by training). Remember… ‘knowledge equals power’.

You can’t run a marathon without first doing some training. In this analogy, Freshcare (or any other GFSI food safety quality assurance system) is the marathon. You can’t expect to finish it without first putting in the work… i.e. training.

Training is something that you should ‘want’ to do…OFTEN! In my role as the Quality Assurance Coordinator at vegetablesWA, I have witnessed first-hand how refresher training has empowered and improved outcomes for growers, making them better jugglers.

Late last year, a grower (for the purpose of this we’ll call him Mr Stuck) went to audit and had a really poor outcome for a number of reasons (in short…he was juggling and he dropped the Freshcare ball). As a result, he contacted Truyen Vo (Regional Development Officer, vegetablesWA) for help. Truyen and I visited Mr Stuck on farm and conducted a review of the audit and the system to understand where we could help.

We decided that although the grower had previously completed Freshcare training, it had been quite a number of years since he had refreshed his knowledge base (something like five years since he’d completed training). A couple of weeks later, he was in the office completing an

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FSQ4 training session with us in a one-onone capacity.

I’d love to say that the session was exciting…(it wasn’t — QA never is), but it did manage to prime Mr Stuck with the latest knowledge and facts relating to Freshcare.

Yes, it took time and it pulled Mr Stuck away from his farming operation for the day, but…as with any good story (spoiler alert), this one results a happy ending!

Mr Stuck was able to prepare for audit on his own. With Truyen’s help, he arranged another audit…and he was certified a short time later with zero non-conformances.

But wait…there’s more…

Mr Stuck is a grower whom English is his second language. What an achievement.

Most of this can be attributed to the fact that refresher training was conducted to improve the grower’s knowledge base.

Jumping back to address the ‘juggling balls’ part of this piece. There is a plethora of training available to management and staff of fresh produce businesses. Not just for GFSI Food Safety Systems, but also for COVID-19, Export, Soil, Biosecurity. This list is endless.

Due to the outbreak and uncertainty worldwide, thanks to COVID-19, vegetablesWA have embarked on a new strategy to continue our work engaging with growers across the state. Part of our mandate is to provide assistance while adhering to social distancing measures.

This has meant that we (along with many other organisations) are beginning to present information, training and content in the form of webinars (that become YouTube videos on our channel) and online content. Side note, Freshcare has recently launched its eLearning FSQ4.1 which is available to all growers looking to build their knowledge base.

Perhaps there isn’t currently any training in the relevant space applicable to your business? Why not get in contact with us, as we can create the content that our members need to operate. Alternatively, we can find an expert to empower the growing community of the back of your request?

MORE INFORMATION Contact Joel Dinsdale, Quality Assurance Coordinator, on 0417 857 675 or email joel.dinsdale@vegetableswa.com.au

Maintaining Freshcare Certification during COVID

BY ANGELA STEAIN EXTENSION AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER, FRESHCARE

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reshcare Certification Bodies have procedures in place to ensure that businesses can sustain their certification to Freshcare throughout the COVID-19 restrictions.

Businesses due for an audit now, or who have a certificate that expires in the next few months should refer to the following information, to maintain their Freshcare certification.

Audit due or scheduled • If it is possible for the auditor to conduct your on-site audit, it should be undertaken when scheduled • If restrictions do not permit your audit to be undertaken, Freshcare Certification Bodies have provisions in place to provide certificate extensions up six months as outlined below.

Certificate extensions up to six months • Freshcare certificate extensions are issued by your Certification Body • Certification Bodies will request evidence from the business prior to granting a certificate extension

expiry date and new reference number on your certificate • You must schedule a date for your recertification audit to be conducted before the certificate extension expires.

Certificate extensions can not be provided • If the participating business account remains unpaid or the previous audit is still open • If the business' reasoning to not have an audit undertaken is not justified. If the business is no longer operating, has been recently sold or transferred • If the business does not confirm that they will continue with Freshcare certification after the extension.

If there is a complaint against the business or food safety incident, that requires investigation or on-site visit.

• Certificate extensions are based on a risk assessment of the business/situation as conducted by the Certification Body

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• Records of certificate extensions are maintained by your Certification Body and updated in FreshcareOnline

Information and contact details for the Certification Bodies approved to audit the Freshcare Standards can also be found on the website.

• Certificate extensions will extend the certificate expiry of your current certificate only. This will be evident via an update to the

The Freshcare website provides links to further program information, training resources, news and industry resources.

Visit: www.freshcare.com.au

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How to stay connected

with antennas and repeaters

BY LUKE HOPEWELL SENIOR SPECIALIST WRITER, TELSTRA

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ith many of us now working and learning from home we’re all relying on mobile connectivity more than ever.

That means staying online is crucial, especially in regional and rural areas.

That’s why we have a range of gear to keep you online when your signal is spotty. Here’s how to get the most out of everything from external antennas to repeaters when in regional and rural Australia.

IOT monitoring.

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What influences your network coverage?

Like any mobile network, coverage on ours depends on a number of factors, including (but not limited to) your device, and whether an external antenna can be attached.

Where you’ll be using your device — whether it’s in a regional, rural or metropolitan area, indoors or out or even outto-sea — also plays a role.

Finally, obstructions — such as buildings, trees, vehicles, hills and even building materials — can all reduce signal strength between your device and the cell tower.

Check out our coverage maps on Telstra.com and figure out where you can get the best coverage.

Ensuring the best signal strength in rural areas comes down to how you want to use the device out in the bush.

Getting mobile data coverage Using a mobile data device — such as a smartphone or mobile broadband modem — is a great way to stay connected on the move.

Data rates are often improved by getting greater signal strength and quality to the device. This is achieved via the use of external antennas.

Using a patch cord, you can connect your device to either a mediumgain panel antenna where handheld coverage is available near the installation location, or a high-gain Yagi antenna where handheld coverage is not available near installation location to improve your service.

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A panel antenna is most common, and can assist with mobile coverage inside buildings, especially when you’re on the edge of a coverage area. A 2.4-metre yagi antenna, meanwhile, is designed more for outdoor or mobile use.

If installing a yagi antenna, you should ensure it is pointed at the nearest cell tower. For best results, ensure the elements are facing vertically when installing, and the drain hole in the main element is facing downwards.

Also ensure your antenna is securely mounted with the support of a bracket, and installed in a way that it won’t be taken down by the elements.

Getting mobile data and voice coverage Making sure you can do voice and data in the bush requires a little more than just an antenna and patch cord, however. If you’re within range of your Fixed Broadband Wi-Fi connection and have a compatible Telstra mobile, you can use Telstra Wi-Fi Calling.

There are a range of boosters and repeaters you can use to improve your voice and data coverage in remote areas, including: • Telstra Mobile Smart Antenna (TMSA): — Can boost both 3G and 4G at the same time — Consists of two units and can be used with or without external antenna depending on available coverage — Designed for in home use and requires 240V power point • Telstra Go booster: — Two types of Telstra Go. There is a mobile unit for a vehicle or a stationary unit for a home/ business.

perform the best in tough coverage areas are awarded our highest honour: the Blue Tick.

Our coveted Blue Tick signifies that a mobile device has been thoroughly tested and delivers superior voice coverage in rural and regional areas.

Devices are tested for receiver sensitivity in a laboratory under controlled conditions and in rural areas on the Telstra Mobile Network, ensuring optimal call quality for customers.

Read more about what goes into making a phone Blue Tick-certified.

Things you need to know Depending on device capability and available coverage, network coverage extension devices can improve 3G and 4G coverage on the Telstra Mobile Network.

3 TESTING mobile signal using Telstra Go Repeater.

With Wi-Fi Calling, Your mobile simply uses your W-Fi network instead of the mobile network.

So you can make and receive calls as you normally would.

Another way to get it is via a network coverage extension device like a repeater or booster.

Repeaters and boosters amplify signal like a PA system. For the booster to work correctly the antenna picking up mobile signal (your “microphone”, if you will) must be isolated from the antenna giving mobile signal (or “speaker” in this metaphor). If these are not correctly isolated feedback will occur.

Approved boosters when correctly configured can detect this feedback and adjust the signal volume to stop feedback from interfering with the overall signal.

It’s important to note that unapproved boosters do not have this volume control. They transmit at full volume drowning out other people who are trying to use the same mobile tower and disrupting overall coverage in the area. It is illegal to own or operate one of these devices on any network in Australia, and they can disrupt or even prevent others from making calls to emergency 000.

— Only Boosts 3G or 4G at one time, selectable via button on device.

— Correct installation required — Requires separate High Gain Vehicle mount antenna for optimum performance — There is an app for both Apple or Android devices that enables checking the performance of the device. The app is called Wave by Nextivity and can be found on the Play Store or App Store.

Blue Tick-certified

Not all network coverage extension devices allow direct connection to the handset or broadband device.

External antenna accessories are only available for selected handset and broadband models. Please refer to the device manufacturer for specifications or contact a Telstra Store for more assistance.

MORE INFORMATION Naomi Evans, Regional Engagement Manager (WA), email naomi.evans@team.telstra.com or go to www.telstra.com.

We’ve got all the latest and greatest smartphones on our network, and we make sure they’re rigorously tested before we stock them. The devices that WA Grower WINTER 2020

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DWER online responding to your licensing needs 3 THE Water Online portal links your usage automatically to our water licensing software.

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he Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has been busy responding to your licensing needs.

In the past 12 months we have seen a 70% reduction in the backlog of water license applications across the PerthPeel regions including the Swan-Avon.

