wa grower spring 15

WA GrowerVol. 50 No 3. Spring 2015

18 8052

1WA Grower SPRING 2015

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 3

From the Chief Executive Officer 4

APC Vegetable Producers Committee 5

vegetablesWA President’s Report 6

PGA President’s Report 7

2015–16 Fresh Potatoes Campaign 8

YOUR PRODUCTION 11

Carnarvon Medfly eradication program 12

Soil moisture monitoring — a selection guide 14

Biosecurity blitz coming soon 18

Accredited soil fumigation training program 22

Potato variety segregation to improve quality 24

Hort ripe for glasshouse revolution 26

Review of stable fly research in Western Australia 28

Hot water immersion 30

Permits 108

TOOL TIME 31

Naïo to automate row crop management 32

Drones used in Spanish greenhouses 34

YOUR INDUSTRY 35

Local greengrocers are winning the fight for flavour 36

Laurence Spencer Eldridge — Life Membership Award 38

Collaborative approach to Pilbara irrigation project 40

Gascoyne Food Relaunches at Farmer Jacks 42

Agsafe shortlisted for international stewardship award 44

Water Online is now live 46

WA potato industry prepares for new era 47

Carnarvon — Five months on from Cyclone Olwyn 48

Gascoyne Food Festival 2015 52

Southern Forests Food Council's new General Manager 56

Sustainable agricultural opportunities in Peel-Harvey 57

Gascoyne River aquifer update 66

International potato virus expert coming to WA 68

Nicolas Trandos — Lifetime Achievement Award 69

Leadership Summit 70

Young Grower Development Program 72

YOUR BUSINESS 73

New era for Small Business in WA 74

Farmers beware the dodgy labour hire company 76

Fraudulent claims and pornographic posties 78

Seasonal Worker Program changes 80

Small Business Matters 86

YOUR MARKET 87

Exporters need to diversify 88

Australian vegetable exports grow 89

China remains top grocery market 90

Disruptive technology coming to agriculture 92

New trends research predicts mega opportunities 94

The 7 deadly sins of selling and how to avoid them 96

Asian vegetables Fast Facts 98

YOUR SELF 99

Reaping the benefits of good sun protection 100

Beetroot & mint potato salad 102

VIETNAMESE TRANSLATIONS 104

YOUR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

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4 WA Grower SPRING 2015


vegetablesWA recently hosted a successful industry summit, where a range of issues with markets and marketing were canvassed with a panel of speakers from across the supply chain.

Thanks to those who participated in both this as well as the young growers tour the following day. On the tour, young growers were able to visit the Coles Distribution Centre and Loose Leaf Lettuce. Many thanks to our hosts also. I recently visited Canberra and Sydney for industry meetings. In Canberra I attended a labour issues forum hosted by the National Farmers Forum and PMA-NZ.

I also held meetings with parliamentarians and departmental officials across a range of issues. In Sydney I provided input from a WA perspective to the development of a new AUSVEG strategic plan.

The review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct gives industry a welcome opportunity to seek changes to an instrument which has demonstrably failed to provide the transparency and clarity required to the trading relationships of wholesalers. vegetablesWA is working with a number of other state peak bodies to represent growers on this issue.

Occupational health and safety has continued to provide challenges for growers. With so much grower progress on the issue Worksafe WA have recently completed a vegetable industry project.

In the 41 workplaces visited, a total of 297 improvement notices were issued. For mobile plant, 77; for hazardous substances, 76; emergency procedures, 47; machine guarding, 26; electricity, 17; manual tasks, 9; slips trips and falls, 6; falls from heights, 1; and other, 38. vegetablesWA continued to liaise between growers and Worksafe, particularly on issues such as blood tests which were not widely understood or communicated through awareness or training.

From theChief Executive Officer

BY JOHN SHANNONCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Lastly, I would like to put on record our sincere thanks to Gavin Foord who has been our Export Development Manager for a number of years.

Gavin has provided the industry with a lot of value in assisting growers take advantage of export opportunities. However, as he moves into a fulltime General Manager role with AgriFRESH I know that as part of the broader vegetablesWA family he will continue to assist where possible. I’m also pleased that our Field Extension Officer who many will know, Dominic Jenkin, will step into the role and deliver magnificently given his existing expertise in horticulture exports and value chain development.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact me on (08) 9481 0834 or email [email protected]

‘WHERE will the vegetable industry be in five years’ time?” was the theme at vegetablesWA’s inaugural leadership summit.



The Agricultural Produce Commission’s Vegetable Producers Committee (APC-VPC) have approved a range of projects to support the West Australian vegetable industry in the 2015–16 financial year.

These projects include a range of activities from marketing and promotion through to research and development, extension and support for the peak industry body. The projects and their funding are detailed in Table 1.

BY JOHN SHANNONSECRETARY, APC-VPC

APC Vegetable Producers Committee

Growers will note that vegetablesWA and the APC-VPC have been able to significantly leverage the Fee for Service contribution to access other funds for projects which wouldn’t otherwise be available.

The APC-VPC also again left the Fee for Service charge at the existing rate for 2015–16 (see Table 2). In the last year we have assisted a small number of growers who had the wrong amount of Fee for Service deducted by their wholesale market agent. If you notice any errors in this regard on your invoice please don’t hesitate to contact me or Ingrid Smith at the APC.

The Committee encourages growers and other stakeholders to consider putting forward proposals for consideration when applications open again early next year for funding in 2016–17. If you would like any assistance in scoping out a project I would be very pleased to assist.

MORE INFORMATION

I can be contacted on (08) 9481 0834 or email [email protected]

TABLE 1 APC-VPC projects and their funding

Marketing and Promotion — Crunch&Sip $14,019

Part funding — vegetablesWA Field Extension Officer $110,379

This project is also funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd

Funding — Vietnamese Field Officer $105,000

This project is also funded by WA Royalties for Regions

Part funding — vegetablesWA peak industry body $340,000

This project is also funded by magazine advertising and managed service fees

Funding — vegetablesWA Website Business Analysis Tool $27,260

TABLE 2 Fee for Service effective from 1 July 2013

Fee for Service payable on vegetables covered by the Committee is:

per individual package of vegetable product weighing 100 kilograms or less

$0.05

per individual package of vegetable product weighing 101 to 1000 kilograms

$0.40

tonne contained within trailer/truck $0.70

THE Crunch&Sip program is a set break during school to encourage children to eat fruit or salad vegetables and drink water in the classroom.



Today, as I write this report, the sun is shining and it’s warm. The thought is — has winter finished and how much rain have we had? Do we ever have enough? At the beginning of Spring, it is time to plan for our summer crops and how much water we require.

Over the past few months, the Department of Water (DoW) have released their Water for Food initiative. The latest is for the Midlands area, which takes in the northern part of Gingin, taking in the Moora to Dongara region and then to Jurien. The Water for Food initiative is a four-year $40 million Royalties for Regions-funded state government program providing a boost to regional Western Australian communities through the development and diversification of the agriculture and food sectors. It certainly is a big initiative and should have great potential for those who are willing to invest into these areas. There have been many other areas of this initiative — one of which is the Harvey/Myalup area.

Networking is a great way of meeting new people and learning lots of different things. Recently, vegetablesWA held a Leadership Summit and Younger Growers program. A group of 20 growers gathered together and I know that they have learnt from and about each other and also about different issues in the industry. I know some have made new friends as a part of this program.

During the evening, questions and answers were put to a panel of guests. It was certainly interesting to hear their perspectives on a variety of issues. The audience was challenged to hear the views of the panel. The following day, a tour was arranged for the young growers to visit Coles and also to The Loose Leaf Lettuce production facility.

Recently there have been programs on the ABC regarding labour and paying wages correctly.

If you require any information regarding wage rates, it can be found through either the Fair Work web site — if you are a Pty Ltd company or on the Department of Commerce website if you are a partnership or sole trader. If you have any difficulty finding this information, please give vegetablesWA a call and they will be of some assistance to you.

As our businesses become larger, we purchase properties away from the family homes and areas that we grew up. The new farms make us become self sufficient but also quite isolated.

President’s Report

BY MAUREEN DOBRAPRESIDENT, VEGETABLESWA

Recently, we held a sundowner with growers from my region, in Gingin. Mind you, the wind was freezing but we had about nine grower families attend. It was great to share our problems, but also any initiatives that we could help one another with. As we become more and more isolated, it seems that groups or associations, in those areas, are not formed — so it is up to each and every one of us to make that effort to catch up. Share your issues!

Families are extremely important in our world. I am sure that we would have all started our businesses as a family farm. Some of us have become quite a lot larger and now are regarded as commercial businesses. Over the past few months, I have attended quite a few funerals. It impresses upon me the importance of keeping our families and loved ones and friends — close. A phone call or a visit is often all that is needed.

Enjoy Spring!

IF you require any information regarding wage rates, it can be found on the Fair Work web site www.fairwork.gov.au



It has been a very busy three months since my last President Report and a new era has begun in the Potato Industry with the appointment of three new Potato Marketing Corporation board members.

I have recently had the pleasure of meeting the new board members when they visited growers in our area and I look forward to a positive working relationship going forward. It was great to meet like-minded people and know they are helping steer the industry in a positive direction.

The PGAWA is currently in consultation with the industry for proposed changes which will be happening over the next two years. It is imperative during this time that growers stick to the regulated market and ware/DME growers do the right thing and refrain from overplanting. If each grower can do this it will minimise disruption and turmoil within the industry.

I have heard from some growers they are not receiving the emails which are being sent out by the PGAWA office. As there are due to be significant updates during the transition phase, I would urge you to contact Morena Tarbotton and ensure your correct details are on the email list. Morena can be contacted on (08) 9481 0834 or [email protected]

As we are looking at evolving to a more commercially orientated market, growers should be keeping a close eye on the situation over East as this is a possible glimpse into the future. Currently this glimpse is not promising. Growers are earning considerably less in the East at around a 66% decrease on what we are currently receiving through the regulated market, even though retail prices are very similar.

So with the government proposing to take away regulation, the question I ask the government is who will be the beneficiary of these actions if they take away regulation.

In addition to reduced returns if the government take away the orderly marketing system they will also take away the industry’s market research, advertising, promotion, biosecurity, variety development and trials. These items are important to keep supplying the WA consumers with a top quality product and ensure there is no decline in consumption like everywhere else in Australia and the world.

The PGAWA has been running as good as ever and as a result we hope to have the best outcome for the industry and growers in the transition to deregulation. Thank you to Ross and the Committee for their efforts and contribution.

BY DEAN RYANPRESIDENT, POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION

President’s Report AUSVEG Biosecurity Advisor Dr Kevin Clayton-Greene was honoured with an Industry Recognition Award at the 9th World Potato Congress in Beijing, China.

AUSVEG nominated Dr Clayton-Greene for his efforts in biosecurity and plant health, which have gone a long way to safeguarding Australia from pests and diseases not currently present, as well as in educating growers on how to best manage current issues and reduce the risk of incursions.

“Dr Clayton-Greene has advanced and evolved the Australian potato industry to ensure not only that it maximises output and grows to its full potential, but also that quality and safety is never compromised,” Mr Richard Mulchay said.

“Throughout decades of experience in the Australian potato and horticulture industry, he has established himself as one of the industry’s most respected researchers and servants.”

Former Chairman of Western Potatoes Ross Taylor, who worked closely with Kevin Clayton-Greene for over ten years said he was 'hardly surprised' when hearing of this award being presented to Mr Clayton-Greene.

“Kevin has made an outstanding contribution to the potato industry in Australia”, said Mr Taylor, “and he has been a regular and highly respected mentor for most of our 78 grower families here in WA. This award is richly deserved”.

The Potato Growers Association of WA and the Potato Marketing Corporation congratulates Dr Clayton-Greene on his latest achievement.

BY REBECCA BLACKMAN FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER, VEGETABLESWA

Industry recognition award for Kevin Clayton-Greene



2015–16 Fresh Potatoes CampaignThe next phase of the ‘Fresh Potatoes — Serve Up Some Goodness’ campaign is underway as it moves into its third year.

POTATOES FOR

Pick up a bag and serve up some goodness tonight. Freshpotatoes.com.au

Highlights of the 12 month plan consists of:

• 52 week media plan driven by outdoor and radio.

• Bursts of tactical activity involving retailer in store POS, radio sponsorships and digital initiatives.

• Potato Week event which will engage young families through a live radio cooking competition.

• Potato dig activity and the ‘Spin-A-Dinner’ consumer competition in the Farm 2 Food Pavilion at the Perth Royal Show.

• Major social media competitions and weekly social media content focused around recipes and grower stories.

• Collaboration and sharing of content from global potato brands through social media and our consumer newsletter.

• Update to website with new recipes, video content and food blog.

• Seed For Schools program looking to increase participation past 500 schools.

• Extension of the Food Service program with three new Potatodors, two farm tours, Potatodor Sundowner and a state-wide TAFE recipe competition to educate young chefs about potato varieties and usage.

MORE INFORMATION

Any growers who would like to get involved with event please contact Laura Clarke on (08) 9423 0500 or [email protected]

The campaign continues to inspire consumption through recipe inspiration with a fresh creative look that builds on the impact of the previous years.

The messaging has been refined to position potatoes as an essential ingredient to any meal to communicate health, convenience, taste and contemporisation messaging to our key target audiences.

POTATOES FOR


POTATOES FOR


THE Fresh Potatoes Campaign continues to inspire consumption through recipe inspiration with a fresh creative look.



Blue skies, a barbecue and a bunch of potato growers and wash packers were the ingredients for the informative Maranca Field Day held on the 27th of May at Beta Farms in Myalup. Matt Bennett from Zerella Fresh South Australia visited Perth to talk about his experience with growing the yellow skin, yellow flesh variety Maranca.

The day began with an open discussion between growers sharing stories of successes and challenges they faced with growing the variety. The group then moved to explore the Maranca crop in the field as well as other varieties as a comparison. The day finished with a barbecue lunch including delicious Maranca.

Matt explained it took him a few frustrating years to understand the variety but with such high demand from the supermarket they persevered. Zerella Fresh has been growing Maranca for four years now and the demand now outstrips other yellow varieties.

Dr Stephen Milroy for PRWA also attended the day. He said “Introducing a new variety is always a learning process. Talking, it seems, is a key ingredient: to seed suppliers, growers in other states, Australian distributors; anybody who can provide some insight into the likely growth characteristics of the variety.”

The day is part of the PMC’s focus to continually provide yellow flesh agronomic information to growers. The PMC Quality team is focusing on tracking Maranca performance and conducting controlled trials to improve the quality in conjunction with Zerella Fresh.

If you would like further information, please contact Joel Dinsdale or Michael Allingame, PMC Quality Support Officers on (08) 9423 0500.

On Monday the 24th August the PMC welcomed three new chefs to the prestigious Potatodor club.

Melissa Palinkas from The Young George, Rupert Brown from Eagle Bay Brewery and Stuart Laws of Lucky Chan, Cocktail Gastronomy, The Classroom join to bring the total club to 17 chefs.

Held at Sophie Budd’s venue Taste Budds Cooking Studio, existing Potatodors, Growers and PMC staff gathered for an informal dinner to talk about the exciting 2015–16 plans for the program.

• Potato Week 5–11th October 2015

• Myalup Potato Farm Tour 2nd November 2015

• Potato Sundowner 29th February 2016

• Busselton Potato Farm Tour June 2016

Each chef is hand-picked by lead Potatodor Don Hancey and is selected because each chef exhibits passion for using local WA produces. All are keen to learn about potatoes, understand the industry and get to know the producers.

MORE INFORMATION

Any potato grower who would like to get involved with and of the Potatodor events is welcome to contact Laura Clarke Brand Manager [email protected]

Three top chefs join prestigious

Potatodor Club!

MarancaField Day

FACTWhat is a Potatodor?A Potatodor is an ambassador for the WA Fresh Potato Industry. It’s a club. Once a chef is in they are in for life! We want chefs to tell the story of local potatoes to their suppliers, customers and colleagues. They take pride in representing local growers and locally grown fresh produce.

FACTAbout the Potatodor program:The Potatodor program is part of the PMC’s Food Service project within the Fresh Potatoes campaign. It is designed to showcase the WA potato industry to the foodservice community and tell our story to the chefs of Western Australia. It provides information on product availability, variety availability and characteristics, growing processes, growing regions and growing challenges.

FACT



PRODUCTIONYOUR

On Sunday 23rd of August the Potato Marketing Corporation of Western Australia (PMC) and Challenger Institute of Technology held a regional competition for TAFE students across the state.

Students were invited to submit an Entrée, Main and Dessert menu containing a potato element in each dish for their chance to participate in Sunday’s final cook-off. The top seven students participated at final cook-off held at Challenger Fremantle.

The winner Luke Bathis wowed the judges with his menu of:

• Entree: Smashed Twice Cooked Potatoes Topped with Blue Cheese, Prosciutto and Watercress.

• Main coarse: Potato and Porcini Ravioli with a Sage and Pine Nut Butter Sauce.

• Dessert: Sugar Glazed Potato Doughnut filled with Creme Patissiere with a Chocolate and Walnut Crumble Topping.

“Kim said. “I am so proud of all the students here today. Each menu was expertly crafted and executed with skill.”

Luke will be a guest on the Potatodor Farm Tour in Busselton June 2016 for a behind-the-scenes look at the potato growing region. Luke will also be a featured Chef at the Sundowner February 29th 2016 and received a voucher for Kitchen Warehouse to purchase equipment.

All finalists received a free potato master class with Don Hancey and the four runner-ups received a restaurant voucher kindly donated by Incontro, Rockpool, Clarke’s of North Beach and Taste Budds Cooking Studio.

Laura Clarke, PMC Brand Manager said "We are delighted to work with Challenger on this new initiative which is just one of many TAFE initiatives aimed at educating and inspiring students to use WA potatoes."

MORE INFORMATION

Recipes will been published in the 2016 Fresh Potatoes Food Service Chef Book and are available now on the website and Fresh Potatoes AU social media channels.

Students impress at Fresh Potatoes Cooking Competition LAURA CLARKE

POTATO MARKETING CORPORATION

Students were judged on creativity, taste and use of WA fresh potatoes with an emphasis on the potato varieties and cooking usage. Don Hancey, WA Potatodor led the charge as a key judge along with Sam Calameri Potato Grower and Kim Stanton lecturer at Challenger.

Don said, “These students are the future of our food industry. I am extremely passionate about ensuring the students understand what great produce this wonderful state has. WA is the only State to grow fresh potatoes 365 days a year — so they’re always fresh and perfect for any menu.”

STUDENTS were judged on creativity, taste and use of WA fresh potatoes with an emphasis on the potato varieties and cooking usage.


PRODUCTIONYOUR

YOUR PRODUCTIONYOUR PRODUCTION


YOUR PRODUCTION

Medfly is one of the world’s most damaging pests. It can devastate crops and limit access to both national and international markets. Although they are usually associated with fruit production, Medfly can impact certain vegetables such as chillies, capsicums and sometimes tomatoes.

Both capsicums and chillies can be heavily infested with Medfly and once the eggs are laid inside the fruit, the resulting larvae will feed on the fruiting vegetable making it rot over time. Not only will the hatching larvae damage the fruit, the sting hole allows other insects and diseases to penetrate through the skin, resulting in increased crop damage. Tomatoes are a poor host for Medfly but if the crop comes from an area of Medfly prevalence, they need post-harvest disinfestation to gain access to interstate and overseas markets.

Medfly populations are normally not an issue in vegetable production and are controlled by insecticides used against other pests. However if Medfly establishes in a crop with mature unpicked fruit then numbers can increase rapidly. With the impending loss of fenthion and restrictions on dimethoate use, options to correct the situation are limited.

The eradication of Medfly in the Carnarvon horticultural precinct pilot project aims to achieve eradication of Medfly in the Carnarvon area through the use of sterile insect technique (SIT).

This method of eradication will see five million sterile male flies released per week in Carnarvon via a mobile, ground-based, fly release machine.

The enormous number of released sterile male flies will overwhelm the wild male Medfly population making it extremely difficult for them to find mates and cause population crashes through infertile mating.

Before the release of sterile Medflies can begin, the wild population of Medfly needs to be reduced. This will be achieved by a system of baiting, trapping and orchard and plantation hygiene. A series of 40+ traps across plantations and 10+ in the town of Carnarvon have been installed and are checked fortnightly. The traps monitor wild Medfly numbers whilst the Fruit Fly Baiting Scheme decreases the population in plantations.

The current trapping program has been running since early 2015 and has highlighted areas of high Medfly prevalence or ‘Hotspots’.

The project team are currently identifying these ‘Hotspots’ and working with nearby capsicum and chilli plantations to improve their crop protection and crop hygiene methods.

They are working to firstly help growers recognise the ‘sting hole’ signs of Medfly, secondly, how to treat an infested crop through effective pre harvest insecticide application and trapping techniques and thirdly how to correctly dispose of infested fruit through methods like fine mulching, post-harvest chemical insecticide treatment, submersion in water or solarisation under plastic.

Border protection strategies and continued release of sterile flies will be used in the latter part of the eradication program to secure Carnarvon from potential future fruit fly incursions.

MORE INFORMATION

The Carnarvon Medfly Eradication project is part of the Boosting Biosecurity Defences project — a $20 million Royalties for Regions project launched in October 2014 — which is being led by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA). Additional funding is from DAFWA, Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA), Carnarvon Growers Association (CGA) and the Shire of Carnarvon.

Contact Sandy Leighton, Biosecurity Officer (Fruit Fly community engagement), DAFWA, on (08) 9956 3315 or email Sandy at: [email protected]

Carnarvon Medfly eradication programbenefits WA vegetable growers

ABOVE: Capsicum dumped by the Gascoyne River in June 2015.

INSET: Chilli and Medfly eggs.

Department ofAgriculture and Food

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> Do you have water management issues?> Is your soil leaching valuable nutrients?> Do you have disease problems?

If you have said yes to at least one of those questions, come and join us for an open day in September at C-Wise to hear successful stories from other growers.

Are you utilising your soil health to improve

your profitability?

SpecIAl20% discount if you order before September 30th with final delivery by October 31st*contact details:

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Correct irrigation management gives better crops, using fewer inputs, which increases profitability. Soil moisture sensors help with irrigation decisions. They are useful tools to understand what is happening in the root zone of your crop.

Soil moisture sensors only measure a tiny area of an irrigation shift and should not be the only tool used in an irrigator’s tool box. Correct irrigation should be a mix of evaporation based scheduling, soil moisture monitoring and grower observation.

Soil moisture sensors must be used in a shift that delivers water evenly, be installed correctly and placed in an area which is representative of the overall crop.

Sensor typesThere are basically two groups of sensors, water potential types such as tensiometers and various forms of granular matrix sensors and soil moisture sensors that give a percentage or relative content of soil moisture.

Water potentialThese sensors measure how hard it is to remove water from the soil, providing the best indication of available water for plants. Soil type and water content influence the suction pressure required to remove water from the soil, but a monitored sensor, which is recorded and graphed will show the sharp fall that indicates water has become hard for a plant to access.

Two considerations should be made when choosing a water potential sensor.

• Do they read accurately in the desired range for the crop in which they are being used, and

• Do they react quickly enough to be useful for the crop being monitored?

Soil moisture monitoring — a selection guide

BY ROHAN PRINCEDEVELOPMENT OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

A tensiometers with a pressure transducer to allow remote logging installed in an apple orchard in Manjimup.


YOUR PRODUCTION

The two most common types of water potential sensors are tensiometers and granular matrix sensors such as gypsum block and water mark sensors. Tensiometers are the most reactive water potential sensor but also require the most care and maintenance. By selecting the appropriate tensiometer tip (two types are available, one is used in sands and the other for clays and loam), they react quickly to changes in water status.

Maintenance of tensiometers includes checking for bubbles and refilling the fluid used to create the vacuum within the tensiometers. Fluid drawn in and out of the tensiometers porous tip, depending on water availability, creates a suction pressure representing the suction force required for a plant to obtain water from the soil. Measurements can be done by manually reading a vacuum gauge or automatically using a logging pressure transducer.

Granular matrix sensors pass a current across a porous media, with the electrical resistance changing proportionally to the amount of water drawn in and out of the media.

They are generally a low cost, low maintenance sensor. Once installed they often last many years without intervention.

The reactivity of granular matrix sensors to changes in water status is the biggest limitation to their use. Accuracy is somewhat poor and can vary greatly — between 10% and 25% of the actual measurement.

Most granular matrix sensors have low accuracy at low tension (0–10kPa). This is an issue if the soil type being measured has limited plant available water and the crop is a water sensitive crop, such as vegetables on the coarse WA sands and heavier clays.

Depending on the porous material and the construction of the sensor, the water seems to move in and out of these sensors slower than with tensiometers. There tends to be a lag in the sensor wetting and drying in response to the soil. The lag tends to be greater as the soil dries as opposed to re-wetting and may therefore lead to an underestimation of plant stress on the drying cycle.

Water content probes (soil dialectric)These probes measure the water content of a soil using the time or frequency of a pulse travelling between or returning to electrodes. The most common types are capacitance and time or frequency domain. Most probes are accurate within 2–3% of the actual soil moisture.

Capacitance probes

Capacitance probes generally measure several depths at intervals of 10–20cm and come in lengths from 40–180cm. Multiple depth measurement produces useful information on water movement through the soil profile and relative moisture content of the soil at different depths.

The limitation with most capacitance probes is they measure only a very small area of soil outside the access tube or wall of the probe. Correct installation must maximise soil contact and ensure water is not allowed to move preferentially down the outside of the probe. If this occurs, the measurements will not reflect the situation in the undisturbed soil away from the probe. The method of measurement means these probes are also affected by salts in the soil that increase the movement of the pulse waves giving inaccurate readings at high electrical conductivity.

Time and frequency domain probes

True time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes are very accurate but require quite complex and expensive measurement equipment. A similar, less expensive alternative are probes that measure using water content reflectometry (WCR) and time domain transmissometry (TDT).

This type of probe generally consists of two or three metal prongs between 5 and 30cm long that are pushed into the side of a soil pit to measure the undisturbed soil. The measurement extends to about 3–6cm around the probe giving a larger volume of soil measured (0.3–8L).

SENSORS of a access tube capacitance probe demonstrated at soil moisture field day in Carnarvon.

TOP A 30cm two prong frequency based water content reflectometer, exposed to show positioning in the root zone of a broccoli crop.

ABOVE An example of a common granular matrix, soil water potential sensor.


YOUR PRODUCTION

With correct installation into undisturbed soil and the larger volume of soil being measured data from these probes will be more representative of the whole area compared to capacitance probes. They are also less affected by salts in the soil.

Accurate estimation of water availability with both time/frequency and capacitance will only be achieved by calibration with soil tension measurements. If calibration is not done, estimation of water availability relies on interpretation of the change in curve produced by taking regular measurements and graphing them.

Choosing a probe for your farmChoosing a soil moisture monitoring system can be a difficult decision. Systems that deliver data to a website or your local computer are readily available and are a better option than a manually read probe.

The following questions may help assess the suitability of a system for your farm.

• Are you more concerned with available water (water potential) or the movement of water in the soil?

• Do the sensors react well in the soil type and range of soil water in which the crops are being grown?

• Is accuracy important? How sensitive is the crop being monitored? Will a delay in identifying the lower level of soil moisture and stress point result in yield loss?

• Are you prepared to maintain sensors (e.g. check for air in tensiometers)?

