Autumn 2016

Autumn 2016

Edition 3 - 2018 Australian JOURNAL

MUSHR MS

Australian

JOURNAL MUSHR MS MUSHR Australian Mushrooms Journal ISSUE: edition 3 - 2018

Contents 4 AMGA CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

5 amga general manager update

6 marketing review

12 extending the australian mushroom message to consumers

17 woORkshops aimed at developing knowledge

22 pest and disease management - legal and effective use of fungicides

25 Up to date resources a key component in the fight against pest and disease MUSHROOM INDUSTRY JOURNAL is a levy funded publication, compiled on behalf of the Australian mushroom industry. editorial 28 WHITe pRINCe INveSTS IN Chris Rowley - Editor 0415 140 253 continual improvement Judy Allan - Editorial Consultant - 02 6767 1057 publication dates: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn copy deadline: Six weeks prior to the cover date 33 The Importance of a Good Pre-Wet subscriptions This project Communication program for the Australian Mushroom Industry 2016-19 (MU15001) has been funded by Hort Innovation using the mushroom research and development levy and 35 Benchmarking - A key to Industry contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower owned, not-for- Profitability profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. The Journal is available to levy payers and others involved in the Australian Industry. The Journal is distributed as an electronic copy only. Requests to be included on the distribution list should be directed to the 36 Conference Agenda holds wide Editor. interest Letters to the editor Letters to the Editor from readers on subjects of interest to the mushroom industry are welcomed and encouraged. All contributions should be emailed to the Editor - [email protected] 40 SpONSORS AND exHIbITORS editorial policy The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily HORT INNOvATION ROUNDUp represent the views of Hort Innovation. No responsibility will be accepted for any statements 42 made or views expressed in this journal, or for any advertisements included. Hort Innovation reserves the right to edit, rewrite, withhold or reject any or all material whether 44 RepeAL Of WHS it be editorial, advertising copy or advetorial. If editorial changes are made, the Editor will contact the author before publication for approval. Manuscripts, correspondence, change of address requests should be sent to the Editor for consideration. All material is copyright to Hort Innovation. Articles in their entirety many not be reproduced in any other publications without written permission of Hort Innovation. amga contact Phone: 02 4577 6877. Mail: Locked Bag 3, Windsor NSW 2756 Editorial Welcome back to the industry Journal. If you think it has been a while, you would be right! The good news is that the Journal is now part of the Industry Communication project, managedd by DITORIALTeam Rowley on your behalf. Rest assured we will be working hard to get it back on a typical quarterly publication timeframe.

Under the new project, former Editor Judy AllenI like andmushroom I have industry somewhat conferences, swapped and if you are involved in the industry, seats. While I have taken on the Editor role,you shouldJudy likewill them continue as well. Forto me,make a significant contribution to the Journal, writing,they areproviding a great opportunity technical to listenadvice and and learn and to be updated on what is helping me to get things right. The years ofhappening, working from together the very onpeople the who Journal will be put to good use. know. So, in case you have not heard the news One of the first things to notice about this(and Iedition sincerely hopeis that that is notit the has been emailed, rather than mailedto case) the Australian Mushroom Growers you. The decision was taken following an industryConference survey is on from by 11-13Hort OctoberInnovation, in so we would welcome your feedback on this new approach. We are currentlySydney. investigating In putting together some this Journal,on-line readers,The Pest and which Disease would Management enable and Research Service project has been on you to peruse the Journal through your web browserI have touched and basewill withlet youmany know of the when we have a workable option speakers and gathered together a bit of the road, delivering workshops in for you to explore. Adelaide in June and Melbourne in July. over the next month or soa we“tease” will on also the topics look covered. at the Pleasedesign of the Journal to bring it into line with the look and feel of the Australian Mushroomstake the time tocampaign. read through the story, With further workshops now being which provides a good appetiser for the planned for New South Wales in mid September and Queensland in Regarding content, there is plenty happening inupcoming the industry conference. at the moment, and we have done our best to Another great thing about the 2019, the Journal covers what you keep you up to date on your levy investment. Theconference big news is the isopportunity the start to ofnot the televisioncan expect advertisingto learn by attending and the these new Australian Mushrooms campaign. We haveonly also hear coveredfrom the speakers the appointment but to sit events.of the There new are Advisory separate articles Panel covering the issue of fungicides and the and the AMGA Industry Relationship Manager. andThere talk withis also industry plenty participants. of on-farm information with an update From my perspective, this gives me a availability of up-to-date resources on on the Pest and Disease Management project andfeel forthe what push is happening for organic on-farm certification and pest and for disease spent issues. mushroom There is also a story on the compost. how the Communication Project can work to keep you informed throughout development of the new compost facility at White Prince, an update on If you think we have missed anything, or you havethe year. any feedback on the articles, we would be more than As always, we have packed the Journal the new benchmarking project, an happy to hear from you. with plenty of information that is update on Hort Innovation activities and relevant to your business. As I have said information and links on many other before – to stay up to date, read on… activities of interest. Chris Rowley The new television campaign has If you have any feedback on the articles Editor commenced and Hort Innovation or would like to make some suggestions Marketing Manager, Samantha Ferguson for future editions, please let me know. reports on changes to the campaign, and the research underpinning those Chris Rowley changes. There is also a detailed report Editor covering marketing activities conducted

AMGA BoARD in the second quarter of the year. room Grow ush er M s A Ultimately it is all about encouraging n ss ia o & CoMMITTEES l c a r i 2015-2016more people to eat more mushrooms. t a s t i

u Chris o n A AMGA BoARD

Kevin Tolson The project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the mushroom (Chairman & NSW research and developmentNic Femia levy and contributions from the Australian State Director) Government.(SA Hort Director)Innovation is the grower owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. David Tolson Australian Mushroom Growers Association under an agreement (Vice Chairman & ordinary withTroy Horticulture Marland Innovation Australia. (QueenslandThis Association State welcomesDirector) advertising within the Journal. The Director) booking deadline is 6 weeks prior to the publication date. For further information, please contact Sally Heukers on Mick Surridge 0472 599 135 or via email using the following LINK. (Vice Chairman & Victorian Phil Rogers (ordinary Director) Director)

Geoff Martin (Treasurer and ordinary Tim Adlinglon (ordinary Director) Director)

3 AMGA Chairman’s Report

participants. The site will provide areas of overlap and saw how they updates on a range of information could help each other to deliver industry including scholarship opportunities from outcomes. the Frontier Fund. AMGA works cooperatively with the Tim Adlington, Chairman, Australian Also, at a project level, there is plenty research providers to represent the Mushroom Growers Association of activity directed at keeping you broader interests of the industry. informed and spreading the mushroom Through a funded project (MU17000) message. This activity includes Judy the AMGA provides consultation Allan and Warwick Gill who are in around, and input into, industry direct contact with many farms and projects including food safety and provide continual updates on pest and QA Risk Management (MU16000), disease management. In the area of Pest and Disease Management and marketing and public relations, there Research Services (MU16003) and ear levy payers and AMGA are many agencies including Bite, Ikon Communication program for the members, and D2C who are coordinated through Australian Mushroom Industry While plenty is happening at Hort Innovation and are responsible for 2016-2019 (MU15001). This project- D the moment, I am pleased delivering mushroom information to based approach is instrumental in to say the good news is that markets consumers. representing the best interests of our remain relatively stable at the time of This Journal, managed by Chris Rowley industry. writing, with plenty of positives for our as part of the Communication project In May, the SIAP used independent industry. acts as a central point of focus, reviewers to ensure accountability and a The AMGA Strategic Plan is one of these gathering together the cross-section clear understanding of the progress and positives, establishing a clear direction of work undertaken on your behalf. payback from the marketing investment. for industry activities undertaken on The publication has a high level of The review and analysis of the results your behalf. In this column I would like mushroom information and has become provide continual refinement, improving to not only share what is currently a “Must Read” for everyone in the the use of levy dollars. happening but also reflect on one of the industry. The marketing future looks bright on a critical elements of the Strategic plan, In the area of research and couple of fronts. We are now investing covering the issue of communication. development, our opportunities are in a foodservice outreach program to Strategy four is straight to the progressing well, with the members tap into trends like “blending” and the point: “The AMGA wants to flow out of the Marsh Lawson Centre and the increased use of mushrooms in burgers information to our members”. Strategic Advisory panel working to and other dining out meals. A project to Great achievement is pointless if develop some exciting projects through communicate the benefits of members are unaware of the outcome to the tender process. The process of mushrooms to health providers in the or how they can gain benefit from initiating proposals and progressing expectation that they extend the it. Your levy dollars are hard at work them to projects is working smoothly, information to their clients will also on many fronts, and when it comes to and Hort Innovation is showing great shortly be in place. communications, this means finding your leadership on these committees. I am The energy of Samantha Ferguson (Hort needs and delivering appropriately. personally pleased that research projects Innovation Marketing Manager) and developed through the Marsh Lawson The AMGA General Manager, Sally John Vatikiotis (Industry Relationship Centre and presented to the SIAP for Heukers speaks with and visits many Manager) should be acknowledged as recommendation were largely accepted. of you on a regular basis to provide every month we gain momentum. information and listen to any feedback At our most recent Marsh Lawson Until next time. on industry issues. In addition, a R&D meeting, the committee met with new and improved digital platform project research providers. It seemed is underway designed to maintain a watershed moment as the energy in strong and relevant links with industry the room built as researchers identified Tim Adlington

