THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL FOR THE AUSTRALIAN TABLE GRAPE AND DRIED FRUITS INDUSTRIES

Volume 9 • ISSUE 3

July - September 2013

Exports to China a success

Dried • Dried Fruits Annual Conference preview Fruit • Sunglo yields well again Table • Vine cover trials in WA Grapes • Promotion wrap up Spotted anything unusual?

NOTHING WILL PROTECT YOUR CROPS MORE THAN A GOOD HARD LOOK

Biosecurity is everybody’s responsibility. While governments have roles to play at the international, national and state levels, growers need to keep an eye out for pests and report anything unusual immediately.

Plant Health Australia, the Australian Table Grape Association and Dried Fruits Australia. Partners protecting growers and their industries.

For more information visit: www.phau.com.au/biosecurity www.farmbiosecurity.com.au Contents Dried grapes 4 DFA Chairman’s report 9 Dried Fruits Australia Annual Conference preview 13 Bake-off brings in the crowds 16 Grower profile: Andrew Goss, South, 18 Greek currant anti-dumping case update 19 Processor report: Sunbeam Foods/Angas Park 22 Sunglo shines in 2013 23 Processor report: Australian Premium Dried Fruits 24 Board news 25 Drying for profit activities

Table grapes 5 ATGA Chairman’s report 6 Cover story: China has the taste for Aussie grapes 8 to host 7th International Table Grape Symposium 14 ATGA Chief Executive’s report 15 Bud analysis workshop is fruitful 30 Plastic covers protect table grapes in WA 32 Table grape campaign summary

Dried prunes 10 PA Executive report positive future 11 New promotions campaign for the APIA 11 Boosting bee biosecurity 12 Update on 2013 IPA Congress

Dried tree fruits 20 2013 season summary

Combined industry articles 8 Events diary 12 New agrichemical legislation to add costs 21 Mildura Field Days report 26 Horticulture Australia update 27 Plant Health Australia 28 Water outlook 29 A useful guide to agricultural apps 29 Food, a tasty addition to the Australian curriculum 34 Around the block

Cover: Chinese inspectors were in Australia for five months inspecting containers of table grapes as part of China’s pre-clearance inspection program for Australian table grapes sent to mainland China. Dried Fruits Australia 31 Deakin Avenue, PO Box 5042 Editorial: Phil Chidgzey, John Hawtin (DFA), Jeff Scott & Allison McTaggart (ATGA) Mildura VIC 3502 Australia. Journalist: Paula Smith, Jacinta & Terry Gange Phone: (03) 5023 5174 • Fax: (03) 5023 3321 Advertising: Geoff Bell Advertising, Max Hyde Media Email: [email protected] Web: www.driedfruitsaustralia.org.au Production and Printing: Jamesprint For editorial and advertising enquiries contact Dried Fruits Australia (DFA) (03) 5023 5174, or the Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) (03) 5021 5718. The Vine is published and produced by DFA and ATGA.

DISCLAIMER: Dried Fruits Australia (DFA) and Australian Table Grape Industry (ATGA) acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise through placement of advertisements in this publication. Acceptance of these contributions does not endorse or imply endorsement by DFA and ATGA of any product or service Australian Table Grape Association advertised by contributors. 33 Madden Avenue, Any advice provided in articles contained in The Vine is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. DFA and ATGA and its officers do not guarantee that Mildura VIC 3500 Australia. the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your practical purposes and, therefore, Phone: (03) 5021 5718 • Fax: (03) 4009 0036 disclaim all liability for any error, loss or any other consequence that may arise from you relying on the Email: [email protected] information in this publication. Web: www.australiangrapes.com.au All articles and other material published in this journal is DFA and ATGA copyright (unless otherwise stated) and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the authors and publisher. The Vine is a registered trade/service mark of AgriMedia Pty Ltd. 3 Chairman’s report Improved season drives promotion The 2013 season was much improved Sales of Australian dried fruit on the with the industry producing a high quality domestic market have slumped in crop of between 16-17,000 tonnes. recent years and we must use these Yields and grades have generally been opportunities to remind consumers of our much better for most growers and given presence and to showcase what we can Mark King many a vital injection of funds to continue produce. CHAIRMAN farming. We are amongst the top producers of The good season results have given light, golden fruit in the world and it is BOARD Australian growers a much needed a shame that so few fellow Australians confidence boost and the industry’s enjoy it. Chairman strategic target for total dried grape However a new marketing project to be Mark King production (confirmed as 25,000 tonnes) managed by Horticulture Australia (HAL) Producer - Pomona is now looking more achievable. will hopefully change that situation. Furthermore, in recent weeks reports Naked Communications will put a suggest some recovery in the global campaign together on behalf of the Board Members sultana market place, with higher prices industry. The campaign will focus on the snack market and raising the profile of Neville Mitchell paid for Turkish sultanas. In addition, the sultanas in this segment. It will be run Large Producer - Wemen reduced value of the Australian dollar should be a positive influence, making towards the end of this year and should imported fruit more expensive and see a rise in sales for the entire category. Brian Boulton exports cheaper. Further information about the project Producer - Vinifera One of the issues raised at a recent will be heard at Dried Fruits Australia’s Annual Conference to be held during the Branch Forum was the request for an early indication of prices for the 2014 afternoon on Thursday 26 September, Jenny Treeby season from processor/marketers. Dried 2013 at the Mildura Golf Club. The Producer - Red Cliffs Fruits Australia has met with processors conference will begin with the AGM to see what can be done to meet this for members followed by the Annual Stephen Bennett request. Growers’ Forum, an interactive sessions with various presenters including growers Producer - Merbein The improved market conditions and and processor/marketers. early advice on pricing for next season We have lined up some interesting W a r r e n L l o y d would certainly give growers greater confidence about future investment in the speakers to address the Producer - Irymple industry. conference,further details can be found on page 9. I urge all growers to support Meanwhile Dried Fruits Australia our industry and attend the conference. Ivan Shaw continues to fly the flag promoting dried Who knows, you may even learn a thing Producer - Merbein South grapes at every chance. or two. Most recently we participated in the Finally, after months of being on the Mildura Field Days, where Dried Fruits Richard Findlay market, Dried Fruits Australia’s property Australia sponsored the Innovation Sunbeam Foods in Deakin Avenue, Mildura has been in Horticulture Award. It was a great sold. Staff have begun sorting through opportunity to catch up with members the shop and offices in preparation for a Chris Ellis and let them know what we have move to offices in Lemon Avenue, Mildura Sunbeam Foods been up to. The sweet aroma of dried which are owned by the Dried Fruits fruit pancakes drifted from the Dried Trust. We anticipate that this move will be Fruits Australia tent and bought many John Gray completed by the end of July 2013 and newcomers in. Dinky Nichols and Linda Australian Premium Dried Fruits should produce a number of efficiency Pollock did a fabulous job of cooking gains. these sumptuous treats which not only Craig Greenwood tasted great, but helped introduce visitors Australian Premium Dried Fruits to innovative ways to use dried fruit in everyday cooking. We will also sponsor the Merbein Great Phil Chidgzey Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph on 17 Chief Executive Officer August. The introduction of the Australian National Dried Vine Fruit Bake-off to the Mark King event has been a great way to promote DFA Chairman our industry and the fantastic products we produce.

4 Chairman’s report Season ends on a high

Picking is finally over and what a mixed will hopefully shine some lights for bag this season has been. From a growers who were wondering how they large crop in Emerald to good crops were going to survive with domestic only in the remainder of Queensland’s supply. growing regions, we saw prices start The Chinese inspectors sent to Australia comparatively low and slide downhill over worked on a regular rotation, we hope to the bulk of the domestic season. get longer stints out of them next year to Richard Lomman As a concerned grower, I can only hope bring the costs down. ATGA Cheif Excutive that the enormous quantity of fruit Jeff Scott spent a lot of time looking after CHAIRMAN harvested in Emerald this year is an and co-ordinating these inspectors, and aberration, as there are just not enough it was due to his work that the export Chairman: domestic market opportunities to support season went as well as it did. If you Richard Lomman this amount of fruit at this time of the exported fruit through this avenue this Queensland year. season, a quiet word of thanks to Jeff M: 0427 791 748 This was proven to be the case, with the would be appropriate. bulk of the Emerald fruit needing to be I believe most areas have had reasonably Deputy Chairman: stored and fed onto the market over a good growing and postharvest weather, John Argiro three month period. Fruit from this region and it would be good to go through a Victoria was still in supermarkets at the end of full season without a disastrous weather M: 0428 147 136 February. Members of the Austrlian Table event somewhere. Grape Association (ATGA) Board are in Pruning is either underway in most areas Executive Delegates: ongoing discussions with Coles and or finished, and we are still looking for the Nick Muraca Woolworths in an effort to find solutions cold weather we need to give the vines Victoria to this issue should it happen again. the dormancy they require. Hopefully by M: 0408 304 557 the time this is printed we have had some Generally growers in this area have Angie Pangiotaros good frosts and everyone has enjoyed a light crops, so large areas are planted Victoria well-earned break. to give economies of scale and allow M: 0419 537 778 a reasonable income. This last season however, saw large crops, and when Chief Executive: multiplied by large areas there was an Jeff Scott enormous oversupply. M: 0417 122 086 Perhaps as more and more export markets open up we will see new Delegates: Richard Lomman opportunities emerge for these early David Agg season growers. ATGA Chairman South Australia Quality is still an issue, with supermarkets M: 0438 469 015 dropping their maturity standards to allow fruit to be passed through their Quality Vince Dimasi Inspectors at Distribution Centre level. Victoria Fruit from the northern areas is generally M: 0427 256 211 low in acid, so even though the brix Jeremy Boyd standard seems too low at times, with Victoria the acid low, the sugar to acid ratio is M: 0427 103 244 still within supermarket specifications. Unfortunately, for most, this doesn’t Barry Pederson make it a nice eating experience; it just New South Wales makes it edible for some. The low sugar M: 0427 247 142 is also a direct consequence of large fruit loads that just do not have the time to Matt Katich accumulate sugar. As prices decrease Western Australia with large chains fighting for their market M: 0412 242 696 share, this situation will continue to be an issue, as the only way to remain viable is Anne Larard to increase yield. Northern Territory The export season in saw our M: 0432 395 985 first full supply year to mainland China, and this market is looking like being of David Smith increasing value to table grape growers. Victoria Added to that is expected expanded M: 0427 823 115 markets in Japan and South Korea which

5 Cover story China has the taste for Aussie grapes

Australian grapes have been well received by Chinese consumers. Three seasons after gaining official “I’m hoping for better value for my fruit not permitted to send to this market market access to mainland China, in China where there are more outlets to this year but have every opportunity Australian table grape growers and move a greater volume.” to reapply next year. Only five growers exporters have realised the success of Fresh Produce Group General Manager failed the audit. this emerging market. of Exports Brian Charles said the China Pre-clearance inspections 377 containers were put forward for market for table grapes was extremely Chinese concerns about the presence of pre-clearance inspections and those good this season, even with a strong soil and seed contaminants in containers that passed the inspection were sent Australian dollar in play. of Australian table grapes sent to the from the Sunraysia region, a vast “FPG sent table grapes directly to mainland were raised at the November improvement on the 11 sent last year. China this year initially at the request of 2012 bilateral meetings between China It was an extremely satisfying result for certain buyers, but also because of the and Australia. The outcome was a the Australian Table Grape Association perception that the return for good fruit mandatory pre-clearance program by (ATGA) after investing so much time and in China would ultimately be at the top, Chinese inspectors for all fruit destined money over the past 10 years in pursuit or almost at the top, of what we could for mainland China. of market access. But the season was achieve from other premium markets ATGA Chief Executive Jeff Scott said the not without its challenges. such as Thailand,” Mr Charles said. pre-clearance program was an added With a good growing season forecast for A strict protocol required growers to 2012/13 Sunraysia growers were keen cost to growers but was a cheaper provide detailed maps of their property, solution than shipping fruit only to have to take advantage of export markets nominate trained pest monitors and in- and in excess of 160 growers registered it rejected on quarantine issues upon field supervisors and undertake regular to export fruit to mainland China and/ arrival in mainland ports of Shenzhen, monitoring of crops for pests - at least or Thailand. Not all growers took up the Guangzhou and Shanghai. every two weeks. Growers were required option and some decided to only export Two Chinese inspectors arrived on to record their findings following crop to Thailand due to seasonal conditions or 24 January and began inspections inspections and document application arrangements with exporters. immediately. of any spray treatments. Department domestic and export grower of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry “We had hoped to get inspectors a week John Cordoma decided to export to (DAFF) conducted audits in December earlier, and were doubly disappointed China for the first time this year. 2012 and January 2013 of growers when they said they would be returning “Australians can’t eat all the grapes we who applied for registration to China to China for Chinese New Year (Spring) grow here, so we need export markets,” this season. Growers who complied festivities which began on 10 February,” he said. “Without the options to send with the protocol requirements were Mr Scott said. overseas it may lower our prices on the formally registered. Those who did “While we respect Chinese culture and domestic market. not meet protocol requirements were traditions and recognise the importance

