BY ROSS ANILE
PROJECT OFFICER
AND VALUE CHAIN
FACILITATOR,
WA STONEFRUIT
From high-profile guests to growers: stonefruit hit the market in style.
L–R Keith Pekin, CEO Perth NRM,
and Lynn Loo, Director Regional
Development Wheatbelt
Development Commission.
Retiring Minister for Agriculture Alannah MacTiernan gave a glowing speech on the importance of the industry and exceptional quality of local produce at the launch of the 2022/23 stonefruit season in December last year. WA growers, suppliers and retailers came together to celebrate the launch in style last year with special guests including Alannah and Dr Elena Limnios, chairperson of Perth NRM.
Growers in attendance were from as far north as Carnarvon to as far south as Bridgetown, and in from the eastern hills. The stonefruit growers are spread out over Western Australia, but the diversity of our growing regions enhances the quality and quantity of supply to our consumer market.
Danny DiMarco, chairman of the Agricultural Produce Commission subcommittee for stonefruit (WA Stonefruit), spoke of his appreciation of the important, ongoing support from government in all areas of the horticultural industry.
The evening was an acknowledgement of the positive working relationship between growers, wholesalers and retailers. The benefit to the WA economy of a sustainably managed stonefruit industry is without question, with flow-on boosts coming from employment, investment opportunities, increased food security and public access to local, healthy, quality fruit.
Special thanks go to Bronwyn Scallan and David Broadhurst from Perth NRM for putting together such a successful industry launch. Thanks also to the Buy West Eat Best staff for their wonderful assistance in helping to make the evening such a success. ●
The diversity of our growing regions enhances the quality and quantity of supply to our consumer market.
Contact Ross Anile on 0419 931 118 or email ross.anile@perthnrm.com.au.