4 Australian Mushrooms Journal Update from Sally Heukers AMGA General Manager Report

AMGA has also secured a post- with RMCG to ensure the project conference visit to Adelaide with two delivers the best outcome for our farm visits. A very special rate industry. We encourage you to is offered to AMGA members and participate, and with participation you conference delegates. Register via the will be given a series of performance AMGA conference website. benchmarks for use in your business. Early bird rates to the conference The production benchmarks include are open until Friday 24th August. if energy, water and labour inputs, you have not attended an industry and identify potential areas for conference for a while this is one for improvement. To get involved, read you. You can view the program and more about the project in this Journal register online via the AMGA industry or give me a call to discuss. Your conference website here: feedback is important to us. https://amgaconference.mushrooms. Coming up: net.au AMGA has a busy few months coming ear industry members, up with key events on the agenda Food Safety Project - including the next Strategic Industry Compliance Survey The industry is gaining Advisory Panel (SIAP), the MLMRU R&D Dmomentum, with projects Food safety is crucial to ensure Steering Committee, development of and activities that are consumer confidence with our industry new R&D project proposals, the final and AMGA continues to drive building a solid foundation for future activities associated with delivering the investment in projects such as Food growth. AMGA continues to work upcoming AMGA industry conference Safety and QA Risk Management closely with industry stakeholders and and preparation for the Association’s (MU16000). One of the activities representing the broader interests of AGM. being undertaken is an industry survey the industry. AMGA has established to establish a ‘snap shot’ of If you have any questions or feedback projects which continue to strengthen compliance enabling better targeting about the R&D program, marketing the industry and increase consumer of resources to support you. Please program, the industry conference, confidence and awareness. take a few minutes of your time and member’s services or anything else please get in touch. AMGA Industry Conference fill out the survey. If you would like This is one not to be missed. It will be to know more, need assistance or I look forward to seeing you at the an opportunity to learn from several haven’t seen the survey please give me AMGA conference! world-leading experts, hear about a call. Please contact me on 0472 599 135 or email me at [email protected]. innovative research and technology, Member Service - Quality visit leading farms, and network Assurance Testing with peers, local and international Regards, A gentle reminder that AMGA continues businesses, delegates and industry �������� to provide access to on-farm QA leaders. testing. Test kits can be ordered by The conference will provide a chance Beryl via email ([email protected]). to get many of your industry Sally Heukers questions answered with experienced Benchmarking Project delegates and subject matter experts The Mushroom Industry Data Collection covering a wide range of topics. Project (MU16006) is another There will also be many opportunities example of a data project investigating to relax with colleagues at any of the ways to improve business operations numerous social breaks and dinners and build confidence in the industry. throughout the event. The AMGA has played a pivotal role to establish this project and is working

Australian Mushrooms Journal 5 Marketing review highlights positive opportunities

In any business, the key to ince 2015, two independent reviews into the marketing program long-term success is for Australian Mushrooms have been undertaken. The most recent review, undertaken earlier this year with input from a range of continual improvement. The S stakeholders, was conducted to review the effectiveness of the same approach is used in program and to identify opportunities for improvement. marketing Australian The review found that stakeholders were happy with the campaign and Mushrooms, with the felt it has been effectively delivered in a professional manner. From a creative viewpoint, the review found the campaign had performed well, marketing team and lead and highlighted opportunities to further reach the core target market of agencies all striving to disengaged cooks, who want to know how to include more mushrooms in examine current activities their everyday meals. with a view to the future. The seasonal timing was acknowledged as being a valued approach (with activity shouldering the summer months and heavier through the middle of the year), and will continue over the next three-year campaign. Further information: The review also highlighted foodservice as a growing area of demand, and Hort Innovation Marketing Manager – further attention will focus on ways to tap into this growth and encourage Samantha Ferguson the wider use of mushrooms in meals prepared outside of the home. [email protected] An analysis of Nielsen Homescan and consumer research data indicated 02 8295 2328 that the campaign activities had successfully impacted consumers over the 2015-18 period. The Nielsen Homescan data shows that over the past three years Australian households are shopping more frequently for mushrooms, buying more mushrooms per trip (up 3.38%) and overall buying more mushrooms each year (up 7.16%).

6 Australian Mushrooms Journal The review was all about understanding how the campaign is working for Australian Mushrooms, and identifying opportunities to continue talking to our core target market. Over the next three years, the campaign will place more emphasis on disengaged cooks, and provide them with even more opportunities to engage with mushrooms.

What was also evident from the consumer research is that there has been a real lift in consumption among those people who are already using mushrooms. In terms of the campaign, the diverse range of communication activities has successfully increased awareness of Australian Mushrooms, with television and radio advertising contributing most to the reach of the campaign.

The core campaign messages that centre around the “Much Healthier, Much Tastier” positioning continue to come through clearly in advertising, inspiring positive action - with the television commercial particularly effective at increasing mushroom usage in existing meals.

The Australian Mushrooms Ambassador, Miguel Maestre is recognised, liked and trusted by a large proportion of the Australian population, and most importantly has a positive effect on mushroom consumption for those that associate him with Australian mushrooms.

The images shown on Pages 6-7 highlight the refreshed approach for Australian Mushrooms. Click on the images to view the televison ads.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 7 Above: You can’t have the Grand Finale of Masterchef without mushrooms! With over 1 million viewers it was the perfect ad placement to reach the core target market.

Updating the campaign be rolled out across all the Australian reactions of ordinary Australians as Mushrooms communication channels, they watch the nightly news, argue approach with consumers scheduled to see the over politics, cheer on their favourite The 2018-2021 strategy builds on new campaign from early August. sporting teams and digest the consumer research, independent Between now and the end of 2018, documentaries. It’s the program that marketing review and overall campaign Australian Mushrooms advertising will unites and excites us all, and places results. Knowing that the current take place through the following Australian Mushrooms at the top of approach is resonating more with channels: television, static and digital mind of grocery buyers across the confident cooks and heavy mushroom billboards (roadside and shopping country. Gogglebox Australia will be users, there is now an even greater centre), paid social media, digital and aired on Foxtel’s Lifestyle Main emphasis on targeting the less programmatic (including Spotify). channel, and is projected to reach 228,000 people per episode. Our confident, disengaged, medium Television mushrooms users. The campaign sponsorship will last for four weeks, creative has been refreshed (see Pages A total of three different creatives will starting early September. 6-7) to make it more ’disruptive‘, appear in the television advertising, which commenced in the week starting Details: Gogglebox airs on Wednesdays, specifically targeting this group of so this will begin on 5 September. consumers, with a strong ’ease‘ message 5 August. The ads will screen over a that brings mushrooms and ’simple total of five weeks in two-week blocks, cooking‘ to the forefront. The look and with one week off between the two periods. The ads will appear on free to feel has also been evolved to give the Masterchef opportunity ads a fun and bright feel. Colourful air and subscription metropolitan textured backgrounds and the television throughout Australia and on regional television in North and South Excitingly, Australian Mushrooms introduction of messages like 'Chop secured ad placement in the 2018 Chop and its done' are used to help New South Wales. Some of the programs in which the ads will appear MasterChef Grand Finale on Wed Australian Mushrooms stand out from 21 July 2018. With over one the crowd while signalling ease, speed include The Block, Talking About Your Generation, Family Food Fight, The million viewers, over half of which and 'an anyone can do it' mentality. The are the main grocery buyers in ads are designed to really showcase Bachelor, Survivor Australia, and Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures. their household, this was the how easy it is to add mushrooms to perfect place to remind our core every meal (and that they are Australian Mushrooms will also be a target market that adding delicious). proud broadcast sponsor for the next mushrooms to everyday meals is Naturally enough the new creative will series of Gogglebox Australia on Foxtel! easy, healthy and tasty! Season 8 will continue to share the 8 Australian Mushrooms Journal Above: Australian Mushrooms are the broadcast sponsor for Googlebox Season 8.

Billboards Static and digital billboards will be used in metropolitan and regional areas in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These will be live for between one and four weeks duration, in shopping centres and on high traffic road/motorway billboards, commencing from mid-August.

Social media Paid social media advertising will also be undertaken as part of the campaign activities, commencing in August and running through until mid-December. This advertising will be similar to the television advertising and consist of 6-second and 15-second video clips, carefully targeted to reach the core audience. The targeted approach will allow the ads to appear directly in the newsfeed of selected consumers, with direct links to relevant recipes on the Australian Mushrooms website.

Digital media Above: Static and digital billboards will be updated with the new creative. Digital media advertising will be undertaken on a range of top websites Events Mushroom Ambassador and through YouTube and Spotify. The With the 2018-2021 strategy, the Miguel Maestre is set to continue as websites include major catch up sites number of events attended will be the Australian Mushrooms Ambassador, (plus7, 9Now, 10Play, SBS on Demand) refined to take into account the target providing support for the new program plus the big news and entertainment audience of less confident cooks. As a approach and initiatives. During his sites (news.com, SMH.com, result, Australian Mushrooms will time in the role, Miguel has proved a dailytelegraph, 9honey, MSN.com and all attend the 2019 Royal Easter Show in very popular figure with consumers, their subsidiaries). These ads will run Sydney and the Brisbane Ekka. Other attracting a rock star following at from mid-August until mid-December. event opportunities will also be events. His popular following and his investigated. ability to delivery inspirational recipe and meal ideas offer an ideal

