Australia
October 24, 2014
A special potato research and development (R&D) workshop to be held in Mt Barker, South Australia will provide potato growers with the latest information on disease management and potato growing best practices.
Held as part of AUSVEG’s Potato Industry Extension Program, the R&D Workshop will be held on Monday 27 October from 6:00pm – 8:30pm at the Mt Barker-Hahndorf Golf Club. Attendees will include potato growers, processors, agronomists, researchers and supply chain representatives.
“The workshop will give local potato growers not only the opportunity to hear about management techniques and new growing practices, but also provide an open forum for discussion about issues affecting the local area,” said AUSVEG Special Projects Coordinator, Alexander Miller.
AUSVEG is Australia’s leading horticultural body representing more than 2,000 potato growers.
“By providing growers with the latest R&D information, Australia’s potato industry will be well set to stay at the top of the game and keep producing potatoes to the world class standards it is famous for,” said Mr Miller.
Presenting at the workshop will be Dr Calum Wilson, Research Leader at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. Dr Wilson will give the latest information on how to manage powdery scab in potatoes, a persistent issue in the industry.
Giving the evening an international perspective will be Ms Claire Hodge, Technical Executive from the UK Potato Council. Ms Hodge will not only give insight into issues affecting Britain and the wider potato industry, but will also provide details on the best handling practices for potatoes. A recent UK Potato Council project saw the release of a ‘Minimising Damage Guide’, of which Ms Hodge provided input.
“By having such experts present at workshops, growers will be able to hear about the latest research findings straight from the source and truly seek solutions to industry issues,” said Mr Miller.
Also presenting at the workshop will be Mr Alistair Crawford and Mr Andrew Skinner of crop protection company, Adama. Mr Crawford and Mr Skinner will present on herbicide plantback periods affecting potato crops and will also introduce Adama’s new interactive mobile app, ‘Farm Hand’.
“Australian potato growers are renowned for their determination to stay ahead of the game to ensure they continue to produce some of the world’s cleanest and freshest potatoes. This workshop is an example of growers doing just this,” said Mr Miller.
The workshop is free to attend for all potato levy payers and other industry stakeholders, with dinner and refreshments to be provided. Growers are encouraged to register their attendance with AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277 or at info@ausveg.com.au.
The Potato Industry Extension Program aims to raise awareness of R&D findings and agronomic activities that could deliver strong benefits to growers and processors. The program has been funded by HAL using the National Potato Levies and matched funds from the Australian Government.
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