WA Grower Magazine Winter 2022 by vegetablesWA

VOL. 57 NO 2. WINTER 2022

grower wa

WORKING FOR WA GROWERS SINCE 1948

Vale

Results the Building Horticulture Business Capability program can help you achieve

John Cripps AO The creator of the Cripps Pink ‘Pink Lady®’ and Cripps Red ‘Sundowner’ apples

Quantitative microbial risk assessment and food safety 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

Captivating customers

with a website as your digital shopfront

inside Your vegetablesWA magazine

6 YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

20 3

Piece rate requirements

STONEFRUIT WA

vegetablesWA CEO’s Report

Food Ladder

Industry update

vegetablesWA President’s Report

Review of the BAM Act 2007

Maturity Testing Program

Potato spindle tuber viroid detected

Bartle Frere Bananas

$13.7m trade effort

VegNET 3.0 RDO update

Chemical residue testing

YOUR PRODUCTION Nitrogen fertiliser price and supply

Captivating customers

WA Potatoes CEO’s Report

Making a user-friendly website

Seed for Schools program

How is your business performing?

Recipe: Jambalaya

Annualised wage arrangements

World Potato Congress

Improving businesses’ profitability

Performance management

vegetablesdirect

Quantitative microbial risk

Pest and disease preparedness

Taking part in a field day?

POMEWEST Harvest 2022 done and dusted!

Vale John Cripps AO

Biosecurity strategic plan

Looking after ourselves

100

Internal browning risk

Mental health awareness

101

No pain, no gain

104

Permits

111

TOOL TIME

Comparing apples with apples

Infopest

Bravo apple program

Waytree

YOUR INDUSTRY

YOUR BUSINESS

Fall armyworm management guide 20

WA POTATOES

™

WA CITRUS

YOUR HEALTH

YOUR MARKET

105

Providing access to valuable data

106

Pricing issues

108

From the industry

Australian agricultural diagnostics

Pest and disease management

Careers in Australian horticulture

Biosecurity at harvest time

Citrus Technical Forum 2022

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS

118

SUPPLIER GUIDE

120

WA Grower WINTER 2022

VOL. 57 NO 2. WINTER 2022

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

Acting Chief Executive Officer Manus Stockdale m: 0448 897 652 e: manus.stockdale@vegetableswa.com.au Operations Manager Karen Raybould t: (08) 9486 7515 e: karen.raybould@vegetableswa.com.au

COVER IMAGE: Pictured at Claremont Showgrounds is John Cripps who has been inducted into The Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work on the Pink Lady® apple. See page 61. Photo © Ian Munro, The West Australian

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

Admin, Marketing & Sales Benjamin Hamilton t: (08) 9486 7515 e. ben.hamilton@vegetableswa.com.au Regional Development Officer Truyen Vo m: 0457 457 559 e: truyen.vo@vegetableswa.com.au

m: 0413 922 287 Metro South

© 2022 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.

Manjimup

Michael Grubiša m: 0419 195 159 Metro North Peter Ivankovich m: 0428 919 211

Myalup

Michael Le

m: 0417 962 427 Metro North

Anthony Lieu

m: 0401 558 886 Metro North

Paul Shain

m: 0419 041 045

Carnarvon

APC VPC Committee Chair TBA

Dan Kuzmicich

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

WA Grower WINTER 2022

m: 0408 570 181

Paul Glavocich

Building Horticulture Business Capacity Program Lead Bryn Edwards m: 0417 409 821 e: bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au

Life Members

Committee Renae Adams

Vice Chair Lisa Tana

Industrial Relations Consultant Stephen Farrell m: 0455 833 352 e: stephen.farrell@vegetableswa.com.au

Carnarvon

Vice President Maurice Grubiša m: 0413 050 182 Metro North

Regional Development Officer Michael Bartholomew m: 0427 373 037 e: michael.bartholomew@vegetableswa.com.au

Quality Assurance Coordinator Joel Dinsdale m: 0417 857 675 e: joel.dinsdale@vegetableswa.com.au

m: 0408 910 761

Members Joyce Babun Bevan Eatts Michael Le APC Manager Catherine O’Keeffe t: (08) 9368 3127 e: APCManager@dpird.wa.gov.au

Advertising For information on WA Grower advertising rates and sizing, please email: comms@vegetableswa.com.au

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your

industry association

Your industry association

WA Grower WINTER 2022

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vegetablesWA will consult with members to gauge the impact of any single use plastics proposals.

vegetablesWA

CEO’s Report BY MANUS STOCKDALE ACTING CEO, VEGETABLESWA

s the dust settles after the Federal election, the agriculture sector is waiting to see how the new Labour Government will tackle key issues facing the industry. While the future of the much-needed Australian Agriculture Visa is uncertain, Labor’s election commitment to introduce national labour hire licencing is promising. Improved oversight of the labour hire companies is something the horticulture industry has been advocating for many years.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

vegetablesWA will continue to work with AUSVEG and the NFF Hort Council to engage with the Federal Government and advocate for strong policies to support the vegetable industry.

It is well-recognised that rising input prices are putting the margins and profitability of vegetable businesses under great pressure. WA growers involved in the vegetablesWA-led Building Horticultural Business Capability project have been able to utilise the business analysis provided by Planfarm to identify efficiencies and cost savings in their operations. Growers participating in the project have also had the historical information available to easily justify price increases to their customers and have successfully negotiated to maintain their profit margins. The project has delivered encouraging results for participants in its first year and there is strong interest from vegetable growers keen to fill the available places in year two.

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The WA Government announced in 2020 its intentions to reduce single use plastics in the state. Part of the second phase of the program affects horticultural produce at a retail level.

will provide a number of features including tailored information and industry news, a channel for growers to regularly engage with their existing buyers and suppliers and sell their produce to new export markets.

Through vegetablesWA’s engagement We’re gradually rolling vegetablesdirect out to with government on the issues, we have members and stakeholders so keep an eye been invited to be members of the out for your invitation email or go to Minister’s Single Use Plastic vegetablesdirect.com.au to sign up. Working Group. vegetablesWA has This will provide a great opportunity to represent the WA horticulture industry’s needs and perspectives, as well as having a say on the implementation of the plastics policies.

f VEGETABLESWA’S has been invited to be members of the Minister’s Single Use Plastic Working Group.

developed a new service for our members called vegetablesdirect.

vegetablesWA will consult with a cross section of our members to gauge the impact of any single use plastics proposals and share information about changes that will affect growers as they become available.

If you have any feedback on vegetablesWA’s activities or would like to discuss any issues affecting your business please get contact. We are keen to get out to see our members and engage with as many as possible.

MORE INFORMATION Manus Stockdale, phone 0448 897 652 or manus.stockdale@vegetableswa.com.au

vegetablesWA has developed a new service for our members called vegetablesdirect. vegetablesdirect is a mobile application that will enable vegetablesWA to communicate and provide services directly to our members. The platform

Discover & Deal Direct vegetablesdirect is the new mobile app for growers from the team at vegetablesWA.

vegetablesdirect.com.au WA Grower WINTER 2022

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vegetablesWA

Being conscious and proactive in maintaining hygiene is an essential practice.

President’s Report

BY DAN KUZMICICH PRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

utumn 2022 is done, so hello, winter, and hello to our growers, stakeholders, and industry members.

f PROMPT removal of all the early signs of CMV infected plants can be the key to managing the risk of it spreading.

The seasons are changing — the typical weather pattern of winter rain and high winds has started all over the state. As we speak, as it is raining here in Carnarvon, my workers have the day off, and I finally have a few moments to put pen to paper. Earlier this morning, I jumped on my quad bike to do the rounds to check for any damage on the property from the recent winds. Luckily, it was minimal. The cropping plants were belted a bit but remained structurally sound. After the rain, you know that weeds will be the next thing to deal with, but that’s just growing! In pest management, we have noticed that aphids have been prolific in infiltrating the crops earlier in the year by spotting continuous numbers on our sticky traps. The next thing to check is for early signs of the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), which we have already found in the capsicum, which is not good news. Luckily, this situation can be managed, but the timing is crucial; prompt removal of all the early signs of infected plants can be the key to managing the risk of it spreading. I cannot emphasise enough that being conscious and proactive in maintaining hygiene is an essential practice in keeping on top of things in this business. Driving into town daily, I get the chance to look at what crops have been planted in this region, and it all looks healthy. Tomato growers have begun their harvest at a good wholesale price, depending on the quality grade. The capsicum harvest is not quite ready but will not be far off from starting.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

The prices are looking good now, so growers in the metro and southwest should be reasonably happy with their returns. Another worrisome issue is the increasing input costs impacting the horticultural community. There has been little work done to identify solutions to the added costs thrust upon growers. Hence asking the question, is it viable to grow anymore?

f CUCUMBER mosaic virus has already been found in capsicum.

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Less volumes are expected this year.

I like to think it is for those of us who still have the passion! I have recently discussed this point with some major growers in the metro and southwest areas, and it is evident that they share the same concerns. Many are looking at implementing consolidation and diversification, whilst expansion is not currently viewed as an option — less volumes are expected this year.

On the flip side, some new and exciting news is that vegetablesWA and Maven have been working on implementing web style platform. Our Acting CEO, Manus Stockdale, wrote about this innovation in the last edition of the WA Grower magazine. Since then, we have received national interest from growers on the East Coast who can recognise the value of being involved in this project. Feedback has been that this mechanism will be a handy tool for growers to promote their product directly to the marketplace as well as using the conventional methods of marketing. If you are interested in exploring the platform, please contact the vegetablesWA office on (08) 9486 7515 and ask to speak to Manus Stockdale or myself. We will be more than happy to talk you through it.

In finishing, if any growers have any other concerns, please contact the vegetablesWA office to see how we can help. That’s all from me for now until next time. Stay safe, everyone.

f THE prices are looking good now, so growers in the metro and southwest should be reasonably happy with their returns.

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

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Potato spindle tuber viroid detected in tomato and capsicum A detection in potato crops could significantly impact interstate and international trade in potatoes.

he Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working with vegetable growers to contain the spread of the serious disease Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), following confirmation of detections in tomato and capsicum crops from two properties north of Perth.

Symptoms

Tomatoes and potatoes are most at risk from the viroid disease, which displays symptoms that could easily be confused with nutrient deficiency or toxicity, spray damage, insect damage or plant viruses. Symptoms usually become apparent when the plant is about eight to 16 weeks of age.

Symptoms in potatoes: • Infected tubers have pointed ends that give them the spindle shape with a round cross section, from which the disease gets its name. • Reduced leaf size. • Stems are more upright, longer and slender between leaves.

Symptoms in mature tomato plants: • Severe infection can cause leaflets to turn purple and yellow, resulting in a bunch top effect. • Leaflet down curling, twisting and stunting. f HEALTHY Russet burbank potato on left compared with shrivelled remnants attacked by viroid.

The disease has not been detected in any WA potato crops.

Growers are urged to practice meticulous on-farm hygiene measures and to report any observations of PSTVd. The disease can cause production and quality losses. PSTVd has been periodically detected in Carnarvon, in WA’s north, in field crops of tomato, capsicum and chilli since 2007, but to date has never been detected in the potato growing areas of the State.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

The disease has not been detected in any WA potato crops.

PHOTOS © DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BY DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

f PSTVd has been detected in tomato and capsicum crops from two properties north of Perth.

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PSTVd is transmitted through small wounds in the leaf surface.

f INFECTED tomato plant on left compared to healthy plant on right.

Prevent spread with on-farm hygiene PSTVd is transmitted through small wounds in the leaf surface and contact between healthy and diseased plant sap. It can then be spread through handling plants, cutting tools, clothing, and animals and machinery moving through crops, such as planters, grading machines and bins.

Blackberry nightshade and other solanaceous hosts can also be infected and become source plants. Implementation of meticulous on-farm hygiene measures, outlined below, will limit the risk of disease spread. • Infected cutting knives used for cutting seed will spread the viroid prior to planting so it is important to use gloves and ensure all tools are sterilised.

• The DPIRD website has advice on sterilisation strategies. • Paddock management options, such as planting a break crop and weed free break, may completely remove PSTVd from a site, as the viroid cannot survive for long without a suitable plant host. • Infected plants and those nearby should be removed and deep buried or burnt. Insect and pollen transmission are not believed to play a significant role in the spread of the disease within the crop.

Reporting Report any suspect observations of PSTVd to DPIRD via the MyPestGuide® Reporter app (mypestguide.agric. wa.gov.au) or to its Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au

Samples of leaves or tubers for testing can be delivered or mailed to: • Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Suspect potato spindle tuber viroid Diagnostic Laboratory Service — Plant Pathology 3 Baron-Hay Court South Perth WA 6151 MORE INFORMATION For more information about PSTVd symptoms, monitoring and control measures visit www.agric.wa.gov.au and search for ‘potato spindle’.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

WA Grower WINTER 2022

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‘Ideal timing’

sparks $13.7m vegetable, onions and melon trade effort

he Nation’s melon, onions and vegetable growers have joined forces to develop a $13.7m export development program through Hort Innovation in a time of rising trade capacity within the industries and strong Australian produce demand. Being delivered through Hort Innovation using industry levies and funds from the Australian Government, and led by vegetable representative body, AUSVEG, with support from Onions Australia and Melons Australia, the 5-year initiative will build the industries’ export capability and support their sustainability over time.

Hort Innovation head of trade, Brei Montgomery, said now is the ideal time to launch the effort with various factors informing the approach.

“They all share similar objectives to strengthen their overseas trade positions through a strategic, collaborative approach,” she said.

“Now is the ideal time for this program when you look at current movements within our trade markets,” she said.

“Australia has a reputation for delivering quality produce that has adhered to the most stringent standards across all supply chain stages. This program will leverage and build on that great reputation.”

“COVID has presented challenges, but it has also resulted in new ways to engage stakeholders; the strengthening of relationships to eager markets and a desire for businesses to diversify to cater to this demand.” Ms Montgomery said the multi-industry export program is a first for the horticulture industry and will see a collaborative approach for growers in the vegetable, onion and melon industries.

The new program includes the provision of sophisticated market intelligence data and insights for growers.

“For the onion, vegetable and melon industries, working together makes sense,” she said.

f AUSTRALIA has a reputation for delivering quality produce that has adhered to the most stringent standards across all supply chain stages.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

Underpinning the Multi-Industry Export Program is various export capability and market development activities delivered by AUSVEG through Hort Innovation. The new program includes the provision of sophisticated market intelligence data and insights for growers. On top of that, tailored advice on value-adding for export and a comprehensive program will provide growers with opportunities to re-engage with export markets and networks. AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said the program focuses on building grower export capability and capacity, collating international market information for decision-making and giving vegetable, onion and melon growers the ability to participate in the highly successful AUSVEG market development program. He said business development functions to uplift the ability of exporting growers to service a wider range of markets and channels and expand international trade opportunities in the future would also be priorities.

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Onion, vegetable and melon industries, working together.

f THE Australian onion industry is the second largest vegetable crop exported in Australia.

“The Australian vegetable industry has invested significantly in export development to help growers successfully export fresh Australian vegetables over the past decade, and as a result has built solid relationships and industry know-how that will benefit vegetable growers, as well as those in the onion and melon industry, which face similar issues with exporting as many vegetable growers,” Mr Coote said. Melons Australia CEO Johnathon Davey said that there were plenty of synergies in the export development work that AUSVEG undertakes for the vegetable industry and the outcomes that the melon industry has identified as priorities in building its capabilities in export. “The melon industry has identified growing export markets as a key priority for the industry moving forward, and it makes sense for our industry to work with AUSVEG in this project,” said Mr Davey. “I look forward to working with AUSVEG, Hort Innovation and the broader melon industries to increase the capabilities of melon growers to service new and existing international markets.”

Onions Australia Executive Committee member and exporter Tim Groom said the multi-industry export program will support a strong history of successful trade and relationship building. “The Australian onion industry is the second largest vegetable crop exported in Australia with a significant portion of mature growers who have a strong export focus,” he said.

“What this program will do is underpin decades of hard work by the industry and offer new insights and approaches that build on our success. “Onions Australia has been working for several years now to increase our focus on strong export programs and is looking forward to supporting our growers to access this new program.” MORE INFORMATION Hort Innovation is the not-for-profit, grower-owned Research and Development Corporation (RDC) for Australian horticulture. Each year, the RDC invests more than $120 million into research, development, marketing and trade activities using levies. funds from the Australian Government and other sources.

QUICK FACTS: • The Australian vegetable industry is one of Australia’s largest horticultural industries. In 2020–21, 215,374 tonnes of fresh vegetables were exported at a value of $264m. Most Australian fresh vegetable trade is exported to open, non-protocol markets such as Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. • For the year ending June 2021, Australia exported 49,429 tonnes of fresh onions and 82 tonnes of dried onions. Fresh onion trade is largely exported to non-protocol markets such as Europe (the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany), Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Japan. • The Australian melon industry exported 12,890 tonnes of fruit in 2020–21 with a value of $26.5 million. Key markets are the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore and Qatar. Source: Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook

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VegNET 3.0 Regional Development Officer

update

f PUMPKINS growing in the southwest, where hot weather has reduced yields, but quality has remained high.

BY MICHAEL BARTHOLOMEW REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

s the light starts getting brighter at the end of the COVID tunnel, Western Australia can begin to see a glimpse of a ‘new normal’ that the eastern states have already developed a familiarity for. Fortunately for many, COVID-19 appears to be less threatening than it once was, and we can return to the regular challenges of working on the land. Cold topic Mirroring the impact it has had on growing regions around the country over the last year or so, COVID-19 has proven to be an unwelcome distraction from the scheduled programming of the VegNET 3.0 project in the West. Given that we are only facing increased cases in recent months, our industry has had ample time to prepare with a head start on legislation and a continuous feed of shared experiences from the East.

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f VEGNET RDO Michael Bartholomew (left) and grower David Ellement (right) displaying a biosecurity sign that incorporates on-farm COVID-19 biosecurity.

Being a key focus of the Communication Project, business continuity and risk management planning have been high on the agenda for the state’s vegetable growers. I have been hard at work providing planning support and swiftly decoding legislation for the state’s growers.

Carnarvon areas, as well as a series of one-on-one visits in the Greater Perth and Manjimup growing regions. The workshops had a focus on COVID planning and updates, AgVisa updates and a disease forecast for our predicted wetter-than-average winter.

90 COVID biosecurity signs have been provided to growers across the state!

General feedback and grower sentiment suggests that WA growers have been well prepared for managing the uncertainty when it arises and have taken steps in reducing the risk where they can. It was no easy feat for anyone, and I applaud those who have considered their business’ continuity plans during this rough patch.

Several successful workshops have been run in the Wanneroo, Geraldton, and

These updates have been positively welcomed and well adopted by our growers, which is fantastic to see.

The COVID biosecurity signs that were developed earlier this year and provided for free at workshops or to those who reached out over our e-news have proven to be a big hit, as 90 have already been provided to growers across the state!

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Hot topic WA has had an absolute scorcher of a summer — the hottest on record. We have had a full combined fortnight above 40°C, continual, high-pressure easterlies, and an average maximum temperature of >33°C. Other than slowing crop growth and causing widespread yield loss, this has also put pressure on water demand, specifically in regions such as North Wanneroo where water allocations have been cut. vegetablesWA continues to keep this topic a priority when supporting growers in that region.

Biosecurity — simple, familiar, unique to you Excitingly, as our COVID wave begins to lessen, there are a couple of new projects that I will be assisting in delivering to WA growers. Firstly, is a series of biosecurity videos, filmed here in WA with the help of a local media company, vegetablesWA and AUSVEG. The first of these videos are scheduled to be filmed in late May with the rest to be shot mid-year.

These short videos will aim to address the top causes of pest and disease entering on farm and what growers can do to minimise the risk in a manner that is convenient and relatable. These kinds of videos are all over the internet already, however none address the specific nature of vegetable enterprises and certainly not the uniqueness of our WA growing conditions.

Propelling greenhouse heating into the 21st century

cheaper, modern, and efficient ways of heating greenhouses. All with the added benefit of making production that much greener by reducing carbon emissions. Discussions have been made with renewable energy consultancy companies, engineering firms and grower stakeholders in getting this project off the ground, with promising results. The technology being researched is very new in Australia and a study like this in Western Australia will be the first of its kind. If this sparks any interest, please reach out! There will be further updates in the next WA Grower magazine.

WA has had the hottest summer on record.

This project is progressing along in its first stages, a study into greenhouse heating efficiency and reducing reliance on expensive and non-renewable heating methods has been a big focus. This project aims at addressing the rising input costs associated with conventional heating methods and providing feasibility studies into using

MORE INFORMATION Please contact Michael Bartholomew on 0427 373 037 or michael.bartholomew@ vegetableswa.com.au

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Chemical residue testing requirements BY JOEL DINSDALE QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR, VEGETABLESWA

Note: Standard multi-screen tests are for residues only.

f CHEMICAL residue testing verifies the chemical application program meets regulatory MRL requirements.

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Meeting Freshcare Standards and your customer requirements: Part 2

ast edition of WA Grower, we investigated Chemical Residue Testing requirements to meet Freshcare Standards and your customer requirements. For those that missed the previous edition, you can access an online version by visiting: vegetableswa.com.au Quickly recapping, we addressed the following questions: • Why do I need to test my produce? • What testing do I undertake and what records do I need to keep for audit? • How and when do I need to test?

A glossary of terms was also included to define Freshcare’s intended requirements and outcomes. In this edition, we’ll address the following frequently asked questions and apply the age old saying, “measure twice, cut once” where unsure: • What to test for? • When to test? • Where to sample? • How to sample? • Export requirements.

What to test for? Freshcare states the following in the F4 Chemicals Factsheet: Standard multi-screen tests include a broad range of active constituents at a cost-effective price, and these are now used for verification testing. It is important that the multi-screen test chosen, includes chemicals that have been used during the spray program and postharvest. The results of residue testing by industry or government testing programs can help in assessing the risk of chemicals exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) permitted on the crop.

It is important to note that standard multi-screen tests are for residues only. Some chemicals are not listed in standard screening tests which can differ from lab to lab. This means that if you want other testing undertaken including testing for specific chemicals, microbiological testing or Heavy Metal Analysis conducted; you will need to articulate this to the laboratory. In these instances, the laboratory may require you to supply a larger quantity of product samples. Communicate your testing requirements with your laboratory upfront, to ensure that you get what you need to meet your food safety system and customer specification requirements — “measure twice, cut once.”

When to test? Freshcare’s F4 Factsheet notes following: Chemical residue testing verifies the chemical application program meets regulatory MRL requirements. The test must be conducted before initial Freshcare certification and then annually, or more frequently, if required by a customer specification or risk. A rotation system must be used so that a different crop is tested each year. There should be more than one product tested, where there are significant differences in crop groupings managed, and/or chemical application/treatment programs. To ensure appropriate control of risk, a business must assess whether further testing is required. If required, product testing is to be completed. It is important to note that if there are differences between crops and/ or application programs, separate analysis should be conducted on different samples. This is also the case when you are growing on multiple different locations. For example, if you are growing broccoli in West Manjimup and Jardee (under the same management in the same year),

you will need to conduct the appropriate analysis of the crop from both sites, or if you are growing broccoli and pumpkin (in the same season), you would need to complete a residue screening test on each crop as they differ. If you have a crop listed on your scope, you need to complete the required analysis on each crop to achieve Freshcare certification. If you are unsure, please contact Freshcare or your trainer for clarification — “measure twice, cut once.”

Where to sample? Freshcare’s F4 Chemicals Factsheet states: The produce must be sampled at or just prior to the point at which it could be first available to the customer. This can be just after the withholding period has lapsed, after harvest or packing or just before or on delivery to the customer. Where the produce is stored for an extended period before delivery, such as apples, collect the sample before storage. If the postharvest application of chemicals for long term storage is being verified, then produce should be sampled after storage. The sample collected must be free from bias and representative of the produce supplied to customers. As a rule of thumb in WA, the grower or customer such as agent/wholesaler, processor or packer may select at random, the sample of produce and organise residue testing with results then sent to the business that arranged for the test to be conducted. If you are having your testing arranged by your customer, you will need to communicate with them directly to ensure that this does in fact occur. Ultimately, it is the grower's responsibility to ensure that the appropriate testing is completed at the required frequency, so “measure twice, cut once.”

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It is critical to check a country's chemical regulations when exporting. How to sample? If you have a customer or agent that is prepared to support your business by collecting and submitting samples for analysis, you can relax, but you still need to ensure that the correct analysis is being conducted, so “measure twice, cut once.”

Freshcare’s F4 Factsheet states: Before sending a sample for testing, check that the laboratory is NATA accredited (or accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 Standard) for the analysis of chemical testing for fresh produce and can test for chemicals included in your preharvest and postharvest treatment program”. For this you can refer to your completed up to date F4 Preharvest chemical application record. All chemicals listed should be screened in the analysis conducted by the lab and any other details as stipulated by your customer(s). Request the laboratory provide evidence of the tests and matrices for which they are accredited. Information can also be found here: nata.com.au/accredited-facility The laboratory will issue you with updated instructions on the required sample size and how best to transport it so that cross-contamination does not occur. Remember to check the location of the lab from the sender’s address. It may take a few days for produce to be transported. For example, we know that a sample that has been sent from Carnarvon will take approximately 12-24 hours to reach a depot in Perth when sent via a trucking company. Be sure to factor this in if you are working to a deadline. Freshcare suggests when collecting and transporting samples, avoid cross-contamination-contamination from other sources and deterioration of the produce.

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f PRODUCE chemical residue test results are checked against the MRL of the chemical for the specific crop.

The F4 factsheet guidelines to follow are: • Use disposable gloves (or thoroughly washed hands) to collect the sample. • Place the sample in a clean plastic bag and/or box to protect it during transport. • Clearly label the sample with your name, address, telephone number and other details (do not forget to record the date of sample collection and from where it was collected). • Clearly indicate what test you want the laboratory to undertake (e.g., specific chemical name, multi-screen). • Store the sample in a cool (but not frozen) state until ready to transport. • Use overnight freight to ensure the sample gets to the laboratory promptly.

If you are unsure, please contact the laboratory for clarification as each laboratory may be slightly different — “measure twice, cut once.”

Export requirements For produce that is exported to another country, it is critical that we check the importing country (i.e., the country where product is intended to be sold) regulations governing the application of chemicals and maximum residue limits.

Produce chemical residue test results are checked against the MRL of the chemical for the specific crop. This means that one test can be conducted but multiple comparisons against the different MRLs must be conducted for each country that is supplied (that) produce. Where known export transactions are occurring, the MRL comparisons should be documented on the record for Freshcare and customer compliance purposes. MORE INFORMATION If you require a quality assurance health check, please contact Joel Dinsdale at joel.dinsdale@vegetablewa.com.au for support.

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f SUNN hemp in a mixed cover crop will soak up nitrogen in the soil and encourage the legume to add more.

