update WA STONEFRUIT

KIM brings over 15 years of experience across agriculture, food systems, compliance, and community engagement. She offers a unique blend of strategic insight and hands on experience, making her well placed to support growers and industry stakeholders.

Her past roles include managing the Manjimup Farmers Market, working closely with the Southern Forests Food Council, and coordinating local events and communications to promote regional producers. She has delivered newsletters, social media campaigns, and community initiatives that helped build visibility and engagement across the supply chain. With a strong background in food safety and compliance, Kim has previously worked as a Quality Systems Manager, maintaining certifications for Freshcare, HARPS, and SQF, and supporting both packhouses and growers to meet national and export requirements.

She has also contributed to audit programs, created training resources, and built productive relationships with key quality assurance bodies. Kim has represented industry at Hort Connections, participated in the Buy West Eat Best initiative, and founded the Women in Business Manjimup & Surrounds network. She also volunteers her time in leadership roles with the Manjimup Agricultural Show and local Chamber of Commerce.

As a long-time Manjimup resident, Kim is ideally positioned to serve both the South West and greater Perth production regions. We look forward to the energy and expertise Kim brings to this important role and warmly welcome her to the team.

Also, in this edition, we hear from Mark Scott, a long-standing member of the Stone and Pome Fruit APC committees, who recently returned from a privately organised orchard tour through California and Washington State. His reflections offer valuable comparisons, cautionary lessons, and inspiration for WA growers navigating similar challenges and opportunities.

Kim Starkie, new Industry Development Officer.