The department’s Swan-Avon Manager Don Cummins said the department has been working hard on service delivery under a risk-based approach, supported by increased staffing.

“Improving workflows of the regional licensing programs ensures that low risk applications are assessed in a timely manner, allowing our officers time to focus on complex and more time consuming applications,” Mr Cummins said.

“The department increased resourcing of this business area, with new staff brought in and assigned to manage the high volume of applications received.

“We have set performance targets for licensing staff to achieve.

“We have also improved reporting to better understand and communicate the status of applications.”

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Deadlines continue for the rollout of metering across the State.

3 THE department has recently published new procedure documents to guide licensing and permit applications.

By the end of this year, all licenses with an annual water entitlement of 10,000kL/yr or more need to have meters installed.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic response, the department is open for business, Executive Director Regional Delivery Paul Brown said, with compliance and enforcement activities still being undertaken.

Meter installation guides and guidance on how to integrate your meter installation details and reporting online is available via the Water Online portal.

Under the metering regulations most licensees are required to record a meter reading at the end of each month and submit these readings annually.

The Water Online portal links your usage automatically to our water licensing software to ensure your submissions are recorded, reviewed and actioned by the department appropriately.

“Statutory obligations remain in place, including water and environmental licence conditions and other regulatory responsibilities,” Mr Brown said.

“It is recommended that all licence, permit and other approval holders create and adopt a business continuity plan to help meet their statutory responsibilities.

“Social distancing measures mean face-to-face meetings are minimised for most business needs.

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“However, our staff and online systems remain available.

“While social distancing measures are in place, meetings with staff can be conducted through teleconference or video conferencing.

“Please keep contacting our staff as you normally would through their existing email or phone.

“Workshops, consultations and meetings are now being organised using online teleconferencing and phones, wherever possible.

“We will keep you informed of these.”

The department has recently published new procedure documents to guide licensing and permit applications for water, industry and native vegetation clearing.

Three new procedures detail the processes undertaken by the department to assess and manage licences and permits across these areas.

Although there are no major changes to licensing conditions, there are improvements to procedures and processes.

“We are hoping that this makes it easier for our regulated stakeholders to do business with us,” senior manager better regulatory practice Belinda Walker said.

“The new procedures support DWER’s One Stop Shop service delivery by connecting our regulatory functions and areas and where possible aligning our regulatory approaches to deliver a more efficient engagement with regulatory stakeholders.”

“This includes improvements to online information organisation and availability.

“We hope that this establishes what DWER expects from applicants before, during, and after assessment and what applicants can in turn expect from DWER in regard to public consultation, timeframes and other areas of interest.”

The new procedures are now available through an improved One Stop Shop webpage.

The new procedures are now available through an improved One Stop Shop webpage.

“We have been listening to our regulatory stakeholders and considering how we can improve their engagement experience,” Ms Walker said.

The documents, Procedure: Water licences and permits, Procedure: Prescribed premises works approvals and licences, Procedure: Native vegetation clearing permits, are in the procedure sections of the Regulatory documents table on the One Stop Shop webpage.

MORE INFORMATION Visit www.dwer.wa.gov.au for more information on the One Stop Shop services and how we are responding to COVID-19.

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drumMUSTER operations update

BY RICHARD BOYCE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, AGSAFE

d

rumMUSTER has been helping large scale horticultural operations with the collection and removal of their empty AgVet chemical containers through our onfarm collection initiative. For businesses that have the capacity to store 1500 drums (or more) over a two-year period, drumMUSTER can organise a collection to remove them for recycling.

3 FARMS in the region are stockpiling drums for collection.

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Myalup drumMUSTER has been helping large scale horticultural operations with the collection and removal of their empty AgVet chemical containers through our on-farm collection initiative. For businesses that have the capacity to store 1500 drums (or more) over a two-year period, drumMUSTER can organise a collection to remove them for recycling.

On-farm collections in the Myalup area began when Castro Farms worked with drumMUSTER to create an on-farm cage in 2013.

This was the first on-farm collection point in the area and by 2014 the program was expanded to three farms in the area, and in 2015 four more farmers came on board by installing 1000 litre industrial cages to begin storing drums in their area for future collection.

Due to increased auditing standards of many programs, growers are increasingly seeing drumMUSTER as a viable, if not the only responsible option for the safe disposal of their empty AgVet chemical containers.

Perth Hills In 2012 the Perth Hills and Jarrahdale areas began utilising the drumMUSTER program. The Walliston collection site was the first to sign up, with the Hill Cold Store site joining in 2015 with drum returns increasing each year.

This year alone over 600 drums have been returned to this site. The Jarrahdale site was set up in 2016 and has been slowly building the numbers of returns with approximately 800 drums being collected in the past twelve months.

This year alone over 600 drums have been returned to the Walliston site.

By assisting large farming operations with on-farm collection infrastructure, drumMUSTER is looking to this year collect over 7000 cleaned and eligible drums for recycling from the Mayalup region.

Northern Metro Area & Gingin Lancelin Area There are multiple drumMUSTER collection sites in the Northern Metro Area and Gingin Lancelin areas.

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Locations include:

3 JOES Castro discusses the drumMUSTER program with Agsafe’s Dominique Doyle.

• Gingin Tip; • Lancelin Tip;

Online learning with Agsafe for those in the Agriculture sector With the current restrictions still in place for much of the country, Agsafe has been helping those working in the AgVet sector with online training options.

Agsafe have a number of online learning courses available for those looking to update the professional development. From short, interactive videos called AgBytes (40 minutes each) with topics ranging from Transport Dangerous Goods, Chemical Product Stewardship and Incompatible Chemicals and Segregation to Workplace Traffic Management to the Chain of Responsibility Master Code there

Over 39,000 tonnes of plastic has been saved from being buried or burnt.

is something for everyone that is looking to complete industry training.

Agsafe also offers more in-depth online training from industry expert run webinars to courses you can complete at your own pace. Agsafe’s flagship course, the AgVet Chemical Supplier Course is available as a three session webinar and will provide the participants with the knowledge to provide advice on the safe sale, transport and storage of AgVet chemicals.

For more information about Agsafe’s online training please visit: www.agsafe.org.au or contact the team on (02) 6206 6888.

• Seabird Tip; and • Tamala Park.

There are also on-farm collection sites located at the Galati Brothers Sapper Road site, as well as a trial site at Odeum Farms in Carabooda.

To date, the drumMUSTER program has collected over 35 million AgVet containers. This equates to over 39,000 tonnes of plastic that has been saved from being buried or burnt. Remember, every container counts.

MORE INFORMATION For further information on the program you can visit www.drummuster.org.au or call your local drumMUSTER Regional Consultant, Graeme Passmore on 0429 933 307.

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l a n o i g e R mental health D

BY SAM GRUBIŠA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

uring times of crisis, we need to pull together! We need to support each other! We need to remember who we are and why we do this! Yes, it puts money in our pockets, sends our kids to school and puts food on our tables, but for most of us…it’s in our blood!

We need to remember who we are and why we do this!

3 SEEKING support is not a weakness…it’s a necessity.

The call of the land is strong, I can personally attest to that, but I know the people who work it are stronger. With the hardships we are facing during this trying time of the ‘COVID New World’ we need each other more than ever. Only those with dust on their boots and dirt beneath their nails know how truly hard life on the farm can be, but they also know they wouldn’t want any other life!

That said, the path that precedes the bite of the ‘Black Dog’ can be followed like a well-worn dirt track. From childhood boys are taught to keep their emotions in check. To be tough. That if there is a problem, you get on and fix the damn thing…don’t waste time talking about it. As they grow into men and have families or take over the family business, the burden of being the protector and the provider grows; so does this amour of silence. With the passing of time, the obligation of responsibility escalates and the ability to reach out fades. It is the refusal to

crack under pressure, the decades of masculine calibration, the self-imposed silence that leads to the point of no return. It is this silence that isolates and denies options, leaving ending a life as the only choice.

Men in regional and rural areas are found to suffer more from negative mental health pressures, issues and outcomes in comparison to those in metropolitan WA. There are a number of pressures that work to deteriorate the mental health of males in rural and regional areas; these include ongoing financial insecurity, social isolation, over-working and environmental stressors (e.g. weather and natural disasters impacting productivity and therefore livelihood).

The most horrifying statistic is that two thirds of farmers who take their own lives, are the owner/managers of agricultural properties aged 55­–64.

This is of particular concern to the likes of myself, as I know you guys, I’ve worked alongside you guys and we can’t afford to lose the wealth of knowledge many of the men lost to mental health take with them. However, what they take with them is nothing compared to the loss felt by those left behind. The crop is not the only living thing that needs your attention in times like these, so do your neighbours, your mates and most importantly yourselves.

Seeking support is not a weakness…it’s a necessity. We can’t lose blokes like you…we’d all bloody starve!

For a better understanding of how men are ‘wired’, check out Episode 147 of the WA Real podcast, hosted by our very own Bryn Edwards; or visit https:// wareal.com.au/

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Did you know?

Men’s health questionnaire Your GP is a great resource to get a preventative health check or to talk with about any symptoms you might actually be currently experiencing.

Please complete the following questionnaire and if you answer NO to any of the questions we encourage you to make an appointment with your GP. 1. Have you visited your GP in the last 6 months?

