AUSVEG Weekly Update – 23 February 2016
AUSVEG and Adama continue Strategic Partnership
AUSVEG is proud to announce that it has renewed its partnership with Adama, providing ongoing commitment to advancing the Australian vegetable and potato industries.
Adama is a major supplier of crop protection products to Australian growers through an extensive network of key rural resellers and is closely involved in the development of young growers through its support of programs such as Young Potato People (featured in Potatoes Australia).
AUSVEG looks forward to working closely with Adama this year to create a stronger Australian horticulture industry.
Please click here for more information on Adama.
National Horticulture Convention website is now live!
A new website dedicated to the National Horticulture Convention has been launched, providing growers, industry stakeholders and agribusinesses with everything they need to know about the largest horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 2016 Convention will be held at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast from 23-25 June. Visit www.hortconv.com.au to register online or access the most up-to-date information on speaker sessions and explore the program.
Take part in the National Fruit Fly survey
The National Fruit Fly Strategy aims to develop a viable, cost-effective and sustainable national approach to fruit fly management. This survey has been developed by the Qfly Area-Wide Management Coordinator to help further the development of the strategy.
To best meet the needs of each region, it is important that the National Fruit Fly Council has a good idea of the current impact of fruit fly in different horticultural regions around Australia. The survey asks simple questions about grower production, fruit fly problems and management. Answers will be collected anonymously and used to inform research and extension efforts.
Click here to access the survey.
For further details contact AUSVEG National Manager – Scientific Affairs, Dr Jessica Lye (jessica.lye@ausveg.com.au) or HIA Qfly Area-Wide Management Coordinator, Dr Penny Measham (penny.measham@horticulture.com.au).
Potato Feature Article
Is IPM the solution to managing Potato tuber moth?
Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella, PTM) is a chewing insect pest that poses a real threat to the potato industry. Potatoes can be damaged by the insect’s larvae, which tunnels into leaves and stems causing wilting, leaf tissue loss and the promotion of rots.
One of the most effective techniques to deal with this pest is by using Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM targets each stage of the Potato tuber moth’s life-cycle and uses a combination of approaches to effectively manage the pest.
An in-depth article on PTM recently appeared in the Potato Industry Extension Program (PIEP) column of Potatoes Australia. PIEP (PT11004) was funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the Fresh Potato Levy and funds from the Australian Government.
The full article featuring Jessica Page from IPM Technologies, can be accessed by clicking here.
AUSVEG SA invites you to the 2016 AUSVEG SA and William Buck Vegetable Industry Dinner and Awards for Excellence
AUSVEG SA will host the 2016 AUSVEG SA and William Buck Vegetable Industry Dinner and Awards for Excellence on Thursday 28 April from 6pm at the Arkaba Hotel, South Australia.
Leading supply chain and grower participants from throughout the state will come together to celebrate the South Australian industry and recognise leading growers for their contributions.
RSVPs can be sent to AUSVEG SA State Manager Jordan Brooke-Barnett at ausvegsa@ausveg.com.au or 0404 772 308.
To view the flyer for the event, please click here, or to fill out a nomination form, please click here.
Vegetable Feature Article
New ICP fact sheet: Celery
The Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) project has put together easy to read fact sheets on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in seven different vegetable crops. These fact sheets will provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in each vegetable crop.
This week, the ICP fact sheet focuses on controlling high priority pests in celery. Click here to view the fact sheet.
Stay tuned for further releases over the coming weeks covering pests in cucumber, lettuce and peppers. Previous fact sheets on carrots, brassica leafy vegetables and brassica vegetables can be found here.
To find out more about the ICP project or protecting crops visit the website, or join the Community of Practice online at ICP’s Facebook page. You can also follow the project on Twitter @ProtectingCrops.
The Integrated Crop Protection project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.
For further information on this event to purchase tickets, or to nominate a deserving member of the Victorian vegetable and potato industries, please visit the AUSVEG VIC events website.
Register now for the Minor Use Prioritisation Workshop and Education Symposium
The Minor Use Prioritisation Workshop will discuss current minor use permits, collect feedback on proposed minor use permits and permits up for renewal and will gather information directly from growers on high priority pests to represent the Australian vegetable industry going forward.