Nitrogen fertiliser price and supply:

A good reason to look at legume cover crops BY SOIL WEALTH ICP TEAM

he Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project works with growers to put soil management and plant health research into practice. This edition explores the use of legume cover crops to better manage nitrogen on-farm. Soil Wealth ICP Phase 2 (VG16078) is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Fund. The commercial nitrogen fertiliser market has been very volatile in recent times, with shipping issues and shortages for all of Australia. As Australia does not manufacture enough nitrogen to supply its own domestic market, the cost of nitrogen fertiliser has more than doubled.

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Given the price rises and uncertainty of nitrogen fertiliser supply, it’s a good time to add a legume cover crop into your rotation and reduce your reliance on nitrogen fertiliser. Legume cover crops can add lots of nitrogen, with a good cover crop adding 160–200 kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) of nitrogen. Based on current nitrogen fertiliser costs, that is $500–$600 of added nitrogen per hectare, with seed and inoculant costing around $100–$200 per hectare.

Your cover crop roots can have a further 30–100kg of nitrogen. Less nitrogen will be added when cover crops are grown as part of a cover crop mix, as the legume growth and biomass are reduced due to competition from the other cover crop species in the mixture.

Add a legume cover crop and reduce your reliance on nitrogen fertiliser.

The science of biomass To add the most nitrogen, legume biomass is king. For every tonne of shoot biomass grown, about 20kg of nitrogen will be added. So, if you can grow a good legume cover crop with the right inoculant and produce 8-10 tonnes of shoot biomass, then that’s 160–200kg of nitrogen added.

However, cover crop mixes are a good option when you have high soil nitrate levels.

High soil nitrate levels will reduce nitrogen added by legumes. Basically, if the plant can get lots of ‘free’ nitrogen from the soil, then it will not allow the Rhizobium bacteria to nodulate the roots and will not feed the bacteria. Instead, the plant will take the ‘free’ nitrogen from the soil. It’s important to use soil tests before your cover crop is planted to find out how much soil nitrate is remaining.

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Additional resources can be found at soilwealth. com.au/resources

f MANAGING nitrogen on-farm and using legume cover crops webinar.

If it’s below 50kg of nitrogen per ha (to 30cm), the legumes will add lots of nitrogen. Above 200kg of nitrogen per ha will limit your legume from adding much nitrogen.

Managing soil nitrogen levels Typically, soil nitrogen levels will be low following nitrogen-hungry crops like corn and potatoes; higher soil nitrogen levels are likely following leafy vegetable crops. The levels of soil nitrogen before you sow your cover crop will also depend on how much in-crop nitrogen fertiliser was used.

If you have high soil nitrogen levels, it may be better to plant a mixed cover crop of a cereal/ broadleaf and legume. The cereal and broadleaf will recover and store the nitrogen in the soil and force the legume to fix its own nitrogen. A mix like a sunn hemp, sorghum and tillage radish for summer — or oats and vetch mix for winter — will do a good job of soaking up the nitrogen already in your soil left over from a previous crop and encourage the legumes in the mix to add some more nitrogen. Nitrogen added by legume cover crops must be converted into nitrate and ammonia by the soil biology to be available to your vegetable crop. This typically means there is a nice, slow release of nitrogen over the life of the crop.

Additional resources

To understand how much and when nitrogen will be available for your vegetable crop, watch the Soil Biology Master Class 2021 — Nitrogen availability webinar: soilwealth.com.au/resources/ webinar-recordings/soil-biologymaster-class-2021-nitrogenavailability-day-1-part-3-of-7/ To help choose the right legume and Rhizobium, see the Cover Crops for Australian Vegetable Growers poster: soilwealth.com.au/resources/ posters/cover-crops-foraustralian-vegetable-growers You can also find out more about managing nitrogen on-farm and using legume cover crops in this recent webinar recording with Kelvin Montagu, Doris Blaesing and Marc Hinderager: soilwealth.com.au/ resources/webinar-recordings/ nitrogen-fertiliser-price-andsupply-management-options-indifficult-conditions/

The presentation also covers: • Optimising fertiliser practices • Reducing nitrogen fertiliser losses (e.g., leaching and denitrification)

TIPS TO GET THE MOST NITROGEN OUT OF YOUR LEGUME COVER CROP • Add the right Rhizobium inoculant at the right time • Select and grow a vigorous legume cover crop — the more biomass grown; the more nitrogen added • Grow a straight legume (i.e., not part of a cover crop mix) • Start with low to moderate soil nitrate levels — less than 50kg/ha of soil nitrate will encourage your legumes to add the most nitrogen. MORE INFORMATION For more information, please contact project leaders Dr Gordon Rogers on (02) 8627 1040 or gordon@ahr.com.au and Dr Anne-Maree Boland on (03) 9882 2670 or anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au

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

• Soil testing and crop monitoring • An agronomist panel which discusses the strategies they have tried to manage nitrogen on their client's vegetable farms.

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Fall armyworm management guide

for vegetable crops  DARK head with Y-shaped light marking on FAW larvae.

KEY POINTS •

Fall armyworm (FAW) is a significant threat to horticultural production globally, and is now a threat to Australian horticulture.

•

FAW was first detected in Australia in January 2020 and has since travelled from the Torres Strait to Tasmania in just 14 months.

•

An integrated pest management program is key to controlling FAW populations. Field monitoring is important for early detection and implementation of control methods.

•

There are several insecticides that are available to control FAW in Australia.

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Fall armyworm is a significant threat to horticultural production globally.

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BY ZALI MAHONY BIOSECURITY OFFICER, AUSVEG

PRE-2016

management guide for fall armyworm has recently been developed by AUSVEG, with assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland. The guide is now available to growers and industry in an online and hard copy format. AUSVEG Biosecurity Officer Zali Mahony reports.

2018 2016 2021 2017 2020

FIGURE 1. WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION: FAW IS A PEST NATIVE TO TROPICAL AND SUB-TROPICAL REGIONS OF THE AMERICAS, BUT HAS NOW SPREAD WORLDWIDE. For example, evidence collected from Western Australia claims that FAW populations are resistant to group 1A (Carbamates) and 1B (Organophosphates) insecticides. Viable biological control options for FAW populations in Australia are currently being studied; however, research is in its early stages.

Fall armyworm (FAW) is a significant threat to horticultural production globally and is now posing a risk to Australian horticulture. A destructive pest that attacks more than 350 plant species overseas, fall armyworm was first detected in Australia in January 2020 and travelled from the Torres Strait to Tasmania in just 14 months.

Monitor your crops regularly Early detection of FAW ensures a quick response and accurate timing of control methods. Regular crop surveillance and monitoring for FAW eggs and larvae is the foundation of a successful IPM program and helps minimise damage and reduce harvest losses.

What to look out for FAW larvae look similar to other armyworms present in Australia. However, there are two distinguishing features of FAW larvae that can be used for identification: 1 Four dark spots at the end of their body arranged in a square.

f FOUR raised spots in a square at the rear.

2 Dark head with an upside down, pale Y-shaped marking.

Although there are chemicals that are available for control of FAW, the pest is known to quickly develop insecticide resistance to certain chemical groups.

For more information on chemicals available to control FAW, biological control options and crop monitoring techniques, download a copy of ‘Management of fall armyworm in vegetable crops in Australia’: (ausveg. com.au/app/uploads/2021/12/Final-pdfstandard-faw-guide_compressed.pdf) or email Zali Mahony on the details below if you wish to receive a hard copy. MORE INFORMATION Please contact AUSVEG Biosecurity Officer Zali Mahony on (03) 9882 0277 or email science@ausveg.com.au. This article was originally published in the Vegetables Australia magazine.

Viable biological control options for FAW are currently being studied.

PHOTO © RUSS OTTENS, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, BUGWOOD.ORG

Integrated pest management approach The key to efficient control of FAW is an integrated pest management (IPM) program, inclusive of an artillery of sustainable practices. Cultural farm practices, biological control or conservation of natural enemies — as well as biopesticides and conventional insecticide applications — offer opportunities for future management of FAW.

2019

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Quantitative microbial risk assessment and food safety management BY ELIZABETH FRANKISH FOOD SAFETY CONSULTANT, UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

isk assessment is ‘science-based’, identifying the likelihood and severity of hazards, how those hazards interact with the food being produced, and the resulting level of risk to the consumer when the product is eaten.

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We can't afford complacency about microbial hazard prevention.

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Microbial risk assessment is especially complex because we are dealing with a community of live microorganisms, a fruit or vegetable both pre-harvest and postharvest i.e., live and ‘dead’, overlaid by climate, weather patterns and management systems. However, when undertaken with the best available knowledge and integrated into risk management decision-making, risk can be reduced. There are many risk assessment approaches, and they are all valid. The best risk assessments are objective, transparent, consider the dynamics of microbial behaviour, account for uncertainties, and align the purpose of the assessment with the risk estimate output. In the modern food industry, where plant-based foods are taking centre stage, we cannot afford complacency about microbial hazard prevention and ongoing improvement in food safety.

What is QMRA? In quantitative microbial risk assessments, we attempt to determine how much and how quickly pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella will survive, grow, or die on produce under designated conditions. The output is an estimate of the probability of that survival, growth, or death occurring and how that influences public health outcomes. QMRA provides the ability to conduct ‘what if’ scenarios to investigate the effect of changes in supply chain factors. For example, “How many more pathogens would be destroyed if chlorine sanitiser in wash water was increased from 30ppm to 100ppm?” “How much is cross-contamination reduced if we wash equipment with a sanitiser between every batch of product?” “How important is temperature control of the product at retail?” It is also possible to determine how sensitive, or what is the relative importance of the input factors to the final risk level. This helps prioritise actions and changes in risk management because for example, it might be found there is more value in focusing on improving the washing process than implementing changes

Microbial risk assessment is especially complex.

to cold chain control. This supports decision making on the use of resources to reduce risk to the business and its customers.

How does QMRA help reduce food safety risks? When people have a better understanding of risk, they understand why they should comply with procedures like handwashing and thorough equipment cleaning. This is important in ensuring consistent and sustained best practices within the food safety management system.

QMRA provides the evidence of what needs to change, why it should change, and the level of urgency for the change. Thus, it provides a systematic approach to risk mitigation while supporting development of the food safety culture. Market forces, customer requirements, and regulatory requirements combine to drive imperatives to develop risk assessment processes. These mechanisms can be used to move from simple, qualitative risk assessment to more advanced quantitative risk assessment, at the cutting-edge of microbial control.

QMRA and risk reduction

What are the riskiest activities? How much is risk reduced by changing controls? Where are our resources best placed for risk mitigation?

What you should not expect from a QMRA Often there are gaps in the available research data relating to a specific product, so QMRA is a combination of research data and expert opinion. This can require some estimates to be made of what is expected to occur. In these instances, practical experience and consultation among experts (growers, processors, scientists) lead to very good estimates which, with further research can be confirmed or disproved. When risk information is updated through QMRA the food safety management system must be able to support both the technical changes needed and the people who are responsible for implementing the changes, to ensure risk mitigation will be enhanced. There is no magic bullet to always produce safe food, but what you can expect is that QMRA, by adding a sharper tool to the risk assessment kit, provides the knowledge for continuous improvement, the information to prioritise resources, and the evidence to support decision making. MORE INFORMATION Contact Elizabeth Frankish, Food Safety Consultant, Perth, Researcher, University of Tasmania: e: elizabeth.frankish@gmail.com e: elizabeth.frankish@utas.edu.au m: 0407 446 937 Elizabeth is currently working on a QMRA for the apple supply chain with funding and support from APAL (Apple and Pear Australia Ltd), University of Tasmania, and University of Sydney.

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Pest and disease preparedness:

How to protect your farm

BY ZALI MAHONY BIOSECURITY OFFICER, AUSVEG

he best defence against harmful pests, diseases, viruses and weeds for your farm is to implement good farm hygiene. AUSVEG has recently developed a new management guide on how to protect and prepare your farm for pests and diseases. Farm biosecurity is the prevention and management of pests and diseases that are not yet present in a certain production area but are likely to arrive, either seasonally or through natural spread (e.g., wind). Good biosecurity practices can help you better manage these threats and also assist when faced with government-imposed farm quarantine or be used as evidence when applying for ‘pest free place of production’ accreditations.

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Six main pathways for pest and disease spread Use AUSVEG’s management guide to identify these pathways on your own property and see how you can start managing the risks. 1 Vehicles and equipment 2 Staff and farm visitors 3 Packaging, bins and pallets 4 Waste and weeds 5 Farm inputs 6 Wind. The resource takes you through each pathway and discusses the risks involved. Where this guide differs from other resources is that it provides ways to manage, and reduce, the risks of each pathway.

A new management guide on how to protect and prepare your farm for pests and diseases

Farm biosecurity is the prevention and management of pests and diseases.

PHOTO © AUSVEG

PHOTO © PLANT HEALTH AUSTRALIA

PHOTO © AUSVEG

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Next steps Once you have read the guide and are aware of the six high-risk pathways through which pests and diseases can spread onto farm, there are several actions you can take to ensure you are managing them appropriately for your farm, business, or property: • Review your farm’s current biosecurity measures and identify the pathways you are controlling well, and those that may require more management. • If there are certain pathways requiring more attention, use this booklet as a management guide. • If you are managing all pathways well, create a farm biosecurity plan for your property. MORE INFORMATION Please contact AUSVEG Biosecurity Officer Zali Mahony on (03) 9882 0277 or email science@ausveg.com.au. This article was originally published in the Vegetables Australia magazine.

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Taking part in a field day? Help protect your farm and industry from pests and disease.

If you are a HOST:

BY RACHEL LANCASTER ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL TESTING SERVICES

ield days are an excellent way to share information and knowledge. Don’t accidently also share pests and diseases by following some easy steps. Pests, diseases and weeds can be carried on: • People: footwear, clothing, skin, mobile devices and even your hair! • Plant products: fruit, leaves, stems, and roots. • Equipment: secateurs, harvest machinery, tractors. • Vehicles: tour buses, attendees’ cars, quad bikes. Movement of people, plants, products, equipment and vehicles between farms can present a biosecurity risk to the host property and to the properties of attendees when they return home.

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; Provide a biosecurity briefing about

the actions you would like visitors to take, so that attendees know what you expect of them. This can be on the invite to the field day.

; Make sure good biosecurity practices are visible on your property.

; Keep a register of all attendees to

ensure tracing is possible if required.

; Ensure that you have a designated

and clearly sign posted parking area.

; Provide a footwear wash and

disinfection station at the point of entry e.g., boot scrubbers and water for cleaning, sanitising spray or a footbath containing an appropriate sanitising product for disinfestation.

; Consider providing ‘boot covers’

for all participants to wear, in case removal of soil from boots is difficult between farms.

; Provide hand sanitiser if people will be touching plants or soil.

; Avoid use of other people’s tools

and equipment for demonstrations, unless they have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected first.

; Monitor the part of your property

where the visit took place over time for unfamiliar pests, pathogens or weeds.

f MOVEMENT of people, plants, products, equipment and vehicles between farms can present a biosecurity risk.

If you are an ATTENDEE: ; Make sure your clothing, footwear

and vehicle are clean before attending the host property. Avoid wearing the usual clothes and shoes that you wear on your own farm.

; Clean and disinfect your footwear

between each site during the field day and before returning to your own farm.

; Follow all biosecurity signage and requests at the host property.

Be a biosecurity champion and help protect your farm and industry from pests and disease. MORE INFORMATION This article has been prepared by the Horticulture Liaison Officer Biosecurity Project, which is jointly funded by DPIRD, Agricultural Produce Commission (APC), Pomewest, Stonefruit WA, Carnarvon Banana Producers Committee and WA Citrus.

TOOL TIME

TOOL

TIME

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f OPTIONS for searching the database include by host, pest, product, chemical and dealer.

Resistance management strategy just one of the benefits of Infopest BY MICHAEL BARTHOLOMEW | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

TOOL

WHAT DOES IT DO

WHO WOULD USE IT

THE COST

MORE INFORMATION

INFOPEST

AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICAL DATABASE

GROWERS

$55 + GST ANNUALLY

INFOPEST.COM.AU

INFOPEST IS GROWCOM’S online agricultural and veterinary chemical database. With the display of labels approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), plus marketed product labels and safety data sheets, Infopest offers a valuable alternative to the APVMA’s PubCRIS. It is often regarded as a more robust and user-friendly alternative.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

Available as an annual subscription, Infopest allows subscribers to search for products and permits approved by the APVMA in their crop or animal situation to treat pests, weeds, and diseases as appropriate. Infopest displays the CropLife resistance management classifications or modes of action; these can be used to determine a resistance management strategy with chemicals that are registered or permitted for use in any given situation. It is a reliable source of safety datasheets that need to be produced for auditing purposes with workplace health and safety and lists both permits and product labels in the one search result.

Infopest’s data shows users the product dose rates, re-entry periods, withholding periods, states where the use is registered, and the system allows users to save favourite searches to save time.

Search results can be exported to Excel to enable further manipulation as required.

Infopest is Growcom’s online agricultural and veterinary chemical database.

Options for searching the database include by host, pest, product, chemical and dealer with the choice to undertake a problem search that has both host and pest at once.

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FIGURE 1. INFOPEST DATABASE SEARCH FIELD

Example: Say you are growing rhubarb for the first time. After some testing, you confirm that there are the beginning signs of a downy mildew infestation beginning to set in after some early May rains. To determine what chemicals are registered for controlling downy mildew in rhubarb, you would navigate to the ‘problem’ tab of Infopest and where it says ‘host’ insert ‘rhubarb’ and where it says, ‘pest name’ insert ‘downy mildew’. Then when your result appears (often there will be more than one if there is a pre-, during or post-application window), tick the box to the left of the results relevant to your problem as demonstrated in Figure 1. Once you do that you are met with 4 more tabs that light up in green: • Products — Shows a list of products and permits for the inputted scenario. A powerful view that allows you to sort by registration status, registered state, active constituent, mode of action (MoA), application type, withholding periods, dangerous goods class, rain-fastness and strength. This view also provides you with easy access to a label “L,” safety data sheet “S” and a marketed label “M” per product.

• Components — Shows you all the active constituents and MoAs registered for the problem. This is perfect for rotating out different MoAs for Integrated Pest Management. • MRLs — Shows you the Maximum Residue Limits for each active constituent. This includes those set by the APVMA, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and Food and Agricultural Organisation Codex. • Uses — Shows the user an easy breakdown of the registration status, product required, the application rate and withholding periods aggregated by state registered.

10% discount As a special deal for vegetablesWA members, the first 50 people to register with the code WAveg10 will receive a 10% discount for the first year. Usually priced at $55 inc. GST annually, now $49.50 for the first 50 vegetablesWA members who use this code. MORE INFORMATION For more information go to infopest.com.au Subscription is via the website infopest.com.au and selecting ‘Infopest Subscription.’

Infopest is available as an annual subscription.

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List your jobs and hire like a pro 1 List your job

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Giving Australian agricultural diagnostics

a boos ter s hot

Detecting, containing, and eradicating plant pests and disease outbreaks.

f QUICK, and accurate diagnostic tools need to be available to growers and diagnosticians Australia-wide.

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number of Australasia’s top research institutions have joined forces to develop diagnostics tools that aim to keep pests at bay and maintain good biosecurity across plant production industries. In this article, AUSVEG’s Ian Thomas outlines the extension activities being undertaken as part of the Boosting Diagnostics for Plant Production Industries project. Plant pests and diseases have been the burden of growers since the beginning of agriculture. The disruption to trade while diagnostic decisions are being made can be costly to businesses and trade, and reducing this timeframe will be crucial in the coming years as disease and pest pressure rises due to increased global trade and climate uncertainty.

To prevent incursions and stay on top of good biosecurity practices, modern, quick, and accurate diagnostic tools need to be available to growers and diagnosticians Australia-wide. In 2019, a Rural R&D for Profit program entitled Boosting Diagnostic Capacity for Plant Production Industries (or Boosting Diagnostics) commenced. Led by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Boosting Diagnostics seeks to increase Australia’s ability to detect, contain, and eradicate plant pests and disease outbreaks.

Boosting Diagnostics supports the development of new diagnostic tools, underpinned by strong communication and extension activities to raise awareness of these tools among diagnosticians and industry. This will assist in early, rapid, and accurate detection of pests and diseases on-farm and allow swift and precise responses from industry. It is not solely about detecting the presence of pests and diseases, but also their absence. Australia is thankfully free from many pests and diseases that plague the rest of the world. This absence — and our ability to prove it — allows Australian growers access to markets all over the world. The extra capacity provided by Boosting Diagnostics will help provide strong scientific evidence that our growing regions are free from pests and diseases.

Assays for identification must be developed and tested, both in the field and the laboratory.

In recent years, the development of DNA identification tools such as LAMP, qPCR, and MinION (Oxford Nanopore) make it easier than ever to identify pests and diseases on-farm, but for these tools to be effective there is a lot that must first happen. Assays for identification must be developed and tested, both in the field and the laboratory. Reference samples must be secured and categorised. Protocols need to be developed, tested, and tested again.

Extension and communication activities

Throughout the remainder of 2022, AUSVEG will be coordinating the extension and communications component of Boosting Diagnostics to deliver the many and varied project outcomes into the hands of those who will use them day-to-day. These activities will be delivered in two streams: the Diagnostic Stream and In-field Stream.

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f SPOTTED wing drosophila larvae; a potential threat to berry and wine production.

The Diagnostics Stream will focus on delivering developed technologies, protocols and expertise to diagnosticians and lab-based personnel through relevant diagnostic events and activities. Meanwhile, the In-field Stream will focus on in-farm triage and translating the diagnostic knowledge to actionable on-farm capacity and capability. This component will target professionals working in the field, ranging from agronomists, field pathologists, biosecurity officers, state surveillance staff and growers. AUSVEG will run seven workshops in different regions across Australia, each focusing on the pests and diseases impacting each region’s industries and addressing their specific requirements. During this process, AUSVEG will increase the awareness and knowledge of selected National Priority Plant Pests (NPPPs), provide updates on project activities, and deliver updated resources to diagnostic personnel across the plant production industries.

CSIRO Research Scientist Dr Mike Hodda is working to organise the complicated taxonomy of Heterodera nematodes.

diagnose as symptoms of their damage are easily mistaken with nutrient deficiency or drought stress. Dr Hodda advises that growers look for damage that occurs in a lens or oval shaped area and is pointing in the direction of cultivation, as well as expanding by a few metres each year.

“We are building a collection of local and exotic species so that we can work out what is in Australia and what is not, and how to distinguish AUSVEG will run them,” Dr Hodda said.

seven workshops in different regions across Australia.

“The benefits to vegetable growers will be better recognition of cyst nematode issues; faster, cheaper and more reliable diagnostics; better management options; and enhanced market access through area freedom.” Cyst nematodes can occur in many crops but are notoriously difficult to

“The nematodes themselves are just visible to the naked eye as white, beige, or brown balls about the size of pin heads protruding from roots,” Dr Hodda explained.

CSIRO is putting a call-out for samples from any vegetable growers who believe they may have cyst nematode issues in their crops.

Pest and disease targets Boosting Diagnostics will focus on a variety of target plant pests and diseases affecting a broad range of plant industries. These include the cyst nematodes of the genus Heterodera (pests of grains and vegetables), Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum (the cause of bacterial blight of cotton), and spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzuki; a potential threat to berry and wine production), among many others. The individual projects are broad and varied, and approach the issue from different angles.

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f ANGULAR leaf spot of cotton.

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“To submit samples, growers should collect a handful of affected roots into one plastic bag, and a few hundred grams of surrounding soil into another bag, label them both with your name, location, and the crop, and keep them cool.”

Further tools Dr Andrew Weeks from Cesar Australia is developing diagnostic tools that use environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify pests without needing direct insect collection. eDNA is left behind in frass; that is, excrement from the digestive system of various pests, or on feeding sights. It can be used to help identify pest species presence — even when they may not be found.

“The project will assess the feasibility of moving the technology into the field. We envisage the technology could be rolled out in some form within the next two-tothree years.”

Each Boosting Diagnostics sub-project is a small piece of a larger puzzle. As each one falls into place, the picture of what improved diagnostics and better biosecurity looks like for Australia’s vegetable growing sector will begin to take shape.

eDNA is left behind in frass of various pests, or on feeding sights.

“The eDNA diagnostic tools, sampling approaches and factsheets developed through this project will enable more rapid identification of some high priority plant pests, allowing more effective management intervention to be undertaken to prevent or limit incursions or outbreaks,” Dr Weeks said.

MORE INFORMATION

Any vegetable growers who would like to submit samples to the CSIRO’s nematode project can contact Dr Mike Hodda on (02) 6246 4371 or email mike.hodda@csiro.au For further details about the Boosting Diagnostics project, please contact AUSVEG Project Officer Madeleine Quirk on (03) 9882 0277 or email madeleine.quirk@ausveg.com.au

RAF Hydraulic Control Valves

This project is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation through funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment — as part of its Rural R&D for Profit program — and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Hort Innovation, Wine Australia, Sugar Research Australia, and Forest and Wood Products Australia. INDUSTRY COLLABORATION The Boosting Diagnostics for Plant Production Industries project is a partnership between the Grains Research and Development Corporation; Cotton Research and Development Corporation; Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd; Wine Australia; Sugar Research Australia Ltd; Forest and Wood Products Australia Ltd; AgriFutures Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development (SARDI); Western Australian Agricultural Authority; Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions (VIC); Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD); Department of Primary Industries (NSW); Department of Primary Industry and Resources (NT); Biosecurity Tasmania; Plant Health Australia; Plant and Food Research; AUSVEG Ltd; Cesar Pty Ltd; and Bio-Protection Research Centre.

Leading Edge Valve Technology RAF Hydraulic Control Valves The valve range offers the following features and benefits: Pressure Control: Increased uniformity across your field, regardless of pressure fluctuations. Remote Control: Activate remotely via electric, hydraulic or pneumatic signal. System Protection: Protects pumps, filters and pipeline from pressure and flow surges. Level Control: Maintain water level in tanks and reservoirs.

RIVULIS

E: australiasales@rivulis.com W: www.rivulis.com

P: +61 7 3881 4071 WA Grower WINTER 2022

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hining a light Son careers in Australian horticulture

BY AUSVEG

USVEG has launched the Grow Your Career in Horticulture video series, which highlights the diverse range of careers in the Australian horticulture industry. AUSVEG Communications Officer Sophie Burge reports. The Grow Your Career in Horticulture series features video interviews with employees from nut, fruit and vegetable businesses across Australia to gain an understanding of those vital ‘behindthe-scenes’ roles in the industry. These videos show the daily tasks, responsibilities, and pathways of current employees on Australian farms. AUSVEG National Public Affairs Manager Tyson Cattle said that the series is designed to highlight the technical and skilled opportunities that are available on fruit and vegetable farms across Australia.

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“The horticulture sector is a large, developed and diverse industry that employs a wide range of skilled people. While much of the media attention is focused on harvest labour within the sector, it is often forgotten that the industry requires a range of skillsets to manage and operate their farm business,” Mr Cattle said. “The horticulture industry has many opportunities for workers to upskill and access on the job training further their career in horticulture. While there are many harvesting opportunities on the Harvest Trail, there is also a range of other essential roles to be found on farm and production line.”

