VAUGHAN CARTER | WA GROWER LOOKS TO THE FUTURE - AusVEG
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| April/May - 2019
VAUGHAN CARTER | WA GROWER LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
MARKET DEVELOPMENT | AUSSIE POTATO EXPORTS STRENGTHEN IN 2018
PREDICTA PT UPDATE | SOIL TESTING SERVICE EXPANDS FOR POTATO GROWERS
DOBMAC
AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY
Carefully calibrates, sorts and weighs up to 30 potatoes per second
Aligner
High-performance An ingenious system arranges the potatoes one after the
intelligent optical other smoothly and at high speed. The software optimises
sorter the sorting rate automatically. A surge hopper installed
above the aligner absorbs any variation in the feed stream.
Control Interface
Electric controls enclosed in a sealed cabinet. For
Control computer with factory-set sorting software ready for
production.Waterproof and washable monitor, keyboard,
washed &
and mouse. Assembly on the left- or right-hand side
unwashed
of the machine. potatoes
Outlet Belts
Two three-way conveyor belts for 6 Outlets
receiving and distributing the six
A nozzle system blows the potatoes towards the
grades. Custom length according to
various outlets allocated with great precision. The potatoes
requirements.
fall on soft materials, which ensure a smooth landing. The
casing is equipped with washable soundproof panels and
large doors, which make it easier to clean.
Efficient & gentle vegetable handling
Heavy duty
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turn key
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• Heavy duty construction
• Mobile graders
• Field transfer trailers
• Sizing and sorting
• Box & big bag fillers
• Box tippers
• Potato & Carrot Washing
• Brassica trimming & grading equipment
Email: dobmac@dobmac.com.au • Website: www.dobmac.com.au
A leader in the design, manufacture & supply of
specialised agricultural machinery
Contents
INDUSTRY UPDATE
05 Editorial
06 Message from the Chair
40 Regional Updates
42 Young Potato People
INDUSTRY NEWS
08 SPROUT: A platform for advocacy for the
2019 Federal Election
19 B-Quad vehicle access to improve SA grower productivity
21
20 Global potato partnership to benefit Australian growers
21 Thorpdale celebrates the humble spud
22 What to expect at Hort Connections 2019
26 Using beneficial fungi in potato crops
29 Online platform customises plant nutrition
FEATURES
12 Grower profile: Vaughan Carter
30 Industry member profile: Renee Pye
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
30
10 Soil testing service continues to evolve
for potato growers
14 Potato exports bounce back in 2018
16 National TPP Coordinator: Keep the
TPP conversation going
17 Psyllid takes centre stage on Australian
potato grower tour
24 Reviewing best practice for potato soft rot and blackleg
28 Exploring the secret life of worms
32 ‘Spudologist’ returns to Australia to share knowledge
33 Ask the industry: Crop establishment basics for success
34 The Front Line: State biosecurity update –
Western Australia
16 36 Woolworths announces new labour hire requirements
37 The Fresh Potato R&D Levy at work
38 Tomato spotted wilt virus: A very sporadic,
but destructive potato disease
Bill Bulmer EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: AUSVEG
AUSVEG CHAIR Phone: 03 9882 0277
communications@ausveg.com.au
James Whiteside
AUSVEG CEO PRINT
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Shaun Lindhe
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGN
Stray Orbit
Dimi Kyriakou
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS
Chris Kershaw
OFFICER/EDITOR
ADVERTISING
Michelle De’Lisle Marc W. Wilson
WRITER/JOURNALIST Gypsy Media
Phone: 0419 107 143
marc@gypsymedia.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS
Heather Briggs
Growcom – Fair Farms Initiative Team
Stu Jennings
Scott Mathew
Alan Nankivell
Madeleine Quirk
Mike Rettke
Andy Robinson
Gretel Sneath
Dr Len Tesoriero
Elizabeth Wharton
ausveg.com.au/infoveg @ausveg #infoveg facebook.com/AUSVEG @ausveg #ausveg Search "AUSVEG"
This project Potato Industry Communications Program distribution of these publications are not to be taken as giving claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability
2016-19 (PT15007) is a strategic levy investment under the professional advice and hence do not accept responsibility arising in any way, including from any Hort Innovation or other
Hort Innovation Fresh Potato Fund. Communication of for the accuracy or currency of any of the opinions or person’s negligence or otherwise from your use or non-use of
research and development projects has been funded by Hort information contained in these publications. AUSVEG accepts Potatoes Australia, or from reliance on information contained
Innovation using the fresh potato research and development no responsibility for errors or misstatements, negligent in the material or that Hort Innovation provides to you by any
levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort or otherwise, and is not obliged to correct or update the other means. Special care should be taken with agricultural
Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and information or opinions expressed in these publications. chemicals which may have been used experimentally but are
development corporation for Australian horticulture. Potatoes The information in these publications may be based on not yet registered for commercial use. Clarification should be
Australia is produced by AUSVEG Ltd and is free for all assumptions and may change without notice. AUSVEG sought from the researchers or chemical manufacturers.
national potato levy payers. specifically disclaims any loss, damage, claim, expense,
cost (including legal costs) or other liability (whether based © Copyright AUSVEG Ltd and Horticulture Innovation
Disclaimer: Any information or advice contained in these in contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise) for any direct, Australia Limited 2019.
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information obtained from these publications. AUSVEG does
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Hort Innovation makes no representations and expressly
All information, expressions of opinion and recommendations disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about
in these publications are published on the basis that they the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in
are not to be regarded as expressing the official views and Potatoes Australia. Reliance on any information provided by
opinions of AUSVEG, unless expressly so stated. AUSVEG, Hort Innovation is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation is
authors and all persons involved in the preparation and not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage,
Editorial For many years, the Australian potato
industry has invested in its future by
research and how they best respond
to the extension of R&D, with the aim
establishing a levy system and dedicating of making sure that future projects in
those funds, matched with contributions communication and extension deliver
from the Australian Government, into the best value for levy payers.
research and development that will help To assist with this, consultancy group
to improve the productivity, profitability RMCG is currently talking to members of
and competitiveness of the seed, fresh all sectors of the Australian potato industry
and potato processing sectors. to better understand how they like to
Since the levy system was established, receive information about new technology
an extensive number of varied and and practices, and some of the barriers
valuable research projects have been to improving business performance. In
conducted for the industry. While these addition to an online survey, the team will
reports are communicated through a also hold discussions with growers and
range of formats, including Potatoes industry members.