• Are the graphs or values easily understood and is support available to interpret the data from the system?

• Is the system adaptable? If you change your mind about the type of sensor you want, will your logger take different probes?

• Does the information log automatically to a computer system or does it have to be read manually?

• If the system is web based, is the site reliable so you can depend on data being available when needed.

Table 1 shows the suitable conditions and crops for water potential sensors and Table 2 gives an indication of price.

Many farmers may have purchased and previously used manual tensiometers. Many of these can be retrofitted with pressure transducers and can be logged using commercial computer packages.

If soil moisture or capacitance sensors are preferred, the shape and pattern of data measured is most important. Base the purchase of these types of probes on the following criteria:

• Is the probe likely to be affected by salinity in the soil and does the probe still work in these conditions?

• Repeatability: will the reading be the same if soil moisture has not changed so graphs will be clear and simple?

• What volume of soil is the probe measuring? Is a larger area desirable?

• Some soil moisture probes also measure temperature and electrical conductivity; would these be useful to track?

• Installation will affect measurement. What assistance is there to ensure proper installation such as an instruction manual, video or demonstration?

• How robust are the probes? Are they likely to be damaged and can they be easily be repaired?

SummaryCorrect soil moisture probe selection will ensure that the information delivered will be useful to your irrigation management. Unless using a system that measures both soil moisture content and plant available water, crop water sensitivity and soil type should guide your purchase.

Remember that soil monitoring is just one tool to assist irrigation scheduling. Other steps to deliver the best irrigation outcome for your crop will include using evaporation or evapotranspiration as a reference, knowing your soil type and crop and using good irrigation design to delivering water evenly.

MORE INFORMATION

For further information please contact Rohan Prince at Department of Agriculture and Food WA, (08) 9368 3210.

TABLE 2 Approximate cost of sensor types

Sensor Cost ($)

Granular matrix 50–400

Gypsum block 80–150

Manual tensiometers 100–400

Logging tensiometers 400–700

Auto refill tensiometers 1000–1500

TABLE 1 A guide to soil moisture sensor selection according to crop and soil type

Water potential/tension sensors

Tensiometer Granular matrix Gypsum block

Soil types

Coarse sand Yes No No

Sandy loam, loam, loamy clay Yes Yes Yes

Heavy clay Yes Yes Yes

Suitable crops

Vegetables and strawberries Yes No No

Perennial fruit and table grapes Yes Yes No

Pasture Yes Yes Yes

Wine grapes No No Yes

Maintenance required Moderate Low or none Low or none



YOUR PRODUCTION

FACT: 40% OF NEW (EXOTIC) AND POTENTIAL DAMAGING PESTS AND DISEASE ARE FOUND AND REPORTED IN URBAN AREAS FIRST!

Reporting any unfamiliar pest you find around your farm or home garden provides valuable support for maintaining agricultural market access. Many damaging pests, if found in Australia, would prevent trade with some countries or require costly disinfestation, impacting on your industry.

The Biosecurity Blitz supports pest reporting activities and runs from 18–30 September 2015. It will be a collaborative effort to discover and report as many unusual or damaging pests (insects, diseases, weeds and animals) as possible across Western Australia.

Increased community reporting may support ‘area freedom’, a status used to gain or maintain market access.

Although it is currently not in Australia, the Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is well known in its native range of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

It is a serious agricultural pest causing loss of fruit and vegetables in these and other agricultural areas such as in the United States.

Wherever it takes up residence, the Brown marmorated stink bug causes crop losses and damage in the garden when it feeds on soft fruits such as tomato, eggplant, corn and many others.

Although Australia

has a number of

native stink bugs they do not cause the

same level of damage to vegetable crops as Brown marmorated stink bug. By reporting these insects or others like it you will support all vegetable producers and keep Australia free of such destructive pests.

To participate in the Biosecurity Blitz, you’ll first need to download one of the free reporting mobile apps; MyPestGuide, PestFax or MyCrop, onto your smartphone.

Biosecurity blitz coming soon


GREEN garden looper (Chrysodeixis eridiosoma) has a characteristic looping action when walking.


YOUR PRODUCTION

• MyPestGuide helps you quickly identify pests. You can report a pest by taking a photo and sending it to an expert at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) who will tell you the identity of the pest and reply back to you on your device. www.agric.wa.gov.au/plant-biosecurity/mypestguide-app

• PestFax helps agronomists and naturalists who are confident at identifying pests to record incidence of pests and deliver these reports to DAFWA.

• MyCrop is a suite of apps for wheat, barley, canola and pulses that includes a detailed diagnostic tool to help identify crop constraints such as pests, diseases, nutrient disorders and herbicide damage and report the incidence of these back to DAFWA.

If you don’t have a smart phone, you can still report pests using MyPestGuide or PestFax online reporting websites or you can report the pest by calling the department’s Pest and Disease Identification Service on 1800 084 881. The next time you see a DAFWA staff member be sure to ask them to demonstrate these tools to you.

The department will use the results of the Biosecurity Blitz to support and verify Australia’s freedom from certain exotic pests and diseases, such as the Brown marmorated stink bug, an important step in helping to maintain our access to export markets.

The Biosecurity Blitz is part of the Boosting Biosecurity Defences project and made possible by Royalties for Regions and Council of Grain Grower Organisations.

MORE INFORMATION

To download a free reporting app, or for more information about how to participate in the Biosecurity Blitz 2015, please visit the Biosecurity Blitz webpage www.agric.wa.gov.au/biosecurity/biosecurity-blitz-2015-coming-soon-western-australia

Email [email protected] or Free phone 1800 084 881

MyPestGuide-Crops on Google Play Store (for android devices): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.agric.mpg&hl=en

MyPestGuide — Crops on iTunes Store (for iOS devices): https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mypestguide-crops/id923691195?mt=8


YOUR PRODUCTION

Important: The descriptions, illustrations, photographs, advice, suggestions and vegetation cycles that may be presented herein are aimed at experienced professionals and are derived from observations made in defined conditions on various trials. They are offered in all good faith, for purely informational purposes, and shall not therefore, under any circumstances, be held to be exhaustive, be taken as any form of guarantee of harvest or performance, prejudge specific factors or circumstances (either current or future), and more generally, form any kind of contractual undertaking whatsoever. The user must first and foremost ensure that his exploitation conditions, local geographical conditions, his planned growing period, his soil, the means at his disposal (such as technical knowledge and experience and cultural techniques and operations), his resources (such as tests and control methods) and his equipment, and more generally his agronomical, climatic, sanitary, environmental and economic context are suitable for the crops, techniques and varieties that are presented herein. All the varieties illustrated in this publication were photographed in favourable conditions and no guarantee can be provided that results will be identical under different conditions. All reproductions, whether in part or in whole, of this publication (of the medium and/or the contents), in any form whatsoever, are strictly forbidden, unless specific prior permission is granted. Non contractual photographs - All rights reserved - © 2014 HM.CLAUSE

Clause Pacific - P.O. Box 475 - Bulleen - VIC 3105 - AUSTRALIATel: +61 (0)3 8850 5400 - Fax: +61 (0)3 8850 5444

Two centuries of innovation. A lifetime of success.

Ornela F1 Fantastic Yielder

PlaTYnum F1Unbeatable Uniformity!

+ Uniform large fruit size of 18-22g + Strong plant with unique disease package + Suitable for greenhouse & open �eld + Brilliant dark red, �rm, round fruit + Very good fruit numbers + HR: ToMV / Va:1 / Vd:1 / Fol:1,2,3 / C5 + IR: TSWV:T0 / TYLCV / Ma / Mi / Mj

+ Classic elongated 15-25g grape shape + Suited to greenhouse & open �eld + Very high yield potential + Open healthy plant + HR: Fol:1 / ToMV + IR: Ma, Mi, Mj / TSWV:0 / TYLCV / Pst

+ Habanera type mini cos with erect plant habit for twin pack hearts sleeving

+ Strong against tipburn & bolting + Glossy, medium green, thick leaves + Flexibility for both soil & hydroponic use + Full resistance package + Bl: 16-32 and NR:0

For more information, contact: Kevin Swan – Sales & Development Manager – Tel: 0400 622 314 – [email protected]

CapoeiraQuality Hearts!

F3Resistance

+ For warm season production in unheated greenhouses + Multi-fruiting type producing 2-3 well �lled, outstanding

fruit per node + 14-16cm long, uniform, cylindrical & medium dark shiny

green with slight ribbing + HR: CMV / WMV / CVYV / Ccu and IR: Px

Cloe F1Consistency & Quality Fruit

Hazera and Nickerson Zwaan, two sister companies belonging to the same business unit have recently announced that they will now trade under the one brand name as ‘Hazera’ with a new brand identity and packaging design being introduced in the near future.

In addition, starting July 1st 2015, Hazera vegetable seed varieties will be distributed in Australia, by HM.Clause Pacific.

The new product portfolio that perfectly complements HM.Clause’s range includes, amongst others: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cucumber, lettuce, onion, radish, tomato and watermelon.

Varieties like onion Rhinestone and Tilbury, cucumber Cloe and tomatoes Katya, Martyni, Ornela, Felicity are already bestsellers. More importantly the pipeline of products continues to be fed by strong proprietary breeding programs and new promising hybrids being introduced.

Advertorial

Hazera and Nickerson Zwaan distributed in Australia by HM.Clause Pacific

Both Hazera and HM.Clause are part of ‘Groupe Limagrain’, the second largest professional vegetable seed group in the world.

HM.Clause’s strengths are also well known in the Australian market: cauliflowers and broccoli, Roma tomato and more recently the revolution brought about by the unique performance of their bean range, the outstanding balance between performance and taste in melon, the fast growing Vilmorin lettuce range and many more.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information in WA, contact Kevin Swan, Sales and Development Manager, on 0400 622 314 or [email protected]

Important: The descriptions, illustrations, photographs, advice, suggestions and vegetation cycles that may be presented herein are aimed at experienced professionals and are derived from observations made in defined conditions on various trials. They are offered in all good faith, for purely informational purposes, and shall not therefore, under any circumstances, be held to be exhaustive, be taken as any form of guarantee of harvest or performance, prejudge specific factors or circumstances (either current or future), and more generally, form any kind of contractual undertaking whatsoever. The user must first and foremost ensure that his exploitation conditions, local geographical conditions, his planned growing period, his soil, the means at his disposal (such as technical knowledge and experience and cultural techniques and operations), his resources (such as tests and control methods) and his equipment, and more generally his agronomical, climatic, sanitary, environmental and economic context are suitable for the crops, techniques and varieties that are presented herein. All the varieties illustrated in this publication were photographed in favourable conditions and no guarantee can be provided that results will be identical under different conditions. All reproductions, whether in part or in whole, of this publication (of the medium and/or the contents), in any form whatsoever, are strictly forbidden, unless specific prior permission is granted. Non contractual photographs - All rights reserved - © 2014 HM.CLAUSE

Clause Pacific - P.O. Box 475 - Bulleen - VIC 3105 - AUSTRALIATel: +61 (0)3 8850 5400 - Fax: +61 (0)3 8850 5444

Two centuries of innovation. A lifetime of success.

Ornela F1 Fantastic Yielder

PlaTYnum F1Unbeatable Uniformity!

+ Uniform large fruit size of 18-22g + Strong plant with unique disease package + Suitable for greenhouse & open field + Brilliant dark red, firm, round fruit + Very good fruit numbers + HR: ToMV / Va:1 / Vd:1 / Fol:1,2,3 / C5 + IR: TSWV:T0 / TYLCV / Ma / Mi / Mj

+ Classic elongated 15-25g grape shape + Suited to greenhouse & open field + Very high yield potential + Open healthy plant + HR: Fol:1 / ToMV + IR: Ma, Mi, Mj / TSWV:0 / TYLCV / Pst

+ Habanera type mini cos with erect plant habit for twin pack hearts sleeving

+ Strong against tipburn & bolting + Glossy, medium green, thick leaves + Flexibility for both soil & hydroponic use + Full resistance package + Bl: 16-32 and NR:0

For more information, contact: Kevin Swan – Sales & Development Manager – Tel: 0400 622 314 – [email protected]

Strong plant with unique disease package

CapoeiraQuality Hearts!

F3Resistance

+ For warm season production in unheated greenhouses + Multi-fruiting type producing 2-3 well filled, outstanding

fruit per node + 14-16cm long, uniform, cylindrical & medium dark shiny

green with slight ribbing + HR: CMV / WMV / CVYV / Ccu and IR: Px

Cloe F1Consistency & Quality Fruit


YOUR PRODUCTION

Telone Blends and Rural InLine soil fumigant are toxic and flammable, but if handled correctly, they can be very effective pest-management tools.

If they are used incorrectly, or for the wrong reason, growers can put their own safety at risk as well as causing concerns for public health as well as environmental contamination.

A training course on soil fumigation focused on Telone Blends and Rural InLine Soil Fumigant was organised for 19 Vietnamese growers in Carnarvon during July 2015 with language assistance from vegetablesWA. The documents and practical videos in Vietnamese were also provided for Vietnamese grower trainees.

The training was at the Gascoyne Research Station, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) Carnarvon. The trainers were Max (Total Fumigation Services, Duratec Horticulture Pty Ltd) in charge of the practical portion and Ben Dewit from A-Gas (Australia) in charge of theoretical and assessment sections. Amy Tran, an Officer of Environmental Health was also present for the training course.

Initially, there was a concern from the strawberry project coordinator of DAFWA and the Vietnamese field extension officer of vegetablesWA with the use of soil fumigants by Vietnamese growers in both strawberry and vegetable production in WA. The concern was that growers might be given soil fumigants by particular companies to use with very little training. There was trouble finding out exactly what constitutes the Telone training program and how enforceable/auditable it is for growers to ensure they covered.

A meeting was organised at DAFWA to raise the concern to different bodies including the DoH and the distributors of soil fumigants. There was a consultation with individuals and organisations such as Department of Commerce’s WorkSafe and Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). It resulted in an approach that accredited training using updated training packages should be followed to address the concern.

The DoH and others preferred an approach to educate and train growers to improve their understanding of soil fumigants and the treatment, enforcement is seen as the last option.

Preparation for the training commenced in March 2015 after a meeting among representatives from DoH, vegetablesWA, SA Rural, A-Gas, and Duratec. Matters such as the training package, course program, basic planning including language assistance for Vietnamese growers, and post-training policy regarding the sale of soil fumigants to growers, were discussed.

The training package was developed by SA Rural in close consultation with the DoH and with vegetablesWA to make it suitable to Vietnamese growers.

BY VO THE TRUYENFIELD EXTENSION OFFICER, VEGETABLESWA

Vietnamese growers in Carnarvon

accredited soil fumigation training program

THE training included the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment.


YOUR PRODUCTION

The content of the training included:

• Choosing the right product for soil fumigation

• Preparing and setting up the site for fumigation

• Supplying different soil fumigant blends

• Monitoring and ventilation of the site for fumigation

• Fumigation recording

• The use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The training was very successful. Grower trainees were happy with the course content, and it proved to be quite engaging, the growers asked many questions and participated in discussions. The growers also openly discussed their specific situations and previous experience with the products.

“I could not agree more, the level of participation, interest and open questions were all very positive. I’m very happy that the training was able to be ‘translated’ in practical terms for the growers and I’m sure it will be very beneficial when they next fumigate,” said Amy Tran, DoH officer.

All 19 Vietnamese grower trainees in Carnarvon successfully passed the assessment test to be accredited for soil fumigation. More importantly they all gained confidence for when they next apply the technique.

The successful training in soil fumigation has set an example of effective collaboration among governmental organisations, companies, grower associations and growers to upgrade growers’ knowledge and skills, especially non-English speaking growers.

THE training package was developed by SA Rural in close consultation with the DoH and with vegetablesWA to make it suitable to Vietnamese growers.

“The level of cooperation is fantastic and its great different agencies and organisations can work together to help improve the knowledge and skill of the growers to support the safe use of fumigants,” said Ms Tran.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the training please contact:

• Ben Dewit, A-Gas (Australia), t/as SA Rural Agencies, Fumigants Division on 0417 479 449 or [email protected], go to www.sarural.com

• Max Cutler, Total Fumigation Services, Duratec Horticulture Pty Ltd, 0414 600 658 or [email protected]

• Tu-Trinh (Amy) Tran, Environmental Health Directorate, Public Health Division on (08) 9388 4950 or [email protected]

• Vo The Truyen, Vietnamese field extension officer, vegetablesWA on 0457 457 559 or [email protected]


YOUR PRODUCTION

Following recent workshops with agronomic experts from Zerella Fresh and Harvest Moon, the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) has elevated the importance of growers segregating varieties into blocks in order to improve quality and yield while maintaining sustainability.

BY JOEL DINSDALEPOTATO MARKETING CORPORATION

Potato variety segregation to improve quality

FIGURE 1 Maranca (left) compared to Nadine (right) 50 days after planting. The two crops were planted on the same day using the same inputs. It should be noted that Maranca has produced larger, more advanced tubers than Nadine

MORE INFORMATION

Please contact the Potato Marketing Corporation on (08) 9423 0500.

Due to the large number of different cultivars currently being grown, it is recognised that it is not always possible to grow entire plantings in separate management units.

However, the PMC would like to encourage growers to review their current systems with a view to creating separated management units of varieties with similar requirements that can be managed according to their needs.

Implementing these changes will allow growers to reduce some input costs by better targeting the individual fertiliser and irrigation requirements; thus reducing variable input cost as well as improving final product quality.

Case studyA grower planted three different varieties within a single irrigation management unit on the same day and the management unit was treated with the same rates of fertiliser.

Due to the differing status of the seed and the different growth rates of the varieties, substantial variation was observed when tubers were compared at 50 days after planting: one variety had already produced an average tuber weight of 100g, while the remaining varieties were averaging 50g. In order for the grower to ensure that the majority of the varieties reached the required size for Class 1, further applications of fertiliser were applied to the whole management unit. As a result, the more advanced variety produced a higher percentage of oversized (Class 2) potatoes and a degree of skinning due to the oversupply of nitrogen late in the crop cycle. These two problems combined to result in a low pack out. The varieties also had different patterns of moisture requirements because of different canopy sizes and the time when the canopies died off. This may also have contributed to the low pack out.

Given that the area available for potato production is limited, it is not always possible for growers to grow varieties in separate management units. However there are a number of possible changes the grower could consider to improve on this scenario.

1. Consider grouping together varieties with similar agronomic requirements so that inputs can be better matched to the requirements of all varieties.

2. Create the ability to manipulate the rate of inputs (fertiliser, water etc.) across the block. For example, use nozzles with different output rates to match variety requirements. Consider removing nozzles from some sections if a variety has matured early.

3. It may be possible to delay the planting of early maturing varieties within a block to achieve a level of variety segregation.

4. Manipulation of plant density and adjusting or varying up-front fertiliser programs may create a situation whereby aligning different varieties to a level where they can be treated as one management unit where segregation is not possible due to other constraints.

Given that the WA domestic market is in transition from white to yellow/cream fleshed varieties, this approach may be more difficult to implement in the short term due to limited availability of seed for certain varieties. However, potato growers in regions across the country and overseas are demonstrating significant benefits, thus DME growers in WA are strongly encouraged to seek ways of consolidating their varieties.

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Come talk to us to see what we can do for eligible business customers

Our one-stop-shop business brings clean energy solutions to your door step.

Give us a call today on 9420 0300 to find out more or visit www.perthenergy.com.au.

Supply electricity and gas

Arrange energy audits and energy efficiency programs

Organise renewable energy system finance and installation

Offer Accredited Green Power We can buy back your intermittent

renewable energy using our Wholesale Electricity Market operation and back-up from our super-fast-response Kwinana Swift Power Station

Our one-stop-shop business brings clean energy solutions to your door step.Our one-stop-shop business brings clean energy solutions to your door step.Our one-stop-shop business brings clean energy solutions to your door step.

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YOUR PRODUCTION

Australia’s erratic climatic habit of delivering long spells with frustratingly little rainfall, or deluging farms with too much wet weather, is pushing the $3.5 billion vegetable production industry to take cover.

While the vast majority of Australian horticulture crops still grow in open paddocks, the moisture efficiency gains, improved yields and better product quality achieved from greenhouse or shadehouse protection are prompting a serious push to covered crop development.

Rising demand for vegetables, plus pressure from supermarkets to supply consumers with superior quality produce all year regardless of seasonal constraints, have helped fuel an expansion in covered vegetable investment.

Revenue in the sector is expected to grow by 5.2% this financial year, to be worth about $512 million — about $50 million of which will be profit — says business research firm IBISWorld.

BY ANDREW MARSHELLFARMONLINE

Hort ripe forglasshouse revolution

Annual growth during the next five years is tipped to average about 2.6%, taking the sector’s value to about $583 million by 2020.

“Outdoor production still accounts for most vegetable industry production, partly because of the large areas required to grow certain crops, but the profits, crop quality, and savings on water and fertiliser inputs achieved under cover have become clearer in the past five to 10 years,” said research analyst Brooke Tonkin.

Risk-defensive horticultureTomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, lettuce, eggplant, Asian vegetables, herbs and mushrooms have been among the main crops grown under cover, mostly in NSW and Queensland.

YOUR PRODUCTION


Dry South Australia boasts the highest proportion of businesses relative to its population.

Under-cover produce generally has superior appearance, taste and prices when compared with similar field-grown lines, particularly after hot, wet or windy weather sets in.

Ms Tonkin said a surge in hydroponic production was part of the new risk-defensive horticulture era picture, but vegetables did not have to be grown in fully enclosed glasshouse environments to reap benefits from a protected or semi-controlled environment.

She noted the extreme damage caused to the unprotected Sydney Basin horticulture sector by torrential rain in April, where the biggest daily registrations in 13 years — up to 130 millimetres — damaged yields and left production schedules bogged in mud for a month or more.

“While the transition and expansion phase has been concentrated on a core group of big businesses, we’ve seen grower-run co-operatives establish to help individual farmers reach the level of scale needed to compete with the larger growers.”

According to Ms Tonkin, smaller family operated establishments still dominate the covered industry's numbers — about 750 in total.

However, individual producers were often unable to significantly expand or afford the top-notch technology required to reach the big scale output demanded by the cost-competitive supply chain.

Attracting corporatesNot so surprisingly, Ms Tonkin said the industry was proving well suited to big-scale corporate investment with further acquisitions by, or partnerships with, local and foreign private equity firms expected to take advantage of the market's growth potential.

In fact, the biggest player in the glasshouse and covered vegetable market, the vertically integrated Costa Group, is about to float on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and has been drumming up investor interest in the US.

Costa Group, based in Ravehall in Victoria, is a major berry, tomato and mushroom producer, with more than 40 farming and wholesale businesses supplying to the supermarket giants, produce markets and an export fruit, vegetable and grains business.

Its farming interests range from vineyards to avocado orchards and a powerful 27% share of the covered vegetable sector, including its huge 20-hectare hydroponic glasshouse tomato operation at Guyra on NSW’s New England tablelands.

The Guyra site, which produces the bulk of the company’s 10 million tonnes of annual output, is now being duplicated with two more 10ha glasshouse stages to be built on a nearby farm in the district.

Costa’s total business interests generated revenue of $711 million last financial year and IBISWorld expects its under-cover vegetable ventures are currently growing by 6.8% annually and likely to turn over about $138.1 million in 2014–15.

That growth was partly driven by acquiring smaller vegetable operations in recent years, including Adelaide Mushrooms in 2013.

IBISWorld has noted while the company actually made losses in the three years to 2013–14, private equity firms still saw Costa and other similar integrated horticulture players, such as the Sydney-based Perfection Fresh Australia, as worthwhile investments.

Perfection Fresh, which bought the big Moraitis horticulture group's tomato business early this year, including five hectares of glasshouses at Tatura in northern Victoria, has about 5% of the covered cropping market in Australia.

Moraitis Group itself was 70% sold to the Hong Kong-based Chevalier International two years ago as part of Chevalier’s plans to provide funds to boost Moratis’ production, farm management and distribution services and explore markets in mainland China.

Co-operation is keyWhile generally far more input efficient than field cropping, the intensive covered vegetable industry’s rate of expansion is likely to depend on reliable access to irrigation water and greater co-operation between smaller farmers, says IBISWorld.

Its recent study of the industry found growers’ abilities to form production or marketing co-operatives and jointly invest in greenhouse technology to cut production costs and boost output would define the pace of change in the industry.

Creating more competition with large integrated produce companies would also expand the variety and volume of produce available to shoppers and assist public perceptions of non-field grown crops.

While greenhouses made of glass or polycarbonate panels significantly mitigated the risk of erratic weather problems for crops by controlling the growing environment with advanced ventilation and automated temperature and watering systems, they were not cheap.

Even low-tech greenhouses represented a notable step up in investment costs.

National industry body AUSVEG noted while some crops adapted well to compact production systems under cover, the trade-offs may include notably higher energy costs for heating, cooling and water reticulation; specialised equipment and infrastructure installation and maintenance costs, and high-technology skills for management and workers.

Water also remained a potentially risky input for covered vegetable production, according to the IBISWorld report.

Despite being more water efficient and the increased use of water recycling, covered growing operations still needed consistent water quality and reliable supplies, in particular when seasonal conditions turned dry and farm storages across the vegetable industry were depleted.

SOURCE

www.northqueenslandregister.com.au


YOUR PRODUCTION

Stable flies are a serious pest breeding in vegetative waste and feeding on blood from livestock and humans, affecting animal production and lifestyle in Western Australia.

Their lifecycle is implicated in vegetable crop waste in WA and thus control by vegetable producers is an imperative in the Swan Coastal Plain.

Both male and female flies blood feed 2–3 times/day and as few as 20 flies per animal cause distress and measurable economic loss. Typically up to several hundred stable flies develop from one square metre of crop residues left to rot equating to 1–3 million stable flies/ha.

Current researchResearch funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA), vegetablesWA (VWA) and local shires and carried out by Dr David Cook from the University of WA, and Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) staff has looked at many options for controlling stable fly over the past 10 years. This research has provided new ways to control stable fly and had also led to new work that should increase vegetable productivity and profitability whilst reducing the ability of stable fly to breed.

Options looked at in the past include total removal of crop residues and disposal at harvest to stop fly development, but this is problematic, costly, and would deplete soils of organic matter. However managing residues after harvest using physical, cultural, chemical and biological options is still important.

Large scale field trials demonstrated that high speed mulching of residues and turning overhead irrigation off after harvest reduced stable flies by up to 85%.

Stable fly numbers were also reduced by adding treatments to the residues (in decreasing order of effectiveness) including (i) calcium cyanimide (CaCN) fertiliser @ 0.5t/ha), (ii) single species of entomopathogenic fungi, and (iii) lime or lime sand (2.5t/ha).

This project generated the following recommendations to industry and growers and was incorporated into VWA Good Practice Guide and reflected in the Stable Fly Management Plan (2013) within the Biosecurity and Agricultural Management Act (2007) regulations to minimise stable flies:

Review of stable fly research in Western Australia


1. Shorten the harvest period

2. Turn off water as harvest is completed

3. High speed mulch crop residues within three days of harvest

4. Apply either an insecticide, CaCN, fungal agents or lime to mulched residues

5. Leave undisturbed for one week before deep incorporation into the soil.

A bonus for growers was that mulching crop residues reduced further soil tillage, soil wind erosion and the need for a cereal cover crop. Adopting new methods of reducing stable flies has improved productivity.

