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Citrus officer recognised for service to industry

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has congratulated technical officer Kevin Lacey on being recognised for his contribution to the development of the State’s citrus industry.

Mr Lacey was presented with a Service to Industry Award by WA Citrus at a function on Saturday night.

Irrigated Agriculture Executive Director John Ruprecht said Kevin had spent more than 20 years working closely with the citrus industry and his expertise was highly valued.

“Kevin has been one of the key departmental links to the WA industry and is a recognised source of knowledge of current best orchard practice and a great advocate for excellence in our local industry,” Mr Ruprecht said.

“The department supports the industry through initiatives including co-funding industry development, exploring export development opportunities and benchmarking fruit quality.”

Mr Ruprecht said during his time with the department, Kevin had been involved in a number of key industry programs including trialling new citrus varieties, evaluating salt-tolerant root stock and assessing fruit quality.

“Kevin is currently working on a new project in collaboration with WA Citrus looking at the impact of wind damage on trees, with trials underway in Harvey and West Gingin.”

Kevin started with the department in 1979 at Stoneville Research Station working on fruit tree crops including pome, stone and citrus.

He transferred to Manjimup in 1985, where his work included pome and stone fruit evaluation but focused mainly on apple breeding. He has worked in various locations since, including the Midland and South Perth offices.