Australia, you may wonder why some Based on the feedback provided, a
practices have become common place plan will be put together for the delivery
while some are only used by a few. of future communication and extension
Even the best research and technology activities for the Australian potato industry.
will not be adopted unless people There is no better time to have your
are provided with the right support say on what the Australian potato
and information to help them use it. industry needs from communication and
Extension – the E in RD&E – is a critical extension of key research, and ensure that
component of bringing about change you are getting the full value back from
and moving industries forward. your strategic levy investment.
In the coming weeks there is an If you would like to know more or
opportunity for seed, fresh and processing to provide your thoughts on the key
potato growers as well as wider industry communication and extension needs
members to help shape the way research of the Australian potato industry, please
projects are communicated and extended. get in touch with Jencie McRobert at
Hort Innovation has commissioned a RMCG on 0427 679 038 or
report into how Australian potato growers jenciem@rmcg.com.au.
receive communication on levy-funded
REGISTER NOW AT HORTCONNEC TIONS.COM.AU
April/May - 2019 | 5
Message from the Chair
AUSVEG has announced its priority list in the lead-up to the Federal
Election, as we continue to advocate on behalf of growers to ensure their
needs are heard, understood and addressed by key decision makers.
The priority list is named SPROUT (see page 8), and will form the advocacy
agenda for the Australian vegetable and potato industries so that the needs
of growers can be considered by candidates for all parties across both
regional and metropolitan electorates.
As part of its election advocacy platform, AUSVEG has consolidated its
position on key issues under the following broad headings. The document
itself is available in full on the AUSVEG website.
• Supporting our growers.
• Protecting our product.
• Respecting our borders.
• Outperforming our competitors.
• Understanding our industry.
• Transforming our business.
Our industry is focused on removing the barriers to producing safe,
high-quality produce – these include threats from pests and diseases,
and removing trade restrictions to increase market access for our
produce overseas.
Labour shortages continue to be a major issue faced by the horticulture
industry. While we have in-principle support for a recommendation from
the Migrant Workers’ Taskforce Report for a national labour hire registration
scheme, which would help protect vulnerable workers and growers against
illegitimate labour hire operators, we believe an Agriculture Visa with
a strong horticulture component is still needed to address the chronic
shortage of workers. Managing increasing costs on-farm, of which labour is
one of the most significant, is essential for a stronger horticulture industry.
Addressing these threats and barriers will allow Australian vegetable and
potato growers to run more efficient and effective businesses and play their
role in agriculture reaching its $100 billion target by 2030.
AUSVEG is pleased that this election priority list has been endorsed by our
state and territory grower associations. The Australian vegetable industry is
currently worth nearly $4 billion annually and employs tens of thousands of
workers across the supply chain, and we believe it reflects a strong vision
for its success into the future. Regardless of the final outcome, our growers
can have every confidence that AUSVEG will be advocating for their best
interests in the crucial weeks ahead.
Bill Bulmer
Chair
AUSVEG
6 | Potatoes Australia
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SPROUT: A platform for advocacy for
the 2019 Federal Election
In the lead-up to the Federal Election, AUSVEG has worked
with its state members to develop an election advocacy plan
that clearly identifies key policy areas for government to act
on for the benefit of the industry.
The result is SPROUT, which signifies that while the
horticulture industry has come a long way, it is yet to flourish
and reach its full potential.
The SPROUT priority list, outlined below, sets the platform
for which AUSVEG will conduct its advocacy activities in the
lead-up to the Federal Election and act as a reference point
for government action over the next term.
Supporting
our growers
S How government can help:
• Support and implement an
Agriculture Visa with a strong
horticulture component.
• Implement a National Labour
Hire Licensing Scheme.
Protecting
our product
How government can help:
• Develop crisis management
plans together with industry.
P
• Develop clear cross-
jurisdictional protocols and
communication.
8 | Potatoes Australia
Respecting
our borders
R
How government can help:
• Ensure the promotion, delivery
and acceptance of the National
Biosecurity Statement.
• Prioritise the implementation of all
recommendations of the Intergovernmental
Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) report.
O U
Outperforming
our competitors Understanding
How government can help: our industry
• Higher prioritisation of horticulture How government can help:
products in trade negotiations. • Support education programs
• Implement an industry/ around paddock to plate and healthy
government committee which eating campaigns.
oversees cross-government • Support food waste minimisation
regulatory cost increases. programs on- and off-farm.
Transforming
our business
How government can help:
• Maintain funding support for
the ACCC Agriculture Unit.
T
• Support for mandatory price
reporting in major fruit and
vegetable markets. Find out more
Please contact AUSVEG National Public Affairs
Manager Tyson Cattle on 03 9882 0277 or
tyson.cattle@ausveg.com.au.
April/May - 2019 | 9
R&D | PREDICTA PT
Soil testing service continues to evolve for potato growers
Following its successful introduction in 2013, the PREDICTA Pt testing service offered by Primary Industries and
Regions SA through its research division, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), has
been expanding, to help minimise the impact of soilborne diseases on Australian potato growing operations.
SARDI Research Scientist and Project Lead Michael Rettke provides an update.