Yes  No 

2. Have you had your blood pressure measured in the last 6 months?

Yes  No 

3. Have you had your cholesterol levels measured in the last 12 months?

Yes  No 

4. Have you had your blood sugar measured in the last 12 months?

Yes  No 

5. Have you had your skin checked in the last 12 months?

Yes  No 

6. Have you had your waist measured in the last 12 months?

Yes  No 

7. Have you had a bowel test in the last 3 years?

Yes  No 

8. Have you spoken to your GP about bowel health?

Yes  No 

9. Have you spoken to your GP about prostate health?

Yes  No 

10. Do you get 7–9 hours of sleep per night?

Yes  No 

11. Do you do moderate-intensity exercise for 30mins at least 5x a week?

Yes  No 

12. Do you eat 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit daily?

Yes  No 

13. Do you have at least 2 alcohol free days per week?

Yes  No 

14. Do you make choices that keep you safe from harm?

Yes  No 

15. Do you feel that you have strong positive relationships in your life?

Yes  No 

16. Are you a non-smoker?

Yes  No 

17. Are you happy in general? Not too stressed or worried?

Yes  No 

18. Are you comfortable for asking for help when you are feeling down?

Yes  No 

• 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 75.

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 18–39.

• 1 in 2 men will have a significant mental health issue at some point in their life.

Many health issues are preventable if you seek help early.

FOR MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE, CONSIDER CONTACTING ANY OF THE BELOW ORGANISATIONS The Regional Men’s Health Initiative

P: (08) 9690 2253 W: www.regionalmenshealth.org.au

Raising awareness of men’s wellbeing

Rural West

Chris Puckridge P: 0429 987 762 W: www.ruralwest.com.au

Long term financial sustainability support for Primary Production enterprises

Mensline Australia

P: 1300 789 978 W: www.mensline.org.au

A professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men

Man Therapy

P: 1300 222 638 W: www.mantherapy.org.au

A place for men to deal with manly issues in a manly way

Mensplace

P: (08) 6164 0290 W: www.mensplace.net.au

Aims to support and enable men to address relationships and family issues

Australia Men’s Shed Association — WA Men’s Sheds

P: 1300 550 009 W: www.mensshed.org

The modern Men’s Shed is an updated version of the shed in the backyard that has long been a part of Australian culture

The MensWork Project

P: (08) 337 8434 W: www.mensworkproject.org

A not-for-profit group offering a range of programs, groups and services

The ManKind Project

P: 1300 948 947 W: www.mkpau.org

A network of autonomous men’s groups, communities and training centres

RESOURCES • WA Real — Find Yourself in Real Stories: https://wareal.com.au/ • Men’s Health and Wellbeing Western Australia Phone (08) 9218 8044 or email admin@menshealthwa.org.au or go to www.menshealthwa.org.au • The Blokes’ Book www.menshealthwa.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2016/10/The-Blokes-Book-2016. pdf

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Is HARPS required for my business?

HARPS is a retailer led scheme designed to assist with compliance to food safety, legal and trade legislation for suppliers to t he major grocery retailers in Australia Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

Out of Scope

Your business has a Vendor or Supplier Number to a HARPS Participating Retailer*.

Your business packs or repacks any of the following: • Loose product with PLU/ DataBar stickers applied as specified by a HARPS Participating Retailer*; • Retail branded pre packs; • Retail Returnable Plastic Crates (RPC’s); • Proprietary branded pre packs; • Loose product in final retail packaging, packed to a retail specification destined for a HARPS Participating Retailer*;

Your business supplies bulk produce (not in final retail packaging) for further packing to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier;

Your business processes fresh produce (e.g. value adding such as bagged salads, fresh cuts, sliced mushrooms/ carrots, shelled nuts etc.).

Your business requires food safety certification to a scheme as required by your retailer customer.

OR Your business is an Approved Supplier to a Tier 1 business, who supplies to a HARPS Participating Retailer* (in final retail packaging); OR

OR Your business is a low volume producer supplying a total of 10 pallets or less per calendar year, per site. This is a collective total across all HARPS Participating Retailers*.

(NB: Suppliers of retail branded pre packs are excluded from this rule as they qualify as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier).

OR Your business is a virtual broker (agent or merchant) that does not qualify as a Tier 1, 2 or 3 supplier (i.e. you do not physically handle the product).

When a sales transaction (i.e. you do not handle the product) is made from one wholesaler to another wholesaler, the seller does not require HARPS approval, only certification to the approved GFSI Scheme.

Your business provides Support Services Action required

Action required

Action required

Action required

Your business requires HARPS approval, this includes certification to an approved GFSI Scheme** and the HARPS requirements.

Your business requires HARPS approval, this includes certification to an approved GFSI Scheme** and the HARPS requirements.

Your business is required to be certified to an approved GFSI Scheme**.

No action required for HARPS.

GFSI Scheme AND HARPS

GFSI Scheme AND HARPS

GFSI Scheme

* HARPS Participating Retailer(s): ALDI, Coles, Costco, Hellofresh, Metcash (IGA), Woolworths ** Approved GFSI Schemes: BRC, Freshcare, GLOBALG.A.P., SQF. Refer to https://harpsonline.com.au/growers-and-suppliers/ for further information. ^ Support Services: Services including ripening, brokerage activities (agent or merchant), storage and cooling (where product handling and traceability are the responsibility of the Support Service supplier).

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NO ACTION

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market Your market WA Grower WINTER 2020

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Export Facilitators Project

update

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BY MANUS STOCKDALE EXPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LEAD, VEGETABLESWA

he Export Facilitator Project aims to help vegetable growers to get started exporting their produce to overseas markets.

The project provides practical assistance to growers to help them identify opportunities in export markets and understand what is involved in exporting.

3 THE initial impact on Australian exports were related to the COVID-19 shut down in China which virtually brought the ports in the country to a standstill.

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Manus Stockdale is the Export Facilitator at vegetablesWA and usually he is out visiting growers to discuss export opportunities and how they can get involved in export but with the COVID-19 situation things are a bit different!

While travel is a bit limited, Manus is still available to support growers remotely so if you have any issues with export or would like to know what is involve please get in touch.

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Impact of COVID-19 on exports The COVID-19 situation has had a dramatic impact on many aspects of our lives and the global economy over the past few months and vegetable exports have not escaped unscathed.

The initial impact on Australian exports were related to the COVID-19 shut down in China which virtually brought the ports in the country to a standstill — imports weren’t clearing through the ports and there were almost no exports. This meant that apart from the problem of a back log of Australian and other countries products waiting to get into China there were no shipping containers being returned into the global market which led to shortages all over the world. In Western Australia there is a significant imbalance when if comes to the import and export of food products in refrigerated shipping containers, or reefers as they are known as. Approximately 25 reefers are exported from WA for every full one that is imported from overseas and therefore there are a large number of empty containers that need to be shipped back to Fremantle from markets such as China and Singapore. During the shutdown in China this return of empty reefers was not happening so there was a period of time when there was shortage of containers available in WA.

There were also some disruptions to shipping timetables but services out Fremantle have pretty much got back to normal over the past few months.

The major impact of COVID-19 on exports has been the massive reduction in air freight capacity. When Australia closed its borders in late March and the majority of passenger air services stopped flying to Perth, almost 95% of the air freight capacity was lost — this is because most of Australian air freight is carried in the holds of passenger flights rather than on dedicated freight planes.

Almost overnight there was virtually no freight space and what was available was up to seven times more expensive than the rates that exporters normally pay. While all exporters were reeling at the sudden jump in freight prices vegetable exports were particularly badly affected as there is very little margin on vegetable products to adsorb the additional costs as compared to high value seafood or meat.

Fortunately, at the peak of the disruption to freight, Australian domestic demand for food surged and adsorbed the product that had been intended for export. As the weeks progressed more chartered freight services became available and the Australian and WA governments announced programs to assist food exporters by offsetting the increased cost of freight.

The International Freight Assistance Mechanism In early April, the Australian Government announced the $110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) as a temporary measure to help restore critical global supply chains which had been heavily impacted by COVID-19 containment measures around the world. IFAM has a dual purpose, to enable essential imports such as medical supplies and to support the export of high-value agriculture and fisheries products.

A network of 15 freight forwarders and air freight service providers was been established to support the delivery of the IFAM which is administered through Austrade (see Figure 1). Exporters can access the scheme by registering online and then working with their usual freight forwarder or one of the IFAM network providers. There are a number of different ways freight can be arranged through IFAM; there are subsidised scheduled flights which are listed on the IFAM web page or exporter or groups

of exporters can work with their freight forwarder to arrange ‘blocks’ of 10 tonnes of freight or even whole charters and apply to IFAM for these to be supported financially. The IFAM team are encouraging industry to work together to achieve the best outcome for Australia and maximise the efficient use of the available funds so that our presence in export markets can be maintained.

For more information please go to www.austrade.gov.au/news/news/ international-freight-assistancemechanism or call Manus to discuss.

Sea freight: an alternative to air freight?

Western Australia has a distinct advantage over other Australian states due to our proximity to key Asian markets so during the COVID-19 situation with high air freight prices it may be worth looking at sea freight options for vegetable exports. With shipping times from Fremantle to markets such as Singapore of 5–8 days, sea freight may be a viable opportunity for some of the product lines that are usually air freighted such as broccoli and sweet corn. Obviously getting the product to the customer in excellent condition with sufficient shelf life is the priority and so having a good understanding of the ideal storage temperature, handling requirements and maximum shelf life is important.

In 2016 Hort Innovation funded the development of an Australian handbook of Postharvest management of vegetables.

IFAM supports the export of highvalue agriculture and fisheries products.

