Issue #54 • September 2008 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

Inside this issue: P1 • Chairman’s Report Chairman’s Report P2 • Chief Executive’s Report

P3 • National Citrus Post-Harvest Jan Denham Program • Spring Irrigations New Chairman’s Inaugural Report P4 • Citrus Growers Report It is with pleasure that I write my first In line with the decline of plantings due to P5 • The Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Chairman’s Report to the MVCB members. current conditions, there will be a need to Area Achieves 12 Months! This is a daunting task for me as I follow a ensure that the MVCB acts responsibly as Chairman who has given so much leadership to how its resources are used. The challenge P6 • Notes From Neil Eagle and commitment to the citrus industry over for us is to make sure that the most such a long period of time, not only to this important issues are targeted and strategies P7 • New Cost Effective Methods to region, but also to the industry as a whole. put in place to reduce the Board’s costs Increase Size of Navels for Export of operations. Although a reasonably ‘new comer’ to the Markets (Project CT3014) citrus industry, over 25 years I have given Therefore one of our first tasks will be to much time and commitment to furthering develop a new Strategic Plan to set our P8 • FEATURE ARTICLE: the success of our industry. I could possibly priorities for the next 5 years. Member input Fruit Company be described as a ‘passionate person’. Two will be a high priority, as the plan needs to of my passions are citrus and organic include the issues of members. The value P11 • Irrigation Management and systems, and over the years I have learnt of a Strategic Plan is in the ownership of Rootstock Effects on Navel that many of the issues are the same for all of those it includes. Consultation will be both. My involvement in the organic industry given high priority and I will aim to achieve Orange Fruit Quality has given me vast experience in chairing input on the many issues, sometimes in a ‘not for profit’ company; dealing with person or via email or letter. P12 • A Juicy Tale of the Citrus Industry government, international accreditation systems and market access, both of which In closing, I would like to give further thanks P14 • Irrigated Horticulture of the are much more heavily controlled on the to all past Board members and in particular Lower Murray-Darling 1997 production regimes; as well as ensuring that to Robert Mansell, whose support and to 2006: A Report the interest of the producer is paramount. guidance, along with John Tesoriero’s, I will be relying on in my initiation period. This is an interesting time for the MVCB, P15 • A Different Way of Doing Things with a new chair and only three continuing It is fair to say that ‘I have big shoes to fill’ members. Hence, there are new faces for and I look forward to working with and P16 • MVCB Product Price List our members to get to know - including for you in our endeavour to progress this myself. The Chief Executive in his Citrep important primary industry in our various report has provided a brief background on communities. the new Board members. More extensive profiles will be included in later editions. This aim guarantees a busy workload for the Board and I commend the positive There are many on-going issues that the beginning that has been made. industry will face in the near future such Murray Valley Citrus Board as water security, market access, fruit fly Jan Denham PO Box 1384 Mildura Victoria 3502 freedom access to Japan (which has Telephone (03) 5051 0500 unfortunately hit some hurdles) and industry Chairman, MVCB Facsimile (03) 5021 1905 re-structure. As a Board, we will continue Email [email protected] to ‘fly the flag’ on all issues in the interest Website www.mvcitrus.org.au of growers of the Murray Valley region. 2 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

Chief Executive’s Report

John Tesoriero

The first meeting of the new Murray Valley Citrus Board (MVCB) took place on 22 July 2008 with Jan Denham being appointed Chairman and Trevor Radloff Deputy Chairman.

