Tasmanian potato growers will gather in Devonport on Monday to hear an update on industry Research and Development (R&D), discuss ideas for future industry investment, and learn from prominent researchers at a Regional Potato Levy Payers’ Meeting.

“Regional Levy Payers’ Meetings are extremely valuable, as they provide growers with the opportunity to hear about new R&D and give direct feedback to their representative industry bodies. This ensures growers play a key role in guiding the future of their industry,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Andrew MacDonald.


“By providing regional growers with this opportunity to give feedback, we will be able to ensure that future R&D helps boost farm productivity.”

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 2,000 Australian potato growers.

In addition to the industry forum, growers will be given a presentation from Senior Research Scientist for the South Australian Research and Development Institute, Barbara Hall, detailing knowledge and control options for Pink Rot, a disease particularly pertinent to Tasmania. 

“The effects of Pink Rot can be highly detrimental to crop yields, as it has the ability to not only kill the potato plant, but also destroy tubers themselves,” said Mr MacDonald.  

The Devonport workshop is the first in a series of Regional Potato Levy Payers’ meetings being held by AUSVEG and Horticulture Australia Limited in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia this week.


“Grower input is the fundamental catalyst in sparking industry development. Some of horticulture’s most exciting developments, such as on-farm robotics and integrated pest management, have been instigated solely because growers have indicated that there was a need,” said Mr MacDonald.

“The event will be a worthwhile occasion for growers and industry alike.” 

The meeting will be held from 3:00PM – 5:00PM on Monday 15 September at the Devonport Gateway Inn Hotel, located on Fenton St, Devonport.  

Potato Levy paying growers interested in attending should contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277 or e-mail info@ausveg.com.au.

This communication is funded by HAL using the National Potato Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew MacDonald, Manager – Communications, AUSVEG, Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0406 836 330 E-mail: andrew.macdonald@ausveg.com.au