FIGURE 1 HOW EXPORTS CAN UTILISE THE INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT ASSISTANCE MECHANISM Source: www.austrade.gov.au

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3 AUSTRALIAN vegetable display at overseas trade show.

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More information is available at www.postharvest.net.au or get in touch with Manus at vegetablesWA if you’d like a hard copy of the book (limited copies available).

If you don’t have the volume of product or the orders to fill a whole shipping container on your own there are opportunities to utilise a freight forwarder to consolidate your consignment with other shipments they have going to the destination or you could speak to another local exporter that you may be able combine shipping with. In the current situation we need to look for alternative solutions to reduce freight costs and keep exports running.

Asia Fruit Logistica has been rescheduled to late November 2020 in Singapore, however, it is not certain that travel restrictions will have lifted by then and even if they have attendance is likely to be much lower than usual.

The question is, if you can’t travel to export markets how can you identify new export opportunities? Well one option is to speak to other exporters that you know in Australia and ask them to introduce you to their customers in a particular market. Most Australian exporters are happy to make introductions and provide advice to other exporters, particularly if they are not direct competitors. Many overseas importers are also seeking alternative suppliers due to disruptions in their existing supply chains or changes in customer buying behaviour and preferences during the coronavirus shutdown. If you are interested in looking for export opportunities get in touch as we are exploring ways

Asia Fruit Logistica has been rescheduled to late November 2020.

Trade show update and export business development during COVID-19 With the restriction on overseas travel for Australians at present it seems unlikely that growers will attend any international tradeshows this calendar year.

to introduce international buyers to growers while trade shows and market visits are not an option.

Any sea freight delays or port issues?

A number of vegetable exporters have reported that there are experiencing delays and difficulties with sea freight, particularly, securing time slots for container drop offs at the port. vegetablesWA is keen to understand how widespread these issues are and to work with growers to find solutions.

If you are experiencing any problems associated with sea freight please give Manus a call to discuss.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on any of the activities in the article or to discuss export opportunities please contact Manus Stockdale on 0448 897 652 or email manus.stockdale@vegetableswa.com.au

export fReight

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Tigers are the largest perishable freight forwarder in Western Australia with the ability to handle export by air and sea. With a full range of facilities close to Perth Airport Tigers can handle all of your perishable freight requirements including air freight security screening, phytosanitary inspections and certification, fumigation services cold storage facilities.

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Opportunities

for Australian indigenous and Asian vegetables

A

11 Indigenous vegetables and nine Asian vegetables identified.

recent study funded

by Hort Innovation has identified Australian indigenous and Asian vegetables which have the potential to be commercially viable.

It also discovered those vegetables which hold the greatest appeal to Australian consumers and provides recommendations about what to do to have the greatest likelihood of success in the market.

The project included a review of what we already know, a discussion with consumers, a survey to back up these ideas, some taste work, and a plan for opportunities and some recommendations.

The project identified some commercially available Australian Indigenous vegetables and Asian vegetables that hold the greatest appeal to consumers; recommendations to increase purchase and consumption of these vegetables; and ideas to improve breeding programs and postharvest production to ensure greatest longterm market success.

3 CONSUMERS liked the crunchiness, health benefits, and refreshing flavour of Daikon.

As a result, growers can get a better idea about the size of the opportunity for Australian Indigenous vegetables and Asian vegetables and understand the ways that they can ensure the greatest return on their investment, and ultimately, profitability.

Through this project, the research firm Colmar Brunton, was able to identify that there is a great opportunity and much potential around commercialising and expanding the distribution of both Asian and Indigenous vegetables in the Australian market. A large proportion of consumers are attracted to the idea of purchasing these unique vegetables.

There were 20 vegetables evaluated in total (11 Indigenous vegetables, nine Asian vegetables).

Vegetable profiles Table 1 outlines the findings from the research project in terms of a vegetableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensory profile, cooking styles that consumers would use the vegetables in and appeal of shelf life & storage methods.

Overall, key insights and recommendations â&#x20AC;˘ Availability: The prevalence of these vegetables should be encouraged and facilitated in Australian food service and manufacturing based on relevant consumer trends of functional health, provenance and Indigenous ingredients. This should lead to a greater consumer demand and broader availability in retail WA Grower WINTER 2020

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TABLE 1 VEGETABLE PROFILES Vegetable

Sensory profile

Cooking styles

Shelf life/storage methods

Amaranth (red spinach)

Consumers liked the nice taste, flavour, colour and the look/appearance of red spinach. Some consumers however did not like the taste.

Sautéed with garlic and sesame oil, can also be blanched on its own.

Consumers liked the similarities in storage methods and shelf life to spinach.

Bitter melon

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 4*

Choy sum

Liked the crunchiness, taste, flavour, texture and of choy sum. Dislike the chewiness/stringy element as well as strong/lingering aftertaste of the vegetable.

Added into stir fries with oyster sauce, or added with sesame oil and garlic.

Expect to use in a similar way to other leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach, silverbeet, bok choy).

Short shelf life of up to three days does not appeal to consumers.

Daikon

Liked the crunchiness, health benefits, and fresh/refreshing flavour. The taste was polarising.

Either poached or eaten raw in a salad.

Consumers liked the long shelf life of several weeks.

Gai lan

Liked the colour, taste, flavour, texture and crunchiness of gai lan. Dislike the chewy/ stringy element of the vegetable.

Added into stir fries with oyster sauce, or added with sesame oil and garlic.

Short shelf life of up to three days does not appeal to consumers.

Hairy melon

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 4*

Lotus root

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Consumers like that whole lotus root can stay fresh for up to two weeks inside the refrigerator.

Okra

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Short shelf life of one or two days does not appeal to consumers.

Wombok

Liked the taste, flavour, crunchiness, texture, and mouthfeel. Disliked the pale colour of the vegetable.

Stir fried wombok with oyster sauce or sautéed wombok with garlic and sesame oil.

Consumers liked the longer shelf life of five to seven days in the refrigerator.

Asian vegetable

Indigenous vegetables Acacia seeds

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Consumers find the long shelf life of acacia seeds appealing.

Australian spinach

Consumers liked the colour and crunchiness. Texture and taste was polarising, whilst aftertaste was generally not appealing.

Australian spinach used in salads.

Consumers find the long shelf life (up to two weeks) highly appealing.

Bush tomatoes

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Consumers find the long shelf life of dried bush tomatoes appealing.

Finger limes

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Consumers like that the fresh fruit have a shelf life of four to five weeks.

Kulyu

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Consumers liked the similarities in storage methods and shelf life to sweetpotatoes.

Lemon myrtle

Consumers liked the aroma, taste, flavour, lemon flavour, sweetness and mild/subtle flavour.

Baked in cookies/desserts, used in drinks (i.e. tea).

Consumers find the long shelf life of lemon myrtle appealing.

Native thyme

Liked the colour/overall appearance, taste, flavour, aroma and mild/subtle flavour.

Some consumers disliked the strong/ lingering flavours.

Used as a direct replacement for thyme (on chicken, potatoes etc.)

Fresh or dried formats highly appealing for consumers.

Pepperberry

Consumers liked taste, flavour, aroma and peppery flavour. However, some consumers considered it to be ‘too peppery’.

Direct replacement for pepper. Used in gravies, on potatoes, curries etc.

Consumers find the long shelf life of pepperberry appealing.

Saltbush

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Consumers find the long shelf life of Saltbush appealing.

Samphire

Consumers liked the crunchiness, colour and appearance of Samphire. Chewiness, stringiness, taste and bitterness were the least appealing aspects.

Samphire added into fresh salads or sautéed with butter.

The short shelf life (‘best used fresh on the day of purchase’) of Samphire was unappealing.

Youlk

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

Did not proceed to Stage 5*

N/A

* STAGE 1: Program Setup; STAGE 2: Knowledge Audit and Review; STAGE 3: Qualitative Sensory Exploration; STAGE 4: Quantitative Validation; STAGE 5: Sensory Exploration; STAGE 6: Action Plan

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Shelf life is an important factor for consumers.

• Naming convention: Appealing names such as those that describe the sensory experience (sweet mild radish) or clarify the origin (Australian grown gai lan) should be trialled as a likely way of increasing sales • Education and familiarisation: Consumers have limited knowledge when it comes to some of the vegetables. Information regarding the expected taste and texture, as well as cooking styles and recipes will be essential. Comparing the vegetable to similar tasting vegetables (i.e.

Kulyu, like sweetpotato) will lift consumer confidence around incorporating them in their cooking • Communicating unique health benefits: Highlighting the health and nutritional benefits of each vegetable is congruent with health trends and provides a strong reason for purchase beyond current vegetable purchasing • Reaching younger consumers: Consumers aged 10–25 were highly engaged with these Indigenous and Asian vegetables, found them

3 UNFORTUNATELY the short shelf life of gai lan of up to three days does not appeal to consumers.

appealing, and expressed the desire for them to be purchased. However, this study reveals that parents are potentially acting as gate keepers, more reluctant to purchase new vegetables for themselves and their family. Further work should be conducted into understanding this barrier to children’s vegetable consumption.

The project suggested that further work around these recommendations would help the vegetable industry as well as the health of everyday Australians.

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MORE INFORMATION For those growers who are active or interested in indigenous or Asian there is some really useful research detailed in the project report. The full report can be found at https://ausveg.com.au/app/uploads/ technical-insights/VG15071b.pdf This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-forprofit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

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How to...

create, document and tell your product provenance story

BY JAYNE GALLAGHER, HELEN JOHNSTON, EMILY MANTILLA, GENEVIEVE DRURY HONEY AND FOX PTY LTD

N

ow, more than ever, consumers are demanding to know more about where and how their food and fibre is produced.