Other research developments include:

• A Cattle Walk-through Fly Trap for removal of stable flies from livestock based on successful buffalo fly traps.

• Mass trapping of stable flies using sticky whiteboards and permanent cloth targets (treated with insecticide) to ameliorate peak numbers of stable flies.

• A stable fly breeding colony established for the development of a male sterile strain of stable flies as part of HIA funded HG13035. This is a long term potential solution (5–10 years) to stable flies control being adopted by industry.

The project findings have been extended through:

• (25 WA Grower magazine articles to >1,000 vegetable growers.

• 12 brochures for horticultural and livestock producers.

• Three grower field days were well received with grower knowledge and input pivotal to workable solutions.

OPERATION of a Contravator rotary hoe.


YOUR PRODUCTION

• 36 presentations made to stakeholders, Shires, Industry and Community Forums, Stable Fly Action Group and Regulatory Reference Group.

• 48 page training manual provided to 25 shire rangers, shire environmental health officers and compliance officers, that have regulatory powers under the BAM Act.

• Regular engagement with affected shires has given them confidence to allow continued horticulture development in shires, with planning approval being conditional on adopting the best management practices relating to stable fly development.

New research New Research Applications for 2015–18 to HIA, vegetablesWA and generous local shires include:

1 Mechanical burial of crop residues Newly available machinery, the counter-

rotating rotary hoe (Contravator) that deeply buries material will be compared with conventional rotary hoeing and current best practice high speed mulching followed by incorporation, (see Figure 1) in managing freshly harvested crop residues. This machine has already shown that it may be a practical way of combining several machinery operations and thus is generating interest in the grower community.

2 Biological control options a) Staphylinid beetles are indigenous

and have recently been found predating stable fly eggs in celery residues at Lancelin. They will be assessed for their practicability in mass rearing and release against stable flies. Staphylinid have not previously been intensively reared in Australia and if successful will develop as an option.

b) Parasitic wasp Spalangia has commercial potential for use against stable fly pupae where Bugs for Bugs Pty Ltd (Qld) can supply high release numbers for assessment. It is unknown if this insect will have any impact in this environment.

The practicability of these insects to reduce stable fly will be tested at Capel where recent upsurges in fly numbers are mostly from a single vegetable enterprise. Large scale releases of Spalangia and staphylinid beetles on this enterprise over winter when fly numbers are low will be monitored against a trapping grid to determine the impact of these biological options against an isolated population of flies.

c) Fungal species that invade insect larvae in the soil can lay dormant until irrigated, where they grow rapidly in porous, sandy soils. Eight different species of fungi will be tested in three key crops in large-scale field trials on commercial vegetable producers in Gingin. The optimal application rate, time after harvest and watering regime will be determined during the course of these trials.

A world perspectiveDr David Cook recently presented his findings on this work at the Livestock Insect Workers Conference in Boston USA. It generated international interest as being world breaking research.

Whilst the United States (US) and Europe have been battling stable fly for many years, it has almost exclusively been within intensive and housed animal industries.

The stable fly situation in WA parallels that in Costa Rica, Brazil and parts of Europe. Pineapple residues (Costa Rica) and sugar cane residues from ethanol production (Brazil) create huge stable fly problems.

Regulators in Costa Rica who find one stable fly larvae apparently shut down a production site for six months. Pineapple growers there are expending $1,000 per hectare in controlling stable fly. Researchers from these countries are very interested in the research proposed in the new project where they agreed that burial of vegetable residues presents the most economic and sustainable management option.

Conventional rotary hoeing

Contravator rotary hoeing

High speed mulching

Waste left on surface as well as partially buried

Waste buried underground

Leaves roots still in the soilto breed stable fly

FIGURE 1 Types of mechanical burial of crop residuesSource: David Cook, UWA


YOUR PRODUCTION

The study was carried out on the rocket salad (Eruca sativa M.) cv. ‘Siewna’ and wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L) cv. ‘Gourmet F1’.

Salad rocket was cultivated on Experimental Field of Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice, but wild rocket was bought from vegetable producer. The plants immediately after harvest were sorted and trimmed, and then treated with hot water.

The temperature of hot water ranged 38–57°C and time duration of treatment: three seconds to 20 minutes.

The parameters of hot water were evaluated in successive tests depending on the results obtained earlier.

After treatment the leaves were dried, cooled to equal temperature, packed into polystyrene foam trays and stored at room temperature 18–20°C.

It was found, that after short immersion in water of temperature above 53°C the rocket leaves maintained longer the green colour than not treated leaves. The rocket appeared to be very delicate and most of the treatments resulted in the tissue maceration.

The development of maceration was dependent on the hot water temperature and the time of treatment.

The wild rocket was more resistant against tissue maceration.

After four days at room temperature, the rocket showed significantly higher marketable value. This was maintained for leaves treated in water with a temperature of 53–55ºC than those leaves treated in lower temperatures or not treated.

Short immersion in water of temperatures above 53°Cmaintains the green colour longer in rocket

THE development of maceration was dependent on the hot water temperature and the time of treatment.

SOURCE

Grzegorzewska, M, Badelek, E and Sikorska-Zimny, K. The effect of hot water treatment on durability of rocket leaves. Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice, Poland.

The wild rocket was

more resistant against tissue

maceration.


TIMETOOL

TOOL TIME

WA Grower SPRING 201532

Naïo Technologies, a French company started four years ago, is looking to fully automate the way growers plant, maintain and harvest row crops. After several years of research and development, they've released a robot that can weed a field all on its own.

“You can put the robot at the first row, you answer a few questions about the length of the row and number of rows in a field, and the rest is fully automated,” said Gaëtan Séverac of Naïo Technologies.

“It’s not able to change fields by itself, but once it’s on the field it can do everything on its own and send you a text message when it's done,” Mr Séverac said.

The only requirements are that there have to be at least 50cm between rows for the machine to navigate through them and that the plants have to be at least 10cm in height. But that last requirement will no longer be necessary by the end of this year when a new model is released.

Naïo to automate row crop management

TOOL TIME

33

“We're currently implementing a video camera that will be able to detect colour and shape,” explained Séverac. “In the near future, it will be able to follow any kind of row.” Naïo also has a version of their software they've released for research purposes where people can program their own version for use on the robot. Their Mr Meteo sensor can also measure the temperature and humidity inside a greenhouse and send updates via a smartphone.

“We are now looking for international retailers to represent us around the world,” said Séverac.

“We’re also raising funds, so if people are interested, now would be a good time to invest.”

10 robots were sold last year, and Séverac explained that small investments, which range from $160 to $800, are also possible thanks to crowd-funding platform, and returns can be expected after about five or seven years.

MORE INFORMATION

Gaëtan Séverac, Naïo Technologies, email [email protected] or go to http://naio-technologies.com/home/

Robot Oz web page: http://naio-technologies.com/produit/oz-en/

Crowd-funding web page: www.wiseed.com/en/startups/naio-technologies


INDUSTRYYOUR

TOOL TIME

Drones used inSpanish greenhouses


A study carried out by Spanish researchers from Robotics and Cybernetics Research Group (RobCib) at Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR) has used a drone to measure the temperature, humidity, luminosity and carbon dioxide concentration in a greenhouse.

The capacity of an aerial vehicle to move in three-dimensional space and to place the sensor at any point have clear advantages over other alternatives such as the sensor networks. Thus, the use of this technology can help improve the climate control systems and monitor crops.

The quadrotor can follow programmed routes autonomously in the greenhouse or move freely in search of anomalies in its measurements.

Finally, all systems were shown in an experiment in a greenhouse located at the ‘plastic sea’ in Almeria. The robot flew the whole greenhouse in 20 minutes and generated maps of temperature, humidity, luminosity and carbon dioxide concentration. These maps can be used, amongst others, to guarantee optimal environmental conditions for plant growth or to detect leaks of temperature and humidity caused by cover damages.

MORE INFORMATION

This work was published in Sensors Journal and opens the door to use drones in greenhouses to conduct diverse tasks. These research projects developed in universities such as UPM are becoming marketed systems.

This article was published at phys.org

Today, numerous greenhouses have advanced systems to control climate or supply water and nutrients to plants. The main purposes of greenhouse

farming are climate control, both at local and global levels, and crop monitoring. Thus, there is a need to measure certain environmental variables of the greenhouse continuously and accurately.

Researchers have used an unmanned aerial vehicle powered by four rotors, called a quadcopter or quadrotor. The use of these aerial robots is spreading due to their reduced size (from a few decimetres to a metre or two), their low cost and the ability to transport equipment like cameras or sensors.

The quadrotor was equipped with sensors for temperature, humidity, luminosity and carbon dioxide concentration, as well as a controller to collect this data and send it to a wireless network. Researchers have carried out a complete analysis of computational fluid dynamics and have set the optimal position for these sensors and showing that propellers flows do not produce interference in their actions.


INDUSTRYYOUR

YOUR INDUSTRY


YOUR INDUSTRY

Local greengrocers are winning the fight forflavourFRESHNESS is a key selling point for independent greengrocers, and is a key attribute of the Great Greengrocer campaign.


Since 2013, the Great Greengrocer (GGG) program has recruited some of Perth’s finest independent grocery retailers to join the fight for flavour, with consumers rapidly following suit.

Managed and operated by the Perth Market Authority, in collaboration with the Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries WA, the program promotes the benefits of shopping at independent greengrocers by positioning them as experts in their field, with exemplary customer service and the freshest locally grown produce.

The Great Greengrocer campaign for 2014–15 recruited a record of 40 independent fresh produce retailers, up 20% on the previous year.

The campaign ran across all metro TV stations and GWN, in addition to The West Australian, Google Adwords and Yahoo7 catch-up television. Market research indicates that the television commercials, featuring a grocer ‘fighting off mediocre produce’ are highly memorable, with consumer awareness of the campaign via any medium at 62%, a 32% increase over last year.

Reinforcing the key messaging is the Great Greengrocer Facebook page which features retailer highlights and recipes promoting seasonal produce.

Consumers can also visit the website featuring an extensive database of produce information, growing regions and a helpful search function that locates GGG retailers by postcode.

Potential Great Greengrocers are offered one of three levels at signup, the most popular (and comprehensive) of which is platinum level which features an individual TV spot, along with highlights in press advertisements, a comprehensive suite of point of sale materials, and more.

In the words of a retailer who was new to the program this year, “The Great Greengrocer gives you a medium, or a voice, where you can get a group of independent retailers who will never have the opportunity or the ability to go onto an advertising campaign like a TV ad, because they couldn’t afford to. But as a group, you at least then have a little bit of a voice. I think it is the beginning of something really, really, really important.”

Freshness is a key selling point for independent greengrocers, and is a key attribute of the Great Greengrocer campaign.

In line with this, 78% of consumer respondents ranked ‘fresh/freshness’ as the first association made with the Great Greengrocer campaign. Additionally, associations with ‘local and WA grown’ are up 69% on previous years. Research also found that use of various GGG retailers and other independent greengrocers is trending upwards, which suggests that consumers appreciate the high quality, local produce and exemplary customer service that Great Greengrocers provide.

The Great Greengrocer campaign is set to build on this growth for 2015–16, with a refreshed retailer offer and a renewed focus on high-impact content driven marketing communications.

MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about the Great Greengrocer program, and how you can participate visit www.greatgreengrocer.com.au or contact the Perth Market Authority on (08) 9456 9200.

greatgreengrocer

YOUR INDUSTRY


YOUR INDUSTRY

Laurie Eldridge always wanted to be a farmer, however his parents insisted on a trade and as a dutiful son he became an Electrician. But as soon as he became qualified his passion drew him back to farming.

Laurie and Jan married in 1960 and left Perth for Albany, where they rented a house in Cuthbert. Laurie worked different jobs on various farms, even on Jan’s uncle’s potato farm. He also worked on a farm at Many Peaks, CSBP and the Albany Wool Stores and even managed to do contracting as an electrician.

In 1965 a potato property became available just down the road at Cuthbert. Laurie’s intention was to first lease the farm, but the bank wouldn’t lend on a lease so they purchased the farm. It was a rather large financial outlay for a young married couple and when Laurie told his parents he bought the farm, they were horrified at him taking on such a large debt. He told them, if it didn’t work out, he would go broke in five years and then he would start again. Well, luckily this didn’t happen !

AwardAward

www.cropcare.com.au • Customer Service 1800 111 454 Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd ACN 061 362 347

This is a guide only and no substitute for professional or expert advice. The product label should be consulted before use of any of the products referred to in this advertisement. Crop Care Australia Pty Ltd shall not be liable for any results, loss or damage whatsoever, whether consequential or otherwise through the use or application of products and/or materials referred to herein.

GIVE YOUR CROP A CLEAN GETAWAY

• Provides 8 weeks of residual weed control

• Low risk of herbicide carryover for cropping flexibility

• A high degree of crop safety

• Registered for use in brassica crops, onions, beetroot and sweet corn

• Dacthal’s primary uses are in brassicas, onions and ornamental plants (including use on 114 different species of ornamentals)

• Offers control of more than 57 species of broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses.

• High degree of crop safety to direct seeded and transplanted crops

RAMROD® ENSURES YOUR CROP WILL SPRINT AWAY

DACTHAL® - POWER YOU CAN TRUST

Life Membership AwardLaurence Spencer Eldridge

The property was 150 acres and comprised potato swamp of about 30 acres. The potato license was 22 acres, and at that time the potato was the Delaware. Laurie was an energetic and motived farmer who quite naturally became very involved in the industry and its future development.

It’s 50 years since Laurie bought that first farm and over that period of time, he was the zone chairman for the Potato Growers Association (PGA) for 22 years and the PGA President for 13 years.

During his time as President of the PGA, he represented WA Growers for Potato Growers of Australia, which later became AUSVEG after the amalgamation of Potato and Vegetable growers. Many meetings where held in the eastern states and many lifelong friends have been acquired during this time.

Laurie has also had quite an impact on some of the major challenges that have affected the potato industry. Including the PCN outbreak that occurred around 1986 in the Munster area.

The only PCN resistant potato at that time in Australia, was Atlantic, which was a processing potato and not suitable for wash packing.

Laurie and Jan travelled to the UK in 1989, to visit family and he used the visit as an opportunity to look at that countries wide number of potato varieties.

They went to the Royal Agriculture Show in Warickshire and met a representative for NIVA at the dutch pavilion. Laurie saw numerous varieties of potatoes, but none of them impressed him. Apparently it takes a lot to impress Laurie!

Laurie was searching for a specific spud and eventually found it at the British Stand. This is where he spotted Nadine, which had just been released in the UK for commercial use.

Nadine ticked all the boxes, Laurie went on to meet one of the directors of the Caithness Group and when he got back in London he went to see them requesting to obtain Nadine for testing and possible marketing in Australia.

They agreed to allow him to obtain material for trials and during the next two to three years Laurie built up the material and was granted rights in Australia for Nadine and all other Caithness varieties.

Over the years Laurie has purchased more land to grow potatoes.

He now plants 100 acres of seed potatoes, mainly Caithness varieties and loves his occupation, every day, except when the easterly wind is blowing and he wants to spray.

Laurie is a man who had a passion for the land and quite simply, just loved growing spuds.

Let’s face it — If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life!

We present this Life Membership Award to Laurie to honour his outstanding leadership, dedication and service to the potato industry and to The Potato Growers Association of WA.

Congratulations and thank you from everyone who is involved in the Potato industry.

AwardAward

www.cropcare.com.au • Customer Service 1800 111 454 Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd ACN 061 362 347

This is a guide only and no substitute for professional or expert advice. The product label should be consulted before use of any of the products referred to in this advertisement. Crop Care Australia Pty Ltd shall not be liable for any results, loss or damage whatsoever, whether consequential or otherwise through the use or application of products and/or materials referred to herein.

GIVE YOUR CROP A CLEAN GETAWAY

• Provides 8 weeks of residual weed control

• Low risk of herbicide carryover for cropping flexibility

• A high degree of crop safety

• Registered for use in brassica crops, onions, beetroot and sweet corn

• Dacthal’s primary uses are in brassicas, onions and ornamental plants (including use on 114 different species of ornamentals)

• Offers control of more than 57 species of broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses.

• High degree of crop safety to direct seeded and transplanted crops

RAMROD® ENSURES YOUR CROP WILL SPRINT AWAY

DACTHAL® - POWER YOU CAN TRUST

Registered for use in brassica crops,

broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses.

Life Membership AwardLaurence Spencer Eldridge


YOUR INDUSTRY

Inaugural reference group meetings were recently held as part of the Pilbara Hinterland Agricultural Development Initiative (PHADI), investigating irrigated agriculture development in the Pilbara.

The Agricultural Resource Assessment Technical Reference Group and the Pathways Working Group were convened by Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), as the lead agency for the multi-million dollar Royalties for Regions project.

PHADI Project Manager, Chris Schelfhout said the primary purpose of the reference groups was to generate open dialogue on irrigated agricultural development in the Pilbara.

Reference groups bring collaborative approach to Pilbara irrigation project

MEMBERS of the Agricultural Resource Assessment Technical Reference Group at their inaugural meeting including (L-R) John Simons (DAFWA), Ryan Mincham (DMP), Richard Nixon (Global Groundwater), Richard George (DAFWA), Gary Humphreys (DoW) and Chris Schelfhout (DAFWA).

“PHADI aims to unlock critical research and information about the potential of irrigated agriculture, to assist government, investors and industry in their planning and investment decisions,” Chris said.

“Sharing policy and scientific expertise means we can focus on how to enable irrigated agriculture in a way that is reflective of our clients’ needs and the complexity of the project.”

“The reference groups form an essential part of our project governance and evaluation structures.”

In addition to on-the-ground research through pilot site trials in the Pilbara, PHADI will help provide the answers to critical questions such as:

• What soil and water resources are available for irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara?

• Can irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara be economically viable?

• What are the barriers and constraints to irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara?

• What further investigations and policy change are required to enable irrigated agriculture development?

• What aspirations are there for irrigated agriculture development across government, industry, investors and the community?

Chris says the reference groups bring a collaborative approach to answering these questions, which is essential to realising the potential of irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara.


YOUR INDUSTRY

Pathways Working GroupThe Pathways Working Group is an interagency reference group who will work together on policy issues to support sustainable irrigated agriculture development in the Pilbara.

DAFWA senior policy officers Lisa Chalmers and Megan Hevron co-chaired the group, with representatives from the Departments of Water (DoW), Mines and Petroleum (DMP), Aboriginal Affairs, Environment Regulation and Office of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Megan says the group establishes partnerships between departments who administer legislation, policy and advice on agricultural development in the Pilbara.

A significant opportunity exists to develop irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara using surplus water from mines and other water resources in the Pilbara. The Agricultural Resource Assessment Technical Reference Group will share their scientific expertise to better understand the region’s water resources as part of Pilbara Hinterland Agricultural Development Initiative, led by DAFWA.

“It's important to have all the players in the regulatory space around the table at the same time so a whole-of-government approach to irrigated agriculture development can be fostered,” Megan said.

Agricultural Resource Assessment Technical Reference GroupDAFWA Research Officer John Simons coordinated the Agricultural Resource Assessment Technical Reference Group which includes DoW, DMP, Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA and Global Groundwater.

“This group provides a forum for the coordination of data and knowledge for the PHADI land and water assessment,” John said.

“A significant opportunity exists to develop irrigated agriculture in the Pilbara using surplus water from mines and other water resources in the region.”

“However, we need to better understand the region’s natural resource base, where suitable resources are located, and their ability to support sustainable irrigated agriculture by bringing together the best-available knowledge.”

John says the collaboration will facilitate timely access to water resource data, and provide counsel to review research methods and endorse results.

“There are large volumes of data we need to access and understand,” John said.

“The reference group will help us synthesise this information, and identify knowledge gaps which need further investigation.”

“As a result, we expect to be able to quantify water resources potentially available for irrigated agriculture to support the identification of areas with good prospects for development.”

“This group is a brains-trust of people with experience and knowledge of the land and water resources within the Pilbara region,” Chris said.

In addition to providing significant collaborative expertise, these groups have linkages with broader networks that will add valuable input over the life of the project.

The reference groups will meet at least twice per year and add to consultation about the project with industry, investors and the community.

PHADI is made possible by Royalties for Regions, and is led by DAFWA in partnership with the Department of Regional Development and Pilbara Development Commission.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact the team by emailing [email protected] or visit agric.wa.gov.au

Find us on Twitter by following DAFWA, and keep an eye out for #PHADI for project updates


YOUR INDUSTRY


On the Saturday 27th June Buy West Eat Best, Farmer Jacks and the Gascoyne Food Council worked together to celebrate the new-look Jacks Wholefoods supermarket and the return to the market of the wonderful produce of Western Australia’s Gascoyne region.

The Gascoyne was badly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Olwyn earlier this year and many crops and livelihoods were damaged. After a lot of hard work and support from the community, the region was ready to announce its return and kicked off its campaign at Farmer Jacks Food Fest.

Gascoyne Food Relaunches at Farmer Jacks in ClaremontBY GEORGIA BEERGASCOYNE FOOD COUNCIL

Fresh from Carnarvon


YOUR INDUSTRY

The Hon Ken Baston, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Fisheries opened the event and spent a considerable amount of time talking to the WA businesses and suppliers in attendance.

Chef and WA Ambassador Don Hancey was joined by Executive Chef of Print Hall Dan Fisher to serve samples of Gascoyne foods, including seafood and a range of vegetables.

The Jacks Claremont store was packed with over 20 Buy West Eat Best members providing samples of Western Australian food for tasting and purchasing. Local talent Verity James was also there to guide customers and talk about food along the way.

The store was buzzing the whole day. Farmer Jacks worked incredibly hard to set up the store and arrange stock for the event — they were constantly maintaining the store throughout the day as well.

The event garnered excellent media coverage — main stream and social media. This included The West Australian, The Post, Western Suburbs Weekly, a great range of food bloggers and various posts on Instagram and Facebook.

Due to the success of the event, Farmer Jacks are now rolling out the new-look stores with events across Perth. Ocean Reef was a great success on the 5th September and next will be Subiaco in October.

MORE INFORMATION

Georgia Thomas, Consultant, Gascoyne Food Council, [email protected] or go to www.gascoynefood.com.au or www.buywesteatbest.org.au

THE store was also packed with over 20 Buy West Eat Best members providing samples of WA food for tasting and purchasing.


YOUR INDUSTRY

Why should you use drumMUSTER ?

drumMUSTER and ChemClear are effective solutions for meeting QA requirements.

Navigate to the wesbite or contact your local shire council or nearest Regional Consultant to fi nd out how you can help. Let’s clean up WA!

Northern WA, Bevan Henderson: 0429 089 780Southern WA, Graeme Passmore: 0429 933 307

Find your nearest drumMUSTER

collection point at:

drummuster.com.au

1 sites in Western Australia

4 illi n drums recycled by WA farmers illi n nati n i e

Rinse ‘em out r un e u and run ‘em in

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• PRIDE IN INDUSTRY

• RAISE MONEY FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

er $700,000 raised so far

Agsafe General Manager, Alison Carmichael, is pleased to announce that the organisation has been named as a finalist in the international Agrow Awards 2015 for ‘Best Stewardship Program (Accreditation & Training, drumMUSTER and ChemClear)’.

“The award category recognises outstanding schemes that manage agrochemical or agbiotech products in the marketplace in a sustainable way,” she said. “We are in good company with Croplife Australia also being shortlisted for their Pollinator Protection Initiative, along with Andef Brazil, Impev Brazil and The Mediae Company.”

The Agrow Awards were developed to reward excellence in the crop protection and production industry. This is the eighth instalment of the prestigious awards which calls for applications from around the globe.

Ms Carmichael reflects that Agsafe has grown over 22 years from a small, industry accreditation program to become Australia’s largest industry stewardship organisation servicing the agricultural and veterinary chemical industry, farmers and other users of chemical products.

The organisation provides safety advice and training to over 1,400 retail premises through its Accreditation & Training program, ensuring that around 95% of the chemical retail industry is committed to staff and customer safety.

“Stores achieving Agsafe accreditation are maintaining compliance and reducing risk in an industry which deals with products with the potential to create serious risk to the environment, users and the wider community,” said Accreditation & Training Manager Frances Cameron.

Agsafeshortlisted for international stewardship award

AGSAFE’S drumMUSTER program has collected over 26 million drums since its inception in 1999.

Agsafe is also active in removing the pollution risk posed by unwanted chemical products.

The drumMUSTER program collects and recycles empty agvet chemical containers, while ChemClear collects and sustainably destroys unwanted or out-of-date chemicals.

drumMUSTER and ChemClear National Program Manager Allan McGann said, “Agsafe’s product stewardship programs are an integral part of the Australian agricultural landscape. The commitment to the programs from all stakeholders demonstrates the importance of chemical and container management. We are extremely proud to be nominated for such a prestigious international award.”

The winner will be announced on 17 September 2015 in London.

Advertorial

drumMUSTER has collected over

26 million drums

Why should you use drumMUSTER ?

drumMUSTER and ChemClear are effective solutions for meeting QA requirements.

Navigate to the wesbite or contact your local shire council or nearest Regional Consultant to fi nd out how you can help. Let’s clean up WA!

Northern WA, Bevan Henderson: 0429 089 780Southern WA, Graeme Passmore: 0429 933 307

Find your nearest drumMUSTER

collection point at:

drummuster.com.au

1 sites in Western Australia

4 illi n drums recycled by WA farmers illi n nati n i e

Rinse ‘em out r un e u and run ‘em in

• IT’S EASY AND CONVENIENT

• SIMPLE 3 STEP PROCESS

• PRIDE IN INDUSTRY

• RAISE MONEY FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

er $700,000 raised so far

YOUR INDUSTRY


AdamaRewards.com

Be rewarded for choosing Adama Crop Protection products this season.

· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015

· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent

· Mention The WA Grower magazine when you activate your first Adama Rewards eftpos card online to go into the draw to WIN $1000!

Visit AdamaRewards.com for details of qualifying products and full terms and conditions. While stocks last. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/15/04493

Be Rewarded.

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· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent

· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015

· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent

· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015

· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent

· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015

· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent


· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent· Your retailer will submit your claim online and you will receive $50 for every $1000 +GST spent

· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015

Be rewarded for choosing Adama Crop Protection products this season.


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· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015

Be rewarded for choosing Adama Crop Protection products this season.Be rewarded for choosing Adama Crop Protection products this season.Be rewarded for choosing Adama Crop Protection products this season.


Be rewarded for choosing Adama Crop Protection products this season.Be rewarded for choosing Adama Crop Protection products this season.


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· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015· Simply purchase qualifying products from your local farm supplies store between June 1 and December 18 2015

Introducing the Department of Water’s (DoW) new customer portal and corporate website.

The Department of Water has launched a number of online services available on their new website at www.water.wa.gov.au.

The most significant feature is the new Water Online portal which provides the easiest and most efficient way for customers to manage all of their licensing and metering needs. In real-time, customers can:

• Access their licensing information

• Submit and monitor applications

• Apply to renew or transfer a licence, and

• Submit meter readings.

The Water Online portal provides flexibility and convenience for DoW customers. In the future, we will move more of our services online, including the launch later this year of land-use planning services.

Water Online is now live


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The PGAWA is currently in the process of appointing a specialist consultant group with whom we shall work to develop a transition plan, and also a recommended likely structure, for the WA potato industry following de-regulation.