Australian Mushrooms Journal 9 opportunity to spread the mushroom tours as a means of building The study will allow opportunities to be messaging. Work is now planned to relationships can help bring forward identified and allow future work in this build on the relationship as a means of potential opportunities to get more area to be specifically targeted to encouraging consumers to add more mushrooms on more menus, which is address these opportunities. mushrooms to more meals. a win-win situation for growers and The second research component within foodservice operators. the foodservice area is for a two-year Other communication Building on the success of this approach, subscription to a syndicated marketing report of the wider Australian channels a tender process for the next farm visits which will happen in the first half of foodservice industry. This report In addition to the activities outlined 2019. will provide a range of information above that will feature the updated about the various components of the Over the longer term, the intention is to approach, updates will be made to foodservice sector including café’s, pubs, build a comprehensive strategic plan existing resources to ensure hotels, and restaurants and identify directed at maximising the use of consistency across the campaign. As a food trends across the sector. mushrooms in the foodservice sector. result, the Australian Mushrooms In combination, these two components Part of this process is undertaking website will be updated and videos will allow a greater understanding research to understand the foodservice added to YouTube. The refreshed of product usage, barriers, volumes and channel better, to establish a benchmark messaging will also appear across the value and identify potential of how mushrooms are used and where Australian Mushrooms social media opportunities for Australian Mushrooms. they appear on the menu. A custom channels (Facebook and Instagram) This information will then be used to research study has now been scoped to and through the electronic direct mail help shape a carefully targeted industry establish this benchmark. To reduce the newsletter distributed on a regular strategy, with the objective of cost of the study, Australian Mushrooms basis. increasing overall consumption for will work in a funding partnership with mushrooms in the foodservice setting. the avocado and onion industries. Foodservice Within the new program, greater emphasis will be placed on foodservice, with a range of activities planned for the coming period to build on opportunities in this sector. The first year of the Foodservice Farm Tour program delivered positive feedback and increased the understanding of the requirements of participants. Targeted at foodservice professionals, the tours provide attendees with the opportunity to learn more about the mushroom industry at a hands-on, farm level. Pleasingly all respondents would recommend this type of tour to other chefs in the network and agreed that the tour had improved their knowledge of Australian Mushrooms. From an Australian Mushrooms perspective, the tours are also valuable in not only building Foodservice is often at the forefront of food trends, and this focus provides an opportunity to be a part of emerging trends. The inclusion of mushrooms in relationships but also a deeper more dining out meals helps to inspire consumers, many of whom then feel understanding of the requirements of confident to replicate the experience when cooking at home. The increased focus the foodservice sector. The use of the on foodservice represents an exciting opportunity for Australian Mushrooms.

10 Australian Mushrooms Journal Extending the Australian Mushrooms message to consumers

these impressions were watched to completion, which is well above the industry benchmark of 70%. As outlined in a previous report, Australian Mushrooms has used the new six-second ’bumper ad‘ format on the YouTube network as another means of driving home the campaign message. These ads have been viewed over 2.5 million times across key target audiences with a similarly high completion rate of over 90%.

Spotify A change to Spotify (the digital music streaming service providing access to millions of songs, podcasts and videos from artists all over the world) has Above: Australian Mushrooms Ambassador, Miguel Maestre attracted plenty of opened up further opportunity for interest at the Good Food & Wine Show in Sydney. Australian Mushrooms. A change to their ad-supported free product, dubbed hile the 2018-21 the year with live advertising and ’Active Media‘ allows listeners to choose marketing strategy will promotional activity as possible – this is whether they see, hear or skip ads. see some tweaks to both then underpinned with an always on From a listener viewpoint, the benefit W approach to social media and targeted is in viewing/hearing only those ads the focus and the delivery, it is PR activity. important to remember that the that are of interest, while advertisers benefit by only paying for a fully Australian Mushrooms approach has Digital Video always relied on strong, consistent completed listen or view. Australian The great thing about digital media messaging to encourage high Mushrooms is now looking at adopting is the opportunity it provides for consumption. As outlined in the smart creative to adapt to the new extending a campaign message, through previous story, an independent review structure and take advantage of the a variety of channels. In the second has found the campaign has been improved user experience to encourage quarter of 2018 digital video picked up effectively delivered, helping to drive music lovers to become mushroom where the television campaign (which increased consumption of Australian lovers. concluded in March) left off, featuring Mushrooms. advertisements on the major catch-up TV This story takes a look back over the apps, including plus7, 9Now, Tenplay and marketing activities delivered in the SBS on Demand. This approach provided second quarter of 2018 (April-June direct access into popular television 2018). Through the rest of 2018, many shows such as My Kitchen Rules, of these activities will continue, with Bachelor in Paradise and Married at First the refreshed creative. As outlined in Sight. In addition to these popular TV previous reports, while the components shows, the Australian Mushrooms ad was are covered separately, it should be also shown to consumers viewing videos noted that the individual elements and in the food, health and nutrition channels form a coordinated approach environment online. with activities in one area being The digital media approach has worked supported by those in another. Multiple well achieving some 8.35 million channels are used throughout the year, impressions across the campaign. with the aim of covering as much of Pleasingly almost 90% of Australian Mushrooms Journal 11 Events

The distinctive Australian Mushrooms caravan has been on the go again, attending the Good Food and Wine Shows in Melbourne (1-3 June) and Sydney (22-24 June), achieving a total reach of 61,158 show goers. Experience has refined the process at these types of events with the visual impact of the stand attracting customers, who are then entertained with cooking demonstrations and samples. Brand Ambassador Miguel Maestre attracted widespread attention with his two cooking demonstrations at the Sydney Good Food and Wine Show, cooking his delicious new recipe “Mushroomroni ’N‘ Cheese”, and taking photos with his fans. To reinforce the mushroom message a combined total of 20,700 samples and 24,700 brochures were handed out to attendees at the event.

In-store Starting in April, Australian Mushrooms increased its in-store presence, with a syndicated merchandising campaign in 100 Independent stores across Australia. The stores were visited to deploy point of sale materials and educate staff on handling, sorting and other best practices for mushrooms merchandising. The Australian Mushrooms Winter 2018 in-store sampling campaign kicked off in mid-June. The campaign, which Above: Customers of all ages have enjoyed the in-store sampling of concluded in early August, was Australian Mushrooms. conducted across 370 sampling sessions in Coles, Woolworths and Independent stores in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. An average of 78 samples and 70 brochures were distributed per session, resulting in sales of 23 prepacks and 7.7kg per session.

Public Relations With recipe inspiration acting as a primary means to attract consumers, Australian Mushroom recipes continued to flood mainstream media. This approach gained significant coverage including BW Magazine (lift-out in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph, popular food website Best Recipes and syndications through regional newspaper networks.

Above and right: New mushroom recipes have gained solid media coverage.

12 Australian Mushrooms Journal New recipes To boost the current recipe collection and add further interest, a new series of recipes by Australian Mushrooms Ambassador, Miguel Maestre was commissioned. Australian Mushrooms pR agency, bite Communication innovatively launched the new recipes, undertaking a publishing house tour on 6 August, to share the materials and cooking demonstrations with key publications. The tour with Miguel will develop stronger and strengthen existing relationships with key media, ensuring mushrooms are top of mind and cementing Miguel as the face of Australian Mushrooms. Another benefit is that the tour was time friendly for media representatives, allowing them to access mushroom information (and Miguel’s delicious cooking) without having to leave their office. Above: One of the new series of recipes is Miguel's fun-guy chicken pie. The As part of the new recipe creation, new recipes have put a mushroom spin on classic Aussie dishes. Another series of images and videos have been produced recipes will be commissioned in early 2019 for the Winter campaign. to be seeded with media and shared via the Australian Mushrooms social media channels. The recipes have put Below: One pot wonders were the focus of the recent Mushroom Lovers Club a mushroom spin on classic Aussie newsletter. dishes, with Miguel’s ‘mushroomroni ‘n’ cheese muffins’, a ‘garlic mushroom chicken kiev’ and ‘Miguel’s funguy chicken pie’. To further extend the reach of the campaign and the concept of adding mushrooms to favourite everyday meals, three micro-influencers have also been engaged. These influencers will share dishes that they have made-over with mushrooms and then shared on their social media channels, reaching thousands more consumers with the mushroom message. They will focus on ease, taste and health – aligning with our campaign key messaging but in their own individual, authentic and engaging way.

Additional PR activities For winter, the Australian Mushrooms website was updated with a new theme and focus, featuring Miguel and his popular Funguy chicken pie recipe. This recipe is among the most popular on the site and taps into ‘pie’ as a key trending search term for consumers. The Mushroom Lovers Club direct mail has continued, reaching a database of 27,000 subscribers. Content has included sharing Miguel’s secret for getting kids cooking in the kitchen, some must-try mushroom pie recipes, and Miguel’s tips for healthier and tastier meatballs.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 13 Social Media Social media is one of the “always Social Media by Numbers on” components of the marketing When it comes to social media, it is all about providing fans or followers program, providing the opportunity to with the type of information that they want to receive and share with communicate regularly with fans and others. Put simply, it is about content that interests and engages with followers. Over the last quarter, the social people, and that is the approach adopted for the Australian Mushrooms media program has continued to inspire Facebook and Instagram pages. The figures below provide a snapshot of with delicious recipes created by Miguel, how these pages have performed from April to June 2018. supported by recipes curated from influencers. Facebook results Instagram results This engaging content saw impressions rise (April – June 2018) (April – June 2018) an impressive 59% over the quarter, • Fans: 141,416, 1,200 new fans, • Followers: 14,145 total fans , compared to the first three months of 9% page growth 3,591 new fans, 34% page growth 2018. The engagement rate also increased • Total impressions: 13,192,838 • People reached: 309,542 to 5%, demonstrating that the content is • Average engagement rate: 5% • Average engagement rate: 11% resonating with fans. Miguel’s role with • Number of comments, likes Australian Mushrooms was leveraged via a and shares: 22,206 comments, • Number of comments and likes: Facebook Live video covering his cooking 107,742 likes and 16,610 1,043 comments and 34,343 likes demonstration at the Sydney Good Food shares (146,558 total actions) (35,386 total actions) and Wine Show. The ever-popular Miguel impressed fans by cooking up one of his newly created recipes – his ‘mushroomroni Left: ‘n’ cheese' pasta. Organically, the video Top post - Facebook reached almost 10,000 people with 85 • Likes: 5,762 comments. • Comments: 2,108 Social media is more than just a channel to share the Australian Mushroom message, • Shares: 1,238 it’s also a great way for fans to • Reach: 373,117 communicate directly with us – it’s an • Engagement: 8% excellent tool for building that two-way dialogue and gauging how consumers feel and think. It is always impressive to see the photos from fans sharing their cooking using the Australian Mushroom recipes, it’s a real community – that’s true engagement and brand love! Below: MyFoodBook.com.au Top post - Instagram MyFoodbook is a recipe and cookbook • Likes: 2,373 destination where users can create • Comments: 107 personalised digital cookbooks using recipes from Australia’s leading cooking & • Reach: 65,767 food brands, combined with their own • Engagement: 25% ideas and recipes… all for free. The Australian Mushrooms’ subscription to the MyFoodBook platform includes a landing page, links to the Australian Mushrooms website, profiles on social media, mushroom recipe showcases, editorial features and inclusion in 20+ eNewsletters to 80,000 subscribers as well as features in digital and printed seasonal cookbooks. More than 33,500 Australian Mushroom recipes were saved to user profiles, over 750,000 video engagements and more than 36,000 digital cookbook downloads including mushroom recipes and education. In total just over 1 million direct consumer actions/engagements with Australian Mushrooms branded content were achieved.