Jan Denham and Trevor Radloff Photo supplied by Sunraysia Daily

As Jan points out in her inaugural article as graduate of MVCB’s Impact on Citrus Gina Petrascu Chairman, there are a number of new faces leadership program and a Director of Gina with her husband and parents manage on the Board and as CEO, I look forward to Sunraysia Citrus Growers Inc. 250 acres of citrus in Barham NSW. working with her and the new Board as we face the challenges that lie ahead. Trevor was part of a recent ACG delegation Gina has a flair for citrus promotion and is to China, and in February of this year a current member of the Melbourne Citrus The new Board was appointed for a 4 year participated in an Austrade delegation to Committee. Retail marketing and consumer term (1 July, 2008 to 30 June, 2012) by Berlin, UK, Singapore and the USA. awareness along with promotional materials the Victorian Minister for Agriculture, the and identifying health benefits are Gina’s Hon Joe Helper, following an advertising Sarah-Anne Chesson key interests. and selection process. The selection panel Sarah is currently employed as an Analyst was chaired by Anne Mansell (SCG) and at Seven Fields Pty Ltd, which is based in Former Board members who have been comprised Chris Billing (MMCG), Kevin Cock Mildura and operates 416 ha of citrus. re-appointed for a further four-year (SCG), Leanne Browne (Vic DPI) and Tony term are Paula Gordon, Stuart Holland Moody (NSW DPI). Sarah has a strong financial background and Keith Richards. having worked as an accountant in Shepparton where 60% of her clients were We were all very saddened by the passing The new faces on the Board are as follows: fruit growers. of Ken Bevington on 13 July 2008. Ken, through his work at DPI Dareton, made a Jan Denham (Chairman) Tony Filippi major contribution to the citrus industry As a partner in an organic citrus property Tony works with the Mildura Fruit Company and he was an extremely valuable member and packing shed at Palinyewah, NSW, as a Grower Services representative dealing of the MVCB. Our thoughts are with Ken’s Jan has been involved in many aspects of with suppliers and liaising with the wife Jan and his family. the citrus industry and is currently on a production and marketing departments of number of industry committees, namely: the company. Tony has a broad knowledge I would like to thank all retiring Board Standards (Organic Standards of the industry as a former employee of members, Robert Mansell, Col Nankivell, Working Group), Inspection Review Fruit Doctors and the MVCB. Mick Hollingworth, Rob Farnsworth and Committee and Standards Co-ordinator David Hunt-Sharman for their support, (National Association for Sustainable Jeremy Giddings leadership and contribution to the Murray Agriculture Australia). Jeremy is the NSW Government Valley citrus industry over many years. representative on the MVCB and holds a The organic industry has given Jan the Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree from opportunity to gain experience in chairing Adelaide University. He is currently John Tesoriero a company and dealing with government employed as an Irrigation Officer with the Chief Executive, MVCB on market access issues. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) at Dareton. During his time with NSW Trevor Radloff (Deputy Chairman) DPI, Jeremy has been heavily involved in With his wife Nicole, Trevor manages 80 acres the running of highly successful irrigation of citrus and 50 acres of wine grapes at education programs. Palinyehwah, NSW. In addition they operate a small citrus nursery on the property for further redevelopments. Trevor is a recent Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board 3

National Citrus Post-Harvest Program

• The MVCB recently became aware that meetings, sanitation workshops and the agreed to co-fund the post-harvest the post harvest services to the citrus ‘Packer’ Newsletter. program subject to contributions from industry, provided by Dr. Peter Taverner other stakeholders. Riverina Citrus are and his team from the South Australian • The cessation of the post-harvest program also considering a funding contribution. Research & Development Institute had comes at a difficult time for the industry been discontinued. due to drought conditions and water • The MVCB also agreed that financial uncertainty. Uncertainty in these areas support beyond 2008/09 would require • The Australian Citrus Growers Board places greater importance on maintaining grower approval in accordance with the (ACG) in its role as the Industry Advisory post-harvest quality. requirements of the Agriculture Industry Committee did not allocate any grower Development Act 1990 Vic. levy funds for the program due to • To ensure post-harvest services are not ‘severe funding limitations’. lost, the MVCB, Riverina Citrus and the • The MVCB is hopeful that, when the South Australian Citrus Industry national levy returns to a more favourable • As a result, we have been advised there Development Board have agreed to position, the post-harvest program could will be no formal research, product review, co-fund the post-harvest program with once again be funded from this source troubleshooting or the capacity to respond other key stakeholders. relieving regional boards of this funding to urgent problems. There will be no responsibility. extension activities, which included shed • To ensure post-harvest services are not visits (except related post-harvest oil lost, the MVCB and the South Australian John Tesoriero work), industry steering committee Citrus Industry Development Board have Chief Executive, MVCB

Spring Irrigations

Jeremy Giddings

Proper irrigation scheduling in spring can be a challenge to all irrigators, particularly those who have not adopted the appropriate monitoring tools or received training in irrigation management.