6 of the Spring Festival, it was a blow to Beware of the beetle representing DAFF Merbein office also the industry to effectively loose market During the season 377 containers were worked tirelessly to schedule container access for two weeks early in the inspected, but more than 50 were inspections and loading in the best season because we had no inspectors. rejected early in the season because of interests of growers and exporters. “In the next round of negotiations the the presence of a red blue beetle, also “Their constant communication with ATGA will be advocating that DAFF known as a pollen beetle (Dicranolaius ATGA helped facilitate the needs of the inspectors are authorised to carry out bellulus). China does not have any red Chinese inspectors and build stronger pre-clearance inspections for those two blue beetles, so the beetle was deemed relationships between the government weeks while the Chinese return for the a quarantine issue. agencies and ATGA. Spring Festival.” “The news came as a shock to most “We commend their efforts over many Typically two, or at times up to four growers as the red blue beetle is months which ensured a high level of Chinese inspectors, flew to Australia, considered a beneficial insect in attention to detail was undertaken for and were accommodated in Mildura Australia. It is a native predator that this market.” where they generally stayed for four feeds on the eggs and small larvae of China success weeks at any one time. aphids and other slow moving insects Towards the end of export program like mealybug,” Mr Scott said. The Chinese Government will only allow Ponte Australia’s International Operations inspectors to be out of their country for “Early in the season while it is still warm Manager Greg Asta approached the a maximum of 30 days, meaning that 12 the red blue beetles keep mealybug ATGA and Australia Fresh to help with Chinese inspectors were required from numbers down, but with the cooler an in-store promotion of Australian 24 January through to 30 May. weather there are fewer beetles and table grapes in Lotus supermarkets in The ATGA managed the logistics mealybug became an issue. This is a Shanghai. problem for growers who are reluctant of program, liaising with DAFF and The ATGA provided in-kind assistance to spray in the middle of harvest Beijing, purchasing airfares for and arranged for the iconic ‘Grown in because of the danger of exceeding inspectors, collecting them from airport, Australia Grapes’ posters to be printed maximum residue limits (MRLs).” transporting them while in Mildura and for use in the sale. arranging catering for lunch. Mr Scott said on behalf of the industry Mr Asta said the product arrived in mint he would like to take this opportunity “It is a very expensive program with condition and had been promoted on to acknowledge the professional China insisting on business class TAB, a fortnightly brochure delivered to assistance of Victorian Department of airfares, accommodation and a daily customers. allowance for each inspector,” Mr Scott Environment and Primary Industries’ said. “These costs are recovered from Research Scientist David Madge. The need to develop and promote Australian grapes in cities other than growers and exporters through the initial “If the Chinese inspectors were unsure Guangzhou is seen as the next major export registration fee and a pro-rata fee of anything, they sought external help phase for the ATGA. The second and each time a container is inspected.” and Mr Madge was very responsive,” he third tier cities in China will provide said. The inspectors worked with two DAFF the promotional challenges that the inspectors commencing each day either “The Victorian department offered a vital industry will need to undertake in order at Wakefield’s Transport in Merbein or service for the ATGA, and in particular to maintain our sustained increased one of two registered inspection sites growers who were exporting. Mr Madge presence to have Australian grapes in Robinvale. They frequently examined assisted with the identification of various available to all consumers in China. 8-12 containers daily. insects and seeds found in boxes of Overall the results in China have been packed fruit. His experienced eye meant Each container was subject to careful very successful. scrutiny and samples were taken from inspectors could process containers in a Mr Cordoma sent predominately random boxes and checked content for timely manner thus ensuring fruit did not Crimson Seedless this season. compliance against the approved export sit in cool rooms for extended periods. “Feedback from the market is that protocol. “Karen Leary and Tracy Libline buyers are looking for consistency in colour throughout the bunch,” he said. “We have been very pleased with the outcomes from our first season sending to China. “The only thing I would do differently is to be more careful with the crop monitoring for pest and diseases, especially mealybug in tight bunches. Our pickers must be very careful when packing tight bunches, and cut bunches so they can be inspected thoroughly.” Mr Charles was also excited out the results which saw premium prices per kilogram achieved in China. “My only regret is that we did not register enough of our holdings for China this season, only a portion. Next year we Samples from each container are carefully scrutinised by the Chinese inspectors. will definitely register the whole lot.”

7 Mildura to host international grape symposium More than 200 table grape researchers, from Valent BioSciences industry experts and growers are Corporation as Platinum 7th International Table Grape Industry Symposium expected to meet in Mildura for the sponsor. Date: 24-26 November 2013 7th International Table Grape Industry Valent BioSciences Where: St Joseph’s College Mercy Theatre, Mildura, Vic Symposium (ITGS2013). Corporation (Abbott Held every 3-4 years the symposium is Laboratories prior to 2000) has night Tuesday 26th November, delegates the premier international event for the sponsored each of the international table are sure to enjoy our genuine Australian table grape industry, attracting delegates grape symposia dating back to the first hospitality. from throughout the world. This year’s one held in Anaheim, California in 1994. Registration for the symposium will event will be at the St Joseph’s College Global Business Manager - Plant Growth be open soon, so please keep a close Mercy Theatre between Sunday 24th and Regulators Johan Pienaar said Valent Tuesday 26th of November, 2013. eye on the symposium website www. BioSciences was pleased and honoured ITGS2013.com for further details about Australian Table Grape Association to continue with tradition and support the the program and registration. (ATGA) Chief Executive Jeff Scott 7th International Table Grape Symposium said the symposium would spotlight as Platinum sponsor. All enquires about the symposium, international research and development. “I trust the 2013 symposium in Australia including sponsorship opportunities can “The outcomes are important for the will live up to the high standard set by be directed to Mr Scott on Tel: +61 3 5025 Australian table grape industry to not just previous events, and will be an event not 1758, or Email [email protected]. maintain its current position, but move to be missed by key stakeholders within All enquires about the Program, Abstracts forward with leading edge technology, the table grape industry,” Mr Pienaar and Tours, can be directed to Mr Oag on varieties and market expectation,” he said. Tel: +61 7 4681 6147, Email david.oag@ said. Mr Scott said Perfection Fresh was also daff.qld.gov.au. “It is also a fantastic opportunity one of the first companies to raise their for industry to debrief, regroup and The ITGS2013 Organising Committee hand and offer sponsorship for the Gala would like to acknowledge foundation unite to meet these emerging grape Dinner and Sunworld had since offered partners and Symposium joint facilitators expectations.” to sponsor the Welcome Function. ATGA and Queensland Department of The program for this event is being ably Further sponsorship opportunities co-ordinated by Queensland Department are available, with the Sponsorship Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s prospectus available on the website They also thank Horticulture Australia Principal Horticulturist David Oag. www.ITGS2013.com. (HAL) for their financial contribution via the national table grape research and Together with the scientific committee With ample time set aside for networking he is overseeing expressions of interest during the Welcome Function on development (R&D) levy and industry from quality presenters from around Saturday 23rd November at the Quality contributions with the Australian Australia and overseas. Hotel Mildura Grand; a Murray River Government providing matched On behalf of the ITGS2013 Organising Dinner Cruise aboard the Paddle funding for all HAL’s R&D activities. The Committee Mr Scott said he was Steamer ‘Mundoo’ on Sunday evening; Department of Environment and Primary pleased to continue with tradition and poster session on Monday 25th; and Industries, Victoria is also providing acknowledge the significant support Symposium Gala Dinner on the final ITGS2013 website support. Events diary July 18-19 Riverland Field Days, Barmera, South November 9-11 Ag-grow Field days, Emerald, Australia. Website: 4-8 2013 International Prune Queensland. Website: www.riverlandfielddays.com.au Association Congress, Canberra. www.aggrow.com.au 26 Dried Fruits Australia Annual Conference Website: www.ipaprunes.org 2013, Mildura Golf Club, Mildura. Contact: August 13-15 Food and Hotel China 2013, Shanghai Dried Fruits Australia, Tel: (03) 5023 5174. 17 Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice New International Expo, Chin October a Triumph including the Australian 17-19 World of Produce (WOP) 2013, Dubai National Dried Vine Fruit Bake off. 5-9 ANUGA 2013: Food and Beverage Trade Fair, Cologne, Germany. World Trade Centre, United Arab Website: www.merbeinvanillaslice.com Website: www.anuga.com Emirates. Website: www.wop- 25-30 10th International Congress of TBC International Conference of Dried dubai.com/exhibition/wop2012 Plant Pathology, Beijing, China. Grape Producing Countries 23-26 7th International Table Grape Website: www.icppbj2013.org 18-20 PMA Fresh Summit International September Symposium, Mildura, Australia. Contact: Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana. David Oag, Department of Agriculture, 4-6 Asia Fruit Logistica and the AsiaFruit Website: www.freshsummit.com Fisheries and Forestry, Tel: +61 7 4681 Congress, Hong Kong Convention 24-26 Australian National Field Days, Orange, & Exhibition Centre, Website: NSW. Tel: (02) 6362 1588, Email: info@ 6147 Email: [email protected] www.asiafruitlogistica.com anfd.com.au Website: www.anfd.com.au

8 Dried Fruits Annual Conference 2013 The Dried Fruits Australia Annual Australian Dried Vine Fruits Trust,” Dried Fruits Annual Conference Conference which comprises an Annual he said. Date: Thursday 26 September 2013 Growers’ Forum and Annual General “Over the years the volume Where: Mildura Golf Club, Mildura, Vic Meeting (AGM) for members will be held of Australian dried fruit on Time: 1.15 – 2.00pm AGM of members on Thursday 26th September 2013 at supermarket shelves has declined, 2.30 – 5.30pm Annual Growers’ Forum the Mildura Golf Club, Mildura. but the campaign aims to reverse Annual Conference 2013 the trend and get Australian DFA Branch Forum sultanas back in consumer’s Date: Tuesday 10 September 2013 The Annual Growers’ Forum is an shopping trolleys.” Where: Dried Fruits Australia Boardroom important part of the annual conference Time: 3pm – 5pm and is open to all grower levy payers Naked Communications has Board Nominations (4 producer positions): and other industry stakeholders. been engaged by HAL to run the marketing campaign which will close 5pm Thursday 15 August 2013 This year’s special guest is Craig focus on the domestic snack Cormick, an award-winning Canberra market. to be held on Tuesday 10 September author and science communicator. 2013. “The campaign targets the snack market Dr Cormick works in Corporate as this segment offers higher returns to “The Branch Forum meets several Communication for CSIRO and has processors which in turn holds up the weeks before the annual conference and published over 100 short stories, prices paid to growers for all dried fruit plays an important role in identifying including eight short story collections, as products.” important policy issues. It is a grower- well as novel and non-fiction, with both only meeting at which issues can be Mr King said although growers did not independent and mainstream publishers. considered without the influence of market their own fruit it was important processor/marketers and referred to As a science communicator, Dr Cormick to know what was happening in the the Board or raised at the AGM,” Mr is a regular commentator on public marketplace and this ultimately affected Chidgzey said. attitudes towards emerging technologies grower returns. To inform growers in the media and at conferences in further about the domestic market “Branch Forums are held at least Australia and internationally. He has Michael Scalzo, Chief Executive of twice a year and have a Constitutional travelled to all seven continents and his Scalzo Food Industries has been invited role in selecting producer members research has been published widely in to speak at the forum. to be appointed to the Board, using a peer-reviewed journals and conference weighted voting system, with selections papers. In 2005 he authored the reports “The Grower Forum to be ratified at the AGM of members.” What you really need to know about “Importantly, individual members are what the public really thinks about GM is designed as an able to question the Board or raise foods (2005) and Cloning Goes to the issues of concern,” Mr Chidgzey said. Movies (2006). information session Final details of the conference program Dried Fruits Australia Chair Mark with interesting guest including start times for the Annual King said he and Chief Executive Phil Growers’ Forum and the AGM will be Chidgzey had heard Dr Cormick speak at speakers.” advertised widely and outlined in a the Horticulture Australia (HAL) Industry direct mailout to all members. Forum in May and found his presentation “According to Mr Scalzo, a major quite interesting. He said traditionally wholesaler, the largest domestic Board nominations sought GM foods had been frowned upon by consumer is the industrial/baking Nominations will soon be sought for four consumers, but there was evidence market, and they want high quality producer positions on the Dried Fruits showing a changing view. ‘brown’ fruit, rather than the golden light Australia Board as the terms of four current producer Board members will The Annual Grower Forum is designed as coloured fruit we all strive to produce,” expire at conference time. an information session with interesting Mr King said. guest speakers, but also includes “It will be interesting to hear what Mr Any financial member of the presentations on Dried Fruits Australia Scalzo has to say, and no doubt a point organisation can nominate for the activities, R&D, marketing and current for much discussion.” impending vacant positions. The current issues. producer members are also able to AGM renominate. Mr King said the forum provided growers The other part of the conference is the Any members interested in nominating with the opportunity to see how their Annual General Meeting (AGM). This R&D and marketing levies were being should contact their local branch or component of the conference is only the Dried Fruits Australia office (phone put to use to further advance dried grape open to Dried Fruits Australia financial production. 03 5023 5174) to obtain an official members as it deals with formal nomination form. Completed nomination “One such instance is the marketing business items such as the Board forms must be returned to Dried project being developed to get Australian and other reports, audited financial Fruits Australia by close of business consumers buying sultanas again. statements for 2012/13 and various on Thursday 15 August 2013, so that “We are quite excited about this project recommendations and resolutions. appropriate advice can be circulated to which will be funded primarily from Mr Chidgzey said most of the AGM items branches prior to the Branch Forum on grower statutory marketing levies would have been discussed at length at 10 September 2013, where the selection with some additional funds from the the Dried Fruits Australia Branch Forum process will be completed.

9 IPA Executive report positive future Reports from the International Prune Argentina’s traditional Association (IPA) Executive meeting ‘çheap’ harvest labour in June have given hope to the global source (Bolivia and prune industry. Paraguay) has been Members met to discuss final planning halted by government and guest speakers for the November intervention preventing employees from congress, but a key topic of concern taking their US dollar income back to APIA National was the worldwide trend of low returns their home country. Corruption appears to prune processors and farmers. to be widespread with ‘black’ money being paid at rates that are lower than Executive Italy: despite being a small producer official rates. of prunes, with about 80% of requirements imported, the industry France: growers are suffering poor Chair has achieved about a 4% increase in returns, despite what everyone believes Grant Delves returns to growers during the 2012/13 to be good support from the Economic Union. The system used to calculate selling season. To encourage this trend Deputy Chair industry is reducing the amount of subsidies is based on production in promotion that they undertake and previous years which means a grower Chris Ellis returning those funds to growers - an can push all their trees out and still interesting concept. A good crop is continue to receive the subsidy. On the showing for the 2013 season. other hand, a new grower who invests Grower Representatives in new plantings is not eligible for Chile: large increases to the cost of subsidies. France has several packers Jim Granger production, particularly labour, have who are in deep financial trouble and had an impact on the industry and two are expected to collapse. Michael Zalunardo small producers are exiting the industry. Chile has had to lift their sales prices to Like Australia, France claim they too, Paul Carver compensate for the increasing costs; are at the bottom of the ‘hole’, but could however at this stage there is not a see the light at the top. The French Tony Toscan significant increase in grower returns. forecast that small growers will exit Peter Raccanello From an international viewpoint it is the industry and production will remain a positive sign that the commodity stable with less producers. price is increasing. The 2013 crop was United States: is forecasting a light crop Packer/ Marketer light at about 50,000 tonnes, down of about 105,000 short tons (95,254t) representatives from 81,000t in 2012. This was due to for 2013, down from 137,000 short tons climatic factors. (124,284t) in 2012. Sunsweet growers Chris Brooke-Kelly Australia: signs of sales increases now believe that world production is under control (for the time being) and Jeff Granger are now visible; however price rises may still be a few months coming. IPA have increased grower returns by 12% Colin Farey President and Australian delegate to on the 2012 season and expect to the IPA, Jeff Granger said he personally make a similar increase in 2013. This felt the industry had hit the bottom of is only from Sunsweet at this stage; the the hole and was looking upwards and other packers are not making the same Prune Industry offers, yet. Development Officer starting to climb its way out. He said he expected that it may take two seasons There was no report from South Africa. Tony Napier for a meaningful recovery provided Pricing outlook Mob: 0427 201 839 there were no unforeseen problems. E: [email protected] Average crop for 2013, poor grower International trading over recent months returns. has seen California prices increase by about 8% with another similar increase Argentina: Chile reported on their APIA National Secretariat forecast for late 2013 and Chilean perception of the industry in Argentina. prices are forecast to increase by 25- Phil Chidgzey Production is about half of the forecast 30% during the 2013 selling season, tonnage and this is due to the packers due to a short crop and the need to Dried Fruits Australia overstating estimates and giving the increase producer returns. 31 Deakin Avenue impression of overproduction in an Coupled with the falling value of PO Box 5042 attempt to keep grower returns down. Some growers have reacted by holding the Australian dollar, the signs are Mildura 3502 on to dry fruit and forcing a low supply encouraging for Australian producers. Tel: (03) 5023 5174 situation. Many small growers have left The take home message from the E: [email protected] the industry or simply abandoned their new Sunsweet President, and highly orchards. respected industry forecaster, Dane

