UPFRONT CEO report
Welcome all to the Spring Edition of the WA Grower magazine. As usual, it has been a busy and challenging period for the industry, as growers deal with issues that seem to be continuous and relentless.
Words Simon Moltoni, Acting CEO, vegetablesWA
BIOSECURITY has become the top priority as the industry nationally is forced to confront the incursion of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).
The virus has been a significant issue for tomato, capsicum, and chilli producers in affected countries worldwide. vWA have been working closely with DPIRD to determine the appropriate response.
All incursions rely on up-to-the-minute information to guide decision-making. Fortunately vWA has very strong relationships with industry and government bodies nationally, which ensures our ability to effectively represent growers’ interests. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates as they become available.
The APVMA continues the review process of agricultural chemicals. We have seen the loss of three chemicals this year with more on the horizon. As such, it has become obvious that we can no longer react to individual reviews. Moving forward, we need to address the issue from a whole of agriculture position and work with peak industry bodies to challenge the removal of these important tools. We also need to ensure that human and environmental health concerns are the motivating factors and not ideology around alternative production practices.
Despite a late break, winter rainfall has been significant, resulting in a full recharge of southern growers’ dams which has come as a great relief. There are interesting articles in this edition from growers who have been successful in the Gnangara Water Use Efficiency Grants Program. I would encourage all eligible water users to contact the office for further information.
I recently travelled to Melbourne to attend a review of the VegNet project. This program has been a significant part of vWA grower engagement for some years now and it is important that we look at fine-tuning to ensure relevant outcomes to levy payers. It was a very worthwhile process, and I look forward to the adoption of recommendations.
“ vWA has strong relationships with industry and government bodies nationally, which ensures our ability to effectively represent growers’ interests. ”
WA will soon have a new Regional Development Officer with a focus on onions as part of the integration of the onion industry into the vegetable industry organisational structure.
Along with other ag sector groups, I met with a Chinese trade delegation from Shanghai. The scale of trade and consumption in this one Province is enormous. We were able to articulate the benefits of trading with WA, such as our proximity to market, counter-seasonal production, political stability, and professional growers, who are able to meet all necessary food safety standards.
The Market City Annual Ball and Awards night was held recently at Crown Burswood. It was great to see so many growers in attendance. vWA is an award sponsor, and we would like to congratulate all the nominees and especially the winners.
The process of employing a new CEO for vWA is well underway. Therefore, this could be my last opportunity to thank the staff for their commitment and support during my time here. I would also like to acknowledge the work of “Team WA Potatoes” comprising of Morena, Shay, and Georgia. It has been an enjoyable task for our team, and we look forward to continuing good working relations with the new CEO and their team.