Members of the South Australian potato industry – including growers, processors, agronomists and researchers – will convene tomorrow to discuss a number of key potato research and development (R&D) issues, at an industry workshop to be held in Coonawarra, South Australia.

Organised as part of the Potato Industry Extension Program, managed by AUSVEG, the workshop will be held at the Chardonnay Lodge in Coonawarra (near Penola) from 2:00pm – 4:30pm, and is free to attend for all potato levy payers and other members of the industry.

“Tomorrow’s workshop will be a valuable opportunity for members of the South Australian potato industry to hear about some novel crop management practices, and to discuss a range of other R&D issues relevant to potato producers, during what is a challenging time for the broader industry,” said AUSVEG Communications and Public Affairs Manager William Churchill.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body for Australia’s more than 2,000 potato growers.

Joining the speakers program at the workshop is Mr Witold Petrusewicz, from Impact Fertilisers, who will present on the benefits of controlled release fertilisers. A relatively new technology introduced to Australian horticulture, controlled release fertilisers have proven to be a highly efficient method of delivering nitrogen and/or potassium to vegetable and potato crops.

The workshop will be Chaired by Kalangadoo potato grower, and Chair of the South East Potato Growers Association (SEPGA), Mr Andrew Widdison, who will moderate a question and answer panel session; and AUSVEG CEO, Mr Richard Mulcahy, will also speak to attendees about the potato R&D program, AUSVEG R&D related activities, and the industry-endorsed Fresh and Processed Potato Strategic Investment Plans.

“This workshop is part of a week-long potato R&D road-show arranged by the Potato Industry Extension Program, which is visiting key potato growing regions of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.”

“AUSVEG has held successful potato R&D workshops this week in Creswick, Victoria, and today will present in Devonport, Tasmania, each of which was attended by or is expected to involve more than 40 members of the local industries, including a large number of leading growers operating in these areas,” said Mr Churchill.

The Potato Industry Extension Program is an industry-funded initiative which aims to raise awareness of potato R&D activities and provide producers with valuable information that can be used on a practical level.

“It is very reassuring to see such strong support for these workshops, which aim to foster new ideas and approaches to potato production, and to equip growers with information that will help to increase their efficiency, competitiveness and profitability in the years to come,” said Mr Churchill.

Members of the industry who are interested in attending tomorrow’s workshop in Coonawarra (near Penola), should contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277 to register.

This project has been funded by HAL using the National Potato Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

MEDIA CONTACT:

William Churchill, AUSVEG Communications and Public Affairs Manager
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0411 166 748, Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au

Luke Raggatt, AUSVEG Special Projects Coordinator
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0403 827 822, Email: luke.raggatt@ausveg.com.au