PREDICTA Pt is a DNA-based soil testing contribute significantly to the risk of Monitoring production systems
service that allows growers to assess the diseases such as black scurf, common
level of soilborne pathogens in a paddock scab, black dot and silver scurf. Inoculum Rotations are often central to a grower’s
prior to planting. Based on the test results, on seed tubers needs to be considered strategy to reduce the risk of soilborne
growers are provided with an indication of when assessing the risk of these diseases. diseases. A key question then becomes: is
risk for multiple diseases. Armed with this It is important to note that the the time between potato crops and choice
knowledge, better informed decisions can development of disease requires of other crops grown in the rotation
be made on when and what to plant in the conducive conditions. The presence of sufficient to minimise the risk of soilborne
paddocks available for potato production. high levels of a pathogen does not mean disease? Given the costs associated with
It is about getting the best result possible it will cause disease. The likelihood and these practices, it is important to get the
out of the paddocks and varieties grown, severity of particular diseases is higher in balance right. PREDICTA Pt provides a way
and avoiding situations in which the risk of some growing areas than others. to measure changes in disease risk at any
soilborne disease is unmanageable. The risk of disease is influenced by stage during the cropping sequence, to
Extension of the PreDicta Pt potato factors including varietal susceptibility, refine long-term strategies to reduce the
diagnostic service (PT15008) is a strategic time of planting, irrigation and nutrition, impact of soilborne diseases.
levy investment under the Hort Innovation seed vigour, soil health and weather Pathogen build-up or decline is just
Fresh Potato and Potato Processing Funds. events. With repeated testing, agronomists one part of the picture in a potato
observe patterns in disease incidence cropping system. The rotations and soil
Assessing disease risk prior with local conditions and varieties, management practices used impact soil
to planting leading to refinement of the interpretation health (physical, chemical and biological).
of PREDICTA Pt results in specific These can be as influential as the levels
PREDICTA Pt is available to growers production systems. of pathogen inoculum, and changes in
through trained agronomists. For specific Sampling technique is critical for soil soil health need to be considered along
diseases, the level of inoculum detected is pathogen DNA testing. Depending on the with pathogen levels, both in the short-
an indicator of the disease risk. size, variability of soils and past cropping and long-term.
For instance, PREDICTA Pt results history, 2-4 tests are normally required to
provide an indication of the risk of assess the level of inoculum in a paddock. Understanding yield loss
powdery scab, black dot, root knot from soilborne disease
nematode, Verticillium wilt, and root
lesion nematodes such as Pratylenchus PREDICTA Pt is being used as a research
penetrans (refer to Table 1 for a full list tool to assess pathogen infection in root
of the pathogen tests available). As an
example, Figure 1 shows the relationship
between pre-plant populations of
Table 1: List of pathogen DNA tests available on PREDICTA Pt
Pratylenchus penetrans and infestation of
the root system of potatoes. Pathogen Disease
Root lesion nematodes are capable
of reducing the yield of potatoes on Spongospora subterranea Powdery scab
their own, but are more damaging when
associated with Verticillium dahliae, Colletotrichum coccodes Black dot
resulting in potato early dying. When used Meloidogyne fallax
prior to planting, PREDICTA Pt has also Meloidogyne javanica/
been shown to provide a good indication Root knot nematode
incognita/arenaria
of the risk of infection by Verticillium Meloidogyne hapla
dahliae (see Figure 2). Yield losses
Verticillium dahliae Verticillium wilt
associated with disease caused by these
pathogens vary with variety and growing Pratylenchus neglectus Potato early dying
Root lesion
conditions, but typically range between Pratylenchus penetrans
nematodes
5-15 per cent. Pratylenchus crenatus
For diseases such as common scab Rhizoctonia solani AG2.1
Rhizoctonia stem canker,
and black scurf, caution needs to be Rhizoctonia solani AG3
black scurf, deformed tubers
taken when interpreting pre-plant results. Rhizoctonia solani AG4
Under conducive conditions, levels below Streptomyces txtA gene Common scab
what can be detected in the soil prior to
Phytophthora erythroseptica/
planting may still pose a disease risk. Pink rot
drechsleri/cryptogea
Not only is the soil a source of
inoculum, but seed tubers can also Helminthosporium solani Silver scurf
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum/minor Sclerotinia rot
10 | Potatoes Australiasystems during the growing season to
Infection level of plant root system
help understand the effect on yield. By
DNA (Pratylenchus penetrans
testing the root systems of potatoes, the
levels of pathogens can be quantified
at different times during the growing
season. An example of this is presented Figure 1: Relationship between
in Table 2 and Figure 3. population of Pratylenchus
penetrans in the soil at time of
g dry wit)
In paddocks with a history of potato
planting and infection levels of
production, different combinations of the root system of potatoes
soilborne pathogens are possible, and 75-80 days after planting.
each combination could have a different
impact on yield potential. Pre-plant soil inoculum
PREDICTA Pt testing prior to planting DNA (Pratylenchus penetrans / g soil)
can measure the main pathogens
present. When used to test roots
throughout the growing season, Figure 2: Relationship between
researchers can determine which soil inoculum level of Verticillium
Infection level of daughter tubers
dahliae prior to planting and
pathogens have developed and
infection level measured in
log DNA (Verticillium dahliae)
attempt to link this to management harvested tubers from paddocks in
and environmental factors. The broad Tasmania and South Australia.
range of tests now available enables
researchers to study the development of
potato early dying, black dot, nematodes,
rhizoctonia and powdery scab.
Changes coming
PREDICTA Pt was introduced in 2013 and Pre-plant soil inoculum
new tests are being developed, with the log DNA (Verticillium dahliae)
service currently being adapted to test
seed tuber peel.
New tests for the pathogens that cause
Figure 3: Example of the potato root system tested by PREDICTA
pink rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica/ Pt, a research tool used to determine which pathogens were
drechsleri/cryptogea), silver scurf detected in the paddock prior to planting infected the crop.