The Premier announced earlier this year that the WA potato marketing system would be deregulated immediately after the March 2017 election, should the Coalition be re-elected.

Whilst it was disappointing that our industry was informed of the Premier’s decision via the media, the PGAWA has nonetheless embarked upon a cohesive and considered approach to bringing about an orderly transition.

Agreement was reached with the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon Ken Baston, whereby the PGAWA — as the peak industry body — would provide government with a recommended plan for not only this transition process, but also for the likely structure of the industry post de-regulation.

The aim is to have this report — that will involve extensive consultations with growers and stakeholders — completed by the end of 2015. The PGAWA will also liaise closely with the Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC) during this process to ensure the industry presents a unified and consistent approach to the completion of the industry plan.

As part of the process we will be examining what financial assistance individual growers may need in order to make the transition, and to also develop a recommendation as to what assistance the broader industry will need to build capacity and to ensure a vibrant and economically sound future for WA grown potatoes.

During the previous months I have held meeting with senior politicians — including State Treasurer Mike Nahan, Agriculture Minister Ken Baston and also the State Opposition including their Opposition Leader Mark McGowan, Mick Murray MLA, and Ben Wyatt — to ensure all sides of politics understand the implications for our industry as a result of the Premier’s decision, and how critical it is that the transition is undertaken in an orderly manner.

From the experience on the east coast of Australia, our industry faces financial uncertainty whereby as a result of de-regulation we may see a transfer of profits from small family growers to major retailers with very little end-price benefit for consumers.

As our industry transitions to a more de-regulated system it will be critical for all growers and wash packers to adhere to the current system by complying with the act that covers the operation of the PMC.

Intentional overplanting, for example, could have a disastrous impact on grower returns and also bring about a chaotic transition to the new system with consequences for not only growers but also consumers. It is for this reason the PGAWA is calling on all parties to work within the existing Act to ensure a cohesive transition.

There is no question that our industry faces very uncertain times. But thanks to the vast majority of growers supporting their PGAWA and committee, we hope to be able to transition with the minimal amount of disruption and financial harm to growers and the broader industry.

It is also important that we deal with government with one unified voice and position, and for that the PGAWA committee thanks all growers for their support.

MORE INFORMATION

Further zone meetings and consultations will take place over the next few weeks.

WA potato industry prepares

for new eraBY ROSS TAYLORPOTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION OF WA

THE PGAWA will provide the government with a recommended plan, for not only the transition process, but also for the likely structure of the industry post de-regulation.


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Growers in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region are still cleaning up and feeling the storm’s effects.

The horticultural town of Carnarvon is home to more than 100 plantations lining the north and south sides of the Gascoyne River.

Growers produce a wide range of produce for the Perth market, including: tomatoes, capsicums, eggplant, pumpkin, chillies, melons, bananas, avocados, mangoes, paw paw, citrus, onions, and herbs.

Many plantations sustained significant structural damage and crop losses were high. Following are some of their stories.

CarnarvonFive months on from Cyclone Olwyn

Vegetable grower Phil Frzop’s plantation torn crop nets blow in the breeze.

Those nets are what protect his eggplant and capsicum seedlings from dust and the elements.

Their absence has made a huge difference to his output this season.

“The crops grow a lot better undercover because it's a controlled environment,” he said.

“You can see it in the vegetable size, the volume of the crop and the plant height.”

But with only one contractor in Carnarvon who can fix the nets, Mr Frzop said he was resigned to waiting his turn.

“Basically we’ve only got one guy in town that does it (fixes nets), so hopefully in time he’ll get here,” he said.

“You don’t really know how you feel.

“You get down because you’ve lost all your crops and you’ve got to start again.

Grower Phil Frzop

Eggplants & capsicums

“Until now we've been able to do things that we enjoy, but basically it's the debt that keeps us here.”Phil Frzop Carnarvon capsicum and eggplant grower


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At Rose Borich’s plantation work is underway to fix the torn crop nets, which covered most of her paddocks.

“Crops have to be protected, otherwise the quality is just not there,” she said.

“We’re still struggling but we are getting there.

“It’s going to take more time, but hopefully we'll start to get back to normal soon.”

A team is currently harvesting capsicums and bull-horn sweet peppers at the plantation.

Ms Borich is hoping prices at the Perth markets will improve, to compensate for the reduced crop volumes.

She has been growing in Carnarvon for 26 years and said Cyclone Olwyn had been the most challenging weather situation she has faced.

“Life on a plantation is not easy,” she said.

“You put so much effort in and there are so many other factors we cannot control.

“I believe this season is much, much harder than the floods (of 2010–11).

“It’s always like that, you have one thing but not another, that’s the problem when your life is on the land.”

Grower Rose Borich

"It’s just gross lament, really, because we’ve had the best river flows for years.

“We’ve gone from a flood in 2010–11, to a drought last year and a drought earlier this year, to getting 100% water back and then we have Cyclone Olwyn!"

The low Australian dollar has made replanting an expensive exercise for Mr Frzop.

“Fertiliser is about $60 a bag and that’s for 25 kilograms,” he said.

“You would use about half a dozen bags a day.

“There are the seedling costs as well; a stripey eggplant is $1.20 a plant and that’s before you put plastic down, add water or labour to pick them.

“Until now we’ve been able to do things that we enjoy doing, but basically it’s the debt that keeps us here.”

Cyclone Olwyn’s winds ripped out Mr Frzop’s melon crops, which meant the loss of six month's income.

In the coming weeks, a team of backpackers will replant rockmelons and watermelons to be harvested this summer.

“Things are getting back to normal, but they won’t get there for a fair while yet,” he said.

“There's still lots of visual damage, so we’ll just have to keep working at it.”

Capsicums & sweet chilli

Eggplants & capsicums

“Life on a plantation is not easy...you

put so much effort in and there are so

many factors we cannot control.”

Rose Borich Carnarvon capsicum and paprika grower


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Tomatoes are Carnarvon’s most popular crop and picking is underway at Duc Nguyen’s plantation.

He does not grow under netting and suffered significant crop losses from Cyclone Olwyn.

“I lost my watermelon crop,” he said.

“Some of them were near picking stage, or half way through, and they all just dropped their fruit.

“It’s not nice that it happened like that, but that’s life.”

Mr Nguyen is now relying on his tomato crop to see him through the season.

He produces tomatoes for one of the major supermarket chains and for the Perth market floor.

“For a big crate of tomatoes like this, we really need to get about $300, to have enough to pay bills and put something on the table,” he said.

“At the moment we’re getting about $100, but hopefully that price doesn’t drag on, like last year.”

Tomatoes & melonsGrower Duc Nguyen

DUC Nguyen with chefs during the recent Gascoyne Food Festival in August.


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Rob and Dan Kuzmicich had just planted their seedlings in the weeks before Cyclone Olwyn hit in March.

Rob estimates they lost 20% of their crop during the storm.

“They got damaged with the wind and the sandblasting that occurred with the wind,” he said.

“They were torn back to the stems, so it took a little while for them to regenerate and reshoot.”

The Kuzmicich’s crop nets were destroyed as a result of the storm.

Rob hopes they might have one fixed in September but the other will not be fixed until early next year.

In the meantime, workers on the plantation are hand stitching any holes they find in destroyed nets.

“Most of our infrastructure is down, although we do have one net still up and the crops are looking good under there,” he said.

“All the other structures are down, so those crops are probably half the size and half the yield of what they normally would be.

“But that’s the same for the whole region.”

Despite a rough few years that have seen them face floods, locust, drought and now a cyclone, the Kuzmicich brothers said they were committed to growing in Carnarvon.

“I don’t think we have a choice, it’s our passion,” said Rob.

“We express ourselves in our farm and our business, we’re our own boss and we have the pleasure of having people from many different countries come and work on our property.

“We’re learning all the time and it is challenging, so it just pushes all your buttons, so to speak.”

MORE INFORMATION

For more information please contact the Gascoyne Food Council www.gascoynefood.com.au/food-council

Tomatoes & melonsGrowers Rob and Dan Kuzmicich

Capsicums & eggplants

“It’s our passion...we express ourselves in our farm and our business.”Rob Kuzmicich Carnarvon capsicum and eggplant grower

(L–R) Chef Marco Bijl, from Atrium at Crown Perth, with Dan Kuzmicich and Rob Kuzmicich.


YOUR INDUSTRY

This year’s festival was a resounding success with all events sold out and new connections created with the remote Gascoyne region. A strong contingent of 11 top chefs travelled to the festival to learn about the local produce and showcase their talents.

The Gascoyne Food Council’s aim with the festival is to boost the profile of the region along with consumer recognition of produce and willingness to pay for quality. The events garnered a large amount of media through social media channels and writers including journalist Max Veenhuyzen, ABC radio and the Northern Guardian.

Doriana Mangili, Acting Executive Officer for the Gascoyne Food Council, said that this year marked the regions 6th Long Table Lunch.

“The event has grown from 80 to 195 guests over that time and is greatly anticipated by foodies from near and far,” said Doriana.

The chefs in attendance have been busy back in Perth developing great opportunities for Gascoyne Food. These include direct purchasing through the Grower to Chef program by the Crown Perth for the Atrium Restaurant, an upcoming event at the Peasants Table restaurant to celebrate the food from the region (date TBC) and Ultimo Catering spreading promoting the region through social media.

Chefs that joined the event are from a range of Perth eateries — Print Hall, Poach Pear, Peasants Table, Frasers Restaurant, Crown Atrium Buffett, Ultimo Catering, Must Wine Bar, The Old Brewery, Panorama Catering and Incontro.

“The festival provides Chef’s with a unique opportunity to network with each other and to meet with growers to learn more about the provenance of produce,” said Dan Fisher, Executive Chef of Print Hall.

“It’s also really rewarding to be able to use our creativity at the Long Table Lunch in such a stunning location,” he added.

BY GEORGIA BEERGASCOYNE FOOD COUNCIL

Go for 2&5Gascoyne F� d Festival 2015

Photos: Anton Blume

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Go for 2&5

In attendance this year was WA Food Ambassador Don Hancey, Member for North West Central Vince Catania MLA, Georgia Norris representing Tourism WA, food industry representatives from Perth restaurants and supermarkets along with local producers and businesses.

Chefs TourOn 13th August the festival kicked off with a Chef ’s Tour. This exclusive tour provided a opportunity for chefs and retailers to visit growers and learn about ongoing issues caused by damage following Tropical Cyclone Olwyn, as well as impact of the alkaline soils on the superior flavour of produce.

Connecting end users to the growers develops a relationship where both parties can learn about the others needs and issues to improve the final product.

Some great discussions were had and new opportunities will be investigated.

BBQ on the BeachThe BBQ on the Beach was a family friendly event where guests enjoyed local produce prepared by Chef Don Hancey and Panorama Catering. Held at the Carnarvon Yacht Club the menu included Lyndon Station beef and fresh fish accompanied by plenty of Gascoyne fruit and vegetables.

Gascoyne F� d Festival 2015THE BBQ on the Beach event on the Thursday night.


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Long Table Lunch The Long Table Lunch was a sellout event again this year with a new record of 195 tickets sold. Predominantly locals attend as it is a rare opportunity to enjoy the creations of Perth’s top chefs in their own backyard. Set in the heart of productive horticultural country on the Gascoyne River at Bentwaters Plantation, this lunch was a pure celebration of local Gascoyne fare. The chefs each took the opportunity to talk about their experience in the region and the food that they prepared — which provides great insights for those attending.

Gascoyne Farmers MarketThe visiting chefs also enjoyed the atmosphere of the Gascoyne Growers Markets on the Saturday morning. There was tastings and cooking demonstrations from chefs, live entertainment and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Satellite EventsThis year there were two additional events in the region. The On Dirk’s Dinner Plate Long Table Lunch on Dirk Hartog Island was described as “an experience I’ll never forget” by Chef Russell Blaikie.

Additionally, there was a Surf and Turf on Sunrise Beach event in Exmouth at the beautiful Novotel Ningaloo Resort overlooking the beach. Both events sold out.

SPONSORS

The 2015 festival received funding from the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme, which is jointly funded by Royalties for Regions, the Gascoyne Development Commission, Healthway, the Shire of Carnarvon and local sponsors.

ABOVE: Beautiful produce at the Gascoyne Farmers Market.

BELOW: The amazing chefs after preparing the Long Table Lunch in Carnarvon.


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Southern Forests Food Council has announced Jayme Hatcher will be its new General Manager.

Food Council Chair Bevan Eatts said: “Jayme has an outstanding track record for her operational and project management skills. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.

“The Food Council looks forward to Jayme working with us to grow the Genuinely Southern Forests brand — which represents the region’s clean, green, premium-quality produce.

“Our plan is to establish and market the region’s reputation as the nation’s premier food bowl for consumers, chefs and tourists, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests region as an internationally-recognised culinary tourism destination.”

The Food Council has been expanding its initiatives within culinary and agri-tourism, such as supporting the Truffle Kerfuffle, Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival and Pemberton Unearthed events and hopes to tap into Ms Hatcher’s extensive industry experience.

Ms Hatcher said she was looking forward to meeting region’s producers and understanding how she can assist them to leverage the Genuinely Southern Forests brand to increase sales of their products.

She said a key focus would be to ensure the Food Council is moving toward sustainability and continuing its fantastic initiatives and events in the long term.

Ms Hatcher takes over from Allen Burtenshaw who resigned from Food Council earlier this year.

The Southern Forests Food Council is supported by the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Regional Development, Royalties for Regions and the Shire of Manjimup. The Southern Forests region includes the towns of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole.

MORE INFORMATION

Go to www.southernforestsfood.com

Southern Forests Food Council welcomes new General Manager

SOUTHERN Forests Food Council General Manager, Jayme Hatcher, at the Truffle Kerfuffle.

Biography: Jayme HatcherJayme Hatcher, is originally from Perth but has lived in Busselton for 20 years. She has worked at the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association since 1998, beginning as a trainee and eventually taking on the role of Operations and Projects Manager.

Ms Hatcher has a diploma in Project Management from the Australian Institute of Management, a diploma in Business Administration and Management from TAFE in Bunbury, and a certificate in Tourism from TAFE in Busselton.

Ms Hatcher says being an effective communicator is a strength of hers and she plans to focus on building strong relationships within the Food Council’s membership and across related industries.

“I want to help connect people Australia wide, as well as internationally, to this wonderful region and its produce, and to share my passion for the food industry,” Ms Hatcher said.

Among her achievements at the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association was the $3.1 million Jewel Cave preservation and redevelopment project, which she oversaw. That project opened on time and on budget, she said.

YOUR INDUSTRY


Sustainable agricultural opportunities growin Peel-Harvey

PULLOUT SECTION

Horticulture in the Peel-Harvey

A Guide for Investors and Growers

This brochure provides important information to guide investment

decisions with new horticulture development in the Peel-Harvey

G3401-PHCC-MarketGarden-Press.indd 14/09/2015 7:41:02 AM


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G3401-PHCC-MarketGarden-Press.indd 1 4/09/2015 7:41:02 AM

The Peel-Harvey Region is presenting fresh opportunities for innovative food producers that have a focus to grow quality produce through sustainable farming practices.

With urban expansion rapidly reducing food production parcels in the Perth area, the Region’s good water supplies and proximity to services, metropolitan outlets and strong transport nodes is attracting renewed interest and investment.

The Region currently grows over $350 million of produce across 140,000 hectares and this is set to significantly increase over the next 20 years.

With a focus to attract new sustainable investment into the Catchment, a Technical Working Group (TWG) for Sustainable Agriculture has been established to improve and streamline decision making around new proposals for vegetable and other horticultural enterprises in the Peel-Harvey Shires.

Chief Executive Officer of the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and joint Chair of the Group Jane O’Malley, said an initiative by the Peel Regional Leaders Forum had sparked a collaborative effort between government agencies. “We recognised we had to address the policy issues associated with nutrient export risk from the poorer soils of the Peel-Harvey, which had restricted growing options dating back to the 1990s.”

“These concerns had previously impacted on horticulture industry growth in the area. However, a proactive approach by local and state agencies to address the environmental constraints linked to traditional in ground production and promote the use of innovative closed systems of horticulture on the most challenging soils will provide new investment opportunities. Our focus is to help growers target resources to areas suitable for production that will not pose a risk to the Peel-Harvey Estuary,’ explained Ms O’Malley.

John Shannon, CEO of vegetablesWA has been working with the TWG and welcomes the assistance provided to the industry and the opportunities now being presented. “We acknowledge the initiative and the efforts of the Peel Leaders Forum and agency representatives of Peel-Harvey in their positive approach to attracting and increasing investment into this ideal food production location, while protecting natural resources of the Region,” he said.

This project is supported by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and the Peel Regional Leaders Forum.

The following pages provide information to guide investment decisions with new horticulture development in the Peel-Harvey.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information contact Jane O’Malley, Chief Executive Officer, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, on (08) 6369 8800 or email [email protected]

JOHN Ruprecht, DAFWA, Brett Flugge, Shire of Murray, Norman Baker, Peel Development Commission, Jane O’Malley, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, John Shannon, vegetablesWA, Sam Calmeri, Baldivis Farms and John Lynch, Peel Regional Leaders Forum.

Because of its close proximity to markets, the Peel-Harvey coastal

catchment grows over $350 million of produce across 140,000 hectares.

With production expected to increase significantly in the next 20 years,

new agricultural systems and food innovation which both meet this

increased production and protect the region’s unique environmental

character, are paramount.

Growth in the Peel-Harvey Region

Horticulture and the environmentThere are a many significant environmental assets within the Peel-Harvey, chiefly the internationally

recognised Ramsar-listed wetlands and Estuary. These natural features are protected under

International Convention and require protection from threats, particularly excessive nutrient-rich

water entering the coastal catchment. Nutrients drive algal blooms which erode water quality, reduce

recreational opportunities and ultimately lead to health issues and fish kills. To maintain water quality,

special requirements apply to all new developments including horticultural projects.

Perth

Peel-Harvey Region


KwinanaByford

Mundijong

Mandurah

Pinjarra

Waroona

Preston Beach

Yarloop

Harvey

Rockingham

0 5 10

Kilometres

20 2515

Spearwood System

BassendeanSystem

PinjarraSystem

VasseSystem

ForrestfieldSystem

LEGEND

Coastal Catchment Boundary

Annual Horticulture

Perennial Horticulture

Viticulture

Closed System Horticulture

Not Suitable For Horticulture

CATCHMENT SYSTEMS

HORTICULTURE SUITABILITY

Bassendean System

Forrestfield System

Pinjarra System

Spearwood System

Vasse System

Potentially suitable for Annual horticulture (moderate risk to water quality) e.g. vegetable farms, turf farms, flowers, seedling nurseries

Potentially suitable for Perennial horticulture (moderate risk to water quality) e.g. citrus, orchards, table grapes, other fruit, high yielding olives, retail nurseries

Potentially suitable for Viticulture (moderate risk to water quality) e.g. wine grapes, low yield olives

Potentially suitable for Closed system horticulture and nurseries (moderate risk to water quality)

Not suitable for horticulture (very high risk to water quality)

SOIL-LANDSCAPE SYSTEM MAP This map provides an indication of risks posed to di�erent landscapes.


Protecting everyone’s futureGovernment policies are in place to ensure both sustainable horticulture and a healthy environment can co-exist within the Peel-Harvey coastal catchment.

State Planning Policy 2.1 Peel-Harvey Coastal Plain Catchment and the Environmental Protection (Peel Inlet-Harvey Estuary) Policy 1992 require all new developments within the catchment comply with nutrient management standards.

Additionally, these planning policies support sustainable agriculture:

• Peel Region Scheme Strategic Agricultural Resource Policy

• Greater Bunbury Region Scheme Strategic Agricultural Resource Policy

• State Planning Policy 2.5 Land Use Planning in Rural Areas

In places, horticultural use may be restricted, require special conditions or not be permitted due to excessive risk to our waterways. Groundwater resources may be limited or of poor quality in some areas.

Nutrient Management RiskThe map provides general advice and is a guide only. Growing vegetables directly in poor deep sands leads to excess fertiliser being washed into groundwater and our waterways. This can lead to algal blooms and fish deaths and is contrary to government policy.

Well managed closed systems of production pose a much lower risk to our waterways. Growers are strongly encouraged to pursue opportunities to use closed loop growing systems in preference to growing vegetables directly on poor soils.


Selecting a site for investment If you are planning a new horticultural venture in the Peel-Harvey, here’s a helpful checklist:

• Consult your Local and relevant State Government agencies early in your planning process

• Ensure the land’s zoning supports commercial horticulture / intensive agriculture

• Match crop and production systems to site soils and land capability

• Seek advice from suitably qualified professionals to ensure your proposed project complies with established policy

• Ensure su�cient groundwater/water resources are available to the chosen site

• Ensure adequate separation between production areas and sensitive land uses

• Ensure necessary services and infrastructure can be supplied to the site

• Avoid impacts to significant bushland or wetlands

Advice > Assistance > ApprovalsLocal and State Government can provide advice and assistance to help plan new horticultural ventures, or direct you to the appropriate agency for assistance.

New horticultural developments in the Peel-Harvey Coastal Catchment require planning approval by the relevant Local Government authority. This ensures that developments comply with State Government policy and local planning schemes and will be environmentally acceptable.

Proponents are encouraged to consult their Local Government planning departments at the earliest possible opportunity. Pre-lodgement meetings will help clarify information requirements and the approvals process.

Other government approvals and licences may also be required, including licences to take groundwater, construct dams or drain, pump water, discharge treated e�uent, or clear native vegetation. Your Local Government may be able to provide guidance on some of these requirements.


Ad

Useful contactsCity of Kwinana (08) 9439 0200 [email protected]

City of Mandurah (08) 9550 3777 [email protected]

Shire of Harvey (08) 9729 0300 [email protected]

City of Rockingham (08) 9528 0333 [email protected]

Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale (08) 9526 1111 [email protected]

Shire of Murray (08) 9531 7777 [email protected]

Shire of Waroona (08) 9733 7800 [email protected]

FOR GENERAL ADVICE ON LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AGRICULTURE, LAND CAPABILITY MAPPING

Department of Agriculture and Food, Land Use Planning Team

SOUTH PERTH OFFICE (08) 9368 3333 Kwinana, Rockingham, MurraySerpentine-Jarrahdale

BUNBURY OFFICE (08) 9780 6100 [email protected] Waroona, Harvey

FOR GENERAL ADVICE ON DEVELOPMENT IN THE PEEL REGION

Peel Development Commission (08) 9535 0000 [email protected]

FOR GENERAL ADVICE ON WATER LICENCING, GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY, NUTRIENT & IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Department of Water (Kwinana-Peel) (08) 9550 4222 [email protected]

Department of Water (Bunbury) (08) 9726 4111 [email protected]

FOR ADVICE ON DRAINING OR PUMPING IN THE PEEL-HARVEY COASTAL CATCHMENT

O�ce of the Soil and Land Conservation Commissioner (08) 9368 3282 [email protected]

USEFUL, MAP-BASED INFORMATION ON THE WEB

Soil-landscape mapping www.peel-harvey.org.au /

Natural Resources, including native vegetation and wetlands mapping http://pbp.asn.au/index_public.html

(Local Biodiversity Program Environmental Planning Tool – Public Version)

An initiative of the Peel Regional Leaders Forum and Peel Sustainable Agriculture Technical Working Group, 2015

This project is supported by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council through funding

from the Australian Government and the Peel Regional Leaders Forum



YOUR INDUSTRY

Useful contactsCity of Kwinana (08) 9439 0200 [email protected]

City of Mandurah (08) 9550 3777 [email protected]

Shire of Harvey (08) 9729 0300 [email protected]

City of Rockingham (08) 9528 0333 [email protected]

Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale (08) 9526 1111 [email protected]

Shire of Murray (08) 9531 7777 [email protected]

Shire of Waroona (08) 9733 7800 [email protected]

FOR GENERAL ADVICE ON LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AGRICULTURE, LAND CAPABILITY MAPPING

Department of Agriculture and Food, Land Use Planning Team

SOUTH PERTH OFFICE (08) 9368 3333 Kwinana, Rockingham, MurraySerpentine-Jarrahdale

BUNBURY OFFICE (08) 9780 6100 [email protected] Waroona, Harvey

FOR GENERAL ADVICE ON DEVELOPMENT IN THE PEEL REGION

Peel Development Commission (08) 9535 0000 [email protected]

FOR GENERAL ADVICE ON WATER LICENCING, GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY, NUTRIENT & IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Department of Water (Kwinana-Peel) (08) 9550 4222 [email protected]

Department of Water (Bunbury) (08) 9726 4111 [email protected]

FOR ADVICE ON DRAINING OR PUMPING IN THE PEEL-HARVEY COASTAL CATCHMENT

O�ce of the Soil and Land Conservation Commissioner (08) 9368 3282 [email protected]

USEFUL, MAP-BASED INFORMATION ON THE WEB

Soil-landscape mapping www.peel-harvey.org.au /

Natural Resources, including native vegetation and wetlands mapping http://pbp.asn.au/index_public.html

(Local Biodiversity Program Environmental Planning Tool – Public Version)

An initiative of the Peel Regional Leaders Forum and Peel Sustainable Agriculture Technical Working Group, 2015

This project is supported by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council through funding

from the Australian Government and the Peel Regional Leaders Forum


Western Australia’s best known renegade farm chemical supplier, 4Farmers is conducting a drive to make itself better known to vegetable growers, orchardists and vignerons.

4Farmers General Manager, Neil Mortimore said that while there have been some horticulturalists using 4Farmer’s products, he felt the company has virtually been a secret to many growers in the horticulture industry — and it was time this changed.

4Farmers was launched in 1994 by Phil Patterson, a wheat grower based in Gnowangerup.

Those were the days when farm chemical prices were far higher than they are today. Farm chemicals were supplied solely by the well-known multi-national companies.

On investigating the costs of sourcing many of the chemicals, Phil Patterson became incensed with the attitude of the multinationals and as a consequence, an extremely irate farmer launched a modest chemical importing business.

As an instance 4Farmers was able to sell a properly registered Triadmefon 125 fungicide for $8.50/L against another competitors price of approximately $55/L.

4Farmers quickly earned a reputation as the ‘White Knight’ of the farm chemical business as it went into bat against numerous trade protectionist policies that had resulted in farm chemical prices being artificially priced far higher here than what the rest of the world was paying.

As a result of 4Farmers activities, the multinationals were forced to lower their prices.

Warehouse direct supplies to save you costsToday, 4Farmers is still owned by farmers and has grown to become a major supplier of essential farm chemicals. These range from herbicides and seed dressings through to fungicides, insecticides, wetting agents and so on.

4Farmers has grown considerably to now having its own substantial laboratory, manufacturing plant and warehouse in Welshpool. The company formulates most of its products, tests them for quality and ensures all Australian standards are met.

Mr Mortimore said that despite prices being low, 4Farmer’s products have been proven to be among the highest quality on the market.

“We have extremely tight manufacturing tolerances — higher than most of the ‘high reputation’ multinationals so value for money our product supplies are very hard to beat.

“Our mission has been to be the best value for money farm chemical supplier in Australia.

Mr Mortimore said though 4Farmer’s activities have primarily been directed to broad-acre farmers the company is keen to be seen as a supplier to all segments of agriculture so that growers of all types can save money in production costs and increase their income.

4Farmers is based at 35McDowell Street, Welshpool and has a comprehensive website that growers can visit to see the full range of products.