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SYLVAN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 11 t: 02 4572 0555 | f: 02 4572 0055 | www.sylvaninc.com figure 3 Lecanicillium isolated from two different expansion joints within the same clean room prior to fill. examples of Lecanicilliium colonies are indicated by yellow arrows food handling facilities (Decker 2016) which can influence disease expression on mushroom farms. As some of these events (Table 3) may influence the size of the mushroom pathogen population and therefore the likelihood of a disease outbreak, constant Mush Comb for all your: assessment of these situations will Mushroom Equipment ensure stringent on-farm hygiene. As Composting Machinery an example, recent on-farm renovation Mushroom Exotic Projects or earthworks in the immediate farm Casing Separators environment may warrant increased fogging along internal corridors and grow rooms adjacent to major doorways as dust is a known dispersal agent of Lecanicillium (grogan 2001). The physical situations on farms are relatively easy to monitor. However staff are constantly changing, and while training is a continual process, it can never counteract people’s attitudes and desire to do (or not to do) as they have been trained. Sanitation protocols are often carried out late in the work day and are seen by some staff as ‘punishment duty’ – short cuts may be taken, and the job may not be done adequately. This situation will always exist but by incorporating hygiene duties into daily tasks and The Netherlands performing them as early as possible T +31 77 398 39 29 without compromising the crop, the [email protected] problem can be alleviated slightly. www.mushroommachinery.com

26 Australian Mushrooms Journal Workshops aimed at developing knowledge Part of the grower engagement mechanism budgeted for in project MU16003: Pest and Disease Management and Research Services is two workshops per year. The workshops are aimed at providing updates on new developments and increasing the capacity of the mushroom industry to minimise the impact of existing and new diseases.

The first series of foundational workshops was delivered in Adelaide in June and Melbourne in July. The promotional flyer identified how the relevance was viewed. It said: “If your farm is currently disease free, During the workshops the emphasis was Project Team recognise that every then this workshop will benefit you that the biology of the causal organisms staff member plays a vital role in by getting your staff up to speed with is foundational to the control measures maintaining a disease-free mushroom disease symptom recognition and vector of mushroom diseases. The disease farm. It is also recognised that every management.” organisms causing dry bubble and staff member plays a vital role in “If disease is a constant presence on cobweb were used as case studies to ensuring the farm successfully works your farm, then this workshop will demonstrate this. through times of high diseases benefit you by updating your staff with The content and delivery mechanisms of pressure and the concept of current disease management practices the workshops have proven to be developing the scope of knowledge and preparing them for new diseases.” robust and relevant to the diversity of was endorsed by farms because they invested in their staff attending. Topics covered included: the personnel who have attended thus • New and emerging diseases. far. The diversity of roles represented Feedback forms were completed by 59 • Symptom recognition and by participants has included production of the 64 people participating in the description. staff, HR staff, harvesters, supervisors, two sessions delivered in Adelaide in • Identifying and managing disease growers, maintenance staff, quality June and the four sessions delivered in vectors. control personnel, box collectors, Melbourne in July. The sessions were • Sampling techniques for different packroom staff and management. The ranked highly by participants. situations. • Identifying disease reservoirs Forward Planning with specific reference to Cobweb and bubble. The project budget for MU 16003 covers the cost of preparation and delivery travel/accommodation of the presenters, but not venue costs. We are • Spot treatment techniques. planning to deliver a workshop in New South Wales in mid September and in Where to get help. • Queensland in early 2019, and are seeking expressions of interest to both host a workshop and/or to participate in a workshop. The venue requirements are a suitable room to fit a minimum of 10 and a Further information: maximum of 15 participants, be equipped with appropriate AV equipment and, Project leader – Warwick Gill be willing to have people from other farms attend if they apply. Because the [email protected] duration of the workshop is four hours (9 am to 1 pm), the Project Team 0417 766 588 also requests the hosting farm to provide a light lunch for all participants. Should a meeting venue need to be hired then, depending on the venue, there Pest and Disease Service – could be a minimal charge to participants to cover the venue cost. Judy Allan Organising these workshops is a process and we simply take it step by step [email protected] until the final details are in place. 02 6767 1057 Contact Warwick Gill or Judy Allan for more information.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 17 One of the workshops in Adelaide was hosted by Nic Femia of SA Mushrooms. While there is no obligation for a workshop host to do a farm walk these participants enjoyed the chance to see some crops and meet international consultants Eric De Groot and Bart Driessen who were in Adelaide at the time. Training Aid Bag Bubble and Cover cobweb

rSpot treatment methods ‘Bag Bubble’ and’ Cover Cobweb’ were practically explored utilising artificial mushrooms that with imagination represented diseased areas. This exercise and relatively cheap set of props was promoted to farms as a useful hands-on method to initially train people about how to treat disease spots. It can also be used to compare how different ‘more experienced’ people approach the task and calibrate everyone to the same farm standard operating procedure.

18 Australian Mushrooms Journal The farm roles represented by participants at Parwan Mushrooms included production staff, HR staff, harvesters, supervisors, growers, maintenance staff, quality control personnel, box collectors, packroom staff and management. Having participants from multiple farms added to the discussion at the final session at the Parwan Mushroom Farm.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 19 CSA Tri Clean & Fog combine a unique While being non corrosive, non blend of three active ingredients to staining, non odorous & pH neutral, provide broad spectrum disease cover Tri Clean & Tri Fog also has a relatively during growing room clean outs. low hazard rating when compared to many other common sanitising

Tri Clean and Tri Fog combats a wide products. range of typical pathogens commonly associated with mushroom Tri Clean & Tri Fog are available to production such as Cladobotryum growers in all regions either direct spp. Lecanicillium spp. Verticillium from CSA (manufacturers) or through spp. & Trichoderma spp. our national distributor network.

Non corrosive, non staining, non odourous & pH neutral. CSA Products are Australian Although Tri Clean & Tri Fog has a made & owned with relatively low hazard rating when compared to many other common locations in Brisbane QLD & sanitising products please always refer Newcastle NSW to the SDS and read the safety precautions on product labels before use. Previously operating under the name of

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Topterra Holland is a member of the Legro Group, a family business in growing media now headed by the fourth generation. Our goal in the coming years is to continue producing the best possible product and services for the mushroom and horticultural industries. This goal requires a different organisation than we had in the past. A strong company structure linked to a clear brand, recognised both nationally and internationally. This is why Topterra Holland as a company name has changed into Legro Mushroom Casing Solutions. Proudly we will retain Topterra as our mushroom casing product name. Sjef Swinkels Legro Mushroom Casing Solutions Tel. + 31 (0) 88 1717600

www.legrogroup.com Pest and Disease Management Legal and Effective Use of Fungicides By Judy Allan What are the legally registered Fungicides? A screenshot from a search of the PUBCRIS section of the registration body APVMA Managing fungal diseases in the (www.apvma.gov.au) for fungicides registered on mushrooms reveals the following: mushroom crop is not simple – the use of fungicides does not guarantee disease control. Fungicides are only one of the tools available; the disease needs to be managed holistically with a hygiene program that has strict attention to small details at EVERY step.