(Helminthosporium solani) and
Sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum/
minor) have been developed within Table 2: Levels of soilborne pathogen detected by PREDICTA Pt in soil
the last 18 months. Testing of isolates pre-planting and in the root system 80 days after planting
and symptoms has demonstrated that
these tests correctly detect their target Pre-plant soil
Root system
pathogens in Australia. Work is underway PREDICTA Pt Pathogen
DNA levels
to determine their sensitivity for pre- Test result
plant risk assessment. 3.5 log (DNA) Spongospora subterranea 6.5 log (DNA)
Silver scurf is primarily a seedborne
disease of potatoes. Results from the first 1.6 log (DNA) Verticillium dahliae 4.3 log (DNA)
year of evaluation in grower paddocks
3.2 log (DNA) Colletotrichum coccodes 5.0 log (DNA)
found the level of Helminthosporium
solani on seed tuber peel provides a 1.4 log (DNA) Rhizoctonia solani AG2.1 3.1 log (DNA)
useful indication of the risk of silver scurf
infection of tubers. With the introduction 0.2 log (DNA) Rhizoctonia solani AG3 2.5 log (DNA)
of peel testing, this test will be available
0.0 log (DNA) Rhizoctonia solani AG4 0.0 log (DNA)
for growers to use within the next
12 months. Phytophthora erythroseptica/
0.0 log (DNA) 0.0 log (DNA)
cryptogea/drechsleri
1.4 log (DNA) Streptomyces txtA gene 4.3 log (DNA)
2.0 log (DNA) Meloidogyne fallax 5.0 log (DNA)
Find out more
0.0 log (DNA) Meloidogyne hapla 1.7 log (DNA)
Please contact Michael Rettke at michael.rettke@
sa.gov.au or visit pir.sa.gov.au/research/services/ Meloidogyne javanica/incognita/
molecular_diagnostics/predicta_pt. 0.0 log (DNA) 0.0 log (DNA)
arenaria
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation
using the fresh potato and potato processing 0.3 nems/g Pratylenchus crenatus 2 nems/g
research and development levies and contributions
from the Australian Government.
1.0 nems/g Pratylenchus neglectus 69 nems/g
Project Number: PT15008
0.0 nems/g Pratylenchus penetrans 0 nems/g
April/May - 2019 | 11FEATURES | GROWER PROFILE
Vaughan Carter:
Representing Western
Australia’s potato industry
As President of Western He added that the deregulation
Australia’s peak body for potato of the WA potato market was a long
process; one that involved WA Potatoes
growers and a grower in his
negotiating with the state government
own right, Vaughan Carter has for an assistance package for the west’s
endured three of the industry’s potato growers.
toughest challenges in recent “We aimed for $24 million – we didn’t
years. However, Vaughan and get that; we got $12 million plus a
his peers are overcoming these $2 million industry assistance package
on top of that,” Vaughan says.
hurdles and are now focusing
“It was great job done by the growers,
on new strategies to ensure the committee and management.”
state’s growers remain sustainable While TPP has posed a challenge in
and profitable into the future. more recent times, some valuable lessons
Michelle De’Lisle reports. have emerged from the incursion.
“We’ve established that TPP doesn’t
carry the bacteria that causes zebra chip
It has been a difficult four years for the (Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum or
Western Australian potato industry. It CLso), which has allowed us to trade back
began with the deregulation of the state’s into the east. We see that as a positive,”
potato market and the closure of Smith’s Vaughan says.
Snackfood Company’s Canning Vale “WA is currently trading back into the
potato processing factory in 2016, while east sending potatoes, but supply is slow
in February 2017 the destructive pest – the east seems to be fairly flush at this
tomato-potato psyllid (TPP) was detected point in time. But as we move forward,
in a Perth backyard. hopefully we’ll see opportunities where we
WA Potatoes President Vaughan Carter can fit some ware potatoes into the east
was at the forefront of these events. and alleviate a bit of the oversupply on
WA Potatoes, formerly known as the the local market.”
Potato Growers Association of Western
Australia, is the peak industry body Export opinion
representing around 80 potato growers
across the state. In a bid to look for new avenues for
Vaughan is also a third-generation excess product, WA Potatoes is currently
ware potato grower based in Busselton, investigating viable export markets in
and after 25 years of growing potatoes regions such as the Middle East and Asia.
as well as many years of serving on the “It’s all about building your business.
WA Potatoes Committee, he understands We’re isolated in WA as far as being able to
the complexities surrounding industry expand and if there is surplus, it’s very hard
issues as well as identifying opportunities to shift because of freight costs into the
for growth and development. His role east,” he says.
as WA Potatoes President is to chair the “For my own business, the biggest thing
Committee of Management; listen to for me now is to maintain what I’m doing
growers’ concerns or ideas and relay and to try and expand. Trying to do that
them to the committee; and monitor in the local market is going to be tough
industry developments, as well as assist because WA consumers only eat 50-
with decisions that need to be made at the 55,000 tonnes of potatoes per annum,
political, industry and local level. and that is covered.
“For WA to expand, export is the key.
Industry challenges We’ve been looking at overseas export
opportunities, looking at what the
Vaughan says the trifecta of major events overseas markets are needing, whether
in 2016-17 “turned the WA potato industry it be seed for propagation, product for
on its head”. chipping stock or fresh market potatoes.
“We’re seeing a lot of oversupply on We’ve got consultants looking at it and
the market and a lot of variance in price,” using some of the industry package
he explains. money to investigate it, and we are trying
12 | Potatoes Australiato build that as quickly as we possibly can.” maintain his business’ profitability.
Export is also an area that should “Expansion is tough on fresh markets. I
be the focus of potato research and really have to do something that will prop
development, according to Vaughan. the business up – just a few more eggs in
“Anything about exports is big for WA. the basket I suppose,” he explains.
Like I say, we’re fairly controlled as to what “If the potato industry does struggle, I’ve
volumes we can produce in WA for the got something else in the pipeline and I’d
fresh market. For expansion to happen be naïve to think potatoes are going to
(and to make it economically viable and be ‘it’ forever. You just need to diversify in
enable businesses to grow), research into some things. I’ve got a trial plot and will
export is imperative.” see how it goes. If it goes okay, there’s
Vaughan added the export opportunities no doubt I’ll do 50 per cent potatoes, 25
and ability to trade back into the east per cent of blueberries and 25 per cent
for seed growers in Albany were a in sheep (fat lambs).”
“bonus”, as they were hardest hit by Despite his foray into blueberries,
the psyllid incursion. Vaughan remains positive about the WA
potato industry and believes there are
Seizing opportunities opportunities for the next generation
of growers.