Mr Mortimore added that growers are welcome to call to enquire about prices.

“I think they’ll be surprised at what they can save by buying direct through us. Certainly other farmers around Australia have been,” he said.

MORE INFORMATION

For further information call us on 1800 038 445 or go to our website www.4farmers.com.au

LEFT: As a result of his activities, Phil Patterson was awarded the title: ‘Primary Industry Person of the Year’ in 2012.

ABOVE: 4Farmers General Manager, Neil Mortimore with some of the farm chemicals produced by 4Farmers.

The angry farmer who becamethe ‘white knight’ of the farm chemical business

GROWERS...How would you like to obtain your






call us on 1800 038 445.

SO EASY!...












FUNGICIDES






INSECTICIDES



$14.65/l

$8.25/l


available



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YOUR INDUSTRY

SummaryThis aquifer update provides an assessment of the status of Lower Gascoyne River groundwater resources for Subareas A and B–L. The update uses data up to June 2015 from plantation production bores and Department of Water monitoring bores in Subarea A, as well as monitoring data from the Water Corporation and Gascoyne Water for Subarea B–L.

The Gascoyne River has been flowing since early March 2015, with significant peaks in March and April. It is anticipated that the river will continue to flow into early August.

Aquifer storage calculations for Subarea A show that the River Bed Sand (RBS) in this area is full at 6.1GL and mostly full across Subarea B–L.

The Older Alluvial Aquifer (OAA) system has significantly increased storage and is near full.

Gascoyne River flowA small brackish flow (600mg/L Total Dissolved Solids) in May increased the salinity significantly. This was counteracted by a much fresher flow (300mg/L TDS) in June (see Figure 1). The river continues to flow and salinity has stabilised at around 850mg/L TDS. As the river bed sands in the vicinity of the low flow channel are fully saturated, the majority of this brackish water is flowing over the aquifer and out to sea.

Unrestricted pumping was declared from March until June. Restricted pumping conditions were enacted for July due to the increasing salinity of the flow and the length of time since the river was greater than 2m in depth.

Aquifer statusTotal storage volume — RBS

Storage volumes in the RBS respond quickly to river flow events and it is at maximum storage. Observation bores within the Gascoyne River Northern Bore Field (NBF) have shown that groundwater flow outwards from the river during a flow event is driven by river stage height and flow duration.

The moderate stage height combined with the long flow duration of the 2015 flow events has enhanced lateral groundwater flow with water level recovery in all bores within 200m of the river. Infiltration of river flow into the RBS decreases with distance from the channel such that bores situated greater than 500m from the channel showed only moderate recharge. Aquifer connection appears to be greater in bores in the western portion of Subarea B–L. Although a number of RBS bores were unreadable due to the ongoing flow, indications are that the storage in June is near the 100% full volume.

Gascoyne River aquifer updateJuly 2015

FIGURE 1 2015 Gascoyne River heights and salinity measured at Nine Mile BridgeSource: Department of Water

Riv

er le

vel (

m)

Salinity (mg/L TD

S)

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

Month

River level Salinity

Photo: Department of Water


YOUR INDUSTRY

TABLE 1 Carnarvon District water budget summary

Subarea Sustainable limit (GL)

2015 Production (up until June)

(GL)

2015 expected production

(GL)

A 6.1 1.93 5.0

B–L southern borefield 5.0 1.31 3.8

B–L northern borefield 3.6 1.25 2.8

Total 14.7 4.49 11.6

The Department of Water (DoW) provides an update on the status of the Gascoyne River alluvial aquifer system consisting of the shallow aquifer or ‘River Bed Sand’ and deep aquifer or ‘Older Alluvial Aquifer’ at regular intervals throughout the year. The Gascoyne River aquifer system is administered in accordance to groundwater management units described as Subarea A and Subarea B–L. The aim of this update is to provide growers, the general public and other interested parties information on the condition of the Gascoyne River alluvial aquifer groundwater resources.

FIGURE 2 Gascoyne River Subarea A Groundwater Salinity April to June 2015Source: Department of Water

Total storage volume — OAA

The impact of non-flooding river flow events on the OAA storage is subdued and delayed due to lower infiltration rates associated with the clayey sand nature of the OAA system. Monitoring indicates that the OAA storage volume has increased to about 94% of full capacity from the 2015 flows.

Ground water salinity

The river flow events have resulted in a “freshening” of the RBS and OAA aquifer systems. Data from the NBF shows a reduction in salinity of around 100mg/L TDS. Production bores that are located closer to the river channel and more connected to the RBS showed the greatest improvements in salinity. With limited production from the borefields currently occurring due to cool and wet conditions, and the bulk of production coming from private bores in subarea A, it is difficult to predict what the blended salinity is likely to be when production increases in September.

Water budgetsAbstraction has been below average during 2015 due to limited supplies in January, the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Olwyn and overcast weather. Monthly abstraction from Subarea A has been below average for the first half of 2015 but is expected to be above average for the remainder of 2015. Current utilisation of the scheme is also below average, with lower demand than normal. With the effective recharge, full shares and improvements to infrastructure there will be adequate supplies to meet the high demands usually experienced in the latter part of the year.

MORE INFORMATION

Please contact the Department of Water, Carnarvon District Office on (08) 9941 6100 for further information.

Photo: Troy Sinclair, Department of Water


YOUR INDUSTRY

BY BRENDA COUTTSDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, WA

World renowned plant virologist, Dr Alexander Karasev from the University of Idaho will be in Western Australia as an invited speaker at the 12th Australasian Plant Virology Workshop being held in Fremantle in September 2015. At this event he will be presenting the latest research on Potato Virus Y (PVY).

In addition, the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) has organised a special potato grower and industry workshop for Dr Karasev to discuss practical implications of PVY in potato crops. Dr Karasev works with potato growers and seed certification programs in Idaho and surrounding US states to understand how PVY isolates differ from each other and the symptoms they cause in potatoes. His research also includes understanding how new PVY isolates might arise to devise ways to prevent their formation.

This workshop will be held in Manjimup at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute on Monday 21st September, 2:00 to 5:00pm.

International potato virus expert

GLASSHOUSE experiments screening varieties with PVY.

Other speakers at the workshop will include Dr Roger Jones (DAFWA) discussing his findings on reactions to PVY infection by different potato varieties, Dale Spencer (DAFWA) will provide an overview of potato certification program in terms of virus levels.

The AUSVEG Potato Extension Program team including Alexander Miller will be presenting the latest potato R & D outcomes and Jessica Lye will be discussing biosecurity issues for the potato industry.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the upcoming workshop and to RSVP by 17 September contact:

• Brenda Coutts phone (08) 9368 3266 or email [email protected]

• Dale Spencer phone 0419 950 725 or email [email protected]

• Alexander Miller phone (03) 9882 0277 or email [email protected]

coming to WA

PVY infected Nadine tuber.



YOUR INDUSTRY

International potato virus expert

Western Australian vegetable grower Nicolas Trandos has been awarded the prestigious AUSVEG Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Awards for Excellence on the Gold Coast.

The Western Australian industry figurehead was recognised for his incredible contribution to the Australian vegetable industry over his lifetime with the special award, which was announced by AUSVEG Chairman Geoff Moar at Jupiters Gold Coast in June.

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy said that Mr Trandos deserved to be recognised for his achievements in the Australian vegetable industry, including his role within the WA Market Gardeners’ Association, the Australian Growers’ Federation and his role in the establishment of the National Vegetable Levy.

“Nick is an exemplary grower who has worked tirelessly on a wide variety industry issues, representing the interests of not only Western Australian vegetable growers, but growers from all over the country.”

“He consistently engages with the industry and strives for excellence in his every endeavour, especially his efforts in the establishment of the National Vegetable Levy which invests around $20 million annually in industry research and development.”

Lifetime of service earns Nicolas Trandos the

Lifetime Achievement AwardMr Trandos received an Order of Australia medal in 1998 for his service to local government and the Australian vegetable industry, and though considers himself semi-retired, he is still Chairman of the Trandos Board and works closely with his sons Jim and Arthur on the growing aspect of the business.

“For his outstanding dedication to the vegetable industry, Nick is entirely deserving of this Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Mr Mulcahy. L–R Richard Mulcahy, Geoff Moar and Nicolas

Trandos with his Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photos: AUSVEG


YOUR INDUSTRY

On the 30th July vegetablesWA held their inaugural leadership summit at Crown Perth with a facilitated Q&A session. The theme of event was ‘Where will the vegetable industry be in five years’ time?”

We were privileged to have industry leaders make up the panel and they included:

• Tom Murrell (Facilitator)

• Mat Trichet (Business Category Manager Fresh Produce, Coles)

• Tony Galati (Owner, SpudShed)

• Trish Skinner (President, Chamber Fruit and Vegetable Industries WA)

• Mark Rawlings (Co-Founder, You Plate It)

• Mark Pidgeon (Marketing and Sales Manager, United Exports)

• Don Hancey (WA Food Ambassador)

The flow of the event was controlled by the facilitator, Tom Murrell. After introducing the panellists Tom initiated the topics engaging the panel with a range of questions.

The event was a success with the two hours passing quickly with plenty of discussion and interaction from 75 growers who attended. After the Q&A session there was a brief member services presentation detailing the vegetablesWA Bookkeeping Service and website functionality. The cocktail and networking function was a great way to speak to other growers and connect on a different level. Following is a brief run down of the topics which were discussed at the event.

Disruption: How consumer trends affect my business• What role do food trends have in

shaping the production environment? Is there a way that they can be approached in a proactive rather than reactive manner?

• Does the media play a role? Is there something as an industry that can be done to ensure greater stability in production and markets?

• What is your role in creating food trends? Can greater collaboration ensure greater capitalisation on opportunities?

• What are our main sources of competition? Is it over our fence; the adjacent region; interstate; other vegetable lines; frozen foods; imports; processed foods and should I see this as an opportunity?

Selling Globally, Buying Locally• In a commoditised market how can I

differentiate my product, sell its story and tap into consumer interests?

• How can I more directly engage with the consumer to shape my business to service their needs?

• What role does export have in growing the WA vegetable industry? What barriers exist to this growth?


Leadership Summit

Paddock to Plate Value Transformation• What is the role of the central markets

in the current and future vegetable value chains?

• What are the cost pressures that influence the pricing of products and services? How is this trending? What can be done to ensure that these don’t simply become another burden for the growers to bear?

• Stepping outside the commodity market: What are the opportunities for adding more value to vegetable products?

Food Waste• What impact is food waste having on

your business? How are you managing this issue? Can this be improved through greater collaboration

• Specifying products: In a variable environment maintaining rigid quality specifications is a never-ending battle. What is your role in influencing public perception of product quality? Can this be aligned more closely with production to educate consumers and reduce food waste?

WA vegetable growers Trinh Lee, Jenny Lee and Ms Lee with Truyen Vo, Vietnamese Field Extension Officer.


YOUR INDUSTRY

Facilitator information:Thomas Murrell (MBA CSP)

A multi-award winning broadcaster, international business speaker, author and professional MC who has been working behind a microphone for more than 25 years.

After high profile roles as a reporter, presenter and executive producer, at just 28 years of age he was the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s youngest ever executive to manage one of the world’s largest broadcast radio networks, covering 2.5 million square kilometres and serving more than two million listeners with a team of 80 people and budget of $5 million

Now as the CEO of his own consulting company, Thomas has been recognised by his peers as a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest possible international qualification and accreditation for professional speakers. There are only 464 CSP's in the world, of whom only 53 are in the Asia Pacific Region.

Panellist information:Mat Trichet (Business Category Manager Fresh Produce, Coles)

• Over 22 years’ experience working in various roles in Retail

• 17 years with Woolworths

• 4.5 years with Coles

• Worked in various retail roles including roles in Retail Stores, Buying and Marketing and Quality Assurance

Tony Galati (Owner, SpudShed)

The Galati family began the market garden in 1965 on five acres, growing beans for the local market.

With dedication and hardwork they have expanded their farming operations to market gardens in Baldivis, Maylup and Manjimup. They also buy from and sell for local produce on the Market Floor at the Perth Markets.

Trish Skinner (President, Chamber Fruit and Vegetable Industries WA)

Trish Skinner has significant experience in the fresh produce wholesaling industry commencing work with the Sumich Group in 1989 before joining Australian Produce Brokers, a leading fruit and vegetable wholesaler operating in the central trading area at Perth Markets for the past 19 years.

Positions held:

• President of The Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries in Western Australia since 2011

• Member of the CFVIWA management Committee and Director of FPAA Credit Service Pty Ltd since 2002

• Director of Fresh Markets Australia since 2001

Trish has sat on numerous industry committees including reviews of the Perth Market Act and the Bylaws and two government reviews of the Mandatory Horticultural Code.

Mark Rawlings (Co-Founder, You Plate It)

Mark is an entrepreneur and self-described 'foodie'. Before starting a technology based food start-up, Mark worked for a leading Australian bank where he specialised in strategy and product development.

In 2014, Mark took this experience in a different direction and co-founded You Plate It, a company at the forefront of changing the way people plan and shop for their nightly dinner.

Mark has also worked in the seafood and beverage industries. He has lived and worked in Asia, and holds degrees in economics and law.

Mark Pidgeon (Marketing and Sales Manager, United Exports)

Dedicated and passionate fresh produce professional with over 15 years of experience in international produce sales and marketing.

• Devoted to achieving best results for supply chain partners.

• Specialties: Relationship development with growers and clients.

• Ethical trading.

• Produce knowledge.

• Nine years with United Exports undertaking.

— Develop and manage client accounts in China, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia.

— Develop and manage supply partners with fruit and vegetable growers in Australia, Southern Africa, Egypt and South East Asia.

— Work closely with international logistics partners to meet supply chain requirements.

Don Hancey (WA Food Ambassador)

Passion is the best word to use when describing Don Hancey. After a long and successful career in some of WA’s finest regional kitchens, Don Hancey has become WA’s Food ambassador through his continual support and dedication to WA food producers.

Don loves nothing more than working with quality local producers to help grow their business, their opportunities and create innovative ways to present, showcase and market their produce by creating a world class dish. Don has a holistic view on food production and is interested in the process from soil right through to plate.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact Rebecca Blackman on (08) 9481 0834 or email [email protected]

INDUSTRY leaders panel (L–R) Don Hancey, Tony Galati, Trish Skinner, Mark Pidgeon, Mark Rawlings, Mat Trichet and Thomas Murrell.


BUSINESSYOUR

YOUR INDUSTRY

Young Grower Development Program


In conjunction with the vegetablesWA Leadership Summit we ran the Young Grower Development Program for growers from WA aged between 18–40.

There was a limit of 20 spots and they filled up quickly with the opportunity to learn and grow a big draw card.

The Program started at Crown Perth on 30th July at 3pm to partake in a debrief before the leadership summit which concluded with a dinner for all Young Growers, vegetablesWA and invited guests.

The 31st July saw the Young Growers up nice and early and off to Coles DC in Jandakot for a briefing on how their systems worked. This was an advantage to see the other side of the production and understand certain aspects from a supermarket point of view and be able to ask questions and receive immediate answers.

The tour then continued to Loose Leaf Lettuce Company in Gingin where vegetablesWA President, Maureen Dobra showed the Young Growers throughout her facility and explained the advantage of having a multi-generational vegetable production business.

Loose Leaf Lettuce Company employs a number of Maureen’s family members in various roles throughout the business and Maureen sees this as positive and hopes it will continue to her grandchildren.

The tour concluded with a BBQ lunch with the Young Growers and Loose Leaf Lettuce staff. The group got a lot out of the event with all of the growers exchanging details to keep in touch and are looking forward to the next event.

MORE INFORMATION

If would like more information on the Young Grower Development Program please contact Dominic Jenkin on (08) 9481 0834 or email [email protected].


BUSINESSYOUR

YOUR BUSINESS


YOUR BUSINESS

For over 30 years, the SBDC has been delivering quality small business advice and guidance to small businesses around the State.

Since it began, the SBDC has continually monitored the sector to keep abreast of business trends and developments and ensure its services remain relevant to the needs of the small business sector in WA.

In 2014, the SBDC undertook an extensive review of its Small Business Centre program resulting in recommendations for a new, enhanced business advisory service that would reduce duplication of administration and overhead costs and redirect those funds to frontline services, specifically business advisers.

L–R: Travis Bate, Small Business Commissioner David Eaton, Anel Coombes and Tanya French.

Key messages• 211,658 small businesses in Western Australia, (55,203 in regional WA)

representing 97% of all businesses in the State.

• Small business sector estimated to contribute $44 billion to the WA economy.

• Small and medium sized businesses provide more than three quarters of all employment.

New era for Small Business in WA$10.7 million over three years for new Business Local service

Your Busin� Local adviser can provide:

4 Practical help

4 Business information (including finance, marketing, business planning, and licensing)

4 Referral to specialist advisers (for example, accountants or lawyers)

4 Help through the maze of government departments and regulations

“Services are also available to help new businesses get up and running,” Mr Eaton said.

According to the SBDC, there are now 12 service regions around the State to ensure Business Local can be accessed by small businesses in all industries, wherever they’re located — from Esperance in the south to Kununurra in the north.

Mr Eaton says the Business Local service offers a structured process including initial assessments for small businesses, with follow-up support through all stages of their business development.

“We are committed to providing consistent, high quality advisory services to support a dynamic small business sector,” Mr Eaton said.

For small businesses in the horticulture and primary production industries, Business Local can assist with advice and guidance on all aspects of running a successful business.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information and to find your nearest Business Local provider, visit: smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/businesslocal

Following an open tender and careful selection process, a group of experienced business advisers has now been appointed to provide the new Business Local service.

The State Government has allocated $10.7 million over three years to deliver Business Local free of charge to small business owners and operators wherever they are in the State.

Small Business Development Corporation CEO, David Eaton, says the new service has been developed as an extension to SBDC’s broad range of services.

“We have developed the new Business Local model to be more cost-effective and better suited to the needs of small businesses in WA.

“It’s all about providing a comprehensive range of relevant services designed to empower small business owners to make better decisions in regard to managing and growing their businesses.


YOUR BUSINESS

Bookkeeping for your business


Following on from my article in the Winter 2015 edition of WA Grower, Cashflow & BAS Lodgement, vegetablesWA is pleased to announce that we will now be offering an in-house bookkeeping service for growers.

This will provide growers with the opportunity to have their finances kept up to date on a regular basis for much less than an accountant will charge! Not only will it save you time, it will provide you with the visibility on your financials.

One of the definite advantages is an improved cashflow — especially if you are lodging your BAS each quarter. The improved cashflow could allow you to make those purchases and increase your business.

After an initial meeting the bookkeeping can be conducted on a monthly or quarterly basis, suited to your requirements. To save everyone time the process can be done via email with the accounting system being accessed via the cloud (to allow you access to the data whenever and wherever you need it).

There are a number of services we can provide:

• Accounts Receivables — collection

• Accounts Payable — reconciliation

• Bank reconciliations

• BAS lodgement

• PAYG lodgement

• Payroll Tax

• Superannuation reconciliation and reporting.

vegetablesWA launches new member services

We look forward to being able to save you time and money especially at this time of the year.

MORE INFORMATION

If you are interested in the new service please contact Rebecca Blackman on (08) 9481 0834 or [email protected] to discuss your requirements.

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

NOW AVAILABLE


YOUR BUSINESS

Farmers beware thedodgy labour hire company

Ensure you:

4 Are provided with a full business name

4 Do an ASIC check

4 Receive referrals from other growers

4 Have a comprehensive written agreement


YOUR BUSINESS

The dodgy operators appear to be highly organised and can appear and disappear in a region overnight. The transient nature of our workforce means that backpackers will more often just move on rather than report the abuses to authorities, leaving the contractors free to continue their nefarious operations at will. A shortage of enforcement agents means these businesses can go on for months, even years, though they often change business names as often as they change shirts.

A recent meeting of government, peak industry bodies and businesses have identified these issues as a major concern for the horticulture industry, and the matter will be vigorously pursued through the federal system.

Strengthening the legislation, licensing Labour Hire Contractors, improved enforcement resources and industry actions will all form part of the mix to address the issues. The Fair Work Ombudsman continues to conduct its ‘Harvest Trail’ campaign around Australia, visiting farms in all growing regions — on the first occasion to review and educate. On the second visit, inspections which reveal continuing non-compliance will lead to investigations and potentially pay orders and even prosecution.

Most importantly, we urge and implore growers NOT to engage with contractors who are not willing to provide evidence of their bona fides — starting with a full name and a quick ASIC search to ensure they are who they say they are. The Department of Employment has toughened up the rules for Labour Hire Companies receiving ‘approved employer’ status for the purposes of engaging in the Seasonal Worker Program — they must have been in operation for at least five years.

Worker allegations range from underpayment of wages, non-payment of superannuation, tax evasion, visa breaches, discrimination, and in some cases intimidation, violence and standover tactics on both growers and workers. Throw over-crowding of rental housing (e.g. 15–20 to a three bedroom house) and even allegations of ‘slavery’ into the mix and it makes for a miserable existence for workers and a serious reputational and image problem for growers and our industry.

It also leaves the grower who engages with these companies completely exposed to action by the Fair Work Commission, Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Australian Tax Office, Work Health and Safety, Workers’ Compensation, and the federal police…. Oh, and local councils, fire departments and police.

Let’s be clear, seasonal workers/backpackers are absolutely vital to our industry and it is our experience that the majority of labour hire contractors operate legally and ethically. In a price-taking industry like horticulture it can be difficult to deal with increases to wages, superannuation and other production inputs. Labour and skills shortages may also be an issue. For those on the slimmest of margins, it may be tempting to work with the operator who says they can provide a workforce for $15.00 per hour. BUT THEY CAN’T and YOU SHOULDN’T.

Not only is the practice of underpaying workers unethical, but growers who engage in the practice (whether directly or via a labour hire contractor) leave themselves open to serious action by one or more of the agencies mentioned above, including hefty fines. Growers who engage with these operators also enjoy a competitive advantage, a particularly galling element for the majority of those growers who do the right thing by their employees (and kudos to you all!)

A spate of ongoing reports about ‘rogue’ Labour Hire Companies continues to hit the media headlines. This is not a new issue, but increasing numbers of dodgy and downright illegal operators seem to be flourishing and it is negatively affecting our industry reputation and Australia’s reputation as tourist destination and the nation of the ‘fair go’.

If you do engage the services of a labour hire company, ensure you do your due diligence — including ASIC checks, referrals from other growers, and ensure you have a comprehensive written agreement in place which sets out the responsibilities and obligations of each party.

While this may not fully protect workers if the contractor is dodgy, it will provide clarity to the parties about your intentions, and a high degree of protection to you as host employer. A 2013 decision of the Full Court of the Fair Work Commission found that Tooheys’ practical administration of its contract with FP Group meant there was no employer-employee relationship with the labour hire workers, despite a high degree of control over their daily work.

MORE INFORMATION

Speak to the IR specialists at Growcom to discuss your needs — we can tailor a Labour Hire Agreement to suit your specific needs.

ENSURE you do a quick ASIC search to ensure the company is who they say they are.


YOUR BUSINESS

Now one might reasonably assume that fraud, listed as it is in the National Employment Standards as an example of justification for dismissal (and instant dismissal at that!) would be solid grounds for termination. One might also reasonably assume that the propagation and spreading of pornography in the workplace using the company’s computers systems might also be considered unacceptable and offensive conduct and clearly open to a serious response by the employer and consequences for employees.

Both these cases demonstrate that a ‘valid reason’ required for dismissal is not, of itself, sufficient to prove that a termination was not ‘harsh, unjust or unreasonable’ under the Fair Work Act. In both cases however, even though the Fair Work Commission recognised that the incidents had occurred (the employees did not refute their actions) they placed more weight on the timing of the dismissal in the first case, and in the long periods of satisfactory service of the employees in the second.

Fraudulent claims and pornographic posties

Reasonable and fair grounds for termination right? Wrong!

Key considerations

before termination• Is the conduct and rationale

provided for the termination valid?

• Has a proper investigation been conducted?

• Have the allegations been put to the employee for response?

• Have you attempted to resolve the matter via discussions, warnings, training?

• Consider the employee’s length of service and past conduct/performance.

• What steps have been taken over time to educate employees about expectations around conduct and/or to develop and propagate clear policy statements.

• What actions were taken to ensure pornography from the workplace cannot be accessed, and that staff are aware of these measures.

• Was the pornography that was sent to an employee or external person (and whether there is any evidence of harm such as a reputational harm, a complaint or harassment claim); and

• Whether the decision to terminate is in proportion to the conduct and is consistent with other decisions for similar conduct.

In a couple of mind-boggling decisions from 2014, the Fair Work Commission ordered the reinstatement of an employee who was terminated for fraud for claiming 141 nights of expenses when he was, in fact, not away on business, and the Federal Court has upheld the reinstatement of two postal officers for instigating a ‘porn ring’ in the office involving up to 40 officers.

Unfair Dismissal


YOUR BUSINESS

While it seems absurd to see lack of proper process as the defining feature of a decision about whether or not to reinstate an employee who admits to the conduct that got them sacked in the first place, it is the very lack of process that leads Fair Work to a conclusion that there has also been, ipso facto, a lack of ‘natural justice’ and ‘due process’ which are enshrined in many of our appeal processes.

In the fraud incident, the company took six months to conduct an investigation into the matters and provide the employee with the allegations. It took a further four months to effect the termination.

So while the conduct had begun in 2011, and the company had conducted the audit which revealed the fraud in 2013, it wasn’t until March 2014 that he employee was terminated.

The Commission also gave considerable weight to the employee’s offer to reimburse the monies, and his 17 years largely unblemished employment record.

Unfair Dismissal

The Commission not only ordered reinstatement, but ordered backpay for the six weeks the employee had been suspended before termination.

In the other matter, Australia Post initially won the case and the dismissals were held to be fair. However on appeal to the Full Bench, the decision was overturned with a finding that while there was a valid reason for termination, the dismissal was still harsh given their long periods of satisfactory service, the culture of toleration that had existed in the office, and the absence of any harm given the materials was only sent to ‘willing participants’. The fact that Australia Post had not advised employees that a new filter system had been installed to the computer system was also a consideration.

We are representing a growing number of horticulture employers in unfair dismissal proceedings. However once we get to that stage, it’s almost too late.

While these decisions grate and contradict the intention of providing clear examples of serious misconduct and reasonable action under those circumstances, it serves to remind us that the need for CLEAR PROCESSES around disciplinary action and especially termination is paramount.

Get advice BEFORE you terminate — not after! If you have not followed reasonable procedures leading up to and including the actual termination, it is clear that Fair Work will take this into consideration when considering claims of unfair dismissal.

MORE INFORMATION

If you need further advice, require a clear policy or set of processes around termination, or require assistance in a claim, give Donna or Annabel a call on (07) 3620 3844 or email [email protected]


YOUR BUSINESS

On 18 June 2015, the Australian Government announced changes to the Seasonal Worker Program (the SWP). The changes to the program are part of a range of measures announced in the Developing Northern Australia White Paper and delivers on a pre-election commitment made by the Government.

Following, you’ll find a snapshot of what these changes are, and what they’ll mean for the program. Please visit the Seasonal Worker Program website for all the latest updates (www.employment.gov.au/seasonal-worker-programme). While these changes are significant, many program arrangements remain unchanged — such as the requirement for approved employers to pay for the seasonal workers return international airfare upfront, and the program’s Australian job-seeker first approach requiring approved employers to test the labour market.

