 | The association [now known as WA Potatoes] is the peak industry body, representing potato growers across the state.
The Association represents around 100 members and provides the following services to industry:
The new WA Potatoes Biosecurity Manual is available by clicking below: WA Potatoes Biosecurity Manual
|
Research and Development projects are currently being conducted at Murdoch University. The work includes investigating the impact of heat stress on potatoes, genome editing and into managing the Tomato Potato Psyllid.
The Association is currently funded by the Agriculture Produce Commission Fee For Service and additional short term Government contributions provided for industry restructure and development following deregulation in 2016.
Fresh potatoes are grown in four distinct regions across the State; Baldivis / Gingin / Dandaragan; Myalup; Marybrook/Busselton; and Manjimup/Pemberton. Each region is selected based upon soil type and weather conditions.
The seed is grown in an area near the small hamlet of Elleker (between Albany and Denmark on the south coast of WA) by specialist seed growers who often take up to four years to cultivate seed per variety.
WA is one of the only states in the country which does not suffer from PCN (Potatoes Cyst Nematode). PCN attacks the root system of the plant which affects quality and yield. We have the strictest testing regimes in the country for PCN in an effort to make sure we never become affected. All WA potato growers are Quality Assured certified and the entire supply chain is 100 per cent WA-based (seed to plate) to maintain the highest Australian food standards.