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R&D | POTATO INDUSTRY EXTENSION PROGRAM |
The Potato Industry Extension Program’s Project Reference Group, together with Arris and Horticulture
Innovation Australia, is in the process of determining the service delivery providers for a range of extension
activities for the potato industry. As Australian Potato Industry Extension Project Manager Adrian Dahlenburg
explains, the program of activities is one that addresses important issues for the industry and develops
resources that will benefit producers into the future.
POTATO EXTENSION ACT IVI T I ES AIM TO ADDRESS
IMPORTANT INDUSTRY ISSUES
SEED QUALITY AND CROP PERFORMANCE
This activity will review the scientific literature that discusses recent
linkages between all matters relating to seed potatoes, and the
impact of seed quality factors on crop performance and yield.
On-farm demonstration plantings based on recommendations
from the literature review will be undertaken as part of the project.
Observations and video recordings will be made of the outcomes
and gathered into simple language reference resource materials, and
then archived for ready access by industry stakeholders in the future.
PEST AND DISEASE DIAGNOSTICS
Pest and disease diagnostics and identification will be much easier
for all stakeholders in the potato industry with the production
of web-based apps that can be used in the field or in the office
on desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones. Improved
communication, reduced mistaken diagnostics and improved
treatment recommendations will result from the use of these apps.
BACK TO BASICS
During the life of the project, it is intended that a range of
resource and information packages be developed on topics
that can provide producer-friendly information on aspects of
crop production that are considered to be essential knowledge
for a potato production enterprise.
Modern electronic media and resources like webinars will be
used as the medium for many of the resource materials. Topics
selected for inclusion in the 2017 round of activities include soil
factors and production, irrigation scheduling, timing of crop
operations, interpreting soil tests, conducting farm trials and
understanding the risks in potato growing.
COST OF PRODUCTION AWARENESS
While it is recognised that every farm is different and there will be
variable needs and best fit scenarios across the industry, this activity
will evaluate the potential value, operational effectiveness and
likely level of use of a range of different economic analysis tools/
computer programs that growers could use to better understand
their production costs and assist in decision making on-farm. A
selected model from the evaluation that is most suitable for use
by potato growers will be developed as a computer application.
STAKEHOLDER’S FORUM
The first potato industry forum for this project will be held on
Monday 15 May at Hort Connections 2017 from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.
The event will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre and an
industry luncheon will be hosted by Potatoes South Australia before
the forum.
The industry forum is designed to deliver awareness, review and
planning of the Potato Industry Extension Program. The forum will
involve 15-20 minute presentations on technical aspects of tomato-
potato psyllid, precision agriculture, drones and robotics, as well as
four speakers on different aspects of soil health. These presentations
are intended to provide both a review of recent activities, knowledge
and developments of relevance to the industry and create an
awareness of new technologies that could be used in research or
extension activities in the future.
Forum participants will be encouraged to participate in a simple
planning and discussion session, which is aimed at assisting Arris to
formulate the plan for future extension activities that are relevant
and well-aligned with industry needs.
The forum is open to anyone with an interest in the potato
industry. It is free of charge and your attendance is encouraged,
as your inputs and contributions to our planning process are valued.
Attendance at the Potatoes South Australia luncheon is not
required for you to be a part of the forum. You can register for this
event at
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Arris is committed to a close association and strong engagement
with industry to help direct and determine our extension activities.
As we have limited direct access to most of the industry producers/
stakeholders, communication can be fragmented and difficult
without these connections.
Please consider completing the simple registration for
stakeholders (name, email, mobile and location required) at arris.
This will allow us to make
direct contact to canvass your interest and valued inputs on program
ideas and activities. We recognise your time is precious and needs
to be primarily focused on your business activities. For that reason,
any requests for feedback and inputs to our planning will be simple
and take less than two minutes to evaluate and respond via mobile
phone and tablet polling procedures.
For further information or to discuss the Potato Industry Extension
Program, please contact Project Manager Adrian Dahlenburg on 0488
739 300 or or Arris Pty Ltd Managing Director
Jim Kelly on 08 8313 6706 or
The Potato Industry Extension Program has been funded by Horticulture
Innovation Australia Limited using the research and development Fresh
and Processing Potato Levies and funds from the Australian Government.
Project Number: PT15002
INFO
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