The mushroom industry only has legal access to a small number of fungicide active ingredients, so it is essential they are used as effectively as possible. Registered fungicide products need to be used at the Fungicides containing the active ingredient carbendazim are not REGISTERED for correct rate in the registered use use on the mushroom crop, BUT they are ALLOWED via PERMIT 14949. This pattern to avoid any toxicity to the permit is held by the AMGA on behalf of the industry and is current until crop or unacceptable residues being February 2019. detected. They also need to be used The AMGA also holds PERMIT 12645 on behalf of the industry for products effectively to help control the containing prochloraz (as the manganese chloride complex ) for the split application use pattern against Cobweb (current until 31 March 2022). disease present and not waste In addition, the AMGA holds PERMIT 12965 for a spawn treatment against green money unnecessarily. mould using products with imazalil as their active ingredient (current until 31 July 2022). A screenshot of the list of permits for mushrooms listed on the APVMA website is inserted below:

22 Australian Mushrooms Journal What are the rates and use patterns? • The drum containing the Registered rates and use patterns can be found on the product label, and there is a fungicide solution should be legal requirement to read the label and follow the instructions. agitated so that the fungicide Below is what the label for one of the prochloraz products, namely Octave ® stays in solution and doesn’t specifies for mushrooms. settle out. • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be used as specified on the product safety data sheet. If you are currently using a carbendazim product, please take the time to click on this link for the Carbendazim permit to compare how you use the fungicide on your farm against the critical use comments. for farms using a carbendazim product, please note that The wording for the permit for the split application is below: carbendazim is regularly detected during routine QA testing but so far we have not seen a test result that exceeds the MRL (maximum residue limit), and that is exactly how we want to continue! On a number of occasions, farms have advised that they are using ‘x’ fungicide, but still have ‘y’ disease’; the inference being that the disease has developed resistance. It is true that resistance can develop, and it is also true that fungicides degrade over time. Some farms choose to mix the fungicide IN the casing, but under severe disease pressure, it can be necessary to water ONTO the casing so that the fungicide In essence, the total rate for both use patterns is the same (3 grams per square is targeted to the spores that land on metre), but the split application permit allows the 3 grams to be applied in 2 the casing. applications using 1.5 grams per square metre each time. In my experience when working more It is important to note that when watering on a fungicide it is essential to achieve closely with these farms with persistent even coverage. As a guide use 1 litre of water per square metre of growing surface disease problems, it is not simply a case on the last water of the day. Work in the UK has identified that this precise of just looking at fungicide selection quantity of water provides a more even application than higher and lower rates. and use. Addressing the other disease Prochloraz products are the only products that can be legally watered on during the management procedures, particularly flushes. It is recommended that when watering the fungicide onto the beds between spot treatment and picker training flushes, you wait for most of the pins for the flush to form before you water the and management eventually leads to fungicide on. disease control. If the distribution of water being applied is not precise, the distribution of the For further information on fungicide fungicide applied will not be precise, so general watering technique is important as use in the mushroom industry, please well. Aspects of watering technique that need to be addressed include: contact Judy Allan. • Minimizing the quantity of water that goes onto the floor. • Having the watering tree adjusted so that each level receives the same Further information: amount of water. Project Leader – Warwick Gill • The water used to apply the fungicide should be fresh water (i.e. [email protected] without hypochlorite or stabilised chlorine dioxide added). 0417 766 588 Pest and Disease Service – Judy Allan [email protected] 02 6767 1057

Australian Mushrooms Journal 23 24 Australian Mushrooms Journal www.mushroommachinery.com Two product lines new mushroom machinery

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26 Up to date resources a key component in the fight against pest and disease

Mushroom yield and quality In the first six months of the project, a reports providing additional information considerable amount of work has been that may be of interest to some growers are the first casualties of undertaken to engage with growers at a and farm principles. pest and disease. However, farm level to provide technical expertise. Growers also have access to a detailed the risk can be reduced This expertise is then reinforced with online resource library – AGORA access to relevant and up-to-date - accessed through the Australian through access to resources resources on mushroom pests and Mushrooms website. highlighting correct disease and their management. management. This approach At a farm level, two pest and disease Stay up-to-date workshops have been presented in To make the most of this project, there is a key component of the South Australia and four in victoria. The are a few simple steps that you can project pest and Disease workshops provide a detailed insight follow: into correct disease treatment as well • Read the project related materials Management and Research as outlining how disease is spread featured in every edition of the Services, managed by around the farm and the correct way Journal. Warwick Gill and Judy Allan. to sample and monitor farm hygiene. • Check your emails to ensure you feedback fr om the workshops (see Page receive the Growers Alert and Fact 17 for further details) has been Sheet materials. extremely positive, and further events • Visit the AGORA website to read will assist in building industry capacity about a particular pest or disease to minimise the impact of new and or treatment option. emerging diseases. • Pick up the telephone and talk to In addition to the workshops, the project the project leaders, who would be has also implemented two separate happy to discuss the issue on a formats of direct communication. The confidential basis and provide first is a Growers Alert, delivered via advice on the next steps. email to respond quickly to industry If you feel you are not receiving any issues. The second is a Fact Sheet, of the materials outlined in this story designed to provide targeted and and would like to check you are on the detailed information on specific topics email list or registered to use AGORA, giving farm personnel information please feel free to contact either Judy that can be used in a practical way Allan or Warwick Gill using the details on-farm. The first Fact Sheet was below. released recently and covers the topic of Syzygites megalocarpus or Troll doll. The Fact Sheet details the appearance of the pathogen on the bed and the symptomology which develops on Further information: mushrooms. If you want to know Project Leader – Warwick Gill more, a copy of the Fact Sheet can be [email protected] downloaded HERE. 0417 766 588 Backing up this information are regular Pest and Disease Service – articles published in the Australian Judy Allan Mushrooms Journal. While these articles [email protected] are written in an easy to understand 02 6767 1057 style, links are also provided to technical

Australian Mushrooms Journal 25 Detailed fact Sheets will be made available throughout the life of the project to keep industry up to date with the latest information.

26 Australian Mushrooms Journal Australian Mushrooms Journal 12 White Prince invests in continual improvement

An overhead view of ver the last fifty years, the independently owned and operated construction as the new Australian mushroom industry has farms running in the most efficient compost tunnels take shape. undergone serious rationalisation, manner possible. The farms operating owith the number of commercial under the White Prince banner, include growers dropping from 73 in 2011 to Regal, Elf and Premier Mushrooms – just 44 in 2015. and are all supplied with compost Lower grower numbers do not, however, through a state-of-the-art facility point to an industry in decline. Far from developed by Elf Farm Supplies, owned it. Those that remain in place are part and operated by Rob and Norah Tolson. of an industry producing mushrooms And it is this new indoor facility which with a wholesale value in excess of is turning heads, with the increased $420 million and with plans in place to capacity and the improved odour expand and benefit from increased scale management system placing it as a of production. world leader, in terms of technology and productivity. Run by members of the Tolson family, the combined entity of White Prince is Construction of the new facilities the biggest privately-owned mushroom commenced in September 2016 and are producer in Australia and has come now in the final stages of completion. through decades of evolution and By September 2018 the facility is growth, building mushroom production expected to produce 1,600t of Phase 1 around the themes of innovation and Compost per week with the capacity to efficiency. go over 3,000t per week. The expanded output is timely, with A multi-generational family-owned plans well underway for the upgrading company, White Prince has invested of production facilities to take strongly in keeping its network of advantage of the increase of available compost.

28 Australian Mushrooms Journal Above: David Tolson (Elf Mushrooms) Over the longer term the combination virtually takes away any of the explains the development to Samantha Ferguson (Hort Innovation of additional compost and expanded odours generally associated with the Marketing Manager) and John production facilities is likely to see a composting process, to the point where Vatikiotis (Hort Innovation Industry doubling of production of mushrooms even standing on this barrier there is Relationship Manager). to around 400t per week. certainly no smell emanating from the Speaking on behalf of Elf Farm Supplies facility. Top Right: Rob Tolson said the new odour The company pride in the facility is The scale of the new compost management system and other compost very evident. What they now have in tunnels is certainly impressive. facility upgrades were an investment in place is a modern, innovative facility the future that would set the company that can meet the demands of not only up for many decades to come. their farms but the other businesses Mr Tolson said he was proud of the fact to which they supply compost, in an that the company was leading the way, environmentally friendly manner. as the first producer in Australia to “We take our role in the community install this innovative technology. very seriously, and we see the He said that by working with world development as a valuable commitment leading engineering specialists, the to grow our business in a way that is company now has in place a biofilter compatible with the needs of residents that uses the latest advances in odour to be able to enjoy the lifestyle that the science, and importantly is adapted to surrounding area provides.” Australian conditions. “For four generations we have focused Visitors to the new composting on knowing everything about growing facilities cannot help but be impressed quality mushrooms. As a company, with the sheer scale of the we are continually looking at new development, with the operations technology and new ways to deliver enclosed entirely and with each of the quality products to consumers. The ten tunnels capable of holding 800t of new composting facility provides us compost. As the compost progresses, with a solid base to further develop the any odour is contained within the farms operating under the White Prince structure before passing through banner,” Mr Tolson said. exhaust scrubbers and then finally being filtered through a two-metre- high barrier of dampened Australian hardwood. This process

Australian Mushrooms Journal 29 The development of the new facilities represents a significant investment in time and commitment.

30 Australian Mushrooms Journal The sheer scale of the building works is impressive and highlights the long- term commitment to the future of the farming group.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 31 Applied Horticultural Disease Diagnostic Service If your farm has disease issues or if you just need to monitor the effectiveness of current management

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The Marsh Lawson MLMRU Mushroom Research Unit Our facility Unravel the mysteries of mushrooms The MLMRU is a world class research facility As well as conducting research for the direct established by the AMGA at the University of benefits of industry, the facility is available Sydney. and suitable for private projects on; The GLP accredited unit has two fully l Pesticide / biopesticide efficacy independent growing rooms with high- and registration trials capacity humidity and temperature l Evaluation of media, casing, nutritional management systems. Each growing room amendments and other new products can hold 72 x 20kg compost blocks on a l Variety testing racking system. l Energy efficiency trials Next to the growing rooms is a well- equipped laboratory, while the University campus offers extensive testing and analytical possibilities.

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25 The Importance of a Good Pre-Wet by: Erik de Groot, GLAGS Global Agriculture Services

Pre-wet is extremely important he purpose of pre-wetting is softening the straw. Straw is in composting and is often not surrounded by a waxy layer and that needs to be removed. The harder the straw is, the more wax that needs to be removed. done in an optimal manner. The T Once the waxy layer is removed, the straw breaks open and it can time of the process varies, absorb the water and build inbound moisture. depending of course on the type of straw, but more so on the effectiveness of the pre- wet process. The following explains the importance of a good pre-wet.

