Australia
May 16, 2016
Carlos Ramirez - Regional Business Manager, VIC & TAS
Tell us a little bit about your background
I am originally from Colombia where I worked with the banana industry for more than 12 years. I came to live in Australia in 2012 joining the horticultural industry in Carnarvon WA as a project manager and Agronomist. Following that, I spent two years with the pre packed salad industry working with growers to guarantee permanent good supply of leafy crops to the factory.
What do you like about working in the vegetable industry?
I love the dynamic of this industry. There is always a new challenge to look at and growers are on permanent look out for better ways to do things and this represents an enormous opportunity to learn and help. The future of this industry in Australia is brilliant and I want to be part of this challenge.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
My spare time is 100% family dedicated. I live in Gippsland and this area offers great areas and landscapes to enjoy free time with your family. I love to play soccer, I have big ping pong challenges every night with my son and I like to cook while listening salsa music and dancing with my wife and daughter.
What is your favourite vegetable, and why?
I love to eat mixes of veggies, especially beans, onions and tomatoes chopped and fried for a couple of minutes in olive oil and white wine. I like to eat carrots as a snack and garlic is for me a must have veggie every time I’m cooking.
Julio Ducatti - Technology Development Specialist
Tell us a bit about your background:
I was born in Brazil, my mother is Portuguese and my father is Italian. I decided to study agriculture science because I grew up on my grandfather’s farm. I have lived in four different countries (Brazil, NZ, France and Australia) and I’ve been in the seed business for the last 5 years.
What is it you like about working in the vegetable industry?
I like the idea of working outdoors, I love plants, the complexity of agro-ecosystems and the freshness of the vegetable production.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
My hobbies are mainly outdoors activities: hiking, camping and swimming. Also love hanging with friends and going out to explore new cafes in Melbourne, where I am based when I am not traveling the country inspecting crops or running trials.
What is your favourite vegetable, and why?
My favorite veggie to eat is tomato with some olive oil and oregano. My favorite vegetable crop to work with is Onions because they are flexible to work with. They are resilient which gives you a large window to access trials and collect data from them.