Closer to home, Vaughan has been “WA is unique in that it’s fairly isolated.
instrumental in establishing the Busselton- We produce some magnificent clean,
Marybrook Grower Group with the aim disease-free seed; we’ve got a great
of pooling growers’ knowledge to help to seed certification scheme that allows
improve their businesses. us to produce some of the best seed in
“We received some funding through the country. And it’s sought-after. South
the South West Catchments Council, Australia sources our seed for some of its
which trialled different initiatives that production, and they love it – they know
could help growers’ businesses to improve it’s good,” he says.
productivity. We went down the line of “That’s probably the greatest advantage
Photography by Chris Kershaw
soil health – we looked at organic matter, in WA and that’s where we’re looking
cover crops, rotation, soil types – and the to create opportunities – our location
grower group got involved which was and our very good biosecurity protocols
great. We’ve seen a little bit of what we did contribute to our ability to produce good,
rolling out now with growers, who found it clean product.”
beneficial,” Vaughan says.
Unfortunately, the group is slowing
down its activities due to increased costs.
“It’s hard now because the dollar is so
tight; growers are concentrating on just
keeping their businesses afloat.
“The challenge at the moment is to
keep them all together – we’re looking
to do a few things with Heritage Seeds,
which is a national company, and involving
their knowledge on what’s beneficial for
organic matter and rotational tools.”
Future plans
Looking ahead, Vaughan hopes to
maintain his own growing operation by
continuing to produce potatoes for the
fresh market as well as hopefully having
the secondary option of export.
In the meantime, he is finding
opportunities elsewhere: Vaughan has
started growing blueberries in a bid to
April/May - 2019 | 13R&D | EXPORT DEVELOPMENT
Potato exports bounce back in 2018
After experiencing a decline in Other strong performing export markets 12,500 tonnes per year after five years.
2017, Australian potato exports in 2018 included Singapore (which grew This will help to secure Indonesia’s
have increased again in 2018, 28 per cent in value to AUD$3.2 million), position as a primary market for
Malaysia (12 per cent increase to AUD$2.3 Australian potato exports.
particularly across new and
million) and Hong Kong (12 per cent AUSVEG National Manager – Export
existing markets in south-east increase to AUD$2.2 million). Development Michael Coote said it was
Asia. Potatoes Australia provides The volume of Australian potato exports an encouraging sign that the Australian
a snapshot of these statistics and also performed well in these markets, with potato industry is continuing to experience
the key international markets for Singapore importing over 2,000 tonnes solid growth in its exports.
the commodity. of potatoes (18.5 per cent increase), “The potato sector is contributing
while around 1,870 tonnes were sent strongly to help reach Australia’s
to Malaysia (18.7 per cent increase) and ambitious target of AUD$315 million
Australian potato growers are increasingly over 1,600 tonnes to Hong Kong (18 per in fresh vegetable exports by 2020, as
meeting the demand for their produce cent increase). outlined by the industry’s export strategy,”
in both new and existing export markets, In 2018, the Philippines experienced a Mr Coote said.
after both the value and volume of spike in imports of Australian potatoes, “It is pleasing to see the potato industry
Australian potato exports experienced importing 4,600 tonnes worth over recover in 2018 with strong export growth
strong growth in 2018, particularly in the AUD$2.8 million. Other smaller markets in new and existing markets, particularly
second half of the year. such as Vietnam also experienced growth, as Australian-grown potatoes are a
According to Global Trade Atlas, with over 200 per cent increase in both commodity that is highly sought-after in
Australian potato exports (excluding seed the value and volume of Australian different high-value Asian markets.”
potatoes) increased 23 per cent in value to potato exports. AUSVEG, Hort Innovation and other
AUD$31 million, while volume increased industry groups will continue to work
27 per cent to over 40,000 tonnes. New developments with growers to ensure they have the
This is encouraging news for skills and know-how to improve their
the industry after potato exports Despite the fall in potato exports to ability to export their produce and
decreased slightly in 2017. Indonesia in 2018, which declined 36 capitalise on increasing demand for
per cent to AUD$1.4 million, potatoes fresh, Australian-grown produce.
Key markets continued to be the top vegetable
commodity exported to the country in the
South Korea retained its position as the 2017/18 financial year. Implementation of
leading market for Australian potato the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive
exports. While the country imported a Economic Partnership Agreement
Find out more
slightly lower tonnage than the previous (IA-CEPA) will see Indonesia establish
Please contact AUSVEG National Manager –
year, the value of this market increased six an import quota for Australian potatoes Export Development Michael Coote on
per cent to AUD$12.3 million. for 10,000 tonnes per year, growing to 03 9882 0277 or michael.coote@ausveg.com.au.
Table 1: Value and volume of Australian potato exports 2018 (excluding seed potatoes)
Country Value 2018 (AUD$) Change (%) Volume 2018 (t) Change (%)
South Korea 12.3 million +6 19,726 -2.6
Singapore 3.2 million +28 2,078 +18.5
Philippines 2.8 million +4,278 4,600 +4,500
United Arab Emirates 2.4 million -5.5 1,848 +1.4
Malaysia 2.3 million +12 1,870 +18.7
Hong Kong 2.2 million +12 1,621 +18
Indonesia 1.4 million -36 1,759 -39
Taiwan 823,762 -26 766 -5
Vietnam 388,440 +207 747 +207
All countries 31 million +23 40,165 +27
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Keep the TPP conversation going
National TPP Coordinator Alan Nankivell explains why potato growers should continue to prepare for a
tomato-potato psyllid or zebra chip detection, and the steps they can take to improve their knowledge of
this pest and the bacterium it can vector.
Tomato-potato psyllid (TPP) has been to implement on-farm surveillance traps.
known to be in Western Australia for This will assist in knowing where TPP is
over two years now, and it is the only and where it isn’t; as well as providing
known vector of Candidatus Liberibacter valuable on-farm information about the
solanacearum (CLso). size of the infestation.