The straw needs to get dunked in water to start the process. After that it needs to reach a temperature of between 40 and 60 degrees, and to do this it needs air and then to be sprinkled regularly. A really good set-up will be able to add air through the bales once the temperature is too low, and water when the temperature goes over 60 degrees. That way the straw will be at the correct temperature all the time and the pre-wet time will be very effective. However, there are situations where the conditions are not ideal and where the process is far from optimal. This can happen later in the bunker process and can be visible in the way the compost absorbs the water. In the situation where it is a struggle to get the water in the compost it is very well possible that the pre-wet was too short and the straw not soft enough, causing water to run off through the compost. The different issues, and ways to address them are outlined on the next page.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 33 1. The bales get put away in a situation where there is not a lot of air going through, delaying the process. The bales might be a week in pre-wet but if they stay too cold, the straw will not become soft enough. A solution is to space the bales more and ideally on an aerated floor to get air flow through the bales. Don’t stack them higher than two bales after pre-wet. 2. The bales get too wet. Some compost plants sprinkle continuously on the bales for the first 24 to 96 hours. The idea is to get the water in, but because the bales stay cold nothing happens and the water will just run off, directly back into the drains. The straw should not be submerged in water that long as it will prevent the temperature from rising. Dunk the Above: Don’t stack bales higher than two bales after pre-wet. bales thoroughly at the start to make Below: Dunking the bales with an old shipping container and a big pump. sure the water is in the middle of the bales, and sprinkle more water only if the temperature of the bales allows it. 3. Another scenario is where there is no dunking process in place and where bales get only sprinkled with water. The water struggles to go completely into the bales, leaving dry areas. for optimum results, every blade of straw should be wet, if not it will stay yellow through the entire process. In this scenario a good dunking facility can make a big improvement. This can be easily done with an old shipping container and a big pump (as shown in the example right).

Setting up a good pre-wet system is vital, and it is important to make sure all conditions are right, otherwise the time spent is enough in theory, but it will not be fully effective. The time it takes to open up the straw varies. for older straw from irrigated land it can be three days, where newer straw in dryer climates needs up to two weeks. Of course, leaving the straw too long in pre-wet is not good either, as the straw will become too soft causing structural loss for your compost. Using other straw than the wheat straw referred to above is different again. For example, rye and rice straw Record the pre-wet process every week and follow this closely. Follow the decompose faster so the process needs temperatures, check if the bales are wet into the middle after dunking and follow up less time and when horse manure is where improvements are needed. Remember that making a good compost starts used the fermentation process has with the pre-wet process, so start off right! already started in the stables. erik de Groot GLAGS Global Agricultural Services [email protected]

34 Australian Mushrooms Journal Benchmarking - A key to Industry Profitability

The Mushroom Industry Data Collection Project (MU16006), is a new project that will ensure Australian mushroom growers have easy access to clear, relevant industry benchmarking information around productivity, quality and profitability. This information will assist new and experienced producers to assess the performance of their businesses against the wider industry, and identify areas for action and improvement.

roducers focussed on improving on production and financial data from two-page report summarising their own the key drivers of productivity, participating growers to measure the business benchmarks, and a summary quality and profitability are set performance of individual businesses and of the de-identified industry-wide P to benefit from a new national the industry as a whole. benchmarks will be made available to the benchmarking project. Participation in the project will allow wider mushroom industry. The levy-funded Mushroom Industry Data producers to connect the dots between Information on how to participate in this Collection Project, has just commenced their own business, and identify potential new project will be made available to and will provide mushroom producers with activities, practices or innovations that growers soon. the opportunity to quantify how much it may provide opportunities for their In the meantime, for further information actually costs them to produce mushrooms business profitability. or to express interest now in participating, on a kilo by kilo basis. This will include RMCG will use the ‘BizCheck’ method contact Clinton Muller from RMCG on measuring the strengths and weaknesses developed from economic and financial [email protected] or 0498 192 596. of their businesses and setting industry farm surveys carried out in other benchmarks in relation to key areas of agricultural and horticultural industries. production, including energy, water and BizCheck has been used to provide labour inputs. performance indicators for the citrus, The project, to be delivered by RM dried grapes, wine grapes, olive, apple, Consulting Group (RMCG, will use a pear and stone fruit industries. combination of two years of information Participating growers will be given a

Australian Mushrooms Journal 35 Agenda holds wide interest

ctober is conference time. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHINESE And if you are a mushroom AGARICUS MUSHROOM INDUSTRY - grower or someone involved Bill Chen - China - Former General Act Now O in the industry and have not Manager Sylvan China yet booked, you still have time to take The annual production of Agaricus the opportunity to attend a conference bisporus in China has reached three Visit the conference that has been put together to meet your • million tonnes. The large size of the interests. website and register Chinese Agaricus mushroom industry has NOW. Developed by the Australian Mushrooms impressed the world’s mushroom Growers Association under the theme – community. In China modern farms The Bridge to Success – the conference are being built as traditional farming is will be held at the InterContinental Hotel gradually disappearing. • Talk to other industry in Sydney from 11-13 October, 2018. The expansion of the mushroom industry participants and In addition to a strong panel of relies greatly on the market size of the spread the news. international and Australian speakers, country. However, from being traditional there are updates on the industry levy to modern, the Chinese mushroom investment in marketing, and research industry has a long way to go in terms of and development. The conference also • Stay informed by culture, equipment, technology, includes an on-farm component, and marketing, experience, management and reading this Journal social events offering the opportunity to raw materials. There is a lot to be done and the Industry connect with other delegates. as the understanding of the basics is For further information, please visit incomplete, and we need to slow down to Update e-newsletter. the conference website, where you can do a better job. This approach involves register, read the speakers program and cultural changes and continuous training biographies, and find details about the for people throughout the industry. All sponsors and social events. these provide an opportunity because as The following is a snapshot of what you costs in China gets higher, the country can expect to hear from some of the might start importing fresh mushrooms! speakers who will be presenting at the Implications for industry: event. Western technology and professionals have played an important role in the development of the industry, and their involvement will increase as time goes. Will the Chinese mushroom industry be a threat or an opportunity to the world?