10 Lance, is for existing growers to hang in to ‘stay out of it’ as we have all the to attract the Serbian prune industry to and to expect the next five to 10 years production that we can sell in to the join the international association with to show positive growth. world market right now. a second IPA mission to Serbia mooted At the same time his message to Final business from the meeting potential investors or new growers is confirmed a renewed effort to attempt for 2014. New Promotions Campaign for the APIA The Australian Prune Industry “Previous campaigns by the APIA have Posts could include (but not be Association (APIA) has re-appointed built valuable relationships with key limited to): recipe ideas, prune health -based communications food, health and nutrition media and information, grower stories, processor/ consultancy, PR Matters to implement opinion influencers and generated their packer stories, new product launches, and manage a generic promotions advocacy support. However, limited possible guest posts, seasonal campaign for Australian prunes. PR resources have meant that we haven’t messages and buy locally and support Matters has conducted three campaigns been able to build on this momentum to Australian growers messages. for the APIA in the past five years. remain “front of mind” with busy media. Through social media, links can be At a special General Meeting held “With social media now the norm, formed to other organisations with during December 2013, APIA there is opportunity to cost-effectively similar objectives, such as other grower grower members agreed to support rebuild momentum among this valuable groups. continuation of a $15/tonne on prune support base and build a following He said when momentum had built, deliveries voluntary levy specifically to directly with Australian consumers as fund generic promotion activities. selected leading food and nutrition well.” writers and bloggers would be invited Importantly, the processor/marketers The campaign will include re-activating to provide guest posts. “Most now will continue to undertake their own the APIA’s Facebook page and Twitter have their own substantial followings commercial promotion/marketing on social media and inviting them to programs, without APIA involvement. account with timely and informative messages and interaction with the post is a way of reaching out to their “APIA was keen to proceed with a support base. followers to support the APIA as well,” generic promotion that focuses on Mr Delves said. a specific aspect or activity, such “Unlike traditional media, social The APIA will also consider Facebook as social media, so as to maximise media is a conversation with the the potential benefits from funds public and it can be used to build competitions to further build numbers. expended,” APIA Chairman, Grant valuable relationships,” Mr Delves (Strict rules apply). Delves said. “The campaign strategy said. Comments will be monitored and The PR agency will provide regular that has been developed will also replied to in a timely way and the APIA reports, with statistics from the enable the Australian brand names to will pro-actively interact with social campaign and we will keep members be put before Australian consumers. media users. updated with results. Boosting bee biosecurity A new industry biosecurity plan was stakeholders. It provides the industry pollination of a variety of horticultural launched by Plant Health Australia with a mechanism to agree the greatest and agricultural crops, should they (PHA) alongside the Australian Honey exotic bee pest threats and identify beat border defences and establish in Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) at the strengths and weaknesses in current Australia. 100th NSW Apiarist Association biosecurity activities. Conference in Merimbula NSW in The plan was developed by an Industry May, establishing a range of actions Biosecurity Group assembled by PHA to be taken by stakeholders to protect with the assistance of AHBIC. “It’s an Australia’s honey bees and the agreed plan at a national level that valuable pollination services that they ensures everyone knows the part that provide. they play in boosting bee biosecurity,” The Industry Biosecurity Plan for the Mr Fraser said. honey bee industry was presented “While the honey bee industry has an by PHA Executive Director and Chief overall estimated value of $90 million a Executive Officer Greg Fraser who told year,” he said, “the pollination services delegates that it was essential that that honey bees provide contribute the nominated parties implement the significantly to the Australian economy. actions identified in the plan to protect It’s hard to overestimate the importance bees and the many plant production of protecting these beneficial insects.” industries that they support. High priority pests identified in the plan Mr Fraser said that the plan is include a variety of exotic mites, such principally designed for decision as Varroa mites, which could decimate and policy makers within Australia’s honey bee population and industry, government and relevant cause a significant negative impact for

11 Update on 2013 IPA Congress Prune industry regions, taking in Darling and Sydney technical tour in Griffith, including an researchers, growers, Harbours, Chinatown and Sydney’s alternate program for partners and processors and iconic southern beaches. accompanying persons. marketers from the “Arrangements have also been made Thursday afternoon has been left United States, France, for a ‘mini’ Melbourne Cup function on Italy, South Africa and Chile will flock Tuesday so delegates can get the ‘feel’ free for the APIA Annual Conference to Canberra for the 2013 International for our nation-stopping horse race.” incorporating the Horticulture Australia Prune Association (IPA) Congress. The content of the business session (HAL) Annual Levy Payers Meeting IPA President and Australian delegate to and the line-up of guest speakers have and the Annual General Meeting for the IPA, Jeff Granger said the Australian yet to be finalised, but will include a members. Prune Industry Association (APIA) was congress opening dinner on the Monday The IPA Executive will also hold a short doing a wonderful job of planning the evening. event. “Working with Tourism Australia meeting to handover to the incoming A full program of partner and we have put together a fabulous Chair and to critique the congress and program that greets our international accompanying person activities is actioning of any decisions taken. delegates at the newly opened Rydges planned for the time in Canberra. Sydney International Airport Hotel, takes Mr Granger said the technical tours On Friday delegates will visit a large them on a two-day tour of Sydney’s would begin on Wednesday with a Australian mixed farming enterprise tourist hotspots before delivering them quick look at the damage caused by the which also includes a substantial prune to the conference venue in Canberra,” drought in Young over the past decade. growing enterprise before returning to he said. Buses would then continue on to the Canberra. Along the way a stopover is Rydges Lakeside International Hotel major prune production area of Griffith planned at Charles Sturt University in was chosen because it could hold the where delegates would stay for the next congress business sessions and house two nights. Wagga Wagga where guest lecturers the 120 plus expected delegates in the “Local producers will be on hand will address the delegates over lunch. one location. in Griffith to welcome guests with a The topics are ‘Education of our future Mr Granger said the committee had good old fashioned Aussie barbeque farmers’ and ‘The role of agricultural evening meal and a chance for informal endeavoured to give international education’, emphasising the need to networking,” he said. delegates a ‘taste of Australia’ during keep graduates in the country. their visit and show them Australian Local APIA members and the Prune hospitality. “The pre-congress tour Industry Development Officer Tony The congress concludes upon arrive in focuses on Sydney and the Illawarra Napier have organised Thursday’s Canberra on Friday evening. New agrichemicals legislation will add costs, cut access Peak horticulture organisation Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines no corresponding increase in their Growcom is dismayed at the passage Authority (APVMA) bogged down in an budget. The APVMA struggles to find of new agricultural chemicals unnecessary, extensive and expensive the resources to process the reviews it legislation through the lower house of review process. already has in a timely manner. the Federal Parliament in mid-May. “While the cost of the review process Ms Mackenzie said a mandatory Chief Advocate Rachel Mackenzie said will largely be borne by the chemical review process for all chemicals also that the Agricultural and Veterinary companies who must provide the data means there will be fewer resources Chemicals Legislation Amendment for re-registration, it can be expected to review properly those chemicals Bill had been strongly criticised by that these costs will be passed on to the which are of genuine concern. Growcom and other agricultural farmer in the form of increased costs “The legislation may have the industry groups, but that the industry’s for mainstream agricultural chemical unanticipated result of restricting products.” protests had so far fallen on deaf ears. Australia’s access to new softer Ms Mackenzie said the mandatory and more environmentally friendly “Our major concern is that this review process may also act as a major chemistry because of the additional legislation will either add significantly disincentive on chemical companies costs to be borne by the chemical to the cost of agricultural chemicals supplying chemicals into the small companies in reviewing existing in the store or will see farmers Australian market. products. lose access to chemicals vital to agricultural production,” Ms “It may simply be cheaper not to supply “The frameworks for implementation Mackenzie said. them,” she said. “This has already have not yet been written and are happened in Europe where a number of unlikely to be written before the Act “The central issue is that the new chemicals have not been re-registered comes into being on 1 July, so other legislation requires a mandatory re- even though they are known to be low issues may also arise. registration (‘continuation’) component risk. “Growcom calls on the Senate to for all chemicals. “Moreover, the new legislation could strongly consider the implications and “This could see the agricultural be expected to triple the workload potential ramifications of the issue and chemicals industry and the Australian of the APVMA, but there has been defeat the Bill in the Upper House.”

12 Bake-off brings in the crowds Dried grapes will be on show at the to be extra Merbein Great Australian Vanilla Slice delicious this Triumph to be held on 17 August. year because The Great Australian Vanilla Slice we have such Triumph began in 1998 in and a high standard moved to Merbein in 2012. At that time of fruit available the Australian National Dried Vine Fruit for baking,” he Bake-off was introduced to celebrate said. grape growing in the region. Mr King said The dried fruits industry got behind the Dinky Nichols event, sponsoring trophies and prizes and Kay Grivec for the new baking section using dried would again grape products. cook Dried Dried Fruits Australia Chairman Mark Fruit Australia’s King said the committee did a great job signature fruit of running the event last year and it was pancakes and very successful. give them to The industry will again sponsor awards, passersby. with Australian Premium Dried Fruit, “The pancakes on to host her own ABC television Sunbeam Foods and Dried Fruits are an example of a scrumptious, yet series, Poh’s Kitchen and write a very Australia sponsoring the Sunmuscat simple way to incorporate dried fruit successful cook book, Poh’s Kitchen slice, Sultana muffin and Plum pudding into everyday meals and are always - My Cooking Adventures. She will be (800grams-1 kilogram) categories sought after,” he said. presenting two cooking demonstrations respectively. Organisers are expecting to attract on the day. Mr King urged everyone to have a go 10,000 visitors and have appointed The event will also include free and submit an entry, with categories celebrity chef and TV personality, Poh children’s activities; live musical for professional, amateur and up and Ling Yeow as ambassador. entertainment; ‘foodie & produce’ coming (student) bakers. Ms Yeow was a contestant on the 2009 displays and stalls; visiting celebrities; “We are expecting the prize entries Masterchef television series and went quilting; art and photo exhibitions.

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31139_v1 CRT Nufarm 321 Program - 133x180_TV.indd 1 13/07/12 8:13 AM 13 ATGA Chief Executive’s report International focus for ATGA The Australian are seen as the major priorities for A total of 377 containers were put harvest the next five years. forward for inspection by Chinese season is now At the top of the list were maturity inspectors. Even though the Australia all but over, and market access and maintenance. China protocol has a list of pests with growers All growers acknowledge that of concern, Chinese inspectors still hopefully maturity is one of the single biggest rejected some containers for insects starting to challenges facing the industry yet it that were not listed. enjoy a bit of one that the industry can control. Of concern to the Department of a break before It is highly unlikely that the eastern Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry pruning. There states will emulate the legislative (DAFF) was the rejection for the red has been mixed processes of Western Australia; blue beetle (Dicranolaius bellulus). reports on how however, if all growers wait for their Australia regards this beetle as a ATGA CEO, Jeff Scott the season has fruit to reach the quality standards beneficial insect, yet China rejected panned out for many growers. acceptable to the industry before containers because of it. DAFF The abnormally high yield from harvesting, then as in Western will present a case to China at the Emerald this year had a major impact Australia, it is a win win situation. next bilateral technical discussions on the start of the Sunraysia season The consumer wins as they are to endeavour to have the beetle driving prices down to below cost of purchasing a quality product and recognised as non-phytosanitary. hopefully the grower wins as production for some weeks. On- International symposium going discussions with the major consumers are prepared to pay higher Planning for the 7th International supermarkets is still planned in the prices. Table Grape Symposium is in hope that some strategies can be put China full swing. The symposium will in place to avoid the situation that Sunraysia growers this year commence with a pre-symposium occurred this year. The adoption of embraced the China export program. tour of Queensland growing regions supermarket policies will be the key Last year only 11 containers were from 16- 20 November, then onto a to overcoming the concerns faced by exported to mainland China. At the tour of the Sunraysia region on 23 the industry this season. conclusion of the season China November with the actual symposium Strategic Investment Plan expressed concern that some of those taking place 24-26 November. containers contained seeds and soil The new table grape Strategic The symposium will include a paddle and as a result has insisted on pre- Investment Plan is in the final stages boat river cruise, a welcoming clearance this year prior to shipment. of being completed. Roadshows have function session and culminate with been held in all major table grape The Chinese Government will only a gala dinner on the final night, regions, and will conclude when allow inspectors to be out of their providing plenty of time to network the final plan is presented to the country for a maximum of 30 days, with researchers and industry Horticulture Australia (HAL) Board. meaning that 12 Chinese inspectors experts. were required from 15 January The ATGA is co-ordinating sponsors The four objectives of the plan have through to 30 May. been well received by growers and and I welcome enquiries from any Communication company or person interested in with the Chinese supporting this major event. Government was All information can be found on the difficult, particularly symposium website www.itgs2013. regarding the com I encourage growers to register arrangements for for this informative symposium. inspectors to come to Australia. It HAL forum was disappointing Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) that this resulted held their industry forum at the end in just over four of May. One of the discussions put weeks throughout forward was for the formation of the export season a Horticulture Task Force (HTF), a where there were representative body with membership no inspectors in from all horticulture peak industry Australia, even bodies. though China had sufficient time to The HTF would act as the lobbying send inspectors. body taking up all issues of As a consequence importance within horticulture with shipments grown relevant authorities such as the for China had to Federal Government departments. be redirected to All horticulture peak industry bodies Chinese inspectors thoroughly assessed each container put other international in attendance agreed with the forward to go to mainland China. markets. concept of the HTF.