CLso is the bacterium that causes It may not seem important to undertake
zebra chip in potato tubers. As a result, monitoring if TPP is not present, but how
there is significant economic impact due will you gain an early warning without
to the loss of infected product. When monitoring? Previous grower experience
TPP was detected, it was assumed that has been that if they find TPP, they will
it would only be a matter of time before be economically impacted by legally-
CLso was also found. During the spring- imposed quarantine. This will no longer
autumn season of 2017-18, over 30,000 be the case in Western Australia, and with
trapped psyllids were tested, and it was the commitment of the jurisdictions
independently validated that no CLso was of Queensland, New South Wales,
present, which is the first time in the world Victoria and South Australia to common
this appears to have occurred. movement conditions, then business
At the time of writing, subsequent will continue.
testing of TPP during the 2018-19 season Does this mean we forget about TPP
has continued to confirm the earlier and CLso? Definitely not! Management
finding that CLso is still not present in is essential to maintain on-farm viability.
Western Australia. All other jurisdictions All growers need to learn more about
have continued to monitor for TPP but are TPP and CLso. Talk about it with your
yet to detect it. neighbours, suppliers and customers.
However, it is important that Monitor your crops for TPP and potential
complacency does not set in. CLso biological control agents.
remains an exotic plant pest of Also, hold grower meetings and invite
major significance and could appear me to speak and, importantly, listen to
anywhere in Australia. Grower vigilance your concerns regarding the management
remains paramount. of TPP, where it is and what to do
A review of the preparedness for CLso is when it arrives.
currently underway to consider a range of
scenarios of CLso arriving on our shores.
I welcome hearing of any situations that
might occur so that they can be assessed
at the risk level, and the appropriate
level of protection that will be required.
Please email or call me (my details can be
Yellow sticky traps are imperative to help found below).
growers, industry and the public monitor
for tomato-potato psyllid.
Keep monitoring
As Western Australia has been declared Find out more
CLso-free, the other Australian Please contact National TPP Coordinator
jurisdictions have opened trade for Alan Nankivell at alan.nankivell@ausveg.com.au.
potato tubers. To assist in gaining a greater understanding
of TPP and CLso, a specific portal has been
The view of scientists is that TPP will established at ausveg.com.au/tpp.
continue to naturally spread but this National tomato potato psyllid (TPP) program
coordinator has been funded by Hort Innovation
can be slowed through implementing using the fresh potato, potato processing and
best practice farm gate hygiene and vegetable research and development levies and
contributions from the Australian Government.
monitoring the movement of contractors
Project Number: MT16018
and suppliers who visit the farm. Another
important practice used internationally is
16 | Potatoes AustraliaR&D | GROWER TOUR
The group at Terrace Downs Resort. Back row L-R: Michelle Trigg, Elizabeth Wharton, Callum Fletcher, Ashley Labbett, Pauline McPherson, Darryl Smith, Chris Ayres, Simon
Moltoni, Peter Britt, Patrick Fox, James Downey and Stuart Jennings. Front row L-R: Daryl Johnson, Tony Trigg, Alan Parker, Gary Crick, Stewart McKay and Mark Peters.
Psyllid takes centre stage on Australian potato grower tour
Australian potato industry members embarked on an overseas adventure to New Zealand’s Canterbury
region from 12-15 February, where 19 representatives from Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia
gained an insight into tomato-potato psyllid and how the New Zealand potato industry has managed this
pest. Elizabeth Wharton from Sebright Adventures reports.
This potato industry tour to New Zealand New Zealand’s key scientific team leading demonstrated the importance of crop
was proactively developed by Seed TPP research for a Q&A session. TPP diversification and good farm hygiene.
Potatoes Victoria (SPV) in response to samples were shown under microscopes Richard is currently Chairman of the
grower concerns of their preparedness for to provide growers with the opportunity to New Zealand Seed Potato Certification
TPP if it is detected in the eastern states see this insect first-hand. Authority, and grows pasture seed, wheat,
of Australia. During a visit to New World Lincoln barley, seed potatoes, and 5,500 prime
Organised by Sebright Adventures, supermarket, the group met with Fresh lambs among others on the 530-hectare
the tour provided an overview of TPP Produce Manager Navjeet Sharma. property. The group also visited Andy
research, in-field management and supply Participants marvelled at the elaborate Innes at Innesfields Farm where they saw
chain implications. Participants also packaging used to sell potatoes and potato coolstores, grading equipment and
discovered the diversification and irrigation the depth of information available to machinery for potato cropping.
practices of New Zealand farmers, which consumers through in-store signage on Travelling to Rakaia, the group met
are vastly different to those currently potato varieties and on product packaging. with Tim Pike from Mid Canterbury
used in most parts of Australia. Seeing Such marketing is not currently practiced Growers to discuss TPP management, soil
these differences enabled participants to in Australia but was seen as an opportunity nutrition and crop management practices.
broaden their thinking about possibilities for extensive value-adding, with potential Participants heard how TPP has impacted
for their own farms, and spread business to boost sales and customer awareness. each grower’s operation differently and is
risk by having many income streams from Later that evening, the group enjoyed a being managed on a case-by-case basis.
a range of agricultural sources. presentation from TPP researcher Jessica After lunch, participants joined New
Dohmen-Vereijssen, who provided more Zealand potato growers at the annual
Industry insight in-depth knowledge of this pest. grower field walk organised by Potatoes
New Zealand and Plant & Food Research.