Irrigating citrus in spring is challenging fruitlet drop, reduce yield and suppress the enough to justify their capital cost. Growers because irrigation demand steadily increases spring flush. Spring and summer growth who adopt this technology usually find now, while at the same time, variable weather provides the main fruiting wood for the that while a reduction in annual water conditions further complicate irrigation following season. The resulting effects on application is not always achieved (annual decisions. Active rootzones are also initially the trees from stress at this time cannot applications often increase in citrus), water shallow during this period, gradually be corrected later in the season. Therefore, savings are nearly always observed during deepening throughout the season. a balance must be achieved between taking this spring period with no decline in advantage of this lower period of water production. The usual result is that over irrigation can use (usually only 10-15% of annual occur. While water allocations are high this requirements from September to October) Jeremy Giddings may not be a problem. Unfortunately this but still provide enough water to allow trees is no longer the case and irrigation must to remain at their production potential. Irrigation Officer, NSW Department be applied as efficiently as possible at all of Primary Industries, Dareton times, including in this difficult spring period. It has consistently been shown that the best method of achieving this balance is to adopt Another concern is that adequate water some sort of soil moisture monitoring. must be supplied in spring throughout the The more accurate, continuously logged flowering period. Water stress during this monitoring tools provide particular benefits time can reduce fruit set, cause excessive that are now considered proven and reliable 4 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

Sunraysia Citrus Growers Report

Anne Mansell

Sunraysia Citrus Growers (SCG) continues to work on a number of fronts, attempting to find positive and long-term benefits amidst an array of challenges confronting growers.

The severity of the drought continues to Issues with Area Freedom to Japan continue Along with joint commodity groups, I met have an impact, with Victorian growers to plague our region. As of 18th May, we with the Victorian Leader of the Opposition, remaining on a 0% allocation, while recently had achieved 12 months without a single The Hon Ted Baillieu in early August, and NSW growers were notified of a 25% fly detection, and were very hopeful that informed him of the issues that the industry allocation. This only highlights the difficulties we would be granted an opportunity for a is dealing with, particularly on water and being experienced in a cross-border region 6 month window, under Area Freedom for market access. with two different state legislations, for our citrus exports to Japan. Unfortunately, what is one of our most important resources. this has not been the case, and due to a SCG Directors are always keen to hear SCG continues to lobby the Federal, Victorian change of focus and some serious constraints from growers on any problems or issues and NSW Ministers for Water on the within MAFF Japan, along with some you would like further information about. challenges of producing a crop with such information that was overlooked, Japan limited, and unequal, access to water. informed the Australian Government that Please don’t hesitate to contact the they would prefer to process the Tasmanian office on 5023 8205 or drop an email to: In early July, commodity groups met with cherries request above the Greater [email protected] The Hon Tim Holding, Vic Minister for Water, Sunraysia PFA. regarding the issue of water allocation announcements, and how a clearer Both the MVCB and SCG lobbied Biosecurity Anne Mansell indication is required in terms of the overall Australia, the Victorian DPI, the Horticultural Chair, SCG estimated allocation, to assist growers in Market Access Committee, the Federal planning and also provide more transparency Minister for Trade, the Federal Minister for the water market. Further lobbying on for Agriculture, along with the two State retaining the 4% cap, and ongoing assistance Ministers for Agriculture, but unfortunately, in the form of rate rebates was also put to we have had no success in changing the the Minister. SCG will continue to pursue priority listing. We will continue to lobby as many avenues as possible on this for Japan to consider processing the Greater fundamental issue. Sunraysia PFA request for Area Freedom as soon as they have concluded the The proposed closure of the CSIRO Tasmanian cherries situation. Research Facility was another challenge we responded to very quickly. Letters were However, it has effectively cut us out of sent immediately to the Federal Minister for this year’s export market to Japan. I cannot Science and Innovation, The Hon Kim Carr, stress enough how disappointed and as well as to the Chair of the CSIRO, John distressed we were over this outcome, Stoker. I attended a number of local meetings particularly in a year when we need to with the other commodity groups and met maximise every possible return. Sunraysia Citrus Growers welcomes Ms Deb with representatives from the CSIRO, Scott as our new Office Administrator. providing a range of arguments on why this In September, SCG is planning to hold a very important research institute should VFF sponsored ‘Looking after your Neighbour’ continue with its work for our industry. workshop. It was intended for August, The CSIRO’s initial plan included no further however with a number of people away, research projects for citrus, dried fruit and and others busy with packing, it was decided table grapes and they proposed to to postpone it to later in September. It will consolidate all wine grape research to be facilitated by Marita Sleep, and some of Adelaide. Alan Whyte has been a great the topics covered will include dealing with contributor to the debate for the citrus stress and the resources available to assist, industry and has represented our industry and recognising the signs of depression. at a number of meetings on this issue. Prior to the workshop, we intend to hold There is some hope of a more positive a BBQ tea where growers will have the outcome and we will all be very relieved opportunity for an informal chat. Further if there is a positive resolution. information will be communicated when the date is set. Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board 5

The Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area Achieves 12 Months!

Fruit flies have had a busy year, but not within the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (PFA). Twelve months of Area Freedom from Queensland Fruit Fly was achieved on May 18 this year, a significant milestone for the PFA project and the industry’s campaign to gain lucrative international markets.

The Japanese delegation observing an operational roadblock at .

Using the trapping grid, which covers the high and this is further demonstrated by Fruit fly outbreaks in Broken Hill, Adelaide, production area and ground surveillance, some 97% of respondents saying that they Melbourne and Victoria’s northeast and we have been able to demonstrate that no have willingly changed their behaviour to Gippsland are applying huge pressure fruit flies or their larvae were present in ensure compliance with the new PFA in keeping fruit fly out of the Greater the PFA for the past 12 months. legislation. Sunraysia PFA.

Working in conjunction with Biosecurity Information gathered at roadblocks is The diligence of residents, industry and Australia and the Department of Agriculture, another form of evaluation and that data travellers is the key to keeping this Fisheries and Forestry, inspections of the will also be used to determine the direction destructive pest out of our production PFA have included visits from Chinese, of the community awareness program for areas. After all, fruit fly is not endemic to Japanese and Taiwanese officials. the next 12 months. the region; it is only ever present because Inspections of grower properties, packing someone has done the wrong thing and houses and roadblocks have been undertaken Between January and June this year, fifteen given it a ride here. along with presentations on the community days of roadblocks were held at Kerang awareness program and the trapping grid. and the Fowls site between Euston Further information on the Greater Positive feedback from these officials has and Gol Gol with 3,587 vehicles stopped. Sunraysia Pest Free Area can be obtained occurred on each occasion and information A site on the Calder Highway is currently by contacting Lyn Jacka, PFA Co-ordinator, taken back to their relevant authorities for being developed in response to the major telephone 03 5051 4500 or email consideration. fruit fly outbreak in Melbourne. [email protected]

The community awareness program was Roadside signage is complete with a series flagged as integral to keeping fruit fly out of six signs (where possible) located on the of the PFA and evaluation of the program 9 major entry points into the PFA. Quarantine has produced some interesting results. bins, allowing travellers to safely dispose of Focus groups were held in and uncertified host produce are also installed Mildura and residents and growers were at these sites as well as at the Mildura interviewed. Results show that the uptake Airport, and Mildura, , Swan Hill of the message that fruit fly outbreaks and Kerang transit centres. would be disastrous to the PFA is extremely 6 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

From Neil Eagle

Neil Eagle

At the time of writing, industries in the Murray Valley, including citrus are continuing to endure uncertain times with the persistence of this long term drought; with storage inflows continuing to track at historically low levels.