14 Bud analysis workshop is fruitful The Sunraysia Table Grape Growers Association endeavours to offer several workshops/information sessions and a Christmas Party for the families of members each year. The latest was a bud dissection workshop with Werner Ullrich, an agronomist with many years of experience with bud dissection and analysis. Association President Anthony Dichiera hosted the workshop, at his property in Merbein. Six growers were present, which was an ideal number to be able to demonstrate technique. Mr Dichiera said any more would have been too difficult to manage as they needed to share the limited number of microscopes. “Grape bud analysis involves dissection of buds under a microscope to see if the bud is fruitful or not, and to count the tiny bunch primordia that will become next year’s crop,” Mr Ullrich said. “When there is high percentage of fruitful buds growers can safely minimise the number of spurs or canes they leave on the vines after pruning. This reduces thinning costs in the spring. Alternatively, if the fruitfulness of the crop is low, growers are forewarned to modify their Sunraysia growers view vine sections under the microscope in a bud dissection pruning to add more bunches by leaving workshop led by Werner Ullrich, (left). more or longer spurs and canes.” are more prone to it as are vines with very good tool for new varieties or where When vineyards suffer from low excessive vigour and shading of canes the grower was struggling to get regular production, analysis of unfruitful buds caused by too much water and/or cropping on a variety. provides clues about the causes, which nitrogen or vigorous rootstocks,” Mr may stem from failed inflorescence, Visually canes may not look different Ullrich said. from one year to the next, but the bud bud necrosis, or some kind of stress or analysis tool enables identification of the disease. “Gibberellic acid (GA) applications can also cause the bud to die, even when best fruiting wood in any given variety “When vineyards suffer applied at low concentrations. In some for that season. years the GA will have no effect on bud “The diameter of the wood can also from low production, fruitfulness, but in others, the vine simply make a big difference,” he said. “It is doesn’t tolerate the additional hormone important to grade canes so you can pick analysis of unfruitful and the results can be detrimental.” up trends like fat canes or small canes “Another problem may be an infestation on each variety. buds provides clues of bud mites, tiny white mites that lives “When you know the location of the about the causes.” in the bud and cause poor and uneven fruitful buds, then you can direct pruners bud burst. The mites are visible under to judge how long to roll on the canes; “One of the many things that bud the microscope and it is possible to without analysis they may be cutting off analysis alerts you to is PBN – Primary count the percent of buds infested the best part of the cane,” he said. Bud Necrosis,” Mr Ullrich said. and the level of damage to the bunch The analysis also shows whether there PBN is a physiological disorder where primordia,” he said. is a need to overlap canes along the wire the primary bud within the compound Mr Ullrich said many growers were rather just than meet up the canes. bud dies. Secondary buds may grow, but unaware that determining fruiting canes Mr Dichiera said the workshop was very the resulting fruit is usually of low yield and the best wood to maintain or prune informative and thanked Mr Ullrich for and reduced quality. In severe cases the varied with variety. Unfortunately this his time. entire compound bud is affected and means they tend to apply what is good “I encourage other growers to open appears brown/black with no signs of for sultanas, to all other varieties, and their gate and have workshops at their healthy green tissue. this was not always the best advice. property. It keeps us up to date with best “PBN is not fully understood, but we do He said bud analysis was not necessary practice and gives us a chance to talk know varieties like Shiraz and Sultana every year on all varieties, but was a about the season.”

15 Grower profile Andrew enjoys a change of direction

Andrew Gross may have come late to of both worlds – living in the city and Horsham, where my family connections the business of dried fruit growing – but travelling to the country,” Andrew said. are,” he said. it’s difficult to imagine a grower who is “Late one night driving back to “I spent a bit of time looking around more enthusiastic and energised about Melbourne from Horsham – I was at Mildura, deciding if I really wanted to its future. Beaufort – and it suddenly dawned on live here, and the answer was yes, so I The high-achieving former Kew me that I had it 180 degrees wrong… decided to look for a fruit block that had businessman and political aspirant that I should be living in the country and been cleared. is now the owner of a 70-acre (28.3 driving to the city. “An agent sent me to look at this 40 hectares) fully-redeveloped dried fruit “And in that instant, Kew had just acre property. The house was around vineyard at Merbein South. But, perhaps gone, and I really couldn’t get out of 120 years old, a beautiful brick place, not surprisingly, he is anything but a Melbourne fast enough.” hidden in behind full canopies of wine typical dried fruit grower. grapes. It certainly wasn’t cleared, but once I saw it, I knew it was the one.” He has big ideas, but measured “There are three Andrew said buying the property expectations. He is passionate about foundations of all that the potential for dried fruit, but realistic was the catalyst for a major personal about the challenges it faces. And the we do....,The primary reassessment, and another “180 degree approach to running his own property turn”. is an unorthodox combination of one is ‘care-full’ “Most of my working life had been collaboration, business acumen and in the corporate sector – producing philosophy. whether it’s people, results, earning money, ups and downs with different jobs,” he said. Andrew arrived at his property on machinery or the vines Mathewson Road by chance eight years “But I was always looking for the next ago. everything we do must thing and distracting myself from the fact that I wasn’t really doing what I After a career in business, executive be full of care.” wanted to do. coaching and leadership training, he “It was a continual process of getting considered a move to Mildura as part of Andrew said part of his long-term bigger and bigger, but I found I really a grand plan to enter party-politics. plan had been to follow his father, Ken wanted to do the opposite and go really The political career now couldn’t be Gross (the former Member for Western micro. Just run a block or do something, further from his mind. Province) into politics. but do it well, and do it because I want “I had been splitting my life between “That’s how I came up with Mildura, as to do it. dry-land farming at Horsham and Kew, the major regional centre in the Federal “So politics then just evaporated and I always said I was having the best seat of , which also contains completely.

16 “I bought a block that I had no idea so we are not running around like “Processors seek out a mix of imports how to run, then I bought the block next chooks without heads. ‘Efficient’ is not and local product for good reason – but door, and started redeveloping all 70 cutting corners, not wasting money, they are enjoying benefits of having an acres to dried fruit. but spending wisely where we need to on-the-doorstep supply, and being able “The costs were much higher than I spend. to have an influence on the products was expecting, but once I was on the “I don’t want five or six tonnes to the that growers supply to them. treadmill I couldn’t get off. acre, but I want to set a long-term aim “I think there is a benefit there that “Since 2005 it’s been a constant of four, and I think that’s achievable processors are not currently paying for, consistently.” process of pulling out vines and and it’s one area that I would like to see replacing them, but at one time income Andrew said he was confident in the some change in.” went virtually to zero.” strength of the future of dried fruit, Andrew said despite his life having Andrew said he made a conscious given existing district production of around 15,000 tonnes and domestic taken several dramatic changes in decision against wine-grapes and fresh direction, he now expected to be a dried fruit in favour of dried fruit varieties – demand for about 40,000. fruit grower for the long-term. 20 acres each of Menindee Seedless, “There’s an underlying demand for sultana and Sunmuscat. local product, and a gradual trend “I am really fortunate that I can continue to work in my previous “We have more sunshine than any everywhere to more healthy food area of leadership development in other regional centre in Australia, so to choices,” he said. me that seemed the logical thing – we “There is great opportunity in the the corporate sector because of the must be able to do it cheaper and more industry, but I think there are areas for outstanding air service we have here. reliably than anywhere else!” he said. improvement in some of our industry It’s second-to-none and I really don’t think a lot of people appreciate just how “I’ve learnt from neighbours and the structures,” he said. good it is,” he said. former owner, who worked with me for “In the wider community I think about 18 months. They’ve all been in there’s increasing disquiet with the “I can get to the Qantas lounge in the business for years, so in a way, my growth and market power of the major Melbourne from here, in the same time block started where the other guys left supermarkets as they expand in all that I used to be able to drive there off. I haven’t had to re-invent the wheel. aspects of the supply chain. from Kew which is only 5 km’s out of “I have had the luxury of their “There is a question mark arising in the Melbourne CBD. relationship and conversation, and even wider community about the behaviour “And in a sense it adds value to that though I have made mistakes, they of commercial enterprises and how side of things, because everything that well they are managing their social weren’t the same ones that they made! happens here on the block happens in responsibility and public responsibility “Now I have three fantastic staff, the corporate world – we battle with the considering their size and emphasis on Graham, Julie and Jess, and this same sorts of issues, and my work on return to shareholders. year, at last, we will put the trellis the block gives me a new insight into and wire on the final 11 acres we’ve “I think to some extent we have a that. redeveloped.” similar situation playing out here in the dried fruit industry. “So if it appears so right, and so suited Andrew said among the big early to my lifestyle, and this is what I want to “If there isn’t a more collective challenges were being hit by Botrytis do, then why would I change any of it?” after the 2011 floods. industry-development approach then I think at some point the ACCC or some “Once again I’ve got the best of both “There were some blocks around here other body will be invited to work more world’s but this time I’m living in the that didn’t get hit, so we had to learn closely with the industry. right place, here in Mildura.” from them then, about what it was that we had done wrong that they hadn’t,” he said. “Again with the troubles with brown rot last year – other industries, like the apple industry, have already dealt with that, and so we have to look at how we can adapt it to our industry.” Andrew’s approach to running the property and working with staff is based more on partnership and respect, than it is on traditional employer-employee relationships. “There are three foundations of all that we do, and we all have to agree on what we are doing. The three foundations are that we must be ‘care- full, elegant, efficient’,” he said. “The primary one is ‘care-full’ whether it’s people, machinery or the vines – everything we do must be full of care. “‘Elegance’ is beauty and simplicity,

17 Dried processed currants exported from Greece Update on review of anti-dumping measures

A review of the current anti-dumping in the International trade remedies measures applying to processed dried branch. Report to the Minister No.192. currants exported to Australia from Review of anti-dumping measures Greece has found the currants were processed dried currants exported dumped and that measures, albeit from Greece. It sets out the facts reduced, would continue to be applied. on which the delegate of the Chief This review was conducted in Executive Officer of Customs and response to an application by Frutex Border Protection has based his Australia Pty Ltd seeking a review of recommendations to the Minister for the anti-dumping measures applying Home Affairs for measures applicable to to processed dried currants exported processed dried currants exported from to Australia from Greece by a single Greece by Aeghion. nominated exporter, Agricultural Co- Findings and conclusions Operative Union Aeghion. Based on all available information, “Customs and Border Customs and Border Protection found that: been established for processed dried ■ The export price for processed dried Protection found currants by using the selling prices currants exported from Greece by of the Australian industry during that processed dried Aeghion has been determined under the review period, with appropriate s.269TAB(1)(a), being the price paid or adjustments made to take account of currants exported to payable by the importer other than any post-exportation expenses and duty part of that price which represents a Australia from Greece charge in respect of the transportation payable by Frutex in relation to the by Aeghion during the of the goods after exportation or in importation of the goods during the respect of any other matter arising period of review. review period were after exportation. ■ Export prices and normal values for ■ The normal value for processed dried Aeghion of processed dried currants dumped.” currants exported by Aeghion has been from the Greece have increased and the NIP has also increased. The Australian Customs and Border established pursuant to s.269TAC(1) Protection Service examined exports of using domestic sales by Aeghion in ■ The NIP is the operative measure processed dried currants to Australia Greece adjusted for comparison with for processed dried currants and the from Aeghion during the period 1 the export price. revised amount of interim dumping October, 2011 to 30 September, 2012 ■ Processed dried currants exported duty to be imposed would decrease. (the review period) to determine if the to Australia from Greece by Aeghion Based on these findings, the Chief variable factors relevant to the taking during the review period were Executive Officer recommended to of the antidumping measures had dumped. The dumping margin the Minister that the measures should changed. calculated for Aeghion was 4.2%. still apply, but be varied (reduced) for The findings of the service are outlined ■ The non-injurious price (NIP) has Aeghion. Continuation of anti-dumping measures Anti-dumping measures on, dried the continuation of the anti-dumping the measures future dumping and processed currants exported from measures,” he said. material injury is likely, he said. Greece are due to expire on 15 “It must provide evidence to support Provided the Customs and Border January 2014. The anti-dumping any assertion that the expiration of Protection Service doesn’t reject the measures were imposed by public anti-dumping measures might lead application, the service will undertake notice on 15 January 2009 by the to a continuation or recurrence of an inquiry and report to the Minister Minister responsible for the Customs the material injury that the measures for Home Affairs within 155 days (or and Border Protection Service. are intended to prevent, and we have by such later date as the Minister may gathered evidence to this effect.” allow). Customs and Border Protection Dried Fruits Australia Chief Executive Sunbeam Foods, with support will publish a notice advising the Phil Chidgzey said the industry was commencement of such an inquiry. advised of the impeding expiration via from Dried Fruits Australia, has applied for the continuation of the In order for the measures to be a notice published on 5 April, 2013. measures. The application includes continued, the Minister must sign a “The notice invited the Australian the most recent three years of update report extending the measures before industry to make a written application financial information and we believe the scheduled date of expiry (i.e. 14 to Customs and Border Protection for demonstrates that in the absence of January, 2014).