Plant & Food Research New Zealand’s Growers’ field day The first site visited was a TPP-infected
Lincoln site was the first stop for the crop where scientists were on-hand to run
group. Kerry Hughes, a director at On day two, the group headed south- through the impact of TPP on plants and
seed potato merchant Alex McDonald, east to the scenic seed growing region pest identification. Growers found this
provided an overview of the seed potato around Methven, and spent time on-farm visit immensely useful to identify the
industry to help attendees understand visiting growers and trial sites. Aberdeen insect, infected tubers and plant
the dynamics and intricacies of potatoes Farm, owned and operated by the symptoms.
in New Zealand. The group also met with families of Richard and Hamish Redfern,
April/May - 2019 | 17The second site south of Ashburton risk. Onion grading and harvesting was
is trialling a Teralytic soil nutrient probe, on show, as well as in-field discussions
which uses world-first technology to with Murray. Attendees marvelled at the
gather detailed data that is relayed back to enormous storage facilities on-site and
the farm manager or others as required. custom-built storage bins, with the sheer
There is potential for Australian growers to scale of the operation hard to fathom.
adopt this technology in the future. After a busy day on-farm, the group
The day culminated with a dinner, which relaxed over dinner in Timaru where
brought together 50 industry stakeholders they were joined by AUSVEG CEO James
from Australia and New Zealand to Whiteside, Chair Bill Bulmer and Deputy
Hamish McFarlane shows the group a crop strengthen networks and develop Chair Belinda Adams. Their attendance
of Innovator potatoes.
prospects for industry collaboration. provided insightful contributions to
Canterbury District Mayor Donna Favel conversations throughout the evening
welcomed guests while Potatoes New and valuable insights into agricultural
Zealand CEO Chris Claridge emceed industries. The guest speaker was Seed
the evening. United Kingdom potato & Field Services New Zealand Potato
agronomist John Sarup also provided an Agronomist Duncan McLeod, who
insightful presentation about the UK’s provided the perfect summary of TPP in
potato industry and possibilities for the New Zealand, bringing together all the
industry moving forward. information and sites that participants had
experienced over the previous days.
The Grimme Spudnik 6621 machine
Innovation in focus On the final day, the group visited
in action at Hewson Farms. vertically-integrated business Heartland
Farm visits continued throughout day Crisping to hear its story, and how the
three. At Hewson Farms in Pendarves, founding Bowan family decided to take
participants received the opportunity their potato growing Fallgate Farm and
to see the only Grimme Spudnik 6621 invest vertically through the supply
machine in the southern hemisphere. chain to own and operate a processing
Ross Hewson and Nigel Prattley from company and manage distribution of
Landpower explained this extensive their product. This visit was the highlight
farming operation and demonstrated for many attendees, who were greatly
potato harvesting in action. The Spudnik appreciative of the Bowan family sharing
6621 is capable of separating stones from their business insights.
potatoes and soil in-field to harvest 1,000
The coolstore at Turley Farm.
tonnes of potatoes per day. Tour members
were keen to see how potato harvesting A collaborative effort
and growing practices compare with
Australia, and whether such technology Throughout the tour, New Zealand
could be made available back home. seed potato manager Iain Kirkwood
Hewson Farms is fully irrigated using and Landpower Grimme Machinery
mostly centre pivots and laterals, which specialist Nigel Prattley joined the group,
enable large-scale vegetable and arable sharing their significant expertise. The
crop production. time, assistance and support of Potatoes
Next, Hamish McFarlane greeted the New Zealand, Plant & Food Research,
group at one of his properties near Orton. Grimme, Alex McDonald, and all the farms
McFarlane Agriculture is in partnership and sites visited is greatly appreciated
A Q&A session with TPP scientists at with McFlynn Potatoes, which has and made the whole tour experience
Plant & Food Research New Zealand.
diversified across different crops and possible. The support, knowledge sharing
livestock enterprises. Blackcurrant and collaboration from industry, both in
crops were on show as well as a crop Australia and New Zealand, makes such
of Innovator potatoes, where Hamish tours possible, and ensures that responses
took the group in-field to highlight crop to pests such as TPP can be managed
management techniques and tuber using the latest research and industry
characteristics. practices. This will enable faster and more
The final farm visit was a 2,800-hectare effective action across the supply chain.
property owned and operated by Murray It is hoped that similar tours can be held
Turley. Turley Farms highlighted the in future to assist other industry members
importance of thinking ahead, working to learn more about a specific topic of
Potato packaging at New World Supermarket in together with other industry members interest, and to assist them to become
Lincoln. Images courtesy of Elizabeth Wharton. for the greater good, and spreading more competitive in their industries.
18 | Potatoes AustraliaCase study: Patrick Fox travels across the ditch for psyllid experience
Western Australian seed potato grower CLso, it’s still manageable and it’s not Patrick said the New Zealand potato
and exporter Patrick Fox attended the the end of the world if you do get it,” industry worked well together in a
tomato-potato psyllid (TPP) tour of Patrick said. cooperative spirit.
New Zealand to learn from international “New Zealand growers have “They bounce ideas off each other,
growers who are managing Candidatus implemented some really good which is probably something we don’t
Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), procedures and spray programs, and do here in Australia. There are a lot of
the bacterium vectored by TPP which surprisingly enough we heard (TPP/ points we can pick up from the New
causes zebra chip in potatoes. CLso) apparently isn’t their biggest issue Zealanders, including any practices we
“Luckily it hasn’t been detected over of concern with growing potatoes over can implement back here to make our
here yet, but it’s something that we’re there. That was more PVY, which was operations more successful and viable.”
going to have to deal with in future quite reassuring to hear and gives you a Another benefit of attending the
years,” Patrick said. bit of confidence moving forward. tour was the ability to network with
The highlight for Patrick was talking “The detection of TPP/CLso has other growers from Australia. Patrick
to his New Zealand counterparts about actually improved their overall domestic has attended two international grower
TPP and zebra chip, and discussing the seed industry as now commercial tours and has remained in contact with
crop protection products and regimes growers have implemented strict weekly other participants.
they are currently undertaking to fight insecticide programs whereas previously “It’s always good to get the industry
this highly destructive pest and disease. they were doing the minimum, if at all, perspective from the east coast
It wasn’t all bad news though. which has now resulted in decreased and bounce ideas off each other.
“Despite them having the psyllid and virus levels.” That’s a valuable tool.”
Find out more
Please contact Sebright Adventures Chief
Experience Officer Elizabeth Wharton on
0484 902 702 or email
sebrightadventures@outlook.com.
