Innovation Timeline
 
 1938/39




 1940's


 1960's

 1968
Most commercial crops have poor yields, poor quality and much disease. The Certified Seed Potato Scheme commences

Reduction in virus diseases. Sequoia & Sebago imported

New technology to remove viruses leads to improved crops
Pathogen Tested Scheme introduced. Nucleous stock is freed of known viruses, bacteria and fungi
 
 1970

 1972


 1980



 1980's
956 hectares produce 8,678 tonnes Certified seed

World class technology. First Foundation seed from stem cuttings.

1366 hectares produce 20,896 tonnes of Certified seed Minituber production from tissue culture introduced

Private laboratories encouraged to set up to produce minitubers. Data base program set up to maintain the scheme records.
 
 
 
  1990

1991

1992



1993


1994


1995


1996



1998


1999

1734 hectares produce 29,003 tonnes of Certified seed
Pilot Quality Assurance program introduced.
Quality Assurance program successfully passes initial audit. Compulsory PCN sampling introduced.

Certified Seed production now in East Gippsland and at Portland

Industry committee negotiates to take over the scheme. ViCSPA incorporated.

ViCSPA runs the scheme with experienced staff

Now have accredited laboratories in NSW, Tasmania and Victoria. Large range of new technology products available

30 registered QA businesses producing 50% of total production

Development of special "Tyvek" export labels. New computer program developed to maintain the scheme records and improve efficiency. Total production of 39,000 tonnes of Certified seed.

 
 
   
 
   
2000
 Accredited laboratories in NSW, Tas., S.A. and Victoria. Capacity to produce millions of minitubers, microtubers and plantlets. Record 2300 hectares of crop submitted for inspection. Over the last fifteen years ViCSPA members have produced nearly 500,000 tonnes of Certified seed for the Australian potato industry.