As part of its Potato Industry Extension Program, AUSVEG will be holding a seminar in Tasmania for growers, processors and other interested industry parties.

AUSVEG is the National Peak Industry Body for Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
“This is an excellent opportunity for growers and processors to hear about how Research and Development (R&D) can be implemented practically and what it can offer them in the short and long term,” said AUSVEG Manager – Special Projects, Christopher Ritchie.
The seminar will take place in Devonport on Wednesday 14 March at the Argosy Hotel.
“We appreciate it is a busy period for growers and processors, so we have scheduled the seminar for the evening, from 6pm to 8pm, which will be a catered event,” said Mr Ritchie.
“Dr Calum Wilson, from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, will be discussing the outcomes of a selection of recent research into potato pests and diseases, including programs focusing on the management of common scab.”
His colleague, Dr Robert Tegg, will speak on the use of DNA technology to identify soil-borne diseases, and how it can improve the certification process,” said Mr Ritchie.
“Additionally, Mr Frank Mulcahy from agribusiness Simplot, will talk about the collaborative approach to R&D by the processing companies, as well as current and future threats to the industry,” said Mr Ritchie.
The Potato Industry Extension Program, managed by AUSVEG, is specifically aimed at ensuring that growers and processors are made better aware of the outcomes of R&D programs funded by industry and the Australian Government, and are provided with information that can be used on a practical level.
“The Tasmanian seminar is the first in series which AUSVEG will hold in Australia’s major potato growing regions,” said Mr Ritchie.
“All these seminars, involving leading researchers and industry commentators, will ensure the ideas of growers, processors, suppliers, agronomists and researchers become more widely available and more readily shared,” said Mr Ritchie.
“Events like this enable growers and processors to receive lucid and intelligible information about R&D projects, and provide an opportunity for them to raise questions and speak with researchers in an informal manner,” said Mr Ritchie.
Interested parties are required to register for this event and should contact AUSVEG on (03) 9822 0388 for more information.
This project has been funded by HAL using the potato industry levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.

MEDIA CONTACT: Christopher Ritchie – Manager – Special Projects, AUSVEG Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0401 350 406, Email: christopher.ritchie@ausveg.com.au