We are pleased to inform all existing and/or new customers that our 2012 Leaf Virus Testing Programme returned 100% negative results for the following viruses. X, Y, S, PLRV & TSWV.
Our 2011 tests for PCN also returned 100% negative thus proving Crookwell is a PCN 'free' zone.
All available Crookwell seed is of the highest quality available.
We do not and never will sell seed that is not of the highest quality.
The township of Crookwell is renowned for its certified seed potato production. Crookwell seed potato production is in a quarantined area of the state due to the virus & disease free conditions of our seed.
The Crookwell Potato Association Inc. (CPAI) has been operating since 1984 and has been involved in numerous research projects, developed markets in all States and Norfolk Is., propagated, trialled and multiplied in excess of 25 different varieties, assisted in the development of the National Seed Potato Certification Scheme (2002) and have now implemented their own Quality Assurance Programme.
The Crookwell Potato Association celebrated the International Year of the Potato 2008 with an international visit from various overseas potato producers. During this visit the visitors were engaged in a tour of Crookwell and its seed potato growing areas as well as a luncheon 'in the paddock' which included, of course, various dishes of local potatoes. The response from the visitors was they 'had a ball'.
Our Team
L-R. David Montgomery, Kim Weir, Kerry Smith, Matthew Gay & Garry Kadwell.
The Crookwell Potato Association was also successful in obtaining a grant from the Australian Government Community Water Grants scheme. This enabled the Association to purchase water monitoring equipment and software. This equipment has been installed in seed potato paddocks for the last two years and has proved invaluable in ascertaining evaporation rates. This monitoring has enabled the local seed potato growers to save approximately 45 million litres of water. This monitoring also encourages uniformity in the seed due to no water stressing.
Our past Executive Director, Mr. David Montgomery, received a prestigious award from the World Potato Congress in Boise, USA in 2006 recognising his many years involvement within the potato industry.
The Association offers a scholarship to an agricultural studies student from the local high school each year which was originated by the kind donation of funds. This scholarship is the Albert Kadwell Memorial Scholarship and is presented to the student to further their agricultural endeavours.
Members of the Association recently visited potato production areas in Tasmania and were amazed at the scale of operations and came home will valuable information concerning keeping up to date with technology, customer requirements and new seed potato varieties.
The Association members are in the process of developing the many new varieties of seed potatoes. Seed potato stocks are being increased to meet buyer requirements.