Building provenance and storytelling can play a critical role in sustaining, increasing or expanding market share for Australian products.

It is no longer just relevant for niche or boutique product offerings and is now a mainstream marketing approach for supermarkets and well-known clothing chains.

It is also an evolving trend not just confined to international markets and consumers; increasingly, it is key to improving connectivity with Australian consumers who want to understand the who, the where and the how behind their food and fibre they consume.

AgriFutures Australia have delivered a suite of resources focused on the options for Australian producers to build provenance and improve storytelling to better interact with domestic and overseas consumers both now and into the future.

Following is a snapshot of their Stories for success guide.

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Australian consumers want to understand the who, the where and the how behind the food they consume.

YOUR MARKET

Why should agriculture businesses tell their story?

The best way to persuade someone is to tell a compelling story.

The descriptive power of stories affects us deeply, influencing both the sensory and motor cortex of our brains.

Stories are a powerful tool in human communication. From childhood we read, listen to and tell stories and our brains learn to file, store and retrieve information in the form of stories, as they are more easily remembered.

At a social level, stories make us relatable and intelligible to others.

Step 1: Identify A business will have many stories, the first step is to think about what the business wants to achieve with its story and then to start harvesting them!

Define why the company exists, what the purpose of the business is, and why the people involved get up every morning and pursue the business?

Story objectives Before a business makes a start on creating their provenance storytelling assets, they should think about what they want to achieve, in line with their business objectives: • Take action: Buy a product or sign up for a mailing list • Change behaviour: Encourage customers to imagine how a different product or way of doing things might work in their situation • Communicate who you are: Reveal past strengths or vulnerabilities to inspire and engage others • Communicate who the brand is: Provide references to the product or service through customers or credible third-party word of mouth • Share knowledge: The objective is to generate understanding rather than action • Tame the grapevine: Highlight aspects of a rumor that are untrue or unreasonable • Share: Describe a situation that audiences have also experienced and prompt them to share their own stories about the topic.

Identify the audience It is important to think about and understand who the customers/ audiences are so the stories resonate with them. Businesses should identify who they need and/or want to tell the story to.

Step 2: Visual storytelling Images and video are an important part of storytelling. They convey your message quickly and create an emotional connection. They can also be easily shared by other people and accessed by a larger audience.

Through the process of developing your stories, a library of photos and videos will be building. Ensure files are named properly, dated and categorised into story types. This will make it easy for you or your team to use them and save time if they need to be shared with any creative agencies the business may engage.

Step 3: Build foundations Provenance storytelling that will create an impact will require some resources to be devoted to it. Businesses often underestimate the resources that it takes to maintain and manage platforms.

Website Storytelling is a huge aspect of the modern approach to website design.

The business website is a fundamental platform to tell your story as it has an effect on the perceived credibility and quality of your business. Whether the business or product already has a website, or needs to build a new one, here are some things to consider to turn it into a successful storytelling platform.

• Develop a tone for the visual and written content that resonates with the audience • Think about user experience — the journey the user goes on and what they feel about interacting with the website

• Map out the website to follow the story but also think about the usability — test that the site can be easily navigated and interacted with.

Step 4: Share and connect The storytelling content has been developed and the foundations have been built, now it is time to share and connect with the customer! If done well, this can directly impact their purchasing behaviour.

Social media Social media is a widely used and easy to execute and evaluate platform on which to share provenance stories.

Using social media creates an intimate engagement with the customer, it humanises the brand and provides a platform to convey all of the elements of the company story, personality and values.

Step 5: Build trust Consumers are demanding more transparency from the food and retail industry. Using an authenticity platform can provide a business and their customers with the assurance that it is genuine product that they receive.

Step 6: Measure the impact Establish the KPIs Investment in storytelling is a business decision, and like all business decisions impacts should be measured.

Individual business may have their own Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Businesses should start with their goals for telling their provenance story.

MORE INFORMATION The Provenance Storytelling for Success package comprises a number of resources.

These are all available on the AgriFutures Australia website at: www.agrifutures.com. au/provenance-storytelling

Other resources...

On the AgriFutures Australia website you will also find the following free, downloadable guides: • Consumer trends, technologies and platforms • Producer templates for provenance storytelling To download a copy of the Stories for success guide go to: www.agrifutures.com.au/product/ provenance-storytelling-guidebook

DOWNLOAD

WA Grower WINTER 2020

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Growing

the perfect butternut pumpkin

3 BUTTERNUT pumpkins should be full sized and well formed with the stem intact when harvested.

Internal quality attributes are strong colour, heavy dry weight, and high sugar and starch contents.

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Butternut pumpkins are high in beta-carotene which our bodies convert into vitamin A.

3 BUTTERNUT pumpkins are very versatile and can be roasted, baked, boiled, mashed or added to soups.

B

utternut pumpkins are shaped like elongated pears, with a pale golden skin and deep orange flesh. It has a sweet, nutty flavour. Due to its smaller size compared to other pumpkin varieties, it is a popular option.

It is also very versatile and can be roasted, baked, boiled, mashed or added to soups.

Pumpkins with a brighter orange flesh have been found to be healthier, as more beta-carotene is present, which our bodies convert into vitamin A. Below we have outlined everything you need to know about growing the perfect butternut pumpkin.

Harvesting Pumpkins should be full sized and well formed with the stem intact. They should be well matured with good rind development typical of the cultivar.

Internal quality attributes are strong colour, heavy dry weight, and high sugar and starch contents. The fruit may have a tender rind when freshly harvested.

Curing in the field (with protection from the sun) before handling and stacking into bins or wagons will help to harden or cure the rind.

Postharvest storage temperature Optimum temperature is 12.5–15°C. Pumpkins and winter squash are chilling sensitive when stored below 10°C.

Depending on the cultivar a storage life of 2–6 months can be expected at 12.5–15°C. For green rind squashes, storing at 15°C may cause degreening, undesirable yellowing, and texture loss. They can be stored at 10–12°C to prevent degreening, although some chilling injury may occur at the lower temperature. High storage temperature (>15°C) will result in excessive weight loss, colour loss and poor eating quality. Freezing injury can occur at temperatures below -0.8°C.

Controlled atmosphere storage Atmospheres containing 7% CO2 can be beneficial by reducing loss of green colour. Yellow squash, however, appear not to be benefited by 5–10% CO2.

Lowering the O2 concentration does not appear to provide any benefit.

Ethylene sensitivity Exposure to ethylene will degreen squash with green rinds. It will also cause abscission of the stem, especially in less mature fruit.

Humidity storage Moderate relative humidity (50–70%) with good ventilation is essential for optimum storage as high humidity will promote decay. However, 50–70% relative humidity will reduce decay during storage, though significant weight loss will occur.

Disease and infection Several fungi are associated with decay during storage including fusarium, pythium, anthracnose (colletotrichum) and gummy stem blight or black rot (mycosphaerella). Alternaria rot will develop on chill-damaged winter squashes. Fruit that are overmature at harvest (>2 weeks beyond optimal harvest date) will tend to have more storage decay.

MORE INFORMATION For more information visit: www.veggycation.com.au/vegetables/ pumpkin-butternut

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TOOL TIME

A SIMPLE WAY TO EXAMINE YOUR SOIL STRUCTURE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Một phương pháp đơn giản để xem xét cấu trúc đất VÕ THẾ TRUYỀN CHUYÊN VIÊN KHUYẾN NÔNG VIỆT NAM, HIỆP HỘI RAU CẢI TÂY ÚC

CÔNG CỤ

KIỂM TRA ĐỘ PHÌ NHIÊU CỦA ĐẤT

TÁC DỤNG

HƯỚNG DẪN NÔNG DÂN CÁCH KIỂM TRA CẤU TRÚC CỦA ĐẤT

CHI PHÍ

MIỂN PHÍ

MORE INFORMATION

TRUYEN.VO@VEGETABLESWA. COM.AU HÌNH 1 SOIL PARTICLES TO FORM SOIL AGGREGATES AND THE ARRANGEMENT OF SOIL AGGREGATES TO FORM SOIL STRUCTURE

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Soil particles (sand, silt, clay, organic matter)

Độ màu mỡ của đất được xem xét qua 3 yếu tố chính — cấu trúc, thanh phần hóa học và đặc tính sinh học. Với sự gia tăng thâm canh đất của các trang trại trồng rau màu trở nên dể tổn thương dẫn đến thoái hóa làm cho khả năng sản xuất kém đi tính bền vững. Do các yếu tố gây tổn thương độ màu mỡ của đất nằm sâu bên dưới nên nông dân ít để ý và gây khó khăn cho công việc thẩm định nhằm cải thiện chúng đúng mức.

Bài viết này trình bày cho nông dân một số kiến thức căn bản về cấu trúc đất và một phương pháp đơn giản kiểm tra đánh giá cấu trúc đất. Chi tiết hướng dẫn cải thiện cấu trúc đất sẽ được đề cập trong các bài viết đăng trong các kỳ tiếp theo.

Cấu trúc đất là gì?

Cấu trúc đất được định nghĩa là kiểu các hạt đất (hạt cát, thịt, sét, mùn) kết hợp với nhau và sắp xếp thành các thực thể lớn hơn gọi là cấu tử đất. Kích cở, hình dạng và cách sắp xếp của các cấu tử đất tạo ra các khoảng trống giửa chúng có ảnh hưởng đến khả năng trao đổi khí, khả năng lưu giử nước và các chất dinh dưỡng, tạo điều kiện cho rể cây và sinh vật trong đất phát triển (sơ đồ 1). Đất có đặc tính cấu trúc tốt là yếu tố thiết yếu cho sản xuất nông nghiệp bền vững.