“Growers’ preference is always to employ locals first where possible, when they have the right skills and attitude,” Mr Cattle said. “These videos aim to showcase the many varied career opportunities for local workers in the exciting $15 billion Australian horticulture industry to entice people to give the industry a go. “Many people we interviewed for these videos did not intend on a career in horticulture, but discovered a passion for it after working on the farm. They have each come from various backgrounds and landed in horticulture through different avenues by transferring key skills from seemingly unrelated courses and past careers to start successful careers in horticulture.

Highlighting the diverse range of careers in the Australian horticulture industry.

Showcasing opportunities Many of the roles highlighted in the video series are in the highest demand in businesses across the horticulture sector and align with the approved 31 occupations under the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement — supporting growers to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers from overseas to fill these critical occupations.

“A job in horticulture can be the start of a lifelong, satisfying career with plenty of opportunities for upward growth. Putting food on the table for millions of families in Australia and abroad makes it a worthwhile and fulfilling career.”

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We are very lucky to have been the first company to utilise x-ray vision technology to help us with sizing and grading our brushed potatoes. With this, we have achieved a quality no one else can do in the industry!

INTRODUCING JORDAN KLEESH

At a glance

also underway through joint venture crops in Gippsland. Red Gem grows more than 15 potato and onion varieties annually on 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of land around Australia. AUSVEG caught up with Jordan for the ‘Grow Your Career in Horticulture’ series.

NAR NAR GOON

NAME JORDAN KLEESH AGE 25 JOB PRODUCTION ASSISTANT/ SALES AT RED GEM POTATOES LOCATION NAR NAR GOON, (GIPPSLAND) VICTORIA As a Production Assistant at Red Gem Potatoes, Jordan Kleesh works primarily in the processing facility in Nar Nar Goon, Victoria. Jordan oversees the product movement throughout the day, and works with various teams in the facility coordinating the processes and market orders. He helps to load and unload trucks, check the packaging line and pick orders — while ensuring proper food handling, quality and safety standards are met. Red Gem grows and supplies brushed and washed varieties of potatoes to major retailers around Australia. The business is based in Nar Nar Goon, but it also has farms operating in Hillston in the Riverina region of New South Wales and Mount Gambier in South Australia. Trials of sweet potato and onions are

Jordan, can you please tell us about your role at Red Gem Potatoes and what it involves? At Red Gem, we grow brown onions and several potato varieties including Kipfler, Nicola, Mozart, Royal Blue and Crème Royale. In addition, we manage many farms to help support our volumes to our customers, which are very important to this business — from our biggest customers such as Coles & Hello Fresh to smaller ones located locally and interstate. I work on the packing side of the business. After we receive the freshly harvested potatoes into our packhouse, we prepare and package them, so they are ready to be sent out to our customers quite quickly — they are in and out on the same day if necessary. My day-to-day duties include loading and unloading trucks, picking orders, running the line and machines, as well as other general factory and forklift duties. In our packing shed, we have two different potato lines: the brush line and the wash line. The waste or defective potatoes are rejected for other markets — utilising waste and having less of it is very important to the business. The washed side is a little more involved, as the potatoes must go through a washing plant to be washed before they come through the lines to get packaged. It’s a simple process but at the same time, there's a lot behind it that you've got to do to get it right.

What does a typical day look like for you? My day typically starts with a production team meeting early in the morning to outline and organise what the goal is to achieve for that day. This involves determining what our orders are for that day and the day after and making sure we have got enough product coming in for us to package to then send out again. From there, we set up the lines where we prepare the pallets and do whatever else is needed to unload the potatoes from the truck. Throughout the day once the team arrives, we begin the process of packaging, which involves things like keeping track of timelines, moving pallets around, moving people around and making sure the lines are operating correctly and are not overflowing. My day also involves looking at quality assurance, where I check the product to ensure it meets the customer’s specifications and requirements. To do this, I pick up a bag off the production line and tip it out before I hold or cut up potatoes to ensure they do not have any internal defects and weigh correctly.

Can you please tell us about your journey into horticulture? When I was 16, I began working at Red Gem as a casual employee, where I would fold crates and help with packing and other general factory duties. After a year, I left to try something else. While I was at school, I was studying sports science and then I came back to work at Red Gem for a year and a half where I did inventory, quality assurance and more general factory duties and light forklift duties. From there, I left to do my carpentry apprenticeship that I had finished just as the COVID-19 pandemic started. The COVID situation impacted my carpentry career, but luckily enough — as a result from my prior work experiences at Red Gem — I was able to find work again with the team doing casual forklift driving. What began as casual work ended up being full-time work again, and I found the opportunity to progress through the business to where I am today. WA Grower WINTER 2022

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What are some common misconceptions about careers in horticulture? There is a whole lot more to horticulture and a lot of people don’t realise that until they actually start working in it. About four months into working at Red Gem again, I had the opportunity to visit the Hillston farm in New South Wales, where I saw and learnt the entire process of planting. This included the overall groundwork that prepares a crop before planting, such as soil conditioning. It was witnessing the planting process and the factory side of things — which are not as simple as people would think — that ignited my interest in horticulture. The whole process is not just as simple as putting a potato into a bag. We have got so much to organise such as inventory, quality control, the factory side of things, logistics and forklifts — plus the various office roles for the business side of things. I’ve learnt the inventory side, the quality control side, and now sales. If you’re prepared to learn, there are numerous opportunities to grow your career in horticulture. Another common misconception about working in the industry is that there is only seasonal work, which is not the case. There are plenty of packing sheds that operate all year round because the potatoes come in from numerous different places around Australia and not every farm does harvest at the same time. The potato industry is always growing and harvesting, and there’s always work.

Why do you do what you do? I love my job as every day is different. One day I could be working on the factory floor or in sales or be up at the farm for a week helping that team, to then come back to the packing shed. If you’ve got the dedication to the industry, I find it tends to give back to you because employers notice and reward effort. In my situation, Red Gem has provided the opportunity for me to move forward in the business, which is fantastic. From my experience, it’s never too late to get into horticulture. I’m 25 and although I was in and out of the industry at the start, I’m glad I returned. It’s also a good feeling to see the product you’re producing end up on somebody else’s plate. At the end of the day, I get to watch the process from start to finish. When you go into the shop, there's no better feeling than when you look at a bag or the tag, and you see that tag has gone through your hands before landing in the local shopping centre. Overall, working for a company with a great heritage gives me the comfort and belief that we can achieve great things every day.

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INTRODUCING OLIVIA DE LA MARE

At a glance

At its New South Wales operation, Green Camel delivers an organic- and pesticide-free product range that is offered in the major Australian food retailers. IPM is vital for this type of operation and involves strategic releasing of beneficial insects to naturally control pests along with organic spray applications.

COBBITTY

NAME OLIVIA DE LA MARE AGE 21 FORMER INTEGRATED PEST ROLE MANAGEMENT (IPM) OFFICER AT GREEN CAMEL ORGANIC PRODUCE PRODUCE/ GREENHOUSE GROWERS GROWING OF ORGANICALLY CERTIFIED METHOD TOMATOES, MINI SNACKING CUCUMBERS, AS WELL AS PREMIUM BARRAMUNDI IN STATE-OF-THE-ART HIGH-TECH GLASSHOUSES LOCATION COBBITTY, NEW SOUTH WALES As an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Officer, Olivia De La Mare was responsible for controlling plant diseases and pests using a non-conventional approach. Olivia worked in the high-tech glasshouses at Green Camel Organic Produce, helping produce organic tomatoes and cucumbers.

It relies heavily on strict biosecurity to prevent pest incursions. Regular and thorough monitoring of plants and planning ahead of time controls pests in a timely manner. The benefit of IPM is that it reduces the reliance on harsh residual-systemic chemicals to control a disease or pest. Instead, an integrated and layered approach is used to prevent, identify and control pests before reaching an economic threshold. It looks closely at the lifecycle of each pest and uses natural predators and systems to prevent and eradicate problems. Green Camel operates 2.4 hectares of glasshouses and an integrated barramundi farm, producing 600,000kg Truss tomatoes, 300,000kg snacking tomatoes, 190,000kg of baby cucumbers and 35,000kg of live barramundi. These sites use Green Camel’s food production system to grow organically certified tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as premium live barramundi. Green Camel’s goal is to make organic and pesticide-free produce consumption mainstream in Australia by delivering high quality commercially feasible products.

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Its key partner, Perfection Fresh, is one of the leading growers and marketers of produce in Australia, possessing excellent relationships with the major retailers and access to a wholesale channel. Perfection Fresh supplies supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and Costco, independent retailers, fast food chains and an expanding number of export markets. AUSVEG spoke to Olivia as part of the ‘Grow Your Career in Horticulture’ series. Since then, Olivia has departed Green Camel and is now completing her Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Stuart University in Wagga Wagga.

Olivia, can you please describe your role at Green Camel Organic Produce and what it involved? My role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involved a lot of different ways of controlling plant pests and diseases within our high-tech glasshouses, rather than the conventional methods using chemical sprays. My job involved a lot of monitoring for pests, watching numbers, as well as doing organic sprays and releasing beneficial bugs to control the pests that we do have in our crops. The beneficial bugs came to us packaged either on cards, in vials or in bottles from our suppliers. From there, we released the bugs into the crop where — as predators — they ate or laid eggs to destroy or control the pest that we had in the crop. We also had a variety of sticky traps installed in and around the crop that revealed if we have pests, such as white fly or thrips. I also did trap counts and controlled all of the sprays to make sure the spray patterns are applied correctly.

Tell us about your journey into horticulture? I started in agriculture at a very young age because my whole family was involved in it. As I got older, I started studying agriculture in high school. By age 16 or 17 (when I got into year 11 and 12), I started studying a Certificate II in Agriculture, in a class called primary industries. When I left high school, I was looking for jobs in agriculture and an opportunity to harvest in a high-tech glasshouse came up at Green Camel. So, I came in and had look around the Cobbitty site and they hired me on the spot. I worked in harvest for a few months before progressing into the IPM space.

Every single one of us are given the opportunity to progress into different roles. In my case, I moved from harvesting into IPM. When I first started working at Green Camel, I had no experience in horticulture. I was very much animal-based, but I came into horticulture with an open mind. As I began working and started asking questions, new opportunities started opening up.

Why do you like working in horticulture? I really love working in nature and especially in organic horticulture, you are watching how nature fights nature within our beneficial bugs, and with our natural pesticides. I worked with about 50 people in the crop in Green Camel, who were a mix of crops workers, growers, IPM and so on and so forth.

What was it like working in IPM at the beginning? When I started in IPM, I did a lot of on-the-job training. For my role, I found there actually were not any specific courses that I could take, so I learned everything working on the ground. I learnt how to identify bugs, pests, and diseases, and anything else that might be different in the crop. A big part of this job was always learning. You were always looking for something new and different, and how to identify and control it.

What advice do you have for someone considering a career in horticulture IPM? Getting into horticulture does not really require that much prior training. A lot of training is done on-site and in its own unique way for each individual site, because everything changes so dramatically. A few things that you can get that might help you along are chemical certificates so that you can handle any sort of chemicals, and forklift licences, which are commonly used on-site. As soon as I started working in horticulture, I was obsessed. I started working in fruit growing and became obsessed with house plants at home. So, a work-life balance for me never really works because it is my life.

What are some common misconceptions about careers in horticulture? A big misconception about working in horticulture is that it is very labour-intensive where people think you are just picking or weeding, and that you do not really see anything from the crop. However, it is a lot more involved than that. Yes, we had crop workers who were twisting, de-suckering, and taking care of the plants — but in my role, I got to see every stage of the plant. Rather than just coming in, picking a few things and leaving again, you got invested in the crop. Another misconception in horticulture is that the days are always long and always hard work. There are a lot of opportunities out there in the horticulture industry where you can have a great work-life balance. I worked from 6.30am until 2.30pm each day, so my afternoons were completely free and for me it was like that all season. Horticulture is something that you can see directly affects the world. It is designed to feed people. You are feeding the masses, and you never really realise it until you see the amount of fruit that comes off the crop. What I did in IPM is at the very start of the train. It was making sure that those plants are healthy and ready to produce fruit. There is always a need for people in horticulture. If it is something that you want to do, you just go for it. Get in the crops, work hard, and ask questions — and so many opportunities will open up for you.

MORE INFORMATION For more information about the Grow Your Career in Horticulture series, please visit ausveg.com.au/grow-your-career The Grow Your Career in Horticulture series is funded by the Federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment through the Harvest Trail Services Industry Collaboration Trial.

It is such a beautiful environment to work in. Working with plants all the time is great for your mental health.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

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 THE changes state that workers on farms must be paid a minimum of $20.63 for full time and $25.41 per hour for casual employees.

Piece rate requirements

BENJAMIN HAMILTON ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING & SALES, VEGETABLESWA

s of April 28, 2022, your legal obligation is to guarantee your employees a minimum pay rate under the Horticulture Award. Last November, the Fair Work Commission determined that a minimum floor price would be set for workers paid a piece rate. The changes state that workers on farms must be paid a minimum of $20.63

WA Grower WINTER 2022

for full-time and $25.41 per hour for casual employees. The determination also requires that the piece rate must allow for the average competent worker to earn the equivalent of at least 15% above the minimum hourly rate for the employee’s classification.

vegetablesWA Human Resources and Industrial Relations consultant Stephen Farrell has been working on providing contract templates for employers. Growers would benefit from implementing policies and procedures to meet industry standards, and the templates can be downloaded from the vegetablesWA website. Additionally, these contracts are available to download from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

New changes to the Horticulture Award implemented on April 28, 2022.

The changes implemented on April 28 will act as a safety net for all horticultural workers and guarantee workers are paid according to the minimum wage.

There have been concerns that these changes might limit productivity, as they have traditionally prompted workers to work faster for more pay.

MORE INFORMATION This article has been compiled from information on the Fair Work Ombudsman Horticulture Award. For more information, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman: horticulture.fairwork.gov.au

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Food Ladder a program helping educate kids about horticulture

Food Ladder is a not-for-profit organisation tackling the food security crisis in Australia.

 TYPE 2 Diabetes is 10 times higher among Australian Indigenous children than anywhere else in the world.

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BY FOOD LADDER

ood Ladder is a not-for-profit organisation with a 12-year track record tackling the food security crisis in Australia where the availability, variety and quality of fresh and nutritious food is poorer in remote Aboriginal communities than in major cities. Healthy food is typically unaffordable in remote locations, resulting in healthy food habits deteriorating, high rates of chronic disease, poor educational engagement and retention rates, and poor employment and participation rates in vocational training. Food Ladder actions its mission with a two-pronged approach. Firstly, the expansion and commercialisation of the Katherine Food Ladder, which proves that a centralised, locally-owned food growing and distribution social enterprise provides a better-quality product, employment and health outcomes, as well as a continuous supply of locally-grown fresh and affordable produce to remote communities in the Northern Territory.

The school systems produce up to 1,500 plants per year.

f FOOD Ladder provides fresh vegetables but also creates behavioural change and social cohesion in healthy eating practices.

f ROSELLA bush food.

Secondly, the rollout of Food Ladder Systems designed for remote schools across Australia. The greenhouse and hydroponic growing system has been tailored to each 8–10-week term as it takes students along the six-week journey from sowing the seeds to harvest and then closing the loop by cooking, and consuming the fresh vegetables. The school systems produce up to 1,500 plants per year, engaging children in the joy of plant cultivation and healthy eating.

f A centralised, locally-owned food growing and distribution social enterprise provides a continuous supply of locally-grown fresh and affordable produce to remote communities in the Northern Territory.

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f THE Food Ladder Online Learning Platform houses over 140 educational resources.

f THE Food Ladder Online Learning Platform is working with over 100 schools and has access to over 36,000 students across Australia.

Type 2 Diabetes has no cure but is preventable with a healthy diet. It is 10 times higher among Australian Indigenous children than anywhere else in the world and we are committed to reversing this.

Food Ladder Online Platform The Food Ladder Online Learning Platform houses over 140 educational resources, including STEM-aligned school curriculum, recipes, horticultural resources, paddock to plate programs, and is working with over 100 schools and has access to over 36,000 students across Australia.

Outcomes • Pre-vocational and vocational training • Programs and pathways to employment • Food Ladder Online Platform resources • Social and emotional wellbeing • Increased learning from disengaged students, students with learning and behavioural issues

Through our online platform, emphasis has been placed on the collection and aggregation of data, to monitor the impact Food Ladder is having in remote communities, not only through fresh vegetable consumption but also on the behavioural change and social cohesion in healthy eating practices. Real-time, site-specific data allows us to demonstrate to funders and supporters the multi-faceted positive impacts we are having in communities.

Multi-faceted positive impacts in remote communities in the Northern Territory.

• Sustainable Indigenous employment outcomes • Social enterprise development • Increase in nutrition and health awareness

MORE INFORMATION For more information check out the Food Ladder website foodladder.org

• Sustainability education • Community pride and achievement. WA Grower WINTER 2022

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BAM Act applies to all pests, diseases and weeds.

f THE BAM Act plays an important role in building trust in the integrity of WA produced food and agricultural products.

Review of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. Let’s talk

Ministerial review of Western Australia’s Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) is opening the doors for a real conversation about the future of biosecurity and agriculture management in WA. From mid-June, there will be a number of opportunities to have a say about the BAM Act and how it can support the best outcomes for WA. If you have an interest in biosecurity or food integrity, now is the time to step forward.

The BAM Act provides a legislative framework not just for biosecurity and agriculture. It provides a foundation for safeguarding WA’s environment, economy and communities. On paper, the sections of the BAM Act relate to biosecurity, the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, ensuring quality and safe agricultural products, and biosecurity funding mechanisms. In reality, the BAM Act influences our everyday lives.

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The BAM Act plays an important role in building trust in the integrity of WA-produced food and agricultural products. The quality and safety standards, and traceability and sustainability requirements set out under the Act, sustain WA’s brand as a reliable supplier of products that are superior and safe, and free from pests, diseases and chemical residues. They ensure that consumers and markets know where and how our food and products have been produced. Importantly, the biosecurity provisions of the BAM Act don’t just apply to agriculture, but also to fishing, pearling, forestry and aquaculture. In fact, the BAM Act applies to all pests, diseases and weeds, regardless of their nature and what aspect of life they threaten (except human health). It protects the plants and animals that sustain our primary industries, and also safeguards our landscapes, waterways, ecosystems and biodiversity, and our safety, outdoor lifestyle and sense of community. The review is a statutory requirement, and this is the first time the BAM Act has been reviewed. So far, it has served us well, but there are new challenges with

f A growing number of pests and diseases are making their way across WA’s borders.

a growing number of pests and diseases making their way across WA’s borders, driven by factors such as increased movements and climate change. The review provides a timely opportunity to deal with the increasing pressures on WA’s biosecurity system, as well as the increasing expectations around food integrity. It is also a good time to have a conversation about shared responsibility for biosecurity and the quality and safety of agricultural products. This is a guiding principle of the BAM Act. Protecting WA is only possible with the ownership and active participation of all stakeholders, who are broader than just producers and Government.

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f THE biosecurity provisions of the BAM Act don’t just apply to agriculture, but also to fishing, pearling, forestry and aquaculture.

We also want to hear from industries associated with freight, seeds, stock feed, fertilisers and chemicals, as well as Indigenous organisations, environmental groups, veterinarians, product distributors, the general public, landholders, and even tourists and travellers.

With so much at stake, there needs to be an honest conversation about the capability of the BAM Act to respond to our changing world. The new technologies and ways of thinking at our doorstep means there is plenty to talk about.

An independent six-member panel, led by Kaylene Gulich, Chief Executive Officer of the WA Treasury Corporation, is conducting the review. All panel members are highly qualified and experienced leaders in their fields, and well placed to ensure our biosecurity and agriculture management legislative framework gets the attention it deserves.

This comprehensive and extensive review process will enable the Review Panel to reach as many people as possible, to be sure recommendations are well-informed and meaningful.

The review will involve three stages of engagement.

The review will involve three stages of engagement. Stage 1 will be a six-week open consultation, which will provide the foundation for Stage 2 conversations around the issues raised. Stage 3 engagement will be based on any proposed recommendations.

MORE INFORMATION Visit yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au for further details on how to participate, including the first stage consultation dates.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

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Bartle Frere Bananas

site and environmental issues  BARTLE Frere Bananas is a 100ha family owned and operated plantation in Boogan, Queensland.

////

BY APPLIED HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH

here is a growing desire from farmers and consumers for their produce to be grown using more efficient and environmentally friendly onfarm practices. A key step in achieving this goal is to find new and innovative ways to deliver real-time field data into the hands of farmers, allowing them to make best decisions for their crop. 46

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Bartle Frere Bananas is a 100ha family-owned-and-operated, Freshcare Environmental certified plantation in Boogan, Queensland. There is increasing pressure on the banana industry in Queensland to manage phosphorus and

Growing using environmentally friendly on-farm practices.

limit inorganic nitrogen loads, which are notoriously difficult to measure and model. Runoff from the farm drains to the Moresby River, which is 30km from the Great Barrier Reef.

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f BARTLE Frere map.

f BARTLE Control Tower.

Hitachi Vantara is developing the Control Tower to holistically measure farm productivity and environmental stewardship by integrating sensor data, weather forecasts and biophysical models. The Control Tower will automate much of the Freshcare Environmental audit reports and provide decision support tools for managing nutrient runoff and leaching.

Technology The technology installed on the pilot farm was designed to improve farm productivity, reduce costs and simplify compliance with environmental regulations. RFID bunch tracking and GPS vehicle tracking will guide farm staff directly to work areas, avoiding unnecessary trips and improving labour efficiency. Freshcare Environmental audits will be significantly automated, further improving labour efficiency and improving the accuracy of data provided in remote audits. The technology that has been installed on the pilot banana smart farm can be seen in Table 1.

Bartle Frere Bananas converted a sugar cane block to bananas in 2019, providing an ideal location for the pilot project. The block was built up to provide industry leading drainage, with a vegetated drain designed to absorb nutrients and retain soil. Gavin Devaney won the 2021 ABGC Future Farming Award for his contribution to the Banana BMP and the broader industry. Australian Banana Growers’ Council and Freshcare are supporting the project by exploring ways in which these new technologies can be used to automatically collect and provide evidence for certification audits for Freshcare ENV. This will significantly reduce barriers to Best Management Practice adoption for Australian farmers.

The Bartle Frere Bananas smart farm is a part of the Digital remote monitoring to improve horticulture’s environmental performance project funded by the National Landcare Program and Hort Innovation. Applied Horticultural Research is developing water balance, nutrient load and growth models which will feed into a digital Control Tower.

TABLE 1. TECHNOLOGY INSTALLED ON THE PILOT BANANA SMART FARM Technology

Productivity

Environmental

BMP

Soil moisture to 80cm

Improved irrigation management

Overwatering can be minimised

Leaching events are detected

Nitrate sensor

Improved nitrogen management

Nitrate loss to environment can be minimised

Nitrate runoff and leaching load monitored

Full stop wetting front detectors

Improved nitrogen management

Nitrate loss to environment can be minimised

Nitrate runoff and leaching load manually monitored

Rated flumes

Improved irrigation and nitrogen management

Nutrient loss to environment can be minimised

Runoff loads can be calculated

Weather station

On-site real time weather information, such as wind and rain

Overwatering can be minimised

Spray records are automatically populated

Smartphone and tablet

Reduced time required for audit forms

Improved accuracy of audit forms

Freshcare Environmental records are automated

Irrigation pressure transducers

Improved irrigation management

Overwatering can be minimised

Irrigation records automated

Vehicle Asset Tracking

Improved labour management

Reduced interrow traffic and erosion

RFID Bunch Tracking

Improved crop management

Reduced interrow traffic and erosion

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TriOS NICO Nitrate Photometer (Innovative Sensor) A TriOS NICO real-time nitrate photometer has been installed at Bartle Frere Bananas to measure nitrate concentration of leachate leaving the farm. The sensor will measure leachate from pre-existing sub-surface ag-pipes that drain the pilot project block. The TriOS is paired with a rated flume and real time pressure transducer to measure flow rate and total volume of leachate passing through the subsurface ag-pipe. This combination of sensors will provide a constant data stream to support Bartle Frere Bananas’ fertiliser and irrigation decisions. Additionally, it will provide a revolutionary data source for nutrient modelling and become a case study for the industry.

 SOIL moisture sensors.

 GROWER Gavin Devaney with the communications node.

DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS • Simple displays of soil moisture, evapotranspiration and plant stress data show if irrigation matches plant water use. • 7 day forecasted nutrient runoff and leaching can be used to better manage irrigation and fertiliser timing. • Growing degree day forecast, to predict a fruit maturity date using short-term and seasonal forecasts. • Simple displays of current and predicted spray conditions with guidelines on when to avoid spraying. • Interactive farm overlay of field conditions, plant health, sensors, assets, and plant health.

MORE INFORMATION Liam Southam-Rogers, phone 0418 235 842 or email liam@ahr.com.au Pilot smart farms have also been established in the following industries: • Avocados • Vegetables • Nursery

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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS • Cassowary Coast Banana Growers’ meeting • Continued data collection and site maintenance • Additional installation of sensors • Development of nutrient and growth models • Development of Hitachi Control Tower • Field days and webinars • Factsheets and technology guides

WA POTATOES

potato

update WA Potatoes

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WA POTATOES

WA Potatoes

contacts

Chief Executive Officer’s Report

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

f IF we do not have substantial improvements in returns, growers will be forced to reduce supply.

Simon Moltoni, Chief Executive Officer m: 0447 141 752 e: simon@wapotatoes.com.au Morena Perdec, Finance & Admin Manager e: morena@wapotatoes.com.au Georgia Thomas, Project Manager e: georgia@wapotatoes.com.au

Committee 2021–22 Vaughan Carter Chairperson Colin Ayres Deputy Chairperson Glen Ryan Secretary Gary Bendotti Treasurer Patrick Fox Bronwyn Fox

Busselton

m: 0417 092 505

Albany

m: 0428 451 014

Pemberton

m: 0428 827 126

Pemberton

m: 0427 569 903

Scott River Dandaragan

m: 0499 887 202 m: 0427 447 412

Christian deHaan

Manjimup

m: 0429 436 361

Cost increases cannot be borne by growers alone.

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

Fee-for-service charge 2021–22 Processing potatoes — local and export Seed potatoes — local and export Ware (fresh) potatoes — local Ware (fresh) potatoes — export Ware (fresh) potatoes — marketing

$6.00/t TBC^ $8.00/t $6.00/t $2.50/t

^ after grower consultation

Projects approved 2021–22

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

WA Grower WINTER 2022

$330,000 $6,050 $46,000 $10,000 $40,000 $15,000

BY SIMON MOLTONI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

s usual, I’m starting this report talking about COVID. At long last, we are taking a different approach and dealing with COVID, rather than the closed border approach to keep it out. Thankfully Omicron is a much milder version, and we seem to be able to live our lives and run our businesses. COVID has had devastating effects on our supply chains, which has in turn led to dramatic increases in our input

costs. These cost increases cannot be borne by growers alone. If we do not have substantial improvements in returns, growers will be forced to reduce supply, and some will choose to leave the industry. This is unacceptable.