Lower Lakes Evaporation and the Solution relating to the Menindee Lakes water being the drought to farmers’ confidence in the already fully allocated to meet Broken Hill, future of irrigated agriculture. It is extremely disturbing to hear the Lower Darling and critical human needs ill-informed people calling on the Federal in the 3 States. Government to declare a state of emergency ACCC - Failure to Growing Industries and exert control over the States’ water However, the MDBC has confirmed that - to flush it down to the Lower Lakes of it plans to deliver 350 GL’s as dilution Once again the ACCC has proved to be Alexandrina and Albert, to save them from flows to the Lower Lakes in this current ineffectual, with its final report on grocery a sulphate/acid soil problem. The solution 2008/09 year. This volume of water prices. It has totally focused on whether or is blindingly obvious and was even advocated represents 70% of South Australia not consumers are being adversely affected belatedly by Prof Tim Flannery. ‘Just open irrigator’s normal usage! by retail market power being exerted by the barrages and let the sea water into two major retail chains, and totally ignores these estuarine lakes and build the weir To release this fresh water into the Lakes the issue of the growing disparity between at Wellington.’ instead of reverting to nature, utilizing the farm gate prices and retail prices. The seawater option for the Lakes should be opportunity to identify the supply chain The unforgivable Federal and State considered as totally irresponsible. Surely markups from the farm gate to the Government inertia in addressing the Lower it is time SA irrigators demanded an end consumer has been missed again. Lakes evaporation issue 6 years ago, early to the nonsense and implemented some in the drought, is the major cause of our rational policies relating to water availability The ACCC also comments on the rapid current water shortage problems - nothing and the Lower Lakes management in a move by the chains to ‘home brands’ to else, except no rain! drought sequence; particularly as they eliminate the negotiating power of suppliers are currently on a 6% allocation. and confuse consumers with product We are talking of a resource LOSS in essentially imported and parading as excess of 600 Gl/annum, the equivalent of I believe Victoria, with an average chance Australian sourced, due to our confused Dartmouth Dam and most of Hume Dam’s of reaching 32% allocation, should be labeling laws. The current Australian ‘free capacity that was just squandered requesting from Goulburn-Murray Water, trade’ approach on dumping, tariffs and irresponsibly. a Critical Water Program for permanent trade has certainly not supported the plantings and industries, with no alternative survival of local agriculture and Those resisting the removal of the barrages to water for survival. This would be similar horticultural industries. and construction of a weir, falsely claim that to that which was implemented in NSW last prior to the construction of the barrages year to enable those industries to survive. in the 1930’s, these Estuarine Lakes were ACG to CAL - National Peak Body somehow always fresh and only became NSW is hoping to be able to supply enough Transition brackish when the river ceased to flow, and allocation for High Security (HS) this year that the lakes were not saline, even when to avoid implementing the Critical Water The progression to restructuring of our interacting with the sea. These false claims program. Currently HS is at 25% and all National Peak Body (ACG) to the new entity beggar belief and are NOT supported by carry-over water is available. The prospects Citrus Australia Ltd (CAL) is well underway. credible scientists who recognise that the of increases in HS allocation are better Lower Lakes present state (post 1930’s) is than last year. However, for a third season The benefits to our industry will accrue, clearly artificial due to the man-made the NSW General Security allocation is still as the services and roles nationally and barrages halting the natural tidal interaction at zero (0%), with many water authorities regionally are clearly identified, prioritised that historically occurred. struggling to deal with the supply of basic and acted upon. This information will shortly Stock & Domestic requirements to be put before growers in all regions, well landholders. before the ACG meeting in October 2008. Current Water Availability The Federal and State Governments policies Cont’d on page 11... Congratulations must go to the NSW of water ‘buy-back’ to address a perceived Minister for Emergency Services and Water, over allocation and river health issues, has Nathan Rees MP, (News Release 4.8.08), in many ways been more destructive than Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board 7

New Cost Effective Methods to Increase Size of Navels for Export Markets (Project CT3014)

This is part of the industry and technical summary extracted from the final report.