The Australian Government will update its agreements with partner countries and employers to reflect these changes.

Changes to industriesAgriculture — Implementation date: from 1 August 2015

The Seasonal Worker Program is being expanded to the agriculture industry. The horticulture, aquaculture, cane and cotton sectors across Australia can all access the program. The Australian Government is consulting with the agriculture industry on identifying other sectors and occupations within the agriculture sector that may benefit from participation in the program.

Accommodation — Implementation date: from 1 August 2015

The trial of the Seasonal Worker Program in the accommodation industry is being rolled over into an ongoing program for the locations of Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tropical North Queensland and Kangaroo Island. The Australian Government will consider additional locations noting the program has a regional and rural focus and will be published on the Seasonal Worker Program website once available.

New trial arrangementsNorthern Australia Tourism industry

The Australian Government will also commence a trial of seasonal labour mobility arrangements with the Northern Australian tourism industry. More detail about these arrangements will be published on the Seasonal Worker Program website once available.

Changes to cost-sharing arrangements — Implementation date: for recruitments approved after 1 August 2015

Current arrangements require the approved employer to pay for the entire return international airfare upfront (and later recover anything over $500 from the worker’s pay) and pay for domestic transfer cost — from port of arrival to host location (and recover up to $100 from the seasonal workers’ pay). These arrangements will be amended. Approved employers still need to pay for the return international airfare upfront and pay for all domestic transfer arrangements upfront. However, the approved employer can now recover anything over $500 from the combined amount of the

international airfare and domestic transfer arrangements.

Additional countries

The changes announced to the Seasonal Worker Program open the door for more Pacific Island countries to participate in the program.

Changes to duration of stay —Implementation date: for recruitments approved after 1 August 2015

Seasonal workers can be employed for up to six months, except for workers from Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu, who can undertake up to nine months’ seasonal work in Australia. The requirement for employers to guarantee a minimum of fourteen weeks has been removed, however, the approved employer must demonstrate to the Australian Government that seasonal workers will benefit financially from their participation.

For all periods of employment, approved employers must still guarantee a minimum average of 30 hours’ work per week to seasonal workers.

Other changesSafeguarding opportunities for Australian job seekers

The Department of Employment will maintain oversight of employers’ labour market testing and will review and report back to the Australia Government by mid-2017 on whether Australian jobseekers are being disadvantaged by the Program. Further, the Minister for Employment has discretion to cap, exclude and review the placement of seasonal workers in geographical locations, including metropolitan areas and areas with high unemployment and low workforce participation.

A review of add-on skills training slated for completion 1 July 2016

The Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Employment will undertake a review of the add-on skills program.

Seasonal Worker Program changes

Expansion of the Seasonal Worker Program — key changesMore places available — Implementation date: from 1 July 2015

The program is now ‘uncapped’ — meaning that the Australian Government has not set restrictions on how many seasonal workers can participate in the program each year. Demand for seasonal workers will be determined by employers’ unmet demand for labour.


The horticultural sector and the Seasonal Worker ProgramA seasonal labour solutionAustralian employers in the agriculture industry, including the horticulture sector, unable to find enough local Australian workers to meet their seasonal labour needs can access the Seasonal Worker Program (the SWP).

The SWP provides employers with access to seasonal workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste for up to six months, and up to nine months for workers recruited Kiribati, Nauru or Tuvalu. Seasonal workers can return in following seasons, providing employers with access to a reliable, returning workforce.

Since the commencement of the Program on 1 July 2012, the horticulture sector has proven that a low-skilled labour mobility Program could not only contribute to economic development in the region, but also provide strong benefits to Australian industry including greater labour certainty and increased efficiency.

What work can seasonal workers undertake in the horticulture sector?The seasonal worker Program applies to low skilled occupations in the horticulture sector, including picking, packing, thinning and pruning.

Employment arrangementsSeasonal workers recruited under the Program earn Australian wages and are subject to Australian employment conditions. In addition to this, employers have a few additional responsibilities — such as contributing to the seasonal worker’s airfare to Australia and helping to organise accommodation.

Accessing seasonal workers is easyEmployers in the agriculture industry with unmet demand for labour can either:

• Contact an approved employer who can manage the recruitment of seasonal workers for you and take care of all the administrative arrangements during the seasonal workers’ stay; or

• Apply to become an approved employer.

To find a current list of approved employers, or to apply to become an approved employer, visit www.employment.gov.au/seasonal-worker-program

YOUR BUSINESS

SEASONAL workers recruited under the Program earn Australian wages and are subject to Australian employment conditions.


YOUR BUSINESS

Q&ASeasonal Worker Program expansionQ Has the number of places available under the Program increased?

Yes — the Program is now ‘uncapped’ — meaning that the Australian Government has removed the annual limit on how many seasonal workers can participate in the Program. Program take-up will be determined by employers’ unmet demand for labour.

Q Has the Program been expanded to other industries?

Yes, the Seasonal Worker Program has been expanded to the agriculture and accommodation industries in specified locations.

In addition, the Australian Government will be trialling arrangements with other tourism industry sectors and occupations in Northern Australia.

Q What parts of the agriculture industry can participate in the Program?

The horticulture, aquaculture, cane and cotton sectors across Australia can all access the Program.

The Australian Government is consulting with industry on identifying other sectors and occupations within the agriculture industry that may benefit from participation in the Program. Once identified, they will be announced on the Seasonal Worker Program website.

Q What work can seasonal workers undertake in the accommodation industry, and in which locations?

Seasonal workers can undertake a range of work in the accommodation sector, including:

4 Bar attendants

4 Baristas

4 Food and beverage attendants/waiters

4 Café workers

4 Garden labourers

4 Housekeepers

4 Kitchen hands

4 Public area cleaners

Employers in the accommodation industry in locations including Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Tropical North Queensland and Kangaroo Island can access the Seasonal Worker Program. The Australian Government will announce a finalised list of Seasonal Worker Program eligible locations on the Seasonal Worker Program website.

Q Have cost sharing arrangements changed? (has the amount that the employer and seasonal worker each pay changed)

Yes. The approved employer is still responsible for paying for the entire return international airfare and domestic transfer costs for seasonal workers to and from their work location. However, the approved employer can now recover the amount over $500 from these transportation costs. For example, if the return international airfare costs $1,200, and the domestic transfers to and from the work location cost $300, the employer can recover up to $1,000 from the seasonal worker’s pay over the course of their employment. The employer must be in a position to provide evidence substantiating any money deducted from seasonal workers relating to travel costs.

Q Have the requirements around duration of employment changed?

Yes. Seasonal workers can be employed for up to six months, and seasonal workers recruited from Kiribati, Nauru or Tuvalu can be employed for up to nine months. The requirement for employers to guarantee a minimum of fourteen weeks has been removed, however, the employer must demonstrate to the Australian Government that seasonal workers will benefit financially from their participation. For all periods of employment, approved employers must guarantee a minimum average of 30 hours’ work per week to seasonal workers.

Q Why are seasonal workers from Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu allowed to work for up to nine months?

Citizens of the small Pacific Islands states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu will be able to access up to nine months seasonal

work in Australia due to the higher costs of transportation to and from Australia for citizens from these countries.

Q Will additional countries be invited to participate in the Seasonal Worker Program?

More Pacific island countries will be eligible to access the Program.

Q Has the eligibility criteria for seasonal workers changed?

No, the eligibility criteria for seasonal workers seeking to participate in the Program has not changed. All seasonal workers must satisfy the following criteria:

4 Be of good character

4 Be healthy and fit for the work specified

4 Be aged over 21 at time of visa application

4 Be a citizen of the participating country and in the participating country at the time of visa application;

4 Have a genuine intention to enter Australia for seasonal work and return to the participating country after their employment ceases

4 The partner country must verify that the stated identity of the candidate is their real identity.

Q Are there any changes to add-on skills training?

The Australian Government will undertake a review of add-on skills training arrangements during the 2016–17 financial year.

Q Do I still need to test the labour market?

Yes. The Program still has an Australian job-seeker first approach, and approved employers need to test the labour market before recruiting seasonal workers.


YOUR BUSINESS

Q Who can employ seasonal workers?

Only organisations approved by the Australian Government can recruit seasonal workers under the Seasonal Worker Program. These organisations are referred to as ‘approved employers’.

Q How does an organisation apply to become an approved employer?

Organisations may be interested in becoming an approved employer of seasonal workers to recruit and place workers with their own business (e.g. an orange grower), or they may wish to recruit seasonal workers to place with another business in a labour hire arrangement. All organisations interested in becoming an approved employer should complete an application form on the Seasonal Worker Program website www.employment.gov.au/seasonal-worker-programme. This form is then assessed by the Department of Employment.

A roved empler r�ponsibiliti�4 Testing the labour market, and

trying to recruit local workers before seeking access to seasonal workers.

4 Employing seasonal workers in accordance with Australian workplace legislation

4 Providing briefings to seasonal workers on-arrival into Australia and before departing back home

4 Providing seasonal workers a minimum average of 30 hours per week for up to six months or up to nine months for seasonal workers from the microstates of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu

4 Paying for the full cost of each seasonal workers’ return international airfare and domestic transfer arrangements up front, and recouping from the combined cost any amount over $500 from seasonal workers’ pay over time

4 Organising accommodation and transport to and from work for each seasonal worker (at the seasonal workers’ expense)

4 Reporting to Government

4 Providing pastoral care for workers, including opportunities for recreation and religious observance, a 24 hour contact number, and assisting workers to access services in the local community.

Approved employers enter into agreements with the Department of Employment and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Q Who can apply to become an approved employer?

Any organisation can apply to become an approved employer, including labour hire companies and employers in the agriculture industry and in identified locations in the accommodation industry.

MORE INFORMATION

More information about the Seasonal Worker Program can be found at:

• employment.gov.au/seasonal-worker-programme

Email [email protected] or phone (02) 6240 5234.

Seasonal Worker ProgramApproved employers

ONLY organisations approved by the Australian Government can recruit seasonal workers under the Seasonal Worker Program.


YOUR BUSINESS

As business costs continue to grow, there has never been a more critical time to invest in efficiency.

With over 30 years’ experience, Electrical Consultancy WA works with clients from all industries to reduce your reliance on the grid and save your business money.

Our passion for energy efficient technology and systems will help you to secure a profitable future for your business, not to mention the satisfaction of contributing less pollution and waste.

So whether you need help with infrastructure design, procurement and installation or you’re simply looking for exceptional advice, call Electrical Consultancy WA.

We specialise in:

• Western Power and Horizon Power Infrastructure for Commercial Buildings — from simple commercial lighting to high-energy demand operations

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YOUR BUSINESS

Get in touchInvest in an electricity solution that can boost your profits and bottom line. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve lower operating costs and greater efficiency, without fuss.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact Carlo Scamuffo on 0408 422 862 for an obligation free chat and find out more about our business services and advice.

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As we are not aligned with an electricity or solar company we can do the research and provide you with the best deal possible.

Work we’ve doneCommissioned by Kevan Dobra Loose Leaf Lettuce Company, Gingin WA, ECWA provided all advice and negotiations for initial infrastructure including a transformer, set up and supply with Western Power. This also included tariff negotiations and supply of solar power.

Electricity renewalsA fee for service is now being paid by the successful energy provider so there is NO up front cost to you.

When receiving your renewal or requiring a new contract negotiated with an energy provider we will provide an overall assessment and ensure that you are receiving the best deal possible.

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MARKETYOUR

YOUR BUSINESS

WA had it’s first Small Business Day on Saturday 11th July and it was a resounding success. Small Business Matters was set up to support WA small business as nearly half of our jobs are created by small business.

Most of our WA vegetable producers fall into this category of small business, we try and encourage consumers to support local businesses and buy locally.

This is important from consumers buying vegetables through to food service purchasing local and seasonal produce.

Small Business Matters


MORE INFORMATION

This can come from a range of different sources:

• Australian Government has set up a business website with an extensive amount of information www.business.gov.au/small-business/Pages/get-support-and-advice-for-your-small-business.aspx

• Small Business Development Corporation, run a range of workshops and have a hotline for advice when required www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/small-business-development-corporation-home-page/

• Australian Taxation Office has a small business newsroom to help with any queries you may have www.ato.gov.au/Newsroom/smallbusiness/?sbnquicklinkbusiness20140804

• WA Business Assist free templates, business advice and workshops www.wabusinessassist.com.au

A small business is defined as a company which has at least two out of these three characteristics:

• An annual revenue of less than $25 million

• Fewer than 50 employees at the end of the financial year, and

• Consolidated gross assets of less than $12.5 million at the end of the financial year.

You can access resources and information here http://smallbusinessmatters.net.au/

Get support and advice for your small businessStarting and running a small business requires a variety of skills and as a small business owner, it may seem a bit overwhelming. Therefore, it’s important to remember not to be afraid to get help when you need it.

REBECCA Blackman, vegetablesWA, and Helen Axton, SBDC Manager, Communications and Marketing at the Small Business Day launch.


MARKETYOUR

YOUR MARKET


YOUR MARKET

One Western Australian export business has learnt the value of diversifying to survive turbulent economic times. Roger Horak, of United Exports, says he has seen the number of WA businesses doing what he does decline dramatically since 2002.

“When we started there would have been 13–15 export companies just in WA exporting a range of produce. Now I doubt there are more than four or five. Australia runs a real risk of becoming a net importer,” he tells Fresh Plaza.

“We have fantastic growers right form the north to the south of the state, but we’re limited by costs of production and labour costs.” United Exports used to send as many as 300,000–400,000 cartons of stonefruit overseas, Mr Horak says, but that number has shrunk to less than 50,000 boxes.

A government strategy for exports is more important now than in previous years, Mr Horak says, because economic conditions have shifted in favour of exporters again.

“For the last five years interest in Australian products has been a one way street downhill. Now we’re seeing some signs of recovery though, such as a lower Australian dollar, and opening of closed markets like Vietnam, which are fantastic. Markets will return from a pricing perspective.”

Unless there is a strategy incorporating special visa classes, waves of migrant workers and solutions that have worked in other countries, Australia won’t be able to exploit the opportunities presented, though, he adds.

Australia has been slow to gain access to markets, and not ensured that access remains open, according to Mr Horak. “On the grower side we have massive potential for an export market, but we don’t have direct access to China. To be honest there are more countries we don’t have access to than those we do.” Competitor countries have “huge lobby groups, and money they spend on getting access to markets,” to help, he points out.

Investors are looking at specific crops that could work for exports, particularly in WA, but will not commit without knowing there is a workable solution to labour and production cost issues, Mr Horak adds. “Looking at carrots, for example, that’s probably the biggest commodity exported out of WA. One of the reasons is that they’ve been able to successfully mechanise the process. Even then returns are marginal though.”

Blueberries a bright spot

United Exports has successfully developed exports for blueberries recently, taking Australian varieties, bred by Dave Mazzardis and developing them in South Africa, and going through the quarantine process in Chile, Peru, Mexico and the US. “With blueberries, the Australian material, size and firmness of varieties, will make them very attractive to Asia,” he says.

“We do a lot of work throughout South Africa using what we’ve learnt in Australia. We’ve diversified into exports out of Africa, Asia and Europe. Those other 15 companies didn’t develop globally but we see a very bright future for that, within the next 20 years.”

Following the news that Indonesia is again accepting Australian mangoes, Mr Horak says there is also a possibility that United will begin dealing in mangoes again. The company deals mainly in stonefruit, citrus and table grapes at present, Mr Horak confirms.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact Roger Horak, United Exports on (08) 9456 2580 or go to www.united-exports.com

Australia will become ‘net importer’ if exporters don't diversifyBY ROGER HORAKUNITED EXPORTS

CARROTS are probably the biggest commodity exported out of WA. One of the reasons is that they’ve been able to successfully mechanise the process, cutting labour and production costs.


YOUR MARKET

The value of Australian vegetable exports has increased by over 5% since the 2013–14 financial year, driven by strong performances from key vegetable commodities in Asian and Middle Eastern markets, according to recent data released by the Global Trade Atlas.

Vegetable exports increased to over $270 million in 2014–15, up from $256 million in 2013–14, with key markets in Asia and the Middle East contributing to growth in the value of Australian vegetable exports.

“Since 2013–14, Australian vegetable exports to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates have increased by 29% and 24% respectively,” said AUSVEG National Manager — Export Development, Michael Coote.

“The export value of a range of vegetables has increased in several overseas markets, which is encouraging news to Australian growers who often grow a variety of commodities,” said Mr Coote.

“Overall, there have been increases in exports for key vegetable commodities, such as carrots, which experienced an export value increase of 10%, and the cauliflower and broccoli category, where export value rose by 60%.”

“Australia’s high quality vegetables are highly sought after, with growing middle class populations in Asia and projected growth in the food sector in the UAE stimulating increased demand for a greater variety of Australian vegetables.”

Over the past couple of years AUSVEG has been developing a strong program in the area of market development, introducing around 150 supermarket and wholesale buyers to Australian growers and also organising trade missions made up of growers to events in Dubai, Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

“It is imperative that we build our export markets as this will serve to reduce pressure on the domestic industry which is already over-supplied with produce. Australian vegetable growers have limited opportunities to increase their revenue streams in the domestic market. Developing export markets are a prime opportunity for growers to increase their profitability, where there is an increasing demand for premium quality produce,” said Mr Coote.

Australian vegetable exports

“With more than 600 million people living to our north, huge opportunities await Australian producers as market access opportunities are created.”

Countries such as South Korea, New Zealand and Malaysia have increased their demand for Australian vegetables, with exports in these countries rising steadily.

“Australia has a reputation as a world-leading producer of clean, green and safe vegetables, and local growers can use this reputation to access international markets to sell their produce.”

Recently signed Free Trade Agreements with China, South Korea and Japan should also assist Australian growers to increase vegetable exports over time.

MORE INFORMATION

Vegetable industry export development activities are funded through Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA) using vegetable levy funds and matched funds from the Australian Government.

THERE have been increases in exports for key vegetable commodities, cauliflower and broccoli export value rose by 60%.

Vegetable exports increased to over

$270million

In 2014–15 GROW


YOUR MARKET

According to recent projections compiled before the recent China stock exchange meltdown, Chinese grocery had been set to grow by a third between now and 2020 and reach US$1.5 tonnes per year, according to the UK’s Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD).

China is nonetheless expected to comfortably retain its position as the largest grocery market although others will grow faster.

Highlights from IGD’s latest sales projections include, by 2020:

• The grocery sector in India will grow by nearly 80% and be worth just over US$900 billion

• Nigeria’s grocery market will achieve the fastest growth of the largest markets, increasing in value by 85% to hit just over US$300 billion

• The other ‘MINT’ countries (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey) will also experience rapid growth — grocery sales in Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey will increase by nearly 40%, 63% and 61% respectively

• Indonesia’s grocery market will be worth almost as much as the UK’s (ranked 7th in the world); US$351 billion and US$352 billion respectively

“Although growth prospects appear limited in Europe at the moment, this is a time of tremendous opportunity for grocery companies further afield,” said Joanne Denney-Finch, IGD Chief Executive.

“The vast majority of global grocery growth will come from Asia, Africa and the Middle East supported by increasing affluence, urbanisation, and rising population. With many European products and brands highly regarded in these regions, this will be a boom time for companies with export skills,” said Denney-Finch.

China remains top grocery market,India among fastest growing

TABLE 1 Countries exporting in 2015 to 2020

Rank Country 2020 US$ billion

2015 US$ billion

Change in value % 2015–20

1 China 1,491 1,119 33

2 USA 1,305 1,078 21

3 India 901 503 79

4 Russia 557 380 47

5 Brazil 547 389 41

6 Japan 485 457 6

7 UK 352 310 14

8 Indonesia 351 215 63

9 Mexico 341 245 39

10 Germany 340 304 12

11 France 310 282 10

12 Nigeria 306 165 85

13 Turkey 271 168 61

14 Italy 239 221 8

15 Philippines 160 100 60

BY DOMINIC JENKINFIELD EXTENSION OFFICER,VEGETABLESWA

CHINA will maintain its position as the world’s biggest grocery market for the foreseeable future.


YOUR MARKET

China“China will maintain its position as the world’s biggest grocery market for the foreseeable future,” Denney-Finch said.

“Although the Chinese growth rate is slowing, it’s still very impressive, particularly in ‘tier three and four cities’. These are regional, medium-income cities, undergoing rapid development. There are many more opportunities for retailers and Western brands. For example, online grocery will enjoy explosive growth in China, though from a modest base, tripling in size between now and 2020. This will be powered by more Chinese having access to the internet through smartphones and other devices.”

India

“While traditional stores will continue to take the lion’s share of the Indian grocery market, consumer spending per capita in real terms will grow faster in the subcontinent than in any of the top grocery markets,” said Denney-Finch.

“Combined with an expanding working-age population this will support the growth of modern convenience and supermarket retailing. Retailers are also rapidly setting up online grocery services hoping to tap into the potential of India’s half a billion smartphone users. Despite restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI), international retailers continue to see the potential of investing in India.”

“If the expected effects of inflation are stripped out, then India would be the fastest growing of the largest grocery markets while most of the MINT countries would also appear higher up the growth rankings.”

Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINTs)“Nigeria is the fastest growing of all large scale grocery markets with a rapidly expanding economy, population and middle class,” said Denney-Finch.

“It does, however, face significant challenges such as the need to improve security and limited infrastructure in some regions.”

“The other ‘MINT’ markets will also expand rapidly. Indonesia in particular benefits from a fast-growing and youthful population and there is a lot of focus on convenience stores to make the most of how this group shops.”

MORE INFORMATION

If you are interested in further information please contact Dominic Jenkin on 0427 373 037 or [email protected]

SarinaIntermediate Resistance: Fol:1,2(US), TMV, Ff:1-5, S

Indeterminate grape tomato with medium to large size (averaging 12-16g in open field production). Good firmness and gloss with high yield potential. Jointed fruit with good uniformity, quality and colour. SARINA has excellent flavour and shelf life and offers intermediate resistance to Leaf Mould Ff5.

SilverstarHigh Resistance: Fom:0-2, Px:1,2

SILVERSTAR is a Harper style melon bred for flavour, quality and extended shelf life. Produces high yields of round oval fruit with good tolerance to ground cracking in trials to date. Fruit are uniform large (6-9’s) with excellent firmness and colour, with sugars reaching 12-14°Bx at correct maturity. Netting becomes more prominent on the peduncle as the melon reaches maturity.

DesertIntermediate Resistance: CMV, PRSV, WMV, ZYMV, Px

DESERT is a very dark green zucchini with a more cylindrical shape than Enzo and Nitro, with an excellent gloss and tidy flower scar. Yields have been very high in plantings to date, comparable to Enzo. DESERT is best suited to warmer season harvest periods and offers virus resistance levels which exceed most current commercial varieties.

DucatiIntermediate Resistance: Xcv:1-3, TSWV

DUCATI has large blocky fruit approx 10x9cm with excellent red quality. A strong plant type with intermediate resistance to Bacterial Spot (Xcv:1-3) and TSWV. With striking red colour and exceptional firmness and wall thickness DUCATI has excellent presentation for both patterned pack and bulk fill boxes.

www.southpacificseeds.com.au

SOUTH PACIFIC SEEDS

The information provided is based on an average of data and observations collected from our trials. Significant variations may occur in the performance due to a range of conditions including cultural/management practices, climate, soil type and geographic location. As a consequence South Pacific Seeds cannot accept any liability as to the accuracy of this information. AUGUST 2015 ACN: 002 887 256

Perth Office: 08 9331 6356 Duncan Lamont: 0419 934 767 Chris Manning: 0438 855 124


YOUR MARKET

Natasha Chatlein, science and technology advisor for the Netherlands Office of Science and Technology Silicon Valley, was the featured speaker at a June 10 United Fresh session titled ‘Disruptive Technology and the Farm of the Future.’

From pepper robot harvesters to desalination projects to drones that measure crop progress, the world of technology is changing the way the world farms.

Ms Chatlein said a combination of high and low tech has a role to play in creating future food systems.

For example, she said growers can buy a drone for $1,000, which is much more cost-effective than using a manned aircraft for $1,000 to survey his fields. Precision Drone is one of a couple of ag drone firms drawing substantial investor attention in the field, she said.

Some start-ups are focusing on local food production, she said. In Rotterdam, Netherlands, Uit je Eigen Stad City — translated “From your own town” — features low-tech greenhouses, a farmers market, an aquatic farm and other features to deliver local food.

Another Netherlands start-up, called Plant Lab, has a vision to enable consumers to grow plants for food in their own homes.

The Dutch firm Except has a concept called Polydome, a closed-loop, net-zero energy use greenhouse, that can support a variety of crops, she said. The business model could be used by growers with as little as two acres, she said. The Polydome can house 50 different crop and food system, including chickens, eggs, fish and vegetables.

Chatlein said a significant greenhouse research projected supported by the European Union, the Sweeper Robot, has been in development since 2010 and is may enter the commercial market within the next couple of years, she said. The robot pick can pick greenhouse bell peppers, choosing them by size and sorting by colour, she said.

The project involves six partners from the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Israel, according to the group’s website.

In the US, she said Blue River Technology is getting attention for its Lettucebot, a lettuce thinning machine using computer vision.

PakSense has film labels that can record temperatures inside and outside of food packages, with wireless transmission of data, she said.

She said Monsanto acquired The Climate Corp. in 2013, which pulls live weather data from three million locations to help predict future crop conditions. Monsanto also acquired Precision Planting , a firm that helps farms optimise planting depth and spacing for maximum yield. Both acquisitions could be valuable for Monsanto, she said.

BY TOM KARST THE PACKER

Disruptive technology coming to agriculture


YOUR MARKET

E-Harvest Hub provides small- and medium-sized companies with inventory management, traceability solutions for small growers that don’t have cash to buy big systems, she said.

Chatlein said a California Central Valley company called WaterFX is creating a solar thermal approach to water desalination, with a goal of delivering water with a target price of $450 per acre foot by 2016. While under-priced compared to some other parts of the world, water costs in California run about $1,200 per acre-foot, which compares to $140 per acre-foot in the recent past, she said.

Chatlein said the Silicon Valley and agriculture industry are coming together in various ways, including the June 22–26 event called the Food and Ag Tech Safari in San Francisco.

During a question-and-answer period after her talk, Chatlein said that private-equity investors are interested in investing in robotic farming systems, software data platforms and alternative food delivery systems.

Silicon Valley investors typically want to get in and get out quick and make their 10-times return in two to four years, she said.

ROBOT harvesting capsicum in the greenhouse.

Investors are not yet talking about the application of 3-D printing technology to food, Chatlein said. She stressed the importance of listening to consumers and measuring their “buy-in.”

“The first reaction of consumers (to 3-D printed food) is “Yuck! it is not natural, it is gross,’” she said. Some alternative food companies, such as Hampton Creek — maker of eggless mayo — are finding traction, she said. Investors are also interested in the cultivation of algae for food purposes, she said.

On the other hand, lab-grown meat and leather are not expected to be widely embraced in mass markets anytime soon, she said.

Many consumers are still resisting genetically modified agriculture because it evokes an unwelcome image of scientists in white lab coats.

“GMO is a four-letter word (to some consumers), but I think what needs to happen is education,” she said. All food has been modified in one way or another, she said. “The watermelon is not seedless just because it became seedless.”

SOURCE

Go to www.thepacker.com/news/disruptive-technology-coming-ag-speaker-says

THE first reaction of consumers to 3-D printed food is “Yuck! it is not natural, it is gross”.

