This initiative fostered valuable connections between Hort Innovation, AUSVEG, and vegetablesWA, and provided growers with firsthand exposure to global best practices in sustainable and tech-driven farming. Tailored training to help tackle margin erosion

suppliers, researchers, and industry leaders. The event showcased the latest innovations and trends in horticulture and reaffirmed the strength, professionalism, and unity of our sector. It was a privilege to be part of this cornerstone event in the Southern Hemisphere’s horticultural calendar. Listening to growers: challenges and advocacy

vegetablesWA has successfully negotiated subsidised access to two key training programmes for WA vegetable growers: • Farm Business Resilience Programme (Value Creators) • FarmElevate Programme (Grower Group Alliance) These programmes were designed to address the critical issue of margin erosion caused by rising input costs. Delivered flexibly to accommodate busy schedules, the training covered: • Financial management and cost structures • Succession planning and family alignment • Personal and social resilience • Carbon literacy and workplace compliance • Stress management and reinvestment planning Each participant developed a tailored farm business action plan to address rising costs. The high participation rate and positive feedback across WA horticulture suggest strong demand for a second round of training in the near future. Industry initiative: supporting AUSVEG’s Plus One Serve Campaign

Since our last update, I’ve visited many vegetable growers across WA. I’m deeply grateful for their hospitality and candid insights. What’s now even clearer is that our industry is facing significant economic challenges: • Rising cost of inputs (machinery, fertilisers, seed and freight) • Local cost pressures (energy, labour, fuel, water) • Mounting compliance obligations across all levels of government and industry These pressures are compounded by a cost of living crisis and persistent demands for lower produce prices. Despite these challenges, our growers remain resilient and committed to excellence.

vegetablesWA will continue to advocate for fairer conditions, support growers through practical initiatives, and champion innovation and sustainability across the sector.

VegetablesWA is proud to support the Plus One Serve initiative led by AUSVEG. This national campaign encourages Australians to eat just one extra serve (75g) of vegetables per day, a simple change with profound implications. The challenge • Australians consume 19kg less vegetables per person per year than in 2001 • Only 6.5% of adults and 4.6% of children meet recommended intake levels • Malnutrition affects 80% of older Australians, with younger generations facing shorter lifespans The opportunity One additional serve daily can deliver a triple bottom line of benefits, improving health, supporting local growers, and enhancing environmental sustainability. It’s a powerful, achievable step toward a healthier Australia. Hort Connections 2025: a milestone event

As we move into the second half of the year, vegetablesWA remains focused on: • Advocating for policy reform and fairer market conditions • Expanding grower support and extension services • Supporting health initiatives that drive vegetable consumption • Promoting industry-wide innovation and global learning Together, we are building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for Western Australia’s vegetable industry.

I had the pleasure of attending my first Hort Connections event in June, joining a vibrant community of growers,

More information Contact Peter on 0407 545 924.

Take control in tree crops. New VERTENTO insecticide.

THE Fresh Produce Food Safety Help Desk is a dedicated support hub for navigating the complexities of food safety in the fresh produce sector, and it’s FREE! Whether you’re a grower, packer or supply chain partner, especially if you’re a small to medium-sized business, non-certified or speak English as a second language, this service was built with you in mind. From quick questions to in-depth advice, the Help Desk offers: • Mobile line access AU +61 407 814 730 • Live online chat at • Email support at • A growing library of FAQs covering real-world, practical food safety concerns Whether you’re seeking clarity on food safety standards, preparing for audits, or looking for the right resources to improve your food safety practices, we are here to help with clear, friendly and practical advice. Don’t second-guess. Just ask.

Reach out today and tap into this free industry-backed resource built to support your success and strengthen food safety across our sector.

Syngenta Australia is pleased to announce that VERTENTO insecticide, powered by PLINAZOLIN™ technology is now registered for use in macadamias, almonds, avocados, mangoes, citrus and papaya for the management of a range of insect pests.

VERTENTO is a novel Group 30 mode of action insecticide, helping you manage insecticide resistance. With a low use rate and application flexibility, VERTENTO insecticide easily fits into your current operation. Having contact and ingestion activity, VERTENTO stops feeding within hours of application. As an optimised formulation, VERTENTO has excellent sunlight stability and rain-fast properties, providing valuable protection.

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) is an independent not-for-profit organisation operating in Australia and New Zealand. The Help Desk is funded by HN21000 through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from FPSC-ANZ, industry partners and contributions from the Australian Government.

More information Talk to your local Syngenta representative or visit au/vertento