18 Sunbeam Foods/Angas Park Optimism returns 2013 Outlook of light coloured fruit so that we may In the last edition I wrote that the recent learn how to maximise the potential for harvest delivered good quality across all growers to produce light grade sultanas dried fruits and presented an opportunity and Sunmuscat. to contest a strong currency, a very Reports from the field indicate there competitive retail environment, high were many high yielding currant, raisin manufacturing costs and soft consumer and Sunmuscat crops while sultanas buying. Lately a little more ‘blue sky’ has were lower than what would normally appeared for sultanas and prunes as be produced. international prices firm and the Australian Locally, retail sales have only just dollar weakens. started to lift from a pattern of declining There is plenty of water to go under sales established over the last few the bridge before this translates to any years. It is timely that an industry- impact on 2014 prices as there is still initiated sultana promotion program the newly relocated prune line which considerable volumes of cheap inventory (through the Marketing sub-committee features pitting machines that vastly that must be sold and we also have to see of the Horticulture Australia Industry improve processing, especially around how the harvest progresses for Turkish Advisory Committee) will kick off in the pit removal effectiveness. and US dried grapes and for Californian last quarter of 2013. Given the high prunes. Cautious optimism suggests quality of this year’s crop the timing The global supply situation may at last where we are. of the project should lift sales of all be starting to trend back to balance. Australian dried grapes. Meanwhile Sunbeam continues with its The major southern hemisphere projects to make significant efficiency Tree fruit producers have their crop is in. Chile’s 2013 crop is smaller at 50,000 short gains. As announced earlier, the closure Unlike dried grapes and prunes, the tons, or 30% less than the 2012 crop of of the Angas Park Angaston factory will international market for dried tree fruit 70,000 short tons. But Argentina has at take effect early in the second half of the remains soft; however the weaker least 40,000 short tons of good quality year and concurrent with this will be the Australian dollar may provide some prunes compared to 8,000 short tons of opening of the multi-million dollar upgrade base in the pricing. This is disappointing poor quality fruit last season. Argentina at the Irymple factory. All aspects of the as tree fruit growers experienced a is yet to prove it is a reliable producer Irymple facility will have undergone a harvest of wonderful drying conditions and in any case much of its crop goes major upgrade and will also incorporate resulting in good yields of high quality the additional capacity to process and dried apricots, peaches and nectarines. to Brazil. package both tree fruit and prunes. Those responsible for marketing the We will all carefully wait for the Californian crop to come in. If a below Dried grapes fruit will be doing their utmost to average crop, or even an average crop The 2013 industry harvest realised convince consumers of the distinctive elements and taste of our dried tree is produced, the firming trend of prices approximately 18,000 tonnes of high is expected to continue. quality grapes. fruit. There are sectors of the wholesale market that have been unable to source In summary we have been blessed with Sunbeam’s intake of 5cr Light and 4cr Australian tree fruits in recent years, a dried fruit intake of optimal volumes Light grades was 36% for sultanas and so it will be exciting to see if they are and high quality. The next challenge is for 32% for Sunmuscat. This presented a prepared to pay a premium for the high to engage consumers - the message good base to sort fruit for export and the quality local produce. is “there has never been a better time reports from Europe on the first shipments All dried tree fruit growers are reminded to purchase Angas Park and Sunbeam are very complimentary. This was timely products”. because Australia’s reputation had taken that they have a responsibility to a blow over recent years as our capacity pay the statutory Research and Sunbeam and Angas Park Dried Fruit to be a reliable supplier of high grade Development levy of $32 per dried Contacts: sultanas had suffered. The justification tonne. This has, and continues, to fund Chris Ellis, for customers to pay very high price the release of new varieties from the General Manager Fruit Supply: premiums was being seriously questioned. long term Loxton apricot breeding (03) 5051 4403 or 0419 896 970 project. This year’s exports have proven that we David Swain, can still be a dried grape producer second Angas Park pays this levy on behalf of Supply Manager Dried Fruit: to none. its growers and it is not equitable that (03) 5051 4402 or 0407 834 044 only Angas Park growers underwrite We are now reviewing all fruit to decide on this important program. Any grower not Colin Farey, South Australia Fruit Supply: the Sunbeam All Australian Eighteen 2013 currently paying the levy should contact 0417 875 149 Quality Award recipients and the winner of Australian Dried Tree Fruits to assist Alan Lister, Field Officer: 0409 437 801 the $5,000 cash prize for the best export them in meeting their obligations. fruit. The analysis this year has been both Gary Simpson, Field Officer: onerous and rewarding due to the large Prunes 0429 960 234 number of growers of high quality fruit. The harvest this year provided about Barry Bottams, Field Officer: Meanwhile Sunbeam is participating 2,600 tonnes of high quality prunes of 0428 214 477 in an industry collaborative project to good size and maturity. From August Steve Barty, Field Officer South Australia: investigate all means of production these will be processed at Irymple on 0417 838 908

19 2013 season summary With the excellent weather conditions 5% to116t, while dried pear during both the growing and drying intakes were halved to just 18t. seasons the Australian dried tree fruit Internationally the market for dried industry saw some very good quality tree fruit remains soft. A FOODNEWS fruit being produced from growers article on 13 May said there was a great and from Angas Park’s own dry yard. deal of uncertainty in the lead up to With the exception of River Bright, the Turkey’s harvest as there is still some new varieties of apricot from SARDI’s carryover of smaller apricots, but bigger breeding program have had good crops, amounts of larger fruit are expected and these can only improve as the trees which should balance the prices. ADTF Inc. mature. Pollination remains a problem The State Institute of Statistics’ data with River Bright and the industry is shows that Turkey exported 101,569t Management working hard to find a solution. of dried apricots last year, while total Despite Barossa, and Lower Murray production for last year stood at Committee growers having lighter apricot crops 176,718t according to International Nut this past season, Angas Park’s dried and Dried Fruit Council (INC) figures. Chairman apricot intake increased by 35% on last year’s figures to 218 tonnes in 2013. While Turkey may be a major player with respect to dried apricots, it Kris Werner Angas Park South Australia Fruit must also be remembered that it Supply Manager Colin Farey said is effectively a different product to much improved yields from the Pike that produced in Australia, and as Grower Representatives River orchard and from a small group such is sold to different markets. Tony Loffler of private growers who supply fresh annually saw the dry yard produce Another major player that will affect Paul Wittwer 95% more dried tonnes than last year. global prices is California, where the 2013 harvest has just begun. “Returns to growers this year Rick Steicke averaged about $8,300/t for FOODNEWS expects total production of dried apricots,” he said. fresh apricots to be about 57,000 (short) Packer Representatives “Even though prices dropped tons, more or less unchanged from last year. Most of that will be sold on the Colin Farey in 2013, the high yields meant overall returns to growers were fresh market, with very little dried. Angas Park Fruit Company very close to those of last year. Data from the US Department of “If there was any down side to this Commerce shows that US imports Peter Manning last season it was the lack of spring of dried apricots have increased Angas Park Fruit Company rains which did seem to have an dramatically from a low of 7,881t effect on the dry ratios in some in 1990 to 14,195t in 2012. Most of Marketer Representative of the early apricots,” he said. this imported fruit is from Turkey. Chris Ellis “Another disappointing aspect was California has fewer than 100 apricot the number of grade outs this year. growers, with many growers electing Angas Park Fruit Company There is still quite a high percentage to pull their apricot trees and replace of medium grade fruit in both apricots them with almonds or walnuts ADTF Inc. Secretariat and peaches. Growers may need which are less labour intensive. Phil Chidgzey to increase the focus in this area Only two or three Californian dryers if they are to improve returns.” remain; however interest in domestically Dried Fruits Australia The dried peach intake was up dried apricots is increasing. 31 Deakin Avenue PO Box 5042 Mildura 3502 Tel: (03) 5023 5174 E: driedtreefruits@ driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

20 New look field days gets them through the gate

Revitalising any event comes with more his snail bait dispensing system which than a little trepidation, when the event offered a simple low cost method of has a proud 62-year history behind it, dispensing snail bait in a controlled, the stakes are somewhat higher again. safe and efficient manner. Brave then, was the Mildura Field Days Dried Fruits Australia would like to Committee who decided in 2013, to event highlights, a jumping castle, face thank and congratulate Mr Lyons and all turn their event on its head. painting, and a fantastic interactive the entrants for taking the time to bring The Mildura Field Days began a new era lizard display their ideas and gadgets along to display on 24 and 25 May and the results were With a focus on future farming and the and would encourage all growers to better than anyone expected. need to encourage and support the start thinking about what they can enter Dwindling numbers of exhibitors and next generation to continue Australia’s in next year’s event. visitors had besieged the horticultural history of production, the committee Dried fruits were prominent with expo and by the end of the event in took great satisfaction in the number of displays by Australian Premium Dried 2012, it was clear something needed children who attended the field days. Fruits, Sunbeam Foods, Dried Fruits to be done. Chairman, Warren Lloyd Meanwhile, the Ladies days concept, a Australia and the winning samples of openly acknowledges that the old event marquee filled with things for her - from the Dried Fruit Harvest 2012 Quality was unviable and with his family’s long jewellery to cosmetics, was a haven for Awards sponsored by Rural Finance. association with the Mildura Field Days, women, many who had never been to a This year’s winners were: this didn’t sit well with him. field day before. ■ Best sultanas: C Pisconeri - Merbein “We needed a real shake up. If we sat The Field Days Food Bowl was another ■ back and did nothing, Mildura was attraction that proved to be a hit and Best Sunmuscats: D & J Eagle – going to lose an event that had been with the Sunraysia Farmers Market Coomella contributing to the community since the brimming with delicious treats and ■ Best currants: SuniTAFE 1950’s. It was really hard to watch and plentiful breakfasts. ■ Best raisins: F & F Panetta - Mildura be a part of that decline,” Mr Lloyd said, Innovation, imagination and design ■ remembering the grim meetings. Best overall fruit of the season: D & J are vital activities in the constant need Eagle – Coomella (Sunmuscat) Rather than ring the death knell, the to improve productivity in horticulture The massive machinery and farming committee decided some bold new and the field days have traditionally equipment remained a highlight of the ventures were required - ideas that encouraged growers to share their event and certainly did not lose out to the would see women and families flooding ideas through the gadget display. through the gates. new additions. For this year’s field days Dried Fruits This year’s Exhibitor Awards were: There were many things that drove Australia sponsored the gadget display the interest in the new look event. and offered a $500 innovation award ■ Large Exhibitor - Haueslers However, it was the new initiatives that for the entrant which was judged to ■ Medium Exhibitor - Matthews and broadened the appeal of the Field Days, have best met the criteria for and its Associates moving it from a farmers’ event to a potential to improve productivity, safety, ■ Small Exhibitor - Koolaman Designs family show that sealed the deal and originality and its application to a wide ■ saw 8,000 people through the gates. range of growers. New Exhibitor - Collie and Tierney The event, with its tagline of ‘Where There were a pleasing number In embracing a new image and agriculture and community unite’ of gadgets on display, including broadened focus, the committee has aimed to have something for everyone dripper installation and maintenance given new life to the Mildura Field Days and judging from all the photos on the equipment, safety improvements to bin and in doing so has been able to pay Mildura Field Days Facebook page, they tippers, productivity improvements to the greatest homage to all that’s gone succeeded. dehydration bins and newly developed before. Children were kept amused with a crown bunch removal spray systems. Photo courtesy of Mildura Weekly. field walk that took them past all the The award was won by David Lyons for Photographer Darren Seiler.

21 Sunglo shines in 2013

Sunglo has outperformed the the sultanas that grew 5.0 t/ha or 2.0 t/ comparative (control) vines in the small acre commercial trial again this year. When graded, Sunglo was 5 crown Given growing conditions this season light, compared to 4 crown light for the sultanas. were better than the last two years, there was no disease incidence or As a rough calculation, these results splitting of fruit. indicate a contracted grower would receive: As in all the past seasons, Sunglo has ■ $7,600 ($2,000 x 3.8) per acre for out yielded sultana in 2013 (Table 1). Sunglo, compared to Sunglo crops were also of a higher ■ quality again in 2013 and as a result $3,800 ($1,900 x 2.0) for sultanas. have delivered a higher return per area This equates to an extra $3,800 per than sultanas (Table 2). acre for Sunglo above that of sultanas. This season Sunglo produced 9.3 tonne/ Bonus crop for Black Gem hectare or 3.8 tonnes/acre compared to Black Gem vines planted in 2011 grew

Table 1: Comparison of Sunglo and Sultana yeilds from 2008-2013. Season Sunglo Sunglo Sultana Sultana (dry t/ha) (dry t/acre) (dry t/ha) (dry t/acre)

2008 11.0 4.5 6.7 2.7 2009 13.0 5.3 12.2 4.9 2010 8.0 3.2 4.3 1.7 2011 6.3 2.6 3.0 1.2 Sunglo fruit, fresh and dry. 2012 10.3 4.2 5.5 2.2 more vigorously than anticipated to 2013 9.3 3.8 5.0 2.0 produce an unexpected modest first Mean 9.72 3.9 6.34 2.6 crop in 2013. Growers of the new currant type variety reported crops of Table 2: Comparison of Sunglo and sultana returns 2011-13. 2.5t/ha (1t/acre) or slightly better this 2013 Sunglo Sultana season. These vines will produce their first crops on hanging canes in 2014. Tonnes/acre 3.8 2.0 Black Gem vines were recently Grade 5L 4L inspected and it was noted that there Price/tonne $2,000 $1,900 was no sign of late season downy $$/acre $7,600 $3,800 mildew. In contrast, adjacent vines of other varieties showed oil spots from Return difference between Sunglo and Sultana $3,800 downy mildew over almost all their leaves. 2012 Sunglo Sultana More information and orders Growers who wish to know more about Tonnes/acre 4.2 2.2 Sunglo and Black Gem should contact Grade 5L 4B Dried Fruits Australia for a variety fact Price/tonne $2,000 $1,800 sheet and requirements to grow these patented grapevines. $$/acre $8,400 $3,960 To order vines growers need to contact Return difference between Sunglo and Sultana $4,440 either of the two registered nurseries: 2011 Sunglo Sultana ■ Freck’s Vine Nursery - (03) 5024 2885 or 0412 947 426 ■ Sunraysia Nurseries - (03) 5024 8502 Tonnes/acre 2.6 1.2 To arrange for top working, contact one Grade 3B mould B 3B mould D of the following: Price/tonne $1,495 $1,335 ■ Andrew Zrna – 0417 575 449 or (03) $$/acre $3,887 $1,602 5025 2120 ■ Brian Lancaster – 0427 291 487 or Return difference between Sunglo and Sultana $2,285 (03) 5029 1487

22 Australian Premium Dried Fruits What a difference a year makes

After three very average seasons, 2013 has been one to remember for all the right reasons. Sultana yields were low for some growers, but the quality was the best we have seen since 2009. Of particular interest is the yields achieved for the Sunmuscat and (Carina) currants. Several growers achieved yields of well over 4 tonnes per acre (9.9t/hectare) for both of these varieties, with most of their fruit at the highest grades. Whilst we only have access at this stage to data from a small planting of Sunglo, it too returned just over 4 tonnes per Doug and Jenny Eagle, (centre), winners of the best Sunmuscat and Best Quality Fruit categories of the acre to the grower, with a 5 Dried Fruits Quality Award. crown grading. will qualify for our grape supply loyalty to embrace best practice and improved These yields again underline the bonus. We are looking forward to further varieties over recent times. Australian Premium strategy for rewarding our growers in this way on Productivity is a key driver for all growers to embrace the newer an ongoing basis. participants in the dried grape industry. varieties. New Chief Operating Officer Mr Badura is looking forward to The newer varieties, in particular renewing old friendships and meeting Sunmuscat, Carina currants and Sunglo, Australian Premium is very pleased the team of Australian Premium were developed with a focus on yield to announce the appointment of Phil growers. and weather resistance. They give Badura to the newly created position of Mildura Field Days growers a better chance of producing Chief Operating Officer. consistently higher yields than the Congratulations to the Mildura Field traditional sultana varieties on a year-in Days Committee for organising a year-out basis. We see this continuity in successful two day event in May. yield and quality as critical to the long Over 7,000 people visited the field days, term financial viability of all growers. with many popping into the Australian Premium quality fruit to enable the Premium marquee. There was a growers to achieve the higher paying great deal of interest in our new retail gradings will come with following products with positive feedback on the best practice growing and harvesting quality of fruit and the vibrant colours of techniques, plus some reasonable the packaging designed to stand out on seasonal conditions. retail shelves. Phil Badura, Australian Premium’s newly Australian Premium recently completed Sample packs were given away to field appointed Chief Operating Officer. its largest fruit intake and would like to day visitors to highlight our philosophy congratulate our growers on achieving Mr Badura, who has lived and worked of supplying Australian consumers with the weights and grades they did. in this area previously, has extensive the best quality fruit; while growers Over 95% of our intake was graded as experience in food manufacturing were left to ponder over the bins of 4 crown or better with the quality of industries, including over nine years Sunglo, Sunmuscat and currants on the fruit reflecting the willingness of with the dried fruits industry in the display and realise the potential of these improved varieties. growers to follow Australian Premium Sunraysia region. Everyone at Australian Premium would harvest protocols. He will be in control of Australian like to congratulate Doug and Jenny Less than 1% of our deliveries were Premium Dried Fruits operations and Eagle on winning the best Sunmuscat affected by any form of quality will be implementing improvements to and Best Quality Fruit categories of the deduction. the company’s processing practices and Dried Fruits Quality Award. The Eagles Quality starts in the vineyard and we are equipment. We continue to streamline are committed to growing the highest pleased to acknowledge our growers our operations and search for further quality dried grapes and it is great to are doing their part. productivity improvements, much the see their efforts being recognised by In 2014 a large number of our growers same as we have implored our growers the industry.