YOUR MARKET


1. A hungrier worldBy 2050, there will be 70% or 2.3 to 2.4 billion more people on earth, who will need 60–70% more food than what’s currently available.

2. A wealthier worldIncreasingly wealthier consumers in developing economies will drive demand for more and diverse foods. In Asia alone, with over 1 billion people expected to move out of poverty as average incomes rise from US$12,000 to US$44,000 per person by 2060, beef consumption is predicted to rise 120%, while dairy consumption will double by 2050.

3. Fussier customersEmpowered by information, the consumers of 2050 are likely to expect food to be nothing less than healthy, nutritional, clean, green and ethically produced.

4. Transformative technologiesAdvanced digital, genetic and materials science technologies will enable farmers to improve how they produce food and fibre products, while innovative sensory systems and data analytics will create highly integrated ‘farm to fork’ supply chains. Farmers will be able to make better decisions and manage risk more effectively, while consumers will have greater access to trace the origins of their food, putting production methods under the spotlight.

5. Bumpier rideAustralian rural industries can expect a changed risk profile, which will call for new and deeper levels of resilience to withstand shocks associated with climate change, environmental change and globalisation.

FIGURE 1 Five key megatrends highlighted by the RIRDC and CSIRO research

New research released from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and CSIRO highlights five key megatrends that will significantly impact the future of Australian agriculture in the next 15–20 years.

predicts mega opportunities for Australian agriculture

BY 2050, there will be 70% or 2.3 to 2.4 billion more people on earth.

New trends research


YOUR MARKET

Through its National Rural Issues program, RIRDC, in partnership with CSIRO, undertook this ‘big-picture’ research to help Australia’s agricultural sector anticipate and proactively plan for change. It details the megatrends implications, opportunities and challenges for Australian farmers.

“Research of this scale and foresight is critical to ensuring Australia’s agricultural sector maintains and grows its vibrancy, sustainability and competitiveness,” said Craig Burns, RIRDC’s Managing Director.

“While the projected increases in global demand for food could be perceived as an insurmountable challenge, our farmers, who supply 93% of our domestic food needs and are highly export oriented, are renowned for their capacity to adapt, innovate, achieve productivity gains despite declining terms of trade, and respond strongly to risks. They are well-placed to address and capitalise on these megatrends.

“The research reinforces that the predicted wealthier and choosier Asian consumer of 2035 represents a key opportunity for Australian farmers to drive new markets in that region, underpinned by the need for ongoing research and development to ensure future farming systems improve productivity. However we need to be smart and be on the front foot as we are not the only one with our eyes on these opportunities.”

Stefan Hajkowicz, Principal Scientist in Strategy and Foresight at CSIRO, who co-led the research, agreed the megatrends insights pointed to a bright future for Australian agriculture.

“Overall conditions are set for strong demand growth in food and fibre products across Asia along with opportunities for diversification as diets within the region become increasingly westernised,” said Mr Hajkowicz.

“The ‘where did my food come from?’ factor will be a big deal for future food consumers. Establishing provenance, quality and safety will allow us to fetch market premiums. And, there’s nothing low-tech about Australian agriculture. It is high tech and well placed to go super high tech.”

How can Australian agriculture become more competitive?Complementing the megatrends insights, another area of research to be released today considers new tools to measure and influence Australian farm competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Undertaken by the Australian Farm Institute, this research investigated the potential for the development of a competitiveness indicator or index as a decision-making tool to enhance agricultural competitiveness.

FIGURE 1 Five key megatrends highlighted by the RIRDC and CSIRO research

While the research highlighted a number of limitations in developing such an index, including the lack of robust, internationally-comparable agriculture sector statistical data, it found that a ‘dashboard’ of indicators of national agricultural competitiveness could be achievable.

“A case study using the dashboard to compare the agricultural competitiveness of Australia and the USA illustrated that this tool provides a more useful approach, but only to the extent of providing a starting point for further analysis,” explained Mick Keogh, Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute.

“To progress this, the quality, consistency and availability of national and international agriculture sector data needs to improve.”

MORE INFORMATION

Both reports and accompanying summaries can be downloaded from the RIRDC website: www.rirdc.gov.au

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THE research reinforces that the predicted wealthier and choosier Asian consumer of 2035 represents a key opportunity for Australian farmers to drive new markets in that region.

YOUR MARKET


of selling and how to avoid themThe 7 deadly sins

BY THOMAS MURRELLINTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SPEAKER

What is marketing? Many organisations and businesses have a perception that marketing means advertising and promotion of their product or service. They believe being good at marketing is producing a colourful glossy brochure and having an advertisement in the local newspaper, on the radio or on television.

“Marketing is what you do to ultimately get or keep a customer — it is about positioning and having a process. Marketing is entering a new paradigm, which means structuring every activity within your business to meet the needs of your customer. It is about focusing every aspect of your operation to include a marketing function. It is also about understanding marketing strategies, the tools of marketing and the language of marketing.”1

Ideas, creativity and the ability of turning these into practical strategies will become the hallmark of successful businesses in the new millennium.

Leading organisations will tailor all of their activities around these concepts to create a culture where ideas, innovation and a can-do marketing attitude are fostered.

Successful companies take a marketing approach rather than selling. So what are the 7 deadly sins of selling? >

In today’s competitive and unregulated business environment, basic marketing skills are vital to the future of running a successful business. Marketing helps provide a competitive advantage for many businesses. If you believe marketing is just about selling or promotions, you’re only partly right. Marketing is much more. Here is the definition I give to clients, customers and people who attend my presentations and workshops.

IN today’s competitive and unregulated business environment, basic marketing skills are vital to the future of running a successful business.


YOUR MARKET

1.. SELLING RATHER THAN MARKETING

Selling revolves around the acquisition of profit through volume of sales. Marketing identifies the needs of the customers in order to generate profits through satisfying their needs.

2. NOT BELIEVING IN YOUR pRODUCT, YOUR SERVICE OR YOURSELF

You have to strongly believe in your product or service for it to succeed. How many people give up on their idea because of fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of being different, fear of doing the wrong thing or even fear of success?

3. NOT ENOUGH RESOURCES

Many people tell me they don’t have enough resources, for example money, glossy brochures or a large enough marketing budget. I argue, how many resources does it take to write an idea down on a piece of paper and set some goals and strategies? In our very busy lives I’m not arguing that you do more. I believe a solution is to cut something out! If you watched 1 hour less of television a week that would give you 52 hours! What could you achieve with this time?

4. DOESN’T MEET A MARKET NEED

This is a fundamental principle of marketing. It is imperative that your product or service corresponds to your customers needs in order to increase sales and maximise profits. NASA in the USA spent $1 million in research and development producing a ballpoint pen that works in zero gravity. The Russians gave their cosmonauts pencils!

7. TRYING TOO HARD WITHOUT A SYSTEM

Without a well-designed and precisely researched marketing strategy, you will not have a clear focus on what you are trying to achieve. It is imperative that when establishing your marketing strategy that you clearly define your plan, mission, and target markets needs, set achievable goals and identify your organisations strengths to enable working towards achieving the objectives you have set out. It is also essential that you constantly evaluate and review your marketing strategy to ensure that it is still on track with your original strategy and to update it if it is required. A well maintained database is a goldmine to any business generating leads, prospects and repeat business. Efficient marketing systems are essential to any successful venture.

SOURCE 1 How to Turn Your Big Marketing Idea into a

Competitive Advantage by Thomas Murrell.

MARKETINGIdentify and meet customer needs

PRODUCTBelieve in your product

TARGETHave a clear focus on what you are trying to achieveSUCCESS

5. FAILURE TO NETWORK This is a key principle in all business operations. Networking is a vital skill to possess and any opportunity to network should be viewed as a potential to gain new customers, turn leads into advocates and increase repeat business for your products or services. Marketing is also based on the 5th P — people. People form relationships and relationships are built by networking.

6. NOT BUILDING A PERSONAL BRAND

It is essential in today’s cutthroat business environment that your product or service stands out in the crowd. The most effective way to achieve this is by building customer loyalty around the branding of your names and symbols associated with your product or service. It is the brand and the marketing processes around the brand that are the assets of new companies in this information age. Dick Smith is a master at building a multi-million dollar business around his personal brand. How can you capitalise on your brand name?


YOUR MARKET

Fast Facts 7Asian vegetables have positive consumer sentiment and propensity to

purchase, consistent with previous months.

7Asian vegetables are purchased 5 times per month and are consumed 9 times per month, the former slightly higher and the latter marginally lower in comparison to previous waves.

7Consumers purchase 1kg of Asian vegetables per shop. Recalled last spend is $5.90. Overall, consumers perceive Asian vegetables to be good value for money.

7National price tracking indicated the average price for Bok Choy in May was $2.12, which is relatively consistent between state and retailers.

7Awareness has improved, with just over three quarters of consumers

able to recall a type. Bok Choy remained the most recalled type of Asian vegetable, followed by Choy Sum and Wombok.

7Asian vegetables are expected to stay fresh for just over 5 days, and freshness expectations are met most of the time. Asian vegetables appear to be largely unaffected by seasonal changes.

7Ease of preparing and short cooking times are the main influences on purchase of Asian vegetables. Consuming enough for their needs and limited availability are primary barriers to purchase.

4

Purchase and consumption of Asian vegetables remains high. On average, consumers are eating Asian vegetables twice a week.

Coles remains the key location for purchase. However, there has been a consistent increase in purchase from markets.

• Asian vegetables have positive consumer sentiment and propensity to purchase, consistent with previous months.

• Asian vegetables are purchased five times per month and are consumed nine times per month, the former slightly higher and the latter marginally lower in comparison to previous waves.

• Consumers purchase 1kg of Asian vegetables per shop. Recalled last spend is $5.90. Overall, consumers perceive Asian vegetables to be good value for money.

• National price tracking indicated the average price for Bok Choy in May was $2.12, which is relatively consistent between state and retailers.

• Awareness has improved, with just over three quarters of consumers able to recall a type. Bok Choy remained the most recalled type of Asian vegetable, followed by Choy Sum and Wombok.

• Asian vegetables are expected to stay fresh for just over 5 days, and freshness expectations are met most of the time. Asian vegetables appear to be largely unaffected by seasonal changes.

• Ease of preparing and short cooking times are the main influences on purchase of Asian vegetables. Consuming enough for their needs and limited availability are primary barriers to purchase.

Asian vegetables Fast Facts

48% 51%

39%

31%

16%

11%

3% 6% 1% 1% 7%

50% 46% 45%

34%

17%

11%

3% 8%

1% 1% 5%

51%

45%

37% 36%

14% 12%

5% 5% 2% 2%

7%

Coles Woolworths Specialist fruitand vegetable

retailer

Markets Independentsupermarkets

Aldi Gourmetindependent

retailers

Direct from thegrower

Costco Conveniencestores

Other

Wave 16: Sept-14 Wave 20: Jan-15 Wave 24: May-15

Purchase Channels

: Indicates LOWER score than current wave. : Indicates HIGHER score than current wave.

Average Purchase 5.0 times per month

Average Consumption

8.8 times per month

4.9 times, Wave 20

4.5 times, Wave 16 9.0 times, Wave 20

8.7 times, Wave 16

Purchase from Asian grocers

Markets are seeing continual growth for Asian vegetable purchase

48% 51%

39%

31%

16%

11%

3% 6% 1% 1% 7%

50% 46% 45%

34%

17%

11%

3% 8%

1% 1% 5%

51%

45%

37% 36%

14% 12%

5% 5% 2% 2%

7%


retailer



retailers



Other


Purchase Channels



Average Consumption

8.8 times per month

4.9 times, Wave 20


8.7 times, Wave 16



48% 51%

39%

31%

16%

11%

3% 6% 1% 1% 7%

50% 46% 45%

34%

17%

11%

3% 8%

1% 1% 5%

51%

45%

37% 36%

14% 12%

5% 5% 2% 2%

7%


retailer



retailers



Other


Purchase Channels



Average Consumption

8.8 times per month

4.9 times, Wave 20


8.7 times, Wave 16




SELFSELFSELFSELFYOUR

YOUR SELF

Fast Facts 7Asian vegetables have positive consumer sentiment and propensity to

purchase, consistent with previous months.

7Asian vegetables are purchased 5 times per month and are consumed 9 times per month, the former slightly higher and the latter marginally lower in comparison to previous waves.

7Consumers purchase 1kg of Asian vegetables per shop. Recalled last spend is $5.90. Overall, consumers perceive Asian vegetables to be good value for money.

7National price tracking indicated the average price for Bok Choy in May was $2.12, which is relatively consistent between state and retailers.

7Awareness has improved, with just over three quarters of consumers

able to recall a type. Bok Choy remained the most recalled type of Asian vegetable, followed by Choy Sum and Wombok.

7Asian vegetables are expected to stay fresh for just over 5 days, and freshness expectations are met most of the time. Asian vegetables appear to be largely unaffected by seasonal changes.

7Ease of preparing and short cooking times are the main influences on purchase of Asian vegetables. Consuming enough for their needs and limited availability are primary barriers to purchase.

4


YOUR SELF

Skin cancer is a serious issue in Australia, with estimates that at least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Each year approximately 2,000 Australians die of skin cancer, more deaths than our annual road toll.

UV radiation has been classified as a class 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning overexposure to UV radiation is a known cause of skin cancer. It has also been identified that outdoor workers receive between five and ten times more UV exposure each year than indoor workers, and that around 200 melanoma and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers each year are caused by occupational exposure in Australia.

An Australian workplace hazard survey identified that compared to other types of industry, people who work in agriculture are most likely to be exposed to direct sunlight, on average being exposed for a 5.7 hours on a typical day.

Also, men have a higher risk of being diagnosed with melanoma than women, with 1 in 14 Australian men being diagnosed before the age of 85, as opposed to 1 in 24 women. At least one likely contributing factor is that men are more likely to work or spend more time outdoors in direct sunlight than women.

While many of us tend to think of sun protection only during summer, in many parts of Western Australia, sun protection is required all year round. The two images below highlight the need for sun protection throughout the year.

Figure 1A shows the average UV level during January. With the exception of Tasmania, the level of UV across Australia is extreme, with the highest levels occurring in northern Australia, as these regions are closest to the equator.

Figure 1B shows the average UV level during July. While southern areas of Australia receive safe levels of UV (below 3 on the UV index) during this month, as indicated by green, Perth and northern areas of Western Australia all still experience UV levels high enough to warrant sun protection for at least part of the day. Often referred to as windburn, sunburn is possible even during cooler days, because UV radiation is not related to heat. If fact, you can’t see or feel UV radiation, which is often why people don’t realise they are getting sunburnt during cooler days.

The high rates of skin cancer in Australia can be mainly attributed to high levels of UV radiation due to our proximity to the equator, in combination with Australia’s predominantly fair skinned population. However the positive message is that skin cancer is almost entirely preventable, just by following a few simple steps.

Understand the UV indexThe UV index is actually one of the easiest things to understand. The purpose of the UV index is to advise you when you are at risk of sunburn and skin damage which could increase your risk of skin cancer, as well when it is safe to be outdoors without sun protection.

At UV level 3 or higher, sun protection is needed. Below UV level 3 no sun protection is required.

of good sun protection

FIGURE 1 Average noon clear-sky UV Index during January (A) and July (B) Source: Bureau of Meteorology

A B

Extreme

Very high

High

Moderate

Low

Reaping the benefits

FREE SUNSMART

APPwww.myuv.com.au/

tools-and-links/


YOUR SELF

Get to know the UV level for your areaThe Bureau of Meteorology provides daily UV forecasts for over forty locations right across Western Australia. These forecasts provide details of the maximum UV forecast level for the day, as well as the times between which sun protection is required.

Alternatively there is a free SunSmart app suitable for smart phones or tablets which can also provide details of the UV level for your location, the time that sun protection is required, as well as a handy alert to remind you to use sun protection. This is available at www.myuv.com.au/tools-and-links/.

Get into the habit of using sun protection each dayThere once was a time where cars didn’t have seatbelts, and when we look back we realised that each time we went out in the car without wearing a seatbelt we were putting our lives at risk. Sun protection can be thought of in the same way. You need to ensure you wear a seatbelt every time you get in the car, and you need to make sure you use sun protection each time you are exposed to UV levels 3 and higher.

Check your skin regularlyEven though skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia over 95% of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early enough. This is why it is so important to regularly check our skin for any suspicious or changing spots or moles. Regular skin checks will help you to know your skin, and also know when something is different or has changed on your skin.

When checking your skin you should look for the following things:

• A spot that is different from other spots around it

• A mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour

• A new spot that has changed over weeks or months in size, shape or colour

• An inflamed sore that has not healed within three weeks

It is important when checking your skin that you check your entire body, including those areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of your feet, between your fingers and toes and under your nails. Make sure you check your skin in a good light and use a full-length or hand-held mirror to see those areas such as back, legs and scalp. Alternatively ask a family member, partner, friend or your GP check those areas you cannot see clearly.

If you find a spot or mole that you think is suspicious or you are unsure about, do not hesitate in seeing your doctor. Some skin cancers can evolve quickly, and delaying in having it checked could impact in the treatment outcome.

Sun protection doesn’t have to be difficult and working outdoors doesn’t mean that skin cancer is inevitable. It is simply a matter of being aware of the risk and ensuring you cover up when the UV level is 3 or above. Knowing your skin and checking it regularly is also an important part of sun protection. When it comes to skin cancer, you really can reap the benefits of consistent sun protection behaviours.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Cancer Council of WA on 13 11 20 or visit their website www.cancerwa.asn.au/prevention/sunsmart/sunandworkplace/

Sun protection is really as simple as:• Wearing clothing with a close

weave that covers as much skin as possible. This includes long sleeved shirts with collars and long pants or skirts. Clothing is one of the most effective forms of sun protection, offering the potential to protect the greatest area of skin on your body.

• Wear a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire style hat. This will not only protect your head, neck, ears and face, but is also a great way to reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches your eyes.

• Wear sunglasses or eye protection that meet the Australian standard and include UV protection. Eyes are vulnerable to direct and reflected UV radiation and overexposure to UV can cause issues such as cataracts and some forms of cancers on and around the eyes.

• Use an SPF30+ or higher sunscreen to cover those areas that your clothing or hat do not cover. Sunscreen can be very effective for protecting areas such as the face, back of hands and ears. However it also requires a generous application and reapplication every 2 hours to ensure that it is providing adequate protection.

• Make use of existing shade or even employ some form of temporary shade such as an umbrella to compliment your other sun protective measures. Shade is also a helpful during hot weather to assist in cooling your body temperature.

THE SunSmart app is suitable for smart phones and tablets and can provide details of the UV level for your location.


YOUR SELF

Ingredients6 medium yellow potatoes

200g beetroot

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup Greek yoghurt

50g mint leaves (chopped)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Zest of 2 lemons

Salt and pepper

Method1. Place potatoes whole in a pot of cold

salted water, bring to boil, and reduce to simmer, until tender.

2. Just before potatoes are cooked, add frozen peas. Drain, cool completely then slice potatoes into bite size pieces.

3. Meanwhile mix together yoghurt, cumin, mint, and lemon zest, season well.

4. Toss potatoes, peas and beetroot with yoghurt.

5. Garnish with fresh mint (optional).

MORE INFORMATION

For more inspiring recipes visit the website www.freshpotatoes.com.au

Beetroot & mint potato salad

Cooking time: 20 minutesLevel: EasyServes: 6

Perfe� with � ite p� ato� also great with yellow

Pricing From a low 40c* Crate Hire

Head Office United Crate Co operative Ltd.

Perth Office: 1 Zanni Street Canning Vale WA 6155 Phone: (08) 9455 1540 Fax: (08) 9455 2376

Email: [email protected] Web: www.unicrates.com.au

Pricing From a low 40c* Crate Hire

Excluding GST. Excluding crate deposit. Perth depot pricing

Head Office United Crate Co operative Ltd.

Perth Office: 1 Zanni Street Canning Vale WA 6155 Phone: (08) 9455 1540 Fax: (08) 9455 2376

Email: [email protected] Web: www.unicrates.com.au


GASCOYNE RIVER AQUIFER UPDATE JULY 2015 — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

YOUR INDUSTRY

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CẬP NHẬT VỀ TẦNG CHỨA NƯỚC SÔNG GASCOYNETháng 7 năm 2015


YOUR INDUSTRY

ng T m ng n ách h hác ng n nước c n n n ( L)

Tiểu vùng Giới hạn bền vững

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(tới tháng 6)

Sản xuất dự kiến năm 2015

6 3 5 0

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Source: Department of Water

S T Ng n Nước c ng c n c nh nh ng c h h ng nước ng m h Sông c n g m ng ch nước nông h ặc á Dướ L ng Sông ng ch nước

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ng công ch ng n ch ng các n n m hác hông n nh ng ng n nước ng m c ng ch nước c h Sông c n

GASCOYNE RIVER AQUIFER UPDATE JULY 2015 — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION


YOUR PRODUCTION

ACCREDITED SOIL FUMIGATION TRAINING PROGRAM — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

Các sản phẩm khử trùng đất như Rural InLine và Telone (với các tỉ lệ pha trộn khác nhau) đều là chất độc và dể cháy, nhưng nếu sử dụng đúng phương pháp thì chúng là phương tiện khống chế sâu bệnh hại trong đất rất hiệu quả.

T nh n á ng hông ng cách c h ngư á ng ng c

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Mộ ớ h n h ng c ng m ch n á ng

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g h n c ng ư c há D hướng n h ng ng

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nh h n Tô h ng h h ng ớ h n ch n

VÕ THẾ TRUYỀNN N N N N

T N M T

Nông dân Việt Nam ở Carnarrvon được tập huấn và cấp giây chứng nhận khử trùng đất

g m c ng các h hộ cá nh n


YOUR PRODUCTION

ACCREDITED SOIL FUMIGATION TRAINING PROGRAM — VIETNAMESE TRANSLATION

ư c nộ ng h ng các hực h nh hực ch nông n ô ch c ng h m h n h á ng n

T c nông n ngư h m g ư c ộc m ư c

ch ng nh n n ng hự h n các n há h ng Đ n ng h n nh ng ngư h m g ư c ự ự n h hực h n n

Mặc hác ớ h n h nh công c n n n ư c mộ n h nh ự h ác g c n ch nh h ư nh n

n h c ng m c nh nh m ng cư ng n h c n ng ch

nông n ặc nh ng ngư hông n ng nh

Đ n c ộ ch ng Sự h ác h m các c n ch c hác nh c h c ng m c

hướng m c g ng cư ng n h c n ng ch nông n h h hực h n n há h ng

n n

Đ h m ch n ng n h

Ben Dewit ( ) / S g nc m g n D n h

0417 479 449 [email protected] www.sarural.com

Max Cutler T m g n S c D c c L [email protected] 0414 600 658

Tu-Trinh (Amy) Tran, n nm n h D c c h

D n n (08) 9388 4950 (08) 388 4 05 h ặc amy.tran@health.

wa.gov.au

Võ Thế Truyền ch n n h n nông N m hộ c T c h 0457 457 559 h ặc [email protected]


YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits Minor Use Permits can also be searched by specific crop or pest types at https://portal.apvma.gov.au/permits

Permit No. Description Virus Issued date Expiry date

Artichoke — globe

PER14203 Propyzamide Weeds 12-Nov-13 30-Nov-16

Asian root vegetables

PER12716 Confidor 200 SC Insecticide Greenhouse whitefly and green peach aphid 12-Apr-15 30-Sep-20

Asparagus

PER12777 Avatar (indoxacarb) Garden weevil 2-Nov-11 30-Sep-16

Beans

PER14701 Pyriproxyfen Silverleaf whitefly 4-Feb-15 30-Jun-20

PER12947 Talstar 100 EC Insecticide Specified whitefly and mite species 7-May-12 30-Apr-16

Beetroot

PER14245 Score Foliar Fungicide Leaf spot 16-Dec-13 31-Aug-18

PER14184 Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid Damping off and downy mildew 1-Jul-13 30-Jun-17

PER14043 Chlorothalonil Various diseases 16-Apr-14 30-Nov-18

PER14456 Tebuconazole Sclerotonia rot 1-Apr-14 30-Jun-19

PER11853 Imidacloprid Aphids and thrips 10-Apr-12 30-Sep-16

PER14891 Trifloxystrobin Alternaria leaf spot 1-Jan-15 30-Sep-19

PER11949 Lambda-Cyhalothrin Various insects 1-Apr-10 31-Mar-20

Bitter melon

PER12906 Acramite Miticide (bifenazate) Two-spotted mite 21-Oct-13 31-Mar-18

Brassica leafy vegetables

PER12008 PROPACHLOR Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds 18-Jun-12 30-Sep-16

PER11990 Chlorothalonil Downy mildew, Alternaria spot and grey mould 12-Apr-15 30-Jun-17

PER14864 Pirimicarb Aphids 11-Nov-14 30-Jun-19


PER10845 Barmac Zineb Fungicide Cercospora leaf spot and downy mildew 11-Jun-09 31-May-20

PER13154 Dual Gold Herbicide Various broadleaf and grass weeds 20-Feb-12 31-Mar-17

PER14907 Emamectin Various pests 9-Dec-14 30-Nov-19

PER14584 Imidacloprid Aphids, whitefly and thrips 1-Apr-14 31-Mar-19

PER14127 Pendimethalin Weeds 31-Oct-13 31-Aug-18

PER11848 Clethodim Grass weeds 20-Jun-12 30-Sep-16

PER14292 Secure 360SC (chlorfenapyr) Lepiotera and mites 24-Dec-13 31-Mar-16

PER14045 Mancozeb + Metalaxyl Various fungal diseases 1-Apr-13 31-Mar-18

PER14958 Dimethomorph and Mancozeb (Acrobat Fungicide)

Downy mildew and other diseases 21-Dec-14 31-Oct-19

PER14433 Alpha-cypermethrin Various insects 31-Jan-14 30-Jun-17

PER80538 Mancozeb Anthracnose and Septoria 1-Apr-15 31-Mar-25


PER14596 Chlorpyrifos Vegetable beetle adults 1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19

Broad beans

PER13752 Tebuconazole Cercospora leaf spot and rust 31-May-13 30-Jun-16

Broccoli


PER14384 Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen)

Silverleaf whitefly 13-Jul-14 30-Jun-18

PER14164 Clethodim Rye grass, winter grass 11-Oct-13 30-Jun-17


YOUR PRODUCTION


PER11951 Phosphorous acid Downy mildew 1-Nov-10 31-Mar-20

Brussels sprouts




PER14432 Pendimethalin Weeds 23-May-14 30-Jun-19


PER80910 Iprodione Grey mould 1-Aug-15 31-Jul-20


Bulb (Allium) vegetables

PER13698 Phosphorous Downy mildew 1-Oct-12 30-Sep-17

Cabbage



Capsicum

PER12565 Scala Fungicide Botrytis rots 5-Apr-12 30-Sep-17

PER14722 Abamectin Tomato red spider mite 17-Feb-15 30-Sep-20

PER14326 Captan Grey mould 19-Dec-13 30-Nov-16

PER12712 Applaud Insecticide Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly and leafhoppers 13-May-14 31-Mar-17

PER11564 Switch Fungicide Botrytis and Sclerotinia 28-May-12 30-Nov-17

PER13901 Glyphosate (shielded sprayer) Annual and perennial grass and broadleaf weeds 6-Apr-13 30-Jun-19