Soil aggregate

Cấu trúc đất không tốt sẽ hạn chế sự trao đổi khí trong đất, chẳng hạn như trong trường hợp xông đất diệt mầm sâu bệnh hại và cỏ dại (nông dân thường gọi nôm na là “đi ga”). Một hí nghiệm xông đất trên ruộng chuẩn bị trồng cà chua và ớt chuông tại Queensland cho thấy rằng hoạt chất ờ dạng khí của chất xông hơi tren tầng 15cm đất mặt cao hơn dưới sâu 25cm và tỉ lệ hoạt chất ở rìa luống trồng thấp hơn 15-20 lần so với ở giửa luống1. Sự lan tỏa không đều của hoạt chất xông hơi hạn chế đáng kể hiệu lực tiêu diệt mầm sâu bệnh hại và cỏ dại. Đặc tính cấu trúc đất ảnh hưởng rất lớn đến khả năng lưu giử nước và phân bón dinh dưỡng trong tầng đất canh tác, nhiệt đọ và khả năng trao đổi khí của đất, sự lưu chuyển và tái tạo dinh dưỡng trong đất, hở trợ sự song của sinh vật trong đất và chống lại tiến trình thoái hóa của đất. Chẳng hạn như các khoảng trống lớn hơn 0,2 mm giủa các cấu tử đất chúng ta có thể quan sát được. Các lổ trống này cho phép không khí di chuyển và thoát nước cũng như tạo điều kiện cho rể phát triển. Các khe trống nhỏ hơn 0,2 mm thì cầm giử nước hay dung dịch dinh dưỡng nhờ lực mao dẫn mà không có tác dụng tiêu thoát nước2.

1 https://ausveg.com.au/app/data/technicalinsights/docs/VG96033.pdf. Retrieved by 09/05/2020 2 www.agricology.co.uk/resources/guide-bettersoil-structure. Retrieved by 09/05/2020

Soil structure

TOOL TIME

Một phương pháp đơn giản xem xét đặc tính cấu trúc đất Phương pháp này chỉ cần dung một cái xẻng (vá xúc đất) và một con dao nhỏ cùng với yêu cầu quan sát tỉ mỉ (hình 1).

Cấu trúc của tầng đất mặt 25–30 cm có thể được xem xét bằng cách cẩn thận đào một một tảng đất mặt các cách cạnh bằng lưởi xẻng và quan sát tỉ mĩ theo các tiêu chí hướng dẫn. Khi thực hiện cách này trên các lô đất khoác nhau sẽ giúp so sánh cấu trúc đất khác nhau và ảnh hưởng của các biện pháp làm đất lên đặc tính cấu trúc đất.

BẢNG 1 Tiêu chí đánh giá cấu trúc đất Đất thịt pha sét

Đất cát

Cấu trúc nghèo nàn

Tần đát cày nén dẽ, nhiều khối đất to, chỉ có ít rể mọc giửa các khe trống, lớp mặt 6cm chứa toàn các cấu tử góc cạnh, bên dưới dẽ dặt.

Hẩn như cát rời rạc thanh hạt, ít kết dính, lớp mặt đổ sụp, lớp dưới nén chặt. Có taafnh ván mỏng trên mặt hạn chế thắm nước và mầm cây từ hạt khó vượt lên (hình 3)

Cấu trúc trung bình

Tầng đất cày chứa các khối to nhưng có nhiều khe rổng, 7–8cm đất mặt có nhiều khe nứt, bên dưới nét dẽ.

Tăng đất két dính vừa phải, các cấu tử có kích cở trung bình, có đổ sụp nhẹ (hình 4)

Cáu trúc tốt

Tầng đất cày chứa nhiều khe nhỏ với các cầu tử, ít chổ bị nén dẽ

Toàn bộ tăng mặt kết dính đều với nhiều cấu tử sắp xếp ổn định, chỉ có đôi vết nến dẽ (hình 5)

Trong đất trồng rau màu, nên tiến hành xem xét trong phạm vi luống trồng và nên thực hiện khi đất còn ẩm để dể quan sát cách thức rể phân bố trong đất.

Sau khi đào 3 cạnh, thực hiện nhát đào cuối cùng để xúc tảng đất lên và giử nguyen tảng đất trên xẻng. Quan sát tỉ mỉ các cạnh của hố để xem xét rể và cấu truc đất. Dùng dao nhỏ cẩn thận tách từng phần nhỏ tảng đất trên xẻng và quan sát theo các tiêu chí sau: 1. Lưu ý các vùng nén dẽ chặt: Trong lúc đào và khi quan sát hố đào và tảng đất nên lưu ý các biểu hiện cứng khó đào và các vùng nén chặt trên thanh hố và tảng đất.

Source: www.agricology.co.uk/resources/guide-better-soil-structure. Retrieved by 09/05/2020

2. Quan sát các nết nứt: các khoảng trống lớn hơn 0,2 mm giủa các cấu tử đất chúng ta có thể quan sát được.

Các lổ trống này cho phép không khí di chuyển và thoát nước cũng như tạo điều kiện cho rể phát triển. Các khe trống nhỏ hơn 0,2 mm thì cầm giử nước hay dung dịch dinh dưỡng nhờ lực mao dẫn mà không có tác dụng tiêu thoát nước.

3. Quan sát rể cây: Quan sát độ sâu của rể và cách thức rể phân nhánh, phân bố trong đất. Dất có cấu trúc tốt thì rể ăn sâu, phân nhánh và phân bố đều trong phẩu diện đất (hình 2). Rể bị chùn, vón cục cho thấy cấu trúc đất có vấn đề.

4. Quan sát lổ trùn đất (giun đất): Trùn đất chỉ sống trong đất có cấu trúc tốt, xốp, thoáng khí. Hang trùn cũng là đường nước lưu chuyển và rể phát triển trong đất.

5. Quan sát cấu trúc đất: Lưu ý kích cở, hình dạng các cấu tử trong tảng đất. Xem các cấu tử đất có quá mịn và chồng sát lên nhau hoặc quá to rời rạc chừa ra các lổ hổng lớn trong tảng đất.

6. Tìm kiếm các dấu vết cày xới vừa qua: Tìm ác vết tích của lần cày xới trước đây chăng hạn như vết của tăng đế cày hay sự xáo trộn xác bả thực vật của vụ trước.

Quản lý cải thiện đặc tính cấu trúc đất Đặc tính cấu trúc đất giử vai trò rất quan trọng nhưng thường ít được nông dân lưu ý đúng mức trong canh tác rau màu bền vững và bảo vệ môi trường. Cấu trúc đất tác động dến sức sinh trưởng và năng suất cây trồng cũng như sự luân chuyển nước và dinh dưỡng trong đất. Phần hướng dẫn cải thiện cấu trúc đất và tiếp theo là các kiến thức căn bản về đặc tính hóa học và sinh học của đất trồng rau màu sẽ được tuần tự trình bày trong các ấn bản kế tiếp.

THÊM THÔNG TIN Để tìm thêm thông tin xin vui lòng liên hệ Truyen Vo, truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au or 0457 457 559.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from the Australian Government.

For more information on the fund and strategic levy investment visit horticulture.com.au

WA Grower WINTER 2020

115

YOUR PRODUCTION Permits

Permits

Current Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits

116

Permit No.

Description

Crop

Reason for use

PER14726

Raptor wg herbicide

Adzuki & faba beans

Grass & broadleaf weed control

Expiry date 30-Sep-24

PER14936

Haloxyfop

Adzuki bean

Grass weeds

30-Jun-24

PER85152

Pirimicarb

Adzuki bean, mung bean & soybean

Cowpea aphid & soyabean aphid

31-Jul-23

PER14496

Metolachlor

Adzuki beans & mung beans

Certain annual grasses & broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-24

PER84890

Pyriproxfen

Beans

Silverleaf whitefly

31-May-21

PER86530

Status herbicide

Beans

Annual rye grass & winter grass

31-Aug-21

PER14891

Trifloxystrobin

Beetroot

Alternaria leaf spot

30-Sep-29

PER87630

Serenade opti biofungicide

Brassica leafy vegetables

Bacterial spot

30-Jun-22

PER14584

Imidacloprid

Brassica leafy vegetables

Aphids, whitefly & thrips

31-Jan-24

PER87670

Xentari wg bta biological insecticide

Brassica leafy vegetables

Diamond back moth, cabbage white butterfly, helicoverpa & vegetable looper

31-Jul-24

PER14907

Emamectin

Brassica leafy vegetables

Various pests

30-Nov-24

PER10845

Barmac zineb fungicide

Brassica leafy vegetables

Cercospora leaf spot & downy mildew

31-May-25

PER14127

Pendimethalin

Brassica leafy vegetables & rocket

Weeds

31-Aug-23

PER14045

Mancozeb + metalaxyl

Brassica leafy vegetables, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chicory, endive, radicchio, rocket, carrots & parsnip

Various fungal diseases

31-Mar-22

PER14958

Dimethomorph & mancozeb (acrobat fungicide)

Brassica leafy vegetables, leafy lettuce & other leafy vegetables

Downy mildew & other diseases

31-Dec-22

PER87773

Devrinol-c 500wg herbicide

Brassica vegetables

Broadleaf & grass control

31-Aug-22

PER14596

Chlorpyrifos

Brassica vegetables

Vegetable beetle adults

30-Sep-29

PER81876

Abamectin

Brassica vegetables, bulb vegetables, fruiting vegetables

Leaf miner

30-Apr-24

PER14352

Metalaxyl-m (apron xl 350) & fludioxonil (maxim 100)

Broccoli (seed treatment)

Damping-off & rhizoctonia

31-Jan-24

PER14051

Iprodione

Broccoli seed treatment

Rhizoctinia

31-Mar-23

PER84261

Admiral insect growth regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage & cauliflower

Silverleaf whitefly

31-Oct-20

PER14432

Pendimethalin

Brussels sprouts

Grasses & broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-24

PER80910

Iprodione

Brussels sprouts & eggplant

Grey mould

31-Jul-25

PER11951

Phosphorous acid

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, silverbeet, endive, radicchio, chicory & processing peas

Downy mildew

31-Mar-25

PER88567

Outlook

Bulb onions

Amaranthus

30-Nov-20

PER80060

Frontier-p

Bulb onions

Nut grass & other Cyperus spp.