An industry crisis meeting was held recently in Bunbury to address these concerns and try to find a way forward. Sincere thanks to Paul Omodei for acting as the independent chair. The meeting was very well attended by Growers and Washpackers, which led to very open and informative discussion.

WA POTATOES

I would like to thank Ralph Papalia from Summit Fertilizers, and Sam Taylor from Pendrey Agencies for their presentations and contribution to the discussions. Unfortunately, the supply scenario going forward, for fertiliser and merchandise, appears quite grim. Both price and availability will negatively impact growers in the short- to medium-term.

It was agreed that we should seek support from other affected industries and raise awareness to our circumstance for our resellers to negotiate higher returns. I would like to thank vegetablesWA, Pomewest, WA Citrus, and Dairy Council for their support in this matter. Given that retail purchasing strategy is a national process, the PGA has engaged with AUSVEG, AUSVEGSA, and NSW Farmers, to make this a national issue. This is the priority for AUSVEG at the State members meeting in Brisbane at Hort Connections in June. The purpose

is to develop a strategic and sustainable approach to achieve long term success. We have had significant local radio coverage, as this goes to print, the ABC is recording a Landline Report for national TV. I would like to thank our Committee of Management for their active support on this issue. It was a challenge right until the last minute before the crisis meeting as COVID was a significant issue for attendees.

To this point there has been no market access issues nationally or internationally. The PGA continues to work with DPIRD and will send more information as this response continues. As you read this, Georgia will have completed her presentation on marketing at the World Potato Congress held in Dublin. I’m sure Georgia will have represented our industry to her usual very high standards. I look forward to the debrief and all the exciting activities going on around the potato world.

The World Potato Congress, May 30 to June 2, 2022.

Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid has been confirmed on two properties in the Carabooda and Gingin areas. These are not potato growing properties. Track and Trace measures have been unable to identify the pathway for the incursion. Delimiting is ongoing and to this point the disease has not been found outside of the two properties. Not on private or public land.

Big thank you to Morena and Georgia who have battled through COVID Iso to continue their work. Also thank you Vaughan for your leadership during this difficult period. MORE INFORMATION Contact Simon Moltoni on 0447 141 752 or email simon@wapotatoes.com.au

Fresh market, seed Fresh market & potatopotato & onion seed storage ALL YEAR ROUND AVAILABLE: NOVEMBER TO MARCH

Donnybrook WA

Anthony Scafﬁdi 0417 919 906 tscafﬁdi@optusnet.com.au WA Grower WINTER 2022

WA POTATOES

SEED FOR SCHOOLS program Not all carbs are created equal! We call WA Potatoes The Good Carb because not only are they good to eat, they are also good for your body, the planet and your budget.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

WA POTATOES

ready for r e p m u b r e h t o an season BY GEORGIA THOMAS PROJECT MANAGER, WA POTATOES

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The program gives young children the chance to learn about how potatoes grow, the varieties and health benefits of potatoes, and of course the joy of eating them!

“The students at East Fremantle Primary loved planting our potato seeds from WA Potatoes! Each year we are so excited to harvest our crop and use the produce in our kitchen garden classes.

* Reco

25%

A Potatoes have once again kicked-off a successful Seed for Schools program across the whole of Western Australia. In early May, 780 educational packs have been sent out to nearly 400 schools, where an estimated 20,000 children will find out more about the humble spud.

A representative from East Fremantle Primary School commented as follows:

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780 educational packs have been sent out to nearly 400 schools.

“The kids learn maths and science when planting the potatoes and love playing all the games we have received from WA Potatoes in the past. It such a great program and we are so lucky to be a part of it!” said teacher Joanne Hankin. The packs for the classes include: · Potato seed · Two new posters · A special WA Potatoes tea towel · A new guidebook · Online resources.

New guidebook

MORE INFORMATION For more information please contact Morena Perdec at: morena@wapotatoes.com.au

WA Grower WINTER 2022

intake

WA POTATOES

Recipe BY KATE FLOWER FOOD

Jambalaya (Potato and Chorizo) This classic New Orleans dish is the perfect one pot meal for chilly nights. Usually this dish would include chicken and prawns, however I have simplified it to star our favourite ingredient, WA Potatoes.

Serves 6 | Prep time 15 minutes | Cook time 25 minutes

Ingredients

Method

2 tbsp vegetable oil (I used sunflower) 500g baby potato, whole 2 chorizo sausage, sliced into 2cm thick rounds 1 brown onion, diced 2 red capsicum, diced peppers 2 celery sticks, diced 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice 800g can crushed tomatoes 11/2 cups chicken stock 2 tsp Cajun seasoning 2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp salt more or less to taste 2 bay leaves 2–4 dashes hot sauce (optional) Sour cream (optional)

1. Preheat a Dutch oven large enough for the Jambalaya over medium heat and add some oil.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

2. Add sliced sausage and baby potatoes and sear it until the sausage has browned on each side and the potatoes have started to caramelise on each side. 3. Remove the sausage and potatoes with a slotted spoon, leaving oil in the pot 4. Once the sausage and potatoes are removed, add in the onion, capsicum, and celery and cook until the vegetables have softened. (5 mins) 5. Mix in uncooked rice and let it cook for a couple of minutes tossing through the veggies. 6. Add the Cajun seasoning, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, and salt and toss to coat the rice and veggies.

7. Add the sausage and potatoes back to the pot. 8. Add in stock and crushed tomatoes, mix well and bring the Jambalaya to simmer over medium-high heat. 9. Once it starts to simmer, turn heat to low, maintain a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook just until the rice and potatoes are tender. 10. Add a couple of dashes of hot sauce if you please, mix it in well and taste to decide if you need more. 11. Serve Jambalaya with steamed greens or a tossed salad. 12. Finish with hot sauce and sour cream as desired.

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Creole potato jambalaya with chorizo.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO ADD SOME GREENS TO THE POT, STIR THROUGH A BAG OF BABY SPINACH LEAVES AT THE END.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

WA POTATOES

f WA Potatoes Senior Project Manager Georgia Thomas.

The World Potato Congress, May 30 to June 2, 2022.

f POTATOES not only keep you fuller for longer than other carbohydrate sources, they are also low-fat and contain key nutrients.

WA Potatoes representing Australia at the World Potato Congress

uring June, WA Potatoes Senior Project Manager Georgia Thomas will be attending the World Potato Congress, sponsored by AUSVEG. Georgia has been invited to speak about the potato nutrition and how this information is used in marketing.

The synopsis of her presentation is below:

Potatoes — The Good Carb Potatoes have been given a bad reputation over the years by many in the health and nutrition industry. New research dispels myths and shows that potatoes not only keep you fuller for longer than other carbohydrate sources, they are also low-fat and contain key nutrients. Research also shows that when cooked and cooled, potatoes have even more health benefits. In this presentation I will run through these findings and showcase how this information is being used to encourage potato consumption in Australia.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

Georgia has been working with the potato industry in Western Australia for over 10 years in various roles, including managing the industry’s generic potato marketing program. She has over 20 years’ experience working in the agribusiness sector from the industry and government perspectives. “I am so excited to have this opportunity to travel once again and present about this important topic on an international stage. I look forward to gathering a wide range of information while I am at the conference to report back to industry,” said Georgia. MORE INFORMATION For more information, please email: georgia@wapotatoes.com.au

PHOTOS © VICTORIA BAKER

POMEWEST

pome

update WA Grower WINTER 2022

POMEWEST

contacts Committee and Officers

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

Budgeted income 2021–22 Project General Account Budget (including FFS, interest Project Grant Funding APAL, Hort Innovation and DPIRD) Biosecurity Account Budget (FFS and interest)

Harvest 2022

done and dusted!

$ 482,780 61,245

Budgeted expenditure general account for 2021–22

Project $ Project Manager including operating expenses — 96,000 Susie Murphy White Quality Testing Project — Maturity and Retail 36,000 Building Horticulture Business Capacity Program 20,000 Medfly Surveillance Trapping Network Kim James 12,500 Systems Approach Low Pest prevalence for 40,000 Market Access Promotion & Publicity Local Project — Fresh Finesse 37,500 including events with Buy West Eat Best Annual Meetings and Communication including 15,000 publications Industry Sponsorships and Association Memberships 6,000 Study Tour COVID-19 permitting 20,000 Producing Sustainable Crop Load Project — DPIRD 30,000 Platform Project 40,000 Administration including salary and office costs 192,000 APC charge @10% of FFS income 42,000 Total 587,000

BY NARDIA STACY EXECUTIVE MANAGER, POMEWEST

Harvest 2022 done and dusted!

y the time pome growers read this report, this season’s picking season will be well-and-truly over. This year, compared to the previous two years, was particularly difficult managing low levels of available workers, whilst managing revolving cases if COVID-19 infections in the orchards and pack-sheds.

Budgeted expenditure biosecurity account 2021–22 Project Codling Moth (DPIRD) APC charge @10% of FFS income Total

$ 35,500 6,000 41,500

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

WA Grower WINTER 2022

$/kg 0.015 0.005 0.002 0.001

f PRICES at retail must be indicative to the cost of production to support the ongoing growth of our industry.

Good volume and quality was achieved this year for both apples and pears.

POMEWEST

WA domestic retail prices for apples and pears remain buoyant TABLE 1. KEY METRICS APPLES Percentage of buying households (%)

Annual household purchases ($)

Annual household purchases (kg)

$ sales growth (%)

Volume (kg) growth (%)

This year

Year ago

This year

Year ago

This year

Year ago

1.0

-5.6

66.44

65.36

16.3

17.2

National Queensland

3.1

-3.4

64.13

62.00

15.9

16.4

New South Wales

-0.8

-4.3

66.78

67.67

16.3

17.1

Victoria

-4.3

-7.4

63.82

65.82

16.0

17.1

3.1

-3.4

59.26

57.58

15.1

15.6

12.1

-10.9

82.79

71.47

18.8

20.5

South Australia Western Australia

TABLE 2. KEY METRICS PEARS Percentage of buying households (%)

$ sales growth (%)

Volume (kg) growth (%)

National

-0.6

2.6

Queensland

-0.9

2.3

New South Wales

This year

Year ago

Annual household purchases ($)

Annual household purchases (kg)

This year

Year ago

This year

Year ago

19.95

20.31

6.7

6.6

18.95

19.60

6.7

-4.9

2.2

20.78

22.40

7.1

Victoria

1.9

5.8

18.98

19.06

6.4

6.2

South Australia

0.0

0.2

20.11

19.37

6.2

6.0

Western Australia

6.7

-3.3

20.46

18.32

6.0

5.9

Our growers, always resilient, rose to the challenge all finding ways to get through. Though I suspect many will be glad to see the back end of harvest and are looking forward to a well-deserved breather. Hopefully with the borders reopening, casual workers, and more labour solutions will be in place in time for next year.

Season update Reports received by this office throughout the picking period suggested good volume and quality was achieved this year for both apples and pears with limited waste due to labour shortages (see Figures 1 and 2). WA domestic retail prices for apples and pears remain buoyant compared with some early indications of dissatisfaction in returns from the East Coast producers. Prices at retail must be indicative to the cost of production to support the ongoing growth of our industry.

Growers are reminded to try to supply premium product wherever possible to maintain returns for sustainability, particularly this year with higher outputs — fertilisers, fuel, transport, and labour costs.

Many growers are reporting the very long and dry harvest period may affect the long-term storability of this year’s fruit. Lack of rain means water shortages continue to become an issue and dam levels need replenishing quickly with the prospect of steady winter rain. Some orchardists report the best crops of apples yet for Gala in particular, and shared implementing Harvista has been an excellent tool in crop management. Netting is becoming a necessary other.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

PHOTOS © GURU PRODUCTIONS

POMEWEST

f CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: OSOAP Pomewest Staff and Jeremy Price on location. The Golden Mile, Donnybrook. Filming — featuring WA Pears.

Committee update We welcome back three existing Committee members — Harvey Giblett, Mario Casotti and Sam Licciardello have renominated for another three-year term on the committee. We thank them all for their continued commitment to serve the industry on behalf of WA Fee for Service (FFS) producers. In the last few months, Pomewest staff and committee have been reviewing current projects and deciding on new activities for the new financial year. Many will continue and extend

WA Grower WINTER 2022

to improve their value; more details on new activities will be reported in the next edition. One of which is likely to be supported is an industrysponsored International Apple event in March 2023 to shine the light on WA’s impressive growing pome industry regions, in particular Manjimup. As our industry has been supported by the WA-owned apple breeding program, this will feature and highlight the tasty and healthy WA-bred apple varietals bred from the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute and promote our unique growing regions.

We welcome the world to our State and will encourage future investment and export opportunities.

In late April, WA pears were featured on ‘Our State on a Plate’ — a local Channel Nine production to celebrate the harvest season, focusing on Donnybrook grown pears. See full story at link here youtube.com/ watch?v=XfmKdUtvrX4 This program reaches an average of 212,000 viewers (metro, regional and nationally). It also airs on 9 Life with an extra 128,000 views and on-demand Channel 9 now x 3 times per week, with an extra 91,200 average views. Weekly views across channels are estimated at 431,000 with an age demographic of 25–64-year-old grocery buyers, foodies, and gourmet travellers. Thanks to orchard manager Jeremy Price of Erceg Orchards for doing a stellar job speaking on behalf of the WA pear producers on this com’s platform.

POMEWEST

Vale

John Cripps AO The creator of the Cripps Pink ‘Pink Lady®’, Cripps Red ‘Sundowner’ apples Last month, the Western Australian Apple Industry was saddened to hear of the passing of John Cripps AO. John, a true pioneer and legend in our sector, was famous for developing the iconic Cripps Pink — Pink Lady® apple, grown by most apple producers in this state, country and many apple growing regions throughout the world. His legacy is a living asset to our sector, bringing international success to the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development’s WA Apple Breeding Program and the State. His work continues with the breeding team recently releasing the ANABP 01A variety marketed as the Bravo™ apple, born from Cripps Red ‘Sundowner’ parentage and there are more apples to come. John’s contribution has placed WA on the world stage for apple breeding, which will be remembered and indeed celebrated for years to come. We thank and acknowledge John and his family for his enduring gift to the WA apple industry and offer our condolences on the news of his passing.

Good news stories about accessing and eating WA produce and buying local are part of our promotion strategy to champion the pome FFS growing community. We also launched our new Pomewest website this month, which is designed to be more user-friendly and a one-stop shop for growers to access information on news, projects and the governance and compliance workings of the committee. FFS Pome contributors, we invite you to register for the grower portal to be better informed about the activities of the committee.

Exemption Forum at Manjimup Truffles. Pomewest will continue to support and communicate channels for growers to voice their concerns on new legislation to take rights away from landholders. With the rising climatic warming, sustaining our water resources will play a significant role to support state food security and the subject needs careful consideration.

Sustaining our water resources will play a significant role to support state food security.

Events and meetings In late April, Pomewest Chair Jason Jarvis, and staff Nardia Stacy and Susie Murphy White attended the WA Water User Coalition’s Spring Rights

f JOHN Cripps was famous for developing the iconic Cripps Pink — Pink Lady® apple, grown by most apple producers in this state, country and many apple growing regions throughout the world.

In late May, several members of the committee and staff from Pomewest travelled to Melbourne to represent WA growers at the national APAL update event. We were pleased that some of most prominent producers were recognised for their contributions of excellence to the Australian Apple Industry — more of which will be featured in the Spring edition of WA Grower.

T his edition

Susie writes an interesting article on internal browning from a WA perspective. WA Farm Direct has provided us with an article on the progress of the Bravo™ apple juggernaut, and we introduce you to our newly-developed Biosecurity Strategic Plan Summary for the industry. I would like finish by again inviting any grower or stakeholder to contact us if you need any assistance with any industry matters. Both Susie and I are committed to our service roles for the pome industry and always welcome your engagement and feedback. MORE INFORMATION Contact Nardia Stacy, Executive Manager, 0411 138 103 or nardia@pomewest.net.au

WA Grower WINTER 2022

POMEWEST

Pomewest develops

biosecurity strategic plan

BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE PROJECT MANAGER, POMEWEST

he purpose of Biosecurity Strategic Plan is to set the industry aligned priorities and strategies required to protect the West Australian pome fruit industry from the impact of invasive plant pests and disease and to maintain and improve market access. Freedom from major pests as well as lower pest levels overall, combined with integrated production systems provides quality and some cost advantages to the WA industry over other Australian and international production areas. Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the apple and pear industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs. Pomewest’s biosecurity initiative on behalf of the industry has two components. The Biosecurity Strategic Plan and the WA Pome Fruit Growers’ Biosecurity Fund Rules. The Plan will be the basis for more effective surveillance; improved control and management of regionally significant endemic pests and disease; and increasing awareness, preparedness and ability to protect pests or disease entering, emerging, establishing or spreading in key production areas within

WA Grower WINTER 2022

the state. The Plan will guide Pomewest in ensuring adoption of a proactive approach in all the identified areas. The Plan has been developed to work in conjunction with the APC Pome biosecurity Fee for Service (FFS) charge which commenced in 2015. The WA Pome Fruit Grower’s Biosecurity Fund document defines the rules of expenditure for the biosecurity FFS and aligns with the Plan’s four strategic investment areas. 1 Protect industry against exotic plant pests and disease (Exotic) 2 Address threats from established pests in Australia but not present in WA (Endemic) 3 Support industry management and control of established pests of trade concern (WA) 4 Strengthen orchard and property biosecurity.

There are a number plant pests and disease which are endemic to Australia and are absent in WA at present. The pests and diseases listed in the Biosecurity Strategic Plan summary table have the potential to cause serious crop losses to the pome industry in WA. By using early detection and reporting systems we can protect our pome industry.

Found a pest or disease? If you find any suspicious pests or diseases, or something you are unsure about, report it immediately to the Pest and Disease Information Service either by phone or through the MyPestGuide Reporter app on your phone. This is a free service and you will receive a timely response with identification information and management options.

There are a number plant pests and disease which are endemic to Australia and absent in WA.

The pest and disease lists were identified during the development of the Biosecurity Plan for the Apple and Pear Industry in consultation with industry, government and scientists. The exotic pest and diseases have been assessed as high priority based on their potential to enter, establish and spread in Australia due to environmental f CODLING moth (Cydia pomonella).

factors, host range and vectors as well as the cost to industry of control measures.

MORE INFORMATION Contact Susie Murphy White, Project Manager — Pomewest, on 0429 413 420 or susan.murphy-white@dpird.wa.gov.au. Pest and Disease Information Service: (08) 9368 3080

POMEWEST

WA Pome Fruit Growers’ Biosecurity Strategic Plan 2022–2025 VISION

MISSION

To protect, prepare and respond to invasive pests and disease that threaten trade, profitability, sustainability and the environment of the Western Australian pome fruit industry.

Working in partnership with stakeholders to provide industry leadership, strategic direction and innovative solutions to support a profitable and sustainable Western Australian pome fruit industry.

OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

1. Protect industry against exotic plant pests and disease

2. Address threats from established pests in Australia but not present in WA

3. Support industry management and control of established pests of trade concern

4. Strengthen property and orchard biosecurity

• Actively engage with APAL as the peak national body for the apple and pear industry in Australia • Actively engage with DPIRD as the peak state government body for agriculture in WA • Actively engage with Plant Health Australia as the national Biosecurity body

• Awareness of biosecurity threats • Preparedness to implement resources needed • Response to the incident • Recovery after the incident • Surveillance to prevent the spread

• Targeted surveillance and monitoring by growers • Management of pests and diseases of quarantine concern by growers

• Be aware of biosecurity threats • Use pest-free propagation material • Keep it clean • Check the orchard and monitor trees frequently • Report anything unusual

Endemic (Aus) • Queensland fruit fly • Citrophilus mealybug • Chaff scale • White peach scale • Oystershell scale • Black vine beetle • Codling moth • Oriental fruit moth • Painted apple moth • Pear leaf blister mite • Bull’s eye rot

Established (WA) • Mediterranean fruit fly • Woolly apple aphid • Apple dimpling bug • Eucalyptus weevil • Fuller’s rose weevil • Light brown apple moth • Apple looper • European earwig • Two spotted mite • European red mite • Powdery mildew • Apple scab

PESTS AND DISEASE THREATS Exotic • Oriental fruit fly • Spotted wing drosophila • Apple maggot • Rosy apple aphid • Brown marmorated stink bug • Polyphagous shot-hole borer • Asian gypsy moth • Varroa mite • Fire blight • Brown rot • Asiatic brown rot • European canker

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. If an exotic pest incursion occurs, WA pome industry has been consulted and actively participated in response and/or mitigation. 2. WA pome growers understand, are informed, aware and prepared to prevent and respond to the spread of pest and diseases that are not present in WA but are established in other states (endemic). 3. WA Pome Industry is aware and prepared to control and manage pests of quarantine concern. 4. WA pome growers are informed about and actively using, industry best standard biosecurity practices on their orchards.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

POMEWEST

f HARVESTING the apples at the recommended harvest maturity for optimal storage is critical to managing the risk of developing internal browning.

Pink Lady® is a chilling sensitive variety.

What’s the risk of internal browning developing for ® WA Pink Lady apples

in 2022?

BY SUSIE MURPHY WHITE PROJECT MANAGER, POMEWEST

nternal browning is caused by the oxidation of phenolic compounds that occurs when cells in apples are damaged. This is similar to the browning reaction that happens when you cut an apple and expose the surface to air. Three main types of internal browning have been identified in Pink Lady® apples; • diffuse (chilling injury), • radial (maturity or senescence related) and • CO2 injury (storage atmosphere).

WA Grower WINTER 2022

Diagnosing the type of internal browning is important so that the appropriate management strategies can be employed. Both pre-harvest and post-harvest factors can contribute to the risk of internal browning developing. In the recent APAL webinar Hannah James explained that pre-harvest factors (fruit maturity, climate, nutrition, crop load) establish the risk for the given season and post-harvest factors can contribute to the risk (storage conditions) but can also be used to manage and reduce the risk. Any combination of these risk factors can contribute to the probability of internal browning developing in stored Pink Lady® apples. When looking at the climatic conditions for WA, the Growing Degree Days (GDD) the measure of heat accumulation from full bloom until harvest, has been above the 1100 threshold in most years, diffuse internal browning develops in cooler districts with a GDD below 1100.

Radial internal browning is usually seen between 1400–1600 GDD, and both Manjimup and Pemberton are in this window for 2021–22 season as they were in previous seasons.

In the warmer districts of Perth Hills and Donnybrook it would be less likely to see radial internal browning as the temperatures are usually too warm. In Figure 1 the growing degree days have been calculated for the last five years using the 24th October as a common full bloom date and 25th April as a common harvest date (not much heat is accumulated at the beginning or end of the season). These will not be correct for all districts or all years but will allow us to look at some general differences and trends.

POMEWEST

2,500 LOW RISK

GROWING DEGREE DAY

2,000 1,600

1,500

1,400 1,100

1,000

RADIAL FLESH & DIFFUSE BROWNING

DIFFUSE BROWNING

500 0

RADIAL FLESH BROWNING

2017–18 BICKLEY

2018–19

DONNY BROOK

MANJIMUP

2019–20

GROWING SEASON

2020–21

2021–22

PEMBERTON

FIGURE 1. GROWING DEGREE DAYS FOR POME GROWING REGIONS IN WA. HEAT ACCUMULATION FROM FULL BLOOM UNTIL HARVEST. A guide to Growing Degree Days and the risk of internal browning; • above 1700 risk is very low • between 1400 to 1600 prone to radial flesh browning • between 1400 to 1100 you might see both types of symptoms • and below 1100 you will only see diffuse browning There are other factors to consider at harvest and post-harvest. Harvesting the apples at the recommended harvest maturity for optimal storage is critical to managing the risk of developing internal browning. Using plant growth regulators to hold maturity around weather and labour issues is one way to manage the harvest period. While continually checking maturity well ahead of predicted harvest date.

Pink Lady® is a chilling sensitive variety. A stepwise cooling regime should be followed. A standard stepwise cooling regime would be to set the room to 4°C during fruit loading, then cool by 1°C per week until the destination temperature is achieved.

Now that we know what the climate risk is for this season in WA pome regions, the maturity the fruit was picked and stored, and how the fruit was cooled and stored.

Radial internal browning is usually seen between 1400–1600 GDD.

Harvest risk factors • High crop loads can increase susceptibility • Second pick fruit is higher risk than first pick fruit • More mature fruit have a higher risk • High calcium reduces risk (but low calcium doesn’t cause it)

Post-harvest risk factors

Good decisions can be made around how long the fruit will remain in storage and the right time to market, to avoid internal browning risks. MORE INFORMATION

Contact Susie Murphy White, Project Manager — Pomewest, on 0429 413 420 or susan.murphy-white@dpird.wa.gov.au. • APAL Internal Browning webinar with Dr Hannah James: youtube.com/watch?v=EavPTF1jDV8 • More videos: youtube.com/user/applesnpearsau/ videos https://apal.org.au/internal-browningwhat-causes-it-and-how-to-reduce-therisks/

• Rapid postharvest cooling increases the risk • Prolonged exposure to CO2 increases the risk • The longer fruit is kept the higher the risk of flesh browning occurring WA Grower WINTER 2022

POMEWEST

Comparing

apples with apples BY BRONSON GLEDHILL PLANFARM

es, the pun was intended. The age-old saying is the reality for Planfarm’s newest group of growers included in the Building Horticulture Business Capacity (BHBC) Program as we conduct our first ever deep dive into Pome (Apples and Pears) industry business analysis.

f INCREASES in wages, fertiliser, chemicals and fuel cost has put a strain on business profitability.

The top performing businesses participating in the program achieved an operating efficiency of 60% — meaning they spent 60 cents to generate every dollar of income. The average managed a 74% efficiency, while the bottom third achieved just 88%. Through this initial analysis, we have determined that a business exceeding an operating efficiency of 70% (which over half the participating businesses have), faces the risk of not covering overhead costs, which limits capital growth potential and jeopardises business equity.

This has been an extremely exciting process that has allowed us to understand and identify key areas of business improvement for an industry that we have begun providing a consulting service to through the help of the BHBC project.

Understanding and identifying key areas of business improvement.

Is fruit paying the bills? A metric that we refer to regularly in the broadacre industry is that of operating efficiency. The concept of operating efficiency defines the businesses’ ability to retain income as operating profit.

120,000

2.50 $95,263

60,000

20,000

$8,251

POME INCOME

POME EXPENSES

Average OPERATING PROFIT

FIGURE 1. POME INCOME, EXPENSES AND OPERATING PROFIT PER HECTARE

WA Grower WINTER 2022

$2.28

$2.26

Top 3rd

Average

Bottom 3rd

1.00 $22,971

Top 3rd

$2.30

1.50

$57,977

$39,265

40,000

$66,228

$56,456

$55,998

In farm businesses there are two components that drive income — yield and price. Our analysis has provided a clear message as to what is driving revenue generation. It’s common for producers to blame poor profitability on weak prices.