36 Australian Mushrooms Journal THE SUCCESS OF THE EUROPEAN This look at the mushroom industry will the supplements work in a particular growing system. Because the supplements MUSHROOM INDUSTRY - Mel stretch from the arid semi-desert plains of Namibia and through Zimbabwe to the are imported to Australia, it is important O’Rourke - Ireland - Managing Director shores of Lake Malawi and then to use the right product and at the right Sylvan Europe northward into Tanzania, Kenya and the rate of application. What does success mean in the European vast hillsides, volcanoes and home of the This presentation highlights the benefits Mushroom Industry? world-famous Gorillas in Rwanda. of supplements and how they can be used By looking back over 30 years, the key The lives and challenges faced by by growers to maximise yields and influences and success factors can be mushroom growers across the African improve mushroom quality. identified. Accelerated technological continent share a will to succeed as Implications for industry: advances have substantially improved mushroom farmers. Mycelial Meander With supplements, a source of protein is productivity and have allowed an explores and shares the realities of added to help lift yield and quality. This unprecedented expansion of product setting up mushroom growing facilities in approach makes supplements one of the offerings. The result is commoditisation an often very challenging situation, with better investments regarding what is put of mushroom products, increasing price limited resources. From raw material in and what the product delivers. wars and shrinking profit margins. What procurement to setting the mushrooms Understanding the art of will shape the industry in the next 30 correctly on the beds, this supplementation, and considering current years? ‘Meander’ promises to share an intriguing supplementation practices against this Recruitment and retention of skilled view of the mushroom world on this knowledge, provides the opportunity to labour at all levels will be the most colourful continent. refine and modify activities to get the significant influence on the future Implications for industry: best possible outcome from this activity. development of our industry. Who will develop the first robotic picker While Australian growers operate as part that can harvest and present the product of a modern high-tech industry, they GROWING QUALITY MUSHROOMS – share an enthusiasm to grow the best to the exacting standards of the fresh EASIER SAID THAN DONE - Erik de market? possible product with the available Groot - United States - International To success industry also needs to study resources. A look at the African approach Mushroom Consultant and understand more of the science in highlights the will to succeed and the In a relatively small market, like the substrate production. ability to make the most of production Australian market, quality is key. The challenges. industry has created a very high-quality Implications for industry: standard, resulting in what would be The Australian industry shares many close to demanding the best quality of the issues found in the european THE ART OF SUPPLEMENTATION - mushrooms worldwide. experience. The shared knowledge will Eric Vernooij - Netherlands - Supplement & Casing Expert Champ Food There are however a number of areas allow industry to consider potential International solutions to common problems and where growers can make the difference. In growing mushrooms, supplementation encourage discussion on issues that Growers often ask questions – how has become a significant pathway to impact on the future development of the can quality be improved without losing increasing the bio-efficiency of the industry in Australia. yield? As a consultant, my role is making substrate, the compost. because the use growers aware of the key points and help of supplements has become standard them realise where on-farm MYCELIAL MEANDER AND practice to maximise yields and improve improvements are possible. From casing DEVELOPMENT ON THE AFRICAN mushroom quality, it is essential to get it up to harvest, growing techniques and CONTINENT - Mel Meyer - South Africa right. climate systems, it all makes a difference. - Dig It Mushroom Consultancy From a growing perspective, there is a Implications for industry: An informative glance at the mushroom difference in the qualities of supplements While it is easier said than done, industry across the vast African and the usability of the proteins in the delivering quality mushrooms consistently continent is filled with the passion and product, with a higher concentration must be the objective of each and every dedication of people trying to build product delivering an increased grower. Tips on where and how to African ‘Bridges to Success’, within the percentage of protein. So, it becomes achieve this outcome offer real value to mushroom sector. a question of price and quality and how Australian growers.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 37 PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT - ‘THE REALITY OF RISK - A FOCUS SOLAR POWER FOR THE Judy Allan and Warwick Gill - AUSTRALIA ON FOOD SAFETY AND OTHER MUSHROOM INDUSTRY – Dr John - Pest and Disease Management and CHALLENGES’ - Clare Hamilton-Bate - Lasich – Australia – Director and founder Research Services AUSTRALIA - Food Safety & Quality of RayGen Resources For growers, pest and disease Assurance - Freshcare and Patrick For every Australian mushroom grower, management is something that can McClelland -AUSTRALIA – Porter Novelli the issue of production costs is a major impact greatly on the quality, yield As shown in recent months, in both concern with rising power prices an and profitability of the farm. When in Australia and overseas, the failure to escalating issue. In a bid to reduce this it comes to effective pest and disease manage food safety risk can have cost some farms have turned to alternate management, it is all about timing and a catastrophic impact on an entire power sources incorporating the use of managing change in the way farms industry; Australian rock melon sales solar panels into farming operations. operate. are still significantly impacted by the Changing technology is, however, opening Specific reference will be made to recent Listeria outbreak, while sales of up new possibilities with companies like disinfectants, pest life cycles and frozen berries and vegetables continue to RayGen Resources Pty Ltd setting new symptom expression to aid effective farm be affected by international product benchmarks for power efficiency. The hygiene and to reduce the impact of contamination issues. company has already established a World disease. Record for Solar System Efficiency with Implications for industry: The key to effective pest and disease UNSW and has ongoing investment and Effective risk management is critical both management is to “look closely and support from many private and public at an individual business level and for an act quickly”, but to apply this approach investors including the Australian industry as a whole. To manage risk requires knowledge and understanding to Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). proactively and effectively there is a need identify issues before they become RayGen pioneers PV Ultra, an innovative, to both understand the potential risks, problems. next-generation combination of high- identify the opportunities to control and efficiency solar cells and low-cost Implications for industry: develop the strategies to manage. By mirrors. The Australian designed and starting from the position that ‘things are Pests and diseases have always had manufactured technology heralds the going to happen’, this discussion explores major implications for industry, and future of solar power, combining effective risk management in the effective management is all about unprecedented efficiency, lower costs, the mushroom industry. minimising their impact. The Pest and ability to produce both electricity and Disease Management project offers farms heat, and the option to manufacture the the opportunity to access information Your levy at work majority of the components locally. and expertise to build capacity to deal Implications for industry: with pest and disease issues promptly. Through investment in R&D and PV Ultra is able to meet the needs for A timely and relevant approach to meet marketing, Hort Innovation works to both electricity and climate conditioning the challenges of modern mushroom improve productivity, farm gate farming. in the mushroom farming process by profitability and global delivering low-cost heat and electricity. competitiveness of Australian PV Ultra has demonstrated its suitability horticultural industries. Hear first to the mushroom farming industry, and hand how your levy is being put to has been helping a Victorian mushroom work. agribusiness lower their electricity and gas costs for over 30 months. PV Ultra is STOP PRESS! Saturday 13 October 2018 a versatile, Australian manufactured co- Hort Innovation : How your mushroom generation solar technology with a A post-conference tour to Adelaide levy money is working to benefit the smaller footprint than typical solar farms incorporating visits to SA industry (1:30 pm - 2:00 pm) and the possibility for dual-land use. Mushrooms and P&L Rogers is also being proposed. Please Hort Innovation : Marketing update register your interest at the (2:00 pm - 2:30 pm) following LINK.

38 Australian Mushrooms Journal Topic Speaker

Development of the Chinese Mr Bill Chen – China – Agaricus mushroom industry former General Manager Sylvan China

The success of the European Mr Mel O’ Rourke – Ireland – mushroom industry Managing Director Sylvan europe

Mycelial Meander and Mr Mel Meyer – South Africa – Development on the African Dig It Mushroom Consultancy Continent

Mr Eric Vernooij – Netherlands The art of supplementation – Supplement & Casing expert Champ food International

Growing quality mushrooms – Mr Erik de Groot – United States easier said than done – International Mushroom Consultant

Pest and Disease Management Judy Allan and Warwick Gill - Australia - Pest and Disease Management and Research Services

The reality of risk - A focus Clare Hamilton-bate - Australia on Food Safety and other - Food Safety & Quality challenges Assurance - Freshcare and Patrick McClelland - Australia – Porter Novelli

Solar power for the mushroom Dr John Lasich – Australia – industry Director and founder of RayGen Resources

Australian Mushrooms Journal 39 Sponsors and Exhibitors The 2018 Australian Mushroom Growers Association conference has been well supported by sponsors and exhibitors. While the conference has a comprehensive speaking program and agenda, there is plenty of time to catch up with industry friends and partners. During the breaks you are encouraged to speak with representatives of the sponsors and exhibitors that help to make this conference such a great event. These representatives are international experts with access to the latest information and are pleased to talk with you about how they can help your business.

ASCHl Management Systems AMyCEl Aschl Management Systems provides specialized software for substrate BVB Euroveen Amycel / Spawn Mate are the premier production for mushroom growers and BVB Euoveen is an international partner spawn and supplement supplier in North compost manufacturers. The software specialised in mushroom growing, America. Both companies joined covers: production management; business greenhouse horticulture, landscaping, the together in the mid-1980s as part of Control; Compliance. The system is hobby market, soft fruits and tree Monterey Mushrooms. Together they fully modular and is integrated for fast nursery. BVB Euroveen casing oil contains represent the most integrated information and quick reports, connecting well selected raw materials and is mushroom company in the world. with other systems and equipment such produced in an hygienic and appropriate as weigh bridges and other measuring environment. Our casing soil is tested instruments. constantly in our new BVM Mushroom Research Centre and because of this BVB Euroveen can guarantee trustworthy, high quality product.

Christiaens Group Christiaens Group is a global leader in setting up turnkey solutions for Global Axis mushroom farms and composting yards. Global Axis Import Solutions are a proud The company started with making family owned business in operation machinery for the mushroom industry in GTl - Europe since 1988. Their product range includes 1971 and expanded their expertise over mushroom casing, sphagnum peat moss, GTL- Europe offers a wide product range the years in all areas related to mushroom growing supplement, for composting and mushroom growing mushroom cultivation. Our company mushroom spawn, machinery/ farms: ranging from climate control assures quality in the design and equipment and many other sundry systems, machinery and automation realisation of turnkey projects or parts products including growing nets, lights systems to the construction of aerated of our expertise. The wide range of and picking knives. composting bunkers and tunnels as well knowledge guarantees a seamless as growing rooms. Right from the start coverage of all relevant areas of of the project, GTL-Europe is closely expertise. involved in developing solutions for individual components, existing situations and complete new-build projects.

40 Australian Mushrooms Journal Harte Peat Hort Innovation Harte Peat it is recognised as one of the “Hort Innovation is the link between the market leaders in the mushroom casing needs of industry, the capabilities of Hoving Holland industry and has been producing casing science, and the potential of marketing. Hoving Holland was founded in 1930 soil mixes since 1987. The success of Hort Innovation’s primary function is and for the past 20 years has produced Harte’s business has been built on creating value for horticulture growers agricultural conveyors. Hoving Holland meeting customers’ expectations in and those across the horticulture supply was involved in the early development of relation to product quality, mixed quality chain. and freedom from disease. the mechanisation of mushroom- Through investment in Research and cultivation and in the 1970s commenced Development and marketing, Hort the export of mushroom machinery. Since Innovation works to improve then the company has developed many productivity, farm gate profitability and innovations in mushroom machinery and global competitiveness of Australian compost systems. horticultural industries. Hoving Holland has long been recognized Funded by grower levies, Australian as one of the leading suppliers to global Government contributions, industry turnkey projects, providing installations legro Australia contributions and co-investment, Hort that are innovative and manufactured Innovation is owned by growers with Legro Australia is the sales offices of with impeccable quality standards. the Legro group and sells the Topterra investments made on behalf of their and Legro product in Australia and levy industries. Together we’re growing Hoving Holland partners with your New Zealand. Topterra specialise in the innovation for the Australian business at all stages from concept to production of casing for the professional horticulture industry – now and into manufacturing to installation and service, mushroom culture. Legro processes and the future.” providing a wide range of support, as well mixes raw materials to obtain optimum in mushroom machinery, compost systems substrates, customised to meet the and waste disposal equipment. specific needs of, in particular, soft fruit growers, tree nurseries and young plant growers.

Sylvan Australia Sylvan is the global leader in fungal Viscon Australia/Hortraco technology in the world largest producer and distributor of mushroom Viscon is a Dutch manufacturer, making spawn, with facilities in 17 locations automation equipment for the wider horti and serving 65 countries. and agricultural and related industries since 1967. Viscon has been operating in Mushroom Composters Australia since the early 2000’s, providing Mushroom Composters was formed as PRODUCT and MATERIAL HANDLING a growers’ co-operative in 1976, based SOLUTIONS. We engineer, manufacture, in the Hawkesbury. The company has deliver and install plus provide after sale been producing Phase 1 compost from service, ranging from standalone machines the Hunter valley operation since 1985. to turn key projects. We write our own Mushroom Composters motto is ‘Grow software and can integrate third party with Confidence’ and the compost is so machinery. good it almost doesn’t need spawn!

