Members of the Tasmanian potato industry – including growers, processors, agronomists and researchers – will convene tonight to discuss several key potato research and development (R&D) issues, at an industry workshop to be held in Devonport, Tasmania.

Organised as part of the Potato Industry Extension Program, managed by AUSVEG, the workshop will be held at the Quality Gateway Hotel in Devonport from 5:00pm – 7:30pm, and is free to attend for all potato levy payers and other members of the industry.

“Tonight’s workshop will be a valuable opportunity for members of the Tasmanian potato industry to be updated on some of the latest industry research findings, and to discuss a range of R&D related areas relevant to potato producers during what is a challenging time for the 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 Dr Calum Wilson, from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), who will present on a current research project on the highly destructive Tomato-potato psyllid (TPP). The project is using a series of sticky traps to monitor for potential incursions of the exotic pest, which has wreaked havoc with the potato industries in New Zealand and the United States.

The workshop will be Chaired by Scottsdale potato grower, and Chair of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association’s (TFGA) Simplot Growers Committee, Mr Trevor Hall, who will moderate a question and answer panel session; and Thirlstane potato grower and TFGA nominated Director, Mr Matt Ryan, will also speak to attendees about on-farm innovations and business development strategies.

“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,” said Mr Churchill.

“Last night AUSVEG held a successful potato R&D workshop in Creswick, Victoria, which was attended by more than 40 members of the local industry, including a high number of growers operating in the Ballarat area,” he said.

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

“It is terrific 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,” said Mr Churchill.

Members of the industry who are interested in attending tonight’s workshop in Devonport 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 CONTACTS:

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