B-Quad vehicle access to improve SA grower productivity
Following a year of negotiations, onions at once and, because it has more through Taylors Road, and where it ends
AUSVEG SA and Symons Clark Logistics manoeuvrability, regulators are more open up,” Mr Densley said.
have successfully secured B-Quad to approving its use on a wider range of “We’ve got to have a helicopter view of
vehicle access for South Australian potato roads and situations such as roundabouts. where these truck patterns are and try to
and vegetable growers along Taylor’s Virginia Farm Produce Commercial solve a few more issues.”
Road in Virginia. Business Manager and AUSVEG SA Board AUSVEG SA is currently working with
Increased transport access for high member Ryan Densley said the decision large producers throughout the state
volume trucks has been an issue for many was a win for the horticulture industry. to investigate opportunities to improve
large horticultural enterprises across the “We’re now looking at halving our truck efficiencies through B-Quad transport
Virginia region in recent years. As these movements, which is phenomenal. That approvals. The association is keen to
growing operations expand, they are just means it’s a safer environment. We progress further approvals with local
searching for alternatives to decrease have less movement, less often; and it’s government in the future as well as
truck movement; move more produce easier for our operations,” Mr Densley said. discuss opportunities with interstate
in and out of their operations, therefore “It’s not only about management of grower groups.
increasing efficiencies; reduce their movement, it’s more movements less
carbon footprint with less trucks on the often. For example, if you come into a
road; and ultimately, improve safety both production flush and you need to bring in
on the local roads and on-farm. a large volume of product quickly, we’ve
In recent years, regulators have now got the opportunity to do that faster.”
been hesitant to approve road train Although opening Taylor’s Road to
access to many roads in the Northern B-Quad vehicles is good news for the
Adelaide Plains region; however, new industry, there is further opportunity to
configurations such as the B-Quad offer improve other roads in the region. Find out more
opportunities to open new areas to higher “We’ve understood our traffic pattern; Please contact AUSVEG SA CEO Jordan
volume transport options. The B-Quad now what we need to do is extend Brooke-Barnett on 0404 772 308 or
jordan.brooke-barnett@ausveg.com.au or
configuration is able to transport up to 64 that and have a bigger snapshot of the Ryan Densley on 0428 357 630 or
tonnes of produce such as potatoes and Virginia area, where that truck flow moves ryan@virginiafarm.net.au.
April/May - 2019 | 19L-R: Peter McEvoy from Fairbanks Seeds discusses tuber set and seed maturity of variety LillyPBR with Mark Peters, a specialist early generation seed grower in Portland, Victoria.
Global potato partnership to benefit Australian growers
A family-owned Victorian seed “None of the seed companies have “It’s always good to have a new
supplier’s bold venture into the ventured into this market segment, company come into the industry that
and although we previously had no offers a bit of competition to the other
potato industry is paying off
experience in the potato industry, Solana guys, and we’re seeing some really positive
after forging a partnership with a was impressed with our focus on product growth with some of the varieties; they
well-established European potato development and the groundwork that we seem to be setting good numbers – so far,
breeder and seed distributor. put in with trials, crop assessment reports so good,” Mr Peters said.
Gretel Sneath reports. and grower feedback,” he said. “As early generation seed growers, it’s
“We have a saying in the vegetable exciting to have new varieties – everyone
industry that the best genetics always win, is trying to find that perfect potato, and it
Australia’s vegetable seed industry may be and from our perspective, we’re really takes a bit of finding.”
dominated by some major multi-national confident about the quality of the varieties Further trials have been undertaken
players, but a new partnership forged by that Solana has developed.” in other parts of Victoria, along with
a family-owned company is looking to Queensland, northern New South Wales,
alter the landscape. Fairbanks Seeds and Investigating suitability and South Australia’s Mallee region. Mr
German potato breeder Solana GmbH & McEvoy says grower feedback is pleasing.
Co have teamed up to bring a selection of Solana’s range comprises about 60 “At the end of the day, we want to
world-leading genetics down under, and different potato varieties for every improve the potato quality for the
Australian growers are expected to benefit intended climate zone and purpose in consumer and enable the grower to have
from the exclusive deal. markets around the world, and rigorous good product, so if it ticks the boxes in the
With potato varieties such as Verdi testing is now underway to identify the paddock but also offers that eating quality
landing in Australia for the first time, most suitable high-performance varieties and versatility in the end-use, that’s a really
Fairbanks Seeds agronomist Peter McEvoy for Australian conditions. big thing,” he says.
said the industry can now operate on a “We looked very carefully at the “A lot of growers want something that
more level playing field. performance of certain varieties that are can do a bit of everything, and a couple
“In the vegetable seed industry, every really excelling in harsh, arid climates like of the varieties that we have will do that,
grower typically has access to the latest Egypt and the Middle East, but also those so that’s an exciting prospect to replace
and greatest genetics, but in the potato that perform really well in milder growing those older varieties that have been
industry, some of the top varieties have areas in parts of Europe like Germany and grown for a really long time but can have
been secured in exclusive arrangements the Netherlands,” Mr McEvoy explains. agronomic issues.”
with certain packhouses, growers and Portland seed potato grower Mark Mr McEvoy says Solana’s Belmonda
supermarkets,” he explained. Peters is one of several growers variety, with its salt, heat and drought
“We want to give all growers and undertaking certified seed potato tolerance, has been performing
processors access to a premium mix of fit- production for Fairbanks Seeds. He exceptionally well, while Red Lady has
for-purpose varieties that offer significant currently has seven varieties of first- impressed with its early maturity and high
improvements in yield attributes, disease and second-generation mini-tubers yield. Verdi has also been a stand-out for
resistance and eating quality.” planted on his mixed farming enterprise its ability to retain quality in long-term
Fairbanks Seeds has been trading a approximately 400 kilometres south-west cold storage.
broad variety of vegetable and salad seeds of Melbourne. “Verdi’s factory performance around the
for more than 90 years, but Mr McEvoy world is second to none, which is exciting
said potatoes were new territory. news for Australian growers. For the
20 | Potatoes AustraliaYou can also read