31-Jul-21

PER82039

Bifenthrin

Cabbage, Chinese cabbage & cauliflower

Symphyla

30-Sep-23

PER12565

Scala fungicide

Capsicum & lettuce (protected crops only)

Botrytis rots

30-Sep-22

PER13901

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Capsicums, snow peas, sugar snap peas

Annual & perennial grass & broadleaf weeds

30-Jun-24

PER87852

Versys insecticide

Capsicums, cucumber, eggplant

Aphids

31-May-23

PER13795

Agpro propazine 500

Carrot crops

Nightshade, fat hen & wireweed

31-Mar-23

PER11747

2,2-dichloropropionic acid

Carrot crops (for seed)

Promotion of bolting & grass weed control

2-Dec-22

PER85291

Prosulfocarb

Carrot for seed production only

Annual ryegrass

31-Mar-23

PER85402

Flumioxazin

Carrot for seed production only

Cleavers

30-Jun-23

WA Grower WINTER 2020

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER85232

Tau-fluvalinate

Carrot for seed production only

Rutherglen bug

30-Sep-23

PER10918

Imidacloprid

Carrot, leafy lettuce, silverbeet & spinach

Greenhouse whitefly & aphids

31-Dec-23

PER13778

Various herbicides, insecticides & fungicides

Carrot, onion & brassica seed crops

PER86665

Fipronil

Carrots

30-Jun-23 White fringed weevil & symphylids

31-Jan-22 30-Jun-22

PER13305

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Carrots

Certain broadleaf & grass weeds

PER80169

Metribuzin

Carrots

Grass & broadleaf weeds

30-Apr-24

PER13147

Lontrel

Cauliflower

Capeweed & clover

30-Sep-24

PER86599

Bifenthrin

Celery

Red legged earthmite

31-Dec-23

PER14843

Indoxacarb (avatar insecticide)

Celery

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller & vegetable weevil

30-Sep-24

PER14457

Alpha-cypermethrin

Chicory, leeks, spring onions, shallots

Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips

30-Jun-24

PER85163

Pyriproxyfen

Cropping areas: fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs & spices

Red imported fire ant

30-Apr-21

PER86428

Serenade opti

Cucumber

Bacterial spot

30-Jun-21

PER7909

Pyrimethanil fungicide

Cucumber

Botrytis rot

30-Sep-22

PER14046

Mancozeb

Cucumbers

Grey mould

31-Mar-23

PER14765

Hexythiazox (calibre 100 ec miticide)

Cucurbit vegetables, fruiting vegetables, potatoes, snow & sugar snap peas

Tomato spider mite, two-spotted mite, broad mite, tomato russet mite

30-Sep-23

PER8930

Phorate

Eggplant, peppers, shallots & spring onions

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips & onion maggot

30-Nov-24 30-Sep-24

PER14839

Zineb

Eggplant, spinach & silverbeet

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

PER86849

Imazamox, imazapyr

Faba beans

Annual broadleaf & grass weeds

30-Apr-22

PER13752

Tebuconazole

Faba beans & broad beans

Cercospora leaf spot & rust

30-Jun-24

PER80542

Cherries

Fruit flies

Trichlorfon

31-Mar-25

PER86190

Maldison

Fruit fly emergency response

Fruit fly flies, maggots

31-Aug-20

PER86097

Naturalure fruit fly bait concentrate

Fruit fly host plants

Queensland fruit fly

31-Mar-23

PER84757

Spinetoram

Fruiting vegetables other than cucurbits & root & tuber vegatables

Tomato potato psyllid

30-Nov-20

PER84805

Cyantraniliprole

Fruiting vegetables, root & tuber vegetables

Tomato potato psyllid

31-Dec-22

PER87754

Folicur

Garlic

Orange rust

31-Jul-22

PER86732

Various herbicides

Garlic

Various weeds

30-Aug-21

PER86723

Various herbicides

Garlic

Broadleaf & grass weeds

30-Sep-21

PER87376

Switch

Garlic

Black mould

30-Nov-21

PER87114

Axiom plus

Garlic

Downy mildew, purple blotch

30-Jun-22

PER87015

Lambda- cyhalothrin

Garlic

Various pests

31-Aug-22

PER87113

Chateau

Garlic

Various weeds

31-Oct-22

PER86800

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Garlic

Insects

30-Sep-23

PER86799

Tebuconazole, mancozeb, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-m

Garlic

Fungal diseases

30-Sep-23

PER86751

Various fungicide

Garlic

Various disease

30-Sep-23

PER87014

Various products

Garlic

Annual grasses & broadleaf weeds

28-Feb-24

PER87013

Various products

Garlic

Various diseases

28-Feb-24

PER87552

Various herbicides

Garlic

Various weeds

30-Apr-24

PER87005

Abamectin

Garlic

Bulb mite

30-Sep-24

PER14886

Pendimethalin

Garlic

Grass & broadleaf weeds

31-Jan-25

PER87012

Ioxynil

Garlic (allium sativum) (fresh market & seed)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-21

WA Grower WINTER 2020

117

YOUR PRODUCTION

permits (cont.)

118

Permit No.

Description

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER85103

Nufarm nuprid

Green beans

Silver leaf whitefly

30-Sep-22

PER84955

Iprodione

Green beans, carrots, spinach & silverbeet

Sclerotinia, black rot & grey mould

28-Feb-23

PER14896

Bentazone (basagran)

Green peas (processing)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-24

PER14696

Abamectin

Head lettuce

Two-spotted mite

31-Dec-23

PER14959

Haloxyfop

Leafy (salad) vegetables, mizuina, green elk

Storksbill

30-Nov-24

PER12351

Imidacloprid

Leafy lettuce, okra, green beans

Silverleaf whitefly

30-Apr-25

PER14906

Triadimenol

Leek, chives, shallot, spring & Chinese onions

White rot (sclerotium)

31-Oct-24

PER13367

Linuron

Leeks & celeriac

Grass & broadleaf weeds

30-Apr-25

PER13653

Maldison

Leeks, spring onions & shallots

Onion thrips

28-Feb-23

PER14473

Dimethomorph & mancozeb

Leeks, spring onions & shallots

Downy mildew, purple blotch & botrytis rots

30-Jun-23

PER14210

Acramite miticide

Lettuce

Two-spotted (red spider) mite

30-Sep-21

PER81136

Switch fungicide

Lettuce

Anthracnose

30-Sep-21

PER13301

Alpha-cypermethrin

Lettuce

Red-legged earth mite & vegetable weevil

31-May-25

PER13698

Phosphorous

Lettuce (leaf+hydro), parsley, coriander fennel & bulb (allium) vegetables

Downy mildew

30-Sep-22

PER14964

Chlorothalonil

Lettuce seedlings

Antracnose (shot hole)

30-Nov-22

PER81241

Phenmedipham (betanal)

Lettuce, chicory, endive, radicchio & spinach

Broadleaf weeds

31-May-25

PER14770

Regent 200sc & termidor residual termiticide (fipronil)

Market & domestic vegetable gardens

Red imported fire ant

30-Sep-24

PER87065

Dimethoate

Melons including watermelons (postharvest)

Various fruit fly species

28-Feb-24

PER87650

Indoxacarb

Mung bean

Bean pod borer

30-Jun-24

PER83624

Indoxacarb

Mung beans

Red shouldered leaf beetle

31-Mar-23

PER81452

Methomyl

Mung beans

Bean pod borer

30-Jun-23

PER13979

Tebuconazole

Mung beans

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-20

PER14602

Boscalid, iprodione & chlorothalonil

Onion (bulb & seed)

Botrytis neck-rot

30-Sep-23

PER80282

Alpha-cypermethrin

Onions

Onion thrips

30-Nov-20

PER87914

Nufarm maya herbicide

Onions

Broadleaf weeds

31-May-21

PER86865

Ioxynil

Onions

Annual broadleaf weeds

31-Aug-21

PER14773

Basagran (bentazonesodium)

Onions

Broadleaf weeds

31-Jan-23

PER84808

Ethofumesate (tramat)

Onions

Broadleaf & grass weeds

28-Feb-23

PER13119

Diazinon

Onions

Onion thrips

31-May-23

PER84734

Verdict (haloxyfop)

Onions

Storksbill

31-Dec-24

PER86551

Pyrethrins

Organic green beans

Bean podborer

30-Apr-24

PER14858

Pendimethalin

Parsnip

Grasses & broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-25

PER13696

Trifluralin

Parsnips

Wintergrass

31-Mar-23

PER14695

Ridomil gold 25g (metalaxyl-m)

Parsnips

Pythium spp. & Phytophthora spp.