23 Board news Branch Forum voices concerns The Branch Forum held on 1 May 2013 clarify the views of both Sunbeam Sale of Deakin Ave property considered a range of issues referred Foods and Australian Premium Dried Dried Fruits Australia’s property in Deakin from Dried Fruit Australia branches. Fruit and establish a joint strategic Ave, Mildura has been sold. Staff will Those issues and the agreed actions are production target for the Australian soon be relocating to offices in Lemon outlined below. dried grape industry. The Dried Fruits Ave, Mildura which are owned by the a) Adjustment Factors/Processor Penalties Australia Board meeting on 16 May Dried Fruits Trust. It is anticipated that - the Forum agreed: 2013, agreed that the current target of this move will be completed by the end of 25,000 tonnes should be maintained. 1. To set up a Working Group to review July 2013 and should produce a number processor adjustment factors e) Identifying light/dark colour grades - of efficiency gains. the forum agreed that this matter be 2. To invite branches to nominate a Import statistics referred to the Working Group being representative to the Working Group set up to review processor adjustment Dried grape imports: Imports of dried 3. To identify relevant issues to be factors. currants in the two months March-April referred to processor/marketers 2013 totalled 260 tonnes, compared to f) Seasonal video competition for schools 155t in same period last year (2012). 4. To arrange meetings with both - the forum agreed that Alan Long Much of the increase in currant imports processor/marketers should progress this proposal and came from Greece which exported 212t The proposed Working Group will meet consult with schools. to Australia. as soon as branch nominations have g) Payment options – the forum agreed Imports of sultanas totalled 2,657t, been received. that a letter to both processors compared to 1,470t for the same period b) Early indication of higher prices for be drafted requesting that current last year. More than half of the imported 2014 – the forum agreed that a request payment options be reviewed and sultanas came from Turkey (1,975t), with for an early indication of prices for consideration be given to offering significant volumes from China (494t) too. 2014 be forwarded to both processors. growers a cash option. Imports of TSRs were down from 1,302t c) Supply of bins - the forum agreed that Communications for the same period last year to 998t. a letter to Sunbeam Foods be drafted in In an effort to improve communications Dried apricots: Imports of apricots for consultation with branches, to ensure with grower members, Dried Fruits the period were 755t, similar to the same all issues related to bin supply to Australia is currently updating its website. period last year (746t). Turkey provided grower clients are detailed. A range of new features will be available most (639t) of the imported apricots. d) Strategic Production Target - the forum including a secure members only section. Prunes: Total imports were 205t agreed that this matter be referred It will also provide links to social media compared to 325t, in the same period of to the Dried Fruits Australia Board to including Facebook and Twitter. the previous year. Minimum wage to rise The Minimum Wage Panel has handed the national minimum wage by $15.80 “We acknowledge the importance of down its fourth minimum wage per week was higher than NFF’s providing a wage incentive that will decision which increased the National proposed $9 increase to the minimum encourage more Australians into paid Minimum Wage, together with all wage, however the result was still a work – and most importantly, into work Modern Award minimum rates of pay better outcome for Australian farmers in the agricultural sector,” Mr Linnegar by 2.6%. than the union demand of a $30 per said. The effect of this increase will see the week increase. The NFF highlighted the importance of National Minimum Wage increase from “This increase will see improved balancing the needs of employees against 1 July, 2013 to $622.20 per week, or conditions for many Australians who are the rising costs to agriculture employers. $16.37 per hour. on the minimum wage, and we welcome “But we have seen that the Fair Work In delivering the decision, the panel this as a benefit for workers across the Commission is listening to our industry’s noted their reasons for delivering a nation. concerns,” Mr Linnegar said. moderate increase included tension “In our submission we stressed to “Our sector is facing a long-term skilled between economic and social the Commission the need to maintain labour shortage and so any move that considerations, GDP growth expected balance between the needs of workers helps us attract and retain our valuable to ease, unemployment expected to and the ability of small businesses, labour base is crucial,” Mr Linnegar rise, inflation expected to remain at including farmers, to absorb higher wage said. about 2-3%, and the superannuation costs at a time when they are already increase being a moderating factor. battling tough drought conditions and Dried Fruits Australia has updated the In a submission to the Fair Work an even tougher economic climate,” Mr BLOCK WAGES SHEET with the new Commission in March, the National Linnegar said. rates payable. Members will receive Farmers’ Federation (NFF) called for The decision is lower than the increase a copy of the sheet as an insert with a $9 per week increase, including the seen in 2012, largely as a result of lower this edition of The Vine. If you did not superannuation levy increase of $1.50. economic growth nationally, a tight receive a copy please contact the Dried NFF Chief Executive Officer Matt Federal Budget and the pending rise in Fruits Australia office on (03) 5023 Linnegar said the decision to increase superannuation. 5174.

24 Drying for profit activities 2013 Bud fruitfulness results

Buds have again been collected this season as part of a project to establish bud fruitfulness in sultana crops as an indication of crop potential for the coming season and to guide pruning management decisions. Twelve growers have participated in the project, allowing canes to be collected from a particular patch on their property each year for the past three years. The properties are located throughout the district, from Coomella through A dissected bud showing bunch primordia. Merbein, Irymple to Red Cliffs, and Knowing the fruitfulness of buds This season on average 61.9% of buds cover a range of property sizes. is useful as it enables growers to were fruitful, but the percentage of The sultana canes were collected estimate their expected crop. bunches was actually higher, at 74.2%, in the first week of May and taken The results clearly show the improved because some of the buds had double to a horticultural consultant, where growing conditions in 2013 (Table 1), bunches. they were dissected and analysed for with both the % fruitful buds and % Even though bunch size cannot be fruitfulness at certain positions along of bunches up on the previous three determined from the dissected bud, the canes. years. presence of double bunches is a good indication of improved crop potential. Table 1: Average bud fruitfulness, necrosis and number of bunches in sultana crops Surprisingly, bud necrosis was up this form 2011-13. season at 15%, but still less than in 2011 2012 2013 2011 when the wet conditions had a major influence. While the fruitfulness of the crop is % Fruitful buds 54.5 57.8 61.9 important, the project also determines % Bunches 62.2 67.5 74.2 the position of fruitful buds along the cane. % Bud necrosis 21.7 10.0 15.0 To ascertain this half of the canes collected from six sites had every 87 90 83 80 80 second bud from bud 5 to the end of 80 73 77 the cane dissected and analysed. The results show that the fruitful buds 70 are relatively evenly distributed along 60 53 the cane out to bud site 15 (Figure 1). 50 However, buds positioned further away 40 from the cordon were more likely to 40 33 be non-fruiting, and in most cases the

% Fruiul buds 30 canes were less than 20 buds. 20 Knowing the fruitfulness of buds along the cane is important as it allows 10 3 growers to assess what level of 0 pruning that they will undertake this 57911131517192123 season. The results show that it is not Bud posion on the cane necessary to roll extra cane lengths Figure 1: Average fruitfulness of buds according to their position on the cane, where along the bottom of Swingarm trellis to 5 is closest to the trunk. achieve reasonable bunch numbers.

25 Horticulture Australia (HAL) update

HAL Industry May Forum ‘Success through Strategy’ Horticulture with an overview of how to structure Australia’s (HAL) successful strategy sessions within their Industry May own organisations and how to achieve Forum was held on goals set out within the plan. Tuesday, 28 May He said key questions to be considered in a at the Swissotel strategic planning session include: in Sydney and ■ Mission – reason for being, why are we attended by here more than 115 ■ Vision – achieve in mid to long term; HAL members, where do we see ourselves HAL Industry Industry Advisory ■ Values – what we believe in; how we will Services Manager, Committee Chairs, Corey Fitzpatrick conduct ourselves HAL staff and ■ Strategic pillars/KRAs (Key Result Area) – industry stakeholders. key of focus The theme of the day was ‘Success through ■ Goals – broad statement of intended Strategy’ and included an array of speakers results under each pillar covering several topics that currently affect ■ Strategies – broad approach to achieving industry. The program provided food for goals thought and discussion points to consider ■ Objectives – SMART (Specific, for strategic decision for industry going Professor Jim Pratley called for an Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time forward. image overhaul for the agriculture/ scaled) objectives The opening session conducted by Business horticulture sector to attract talent. ■ Actions – who is doing what when Development Strategist Richard Woodward, on the workforce challenge in horticulture who works with some of the country’s ■ KPI (Key Performance Indicator) and by Emeritus Professor Jim Pratley, leading organisations to help them define review – how and when measure progress. former Dean of Science and Agriculture their strategic plans. He provided attendees and now Research Professor at Charles Dr Craig Cormick is Sturt University. Professor Pratley, who is a communications leading the NSW Government’s review into project manager within agricultural education, presented the results NON- EXECUTIVE CSIRO and gave an of a string of state and federal enquiries that insight into the latest DIRECTORS examined the dramatic 20-year decline of consumer perception professional agricultural training. Professor Your opportunity to contribute to one of the largest, and of biotechnology in Pratley called for an image overhaul for growing, agricultural industries in Australia the context of food the sector to attract talent and make jobs production. Attendees Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is a national research, development and desirable, starting with high school where marketing organisation that works in partnership with the horticulture sector to learnt what the general invest in programs that provide benefi t to Australian horticulture industries. HAL he believes career paths were chosen. He public really think about is an industry owned company that invests more than $100 million annually in a emphasised the current shortfall of the wide range of areas including production, marketing, quality assurance, food safety, genetically modified horticulture workforce and pleaded with biotechnology, sustainability and industry communication. (GM) foods and what HAL is funded by statutory levies in Marketing and Research & Development attendees to take action to reverse this the trends were from its member industries and also voluntary contributions received from grower trend. associations, commercial enterprises and individuals. The Australian Government towards this emerging also contributes funds on a dollar for dollar basis for expenditure on Research & technology. Although Danica Leys, one of the leaders in Development. Australia’s growing agriculture social The Board is responsible for HAL’s strategic direction, investment framework and not necessarily applying performance outcomes. to all of HAL’s members, media world and NSW Rural Woman of the HAL is seeking expressions of interest from qualifi ed candidates for three board the advancement Year 2012 presented her success story positions. While previous board experience would be highly regarded, it is not of biotechnology as the co-founder of AgChatOz, an online essential. This year, the successful candidates ideally will have knowledge of, and experience in, the horticulture or broader agribusiness sectors as well as skills and continues to be an community forum. The social media group experience in one or more of the following areas: important topic to many is connecting country and city communities • Horticultural production • Environmental management; and as it has the potential by providing a ‘meeting place’ for dialogue • Public policy and administration to substantially alter on important rural issues. Having been For further information about HAL, please visit www.horticulture.com.au horticulture farming involved in agriculture for more than 15 Applications addressing the relevant criteria above, plus a brief CV should be sent practices, the way years, Ms Leys spoke about opportunities to the consultant assisting HAL: Fiona Lavan, Director, Stanton Chase International. Tel: 02 9251 7188 Email: [email protected]. Information packages will the industry conducts for women in agriculture/horticulture, be forwarded by Stanton Chase by email upon request. business and the reinforcing Professor Pratley’s message to

Applications close Friday 16 August, 2013 public’s perception of increase and broaden the skills base for the the products they eat industry. and enjoy. HAL members took the opportunity for an Following Dr Cormick’s intensive Members Meeting for half of the

H57296 presentation attendees day before relaxing over canapés and drinks were given an update at the Swissotels Crossroads Bar.

26 Plant Health Australia New online resources provide access to biosecurity information Two new websites launched recently provide Australian farmers with easy access to information about the pests that pose the greatest threats to their industry and simple measures that producers can take to safeguard their business. Plant Health Australia (PHA) has a new site that features biosecurity information specifically for table grape and dried fruit industries (www.planthealthaustralia.com. au/industries). Dedicated industry pages provide an overview of the industry and links to relevant resources including fact sheets for a range of exotic pests that producers need to keep a look out for. “The site (www. planthealthaustralia. “Our industry and government members Biosecurity Planning and Implementation have worked with us to formulate a at PHA, said that the website was the face com.au) consists of 150 suite of useful resources improving of the Farm Biosecurity Program, a joint Australia’s preparedness for nasty exotic initiative between PHA and Animal Health pages containing a pests: biosecurity plans, pest fact sheets, Australia (AHA) contingency plans for particular pests and wealth of information farm biosecurity manuals for farmers. “Recognising that many people run mixed enterprises, we got together with AHA to “We wanted to make this work apparent, formulate biosecurity advice for both plant on plant biosecurity in and make it easy to access. The new site and animal producers,” Mr Siebert said. Australia and pictures does that beautifully,” Mr Fraser said. The site consists of 150 pages containing The Essentials part of the site has sections and details of over 400 a wealth of information on plant biosecurity that provide advice on six areas of farm in Australia and pictures and details of over biosecurity: plant pests” 400 plant pests, together with the latest ■ farm inputs biosecurity news and easy access to key ■ farm outputs Greg Fraser, Executive Director and Chief documents such as the National Plant ■ Executive Officer of PHA, the national Biosecurity Strategy and PLANTPLAN. ferals and weeds coordinator of plant biosecurity in Australia, In addition to the new PHA site, a new ■ movement of people, vehicles and said that the new site would be a great Farm Biosecurity website – www. equipment farmbiosecurity.com.au – was launched resource for visitors. “We wanted the ■ production practices new site to make all of the biosecurity this year, giving practical information for ■ preparedness information that has been producers of all kinds on how to protect ftraining, planning and record keeping. developed over the years more readily their businesses from pests and diseases. Mr Siebert said that the new site was a available,” Mr Fraser said. Brad Siebert, Program Manager for one stop shop for on-farm biosecurity, with links to a range of useful resources including YouTube videos, farm biosecurity signs and national codes of practice. Other useful features include checklists to assess biosecurity practices, templates for record keeping and animal health statements and declarations. Mr Siebert said that PHA was proud to have worked in partnership with AHA to produce such a valuable resource for Australian producers. “The site is designed for ease of use and all producers, whether they run large or small enterprises, should take advantage of this great resource to secure their farm against diseases, pests and weeds.”

