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Perth Market Report

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:00:00 GMT

The Vegetable Market Report has been compiled with information from the Perth Market Authority. These figures are the latest release from the Perth Market Authority on the 10th May 2013. Please see attached.

IPM WORKSHOPS� MANJIMUP AND PERTH

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:00:00 GMT

Manjimup Research Station – 4pm, Wednesday 1st May 2013
Perth (venue TBA) – 5pm, Thursday 2nd May 2013 VegetablesWA is excited to bring IPM expert Paul Horne of IPM Technologies (Victoria) back to WA in 2013. In collaboration with Bayer CropScience and DAFWA, these workshops are open to all growers interested in learning more about IPM strategies in leafy vegetable crops (brassicas, lettuce, baby leaf etc), insect identification (both pests and beneficial species), and best use of chemicals in your crops. Paul Horne is a leader in the field of IPM Australia wide. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get the most up to date information on IPM and sustainable chemical control of insect pests. Representatives from Bayer CropScience will also be present to talk about all things chemicals. Following the workshops, please stick around for a sundowner with BBQ and drinks provided. For more information please see attached.

Fenamiphos preliminary review findings (PRF)

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 02:00:00 GMT

Firstly, fenamiphos failed estimates of both acute and chronic dietary exposure. For the acute estimate an exceedance of the acute reference dose occurred for potatoes, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. In the chronic estimate the ADI was exceeded by approximately 20%. To address the ADI exceedance would require either the removal of certain uses or modification to use patterns to reduce residue levels. For example, if tomatoes were removed from the label the threshold would be met as it accounts for a considerable part of the ADI. Alternatively, longer withholding periods could be considered which would involve the need for data generation. The second problem relates to a lack of data. The APVMA indicated in the PRF that there was insufficient data to support use in beetroot, crucifers (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), celery, endive, ginger, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, pineapples, strawberries, sugarcane, swedes and turnips, i.e., residue trial data would need to be provided for those commodities to retain access. To address these gaps would require considerable data generation. On a slightly more encouraging note the report did indicate that there was sufficient residue trial data supporting use in Aloe vera (including plant material), bananas, cabbages, carrot, citrus fruit, grapes and melons. So from a residues perspective, for these commodities the situation appears reasonably positive. Finally, and I think most critically, are the conclusions and recommendations stemming from the environmental part of the assessment. In the environment section it states that the review of current label uses identified “potentially unacceptable risks to birds, aquatic organisms and terrestrial organisms” . It goes further to say that the “APVMA cannot be satisfied that the use of fenamiphos in accordance with label instructions would not be likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or things, or to the environment.” The only commodities that passed from an environmental perspective were mushrooms and strawberries, i.e., two commodities where there was insufficient residue trial data. So in conclusion, given the rather emphatic nature of the environmental assessment I think it will be extremely difficult to retain access to any of the current labelled uses of fenamiphos. From an environmental perspective the key issues appear to be the high water solubility and toxicity of the two main fenamiphos metabolites. The PRF indicates that they are highly mobile in soil and as a consequence considered to be at high risk of off-site movement thereby having potential to contaminate watercourses and/or ground water. -Kevin Bodnaruk

Potato Field Walk - Manjimup

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:00:00 GMT

Please see the attached flyer for a field walk being held at Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute next Thursday 4 April.

Irrigation Systems Grower Information Session

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Please join us for an information session about the most vital input to a horticultural business operation – Irrigation Systems

4pm, Thursday 6th December, 2012 @ Wesgrowers Packing Facility 250 Bernard Rd North, Carabooda

SOUTH WEST FOODBOWL FESTIVAL

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th of October
Nannup

A TWO DAY AGRIFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA!

FEATURING
- Educational Agricultural Exhibition
- ‘Meet the Farmer’ Tours
- Regional FoodBowl Farmers’ Markets
- ‘Farmers’ Big Breakfast’ Panel Session
- ‘Taste of the South West’ Gala Dinner

For further information please see attached flyer

Skills Connect Forum �Strengthen your business by developing your workforce�

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 02:00:00 GMT

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in partnership with Regional Development Australia – Wheatbelt are pleased to invite business and industry to attend the Skills Connect Forum ‘Strengthen your business by developing your workforce’ in Northam on 25 October 2012. · Is your business looking for help to access funding for training and workforce development? · Perhaps you are considering employing an Apprentice and would like more information about employer incentives and support? · Join us for lunch and find out more about Australian Government funding and how you can access these opportunities to grow your enterprise by developing and skilling your workforce. · There will also be a unique opportunity to following the forum to participate in an interactive workforce planning workshop. The workshop will focus on workforce planning methods and will guide businesses who are serious about accessing funding through a real application form, including what to include / what not to include.

See attached for more details

Perth Market Report

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Please see attached the latest Perth Market Price report

FRESH PRODUCE FORUM

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 02:00:00 GMT

1 – 4 pm, Thursday 20th September 2012
Where: Fresh Ideas Function Centre - Canning Vale Markets
behind the Tavern at Canning Vale markets)RSVP no later than Monday 17th September, 2012Come and present your views about the issues facing the fresh produce sector and explore innovative, collaborative solutions.
For more information please see attached

SKILLS CONNECT FORUM

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Thursday 25 October 2012 Skills Connect Forum: 12:00noon to 2:00pm (Lunch included) Workforce Planning Workshop: 2:00pm to 3:00pm Bridgeley Community Centre, 91-93 Wellington Street, Northam Cost: Free Register by Friday 19 October 2012 via email: admin@rdawheatbelt.com.au or Phone: (08) 9575 1888 See attached for more information