30-Jun-24

PER85352

Pendimethalin

Peas

Grass & broad-leaved weeds

30-Jun-20

PER11127

Nufarm filan fungicide

Peppers celery

Sclerotinia rot

30-Jun-23

PER84245

Movento 240 sc

Potato, sweet potato, tomato, capsicum, chilli, peppers, eggplant

Tomato potato psyllid

30-Apr-25

PER85127

Phosphorous acid

Processing tomatoes

Phytophthora root rot

31-Mar-23

PER84878

Switch fungicide

Protected & field grown capsicum

Botrytis & sclerotinia

30-Nov-22

WA Grower WINTER 2020

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No.

Description

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER14694

Vectobac wg biological larvicide

Protected cropping â&#x20AC;&#x201D; capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, herbs, & lettuce

PER80210

Pyrimethanil

Protected tomatoes

Botrytis

30-Jun-23

PER11949

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Radish & beetroot

Various insects

31-Mar-25

PER11441

Propachlor

Radish, swede, turnip

Grass & broadleaf weeds

31-Oct-24

30-Jun-24

PER14471

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Shallots & spring onions

Various pests

31-May-24

PER10988

Cyanazine

Snow & sugar snap peas

Weeds as per label

31-Mar-25

PER11764

Spiroxamine

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Powdery mildew

31-Dec-21

PER14033

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug & thrips

31-May-23

PER14505

Pyrimethanil

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Grey mould (botrytis)

30-Jun-24

PER10938

Imidacloprid

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Greenhouse whitefly & green peach aphid

31-Jan-25

PER10976

Bentazone

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-25

PER87878

Delegate insecticide

Snow peas, sugar snap peas

Liriomyza leafminers

28-Feb-23

PER89395

Veritas fungicide

Soya beans

Anthracnose

31-May-22

PER86185

Abamectin

Soyabeans & soybean

Soybean moth

30-Apr-23

PER14593

Mancozeb

Specified fruiting & legume vegetables

Downy mildew, anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp) & alternaria.

30-Apr-25

PER12221

Petroleum oil

Specified vegetable crops

Specified insect pests

30-Nov-22

PER81244

Fluazifop-p-butyl

Specified vegetables & herbs

Annual grass weeds

30-Jun-22

PER14703

Tramat 500 sc selective herbicide (ethofumesate)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea only) & silverbeet

Various weeds

31-Jul-24

PER87631

Coragen insecticide

Spinach & silverbeet

Cabbage leaf miner

30-Jun-24

PER85003

Ranman 400 sc fungicide

Spinach & silverbeet

Pythium damping off

28-Feb-23

PER14842

Copper oxychloride, cuprous oxide or cupric hydroxide

Spring onions & shallots

Downy mildew

30-Sep-24

PER14890

Methomyl (lannate-l)

Spring onions & shallots

Western flower thrips.

31-Oct-24

PER87865

Stomp xtra herbicide

Sugar snap pea

Annual grasses & broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-22

PER14337

Trifluralin

Swedes & turnips

Weeds

30-Jun-25

PER84531

Methoxyfenozide

Sweet corn

Lepidopteran pests

31-Oct-20

PER86245

Veritas fungicide

Sweet corn

Maize rust

31-Dec-23

PER14536

Abamectin

Sweet corn, chillies, paprika, spring onions & shallots

Two-spotted mite

31-Dec-23

PER84708

Agri-fos 600 systemic fungicide

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Pythium root rots & Phytophthora root rots (suppression only)

31-Aug-22

PER86443

Pirimicarb

Sweet potato, spring onion

Various aphids

30-Jun-23

PER13902

Phorate

Sweet potatoes

Aphids, thrips, jassids & organophosphate susceptible two spotted mite & wireworm.

31-Mar-23

PER87929

Transform

Tomato

Greenhouse whitefly

30-Jun-20

PER86959

Hydrogen peroxide (49.5%),

Tomato

Agrobacterium

30-Sep-20

PER88277

Huwasan tr50

Tomato

Agrobacterium

31-May-21

PER86815

Versys

Tomato

Silverleaf whitefly

31-Dec-21

PER87208

Torque

Tomato

Two-spotted mite

30-Apr-22

PER87185

Benevia insecticide

Tomato

Suckling pests

31-Jul-24

PER87619

Entrust sc naturalyte

Tomato

Various thrips

31-Aug-24

PER85076

Peratec plus fungicide

Tomatoes

Fusarium wilt

28-Feb-21

PER80219

Apollo miticide (clofentezine)

Tomatoes (protected)

Two-spotted mite

30-Apr-24

PER89279

Various products

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89278

Avatar insecticide

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

WA Grower WINTER 2020

119

YOUR PRODUCTION

permits (cont.)

Permit No.

Description

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER89263

Proclaim opti insecticide

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89259

Altacor insecticide

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89241

Success neo & delegate insecticide

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER14357

Various products

Various crops

Witchweeds

31-Aug-23

PER89285

Proclaim opti insecticide

Various leafy vegetables, celery, blueberry

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER88640

Movento 240sc

Various situations

Various leafminers

31-May-23

PER89284

Success neo insecticide

Various tubers & bulbs

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER14583

Chlorpyrifos

Various vegetable crops

Various insect pests

31-Oct-21

PER14479

Propiconazole

Various vegetable crops

Various pests

30-Nov-24

PER13695

Ecocarb fungicide

Various vegetables

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-20

PER87051

Durivo insecticide

Various vegetables

Various pests

28-Feb-24

PER87918

Pestech py-bo

Zucchini

Ants, aphids, caterpillars, earwigs, leafhoppers, thrips & whitefly

30-Apr-22

PER87563

Warlock insecticide

Brassica vegetables

Liriomyza leafminers

30-Jun-24

PER89280

Durivo insecticide

Brassicas, leafy vegetables

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER88066

Emamectin

Celery

Helicoverpa, lightbrown apple moth & cluster caterpillar.

31-Aug-24

PER12489

Imidacloprid

Celery, cucumber, peppers & cape gooseberry

Aphids, whitefly, thrips

31-May-25

PER86750

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Garlic

Insects

30-Sep-23

PER88878

Steward ec insecticide

Soya & mung beans

Swarming leaf beetles

31-Dec-20

PER88226

Fipronil

Soya bean

Lucerne crown borer

31-Jul-22

PER88179

Propargite

Sweet corn

Two-spotted mite

31-Dec-22

PER87276

Applaud

Tomatoes

Bemisia tabaci & Trialeurodes vaporariorum

30-Jun-20

PER89353

Chlorantraniliprole

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-May-23

WA Grower advertiser contacts Name

Website/Email

Address

Contact name

Bon Electrics (IBC)

www.bon-electrics.com.au; kaela@bon-electrics.com.au

Lot 4, Bullsbrook Road, Bullsbrook, WA 6084

Kaela Bonomi

BOYA Equipment (p5)

www.boyaequip.com.au

Centrewest (p109)

www.centrewest.com.au; ashlee.snyder@centrewest.com.au

(08) 9302 2006

DELTAwater Solutions (p99) www.deltawater.com.au; dianne@deltawater.com.au

120

Frig Tech (IFC)

frigtech.com.au; info@frigtech.com.au

National Harvest (p97)

www.harvesttrail.gov.au

Rivulis (p43)

https://rivulis.com Tiffany.Visser@rivulis.com

Tiger International Solutions (p106)

www.go2tigers.com; jason.radford@go2tigers.com

WA Grower WINTER 2020

Contact no.

Ashlee Snyder

(08) 9349 7900

Dianne Panov

(02) 4960 9555 (08) 9932 6436 1800 062 332

2 Tarlton Crescent, Perth International Airport, WA 6105

Tiffany Visser

1800 558 009

Jason Radford

(08) 9479 0308

Unlocking the true power of water and electrical technology for WA growers.

At BON, we’ve been working across the unique WA horticultural landscape for over 30 years with growers in every corner of the state.

As a family owned and run business, we take a proactive approach to identify and solve your electrical, water and refrigeration needs. We can bring your vision to life through the design and install of new infrastructure, partnering with you along the way to keep things running as they should.

We pride ourselves on doing the right thing by our customers, providing you with end-to-end solutions through dependable service.

Pictured in the photo, left to right: Brandon Southern (Project Manager), Frank Bonomi (Company Director), Ben Bonomi (Technical Director).

Electrical Back Up Power Solutions | Packing Floor Custom Design Automation | Horticultural Climate Control General Electrical Maintenance | Programmable Logic Control Systems | Energy Efficient Lighting Solutions Energy Harvesting Solutions | Refrigeration Systems and Solutions

Water Comprehensive Irrigation System Solutions | Pump Systems and Associated Controls | Filtration Systems and Solutions | Automated Fertigation and Water Control | Maintenance of your entire water supply system Water Measurement Technologies

“Over the past 20 years BON Electrics have been our electrical contractor of choice. We have worked with them on numerous projects and they continually support our business with ongoing maintenance. We recommend BON Electrics without hesitation, they’re efficient, knowledgeable and consistently deliver the high quality of work required by WA Corn Growers.”

- Jim Trandos, Trandos Farms

If you’re looking for a partner with knowledge and experience in the WA horticulture industry, book your free consultation with BON today.

www.bon.com.au

Achmea (OBC) To come