From the industry

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

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

industry From the

The ability for our industry to be represented in various networks BY BRONWYN WALSH INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (IDM) involved with monitoring and responding to the unfolding COVID-19 situation has been of great benefit. It has enabled us to be well prepared,

We are facing keeping ourselves, family, business and supply chain healthy. Thanks incredibly challenging times with the COVID-19 pandemic. to Joseph, Shane and Bronwyn for attending weekly videolinks as well the Committee for ongoing support. The impact of COVID-19 It has raised many issues including the movement restrictions on all businesses is still being monitored so please 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. 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. contact myself, Bronwyn or a Committee member to discuss what information or action you need. 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 The 2020 season is looking similar to 2019.