PER11778 Agri-fos 600 Systemic Fungicide (phosphorous acid)

Phytophthora soil fungus 29-Jun-11 30-Nov-15

PER10312 Glufosinate (Basta) Broadleaf weeds and grasses 30-Jun-15 30-Jun-18

PER14725 Paramite Selective Miticide Tomato spider mites 22-Oct-14 30-Jun-18

PER13031 Maldison Fruit fly 6-Oct-11 31-May-17

PER12399 Ridomil Gold MZ Systemic and Protective Fungicide

Downy mildew 17-Oct-13 30-Sep-16

PER13567 Bifenthrin Fruit fly 7-Dec-12 31-May-16

PER13566 Methomyl Fruit fly 7-Dec-12 31-May-16

PER14050 Flint 500 WG Fungicide Powdery mildew 1-Jun-13 30-Jun-23

Carrot


PER14816 Azoxystrobin Powdery mildew, Sclerotinia rot (white mould), black rot 1-Jun-14 30-Jun-19

PER10819 Imidacloprid Greenhouse whitefly and aphids 30-Jun-15 31-May-18

PER12048 Prometryn Weeds 9-May-12 30-Sep-20

PER13795 Agpro Propazine 500 Nightshade, fat hen and wireweed 1-Jan-13 31-Mar-18


PER14535 Clethodim Grass weed control 12-May-14 31-Mar-19

PER13305 Glyphosate (shielded sprayer) Certain broadleaf and grass weeds 28-May-12 30-Jun-20

PER80169 Metribuzin Grass and broadleaf weeds 3-Mar-15 31-Mar-18

PER12383 Prometryn Broadleaf weeds 29-Nov-10 30-Sep-15

PER13091 Tebuconazole Powdery mildew 14-May-12 30-Sep-25

Cauliflower


PER14384 Admiral Insect Growth Regulator (pyriproxyfen) Silverleaf whitefly 13-Jul-14 30-Jun-18



YOUR PRODUCTION

Permits (cont.)Permit No. Description Virus Issued date Expiry date


PER13147 Lontrel Capeweed and clover 21-Nov-11 30-Nov-19

PER10272 Diazinon Onion fly and onion seedling maggot 13-Aug-13 30-Sep-16

PER14037 Alpha-Cypermethrin Staphylinid beetle 1-May-13 31-Mar-23

Celeriac


PER10875 Pirimor WG Aphicide (pirimicarb) Aphids 7-May-12 30-Sep-20

PER13114 Prometryn Grass weeds listed on label 29-Mar-12 31-Mar-17

PER13323 Score Foliar Fungicide (difenoconazole) Cercospora leaf spot and Septoria leaf blight 28-May-12 31-Mar-16

PER13367 Linuron Grass and broadleaf weeds 31-May-13 30-Apr-16

PER14353 Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione) Sclerotinia rot 1-Jul-14 31-Mar-17

PER10910 Methomyl Western flower thrips and native budworm 24-Jun-15 31-May-20

Celery

PER12489 Imidacloprid Aphids 30-Jun-15 31-May-20

PER14436 Applaud Insecticide (buprofezin) Greenhouse whitefly 9-May-14 30-Jun-19

PER14341 Chess Insecticide (pymetrozine) Aphids 30-May-14 30-Jun-17

PER9161 Esfenvalerate Helicoverpa armigera 19-May-06 31-Mar-16

PER14843 Indoxacarb (Avatar Insecticide) Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth, lucerne leaf roller and vegetable weevil

1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19

PER13496 Linuron Range of weeds 4-May-12 30-Apr-17

PER14049 Permethrin (Ambush ) Helicoverpa and looper 1-Apr-13 31-Mar-23

PER14812 Score Fungicide Cercospora and septoria leaf spots 17-Feb-15 30-Sep-20

PER13122 Proclaim Insecticide Heliothis, lightbrown apple moth and cluster caterpillar 31-Oct-13 30-Sep-16

PER11686 Nufarm Regent 200SC Insecticide Western flower thrips (celery) and onion thrips (lettuce) 25-Mar-14 31-Mar-17

PER13673 Ridomil Gold MZ WG Late blight, Septoria leaf blight and downy mildew 22-Apr-13 30-Sep-16

PER14494 Trifloxystrobin DM, Cercospora and Septoria 1-Oct-14 30-Jun-19

PER11127 Nufarm Filan Fungicide Sclerotinia rot 30-Jun-15 30-Jun-18


PER14071 Pirmicarb Aphids 7-Jun-15 30-Jun-19

Chard

PER13691 Gallery 750 Dry Flowable Herbicide Wild radish 30-Nov-12 30-Nov-15

Chicory


PER11848 Clethodim Grass Weeds 20-Jun-12 30-Sep-16


PER10677 Propyzamide Grass and broadleef weeds 14-Apr-08 30-Apr-18

PER14841 Walabi Fungicide Botrytis and Alternaria 1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19

PER14457 Alpha-cypermethrin Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips 19-Mar-14 30-Jun-19

PER81241 Phenmedipham (Bental) Broadleaf weeds 29-May-15 31-May-20

PER80282 Alpha-cypermethrin Red-legged earth mite, onion thrips 16-Dec-14 30-Nov-17



PER80538 Mancozeb Anthracnose and Septoria 1-Apr-15 31-Mar-25


Chilli




YOUR PRODUCTION



PER13397 Clethodim (Select Herbicide) Fops annual ryegrass and winter grass 15-Nov-13 31-Mar-18

PER13254 Dimethoate Queensland and Mediterranean fruit fly 2-Feb-12 5-Oct-15

PER12823 Trifluralin Various broad leaf and grass weeds 11-May-11 30-Jun-21

PER14536 Abamectin Two-spotted mite 30-May-14 30-Jun-17



Chinese onions

PER14906 Triadimenol White rot (Sclerotium) 22-Oct-14 31-Oct-19

Chives


Choko


Cucumber


PER12391 Prodigy Insecticide Lepidopteran pests 31-May-13 30-Sep-17





PER7909 Scala 400 SC Fungicide Botrytis rot 5-Apr-12 30-Sep-17



PER12447 Teldor 500 SC Fungicide Botrytis rot 30-Sep-13 31-May-16


PER13031 Maldison Fruit fly 6-Oct-11 31-May-17

PER14046 Mancozeb Grey mould 1-May-13 31-Mar-18

PER13349 Pyranica Two-spotted mite 3-Apr-12 31-Mar-16

PER14050 Flint 500 WG Fungicide Powdery mildew 1-Jun-13 30-Jun-23


Cucurbits


PER80138 Alpha-cypermethrin Cucumber fruit fly 26-Feb-15 31-Mar-20

PER14840 Bupirimate Powdery mildew 1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19

PER13304 Paramite Two-spotted mite, red spider mite 12-Jul-13 30-Jun-18

Eggplant






PER11451 Chlorothalonil Various fungal diseases 12-Jun-13 30-Jun-18


PER80910 Iprodione Grey mould 1-Aug-15 31-Jul-20


PER11778 Agri-fos 600 Systemic Fungicide (phosphorous acid)

Phytophthora soil fungus 29-Jun-11 30-Nov-15


YOUR PRODUCTION


PER14036 Bupirimate Powdery mildew 1-Apr-13 31-Mar-18

PER12506 Dimethoate Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly 30-Jan-13 5-Oct-17

PER13351 Pirimicarb Aphids 28-Jun-13 31-Mar-16

PER13517 Rovral (iprodione) Grey mould 1-Nov-12 30-Sep-15

PER14186 Success Neo (spinetoram) Melon Thrips 3-Oct-13 30-Sep-18

PER8930 Phorate Aphids, jassids, mites, thrips and onion maggot 14-Aug-11 31-Jul-16

PER14484 Fluazifop Grass weeds 16-Apr-14 31-Mar-18

PER14839 Zineb Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) 1-Aug-14 30-Sep-19

PER12442 Trichlorfon Fruit fly 10-Aug-11 31-May-17

PER14047 Methidathion Rutherglen Bug 1-Jun-13 30-Jun-18

PER10910 Methomyl Western flower thrips and Native budworm 24-Jun-15 31-May-20

PER13122 Proclaim Insecticide Heliothis, Lightbrown apple moth and Cluster caterpillar 31-Oct-13 30-Sep-16

Endive





PER10677 Propyzamide Grass and Broadleef weeds 14-Apr-08 30-Apr-18



PER11848 Clethodim Grass Weeds 20-Jun-12 30-Sep-16

Faba beans

PER13752 Tebuconazole Cercospora leaf spot and Rust 31-May-13 30-Jun-16

Fennel

PER13036 Bravo 720 SC Downy Mildew, Purple Blotch 21-Sep-11 31-Jul-16

PER13698 Phosphorous Downy Mildew 1-Oct-12 30-Sep-17

Field peas

PER14937 Terbutryn Broad Leaf Weeds 1-Sep-14 30-Sep-19

Fruiting vegetables, except cucurbits

PER80099 Alpha-Cpermethrin Mediterrean fruit fly and Queeensland fruit fly 26-Feb-15 31-Mar-20

Garden peas

PER11451 Chlorothalonil Various Fungal Diseases 12-Jun-13 30-Jun-18

Garlic


PER14626 Copper as tribasic copper sulphate Downy mildew 10-Jul-14 30-Jun-19

PER14628 IOXYNIL (TOTRIL) BROADLEAF WEEDS 17-Feb-15 31-Jul-20

PER14604 Lambda-cyhalothrin Selected insect pests 1-Apr-14 31-Mar-17

PER14008 Mancozeb + Metalaxyl Downy Mildew and Purple Blotch 27-Feb-13 31-Mar-23

PER12465 Movento (spirotetramat) Onion thrips 31-May-13 30-Jun-17

PER14886 Pendimethalin Grass and Broadleaf Weeds 1-Aug-14 30-Sep-19

Green beans

PER13626 Metolachlor Various broadleaf and grass weeds. 23-Jul-12 30-Jun-17

Leafy lettuce

PER14959 Haloxyfop Storksbill 21-Dec-14 30-Nov-19




YOUR PRODUCTION






PER12351 Confidor Guard Soil Silverleaf whitefly 30-Mar-15 30-Jun-20

Leafy vegetables



PER14837 Mandipropamid (Revus Fungicide) Downy mildew 24-May-15 31-Mar-18

Leek


PER13367 Linuron Grass and Broadleaf weeds 31-May-13 30-Apr-16

PER10272 Diazinon Onion fly and onion seedling maggot 13-Aug-13 30-Sep-16

PER14473 Dimethomorph and Mancozeb Downy mildew, purple blotch and botrytis rots 18-Dec-13 30-Jun-18

PER13653 Maldison Onion thrips 1-Oct-12 31-Oct-18

PER14742 Methabenzthiazuron (Tribunil Herbicide) Various broadleaf and grass weeds 1-Jul-14 30-Jun-16




PER13257 Select Herbicide (clethodim) Grass weeds as per label including winter grass (Poa annua) 28-May-12 31-Mar-17

Lettuce


PER14696 Abamectin Two-spotted mite 1-Apr-14 31-Mar-19


PER14210 Acramite Miticide Two-spotted (red spider) mite 17-Oct-13 30-Sep-18

PER13301 Alpha-cypermethrin Red-legged earth mite and vegetable weevil 12-Jun-12 31-May-20

PER11686 Nufarm Regent 200SC Insecticide Western flower thrips (celery) and onion thrips (lettuce) 25-Mar-14 31-Mar-17

PER14430 Azoxystrobin (Amistar 250 SC) Bottom rot 21-Mar-14 30-Jun-17

PER14257 BALAN (benfluralin) Grass and broadleaf weed control 29-Oct-13 31-Mar-18

PER12386 Dacthal (chlorthal-dimethyl) Stinging nettle 29-Jun-11 31-Aug-16

PER14351 DC-Tron Plus Various bugs 24-Dec-13 31-Mar-17

PER14318 Metalaxyl-M Damping off 23-Dec-13 30-Sep-18

PER14431 Rizolex Liquid Bottom rot 21-Mar-14 30-Jun-17



PER12846 Abamectin Two-spotted mite 31-May-13 30-Sep-17

PER13698 Phosphorous Downy mildew 1-Oct-12 30-Sep-17

PER12565 Scala Fungicide Botrytis rots 5-Apr-12 30-Sep-17

PER13332 BALAN (benfluralin) Grass and broadleaf weed control 1-Apr-12 31-Mar-22

PER14964 Chlorothalonil Antracnose (shot hole) 21-Dec-14 30-Nov-19

PER14336 Prodigy Cluster caterpillar, looper and light brown apple moth 17-Dec-13 30-Sep-17

Marrow


Melons

PER14649 Acramite (bifenazate) Two-spotted mite 7-Nov-14 30-Jun-17

PER14650 Paramite (etoxazole) Two-spotted mite 7-Nov-14 31-May-18

PER13170 Dimethoate Various fruit fly species 13-Oct-11 5-Oct-17


YOUR PRODUCTION


Navy beans


Onion (bulb and seed)

PER14602 Boscalid, Iprodione and Chlorothalonil Botrytis neck-rot 24-Jul-14 30-Sep-16

PER12257 Carbendazim Fungal disease control 22-Sep-10 21-Sep-15

Onions

PER14773 Basagran (bentazone-sodium) Broadleaf weeds 16-Apr-14 30-Jun-16

PER13119 Diazinon Onion thrips 6-Mar-12 31-Mar-17


Paprika








Parsnip




PER11348 Clethodim Grass weeds 11-Jan-12 31-Mar-22

PER14858 Pendimethalin Grasses and broadleaf weeds 1-Apr-15 31-Mar-20

PER12048 Prometryn Weeds 9-May-12 30-Sep-20


PER12357 Linuron Grass and broadleaf weeds 9-May-12 30-Sep-20

PER14695 Ridomil Gold 25G (metalaxyl-M) Pythium Spp. and Phytophthora Spp. 1-May-14 30-Jun-19

PER13696 Trifluralin Wintergrass 28-Aug-12 31-Mar-18

PER11935 Triadimenol Powdery mildew 5-Feb-10 30-Jun-17

Peas


PER10312 Glufosinate (Basta) Broadleaf weeds and grasses 30-Jun-15 30-Jun-18


PER14035 Diflufenican Broadleaf weeds 1-May-13 31-Mar-23

PER14896 Bentazone (Basagran) Broadleaf weeds 1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19

Peppers




PER14840 Bupirimate Powdery mildew 1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19


PER12378 Acephate Western flower thrips 25-Oct-10 31-Oct-15

PER11440 Sumiclex 500 (procymidone) Sclerotinia rot 1-Jun-09 31-Jan-20

PER14353 Rovral Aquaflo Fungicide (iprodione) Sclerotinia rot 1-Jul-14 31-Mar-17

PER14047 Methidathion Rutherglen bug 1-Jun-13 30-Jun-18

PER11127 Nufarm Filan Fungicide Sclerotinia rot 30-Jun-15 30-Jun-18


YOUR PRODUCTION




PER14144 Pirimor (pirimicarb) Aphids 5-Apr-13 31-Mar-16


PER14454 Ridomil Gold MZ Downy mildew 10-Mar-14 30-Jun-19


Potato



PER80344 Chlorpyrifos Black beetle, wingless grasshopper, red-legged earth mite 2-Jan-15 30-Sep-20

PER12612 Alpha-cypermethrin Garden weevil 29-Jun-11 30-Apr-16

PER10822 Sodium hypochlorite Various insect and fungal pests 30-Jan-09 30-Nov-19

Processing peas


Pumpkin

PER11768 Chlorpyrifos African black beetle 28-Jun-13 31-Mar-16

Radicchio



PER14841 Walabi Fungicide Botrytis and alternaria 1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19

PER11848 Clethodim Grass weeds 20-Jun-12 30-Sep-16



Radish



PER11949 Lambda-Cyhalothrin Various insects 1-Apr-10 31-Mar-20

PER11451 Chlorothalonil Various fungal diseases 12-Jun-13 30-Jun-18

PER13035 Clethodim Control of grasses 27-Sep-11 30-Sep-16

PER14126 Methomyl Various 30-Jun-15 30-Sep-17

PER11441 Propachlor Grass and broadleaf weeds 27-May-09 31-Dec-19

PER14048 Pendimethalin Various broadleaf and grass weeds 1-May-13 31-Mar-23


PER13444 Propiconazole Cercospora 1-Apr-12 31-Mar-17

Redbeet

PER13691 Gallery 750 Dry Flowable Herbicide Wild radish 30-Nov-12 30-Nov-15

Rhubarb

PER13441 Ambush Emulsifiable Concentrate Insecticide

Green peach aphid, green looper, light brown apple moth and budworms

11-Apr-12 31-Mar-17

PER13300 Abamectin Broad mite 11-Oct-13 31-Dec-16

PER14744 Clethodim Grass weeds listed on label 1-Jul-14 30-Jun-19

PER14212 Imidacloprid Aphids 31-Oct-13 30-Jun-18

PER14493 Phos acid Downy mildew 1-Jul-14 31-Jan-19

Rocket




YOUR PRODUCTION


PER13068 Fosetyl-Al (Aliette WG) Downy mildew 20-Nov-13 30-Jun-16


PER14127 Pendimethalin Weeds 31-Oct-13 31-Aug-18

PER14292 Secure 360SC (chlorfenapyr) Lepiotera and mites 24-Dec-13 31-Mar-16


Shallots










PER14471 Lambda-cyhalothrin Various pests 30-May-14 31-Mar-19

PER14073 Diazinon Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot 1-Jul-13 30-Jun-18

PER14890 Methomyl (Lannate-L) Western flower thrips 25-Nov-14 31-Oct-19

PER13205 Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr) Western flower thrips 28-May-12 30-Jun-17



PER14142 Ioxynil Broad leaf and grass weeds 17-Oct-13 31-Mar-16


Silverbeet




PER13673 Ridomil Gold MZ WG Late blight, septoria leaf blight and downy mildew 22-Apr-13 30-Sep-16






PER11991 Legend Fungicide (quinoxyfen) Powdery mildew 29-Jun-11 31-Mar-16

PER14703 Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds 1-Aug-14 31-Jul-19

PER14034 Chlorothalonil Various fungal diseases 9-Dec-14 31-Oct-19

PER13626 Metolachlor Various broadleaf and grass weeds 23-Jul-12 30-Jun-17


Sin qua


Snake bean


Snow peas




YOUR PRODUCTION




PER13899 Etoxazole Two-spotted mite 1-Jan-13 31-Mar-20

PER14211 Fenhexamid Grey mould and chocolate spot 27-Nov-13 30-Sep-16

PER14044 Acramite Miticide Mites 12-Mar-14 30-Nov-15

PER11964 Chlorothalonil (Bravo) Downy mildew and chocolate spot 13-Nov-12 31-Mar-18

PER11764 Spiroxamine Powdery mildew 1-Jul-15 30-Jun-18

PER10976 Bentazone Broadleaf weeds 10-Aug-09 31-Mar-20

PER10988 Bladex 900 WG (cyanazine) Broadleaf weeds 10-Aug-09 31-Mar-20

PER10938 Imidacloprid Greenhouse whitefly 1-Jul-15 31-Jul-18

PER14033 Lambda-cyhalothrin Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug and thrips 1-Jun-13 31-May-18

PER14505 Pyrimethanil Grey mould (botrytis) 1-Jul-14 30-Jun-19



Spinach




PER13626 Metolachlor Various broadleaf and grass weeds 23-Jul-12 30-Jun-17



PER13673 Ridomil Gold MZ WG Late blight, septoria leaf blight and downy mildew 22-Apr-13 30-Sep-16

PER14494 Trifloxystrobin DM, cercospora and septoria 1-Oct-14 30-Jun-19

PER14841 Walabi Fungicide Botrytis and alternaria 1-Oct-14 30-Sep-19




PER13068 Fosetyl-Al (Aliette WG) Downy mildew 20-Nov-13 30-Jun-16

PER14703 Tramat 500 SC Selective Herbicide (ethofumesate)

Various weeds 1-Aug-14 31-Jul-19

Spring onions









PER14471 Lambda-cyhalothrin Various pests 30-May-14 31-Mar-19




PER14073 Diazinon Thrips (excluding WFT) and onion seedling maggot 1-Jul-13 30-Jun-18

PER14890 Methomyl (Lannate-L) Western flower thrips 25-Nov-14 31-Oct-19

PER13205 Secure 360 SC (chlorfenapyr) Western flower thrips 28-May-12 30-Jun-17



YOUR PRODUCTION






Squash (all type)


Sugar snap peas







PER13899 Etoxazole Two-spotted mite 1-Jan-13 31-Mar-20

PER14211 Fenhexamid Grey mould and chocolate spot 27-Nov-13 30-Sep-16

PER14044 Acramite Miticide Mites 12-Mar-14 30-Nov-15

PER11964 Chlorothalonil (Bravo) Downy mildew and chocolate spot 13-Nov-12 31-Mar-18

PER11764 Spiroxamine Powdery mildew 1-Jul-15 30-Jun-18

PER10976 Bentazone Broadleaf weeds 10-Aug-09 31-Mar-20

PER10988 Bladex 900 WG (cyanazine) Broadleaf weeds 10-Aug-09 31-Mar-20

PER10938 Imidacloprid Greenhouse whitefly 1-Jul-15 31-Jul-18

PER14033 Lambda-cyhalothrin Pasture webworm, cutworm, Rutherglen bug and thrips 1-Jun-13 31-May-18

PER14505 Pyrimethanil Grey mould (botrytis) 1-Jul-14 30-Jun-19



Swede




PER14337 Trifluralin Weeds 10-Mar-14 30-Jun-20

Sweet corn


PER14474 Methoxyfenozide Lepidopteran pests 25-Nov-14 30-Jul-17

PER13116 Propiconazole Northern corn leaf blight 8-Feb-12 31-Mar-16




Sweet potato


PER13395 Methomyl Heliothis, cucumber moth and cluster caterpillar 31-Jul-12 30-Sep-17

PER13151 Mouseoff and Rattoff Zinc Phosphide Baits House mouse and introduced rats 14-Dec-11 31-Dec-16

PER14582 Oxamyl (Dupont Vydate L) Nematodes 1-Apr-14 30-Sep-15

PER13153 Regent 200 SC White fringed weevil and wireworm 14-Dec-11 31-Dec-16

PER12047 Tecto Flowable SC Fungicide (thiabendazole) Field rots caused by scurf and root rot 29-Jun-11 30-Sep-16


PER13902 Phorate Aphids, thrips, jassids and organophosphate susceptible two-spotted mite and wireworm

2-Jan-13 31-Mar-18


YOUR PRODUCTION


Thai eggplant

PER12442 Trichlorfon Fruit fly 10-Aug-11 31-May-17

Tomatoes



PER12378 Acephate Western flower thrips 25-Oct-10 31-Oct-15




PER13675 Maldison Queensland, Mediterranean and lesser Queensland fruit fly and cucumber fly

16-May-13 31-May-18

PER12514 Sencor 480 SC (metribuzin) Weed control 11-Jan-11 31-Dec-15

PER13567 Bifenthrin Fruit fly 7-Dec-12 31-May-16

PER13566 Methomyl Fruit fly 7-Dec-12 31-May-16

Tomatoes (protected)

PER13721 Switch Grey mould (Botrytis) 7-May-13 31-May-16

PER13716 Abrade Abrasive Barrier Insecticide Various insect pests 24-Dec-12 31-Jan-16

PER13717 Amistar Top (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole) Powdery mildew 31-Jan-14 31-May-16

PER80219 Apollo Miticide (clofentezine) Two-spotted mite 18-Aug-15 31-Oct-19

PER80219 Apollo Miticide (clofentezine) Two-spotted mite 21-Dec-14 30-Nov-15

PER13723 Avatar Heliothis (corn earworm), looper, cluster caterpillar, leafhoppers, green mirid

28-Jun-13 31-May-16

PER14100 Buprofezin Greenhouse whitefly 1-Oct-13 31-Mar-16

PER13725 Chess Greenhouse whitefly, silverleaf whitefly, green peach aphid 18-Apr-13 31-May-16

PER13724 Previcur Root rot 18-Apr-13 31-May-16

PER13720 Pristine Powdery mildew 28-Jun-13 31-May-16

PER13722 Teldor 500SC Fungicide Grey mould (Botrytis) 30-Sep-13 31-May-16

PER80216 Torque Insecticide (fenbutatin oxide) Two-spotted mite 17-Feb-15 31-Mar-18

PER13726 Trifloxystrobin Powdery mildew 28-Jun-13 31-May-16

PER80210 Pyrimethanil Botrytis 13-Nov-14 30-Jun-20

Turnip




PER14337 Trifluralin Weeds 10-Mar-14 30-Jun-20

Various vegetable crops

PER14583 Chlorpyrifos Various insect pests 1-Apr-14 31-Mar-19

PER14479 Propiconazole Various pests 12-May-14 30-Nov-19

PER13695 Ecocarb Fungicide Powdery mildew 31-Oct-12 30-Sep-17

Welsh onions


Zucchini





WA GrowerADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS

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vegetablesWAHorticultural House103 Outram Street, West Perth 6005

t: (08) 9481 0834 f: (08) 9481 0024e: [email protected]

WA Grower advertiser contactsName Website/Email Address Contact name Contact number

Adama Australia (p46) www.adama.com Suite1, Level 4 Building B, 207 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards, NSW 2065 Dave Stewart 0418 920 982

Agsafe / drumMUSTER (p45) www.drummuster.com.au Level 4, AMP Building 1 Hobart Pce, Canberra, ACT 2601 Bevan Henderson 0429 089 780

Crop Care (p39) www.cropcare.com.au Unit 15, 16 Metroplex Ave, Murarrie, QLD 4172 Customer Care 1800 111 454

Commonwealth Bank (p79) [email protected] Level 14d, 300 Murray St, Perth, WA 6000 Tim Svehlak 0477 724 462

C-Wise (p13) www.cwise.com.au Nambeelup Rd, Nambeelup, WA 6207 David Howey (08) 9581 9582

Dobmac Ag Machinery (OBC) www.dobmac.com.au 36-38 Industrial Dr, Ulverstone, TAS 7315 Mark Dobson (03) 6425 5533

edp australia pty ltd (p95) www.edp.com.au 33-37 O'Brien St, Mooroopna, VIC 3629 (03) 5820 5337

4 Farmers (p2) www.4farmers.com.au 35 McDowell St, Welshpool, WA 6106 (08) 9356 3445

HM.Clause Pacific (p21) www.hmclause.com 165 Templestowe Rd, Lower Templestowe, VIC 3107 Kevin Swan 0400 622 314

Perth Energy (p25) www.perthenergy.com.au Level 24, 221 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA 6000 (08) 9420 0300

Solar Gain (p85) www.solargain.com.au 10 Milly Ct, Malaga, WA 6090 (08) 9337 3344

South Pacific Seed (p91) www.southpacificseeds.com.au Unit 1/14 Bowen St, O'Conner, WA 6163 (08) 9331 6356

United Crate (p103) www.unicrate.com.au 1 Zanni St, Canning Vale, WA 6155 (08) 9455 1540

WA Crates (IBC) [email protected] Crate Yard, Market City, 280 Bannister Rd, Canning Vale, WA 6155 (08) 9456 4092

Women Leadership Australia (p17) www.wla.edu.au Level 3, IBM Building, 1060 Hay St, West Perth, WA 6005 1300 735 904

wa grower spring 15

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