Australian Mushrooms Journal 41 Hort Innovation Roundup

range of information is MU17002 - Educating health available through Hort professionals about mushrooms Innovation to keep you updated The objectives of the project are to: A on relevant mushroom industry activities. The mushroom pages of the • provide credibility and amplification Hort Innovation website are a good of consumer messages delivered place to start, providing information on through the mushroom marketing new, ongoing and recently completed campaign by educating health projects; timely updates on the activities professionals about the health of the Strategic Investment Advisory benefits of mushrooms. panel; as well as financial statements • Develop and provide resources for and project summaries. health professionals to encourage and motivate clients to include Stay connected mushrooms in their diet. Levy payers and business owners Voting Rights (or nominated representatives) are MU18002 - Agri-technology encouraged to become members of investment opportunity in the All levy payers have been invited to Hort Innovation. Growers and others in mushroom industry complete the 2017/18 Annual Levy the supply chain can stay updated by The objectives of this project are to help Return to secure voting rights for subscribing to receive regular news and Hort Innovation and the mushroom industry: the following 12 months. communications. Voting rights can be secured in the • Document global mushroom industry agri-tech initiatives/opportunities following ways: Mushroom Industry SIAP and identify issues needing RD&E The Mushroom Industry Strategic investment or collaboration. • Complete the Annual Levy Investment Advisory Panel continues to Develop an action plan with industry Return form online by Friday play a key role in providing advice to • on how to approach these 28 September 2018 by Hort Innovation on a wide range of levy investment/opportunities and visiting https:// investments, undertaken on behalf of the investment/collaboration events.miraqle.com/HortInno industry. The SIAP meets regularly, and opportunities. vation/. You will need to meeting summaries are made available enter your Member Number to keep industry informed. and Member Pin, which you Understanding how Hort should have received via If you have any questions relating to the Innovation works operations of the SIAP please contact email. Do you want to know more about the levy Hort Innovation Industry Relationship system? Or why levies exist in the first Manager, John Vatikiotis either by phone • Complete the hard copy place? What about how Hort Innovation is - 0429 022 637 or via email – John. Annual Levy Return form, funded? Find out more about your [email protected] which has been sent to all Research and Development Corporation, levy payers by mail. Please Upcoming projects by following this LINK or visiting the Hort note this form must be Innovation website. received by Friday 28 The mushroom industry, through Hort September 2018. Innovation, undertakes a range of levy Save the date based investments. Proposals for the Hort Innovation’s Annual General following projects are currently being If you have any questions, please Meeting this year will be held in assessed, following a public tender call Link Market Services on 1800 Brisbane on Friday, November 23, 2018. process. Once contracted, further 660 083 or email More information will be published when information will be made available [email protected] details are confirmed. through this Journal and the Industry Update newsletter.

42 Australian Mushrooms Journal Hort Innovation Review of Performance Released The independent Review of Performance on Hort Innovation has now been released. Hort Innovation has responded to, and accepted, all 14 recommendations of review.

The purpose of the Review was to to give considered feedback around how provide an independent assessment of the organisation is performing and what Hort Innovation's performance, opportunities there are to work better particularly with regards to: together for the future of Australian • Transitioning from the previous horticulture. governance arrangements of Hort Innovation would like to thank Horticulture Australia Limited everyone who gave their time, insight and (HAL). critique of the organisation’s performance, Delivering against Strategic and • helping shape the review. Operational Plans. • Delivering benefits to Australian You can find a copy of both the review horticulture industries. and Hort Innovation's response to the recommendations on the Hort innovation The review has provided another solid website here. bank of evidence around what Hort Innovation is doing well, and what could Anyone with any questions is encouraged continue to improve. It was also an to contact Hort Innovation at additional opportunity for stakeholders [email protected].

The Hort Innovation Board would like to make special thanks to the growers, industry representative bodies and supply chain stakeholders who took the time to Background to the Review share their thoughts, ideas and assessment of the Company’s performance, both In December 2017, following a competitive constructive and positive. It is this critical and honest feedback that allows Hort tender process, GHD was contracted to Innovation to continue to grow in a direction that is supported by industry. carry out the four-yearly independent Review of Performance on Hort Innovation. The independent investigation of performance is a valuable component of continuous improvement for the Company and is a requirement mandated under the The review is a requirement under the Company’s Funding Agreement with the Australian Government as a Research and company’s Statutory Funding Agreement Development Corporation (RDC). (SFA) with the Australian Government, and also an opportunity to gain important feedback on progress and delivery over the four years since the incorporation of Hort Innovation. The initiatives outlined in the Company response to the review will form an ongoing program of work for Hort Innovation and help to inform the negotiations around the next SFA between the Australian Government and Hort Innovation, in the continued effort to support the productivity, profitability, and competitiveness of Australian horticulture.

Australian Mushrooms Journal 43 Let’s talk about your industry

John Vatikiotis Relationship Management Lead Hort Innovation

Meet the mushroom industry Relationship Manager and see how he can support you.

John is keen to chat with you. He is your link to the latest R&D and marketing developments and how these can help your business grow. It’s easy to request a phone call – just go to the ‘Contact Me’ form at horticulture.com.au/contact-me. Alternatively, call 02 8295 2300 or email [email protected] and let us know you would like John to call you. horticulture.com.au Repeal of WHS Regulations and what it means to you!

The WHS Regulation 2011 What you are likely to be asked to • Competency Register which includes produce, if an inspector calls? all licences, (High Risk, Forklift) has been repealed and Certificates of Competency for all replaced with the new WHS Including, but not limited to the plant and equipment where licenses following: are no longer recognised, like Regulation 2017. Excavator, Bobcat, Tractor, and • Training Registers, both for the There has been some confusion regarding many more. individual worker and the company. the new Legislation and how it affects • Consider creating a detailed businesses. • Detailed “Activities Register” which Workers Handbook designed to On the surface and as described on the incorporates “live” registers. minimise the exposure to the PCBU SafeWork Information Webpage, it • Evidence of your consultation and (employers) regarding Fairwork and appeared that the only changes were worker participation process. Industrial Relations issues and cosmetic, minor and had little effect on ensure the worker is fully aware of businesses, other than change all the • Updated Policy Statement (change their roles and responsibilities. documents to reflect the date change to the date of the Regulation). 2017. • Consider individual worker • Emergency Evacuation Plan and I have had a deluge of incidents with employment contracts. evidence of regular drills. (to A3 clients this year and have had first hand size). • Look at your Safe Operating dealings with the Regulators (SafeWork Procedures for all plant and NSW) because of incidents resulting in • Electrical tag and testing. equipment and ensure there are no injury, as well as several industrial “pinch points.” (where a worker can • Fire safety tagging. relations issues like unfair dismissal, stick in their finger or get clothing attempted Workers Compensation Claims • Compressor registration and caught). for non-work-related injury and “too testing. (5-year licence from • Ensure the operators are competent stressed to work.” SafeWork, cost approx.$65) Check to perform the expected task. It was interesting to observe the the size of your compressor. Regulators process. The SafeWork focus (Signed off by a competent person). • Maintenance Registers for all plant appears to more vigorous, with • SafeWork are revisiting chemical and equipment. (Vehicles, Forklifts, substantial expectations of workplace use in Mushroom Farms, focusing trucks overhead cranes, plant and performance, by the person in control. once again on those of you who use equipment, etc.) formaldehyde (formalin) as well as the safe use, storage, handling and labelling of all chemicals on site.

44 Australian Mushrooms Journal The following is a copy of the post on the SafeWork Web Page and you should take heed!

The State’s workplace safety regulator and unsafe forklifts, drivers not I suggest you review your safety operations, is cracking down on dangerous wearing seatbelts, and poor traffic documentation, workers understanding of worksites as part of an ongoing management. roles responsibilities and be ready if an forklift safety blitz, SafeWork NSW “Forklift incidents are largely inspector calls on you also. Acting Executive Director Tony preventable, and I’m committed to Williams said. ensuring worker safety is front of Yours in Safety, Mr Williams said that SafeWork mind for everyone on worksites.” Phil Martin CEO inspectors visited 180 businesses in From July 2014 to July 2016, more March this year and found significant than 1,300 workers were injured in safety breaches, leading to more than forklift incidents, and sadly, this 90 notices. four NSW businesses were included three fatalities. These tragic prosecuted and fined a total of incidents also cost the NSW workers Further information: $835,000. compensation system more than $30 “I’m seriously concerned by the million. Phil Martin industry’s lack of compliance with Additional blitz operations are CEO Workplace Health & Safety forklift safety, so I’ve directed our continuing next month as part of Australia inspectors to come down hard on SafeWork’s ‘Take forking safety Tel: 02 4504 94342 (24 hour businesses that aren’t following the seriously’ program, aimed at reducing rules,” Mr Williams said. deaths and injuries from the use helpline) “The recent inspections found the forklifts. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] most common breaches included faulty

Australian Mushrooms Journal 37 Australian Mushrooms Journal 12 Australian Mushrooms Journal - 2018 Edition 3

The strategic levy investment project Communication program for the Australian Mushroom Industry 2016-2019 is part of the Hort Innovation Mushroom Fund.

The project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the mushroom industry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

ADVERTISING Advertising within this publication is maintained by the Australian Mushroom growers Association under an agreement with Hort Innovation.

This Association welcomes advertising within the Journal. The booking deadline is 6 weeks prior to the publication date.

for further information, please contact Sally Heukers on 0472 599 135 or via email using the following LINk.

Australian Mushrooms Journal – Autumn 2016 This Journal has been produced as part of Project MU 15001: Communication program for the Australian Mushroom Industry 2016 – 2019.

The project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the mushroom industry levy and funds from the Australian government.