CEO

vegetablesWA is offering subsidised tickets to WAHU and placement in the BHBC Program, so act quick to get yours.

Words Stephen Brown, vegetablesWA CEO

IT’S hard to believe we are already in spring. It’s been an actionpacked year to date with issues around biosecurity – specifically Qfly – which is anticipated to be coming under control by October; the launch, then repeal, of the Aboriginal Culture Heritage Act 2021 – read an update below; food fraud, for which we have met with the ACCC – turn over to our president’s background story; and much more.

First up, however, a heads-up that vegetablesWA is subsidising a limited number of early bird tickets to the WA Horticulture Update (WAHU) – $150 for the two-day event (the standard ticket price is $335 ticket). WAHU is our premier hort event and is set to take place at Ascot Racecourse on October 31 and November 1. This year’s theme is ‘Practical technology innovation and application to improve horticultural practices from grower to consumer’. The event will bring together industry researchers to share the latest news and developments.

On the topic of subsidised industry offers, the Building Horticulture Business Capacity (BHBC) Program, a collaborative project by vegetablesWA and Planfarm, is entering its final year of offering subsidised oneon-one confidential business consultancy to West Australian growers. For a contribution of $1500, participants receive from $12,000-worth of personalised advice on business management, price negotiation, and profitability analysis. Read more and meet the new lead from p22.

Earlier in the year, the ACH Act was a controversial piece of legislation and the resulting Aboriginal Heritage Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2023 is currently under review. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti has spoken about the importance of simplicity in managing and protecting cultural heritage. We are currently looking into getting hold of the draft.

Technology is a big focus for hort as a whole. With that in mind, we are offering drone demonstration opportunities. I invite you to register your interest to try out a drone and understand its potential for your business. Register your interest with me at ceo@vegetableswa.com.au. I wish all growers success during the spring season.

Read about local baby leaf grower Vange Panagiotidis in our profile column, from p30.