The Committee

Richard Eckersley along with his wife Marie and family are the proud owners of Yambellup Estate, situated in Harvey, growing and packing predominately mandarins. Richard is passionate about the WA CITRUS industry and would like to see more local produce in supermarkets and stores. Richard is the fourth generation in his family to farm in the Harvey district and is hopeful one day to see the fifth generation in his family also farm. Richard has extensive knowledge and experience in the citrus industry and is committed to utilise these skills to better the citrus industry for now and in the future.

Growers can contact Richard at chair@wacitrus.com.au

Shane is from Bindoon, where together with his wife Bridgette and son Michael they grow citrus and run a packing shed. Packing citrus from their own orchard (Niela Citrus) as well as citrus from Moora Citrus that is managed by Shane. They also pack fruit from other growers in the Bindoon, Gingin area

Shane has grown citrus since 1990 and during this time has seen grower funds used as part of the successful introduction of the Citrus IDO project, Citrus Quality Assurance, the development of the ‘blue sticker’ campaign for citrus, the change to millimetre sizes for packing and the introduction of the WA citrus fruit maturity code. These initiatives have resulted in new and traditional citrus varieties having improved visual and eating qualities and marketed in a way that appeals to consumers in a range of new and established markets.

Shane believes the only way to embrace opportunities and address challenges still faced by the industry is by working together to maintain a viable sustainable Citrus industry in Western Australia.

Mary Ann is a new citrus grower. Mary Ann and her husband, John, are in the process of developing a small citrus orchard in West Gingin. Currently, they have a variety of mandarins and a small number of navels planted. Although new to the industry, she has worked at various orchards and farms in the Gingin area. She looks forward to working together with all stakeholders to promote the purchase of locally grown West Australian fruit.

Daniel is a director and financial controller of family owned business AGRIFresh, with large citrus and mango plantings in Dandaragan and Badgingarra, where they also pack and market fruit to domestic and export markets. Daniel is passionate for WA citrus to be showcased both locally and abroad for its fresh, safe and delicious tasting qualities.

Having a background in Engineering, he is also extremely focused and excited by new technologies that can be implemented in orchards and packing sheds that will present increased efficiencies in farming and packing practices into the future.

 

Content coming

Cliff Winfield is currently establishing a lemon and finger-lime orchard. He is passionate about sustainable agriculture and has a long association with horticulture, viticulture, aquaculture and forestry in the South West. Commencing in 1988, when he purchased a farm and moved to Smith Brook, Manjimup to establish a vineyard and pulpwood plantation. Cliff is now a Manjimup Shire Councillor, on the Board of South West Catchment Council, WA Local Government representative on State Biosecurity Council, Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee member, a grower member of Southern Forests Food Council and Citrus Australia.

Brett Heather has enjoyed working in horticultural businesses for most of his working career. He completed an exchange year with the University of London and completed his horticultural degree at Curtin University in Agribusiness. He worked and lived in the UK for 7 years supplying the major retailers there. Brett worked amongst global supply chains in the UK, visiting growers in the US, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Egypt, Israel and across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Brett has worked with Australia’s largest Agri Business – Costa Group for 5 years based in Melbourne and returned home to Perth after a long stint away and currently works with citrus growers in the Western Citrus Alliance. Brett has enjoyed returning home and working with growers in Western Australia who face some unique challenges, with issues of isolation, scale, high costs of labour and distance from major markets.

 

The Industry Manager’s role is to encourage increased value at every stage of the supply chain – from the grower to the end consumer.

Bronwyn Walsh was appointed to this position in July 2012. Bronwyn is based in the DAFWA office at South Perth, and is jointly funded by Department of Agriculture and Food, Citrus Fee For service and Horticulture Innovation Australia.

Bronwyn brings extensive and valuable experience to this position, from her background in horticultural industries in both Queensland and Western Australia and working with grower groups. Her role is promoting growth at a sustainable rate by gathering and communicating industry intelligence on forecasts, fruit quality and market development. In addition she supports growers in good orchard practices that produce fruit that meet consumer demand. Bronwyn works closely with growers to ensure prosperity for the future.

Growers and supply chain members can contact Bronwyn on 9368 3786 or by email industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au

Content coming