A P R I L 2 0 1 8 POTATO GROWER 25 Victoria. That is the reason why a name change has been approved that will soon make it: AuSPICA. ViCSPA provides yearly training for the inspectors. Inspectors from other agencies are welcome at this training. This year, two inspectors from Western Australia and one from Vanuatu attended the course. ViCSPA’a new database program allows for a better trace-back and trace-forward where necessary, put- ting it in-line with, most (or even ahead of some) certification pro- grams. ViCSPA also facilitates extension efforts to grower members. It pro- vides its inspectors with relevant information and is a source of infor- mation. It invites people from over- seas to provide research updates and extension and assistance in certifica- tion. It is establishing a member- ship category among potato growers allowing the authority to deliver extension information. It assists in plant health efforts where possible. The facility’s grounds total 52 acres, where they keep sufficient head of cattle to keep the area mowed, which is very important considering the high risk of bush fires. ViCSPA has established Toolangi Elite™ on its grounds. Tissue cul- ture and green house production with a storage and grading facility provide growers with material from requested varieties. It has become the largest supplier of mini-tubers in the country. Because of the large number of new varieties that are being introduced in the country, a description, as required for certifica- tion in almost any country, has become more urgent. The organization is establishing a DNA data base to be able to solve possible conflicts in variety identifi- cation. Research on improving pro- duction techniques is continuing. The efforts of this certification authority to ensure that seed potato growers can obtain and sell certified seed that is welcome in the market, and to keep their grower members up to date, all with the interest of its growers in mind is impressive.