2.00

$79,428

80,000

What are the top performers doing different?

100,000

There is one clear trend when assessing Figure 1. The operating expenses are almost identical for the top third, the average and the bottom third of the dataset. However, the top performing businesses are generating almost $30,000/ha more revenue than the bottom performers. But how is this the case?

Bottom 3rd

0.50 0

TOP 3RD

AVERAGE

FIGURE 2. APPLE PRICE $/KG

BOTTOM 3RD

POMEWEST

However, the benchmarking process has displayed that this is NOT a defining factor. Figure 2 supports this comment, with just 4 cents per kilograms separating the top and bottom producers in the project. Hence, the clear message is that higher saleable yield is the recipe to a top performing business. This is supported once more by results from our analysis, showing that the top businesses had 27% higher saleable yield than the average and a significant 60% more than the bottom third of the program. While most would suggest that this is an obvious objective of many businesses, it is worth questioning how many growers are spending adequate time, resources, and capital on actively improving saleable yield given it is the predominant driver of profitability. Some focuses of top performing businesses include: 1 Investment into capital such as hail and bird netting. 2 A strong systems and team approach to key high labour tasks such as pruning, thinning, and picking. 3 An emphasis on pollination throughout the orchard. 4 Nutrition and tree health given that there is some biennially of apple trees.

f TOP performing businesses invest into capital such as hail and bird netting.

Risks to profitability of pome businesses As is the case with primary producers across all industries, the recent dramatic rise in operating costs continues to put a strain on business profitability. At a recent presentation to Pome West, we asked how much they thought that five major operational expenses had increased throughout the past year. The following assumptions were made: • Fertiliser costs being 70% higher. • Chemical costs being 70% higher. • Fuel costs being 50% higher. • Wages costs being 10% higher. • Insurance being 40% higher. The result — an increase to operating costs of over $60,000 for the average participating business in the project. This figure poses a real risk to all Pome businesses, particularly those that are already lacking profitability. When discussing opportunities to offset the increase to costs, an increase to price per kilogram of 16 cents or an increase to yield of 2,500kg/ha would suffice based on dataset information. Unfortunately, achieving these requirements are not easily done and will require considerable

planning and management between the Planfarm consultants and the participating growers.

What can you do to address this now? Your business and the factors contributing to its success are unique. The fully funded BHBC program gives you the opportunity to partner with Planfarm consultants to gain a better understanding of how your business is truly performing. While there is benefit to having benchmarking information at an industry level, it holds little relevance to you without conducting analysis that isolates your business. Understanding where your business is at will allow you to make decisions and implement changes to ensure its continued success.

Participation presents very little time commitment as we have developed systems to make it as streamlined and easy as possible through our work with over 450 busy broadacre clients. If you would like to gain a better understanding of how Planfarm can assist your business, please reach out to myself or another member of the team. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to gain a better understanding of how Planfarm can assist your business, please reach out to myself or another member of the team on (08) 9284 1044 or visit planfarm.com.au

Your business and the factors contributing to its success are unique.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

POMEWEST

Expansion of the ™ Bravo apple program set for 2022 BY WA FARM DIRECT

he exclusively Australian grown and marketed Bravo™ apples are set for a strong domestic and export program for season 2022. WA Farm Direct are preparing for an expected increase in volume by 20+% of the ANABP 01A variety this season to be marketed and sold under the Bravo™ and Cripps Gem™ branding. As Australian and overseas markets move towards a ‘post’ COVID-19 era, there is a strong sense of positivity that the Bravo™ apple program will continue its high rate of growth and enable more customers the opportunity to become devoted consumers of this premium product. Within a very crowded domestic apple category, the expectations for strong growth of the ANABP 01A variety are high for season 2022. Even though season 2021 was extremely difficult for the fresh produce industry, we were able

to lay strong foundations for both the Bravo™ and Cripps Gem™ platforms that will allow further growth within our supermarket and independent retail programs. Export programs of Bravo™ apples in 2022 will continue to show strong growth following a positive 2021 season under difficult conditions. With export growth from 2020 to 2021 of over 91% of Bravo™ apples, this season it is set to expand even further. Over the past two years we have provided our trade partners with a premium quality apple that is exclusively grown in Australia to consumers in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and UAE. The successful establishment of Bravo™ programs into overseas retailers in Thailand and in UAE, gives confidence to Australian apple producers that the ANABP 01A is a strong export apple variety, especially within the Asian region. This upcoming season we are expecting to triple our export volume to our key markets boosting Australian Apple exports considerably.

Export volumes are expected to triple this upcoming season.

f BRAVO™ apples in Siam Makro Thailand.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

This season will also see greater focus on technology within the program from tree to consumer. We have seen the successful implementation of the Fresh Supply Co QR Code system throughout the Bravo™ apple program, allowing consumers to instantly learn more about the variety and even the opportunity to win $100,000 in season 2021. This technology will also provide benefits for ANABP 01A growers, with WA Farm Direct partnering with Source Certain for national implementation this season. The Source Certain system provides a trace element signature from each producer which allows Bravo™ apples anywhere in the world to be traced back to their orchard block and grower, with or without a QR code. If you are interested in becoming an ANABP 01A grower, get in touch with us to find out more about the program. MORE INFORMATION Contact Sean Engelbrecht, WA Farm Direct, 0499 146 646, bravo@wafarmdirect.com.au, wafarmdirect.com.au

WA CITRUS

citrus

update WA Grower WINTER 2022

WA CITRUS

contacts WA Citrus Committee

industry

From the

Producer Committee Members Joseph Ling, Chair m: 0417 828 238 e: chair@wacitrus.com.au Shane Kay Mary Ann O’Connor Andrew Pergoliti Cliff Winfield Daniel Ying

WA Citrus Office Building 98, 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 Elbe Coetsee, Industry Development Officer (APC) e: elbe.coetsee@dpird.wa.gov.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 WA citrus fruit

WA Grower WINTER 2022

BY JOSEPH LING CHAIR, WA CITRUS

n March, Bronwyn and Elbe attended the Citrus Australia Technical Forum on the east coast. There were 45 presentations covering the year ahead, orchard management, pest and disease management, biosecurity, new technologies, nursery development, new varieties, and postharvest management.

Amongst awards presented, was Andrew Pergoliti from Harvey Citrus. Andrew received the Emerging Leader Award from Citrus Australia. Congratulations to Andrew! f WA citrus grower Andrew Pergoliti was awarded Emerging Leader by Citrus Australia.

Over the next 6 months, Peter Cooke from AgKnowledge will be leading a review of the industry strategic plan, which will include interviewing industry members. Your contribution to the direction of the industry and industry priorities are most welcome and appreciated. Please contact myself or one of the WA Citrus officers if you would like more information on any topic or to provide your feedback. MORE INFORMATION Contact Joseph Ling on 0417 828 238.

WA CITRUS

Learning more about integrated pest and disease management

BY RACHELLE JOHNSTONE DPIRD

IPDM programs are an environmentally sustainable strategy.

ncreasing knowledge of integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) will be the focus of a new extension program for the citrus industry. The NSW Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are collaborating with experienced IPDM specialists to deliver a Hort Innovation funded Citrus IPDM extension program (CT19011). Rachelle Johnstone (DPIRD) and Bronwyn Walsh (WA Citrus) are coordinating WA activities and assisting with other project outputs.

Pest and disease management is one of the most critical practices for citrus growers. Protecting crops from pests and diseases becomes more challenging every year, due to the ever-increasing demands from consumers and communities for high quality citrus that is produced with reduced environmental impact, as well as the greater emphasis on food safety. IPDM programs are an environmentally sustainable strategy, providing practical alternatives for pest control.

f THERE is an everincreasing demand from consumers for high quality citrus that is produced with reduced environmental impact.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

WA CITRUS

For IPDM to be effective, growers need to act before pest numbers cause economic damage. f MONITORING pests in a lemon orchard using a ‘beat mat’

The Citrus IPDM extension program (CT19011) aims to: 1. Understand how the citrus industry is currently managing pests and diseases 2. Increase grower and crop advisor knowledge of citrus pests and diseases through IPDM grower groups, workshops and seasonal farm walks, regional on-farm IPDM demonstration sites, a printed field guide, videos, and other publications.

What is IPDM? IPDM is a strategy which aims to produce high-quality fruit at a minimal cost by managing pests with a combination of biological (beneficials/ natural enemies), cultural (e.g. weed management, tree skirting, orchard hygiene), and chemical control options.

Pest and disease management decisions are based on economic thresholds using one or more pest management tools while minimising the hazard to people, the environment, and the crop. For IPDM to be effective, growers need to be familiar with the life cycle and crop thresholds of pests, and to act before pest numbers cause economic damage. IPDM generally focusses on biological and cultural control options, with chemical controls playing a supportive rather than disruptive role. It involves moving away from applying pesticides (particularly broad-spectrum) on a calendar basis and towards a systematic approach using pest monitoring.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

Using IPDM does not mean you can’t spray chemicals, but a preference for using ‘soft’ or non-disruptive pesticides only when required is promoted, which generally means that less pesticide is used. Components of an IPDM program include: • identification of pests and diseases • regular monitoring of pests, diseases and beneficials • recording data and results (pest monitoring, spray diary, effectiveness of controls) • decision-making based on action levels/thresholds for pests • taking appropriate action to manage pests • post-harvest assessments for pest damage.

Project activities The first activity for the project will be to survey a range of growers to identify key pests and diseases for each region and their current management practices. The survey will help us identify the current level of understanding of IPDM and its implementation, and how growers currently make pest management decisions. The survey results will ensure the information provided in our workshops, fact sheets and video tutorials will meet grower needs, and assist in implementing the right pest and disease management practices for their business.

The WA team will organise and facilitate an IPDM workshop in spring. More details are to follow.

IPDM grower groups Regional IPDM grower groups will be established to help facilitate information exchange. The groups will meet a few times during the season for field walk events focused on regionally specific integrated pest and disease management. Group members will also contribute to the design of a local IPDM demonstration site. Anyone interested in joining an IPDM grower group can email Rachelle Johnstone — rachelle.johnstone@dpird. wa.gov.au MORE INFORMATION Rachelle Johnstone: rachelle.johnstone@dpird.wa.gov.au Andrew Creek: andrew.creek@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

CITRUS FUND The project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the citrus 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.

WA CITRUS

Biosecurity

f BIOSECURITY video created as an introduction to what is expected on farm.

at harvest time BY HELEN NEWMAN WA CITRUS BIOSECURITY REPRESENTATIVE

uring harvest you have a lot of people moving in and out of your orchard. This means plenty of eyes in the orchard that can keep ‘an eye out’ for unusual pests and disease to supplement your regular scouting programs. These same people can unintentionally carry diseases, pests and weeds without even realising. Here are some steps you can take to limit the risk of harvest crews introducing new pests and disease into your orchard:

• Have a designated staff parking area — don’t allow staff to take their own vehicles into the orchard

• Ensure that staff clean and disinfect equipment, such as picking snips in-between uses on different blocks

• Only allow clean vehicles to access the orchard — vehicles and equipment should be cleaned in a designated wash-down bay before traveling into the orchard and when moving between or from areas with known disease, pest and weed issues

• Ensure all staff are familiar with the main pests and diseases of concern and know how to report them.

Ensure all staff are familiar with the main pests and diseases of concern.

• If there are existing disease, pest and weed issues in parts of the orchard, plan to enter these areas last in the day to limit the movement of staff from these areas into ‘clean’ areas • Wash and disinfect hands before and after going into the orchard

If you have on-farm accommodation, there are other things you need to consider, such as luggage and food items bought onto the property.

Get your staff to watch this short 3-minute video on farm biosecurity as an introduction to what is expected. It is available in nine languages — youtube.com/playlist?lis t=PLcPUFII5bhJFSE5fvxYOSJlOy03fbU P7E

• Limit entry points to access the property — ideally there should only be one access point so that all movements can be recorded, and you always know who is on your property • Provide cleaning stations and/or clean clothing, footwear and hat options for staff to change into before they enter the orchard — this may involve providing on-farm laundering facilities

WA Grower WINTER 2022

WA CITRUS

BIOSECURITY VIDEO FOR FARM WORKERS

There is something that all farms are at risk from and it’s something we all need to be aware of — plant pests and diseases.

Farm managers do the best they can to keep pests and diseases off the farm, but pests and diseases in one part of Australia aren’t necessarily found elsewhere.

Pests and diseases that can harm or kill plants can travel on all sorts of things, like boots, clothing, vehicles, equipment like secateurs and even tents. They can also spread from fruits, vegetables and other plant material.

Any clothing worn during your stay on the farm should be washed.

Make sure any vehicles or equipment are cleaned.

And throw away and fresh fruit or vegetables you may have before entering a new farm.

MORE INFORMATION

Before entering or leaving a farm make sure to thoroughly clean your boots.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

Visit farmbiosecurity.com.au or contact Helen Newman, WA Citrus Biosecurity Representative if you need help finding information on biosecurity planning or significant pests.

WA CITRUS

Highlights from the Citrus Technical Forum 2022

BY BRONWYN WALSH INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, WA CITRUS

lose to 350 people attended the Citrus Technical Forum on the Sunshine Coast in early March. In light of the ongoing risks associated with COVID, only Bronwyn and Elbé, industry development staff with WA Citrus, attended this year. It was a wonderful opportunity to (re)connect in person and meet many new people. In the orchard Pests and diseases have a major impact on every level of the industry and were the focus of many presentations including in the nursery, orchard and packing shed. Some of the topics covered are outlined in this article.

Scott Sheppard, Area Sales Manager, from AgNova Technologies spent some time talking to Bronwyn about two of their products for pest management at the Citrus Tech Forum. The first is for snails, Metarex Inov®. It is an all-weather slug and snail bait that provides breakthrough control based on unique Colzactive® technology in an enhanced delivery system for maximum attractiveness, enhanced palatability, faster efficient kill and persistent control. The product is based on a metaldehyde active ingredient that uses less active ingredient and lower use rates than before, Metarex Invo® incorporates canola extracts within the matrix to effectively attract and control slugs and snails quickly.

Presenters from iMapPESTS and RapidAIM introduced their technology that does real-time surveillance and diagnostics in the orchards using high-tech DNA extraction and metabarcoding and identifying pests and diseases present. Dr Jessica Lye, Citrus Australia, gave an overview of the CitrusWatch program, which was created to increase surveillance, educate, train and generally prepare for any identified biosecurity risks. Nathan Hancock talked about advances in biosecurity preparedness in the Australian citrus industry, changing from each state’s government running their own biosecurity program, to collaborating with the industry as a whole, through the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee.

There was a good discussion on upcoming technologies and their potential role in the orchard.

The second product underdevelopment was a trap for citrus gall wasp based on a pheromone and new application produce for citrus gall wasp management.

Looking into the future, Dr Tahir Khurshid (NSW DPI) gave an update on HLB tolerant rootstocks. Currently there are up to 27 rootstocks being germinated and prepared for budding this spring and then planting at trial sites across the country next year to test it for our conditions. It is encouraging to see many advances in protecting the citrus industry against current and emerging risks in biosecurity. There was also a good discussion from a panel on upcoming technologies and their potential role in the orchard; from satellite images for crop forecasting to driverless tractors and robot pickers. None of which were ready off the shelf at the moment for the citrus orchard.

f SCOTT spoke about new trap, Fruition® Citrus gall wasp trap, from AgNova.

A visit to Dareton Research Station and Dean Morris afourer mandarin orchard showed current research on the use of trellis systems in the citrus orchard. WA Grower WINTER 2022

WA CITRUS

f LEFT: Global impacts on citrus businesses. BELOW: New resources for harvest safety.

In the business It wasn’t great news from Mick Harvey from Rabobank, Christian Cravajal from SHAFFE and Scott Matthews from Campbells Fertilisers Australasia who all said there would be ongoing turbulence in markets, input costs and supply chain timeframes with the impact of COVID and now Russia on global business. And no thought that it would ease soon. A reminder to growers there is a decision tool on the WA Citrus website for citrus growers that may assist in investigating scenarios under different costs and price conditions. Wim Van Niekerk, citrus grower from North Queensland, spoke about software he was using that helps manage calculating wages that takes into account use of piece rates and the new minimum wage requirement. Wim commented how motivating the system he used was for workers, seeing how close they were to earning more. Wim is more than happy to talk to anyone that would like to discuss his experience.

New induction manual available on best picking practice and worker safety.

New resources for harvest safety, an illustrated handbook, videos, posters and an orchard induction manual to communicate best picking practice and worker safety to fruit pickers are available in 5 languages — English, Malay, Samoan, Bislama (Vanautu) and Tongan. These were developed as part of a Hort Innovation project using citrus levy and federal government funds lead by NSWDPI.

edp is a proud sponsor of Hort Connections 2022

edp N63 Citrus tray filler

Free phone-friendly online courses with quiz and certificate of completion are available at: https://courses.tocal.nsw. edu.au/courses/citrus-harvest-whsfor-pickers MORE INFORMATION For more information contact Bronwyn Walsh at industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au

edp australia pty ltd specialise in the supply of fresh Fruit and Vegetable preparation and packaging machinery to the Vendors of the Australian wholesale and retail markets. Check out our website for a range

The N63 Minibagger Box/Crate fillers have automated weighing of the box/ crates on the product pack weights from 5-20kg. Automatic infeed and outfeed rollers allow for multiple empty boxes/crates to be loaded and fill boxes/crates to accumulate thus reducing the reliance on staff to operate the machine full time. Key Features • • • • •

Wave top belts Inflight gate to minimise overweight Variable speed controls on all belts Operator interface with though screen monitoring Communications to grader feeding system. (multiple drops)

We stock a wide range of consumable products

WA Grower WINTER 2022

of Baggers, Clippers, Prepackers. We also offer complete custom manufacturing to suit your needs.

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STONEFRUIT

stonefruit

update Stonefruit WA

WA Grower WINTER 2022

STONEFRUIT

Industry

contacts Stonefruit Sub-Committee Danny Di Marco, Chair e: dimarconson@gmail.com Michael Fernie

e: sunnybrae@outlook.com

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

Susan Crossley, e: susan.crossley@perthnrm.com Value Chain Facilitator t: (08) 9374 3333

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

news

For any future enquiries or to subscribe to the WA Stonefruit newsletter, please email susan. crossley@perthnrm.com

upcoming 2022

Growers Information Sessions

Sessions are being planned for the coming months. Some topics we plan to cover include production, research and exports. These sessions will be communicated via the newsletter as they are planned.

update C

BY SHAY CROUCH VALUE CHAIN FACILITATOR, STONEFRUIT

ongratulations to all the growers who have finished their stone fruit harvest for another challenging season.

We have seen major disruptions to supply chains, especially international links for fertiliser, packaging, sprays etc. Labour for all industries has been particularly tight with some growers having to prioritise picking over pruning or thinning in some instances. We are also seeing changes in the Work Health Safety regulations in Western Australia, which growers should investigate over the winter months. The new laws bring the 30-year-old legislation into the current era, and brings together WHS for general industry, mines, and petroleum operation under a single act. For more information Google WA Work Health and Safety Act 2020.

@wastonefruit @WeLoveWAStonefruit

WA Grower WINTER 2022

Biosecurity One of the biggest continuing issues facing the industry is the risk from pests and diseases; Fruit fly, Rainbow Lorikeets, and Western Flower Thrips. These issues are often complex to manage, though the committee connect and work collaboratively with the government and industry stakeholders to find solutions to these issues.

A focus for the stone fruit industry has been building a priority list of pest species.

We are all looking forward to fewer COVID disruptions as we move forward, but I am equally sure there are a lot of work-related improvements that COVID forced us to adapt to, which may become ‘business as usual’.

Welcome

FOLLOW WA STONEFRUIT

Susan is originally from Arkansas (USA), and has a background in marketing and project coordination, and a passion for the outdoors. Her willingness to learn and make a difference is why she is settling in well to the role. I hope you make her feel welcome and help her learn how the industry works, and how we can work together to make it great.

We would like to welcome Susan Crossley as the new Value Chain Facilitator for the Industry. She has been on deck since late March and has been kept busy with the analysis of the maturity testing data, several committee meetings, and organising the AGM.

One of the projects the committee has put funding toward is the Horticulture Biosecurity Liaison Role, where Rachel Lancaster has been working to improve biosecurity preparedness, response and awareness amongst the pome, citrus, banana and stone fruit industries. This has required many conversations with DPIRD, Quarantine WA and industry, as much of the information has been hard to access out of the archives.

STONEFRUIT

Some growers have had to prioritise picking over pruning or thinning.

f SEBASTIAN Fiolo, Danny Di Marco, Anthony Caccetta meeting Susan Crossley in an orchard in Karragullen.

A focus for the stone fruit industry has been building a priority list of pest species, understanding how to address neglected orchards and building confidence in the State’s border practices. Rachel is keen to ground truth the priority list of pests for stone fruit with growers. There is also a template for recording neglected orchards, which we hope will be easily accessible on the DPIRD website in the future. A document which summarises the border practices is also being established as a resource. If you would like to assist with the pest list or have an orchard which needs recording please get in contact with Susan, myself, or Rachel.

Thank you We would also like to say a massive thank you to committee members Anthony Fullam and Bruno DelSimone, who have now completed their final terms on the committee. Both have been on the committee representing growers and their issues from 2014.

Over this time, Anthony and Bruno have played their hand in a range of key activities including radio campaigns, an international grower tour, strategic planning and much more.

We appreciate your commitment to the industry and thank you for your efforts in making the Western Australian stone fruit industry a better place to work. ● MORE INFORMATION Contact Shay Crouch on 0429 672 339 or shay.crouch@perthnrm.com Susan Crossley on 0474 550 424 or susan.crossley@perthnrm.com Rachel Lancaster at rachel@eatswa.com.au

WA Grower WINTER 2022

STONEFRUIT

Maturity Testing m a r g o r P BY SUSAN CROSSLEY VALUE CHAIN FACILITATOR, STONEFRUIT

Brix indicates how sweet the fruit is.



92%

of the peach samples had a Brix above the minimum threshold of 10.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

STONEFRUIT

f USING a penetrometer to test the pressures of a peach.

tonefruit WA has again contracted Total Quality Assurance Services (TQAS) to complete a maturity snapshot survey of red and black plums, and yellow flesh peaches to provide a glimpse of what customers are buying at the point of sale. The survey ran from December to April with almost 600 peaches, 200 red plums and 286 black plums tested over the 19-week period, providing some

insightful results regarding the Brix (sugar concentration) and pressures. Each week, samples were collected from four different retail sources: 10 pieces of each fruit type from an IGA, Woolworths, Coles, and an independent market. A brief overview of some of the findings for yellow peaches are highlighted in this article.

To ensure consumers have a great taste experience, the minimum acceptable Brix for peaches in shops is 10, with 14 being ‘Good’ and 18 ‘Excellent’.

For plums, the minimum acceptable Brix is 12, with 16 being ‘Good’ and 20 ‘Excellent’.

Sweeter fruit is typically preferred by Australian consumers.

Brix testing is important for several reasons; the Brix indicates how sweet the fruit is, with a higher brix meaning a higher sugar content, and a sweeter fruit is typically preferred by Australian consumers.

Looking at the season as a whole (Figure 1), the course of the sweetness of peaches sampled followed what you’d expect, with fruit sugar content increasing as the season progresses.

20.0 18.0

BRIX

16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0

BELOW MINIMUM

8.0 20/11/21

10/12/21

WOOLWORTHS

COLES

30/12/21 IGA

INDEPENDENT

19/01/22

08/02/22

28/02/22

20/03/22

09/04/22

AVG 2022

FIGURE 1. PEACHES WEEKLY AVERAGE BRIX BY SHOP CATEGORY WA Grower WINTER 2022

STONEFRUIT

Each week, samples were collected from four different retail sources.

f 76% of the samples of black plums had a Brix above the minimum threshold of 12.

20.0 18.0

BRIX

16.0 14.0 12.0

BELOW MINIMUM

10.0 8.0 10/12/21

30/12/21

WOOLWORTHS

COLES

19/01/22 IGA

INDEPENDENT

08/02/22

28/02/22

20/03/22

09/04/22

29/04/22

AVG 2022

FIGURE 2. BLACK PLUMS WEEKLY AVERAGE BRIX BY SHOP CATEGORY 92% of the peach samples had a Brix above the minimum threshold of 10, with only 1 shop per week selling peaches that were below the minimum value in the beginning of the season. Further, 22% of the samples were in the Good to Excellent range with Brix greater than 14.

beginning of the season is of concern, as consumers who do not have a great taste experience may not return to make future purchases.

For black plums (Figure 2), 76% of the samples had a Brix above the minimum threshold of 12. All shops sold fruit with Brix below the minimum level in the beginning of the season, presumably picking the plums too early in an attempt to get them in the shops in time for Christmas. The lower Brix in the

The final report will also reflect on the results of last year to build a better picture of how WA stonefruit is performing season to season. Please contact Susan at susan.crossley@perthnrm.com for the final result publication. ●

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MORE INFORMATION Contact Susan Crossley on 0474 550 424 or at susan.crossley@perthnrm.com

A thorough report of findings has been shared to all growers through the newsletter.

FOLLOW WA STONEFRUIT @wastonefruit @WeLoveWAStonefruit

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your

business WA Grower WINTER 2022

YOUR BUSINESS

Captivating customers with a website as your digital shopfront BY MIN TEAH CURTIN UNIVERSITY

website is no different to your shopfront, except it exists in a digital format. Like a physical storefront, you would show off your best wares, produce and features to your customers. The shopfront is used to attract, entice and engage your customers so they walk in, browse, explore and stay longer in store. Likewise, your website should feature and showcase the best produce and engage your customers to explore further. To do so, the question is what should your website look like? Functionality is key. Without the bells and whistles of a fancy landing page, the most important thing to a good website is that it works.

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Your URL should be easy to access and be in your brand’s namesake. Other than that, it should be easy to navigate with clear tabs.

It is likely your customers either stumbled across your brand through a Google search, recommendation, or actively accessing your website. Once your customer lands on your page, the sequence of information such as about us, product feature, and where to find us, are going to be the basic elements of your website. They should be easy to read, click and scroll and optimised for mobile viewing too. Now that you have enticed your customer to visit your website, it is time to engage their attention further and draw them in.

In the world of many digital storefronts, how would you build trust? Without trying your produce or product, customers can only rely on visuals to picture and imagine the quality and taste of the tangible produce. It is important to have product shots of high quality. Food brands have relied on the fact that consumers feast with their eyes; it is especially important for marketing foodrelated products or fresh produce. Other than visually tantalising photos, crafting simple and easy to understand text to describe your product can reinforce your message. For example, a bar of chocolate with text describing it as “a delicious bar of single origin chocolate sourced from Vanuatu” starts to establish points of difference in your product versus that of your competitors.

YOUR BUSINESS

For fresh produce, featuring the freshness, vibrancy and quality of your produce in a close-up photograph, paired with a description of the provenance and farming practices, can highlight points of difference.