The Workshop will take place on April 28 at the Akaba Hotel in Adelaide from 11am-4pm. This is a very important event for growers to be involved in, it will have lasting impact on the vegetable industry.
A limited number of fully funded positions are available. To see if you’re eligible or to register your interest for this event, please email AUSVEG at info@ausveg.com.au or call (03) 9882 0277.
The Minor Use Education Symposium will be taking place at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast on Saturday 25 June from 1-5pm. The event will feature presentations from a range of experts in the field of agricultural chemicals providing you with a greater understanding of the minor use field. Click here to view the flyer.
These events have been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.
EnviroVeg to host a vegetable industry R&D session
Where: Section 88 Gawler Road Virginia, South Australia
When: Wednesday 30 March 2016, 1pm-4pm
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leading researchers on topics that include innovative approaches to farm management and the latest updates on the EnviroVeg program.
Speakers will include:
- Dr Doris Blaesing from RMCG, presenting new research on soil health and Integrated Crop Protection.
- Mr Paul Hart from Solargain, speaking on best practice energy management systems for growers.
- Mr Geoff Raven from Biosecurity SA, presenting information on the development of pest free growing areas.
- AUSVEG Environment Coordinator Mr Andrew Shaw, providing an update on the EnviroVeg program and demonstrating environmental awareness in your community.
To register, email your details to info@ausveg.com.au or contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277. To view the flyer, please click here.
Please RSVP by Thursday 23 March.
Expressions of Interest: NZ grower study tour
Vegetable levy payers who are practicing or interested in precision agriculture are encouraged to express their interest to attend a study tour of New Zealand.
From 22-31 May 2016, a delegation of growers will be traveling to New Zealand to attend the 2016 LandWISE conference, leading vegetable growing operations such as Vida Farms, A.S Wilcox & Sons, Drumpeel Farms and a range of research sites on the North Island.
For further details or to register your interest, contact Ian Layden, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland at ian.layden@daf.qld.gov.au or 0409 495 737.
This tour has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy with co-investment from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland and funds from the Australian Government. Please note, there are limited places available and expressions of interest close on 10 March 2016.
Applications to attend Food and Hotel Asia closing soon!
Levy-paying vegetable growers who are currently exporting, or are interested in beginning to export, are invited to apply to attend and exhibit at Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) in Singapore.
This exciting event will give growers the chance to gain an overview of the local market and establish new business contacts in Singapore and surrounding countries. The FHA trade show will run from 12-15 April, with anticipated travel dates for participants being 10-16 April 2016.
To register your interest, please download an application form and return to AUSVEG ASAP via export@ausveg.com.au or via fax on (03) 9882 6722.
Expression of interest – Agrifood Business Matching Event with Australian and Chinese Businesses
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in conjunction with The Bank of China, are requesting expressions of interest for a business matching event to be held in Sydney in mid-2016.
The purpose of this event is to assist small-to-medium Australian enterprises to connect with Chinese organisations for trade or investment opportunities.
The Bank of China is bringing 100 of its pre-vetted Chinese business customers to Sydney. These organisations are all interested in creating trade relationships or investing in Australian agricultural and horticultural companies.
Interested growers can complete the expression of interest form and return it to the ACCI via sharryn.waite@acci.asn.au ASAP.
After the ACCI receives expressions of interest, the Bank of China will identify appropriate businesses to bring to Australia to ensure the maximum chance of delivering successful business outcomes for all participating Chinese and Australian businesses.
For further information please contact AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote on (03) 9882 0277 or michael.coote@ausveg.com.au.
AUSVEG in the media
AUSVEG National Manager – Scientific Affairs Dr Jessica Lye appeared on broadcast media discussing research from Harvard University, which revealed that eating vegetables high in fibre at a young age is associated with a decreased risk of developing breast cancer. Dr Lye said the study found that 44,000 women who ate more fibre during their formative years had a decreased risk of developing breast cancer.
AUSVEG Manager – Communications Shaun Lindhe featured on broadcast media encouraging people to eat more vegetables, after recent consumer research suggested that Australians are falling short of the recommended daily intake despite the belief that they are meeting their quota.