Further six apple growers given quality accreditation

August 20, 1997

Primary Industry Minister Monty House said on-farm quality assurance would become an integral part of Pink Lady and Sundowner apple production in Western Australia following the accreditation of a further six growers under the SQF 2000 quality code.

The Minister presented the growers from Donnybrook, Manjimup, Balingup and Mumballup with their certification today at the Herdsman Growers Markets.

Market agent Quality Produce International was also accredited for their Red Globe Table Grape Distribution system.

Mr House said SQF 2000 was developed by Agriculture Western Australia to provide food businesses, including primary producers, with a simpler framework to develop quality management systems to meet customer requirements and foster business improvement.

The quality code was adopted for Pink Lady and Sundowner apples to underpin the international trademarks for the varieties. Apples marketed under the trademark were required to have in place a recognised quality system to ensure the fruit performed.

"The quality assurance system was developed for Pink Lady and Sundowner apple production and packing houses late last year, involving about 70 of the State's top apple producers and packers with support from Agriculture Western Australia," Mr House said.

"It was viewed by the industry as the most practical and cost effective system which could be adopted nationally.

"The first certifications were presented to two apple growers and two apple pack houses in May. Another 20 growers have signalled their intention to complete quality systems under SQF 2000 this year."

Mr House said a quality system for apple varieties in general was expected to be developed with the local industry this season to complement the Pink Lady/Sundowner systems.

The industry recognised the need to identify export opportunities and convince overseas markets that they had a quality product.

"With the benefit of SQF 2000 certification for Pink Lady and Sundowner apples, the industry has the means to tap into the growing national and international demand for goods of assured quality," the Minister said.

Growers who received certification included: Bruce and Leonie Marshall of Mumballup; Barry and Kathleen Ketteridge of Donnybrook; Geoff Cass and Jenny Harwood of Balingup; John Campell of Donnybrook; Maurice and Anne Lyster of Manjimup; and Ben and Geraldine Darbyshire of Donnybrook.

The Herdsman Growers Market had also adopted the SQF 2000 code and was on its way to becoming the first retail outlet in Australia to achieve certification.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (08) 9481 2044