Websites should be easy to navigate with clear tabs.

 OTHER than visually tantalising photos, crafting simple and easy to understand text to describe your product can reinforce your message.

While the principle of “less is more” applies, in a competitive digital world, information lends itself to building credibility. Credibility is important, so is having a story that sticks in the mind of a customer. With increasingly savvy customers seeking values in their choices, differentiators such as authenticity, provenance and sustainability are some of the avenues to build a strong narrative for a food brand. Increasingly, customers are caring about production processes, whether ingredients are sustainable or ethically sourced. Featuring stories of these processes (if unique) are building blocks for storytelling on your website. In the eyes of a customer, stories lend a hand in increasing value or drive a decision between choosing your brand and that of your competitor. MORE INFORMATION If you have any questions about this article, contact Min Teah at min.teah@curtain.edu.au

 FEATURE fresh, vibrant, quality produce in a close-up photograph, paired with a description of provenance and farming practices.

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Making a user-friendly website  THE ease of use of your website will result in a positive user experience.

Your website needs to be simple, familiar, consistent, and easily learnable.

ON LT MI , A S, N H N AT I O A L E I S AM R NJ IST G & A BE MIN TIN ESW AD RKE ABL MA GET VE

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n the last issue, we discussed 'digital platforms to make your business more prominent’, which informed readers of a few platforms they could use to increase visibility of products, services or to tell a story. This is in response to trends of consumers and external stakeholders researching the company behind the product before committing to a purchase or partnership.

YOUR BUSINESS

Growers need to start thinking about different ways to engage with consumers and external stakeholders, and that is where a website can come in handy! A website is a collection of publicly accessible, interlinked web pages shared on a single domain name (preferably your business name). It will act as a digital shopfront — allowing consumers or stakeholders to read up about your business to prepare for their purchase or before they make professional contact. Additionally, it will improve your credibility and professionalism if maintained correctly.

 ALONG with regular maintenance, it is also crucial for your website to be user-friendly.

Along with regular maintenance, it is also crucial for your website to be userfriendly. No-one has time to navigate large amounts of information on your webpage, so keep it succinct and simple for key contacts, product and company information to be found.

So, what makes a user-friendly or usable website? It is how easily visitors can interact with your website or how they can accomplish what they intend to do on your website. The ease of use of your website will result in a positive user experience. So, what helps you achieve a user-friendly website? Clear navigation, legibility, performance, responsiveness, credibility, relevancy, and search functionality.

Available and responsive Firstly, your website needs to work. The responsiveness of the website is crucial. If someone clicks on your link and the page doesn’t load, that will likely result in the loss of a potential customer! Further, people mainly use phones to surf the web these days, and if the website is developed to work on a desktop but not mobile, it will result in a horrible user experience. It is paramount to factor in an automatic transition between desktop and mobile experiences to avoid these issues (called optimisation). Also, it would be best to think about; good hosting for server uptime, performance to ensure pages load as quickly as possible, maintaining and fixing broken links as they appear, and the resolution switch between screen sizes.

A website will improve your credibility and professionalism if maintained correctly.

Clear navigation Navigation is how a user can scroll, interact with the elements on the site, or travel from one page to another. These elements need to be clear and easy to access. Limit the number of items you have on the navigation menu and use key categories like; about us, news, products, and contact, featuring more items in a drop-down subcategory ('publications' under the 'news' or 'meet the team' under 'about us') or left-hand sidebar menu. This is a simple method and widely used for a reason, and users generally read web pages in an f-shaped pattern. So, it makes sense that the menu will sit on top of the page on the left-hand side.

Legibility, clarity, and learnability The website will need to be simple, familiar, consistent, and easily learnable. Focus on the importance and clarity of information and make it legible with a correct 'hierarchy of text' and font choices. Keep your site consistent through its pages by mirroring the homepage in design and theme across the site. Your goal is to design the website as an intuitive experience. It shouldn't require instructions or trial

and error to figure out. Map out your website on paper and brainstorm its usability, and don't be afraid to take inspiration from other websites.

Credibility and relevance Your website needs to be trustworthy; don't make requirements to subscribe for access to the website, spam users with popups or ask for more information from the get-go. It will put a user off, and they will leave your website. You will need to lead them through the website and gain their trust before asking for any information or purchase commitment. Keep your information up-to-date and relevant to its audience. It is offputting to a user to stumble upon irrelevant details. Making a successful website will require trial and error. Test your website as a user and ensure any updates work as intended. The benefits of increased engagement and credibility to your brand will be worth it. MORE INFORMATION If you have any queries regarding this article, please get in touch with Ben Hamilton at ben.hamilton@

vegetableswa.com.au

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YOUR BUSINESS

How well is your business really performing? BY RURAL WEST

ncertainty and change are inescapable parts of life, and the horticulture industry has undoubtedly seen more than its fair share of turbulence in the past few years. f BUSINESSES can take proactive steps to provide more confidence in business viability during unstable times.

Productivity is the ratio of output to the input used in production.

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YOUR BUSINESS

Fluctuating prices, border closures, isolation requirements, labour shortages, increase in transportation costs, rising input costs, WHS changes, new industrial manslaughter laws, the list goes on… Most businesses will, at some stage, have a time of difficulty where things look bleak and the future uncertain. Unforeseen circumstances can reduce income and/or increase expenses to a point where the business cannot meet its financial commitments. Businesses can take proactive steps to provide more confidence in business viability during unstable times.

Assess external debt Financing through debt is common for small to medium businesses. Pressure from likely interest rate rises can add to feelings of financial distress.

While improving cash flow and decreasing expenses can allow options for reducing debt, this can be challenging in turbulent times.

Businesses that regularly review their productivity ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness: • Identify what factors can affect the success or performance of your business (key drivers) and set goals for these. • Collect and analyse data relating to crop production and compare it to previous performance, industry benchmarks, and the business's strategic goals. — Document crop inputs, analyse outputs and assess whether changes positively impacted yield.

Evaluate cash flow A cash flow budget measures the amount of cash coming into a business and when it comes in, against what goes out and when it goes out. It is a powerful financial tool in business management because it requires careful consideration of business plans. Cash flow budgets:

Regularly assessing your debt can make a difference.

• A id in ensuring the business meets its day-to-day commitments • Assist in understanding and planning for likely surpluses and shortages in cash flow

• Provide important indicators of what you want to achieve

• Regularly evaluate crop production and performance of key drivers against your goals and identify areas for improvement, risk and trends.

• Allow businesses to make informed decisions when planning additional expenditure

• Monitor the effectiveness of strategies and adjust when necessary.

• Demonstrates to banks the businesses management of cash flow and whether additional borrowings are affordable.

Regularly assessing your debt can make a difference: • Follow up on late and outstanding payments • Prepare regular cash flow forecasts • Prioritise your energy on profit creating activities and products • Make full use of supplier payment terms, but do not pay late • Review and assess supply levels • Sell any unnecessary assets to reduce debt • Utilise budgets to stress test the business for different interest rates — Consider the effect fixing interest rates would have on the business's financial position in two or three years. — Consider what rate would be required to make the proposition attractive.

Evaluate productivity Productivity is the ratio of output (crop and other farm income) to the input used in production (labour, capital, land, material and services).

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YOUR BUSINESS

Opportunities for business growth can emerge even during economic uncertainty.

A cash flow budget can be useful in testing farming plans to identify whether there will be sufficient income to meet cash needs for a farming strategy. They can also be utilised to stress test the business for changes in financial circumstances, e.g., increases in interest rates.

Compare cash flow budgets monthly with the business's actual results and calculate any positive and negative variations. This will highlight how well the business is doing and allow corrective action if necessary.

Find savings in cost structures If a business cannot bring costs under control or pass increased costs onto customers, then both cash flow and profitability are reduced. This can impact the future viability of a business. Regular review of costs can improve cash flow and profitability: • Review costs under the business's control. Do this strategically to ensure cost-cutting measures don't need reversing in the future. • Compare cost structures with other businesses in your industry and past results to identify areas for improvement. • Assess cost inputs for strategic farming plans, and evaluate whether or not an increase or decrease in

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input costs has affected the crop quality or yield. • Review supplier agreements. Are there other providers who offer a lower cost for a comparable product, can ordering quantities be adjusted to reduce overall costs, etc.

Implement risk management strategies Uncertain times expose businesses to risks that could compromise viability. A risk management strategy can aid during these times and regular reviews ensure the business remains on top of key risks. Creating a risk management strategy involves identifying risks and assessing the likelihood of them happening, the impact they could have on the business, and how to treat them.

Up-to-date business plan When business conditions change, it's good practice to revisit and amend your business plan and budgets to reflect the current circumstances: • Review assumptions underpinning the business plan. If they have changed, then update your plan accordingly. • Evaluate the performance of the business and incorporate improvement strategies. • Adjust budgets and cash flow forecasts to reflect any business plan amendments.

Opportunities for business growth can emerge even during economic uncertainty. Thoroughly investigate possibilities before making commitments. Initially, this involves establishing whether they are consistent with the business strategy and can be properly funded.

In summary Monitoring the various aspects of a business enables the owner to have a deeper understanding of the capacity of the business and allows focus on the most critical elements. In times of turbulence, planning, reviewing and adjusting business strategy becomes of even greater importance. Taking the time to plan and monitor your business regularly can make the difference between whether or not your business has a viable future. MORE INFORMATION Rural West is a free, mobile, confidential and independent strategic business financial counselling service. Supported by the State and Federal governments, Rural West works with a wide range of primary producers and regional small business owners to improve their position and profitability. If you are experiencing or at risk of financial difficulty, our team of counsellors are ready to support you. Contact Rural West on 1800 612 004, email enquiries@ruralwest.com.au, or visit ruralwest.com.au

YOUR BUSINESS

Annualised wage arrangements

BY STEPHEN FARRELL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CONSULTANT, VEGETABLESWA

or those growers who employ fulltime employees, one possible way to reduce the administration burden that award compliance brings is to enter into an annualised wage arrangement. Clause 17 of the Horticulture Award 2020 permits an employer to pay an employee an annualised salary in satisfaction of a number of monetary entitlements contained in the Award being: • Shift worker entitlements for afternoon and night shifts • Minimum rates of pay • Allowances

The benefit of an annualised salary or wage is that once this amount has been agreed upon, employees are paid the same amount every pay period, which reduces the administration burden. In addition, growers can be confident that they are meeting fair pay requirements, ensuring their contracts have robust offsetting provisions to avoid underpayment.

• The grower must conduct an annual reconciliation calculations or reconciliation on termination of employment; • The agreement must identify the “outer limits” of overtime and penalty hours to be worked under the arrangement.

A template annualised salary arrangement is located on the vegetablesWA website.

The annualised salary arrangement must contain certain provisions in order to be valid and provide the protection required for growers.

Conclusion

A template annualised salary arrangement is located on the vegetablesWA website on the Business Extension HR/IR page, for growers to download and use along with instructions on how to complete the template.

These are:

MORE INFORMATION

• Annualised salary must be equal to or greater than the sum of the Award monetary entitlements that it covers

If growers have specific questions relating to their business on the issues raised in this article, they can contact Stephen Farrell on 0455 833 352 or at stephen.farrell@vegetableswa.com.au

• The method of calculation of the proposed salary must be disclosed

• Overtime • Annual leave loading • Public holiday rates.

 EMPLOYEES are paid the same amount every pay period which reduces the administration burden.

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YOUR BUSINESS

Results the Building Horticulture Business Capability Program

e v e i h c a u o y p l e h can BY BRYN EDWARDS BENCHMARK LEAD, VEGETABLESWA

articipants in the Building Horticulture Business Capability (BHBC) Program, which connects business owners with farm management experts Planfarm, are starting to make significant improvements in their businesses’ profitability and operation. Following are five examples for you to consider. 92

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JUSTIFYING PRICE INCREASES TO MEET INCREASING INPUT COSTS

What are you going to do about eroding profit margins with the rise in input costs? What we did — We used historical business data to calculate a base level in operating expenses and then, using current changes in key input costs, calculated the required revenue to cover the higher costs. All the details and proposed changes were fully justified in the grower’s BHBC Management Report, which gave the business owner a ‘can’t go below price’ from which prices increases were negotiated.

REDUCING SELLING COSTS TO INCREASE PROFIT

Why are you sacrificing income that is rightfully yours for early payment? What we did — Analysed the impact on cash flow and profit of the ‘Discount on Early Settlement’ agreement used by retail buyers, which sees growers incurring an expense if the likes of Coles and Woolworths pay their invoices within 30 days. As a result of the analysis and planning, the agreement was terminated, resulting in an effective annual saving exceeding $40k a year for that business.

YOUR BUSINESS

There are limited spots available in the project.

SCALE INCREASES TO BOOST PROFITS

Do you understand all the levers and options at your disposal to improve your profit? What we did — A business demonstrated a strong potential to be profitable but found that overheads were limiting retained earnings (true business profitability). Given the business’s strong operating efficiency, it was identified that an increase in scale through the addition of a lease would be an excellent way to increase revenue and cover their overhead requirements. Planfarm consultants conducted a lease analysis, which provided the business with three potential scenarios, one of which saw the business gaining an additional $94k of profits per year.

DISTINGUISHING REVENUE DRIVERS

Do you really know where money is being left on the table in your business? What we did — We worked closely with multiple growers to set up their cashbooks to pinpoint how each enterprise in the business contributes to the overall revenue and profitability of the business. Previously, many growers have been satisfied with grouping all enterprises under ‘fruit or vegetable sales’, which does not allow the grower to recognise which enterprises have positive or negative financial implications for the business. Planfarms assistance with setting up separate enterprises in the grower’s cashbook has meant growers are informed about the most profitable enterprises for the business.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS

How can you rigorously prove the business case of your farm business? What we did — A participating business approached the project to conduct an estimated cash flow budget after it was requested by their bank when wanting to increase their loan limits. While outside the scope of the current BHBC project, the information accrued through their participation with the program meant that reliable assumptions could be made to give them, and the bank, confidence that they could take on the additional loan requirement. The approval of the loan meant that the business could continue to grow in scale while maintaining confidence in their business’s capacity to be profitable.

While the project has yielded more examples, hopefully, these five will give you food for thought — who knows what further potential could be unlocked to help you keep more money in your pocket for the effort you put in! MORE INFORMATION There are limited spots available in the project. If you would like to work with farm management experts Planfarm to help unlock further profitability in your business, please contact Bryn Edwards at bryn.edwards@vegetableswa.com.au

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YOUR BUSINESS

Set standards and measure employees' performance against those standards.

Performance management: Why we do it and how to avoid the pitfalls f MANAGING your employees’ performance is not only good for the business, but also for your employees

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YOUR BUSINESS

BY STEPHEN FARRELL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CONSULTANT, VEGETABLESWA

ne of the biggest challenges any grower or employer faces is managing its people. Human beings have moods, differing motivations and emotions. Harnessing all of these to get everyone on the same page and pulling in the same direction can be hard and frustrating. However, if you are successful in doing this, the rewards and improved business outcomes can skyrocket. Managing your employees’ performance is not only good for the business, but also for your employees. By setting standards and measuring their performance against those standards, you are treating them fairly, ensuring that everyone pulls their weight and does their fair share.

Causes of poor performance Generally, performance issues can be categorised in one of two areas as being either an attitude issue, where the issue is caused by the employee’s general attitude towards their work or an aptitude issue where the issue is caused by a gap in skill or knowledge. The latter is easier to manage as usually training or mentoring can address the cause.

Deal with it early — do not let it fester The first tip in dealing with underperformance is to get onto it early and in a timely fashion. Avoid the temptation to let things slide to avoid confrontation.

The first tip in dealing with underperformance is to get onto it in a timely fashion.

If poor performers are not managed, this can cause feelings of inequity and decrease employees, motivation to perform at their best. Employees cost money and just like any of the business resources, it is imperative that the business gets the most value for that money spent. You have invested time, training, and money into every employee and so it makes good financial sense to attempt to improve their performance, rather than just dismiss them from their employment and start again. This does not mean that underperforming employees should not be dismissed, however, dismissal should not be the first option.

If performance issues are not addressed in a timely fashion, there is a risk that the consequences of the employee’s poor performance will increase your frustration and you will end up being harsh and confrontational when you raise the issues with the employee.

This, in turn, could get the employees back up and increase resentment on their part. All of this does not make an environment that is conducive to improving performance.

Plan how you will deliver feedback The second tip is to plan the feedback that you will be giving the employee. Consider not just the areas that they need developing in or the gaps in their performance, but also the areas that they are strong in. Is it possible to use the employees’ strengths to assist in improving their weaknesses? Have evidence that supports the feedback that you are giving. If an issue with the employee is that they are always late for work, show them evidence that supports that.

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It is hard for anyone to dispute a performance issue if there is evidence supporting it. Finally, consider how the feedback is to be given. There are several techniques that can be used, and this is where your knowledge of the employees and how they operate will be valuable.

Not everyone will respond positively to one technique. It is also important that the feedback be impersonal and reflects the employee’s work or skills, not themselves as a person. A common technique is to use a feedback sandwich where you provide positive feedback, followed by constructive feedback that you want to see the employee improve. Many people end with another positive bit of feedback but that is not always necessary. Another technique is to characterise the feedback as information on the consequences of their gap in skill. For example, instead of telling the employee they are always late for work, try saying to them, “When you are not able to consistently arrive at work on time, it causes a backlog for other employees who rely on the work you do, so I would be very grateful if you could please concentrate on starting on time for the next three weeks.”

Start with an informal meeting Try and deal with performance issues initially on an informal basis first. This is more likely to engage the employee, get their buy-in and resolve the issues. If that does not work, then you can commence the formal process. However, if you start formally, it is almost impossible to then step back and try an informal process.

Create a safe environment Once you have planned what feedback you are going to give and how you are going to deliver the feedback, arrange to meet with the employee on an informal basis. Try and consider the environment that the meeting is taking place. The meeting should be held in some privacy, away from other employees but not be in a strictly formal setting. If possible, try and meet one on one with the employee.

Ask questions of the employee to try and identify the causes or root of the problems. Once these causes are identified, then work with the employee on solutions or actions that can be taken to address the performance issues. Create an action plan on the steps that will be taken to address the issues and when or by what date these steps will be taken. Always remember, as the employer, you have the right to set the performance standards and expectations that employees must adhere to, provided that they are reasonable. Also, whilst it is helpful to gain the employee’s agreement on identifying the performance issues and actions to be taken to address them, it is not strictly necessary.

Set the performance standards and expectations that employees must adhere to.

Aim to solve the problem together

Once the action plan has been set, monitor its progress, and check in regularly with the employee. If the issues become resolved, congratulate the employee, and celebrate the success. Moving to a formal process

At the meeting, deliver the feedback. Give the employee an opportunity to respond to the feedback and if they disagree explain why. The employee’s response will also indicate to you whether the gaps in their performance are caused by an attitude or aptitude issue. If the employee is resistant to the feedback and will not engage in the resolution of the issues, it is highly likely that the issues are attitude ones.

Just as it was important to consider the environment for the informal meeting, it is just as important for the formal meeting. Inform the employee of the time of the meeting and that serious discussions need to take place about their performance.

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If the performance issues remain or, in your opinion, there is insufficient improvement in the employee’s performance, it is now time to commence the formal process.

YOUR BUSINESS

Have evidence that supports the feedback that you are giving.

If the employee asks to bring a support person, allow them to bring one, or even better, offer them the opportunity to bring a support person. Telling the employee that they can bring a support person indicates in itself, that the meeting will be serious. At the meeting, provide feedback to the employee on their performance but concentrate on the areas that they have been underperforming. Refer to the feedback provided in the informal meeting and the action plan that was developed, highlighting actions that were not done at all or by the due date. Update the action plan and provide stricter timelines for the actions to be completed. Finally, warn the employee that if their performance does not improve sufficiently, they risk being terminated from their employment. This warning is essential because one of the factors that the Fair Work Commission considers when determining whether a dismissal was harsh, unjust, or unreasonable is whether an employee dismissed for poor performance was given a warning. Again, monitor the progress of the action plan and closely supervise the employee.

Terminating an employee If the underperformance issues continue, we are now at the point where, despite the training and investment put into the employee, their employment is no longer worthwhile.

Meet with the employee one final time and offer them the opportunity to bring a support person. Provide the employee with feedback on their performance and allow them the opportunity to respond. If the employee’s response does not satisfy you, you can then proceed to terminate the employee’s employment. Advise the employee of their termination and then follow this up in writing after the meeting.

f A cause of poor performance can be due to a gap in skill or knowledge. This is easy to manage with training or mentoring.

The majority of performance issues, when addressed in a timely manner, will resolve in the informal process and when managed properly, it is rare for these issues to result in an employee’s dismissal. However, if termination of the employee’s employment does occur, at least you have made every effort to get as much value as you can from the employee.

Conclusion By implementing a robust performance management process, growers can increase the retention and productivity of their employees as well as eliminate or minimise the risk of costly and time-consuming litigation. MORE INFORMATION If growers have specific questions relating to their business on the issues raised in this article, they can contact Stephen Farrell on 0455 833 352 or at stephen. farrell@vegetableswa.com.au

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Technology opens up new markets

Welcome to vegetablesdirect BY MANUS STOCKDALE ACTING CEO, VEGETABLESWA

herever and whenever there have been unlimited demands met with scarce resources, there have been marketplaces. When the human race was concentrated around clusters of communities, those marketplaces were physical, with the market represented by a physical space, and prices were naturally regulated by proximity — if I sold fruit amongst five other fruit sellers, there was a natural commercial pressure to provide a minimum level of quality and a competitive price. As global markets have grown, they have become more complex, with buyers and sellers finding it difficult to find each other, never mind competitively setting prices or conform to any idea of minimum quality. Brokers have been one of the solutions that have arisen to this market dislocation. These brokers knew what buyers wanted and what sellers could produce and earned a margin for matching the two.

Key messages • Technology has made marketplaces more accessible • Technology has enabled this accessibility • vegetablesdirect is such a technology.

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Then came the internet. From book publishing to advertising, the internet empowered individuals through platforms, which enabled buyers and sellers to easily find each other again. That did not remove the need for brokers entirely, but certainly it no longer costs 40 per cent to remit money from Dubai to Dhaka. That is because the internet does not solve everything. There is still a role for a broker who helps to build a business by uncovering new business to a grower who would have never come across the buyer by themselves. However, increasingly that is ‘a’ channel rather than ‘the’ channel. In the technology world, there has been a realisation that the internet seems to have moved from its initial ‘peer-to-peer’ structure to something much more monopolistic, where a few platforms like Google, Facebook and Amazon now control most of the user time and resources, with a few individuals making billions of dollars from our searches and photos. The users doing all the hard work have been separated from shareholders who have made all the money.

of others without making a valuable contribution to the eventual outcome. Back in October, we said vegetablesWA was working on an app with a Sydney-based start-up, Maven Marketplaces. Last month, we signed a joint venture under which we will be launching a mobile app called vegetablesdirect.

Our vision for the app is to make growers more visible to buyers across the globe — a marketplace with the modern twist that technology can deliver. A search engine that helps you to find new suppliers and be found by new buyers. A free channel to advertise distressed product. Artificial intelligence that can predict what the price for apples will be next Wednesday or August next year. And those are just the ideas we have had so far.

A marketplace with the modern twist that technology can deliver.

As a result, there is an emerging iteration of the internet known as Web3, based on the idea that users should be rewarded for their participation with ownership and, therefore, a share of the financial upside. That is not to say that entrepreneurs should not be fairly rewarded for their risk and ideas, but just millions rather than billions. This is a dangerous idea not just to the likes of Google and Facebook, but to any intermediary like banks — in fact any individual or business that leverages the hard work

We have used a highly-flexible technology, which means we can quickly implement new features, so we are hoping you tell us what it is you want the app to do, because the joint venture means you participate in the upside. MORE INFORMATION We are gradually rolling the app out to growers so we can iron out the problems as we go, but if you would like to be an early user, feel free to reach out at help@vegetablesdirect.com.au

YOUR HEALTH

your

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YOUR HEALTH

Looking after ourselves in busy times

BY REGIONAL MEN’S HEALTH

or farmers, seeding and harvest are a couple of extremely busy times of the year. One of the most important things to consider looking after, during these times, is our most valuable resource — us. Having to complete tasks by a set date imposes time pressure and this may make us take short cuts and if we take short cuts regarding our wellbeing it increases our risk factors dramatically. It is a time when relationships come under pressure, our physical health is ignored, and accidents can happen.

Research into truck crashes by the Truck Crash Research Centre based in South Australia has some thought-provoking outcomes. One of the research outcomes is that most truck accidents (more than 90%) happened on the outward-bound journey of the truck trip. We need to ask ourselves why is this? There are many reasons for this, but primarily it is a combination of being physically tired coming off the holiday break and/or mentally our headspace is not focused on the job at hand, we are not operating in the present. What us blokes don’t do well is consider the consequences of risk taking — it won’t happen to me. Consequences are something we must live with, so in our seeding and harvest preparations we need to limit our personal risk, and if what we’re planning is an overstretch, reconsider the options.

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Factoring in regular breaks reduces the impact of fatigue. f FATIGUE can often lead to expensive mistakes.

In addition to the usual preparations perhaps we should follow the lead of other industries, such as mining and construction, where clear guidelines on safe parameters for work have been implemented.

• Pre-start exercises: I would be surprised if any farmers begin a shift with some limbering up exercises. It is a known fact that this type of start to the day significantly reduces muscle injuries

Some things to reflect on when considering your wellbeing include:

• Suitable dietary needs: how often are you eating and what are you snacking on? It is not just about good meals it is also about good snacks that are nutritious and correctly timed. A good meal is very beneficial at the beginning of a shift and a light meal at the end is beneficial in helping to promote good sleep

• A well briefed work crew (often our partner and family): keep those working with us briefed on daily activities, unfortunately with farming this doesn’t happen as well as it could which often leads to unnecessary disputes and increased tension and frustration • Fatigue management: limiting our working time to no more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period. Seeding might be over a relatively short period, but this work strategy should not be compromised. The only solution to fatigue is taking a break and sleeping. Getting off the tractor/machine and doing other jobs is not good enough, you need to sleep • Factor in regular breaks: this also reduces the impact of fatigue and increases our capacity to beat boredom, which can often lead to expensive mistakes and machine damage

• Adequate sleep: for most people this is about seven to eight hours in every 24-hour cycle. It is not possible to reduce this and still function properly. Remember this is sleep not just being in bed! Seeding and harvest are hectic times of the year, a controlled and planned approach will pay dividends. Enjoy it; it is a great time. MORE INFORMATION For more information contact the Regional Men’s Health Initiative on (08) 9690 2277 or email menshealth@4blokes.com.au.

YOUR HEALTH

Raising awareness of

mental health It is important to look after yourself and each other.

vents in Australia over the past two years — such as bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic — have taken their toll on many people’s mental health. Therefore, it is important to look after yourself and each other. Knowing where to go for information on mental health can be a hurdle for many people, so AUSVEG has compiled this list of resources that may help to navigate this sensitive space.

f THERE are many organisations available for people who are looking for more information about mental health.

