Richard Mulcahy, the CEO of AUSVEG, the National Peak Industry Body representing around 7,000 vegetable growers, addressed industry leaders today in Mandurah, WA. Speaking at the Landmark regional conference this afternoon, Mr Mulcahy informed them of them of the cutting-edge knowledge management system now at their disposal.

“This new national R&D database provides a wealth of information to growers, agronomists and the horticultural industry as a whole,” Mr Mulcahy said.

“Using search engine technology, users can locate in-depth reports in a timely and efficient manner. It is important that this information is readily accessible as growers may only have a short period of time to respond to threats, such as aggressive pests and diseases, which have the potential to destroy entire crops,” he said.

The database contains cutting-edge information about issues such as pests and disease management, productivity, food safety, nutrition, biosecurity and business development, and is updated constantly.

“Over $14 million is invested by the industry and government in research and development each year so it’s important that we make this large body of research which dates back as far as the early 2000s easily accessible to our growers and the scientific community.”

Mr Mulcahy said one of AUSVEG’s responsibilities is to ensure this funding is invested into projects that best meet the changing needs of the industry.

“The horticulture industry currently has a gross value of around $9.24 billion, which is up 26 percent from 2005/06, and we are now challenging the beef industry as one of the most significant primary industries in Australia,” Mr Mulcahy said.

“This new database will house the majority of R&D undertaken in the vegetable industry since the early 2000s, which is a significant achievement.”

Mr Mulcahy said that many growers are still without Internet access in their homes or not savvy enough to use it, and for this reason it was important to inform agronomists like those at leading agricultural supplier Landmark about the database.

“More often than not growers will turn to their local agronomist when they have an issue on-farm. These suppliers specialise in ensuring grower’s crops remain healthy by providing a range of key services, which ensure growers get optimum yield and productivity.”

The Knowledge Management system can be accessed via the AUSVEG website from www.ausveg.com.au. Agronomists and vegetable growers can access the website free and are encouraged to contact AUSVEG on 03 9822 0388 if they are having difficulty. The AUSVEG website was recently redeveloped through the Vegetable Industry Development Program funded by the National Vegetable Levy with matched funds from the Australian Government.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew White, Manager – VIDP Communications, AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0409 989 575, Email: andrew.white@ausveg.com.au