27 Water outlook

Victoria signs up to plan

Victoria has become the first state to and modern irrigation, and we are ■ A clear transition process for Basin sign the Inter-Governmental Agreement committed to supporting regional Plan implementation, including a (IGA) for the Murray Darling Basin Plan’s communities and the industries they commitment by the Commonwealth implementation and an associated rely on for their livelihoods,” Mr Walsh that its responsibility to ‘bridge the funding agreement. said. gap’ will not be passed to states. The Australian Government last year The IGA and funding agreement provide Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition finalised the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Victoria with: Government also reinforced support for previous Commonwealth commitments ending a century long argument on how ■ $14.3 million over three years to that will help ensure future water to manage our rivers. develop offset projects to reduce recovery from Victoria does not “The Murray Darling Basin Plan is the volume of water required to be undermine investment in irrigated already law and the pathway to restore recovered from productive use under agriculture, and the communities which the rivers to permanent health is locked the Basin Plan. rely on food and fibre production. These in. ■ $47.4 million over eight years for include: “The Intergovernmental Agreement costs associated with implementing ■ $1.2 billion for the Goulburn-Murray ensures that the states and the the Basin Plan. Water Connections Project. Commonwealth agree on the funding ■ A commitment from the arrangement for the projects and the ■ Purchase of the Wimmera Irrigation Commonwealth that it will consult System’s 23GL of water. processes which make it happen. with states on the details of its $100 ■ “Once the IGA is concluded with million Murray-Darling Basin Regional The $103 million Sunraysia irrigation all states, there is nothing left but Economic Diversification Program, to modernisation project. implementation. provide assistance to communities “Victoria will continue to work with basin governments and the Murray- Victorian Minister for Water Peter affected by the Basin Plan. Darling Basin Authority to deliver a Walsh said while consensus on the The IGA also outlines agreed Basin Plan that balances the interests agreements had taken some months arrangements for: of communities, irrigators and the to achieve, it was very important for ■ Operation of the sustainable diversion environment and which is balanced Victoria that all their key concerns were limit (SDL) adjustment mechanism, between the states,” Mr Walsh said. addressed. which recognises the beneficial “Following the signing of these “The IGA and the funding agreement impact works and measures can agreements, Victoria will now focus were the next important steps for an have in river and floodplain health. on finalising its offset proposals as agreed approach to securing the health The SDL adjustment mechanism a matter of urgency and on working of the Murray Darling Basin in a way can potentially reduce the amount closely with the authority to settle which also ensures a future for basin of water needed to be taken out of implementation arrangements for communities,” he said. productive use by up to 650GL. the plan, including determination of “Victoria has always maintained ■ Co-operative management of water final SDLs for northern Victoria as a that a healthy basin can be achieved for the environment, including the result of operation of the adjustment alongside sustainable, productive involvement of local communities. mechanism.”

Basin Community Committee members announced

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority and feedback during the development Mr Treweeke will contribute his is pleased to announce the regional of the Basin Plan, as well as the broad experience in natural resource community representatives set to assistance they provided during the management leadership roles. consultation period,” Mr Knowles said. take on new roles as members of the The 11 members are: Basin Communities Committee (BCC). “I would especially like to acknowledge ■ Joan Burns, Mildura (Former Chair) The new members will formally Joan Burns, the inaugural BCC chair, start their roles on 1 July 2013, for both her leadership and for her ■ Paul Harvey, active engagement throughout which will involve providing a ■ Karen Hutchinson, Hanwood the preparation of the plan. community perspective to the ■ Howard Jones, Dareton Murray-Darling Basin Authority Mr Knowles said he was looking forward (MDBA) on Basin-related matters. to working with the new committee ■ Christopher Joseph, Dalby members. “These are people who bring ■ Anthony Martin, Merbein MDBA Chair Craig Knowles said with them a wealth of local knowledge the first community committee had about water, irrigation and the ■ Russell Pell, Wyuna played an important role while the environment and who I have no doubt ■ Joanne Pfeiffer, Murray Bridge Basin Plan was being developed, will provide valuable ongoing input to ■ Grant Rigney, Meningie and the new committee would focus the implementation activities,” he said. on Basin Plan implementation. ■ Jason Wilson, Dubbo Long-term BCC member Rory “I’d like to thank the previous Treweeke, from Lightning Ridge, will ■ Rory Treweeke (Chair), members of the BCC for their advice take on the role of committee Chair. Lightning Ridge

28 A useful guide to agricultural apps Apps are incredibly useful tools in many Mobile phone apps help farmers and businesses, but knowing what is out land owners to work faster and more there and how it could benefit your accurately in the field. There is a business is not so easy to find. new generation of growers who use The Ag Excellence Alliance works with apps to save time on laborious record SA broad-acre grain and livestock keeping, make more use of their time farmers to improve their profitability and and resources, seek expert tips and sustainability and has produced a book tricks and potentially increase financial that helps solve the mystery of apps. returns. Smartphone apps for smart farmers The latest technological transformations summarises a range of useful apps for in Canadian agriculture see producers the agricultural community. The book using their smartphones to run was produced with funding from the everything from robotic milkers to wind Department of Environment and Natural machines that churn up the air in an Resources. attempt to thwart extreme weather in The introductory tips for finding good vineyards. apps explains the value of reviews This booklet was produced by Ag Mobile technology also allows the Excellence Alliance Inc, with funding and encourages readers to check from the Department of Environment farmer to break free of cables and and Natural Resources compatibility (iPhone, iPad or android), cords and notebooks, to the point that the country where the app was they are going to be able to run farms developed, data usage and finally price. and access more information than ever But finding farming-related apps for A vast range of different apps for before on a device that fits in their those devices hasn’t been easy. both iPhone and android are covered hand. One of the problems is that farmers are in the book. They extend from handy Scarce apps a relatively small market for apps, since helpers that turn your smartphone into they represent only a fraction of the a compass, flashlight, ruler, magnifying After a slightly slower-than-average population. App developers were caught glass or spirit level through to farm uptake compared to mobile technology waiting to see which smartphone specific tools. use in other types of business, the platform - Android, BlackBerry or These may include apps that provide agricultural sector’s use of apps is iPhone - was going to win favour with a chemical safety data sheets, weather growing rapidly. Phone apps are critical mass of farmers. forecasts, bushfire information or those generally appealing for farmers because Smartphone apps for smart farmers that assist with weed identification, of the instant access they provide is available from the Ag Excellence fertiliser application, mixing chemicals to information and communication, Alliance website (www.agex.org.au) and in spray tanks or record keeping. whether from the field or on the road. is definitely worth a closer look. . Food a tasty addition to the Australian Curriculum A new $1.5 million Australian committed to agricultural education as ■ Professional development seminars Government school program aims part of the National Food Plan, is just the for existing and trainee teachers. to correct students’ misconceptions start of the government’s investment. ■ Career advice materials based about food including things like “The story of Australian farmers is a on local, food-related labour ‘yoghurt comes from trees’. very positive one, and it’s critical that market opportunities. As part of a broader effort to the students of today, and the citizens ■ Networking of agriculture teachers attract a new generation of young and possible future agriculturalists currently employed in schools. people into agriculture, the Food of tomorrow, know where their food “This is good news, given the in the Australian Curriculum comes from,” Mr Linnegar said. Australian agricultural sector, the NFF initiative is a key component of “The government obviously agrees, with and the Primary Industries Education the new National Food Plan and the announcement of $1.5 million for Foundation have long been calling for was launched by Parliamentary a schools program aimed at informing agriculture to be included in the new Secretary Sid Sidebottom. students of food production, increasing national curriculum,” Mr Linnegar said. “We need passionate people in the profile of agriculture among teachers, “Unfortunately this program stops short our food and agriculture industries careers advisors and students, and of actually embedding agriculture in and we’re giving every student the helping to attract a new generation the curriculum, but it does commit to opportunity to explore the possibilities of young people into agriculture.” developing materials and upskilling through this initiative of the National The initiative will increase the availability teachers to teach students about food Food Plan,” Mr Sidebottom said. of career resources for agricultural in conjunction with the curriculum, National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) teachers and career advisors. which is a good step forward.” CEO Matt Linnegar says it’s good to The initiative will fund: Schools and teachers can register see the government’s recognition their details to be informed of the need to help tell the story of ■ Online and printed curriculum of developments by emailing agriculture, and hopes the $1.5 million, resources. [email protected]

29 Plastic covers protecting table grapes in WA By Colin Gordon and Chris McMullan The practice of covering table grape to medium size operations, whereas ‘V’ vines with plastic to protect the crop or ‘Y’ trellis designs are more suited to between véraison and the end of harvest large operations. has been used successfully in Australia Dispensing plastic over vines with trellis for many years; however for whatever frames which do not join between rows reason, this has not been the case in is relatively straight forward; however Western Australia. applying plastic to link trellis presents Rain events during summer are some real challenges. occurring more frequently in all table The three main aims of the study were grape growing regions in WA which to: does not bode well for table grapes ■ which are very susceptible to rain during Develop a practical method of applying the period from véraison to the end of plastic covers to link trellis harvest. Significant crop loss occurred ■ Determine the impact of plastic covers in the Gascoyne region in 2010 and the on the ripening and quality of the crop Swan Valley and some parts of the South ■ Demonstrate if there are economic West in 2012 when rain lead to splitting benefits by using plastic covers of berries and subsequent rots that Two sites with link trellis were chosen, Internal trellis posts were extended to developed in bunches. one at Wokalup, 145km south of Perth support the additional wire and plastic A decision was made to carry out a study (Dawn Seedless), under an anti-bird cover. in the 2012/13 season to evaluate the netting structure and one in the Swan use of plastic covers in WA. The study Valley (Crimson Seedless) which is a extension and cap along the length of was conducted by the Department of normal open vineyard. each row. Agriculture and Food Western Australia The plastic film used in this study was Pulling the plastic out along the rows (DAFWA) in conjunction with industry Grape Guard™, 140μm and 25% opacity. above the foliage was not as difficult and with funding from the Agricultural as expected; however it did take some Produce Commission (APC), table grape Setting up the trellis effort. To facilitate pulling the plastic out, producers committee. Slight modification of the trellis was a rope was put along the row above the A high proportion of trellis for table necessary to create a ‘gable’ tent. An grape production in WA is modelled on extension was installed onto the internal foliage and then attached to the end of the South African ‘double gable’ trellis trellis posts and was topped with a the plastic. The other end of the rope which is known locally as ‘link’ trellis. plastic cap. A 2.5 millimetre galvanized was tied to a four wheel motorbike which This is a large trellis which suits small wire passed through the top of the was driven down alongside the row the

Removing the plastic from the vines at Wokalup.

30 plastic was going onto with the bike going one way and the plastic the other. Once the plastic was pulled out along the row it was then easily put over the ‘gable wire’ and pinned with hessian nails on each side of the row, onto the fourth foliage wire in the Swan Valley and the fifth foliage wire at Wokalup. Pinning the plastic at approx 1.2 metre intervals was more effective than at 1.8m intervals. There was very little pooling of water and subsequent damage to the plastic at the closer interval. The covers were seriously tested by the elements, particularly at the Swan Valley site when extremely strong easterly winds prevailed on many occasions during the season and no damage was seen. Maximum temperatures for the following three days following installation were There was minor pooling of water at the wider spacing at the Wokalup site. 35-39°C and five days later another heat wave of six consecutive days between 35-41°C and no heat damage was seen on the foliage, not a single leaf. The last piece of the puzzle is rainfall and 34mm on 14 March and 37mm on 26 March provided the perfect situation to see how the covers would stand up to that amount of rain; and while there was some minor pooling, no significant damage was seen. The covers protected the crop perfectly. What about maturity? Different results were seen at the two sites. Dawn Seedless under the covers at Wokalup took 10 days longer to reach the minimum sugar to acid ratio of 30:1; A four wheel motorbike waits ready to pull the plastic along the row at the Swan however it only took three days longer Valley site. for the covered Crimson Seedless in the Swan Valley to reach the minimum sugar Long term cool storage either electrics or hydraulics and this will to acid ratio of 28:1. This may be due make the whole job quicker and easier. to variety or as a result of putting the Crimson Seedless fruit has been cool plastic onto the Crimson Seedless later stored to evaluate if there are benefits Summary in the development of the fruit than the from plastic covers on the length of time The trial demonstrated that it is possible Dawn Seedless. that grapes can be coolstored. Shelf life to put plastic covers onto link trellis If the result for the Dawn Seedless can will also be evaluated. with relative ease. The covers endured a range of climatic conditions including be repeated it will be considered a good Grower days tool to assist with managing harvest as wind, extreme heat and significant heavy Dawn Seedless does not have a long Field walks have been held at both sites rain events, and survived with only minor harvest window. to give growers an opportunity to look damage occurring. Harvest and fruit damage at the covers and discuss the whole There can be benefits from a delay in process with DAFWA staff. maturity of fruit under covers which may Harvesting of the Crimson Seedless at the Swan Valley site was delayed as Presentations have also been made to help to stagger harvest of some varieties colour was very slow to develop due to industry groups in the Swan Valley (in and there is no doubt that fruit quality is the extreme temperatures encountered May) and Carnarvon (in early June). maintained should rain occur during the period of véraison to the end of harvest. during the season. This did mean that we Removal of covers were able to observe and measure the Finally, not all the data has been impact of the rain events. The covers were removed from both processed at this stage. Final results The grower observed significantly better sites in late May and the process was including an economic assessment will quality of fruit from under the covers simply a reversal of the installation. be presented to WA growers at a series compared to his uncovered plots and While most of the work was done by of workshops in July and August. this will be verified once all the data has hand, growers will mechanise the Colin Gordon and Chris McMullan are been processed. dispensing and retrieving tasks with researchers with the DAFWA.