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YOUR HEALTH

Organisations

It is vital that we start talking more openly about mental health.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue has been providing supports and services to people in Australia for 20 years.

f THE ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and traumatic events such as floods can lead to long-term psychological distress.

In 2020–21, the Australian Bureau of Statistics conducted the first cohort of the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing — a component of the wider Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study.

The figures are startling, with 3.4 million Australians seeing a health professional for their mental health in 2021–21. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and traumatic events such as floods can lead to long-term psychological distress. Therefore, it is vital that we start talking more openly about the importance of discussing mental health and seeking help if you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties. There are organisations available for people who are looking for more information about mental health and they can give advice on how to deal with personal mental health issues or those that arise in your workplace, communities, friends, or families.

3.4 million

Australians saw a health professional for their mental health in 2021–21

Source: Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study.

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Beyond Blue works with the community to improve mental health and prevent suicide, so that all people in Australia can achieve their best possible mental health. Through its Beyond 2020 Strategy, it’s working across three strategic priorities: 1. Promoting mental health and wellbeing so people have greater knowledge, feel safe to talk openly about their issues and are supported to ask for help when they need to. 2. Being a trusted source of information, advice, and support so we can all better understand how to maintain our mental health and take steps to recover from mental health conditions. 3. Working together to prevent suicide by playing a lead role in the national effort to prevent suicide through research, information, advice and support, and advocacy. For further information on anxiety, depression or suicide visit: beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636 (24 hours/7 days a week). To chat to a trained mental health professional, please visit: beyondblue.org.au/get-support/getimmediate-support

13%

of people saw a GP for their mental health

Black Dog Institute Black Dog Institute is a proudly independent not-for-profit medical research institute affiliated with The University of New South Wales. Its focus today has expanded to address new challenges and opportunities in mental health — suicide prevention, digital innovation, lived experience, youth, and workplace mental health. Its work in mood disorders continues through investigation of new and better ways to treat and prevent conditions like anxiety and depression through digital tools and novel treatments. For more information, visit: blackdoginstitute.org.au

of people saw a psychologist for their mental health

15%

of Australians aged 16–85 years experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress

YOUR HEALTH

Regional Men’s Health Initiative

MindSpot

The Regional Men’s Health Initiative is a program which focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of men in rural Western Australia. The Initiative compliments existing country health services and other allied services to empower men, their families, and communities to take responsibility for their wellbeing and health.

MindSpot is a free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression, and low mood. It provides assessment and treatment courses or can help find local services that can help.

For more information, visit regionalmenshealth.com.au or call (08) 9690 2277.

Lifeline Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress, with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. It is committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion, and hope. For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. The online Crisis Support Chat service is also available every night at: lifeline.org.au/crisischat

MensLine Australia MensLine Australia is the national telephone and online support, information, and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men’s issues. For more information, visit: mensline.org.au or call 1300 78 99 78.

Women

were more likely to experience high or very high levels of psychological distress than men (19% compared with 12%)

The MindSpot team comprises experienced and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agencyregistered mental health professionals including psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists who are passionate about providing a free and effective service to people all over Australia. It has a dedicated IT team to ensure that this happens as securely and efficiently as possible. For more information, please call 1800 61 44 34 or visit mindspot.org.au

SANE Australia SANE Australia is a national mental health charity making a real difference in the lives of people affected by complex mental health issues through support, research, and advocacy. Counsellors are available via phone, web chat or email from 10am to 10pm Monday to Friday AEST/AEDT. For more information, please call the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or visit sane.org

Suicide Call Back Service Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.

20%

1.9%

SOMEONE IS THREATENING SELF-HARM What can I do? Lifeline has developed a range of free toolkits to provide information and assistance during challenging times. These include a self-help resource to help people cope with natural disasters; a selfharm factsheet; a toolkit for helping someone at risk of suicide, and much more. Browse and download Lifeline’s range of toolkits and factsheets here: lifeline.org.au/resources/ toolkit-downloads/ Still unsure about what to do or need a debrief? Those who are worried about a loved one or community member who is threatening self-harm can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support and further advice.

It also offers free professional 24/7 online counselling support. Call 1300 659 467 or visit: suicidecallbackservice.org.au MORE INFORMATION These are just some examples of the mental health services available in Australia. More can be found at ausveg.com.au/mentalhealth-industry/resources-2/ If you require emergency assistance, please contact 000.

15–44y

mental health

Australians aged 16–34 years experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress

Suicide was the 15th most common cause of death overall, accounting for 1.9% of deaths

Suicide was the most common cause of death for adults aged 15–44

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YOUR HEALTH

No pain, no gain BY REGIONAL MEN’S HEALTH

hen I think back to my younger years of intense physical activity, I can still hear the piercing scream of my gruff footy coach … “Push through the pain barrier” and my favorite: “Get some bloody mongrel in you!” To push through those grueling preseason training sessions of hill sprints, gut runs, and burpees, you needed some encouragement. Let’s face it, when you feel like your lungs are about to explode and a spew is only minutes away, your mind and body are telling you one thing… stop! I think a lot of us would agree that motivational quotes can help us get through some challenging times in our life that cause pain, in a physical, mental, or social/spiritual context. f WHILE pain is uncomfortable and unpleasant, it is usually there to tell us something is wrong.

To grow stronger in a physical or mental context, suffering is sometimes the price we pay to gain something we want.

Pain is different for everyone but here are some basic tips we should all use to manage it:

There is often the common belief that greater value and reward exists for those who put in the effort, work hard, and endure some pain… let’s face it, life was never meant to be easy.

• Getting a correct diagnosis in a timely manner: Booking in with a GP (to get a referral), physio, or psychologist (when it comes to emotional pain) can help pinpoint the cause of our pain.

Pain is a word we regularly use at RMHI and we often come across people with various levels of physical pain and/or emotional pain (brought on by various situational stressors). While pain is uncomfortable and unpleasant, it is usually there to tell us something is wrong. Ironically, the initial stages of pain protect us from further injury by initiating a reaction to protect what has been damaged.

Pain can go from being a small nuisance which makes us irritable, all the way to full on, debilitating or chronic pain. This persistent or chronic pain can even involve the pain system becoming overprotective resulting in pain sensations being present even when the body tissues are safe or our injury/illness has healed.

• Keeping active: This is a tough one because when we are in pain it can sometimes be hard to get moving. Adapted exercise and movements can be prescribed by a physio; just getting outdoors boosts endorphins which can improve mood and block pain signals. • Pain medication: Some of us can be hesitant to take stronger pain relief because it can affect our ability to function normally and operate heavy machinery. But medication can be the key to reducing inflammation and pain which helps us to get moving and regain our function quicker. • Assess our diet: Certain foods and excessive alcohol use can contribute to inflammation and weight gain, especially when we are not moving as much as we normally would. • Alternative treatments and relaxation: Things like massage, acupuncture, meditation, listening to music and even the use of ice and heat can be a good starting point. Finding ways to relax is vital. While I have always been one for getting out, enjoying life, and taking a few risks, I now understand those words of warning from mentors in my life… “You’re going to regret that one day!” So, take care of those aches and pains because trying to push through the pain barrier will not necessarily help in the long run. MORE INFORMATION For more information contact the Regional Men’s Health Initiative on (08) 9690 2277 or email menshealth@4blokes.com.au

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YOUR MARKET

your

market Your market WA Grower WINTER 2022

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YOUR MARKET

Providing access to valuable data via the Harvest to Home platform Measuring consumer purchasing behaviour.

f CONSUMER INSIGHTS STRATEGY — building a detailed understanding of our consumers and the potential market opportunities for the horticulture sector.

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YOUR MARKET

n 2021, Hort Innovation developed a Consumer Insights Strategy, which focuses on building a detailed understanding of our consumers and the potential market opportunities for the horticulture sector. The Consumer Insights Strategy is underpinned by a number of multiindustry investments that work together to provide the necessary data and insights needed by our stakeholders. One of these foundational investments is the continuation of our partnership with NielsenIQ, to give industry access to their Homescan panel, which measures consumer purchasing behaviour and is the primary market read on retail consumer performance. A new five-year agreement is underway through the multi-industry investment Consumer purchase and retail data (MT21004) and this data source underpins the Harvest to Home platform. Through NielsenIQ’s 10,000+ consumer panel, this investment provides industry with insights into household purchasing behaviour and channel performance. Through this investment, industry also have access to Homescan specialist servicing time to answer any further

purchase-related queries they may have. Recently AUSVEG took advantage of this opportunity by reaching out to Hort Innovation for some additional data to help aid some of its advocacy on behalf of its members. AUSVEG developed advocacy articles detailing the rapidly rising input costs that their growers are dealing with and compared these to the retail prices across key commodities which it demonstrated had remained relatively static overtime. As you can see in Figure 1, the NielsenIQ data provided AUSVEG with the necessary data to back up their claims.

Part of AUSVEG’s work is to help educate and inform growers to be able to use this information within their business. Many growers have referenced this work during their negotiations with their buyers and are seeing the benefits. This information was picked up by multiple media outlets and continues to be a prevalent discussion point within industry and the broader community.

Part of AUSVEG’s work is to help educate and inform growers.

With growers continuing to bear the brunt of global trade conditions with rising chemical, fertiliser, fuel, lumber and labour costs, AUSVEG wanted to bring attention to farmgate prices in the current economic climate.

Providing relevant data is a way Hort Innovation can equip horticultural industry bodies to advocate for the betterment of growers.

AUSVEG was also able to use this information to help better inform other industry bodies, via the NFF Horticulture Council, to help them understand what can be done in this space and how Hort Innovation can assist them with data.

14 MORE INFORMATION

PRICE/KG

10 8 6 4 2 0

12wk 05/01/20

12wk 29/03/20

VEGETABLES

LETTUCE

12wk 21/06/20 POTATOES

12wk 13/09/20 CELERY

ONIONS

12wk 06/12/20 BROCCOLI

12wk 28/02/21 CARROTS

12wk 23/05/21

12wk 15/08/21

12wk 07/11/21

12wk 30/01/22

Hort Innovation is looking forward to seeing how the Consumer Insights Strategy, and the investments that underpin it, will contribute positively to the horticulture sector.

TOMATOES

FIGURE 1. AUSTRALIA, PRICE PER KG Source: NielsenIQ Homescan for the 52 weeks ending 30/01/2022 for the Australian market. Copyright © 2022 Nielsen Consumer LLC. Disclaimer: NielsenIQ does not endorse any client claim or extrapolated opinion. NielsenIQ is an independent research agency and cannot support or advise on advertisement or marketing campaigns or slogans or similar publications. Hort Innovation may only make use of our name in association with the results it may reference in its claim. Hort Innovation may not state or imply that NielsenIQ is the source of the claim itself.

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YOUR MARKET

Pricing issues

within the fresh produce supply chain

USVEG has taken a look at pricing issues within the fresh produce supply chain and delved into the world of retail ‘specials’ and ‘promotion’ pricing. The dataset provided, thanks to Hort Innovation and NielsenIQ, shows some interesting learnings of the use of ‘specials’ by the supermarkets. Anecdotally many growers have said that supermarkets will often use specials to assist in clearing stock during an oversupply in the market. When done properly, this can be

considered generally a positive thing as a special can drive greater demand by the consumer — so in that sense it’s a win-win for all. However, the dataset below and anecdotal feedback from growers tells a different story in that many fresh produce lines are fairly consistent in the percentage of volume which is on promotion. Across all fresh vegetables there is anywhere between 19–24% of the total volume of produce on promotion at any one time, which seems quite high.

The following tables show the total promo volume and non-promo volume based on the total volume on the market. It should be noted that each supermarket will have varying volumes for each product which is on promotion, and each will have their own percentage of the market.

1 in 5 fresh vegetable products on the shelf is under a promotion.

That is every 1 in 5 fresh vegetable products on the shelf is under a promotion. While this does vary for different commodities, some such as potatoes can be as high as 36% on promotion. That is every 1 in 3 potatoes on the shelf at any one time is on promotion.

However, the high rate of promotions across the sector at any one time is no doubt a challenge for the growers.

It means that the market is not free to operate solely under supply and demand. The question is how does the rest of the market compete when there is such a large volume of product already sold at a promotional price?

4.0 2.0 0

4wk -25 4wk -24 4wk -23 4wk -22 4wk -21 4wk -20 4wk -19 4wk -18 4wk -17 4wk -16 4wk -15 4wk -14 4wk -13 4wk -12 4wk -11 4wk -10 4wk -9 4wk -8 4wk -7 4wk -6 4wk -5 4wk -4 4wk -3 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk to 24/04/22

PRICE PER KG

6.0

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

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NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0

VOLUME KG ('000)

FRESH VEGETABLES 8.0

PRICE PER KG 2.5

15.0

10.0

5.0

0 PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

CARROTS

LETTUCE

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

2.0

1.0

2.0

1.0

0 3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

2.5 PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PROMO PRICE NON PROMO PRICE NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

ONIONS

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

CARROTS

1.5

1.0NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

0.5

ONIONS

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

2.0

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) 1.0NON PROMO PRICE

CARROTS

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

0.5

12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0

2.0

2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0

25,000 YOUR MARKET 20,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

VOLUME KG ('000)

5,000

VOLUME KG ('000)

POTATOES

4wk -25 4wk -24 4wk -23 4wk -22 4wk -21 4wk -20 4wk -19 4wk -18 4wk -17 4wk -16 4wk -15 4wk -14 4wk -13 4wk -12 4wk -11 4wk -10 4wk -9 4wk -8 4wk -7 4wk -6 VOLUME KG ('000) 4wk -5 4wk -4 4wk -3 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk to 24/04/22

10,000

VOLUME KG ('000)

PRICE PER KG

15,000

VOLUME KG ('000)

3.0

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0

VOLUME KG ('000)

3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) 1.0NON PROMO PRICE 0.5 0

PRICE PER KG

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

The promotional price is 25,000 30–40% less regularly than20,000the non-promotional 15,000 price.

12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0

VOLUME KG ('000)

ONIONS 4wk -25 4wk -24 4wk -23 4wk -22 4wk -21 4wk -20 4wk -19 4wk -18 4wk -17 4wk -16 4wk -15 4wk -14 4wk -13 4wk -12 4wk -11 4wk -10 4wk -9 4wk -8 4wk -7 VOLUME KG ('000)4wk -6 4wk -5 4wk -4 4wk -3 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk to 24/04/22

PRICE PER KG

4wk -25 4wk -24 4wk -23 4wk -22 4wk -21 4wk -20 4wk -19 PRICE PER KG 4wk -18 4wk -17 4wk -16 4wk -15 4wk -14 4wk -13 4wk -12 4wk -11 4wk -10 4wk -9 4wk -8 4wk -7 4wk -6 4wk -5 4wk -4 4wk -3 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk to 24/04/22 PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

3.0

PRICE PER KG

PRICE PER KG 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0

4wk -25 4wk -25 4wk -24 4wk -24 4wk -23 4wk -23 4wk -22 4wk -22 4wk -21 4wk -21 4wk -20 4wk -20 4wk -19 4wk -19 PRICE PER KG 4wk -18 4wk -18 4wk -17 4wk -17 4wk -25 4wk -16 4wk -16 4wk -24 4wk -15 4wk -15 4wk -23 4wk -14 4wk -14 4wk -22 4wk -13 4wk -13 4wk -21 4wk -12 4wk -12 4wk -20 4wk -11 4wk -11 4wk -19 4wk -10 4wk -18 4wk -10 4wk -9 4wk4wk -9 -17 4wk -8 4wk4wk -8 -16 4wk -7 4wk -6 4wk4wk -7 -15 4wk -5 4wk4wk -6 -14 4wk -4 4wk4wk -5 -13 4wk -3 4wk4wk -4 -12 4wk -11 4wk -2 4wk -3 4wk -10 4wk -1 4wk -2 4wk -9 4wk to 24/04/22 4wk -1 4wk -8 4wk to 24/04/22 4wk -7 4wk -6 4wk -5 VOLUME KG ('000) 4wk -4 4wk -3 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk to 24/04/22

PRICE PER KG

POTATOES 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0

POTATOES

10,000

5,000 25,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

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4wk -2 4wk -2 4wk -2 4wk -2 4wk -2 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk -1 4wk 4wk 4wk 4wk 4wk 4wk 4wk 4wk 4wk 4wk to 24/04/2

YOUR MARKET

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

CELERY

2.0

10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0

10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 Promotion pricing v standard 2.0 pricing 0

PRICE PER KG

4wk -1

4wk -2

4wk -3

4wk -4

4wk -5

4wk -6

VOLUME KG ('000)

4wk to 24/04/22

4wk -1

4wk -2

4wk -3

4wk -4

4wk -5

4wk -6

4wk -7

4wk -8

4wk -9

4wk -10

4wk -11

4wk -12

4wk -13

4wk -14

4wk -15

4wk -16

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

TOMATO

15,000 10,000 5,000 0

4wk -25 4wk -24 4wk -23 4wk -22 4wk -21 4wk -20 4wk -19 4wk -18 4wk -17 4wk -16 4wk -15 4wk -14 4wk -13 4wk -12 4wk -11 4wk -10 4wk -9 4wk -8 4wk -7 4wk -6 4wk -5 VOLUME KG ('000) 4wk -4 4wk -3 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk to 24/04/22

PRICE PER KG

TOMATO

4wk -17

4wk -18

4wk -19

4wk -20

4wk -21

4wk -22

4wk -23

4wk -24

4wk -25

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

4wk -7

4wk -8

4wk -9

4wk -10

4wk -11

4wk -12

4wk -13

4wk -14

4wk -15

4wk -16

4.0

VOLUME KG ('000)

6.0

6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

6,000 0 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0

4wk to 24/04/22

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

8.0

4wk -17

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

4wk -18

4wk -19

BROCCOLI

4wk -20

4wk -25

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

4wk -21

2.0

4wk -22

4.0

500

4wk -23

6.0

BROCCOLI 4wk -25 4wk -24 4wk -23 4wk -22 4wk -21 4wk -20 4wk -19 4wk -18 4wk -17 4wk -16 4wk -15 4wk -14 4wk -13 4wk -12 4wk -11 4wk -10 4wk -9 4wk -8 4wk -7 4wk -6 4wk -5 4wk -4 4wk -3 4wk -2 4wk -1 4wk to 24/04/22

2.0 10.0 0 8.0

VOLUME KG ('000)

PRICE PER KG

1,000

4.0

10.0

1,500

6.0

4wk -24

PRICE PER KG

8.0

VOLUME KG ('000)

2,000

10.0

PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) PRICE PER KG PROMO PRICE

NON PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO PRICE

standard price, and there is a high volume of product which is on special, it puts greater pressure on the rest of the market.

10,000

5,000 to raise these issues with the relevant stakeholders including politicians and 0 regulators to ensure growers receive a fair price in a competitive market.

The pricing piece of the above tables also shows a high disparity between the average product price compared Across fresh vegetables the promotional PROMO VOLUME SALES ('000) NON PROMO VOLUME ('000) with the average promotion price. The priceSALES is regularly 30–40% less than the PRICE PER KG NON PROMO PRICE promotion pricing is significantly lower non-promotional price. The questions PROMO PRICE price. Most would than the non-promo is, how high can the market really go say that’s obvious, it’s a promotion when it is competing against 30% of after all. However, if the promotion the volume being sold at a significantly price is significantly lower than the reduced price? AUSVEG is continuing

15,000

MORE INFORMATION

This article was produced by AUSVEG for more information contact (03) 9882 0277 or email info@ausveg.com.au

*Hort Innovation Australia calculation based in part on data reported by NielsenIQ through its Homescan Service for the fresh vegetables category to 24th April 2022, for the Total Australia market, according to the NielsenIQ standard product hierarchy. Copyright © 2022, Nielsen Consumer LLC

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits

Current Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits Permit No. Product

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER90927

Cyantraniliprole

Celery

Leaf miners

31-Dec-23

PER14726

RAPTOR WG HERBICIDE

Adzuki & faba beans

Grass & broadleaf weed control

30-Sep-24

PER12237

Pendimethalin

Adzuki bean

Broad leaf weeds

30-Nov-25

PER82124

Boscalid

Adzuki beans

Sclerotinia

28-Feb-25

PER12864

Polyram (metiram)

Apple varieties

Alternaria

30-Jun-26

PER88266

Dominex Duo

Apple weevil

Truffle orchards

28-Feb-23

PER12716

Confidor 200 SC Insecticide

Asian root vegetables

Greenhouse whitefly & green peach aphid

31-Jul-25

PER84890

Pyriproxfen

Beans

Silverleaf whitefly

31-Jul-24

PER86530

Status Herbicide

Beans

Annual rye grass & winter grass

30-Nov-26

PER92213

Difenconazole

Beetroot

Leaf spot

31-Mar-23

PER90595

Uniform Fungicide

Beetroot

Pythium & Rhizoctonia

30-Jun-24

PER14891

Trifloxystrobin

Beetroot

Alternaria leaf spot

30-Sep-24

PER81260

Imidacloprid

Beetroot

Aphids & thrips

31-Jul-25

PER14184

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid

Beetroot, carrot, parsnip & brassica leafy vegetables

Damping off & downy mildew

30-Apr-25

PER87630

Serenade Opti Biofungicide

Brassica leafy vegetables

Bacterial spot

31-Mar-27

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

PER14045

Mancozeb + Metalaxyl

Brassica leafy vegetables, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, chicory, endive, radicchio, rocket, carrots & parsnip

Various fungal diseases

31-Mar-27

PER14596

Chlorpyrifos

Brassica vegetables

Vegetable beetle adults

30-Sep-22

PER81876

ABAMECTIN

Brassica vegetables, bulb vegetables, fruiting vegetables

Leaf miner

30-Apr-24

PER81867

DIPTEX 150 WP

Brassica vegetables, fruiting vegetables

Leaf miner

30-Nov-23

PER84261

Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage & cauliflower

Silverleaf whitefly

31-Aug-25

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

PER89185

Mainman 500 WG Insecticide

Bulb vegetable

Thrips

31-Aug-23

PER81408

PHOSPHOROUS ACID

Capsicum

Phytophthora soil fungus

31-Jul-25

PER12565

Scala Fungicide

Capsicum & lettuce (protected crops only)

Botrytis rots

30-Jun-25

PER90346

Flonicamid

Capsicums & eggplants

Green peach aphid

31-May-24

PER11747

2,2-Dichloropropionic Acid

Carrot crops (for seed)

Promotion of bolting & grass weed control

PER89181

Sumagic Uniconazole

Carrot seed crops

Plant height reduction

31-Oct-23

PER88504

Propazine products

Carrot seed crops

Various weeds including nightshade, fat hen, wireweed

30-Apr-26

PER86665

Fipronil

Carrots

White fringed weevil & symphylids

31-Jul-24

PER13305

Glyphosate (shielded sprayer)

Carrots

Certain broadleaf & grass weeds

31-Mar-25

2-Dec-22

WA Grower WINTER 2022

111

YOUR PRODUCTION

permits (cont.) Permit No. Product

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER13147

Lontrel

Cauliflower

Capeweed & clover

30-Sep-24

PER14843

Indoxacarb (Avatar Insecticide)

Celery

Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller & vegetable weevil

30-Sep-24

PER82358

Esfenvalerate

Celery

Helicoverpa armigera

31-Jan-26

PER83203

FIPRONIL (REGENT 200 SC)

Celery & field lettuce

Western flower thrips, onion thrips

31-Dec-24

PER13673

METALAXYL-M + MANCOZEB

Celery, silverbeet & spinach

Various diseases

31-Jul-26

PER88559

Serenade Opti Biofungicide

Cherries

Suppression of various diseases

31-Aug-22

PER88787

Teldor 500 SC Fungicide

Cherries

Botrytis grey mould

30-Nov-23

PER11002

Indoxacarb

Cherries

European earwig

31-Mar-25

PER88558

Imidacloprid

Chilli peppers

Silverleaf whitefly

30-Sep-23

PER91733

Cyprodinil & Fludioxonil

Chillies

Botrytis

30-Nov-23

PER89354

Chlorantraniliprole Insecticide

Citrus fruit

Fall armyworm

30-Apr-23

PER86962

hydrogen peroxide, peroxyacetic acid

Citrus fruits

Citrus black spot

31-Jan-24

PER90765

Multiple products

Citrus rootstock seed

Albinism

28-Feb-25

PER13059

Abamectin + Clofentezine

Citrus trees

Citrus red mites

30-Sep-25

PER86428

Serenade Opti

Cucumber

Bacterial spot

30-Sep-24

PER14722

Abamectin

Cucumber, zucchini, squash

Tomato red spider mite

31-Jul-25

PER80138

Alpha-cypermethrin

Cucurbits

Cucumber fruit fly

31-Mar-25

PER87605

Various Fipronil products

Custard apple

Ants

30-Apr-25

PER13952

Cabrio WG Fungicide & Cabrio Fungicide (pyraclostrobin)

Custard apple

Pseudocercospora leaf spot

31-Aug-26

PER11943

Copper & Mancozeb

Custard apple

Anthracnose

PER14743

Trichlorfon

Custard apple, lychee, mango & Various insect pests persimmon

30-Jun-25

PER88032

Serenade Opti Biofungicide

Eggplant

Early blight, botrytis grey mould, powdery mildew, bacterial spot

31-Oct-22

PER14186

Success Neo (spinetoram)

Eggplant

Melon thrips

30-Sep-24

PER8930

Phorate

Eggplant, peppers, shallots & spring onions

Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips & onion maggot

30-Nov-24

PER14839

Zineb

Eggplant, spinach & silverbeet

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)

30-Sep-24

PER80717

Trichlorfon

Eggplant, Thai eggplant, pepino & Cape gooseberry

Fruit fly

31-Aug-25

PER82378

DIMETHOATE

Faba beans

Mirid bugs

31-Mar-26

PER85363

FulFill Insecticide

Faba beans

Green peach aphid & faba bean aphid

31-Aug-26

PER82748

IMAZETHAPYR

Faba beans

Labelled weeds

31-Oct-26

PER82634

BASAGRAN POST-EMERGENT HERBICIDE

Faba beans (Vicia faba)

Labelled weeds

31-Jul-26

PER90232

Clopyralid, fluroxypyr & oxyfluorfen

Fennel, lavender, mint & parsley

Various broadleaf weeds (per product labels)

31-Mar-24

PER82456

RIDOMIL GOLD MZ WG SYSTEMIC & PROTECTIVE FUNGICIDE

Field grown capsicum, chillies, paprika

Downy mildew

31-Jul-25

PER86822

Chlorine

Fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family

Citrus canker

31-Jul-22

PER80542

Trichlorfon

Fruit flies

Cherries

31-Mar-25

PER90102

Thiacloprid

Fruit trees (urban & residential areas)

Queensland fruit fly

30-Sep-22

PER90101

Clothianidin

Fruit trees (urban & residential areas)

Queensland fruit fly

30-Sep-22

PER90276

Spinetoram

Fruit trees & berries — urban & Queensland fruit fly residential areas

30-Nov-22

112

WA Grower WINTER 2022

30-Apr-27

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Product

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER84757

spinetoram

Fruiting vegetables other than cucurbits & root & tuber vegetables

Tomato potato psyllid

31-Aug-25

PER80099

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Fruiting vegetables, except cucurbits

Mediterranean fruit fly & Queensland fruit fly

31-Mar-25

PER82015

Clethodim

Garlic

Winter grass

31-Dec-23

PER87015

Lambda- Cyhalothrin

Garlic

Various pests

31-Aug-24

PER87005

Abamectin

Garlic

Bulb mite

30-Sep-24

PER14886

Pendimethalin

Garlic

Grass & broadleaf weeds

31-Jan-25

PER89516

Various Copper Fungicides

Garlic

Downy mildew

30-Sep-25

PER14604

Lambda-cyhalothrin

Garlic

Selected insect pests

30-Sep-25

PER90737

Success Neo

Ginger

Fall armyworm

30-Sep-23

PER12407

Fusilade (fluazifop)

Ginger

Grass weeds

31-Oct-23

PER12409

Chlorpyrifos

Ginger

Symphylids

30-Jun-24

PER91306

Magnet Insect Attractant Technology

Ginger

Fall armyworm

31-Oct-24

PER90758

Coragen Insecticide

Ginger (all cultivars)

Fall armyworm

30-Sep-23

PER88904

THIRAM

Ginger (Zingiber officiale)

Pythium soft rot or pythium rhizome rot

30-Nov-25

PER85387

Metribuzin

Ginger (Zingiber officiale)

Annual grass & broadleaf weeds

30-Nov-25

PER89984

Metalaxyl-M or metalaxyl & phosphorous acid

Ginger (Zingiber officiale)

Pythium soft rot or pythium rhizome rot

28-Feb-26

PER91292

Luna Sensation Fungicide

Green beans

Powdery mildew

31-Jul-22

PER85103

Nufarm Nuprid

Green beans

Silver leaf whitefly

30-Sep-22

PER91492

Clethodim

Green beans

Certain annual grass weeds

31-Jan-25

PER14896

Bentazone (Basagran)

Green peas (processing)

Broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-24

PER14326

Captan

Leafy lettuce, cucumber, capsicum & chilli

Grey mould

30-Jun-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

PER81271

Various Actives

Leeks & garlic

Grass & broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-25

PER14742

Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide)

Leeks, spring onions & shallots

Various broadleaf & grass weeds

30-Apr-24

PER82273

CHLOROTHALONIL

Lentils

Potential exotic pests & diseases

31-Mar-25

PER13301

Alpha-cypermethrin

Lettuce

Red-legged earth mite & vegetable weevil

31-May-25

PER14210

Acramite Miticide

Lettuce

Two-spotted mite

31-Oct-26

PER91632

Phenmedipham

Lettuce (direct seeded)

TBA

29-Feb-24

PER14964

Chlorothalonil

Lettuce seedlings

Antracnose (shot hole)

31-Jul-26

PER81241

Phenmedipham (Betanal)

Lettuce, chicory, endive, radicchio & spinach

Broadleaf weeds

31-May-25

PER91012

Sulfoxaflor

Longans

Fruit-spotting bug (Amblypelta nitida)

30-Apr-23

PER91256

Acetamiprid + pyriproxyfen (Trivor Insecticide)

Longans

Fruit spotting bugs

31-Jan-24

PER88197

SWITCH FUNGICIDE

Lychee

Lychee pepper spot

30-Nov-24

PER88401

Buprofezin

Lychee

Mealybug, flatid plant hoppers & scale insects

31-Jan-25

PER91169

Sulfur

Lychee

Lychee erinose mite & white louse scale

31-Aug-26

PER91168

Petroleum Oil

Lychee

Green shield scale, soft green & soft scales

31-Aug-26

PER13660

Copper hydroxide & cuprous oxide Lychees

Lychee pepper spot

30-Apr-27

PER83998

MALDISON

Fruit fly

31-Aug-22

Mango

WA Grower WINTER 2022

113

YOUR PRODUCTION

permits (cont.) Permit No. Product

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER13484

Carbaryl

Mango

Mango leafhoppers

30-Jun-25

PER14830

Chlorothalonil (Bravo Weather Stik)

Mango

Anthracnose

30-Nov-25

PER84427

LANNATE-L INSECTICIDE

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Redbanded thrips; chilli thrips; banana flower thrips; tomato thrips

28-Feb-24

PER91798

Prodigy Insecticide (methoxyfenozide)

Mango, lychee & longan

Mango shoot looper

30-Nov-24

PER90367

Vayego 200 SC Insecticide (tetraniliprole)

Mangoes

Mango seed weevil

30-Nov-23

PER91560

Ethephon

Mangoes

Dry season vegetative flushes

30-Nov-26

PER87232

ParaMite Selective Miticide

Mangoes

Tea red spider mite

30-Nov-26

PER89327

Success Neo Insecticide

Olives

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER81870

PYGANIC ORGANIC INSECTICIDE

Olives

Olive lace bug

31-Oct-24

PER14575

Chlorpyrifos

Olives

Ants, African black beetle & light brown apple moth

31-Mar-25

PER13999

Dimethoate

Olives

Various insect pests

31-Jul-26

PER14791

Alpha-cypermethrin

Olives

Various insect pests

30-Nov-26

PER14460

Ethephon

Olives

Fruit loosening

30-Apr-27

PER89331

Success Neo Insecticide

Onion

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER13119

Diazinon

Onions

Onion thrips

31-May-23

PER89991

Dimethenamid-P

Onions

Annual ryegrass

28-Feb-24

PER80282

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Onions

Onion thrips

30-Nov-25

PER91912

Propamocarb

Papaw or papaya (seedlings)

Damping off

31-Dec-26

PER89170

Scholar

Papaya

Anthracnose & stem end rot

28-Feb-24

PER12592

Chlorothalonil & Difenoconazole

Papaya

Black spot & brown spot

30-Apr-25

PER14490

Metalaxyl-M (Ridomil Gold 25G), Metalaxyl (Zee-mil 50G) + Phosphorous acid

Papaya (pawpaw)

Phytophthora root rot & pythium

31-Mar-27

PER14858

Pendimethalin

Parsnip

Grasses & broadleaf weeds

31-Mar-25

PER12048

Prometryn

Parsnip & carrot

Weeds

31-Jul-25

PER11440

Sumiclex 500 (procymidone)

Peppers

Sclerotinia rot

30-Nov-24

PER14353

Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione)

Peppers & celeriac

Sclerotinia rot

31-Mar-27

PER12488

Mancozeb

Persimmons

Cercospora leaf spot

31-Mar-25

PER13445

Chlorothalonil

Persimmons

Cercospora leaf spot

31-Jul-25

PER88722

Clearwing Borer Mating Disruption Agent

Persimmons

Clearwing borer

31-Mar-23

PER13176

Shin Etsu MD Carmenta Pheromone

Persimmons

Clearwing persimmon borer

31-Jul-23

PER89215

Mainman 500 WG Insecticide

Persimmons

Thrips & mealybug

31-Aug-23

PER14547

Chlorpyrifos

Persimmons

Mealybug

31-Oct-23

PER12591

Prodigy Insecticide (methoxyfenozide)

Persimmons

Leaf roller, yellow peach moth, lightbrown apple moth & orange fruitborer

31-Jul-26

PER80344

Chlorpyrifos

Potato

Black beetle, red-legged earth mite

31-Jul-24

PER84249

VARIOUS

Potato

Tomato potato psyllid

30-Sep-26

PER84245

Movento 240 SC

Potato, sweet potato, tomato, capsicum, chilli, peppers, eggplant

Tomato potato psyllid

30-Apr-25

PER90864

Abamectin

Potatoes

Potato moth

31-Jan-23

PER12612

Alpha-cypermethrin

Potatoes

Garden weevil

30-Apr-26

PER89300

Affirm Insecticide

Pulse

Fall armyworm

30-Apr-23

114

WA Grower WINTER 2022

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Product

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER8522

Chlorpyrifos

Pulse crops

Soil insects

31-May-24

PER12830

Fenitrothion

Pulses

Spur throated locust

31-Jul-23

PER89184

Dimethoate

Pulses

Liriomyza leaf miners

31-Mar-25

PER11768

Chlorpyrifos

Pumpkin

African black beetle

28-Feb-23

PER11949

Lambda-Cyhalothrin

Radish & beetroot

Various insects

31-Mar-25

PER11441

Propachlor

Radish, swede, turnip

Grass & broadleaf weeds

31-Oct-24

PER13444

Propiconazole

Radishes

Cercospora

31-Dec-26

PER90208

Sulfoxaflor

Raspberries & blackberries

Various pests

31-May-24

PER90178

Versys Insecticide

Raspberries & blackberries (cane berries)

Aphids & greenhouse whitefly

30-Apr-24

PER89406

Paramite

Raspberries & blackberries

Two-spotted mites, bean spider mite

30-Apr-23

PER89214

Mainman 500 WG Insecticide

Raspberries & blackberries

Various pests

30-Jun-23

PER91060

Oxathiapiprolin

Raspberry & blackberry (hydroponic substrate or soil grown)

Phytophthora root rot

31-Oct-24

PER13152

MCPA 250 Selective Herbicide

Rhubarb

Broadleaf weeds

30-Sep-26

PER91493

Azoxystrobin

Rockmelon, honeydew melon & watermelon

Post harvest rot & stem end rot

30-Sep-23

PER14449

Chlorothalonil

Rubus crops

Various fungal diseases

31-Mar-25

PER91601

Trivor Insecticide (#80807)

Rubus spp. including blackberries & raspberries

Various pests

28-Feb-25

PER13958

Various products

Rubus, ribes & blueberries

Various fungal blights

31-Aug-25

PER80070

Pyganic Organic Insecticide

Rubus, ribes & blueberry

Monolepta beetle, green vegetable bug, green stink bug

31-Oct-25

PER10988

cyanazine

Snow & sugar snap peas

Weeds as per label

31-Mar-25

PER14470

Mancozeb & Dimethomorph

Snow peas

Downy mildew

28-Feb-27

PER11764

Spiroxamine

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Powdery mildew

31-Aug-26

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

PER14892

Pymetrozine (Chess Insecticide)

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Aphid pests

31-May-27

PER12961

Karate Insecticide (lambdacyhalothrin)

Soil drench (tree fruit, nuts, vines & vegetables)

Mediterranean fruit fly & Queensland fruit fly

31-Mar-25

PER12486

Trichlorfon

Specified berry fruit

Fruit fly

31-Mar-26

PER89943

Trivor Insecticide

Specified fruit crops

Specified pests

31-Jan-24

PER12450

Trichlorfon

Specified fruit crops

Fruit fly

30-Nov-25

PER14593

Mancozeb

Specified fruiting & legume vegetables

Downy mildew, anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp) & alternaria

30-Apr-25

PER13322

Success Neo Jemvelva Active Insecticide (spinetoram)

Specified leafy vegetables

Potato moth

31-Mar-27

PER81244

Fluazifop-p-butyl

Specified vegetables & herbs

Annual grass weeds

30-Apr-27

PER87631

Coragen Insecticide

Spinach & silverbeet

Cabbage leaf miner

30-Jun-24

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

PER84804

Movento 240 SC

Stone fruit

Western flower thrips

28-Feb-24

PER14683

Trichlorfon

Stone fruit & guava

Mediterranean fruit fly

31-Mar-27

PER88018

Chlorpyrifos

Sweet corn

African black beetle

30-Nov-22

PER90374

Avatar eVo Insecticide (Indoxacarb)

Sweet corn

Fall armyworm

30-Nov-23

PER90841

Abrade Abrasive Barrier Insecticide

Sweet corn

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-24

WA Grower WINTER 2022

115

YOUR PRODUCTION

permits (cont.) Permit No. Product

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER84531

Methoxyfenozide

Sweet corn

Lepidopteran pests

31-Aug-25

PER13116

Propiconazole

Sweet corn

Northern corn leaf blight

31-Jan-26

PER86245

Surefire Azlan Fungicide, Veritas Opti Fungicide (azoxystrobin + tebuconazole)

Sweet corn

Maize rust

28-Feb-26

PER12047

Thiabendazole

Sweet potato

Field rots caused by scurf & root rot

30-Sep-26

PER13151

Mouseoff & Rattoff Zinc Phosphide Baits

Sweet potato

House mouse & introduced rats

31-Mar-27

PER89935

Callisto

Sweet corn

Wild radish, Capeweed, fat hen

31-Aug-24

PER88277

Huwasan TR50 ‚Äì hydrogen peroxide

Tomato

Agrobacterium

31-Oct-22

PER89419

Miravis

Tomato

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-23

PER91610

Clofentezine

Tomatoes

Two-spotted mites

31-Aug-22

PER91609

Bifenazate

Tomatoes

Two-spotted mites

31-Aug-22

PER91852

Intervene WG Fungicide (Polyoxin D zinc salt)

Tomatoes

Leaf mould

31-Dec-22

PER91617

Kanemite Miticide

Tomatoes

Two-spotted mite

29-Feb-24

PER90919

Metrafenone

Tomatoes

Powdery mildew

30-Sep-24

PER91109

Talendo Fungicide

Tomatoes

Powdery mildew

31-Oct-24

PER90918

Alpha Amylase (From Bacillus Amyloliquifaciens)

Tomatoes

Powdery mildew

30-Nov-24

PER85076

Peratec Plus Fungicide

Tomatoes

Fusarium wilt

28-Feb-25

PER81713

MAINMAN 500WG INSECTICIDE

Tomatoes

Silverleaf whitefly

31-Mar-25

PER13566

Methomyl

Tomatoes & capsicums

Fruit fly

31-Mar-26

PER13567

BIFENTHRIN

Tomatoes & capsicums

Fruit fly systems approach

31-Mar-26

PER13724

Previcur

Tomatoes (protected)

Root rot

31-May-26

PER13726

Trifloxystrobin

Tomatoes (protected)

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-26

PER13720

Pristine

Tomatoes (protected)

Powdery mildew

30-Jun-26

PER13721

Cyprodinil plus Fludioxonil

Tomatoes (protected)

Grey mould (botrytis)

30-Sep-26

PER13717

Amistar Top (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole)

Tomatoes (protected)

Powdery mildew

30-Nov-26

PER89693

Copper

Tropical fruits

Diplodia & pink disease

30-Nov-22

PER92220

Clama 50SC Insecticide

Various

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89870

Entrust Organic Insecticide

Various

Fall armyworm

31-Jul-23

PER11604

Metsulfuron methyl, Triclopyr, Picloram + Triclopyr

Various areas

Kudzu

30-Sep-24

PER89572

PAKS 1080 CONCENTRATE

Various areas

Feral pigs

31-Oct-24

PER90213

S-methoprene

Various areas

Red imported fire ant

31-Mar-26

PER89371

Affirm insecticide

Various cereals

Fall armyworm

31-Aug-23

PER90719

Amitrole, ammonium thiocyanate, Various crop & non crop areas MSMA, aminopyralid, picloram, triclopyr, glyphosate

Cactaceae

31-Jan-24

PER90820

Fawligen — Spodoptera Frugiperda Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV)

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-24

PER89259

Chlorantraniliprole

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89279

Various products

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89278

Avatar Insecticide

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89263

Proclaim Opti Insecticide

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER89241

Success Neo & Delegate Insecticide

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

116

WA Grower WINTER 2022

YOUR PRODUCTION

Permit No. Product

Crop

Reason for use

Expiry date

PER82552

LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN

Various crops

Brown marmorated stink bug & yellow spotted stink bugs

30-Apr-23

PER91477

Spodovir Plus — Spodoptera Frugiperda Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV)

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-24

PER82341

Bifenazate

Various crops

Mites

30-Apr-25

PER87973

Difenoconazole Fungicide

Various crops

Various diseases

31-Aug-25

PER89293

Lannate Insecticide

Various crops as per label

Fall armyworm

30-Apr-23

PER91073

Abamectin

Various fruit fly host plants — commercial & residential areas

Mediterranean & Queensland fruit fly

31-May-23

PER91161

Chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam

Various leafy vegetables

Leaf miners

30-Jun-24

PER89285

Proclaim Opti Insecticide

Various leafy vegetables, celery, Fall armyworm blueberry

31-Mar-23

PER82551

Diazinon

Various onions & herbs, & cauliflower

Onion maggot, onion fly & thrips

31-Jan-24

PER89284

Success Neo Insecticide

Various tubers & bulbs

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER91155

Spinetoram

Various vegetable & herb crops

Leaf miners

30-Jun-24

PER14583

Chlorpyrifos

Various vegetable crops

Various insect pests

31-Oct-24

PER90387

Benevia Insecticide

Various vegetables

Liriomyza leaf miners

31-Dec-23

PER81702

Alpha-cypermethrin

Various vegetables

Various insect pests

28-Feb-24

PER13695

Ecocarb Fungicide

Various vegetables

Powdery mildew

31-Jul-25

PER82459

Clethodim

Various vegetables

Various grass weeds

30-Sep-26

PER82895

Chlorothalonil

Various vegetables & herbs

Fungal diseases

31-Aug-25

PER90718

Prothioconazole

Watermelon

Fusarium wilt

30-Nov-23

PER89348

Prothioconazole Fungicide

Watermelon

Furarium wilt

30-Nov-23

PER88808

Alpha-Cypermethrin

Asian brassica leafy vegetables

Heliothis, white cabbage butterfly, cluster caterpillar, cabbage moth

31-Jul-26

PER89280

Durivo Insecticide

Brassicas, leafy vegetables

Fall armyworm

31-Mar-23

PER88430

Versys Insecticide

Carrots

Aphids including green peach aphid & carrot aphid

31-Jul-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

PER88363

Lambda-Cyhalothrin

Garlic

Various pests

30-Jun-23

PER88362

Various Products

Garlic

Fungi & mildew

30-Jun-25

PER80367

Pyraclostrobin

Lychee

Anthracnose or pepper spot

31-Oct-25

PER83944

CLOTHIANIDIN

Mango

Fruit fly

31-Mar-24

PER88358

Mancozeb

Olives

Anthracnose

31-Jul-23

PER88994

Payback plant growth regulator

Potatoes

PER80954

METHOXYFENOZIDE

Snow peas & sugar snap peas

Native budworm, tomato grub & cluster caterpillar

31-Jul-25

PER88179

Propargite

Sweet corn

Two-spotted mite

31-Dec-22

PER88170

Etoxazole

Sweet corn

Two-spotted mite

29-Feb-24

PER88071

Fipronil

Various areas

European wasp

31-Jan-26

PER89353

Chlorantraniliprole

Various crops

Fall armyworm

31-May-23

PER90928

Spinosad

Various crops

Leaf miners

30-Apr-24

PER11843

Malathion (maldison) & Chlorpyrifos

Various crops

Locusts

31-Jul-24

PER84974

Fluazifop-p present as the butyl ester

Various root & tuber crops

Grass weeds (incl. couch & Guinea grass)

28-Feb-26

31-Dec-25

WA Grower WINTER 2022

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YOUR BUSINESS

RESULTS THE BUILDING HORTICULTURE BUSINESS CAPABILITY PROGRAM CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Results the Building Horticulture Business Capability Program

e v e i h c a u o y p l e h can BY BRYN EDWARDS BENCHMARK LEAD, VEGETABLESWA

Điều chỉnh hợp lý sự tăng giá đầu ra để đối phó với sự tăng giá của vật tư Quí vị sẽ làm gì khi lợi nhuận bị bào mòn do giá cả vật tư tăng? Những người tham gia chương trình Xây dựng năng lực ngành Rau quả, một chương trình kết nối các chủ doanh nghiệp với những chuyên gia quản lý ở công ty Plantfarm, đang bắt đầu tạo ra một số cải thiện đáng kể về khả năng sinh lợi nhuận và về cách vận hành doanh nghiệp. Đây chỉ là 5 ví dụ cho quí vị xem xét.

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WA Grower WINTER 2022

Điều chúng tôi đã làm — Sử dụng số liệu kinh doanh trong quá khứ tính toán mức căn bản trong chi phí vận hành rồi sau đó dung số liệu hiện tại về những thay đổi chi phí vật tư thiết yếu tính toán mức tăng giá cần thiết để bù lại. Tất cả số liệu chi tiết và ước tính thay đổi giá đều được minh giải trong báo cáo quản lý doanh nghiệp BHBC, loại báo cáo chỉ cho chủ farm thấy mức giá tối thiểu phải đạt để từ đó thương lượng giá bán.

Giảm giá bán để tăng lợi nhuận Tại sao quí vị phải hy sinh bớt phần tiền thu vào mà đáng ra là của quí vị để nhận được tiền sớm hơn? Điều chúng tôi đã làm: Chúng tôi đã phân tích tác động của dòng tiền thu vào và phần lợi nhuận của thỏa thuận “giảm giá cho đơn hàng trả tiền sớm” do những khách hàng mua lẻ sử dụng, loại thỏa thuận được tạo ra vì biết rằng nông gia sẽ mất thêm sở hụi nếu những khách hàng như Coles và Woolies chi trả tiền hàng trong 30 ngày. Từ kết quả của việc phân tích và hoạch định, thỏa thuận đó đã bị dừng lại dẫn đến kết quả là doanh nghiệp tiết kiệm hơn 40 ngàn đô hàng năm.

YOUR BUSINESS

There are limited spots available in the project.

MỞ RỘNG QUI MÔ ĐỂ THÚC ĐẨY LỢI NHUẬN

Quí vị có am hiểu tất cả các đòn bẩy và phương án hiện có tại doanh nghiệp để cải thiện lợi nhuận không? Điều chúng tôi đã làm: Có một doanh nghiệp chứng tỏ có tiềm năng sinh lợi lớn nhưng phát hiện ra rằng chi phí gián tiếp đang hạn chế bớt phần lãi ròng. Trong điều kiện daonh nghiêhp hoạt động rất hiệu quả, doanh nghiệp phát hiện ra rằng gia tăng qui mô sản xuất bằng cách thuê thêm cơ sở sản xuất có thể là phương án tốt để tăng doanh thu bù lại yêu cầu về chi phí gián tiếp. Các nhà tư vấn Planfarm tiến hành phân tích khía cạnh thuê thêm cơ sở đã cung cấp cho doang nghiệp 3 chọn lựa, một trong số đó chỉ ra việc sinh lợi thêm 94 ngàn đô/năm.

PHÂN BIỆT CÁC YẾU TỐ LÈO LÁI NGUỒN THU

Quí vị có biết tiền nằm ở mảng nào trong doanh nghiệp không? Điều chúng tôi đã làm: Chúng tôi đã làm việc sát xao với nhiều nông gia để tạo ra sổ kế toán chỉ rỏ mảng nào trong doanh nghiệp đóng góp cho tổng nguồn thu và mang lại lợi nhuận. Trước kia nhiều nông gia hài lòng với kiểu nhập chung tất cả các mảng khác nhau trong doanh nghiệp vào chung một loại chung chung chẳng hạn như “tiền bán rau quả” mà không giúp nông gia nhận thức được mặt hàng nào có tác dụng tăng cường hay kiềm hảm lợi nhuận doanh nghiệp. Phân định rạch ròi trong sổ kế toán có tác dụng chỉ cho nông gia ưu tiên cho mặt hang nào tạo ra lợi nhuận cao nhất cho doanh nghiệp.

XÂY DỰNG LÒNG TỰ TIN TRONG DOANH NGHIỆP

Làm sao quí vị có thể chứng minh rỏ ràng tính khả thi của một kế hoạch trong doanh nghiệp? Điều chúng tôi đã làm: Một nông gia trong dự án đã nhờ tiến hành dự toán nguồn thu theo yêu cầu của ngân hàng khi họ muốn tăng mức vay. Mặc dù yêu cầu này không thuộc nội dung dự án nhưng dựa vào thông tin có được từ việc xác định hiệu quả doanh nghiệp đã giúp xây dựng những giả định đáng tin cậy để trình nông gia và ngân hàng chứng tỏ độ tin cậy khi nông gia yêu cầu vay thêm. Việc chấp thuận cho vay có nghĩa là doanh nghiệp có khả năng tiếp tục phát triển qui mô đồng thời tiếp tục duy trì độ tin cậy về năng lực của doanh nghiệp trong vấn đề sinh lợi. Trong khi dự án đã đạt được nhiều hơn những ví dụ nêu trên, hy vọng rằng 5 ví dụ này góp thêm ý tưởng để quí vị suy nghĩ biết đâu nhiều tiềm năng xa hơn có thể được giả mã trong doanh nghiệp của quí vị, những tiềm năng có thể làm cho quí vị bỏ túi nhiều lợi nhuận hơn cho những cố gắng của mình. THÊM THÔNG TIN Vé tham gia dự án có hạn. Nếu quí vị muốn cơ hội làm việc với chuyên gia quản lý của Planfarm để giải mã thêm cơ hội sinh lợi trong doanh nghiệp của quí vị, vui lòng liên hệ Bryn Edward theo số bryn.edwards@ vegetableswa.com.au hoặc 0417 409 821.

WA Grower WINTER 2022

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SUPPLIER GUIDE

Supplier

guide

The WA Grower magazine is considered the most trusted magazine for the horticulture industry in Western Australia. We welcome businesses to get in touch about our advertising opportunities. Please email comms@vegetableswa.com.au or call (08) 9486 7515 to find out more.

Chemicals

Irrigation

Packaging & machinery

Sigma Companies Group Pty Ltd

Rivilus

WA Crates

228 Balcatta Road, Balcatta, WA 6021 Phone: (08) 9345 2233 sigmachemicals.com.au info@sigmachemicals.com.au

13–15 Duntroon Street Brendale, QLD 4500 Mobile: 0450 745 900 www.rivulis.com tiffany.visser@rivulis.com

Crate Yard, Market City, WA 6155 service@wacrates.com.au

Fumigation

Labour

edp Australia Pty Ltd 31-35 O'Brien Street Mooroopna, VIC 3629 https://edp.com.au/

TriCal Australia 5 Chamberlain Street Wingfield, SA 5013 Phone: (08) 8347 3838 www.trical.com.au

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WA Grower WINTER 2022

Harvest Trail Information Service 123–130 Deakin Avenue Mildura, VIC 3500 Phone: (03) 5025 4093 https://jobsearch.gov.au/ harvest/

Storage Anthony Scaffidi Hamilton Road Donnybrook, WA 6239 Mobile: 0419 992 905 tscaffidi@optusnet.com.au

WA crates The professional packaging service for WA’s finest fresh fruit and vegetables

0 email: service@wacrates.com.au

Discover & Deal Direct vegetablesdirect is the new mobile app for growers from the team at vegetablesWA. The app helps to grow your business by making your farm easy to find for buyers with a Growers’ Directory, easy to contact with messaging, grower news, grower ads and pricing all on the app and we’re just getting started!

vegetablesdirect.com.au

WA Grower Magazine Winter 2022

Articles inside

YOUR HEALTH

YOUR INDUSTRY

TOOL TIME

YOUR PRODUCTION