31 Woman’s Day, National 18 Feb 2013 (M------) 1 of 1 CampaignPAGE summary General News, page 61 - 1,326.22 cm² Heat lifts fortunes of grape West Australian, Perth Magazines Lifestyle - circulation 358,101 growers ■ Jayne Rickard Perth’s record-breaking mer ha hot sum- s boosted the local g fortunes o rape gr owe f an a rs a nd ensur bundance of h ed for igh-quality fr consumers. uit National ly, the grape ha year will rvest this be up 10 to last y 15 per cent o ear’s crop aft n dr er a warme 07 Mar 2013, by Jayne Rickard r ier s ummer and t han us ual a the country. cross Aus tralian T ab cia le G rapes A tion chief e sso- xecutive Jef said the bump f Scott er harvest benefit g row would ers a nd c o with a big a nsumers, mount of high-q plump fruit uality, produced. Swan Valley grape grow Katich said hi er Matt s crop ha minimal d s uffered losses since began i harvest n early Janua end to ry and the a bumper ha sight. rvest was in “The p rices have be ble and en reasona- I don’t think growers too many would be comp year,” M laining this r Katich said. “It’s bee n a good yea no nast r, we’ve had y weather or “W anything. hile the fruit sum loves a wa mer it can kno rm bit ck you round a as a grower.” More t ha n 2 000 grow tralia p ers i n Aus- roduce about of ta 125,000 tonne ble grapes e s mo ach year, w st half the ith al- country’s pr sent to an oduction increasing numb markets er of around the w Late orld. season table ma grapes, whic ke up about h pr 70 per ce oduction, c nt of General News, page 14 - 309.72 cm² ome Sunr from WA and t aysia regio he Pick o Media Monitors Client Service n of Victoria f the bunch: . Matt Ka has plenty o tich, of Domov f red table gr ina vineyards apes to send in the Swan to market. Picture Valley, ID181249616 Centre 1300 880 082 : Steve Ferrier Capital City Daily - circulation 190,251 (MTWTF--) newspapers and supplements, for Media Monitors Client Service Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) Centre 1300 880 082 licensed copy

Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) ID184497268 licensed copy example, the Courier Mail, Herald Sun,

PAGE Heat lifts 1 of 1 Adelaide Advertiser and West Australian. fortunes A raft of positive online, radio, trade and of grape regional media hits helped increase growers awareness of the season and a number ■ Jayne Rickard of local stories in West Australia secured Perth’s record-breaking hot sum- mer has boosted the fortunes of local grape growers and ensured an abundance of high-quality fruit through grower liaison also augmented the for consumers. Nationally, the grape harvest year will be up 10 to 15 per centthis on last year’s crop after a warmer targeted media outreach. drier summer than usual acrossand the country. Australian Table Grapes Asso- ciation chief executive Jeff Scott said the bumper harvest would Coverage snapshot benefit growers and consumers, with a big amount of high-qua plump fruit produced. lity, Swan Valley grape grower Matt Katich said his crop had suffered Overall, this year’s campaign proved highly minimal losses since harve began in early January and the st end to a bumper harvest was sight. in successful in creating buzz around the “The prices have been reasona- ble and I don’t think too man growers would be complaining thisy year,” Mr Katich said. bumper peak season and Mrs Trickett’s “It’s been a good year, we’ve had no nasty weather or anything “While the fruit loves a warm. grape shape diet. summer it can knock you ro bit as a grower.” und a More than 2000 growers in Aus- tralia produce about 125,00 of table grapes each year, with0 tonnes a A total of 87 clips were generated across most half the country’s prod l- sent to an increasing numberuction of markets around the world. Late season table grapes, which print, radio and digital media nationally make up about 70 per c production, come from WA andent ofthe Sunraysia region of Victo Pick of the bunch: Matt Katich ria. (Table 1) reaching a total ‘known’ audience has plenty of red table grapes to, ofsend Domovina to vineyards in the Swan Valley, market. Picture: Steve Ferrier of over 21 million pairs of eyes. Key successes ■ The peak season media kit was well received by magazines, newspapers and online media with extensive coverage With the Australian table grape season To entice consumer food media, four achieved across these outlets in relation all wrapped up and the last fruit coming new delicious snack ideas were quickly to the season, health information and out of coolstores it is timely to look back developed, and fruit drops to key Mrs Trickett’s advice for getting into and review the promotional campaigns journalists and influencers around the grape shape. managed by Horticulture Australia (HAL) on country arranged to encourage them to ■ The four new beautifully shot snack behalf of the industry. develop their own tasty recipes. ideas were a hit with print and online PR Campaign Working closely with HAL, Crossman media with coverage in Get It Magazine, approached and briefed local growers in For the past three seasons, Crossman The Advertiser, Canberra Weekly, Daily Western Australia to share positive peak Communications has undertaken Examiner and Lifestyle You online. season stories with media statewide. successful public relations campaigns ■ Re-engaging Mrs Trickett as the season’s for Australian table grapes to encourage Campaign highlights ambassador generated further interest consumers of all ages to snack on nature’s Mrs Trickett was a valuable asset and in the campaign. As she is currently super fruit. highlights included her being interviewed training for the Commonwealth Games This year, with a reduced public on radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 4BC; print and 2016 Olympics, this allowed us to relations budget, HAL briefed Crossman interviews with Women’s Fitness and highlight the health benefits of table Communications to recommend a ‘best- Women’s Health; an online interview with grapes and promote the benefits of bang for buck’ approach around peak MiNDFOOD; a colourful news feature and snacking on the fruit to keep in grape season. The aim was to maximise the interview by AAP, which was syndicated to shape, as she has done since her career investment in the current creative assets a range of publications; and a photograph comeback at the London Olympics. We where possible and focus on campaign of Ms Trickett featured on the front cover of were able to generate three excellent continuity. Fruit and Vegetable News. radio interviews and six print/online Crossman re-engaged swimming Photo stories in The West Australian, The Table 1: National media coverage during sensation Libby Trickett to front the Advertiser, The Advocate and Townsville the 2012/13 table grape season. national public relations campaign. Sun added further reach to the campaign, Media Type Hits The consumer media kit was refreshed, while snippets and features in key titles pitched and chased. It comprised an such as Women’s Day, Good Health, Super Radio 9 Food Ideas and Country Style reinforced updated fact sheet and media release with Magazines 17 new quotes from Mrs Trickett promoting the health benefits of snacking on this the consumption of grapes through her delicious fruit. Newspaper and suppliments 31 Seven Day Grape Shape Healthy Eating Media loved the beautifully shot recipes Online 29 Plan. Quotes from Australian Table Grape which were featured in a range of print Newswire 1 Association Chief Executive, Jeff Scott, on and online publications including Get predictions for the new season were also It Magazine, Daily Examiner, Canberra Total 87 included. Weekly, Daily News, She Said, Beauty and Target 80 Lace, Kidspot and Yahoo7! A trade version of the media kit was also WA grower media coverage Hits developed for grocery, retail, horticulture Crossman secured some superb in- and agriculture media. season coverage in major metropolitan Target 15

32 2. Promote the health benefits and what they taste like’, but when told to try Top line results versatility of Australian table grapes it together with the almond, they were through Libby’s Healthy Eating Plan surprised what a great combination it was ■ A total of 397 sessions were leaflets (in WA promote the Growers – and ended up purchasing both grapes completed. This was three stores booklet) and almonds!“ short from the 400 due to store cancelations and an inability to 3. Communicate the ‘Grape Barrier In fact, “Most consumers absolutely loved rebook with the program time. Reef’ consumer promotion in Coles the combination of the grape and the supermarkets to assist with sales almond!” was the feedback from another ■ 198 sessions completed in Coles conversion demonstrator. stores The aim was to achieve one session per Whilst consumers were sampling, ■ 199 sessions completed in store to maximise consumer reach with an demonstrators interacted and discussed Woolworths stores anticipated interaction with 120 shoppers the health benefits and versatility of ■ Approx. 47,480 samples distributed per session, a total of 50,400 shoppers Australian table grapes through the Libby’s (av. 120 per session) over a four week program. Healthy Eating Plan leaflets (all states ■ Approx. 39,770 consumers Specific program activity except WA). sampled (av. 100 per session) details Shopper feedback included: “These recipes ■ On average 61 shoppers per look great (Libby’s Healthy Eating Plan), RA LIVE was employed to organise and session went on to purchase always good to get tips of how to eat well. undertake one 4-hour sampling session in Australian table grapes each of the top 400 Woolworths and Coles I’m definitely going to try one of them” and ■ On average a 61% conversion stores nationally. “Fantastic healthy snack and perfect for the kids’ lunchboxes!” rate throughout the campaign The campaign began in the week (compared to 64% in 2012). commencing 11 February, 2013 and In WA demonstrators discussed and ■ Av. 59% in Coles stores concluded 4 weeks later. distributed the WA Growers Story leaflet. ■ Av. 63% in Woolworths stores A team of healthy and active brand This educational phase is very important ambassadors were selected to represent with feedback from consumers like: “I had feature stories with leading women’s the Australian table grapes industry in the no idea grapes were that good for you, it’s interest outlets. sampling sessions in store. like a super food!” and “I didn’t realise you can actually cook with grapes, I’ve always Libby’s natural talent with the media, “Consumers are always keen to sample just had them as a snack”. ability to keep on-message and passion Australian fresh produce,” said one for table grapes made her a pleasure demonstrator, but it must be supported Consumer promotion to work with and we received excellent by quality product in store. “The good A supporting consumer promotion for feedback from each journalist she spoke quality of the grapes is a significant Coles supermarkets was designed to to. factor for people making a purchase assist in immediate sales conversion. The ■ Coverage was overwhelmingly positive, after being given a sample,” said another entry mechanism was to “Buy a bunch with key messages around table grapes demonstrator. of Australian grapes from any Coles health benefits, Mrs Trickett’s Grape When sampling, consumers were supermarket, retain the recipe and tell Shape Healthy Eating Plan and the delighted, with comments like: “These us in 25 words or less, why you’d like to bumper season achieving good cut grapes are so sweet and crunchy” and munch your way to the Great Barrier Reef through. “Great quality and great price”. thanks to Australian grapes.” ■ Growers were willing to assist with To encourage shoppers to sample, A total of 14,000 entry forms (average media requests and helped ensure some Australian table grapes were paired with of 70 per session) were distributed excellent articles in West Australia and a roasted almond and promoted as an throughout the program. The winner was around the country, along with colourful amazing taste sensation and a fantastic from Peter Doughty of NSW with the photo opportunities, adding impact to the healthy and fulfilling snack. cleverly worded entry: “I like to munch an feature. A demonstrator reported that “A few Australian grape per metre from my place ■ Working closely with food writers in shoppers were reluctant to try grapes to the Great Barrier Reef. That’s 2,550,000 newspapers and supplements such as as they expressed they ‘already know Australian grapes”. the Daily Telegraph and Courier Mail ensured in-season updates. In-store sampling A national in-store sampling campaign was conducted across the major retailers. Using the services of RA Live Retail Activation the top fresh produce stores of Coles and Woolworths were approached for table grape sampling sessions. Primarily the objective of each session was to encourage consumers to purchase grapes. However there were a number of supporting objectives that: 1. Give shoppers a memorable brand experience and ultimately drive sales for Peter Doughty of NSW won the Coles consumer promotion with a cleverly worded Australian table grapes entry that took him to the Great Barrier Reef.

33 Around the block Snails still a problem Snails have again been a problem for For further information about botrytis and some growers this past season resulting suggested chemicals to use, a botrytis in penalties from processors. fact sheet can be obtained from Dried Even though it has been an almost Fruits Australia. perfect growing season with no disease Carryover rules problems, snails have been inactive and Many irrigators now rely on carryover as hibernating in crevices in vine bark and an important risk management tool to in the cracks of posts. ensure they have an adequate drought Unfortunately a grape harvester does reserve and a hedge against potential not discriminate what will be shaken increases in the allocation spot price. For off the vines. Snails that have entered many having carryover provides peace the canopy end up with the harvested of mind that there will be water in the fruit. This requires growers to manually account to get irrigation started in the remove the snails from fruit bins, or face new water year. the penalties of processors. Therefore it is important to understand The outlook for rain during winter is the carryover rules moving from this favourable, which will encourage snail current water year into 2013/14. breeding. Vic carryover rules Growers are advised to reduce the likelihood of snails next season by taking Firstly to participate in the Victorian preventative action now. carryover system an irrigator needs to have an Allocation Bank Account Minimise the amount of leaf litter that (ABA) with some Victorian permanent is on the ground as this is where snails water shares attached. If there are no In the Victorian Murray system a physical take refuge and breed. permanent water shares attached all spill means that a physical or internal As well as reducing snail habitat, carryover will be forfeited on the 30 June spill from Victoria’s share of Lake Hume. consideration should be given to baiting. each year. This is a change from previous years Avoid bran-based bait pellets as they in which the spill was based on Lake turn to mush when wet. An alternative “In 2014/15 carryover Dartmouth which means there will be is to use a bait that is based on Durhum a greater risk of spill this year than in wheat as this type of pellet is similar will be limited to the previous. to pasta and does not break down volume of permanent Therefore irrigators will need to keep an as readily, giving a longer presence eye on this and weigh up the probability of baiting. Even though the Durham water shares.” of a physical spill from Hume when wheat baits are more expensive, they determining if they should carryover are smaller in size and with proper For carryover into the next water year allocation or not. However, even if a calibration of the bait spreader, will give (2013/14) it does not matter how many spill occurs the loss of carryover is good value for money. permanent water shares are attached – proportional / pro rata based on the Be aware of Botrytis any amount of unused allocation in the volume of the spill. ABA as at 30 June can be carried over Botrytis did not appear to be a significant even if this amount of unused allocation NSW carry over rules problem in the 2013 season but that exceeds the amount of permanent water In New South Wales the sum of carryover does not mean you can afford to be shares. Note that this will change the and new 2013/14 allocation cannot complacent. following year (moving into 14/15) when exceed 100% of the total licence Some growers reported minor infections carryover will be limited to the volume of amount. Any carryover plus new season in patches that had been heavily infected permanent water shares. allocation above 100% of the licence in the past two seasons. When amount of the carryover plus volume is forfeited and lost. The fungal spores can lay dormant for 2013/14 new season allocation reaches Therefore New South Wales irrigators a number of years, germinating when 100% of the permanent water shares with a High Security entitlement should conditions are favourable for infection. volume, any excess allocation will not carryover any allocation as it will This means growers need to be vigilant be quarantined in the Spillable Water simply be forfeited the following year. with their control program and keep a Account (SWA). The allocation held in the However New South Wales irrigators keen eye on infection opportunities. SWA will be quarantined until: with a General Security entitlement The first opportunity of botrytis infection i. The Resource Manager declares may consider carrying over a small occurs at flowering as the botrytis there is very low risk of the storage percentage of their licence volume attacks the scar on the developing berry physically spilling; then the water will depending on the outlook for General where the cap has come off. be transferred back into the irrigators Security allocations for the 13/14 year. Spraying with a suitable fungicide is ABA for use or trade; or If any irrigator would like to further recommended at 80% cap fall, but it is ii. The storage physically spills; then discuss the carryover issues feel free to preferable to wait until 100% cap fall so water in all SWAs will be lost / forfeited contact Phil Grahame at Sunraysia Water that all exposed berries can be protected. proportionally. Exchange (SWEX) on (03) 5027 2517.

34 Trade directory

SUPPLIERS OF QUALITY GRAFTED VINES 2013 Order now for 2013 to ensure supply Inspection of nursery welcomed Contact Gary Thomas Tel: (03) 5022 8499 Mob: 0418 997 730. PO Box 5051, Mildura Vic 3502 Email: [email protected] Web: www.vamvvia.org.au

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