To remain competitive and viable, Australian trichloro-2-pyridyl-oxyacetic acid (3,5,6,-TPA, Successful use of GA3 and 3,5,6-TPA citrus producers need to produce high Maxim®, TOPS®), but demonstration plots (Maxim®, TOPS®) requires application during quality citrus for domestic and export fresh also included 2-(2,4,-dichlorophenoxy) the most sensitive periods. This project fruit markets. These markets have preferences propionic acid (dichloroprop, 2,4-DP) and provided the information to associate for fruit in particular size ranges. Fruit size 2-chloroethanephosphonic acid (ethephon, appropriate spray timings with easily is strongly linked to crop load, so cost Ethrel®). recognisable phonological growth stages; effectively regulating crop load is critical bud break for GA3, and a range of fruitlet to the industry’s continued competitiveness. Major Findings diameters for 3,5,6-TPA. The trials A lack of cost effective crop regulation Navel orange crop loads can be regulated conducted with 3,5,6-TPA also suggested options is adversely affecting the using plant growth regulators. This project that spray coverage was a critical issue competitiveness of the Australian citrus has provided a greater understanding of for successful use of this compound. industry. how to use two growth regulators under Australian conditions to thin fruit numbers Data produced as part of this project will be Trials Undertaken and thereby align final fruit size distribution made available to assist in the registration This study involved applications of growth more closely to fresh fruit markets’ of these growth regulators for use in regulators at several locations in the demands. Australia to regulate navel orange crop South Australian Riverland using different loads. Registration should be sought for application methods and multiple timings Potential crop load can be regulated by the use of GA3 in late winter/early spring and concentrations of plant growth applying GA3 in late winter/early spring. from bud burst to an average shoot length regulators. The experiments included Some of the results from these trials are of 15mm using a concentration range of assessment of shoot types, fruit size and shown in Tables 1 & 2. Additionally crop 20-30 ppm. counts and fruit quality parameters. load can also be adjusted downward in the late spring-early summer by applying When the registration process is successfully The major studies involved giberellic acid 3,5,6-TPA. Both options result in larger completed Australian Navel orange producers

(GA3) and the synthetic auxin 3,5,6- fruit at harvest. will have more options to regulate crop loads. Use of these growth regulators to manage crop loads will lead to less reliance on hand thinning, and thereby reduce the cost of producing fruit suitable for fresh fruit markets.

Future Research and Development Opportunities

It may also be possible to further refine rates and timings to improve both efficacy and cost effectiveness. Table 1 Effect of timing of GA3 application and GA3 concentration applied in July, 2004, on fruitlet counts in January, 2005 and yield and fruit size profile in July 2005 (Experiment 2). Further research is required to investigate Values presented are means (n=6). An asterisk indicates a significant effect of applying GA3, irrespective the effect of these growth regulators on of concentration, and different superscripts indicate significant differences between means. the post-harvest storage life of navel oranges.

For a copy of the final report contact Horticulture Australia on 02 8295 2300.

Table 2 Effect of GA3 concentration applied on July 11 2005, on fruitlet counts in January 2006, and yield and fruit size distribution profile in August, 2006 (Experiment 3). Values presented are means (n=6). An asterisk indicates a significant effect of applying GA3, irrespective of concentration, and different superscripts indicate significant differences between means. Note: there were no under or oversize fruit, and no fruit fell into the 40 and 36 count size ranges. 8 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

Mildura Fruit Company and the Tree That Pays for Everything

In both a domestic and international context, the Mildura Fruit Company (MFC) is a significant player in the citrus industry and the stages of its development have been well documented over time. A comprehensive article on this development was published in the National Marketplace News in August, 2004 under the heading ‘Road Map To The Top’.

It outlined that the MFC evolved through Russell replied that he believed the company A significant point is that the MFC is the vision of its parent company (The Mildura continued to operate on trust, based on different to most other packers because Co-operative Fruit Company) some 15 years personal and professional integrity and by it is not a grower-packer. It is the largest ago. At that time, the Mildura Co-op’s the organisation doing the job to the best packing shed in Australia and is probably Board of Directors was far sighted and of its ability. the only one that does not own a single believed that the future of the citrus citrus tree. industry was dependent on large volume After the consolidation of all packing citrus packing that would create economies operations to one shed in Mildura in 1988, Therefore, the MFC ranks its relationship of scale and enable competitive exporting. the turning point to profitability for the with its growers as paramount. ‘We are MFC came in the form of a merger with solely a packer that seeks a relationship However, the MFC was packing citrus in another major packer in the region - Sun with those who grow, based on growers three older sheds spread across Sunraysia Garden packers in 1997, which became feeling 100% confident that we will do at Coomealla, Mildura and Nangiloc at that the ‘new’ MFC. everything we can to make sure we perform stage. Accordingly, in 1998 the company at our best. invested several million dollars in a new This merger resulted in the MFC achieving large packing facility at Mildura and one of the lowest cost citrus packing In many ways this is MFC’s sustainable consolidated all packing operations in operations in the Southern Hemisphere competitive advantage, evidenced by our that shed. and it did this with high quality packouts. relationships with customers and by recognising that we have two equally I recently spent time with the MFC Managing Large quantities of good produce, initially important customer groups: our growers Director, Mr Russell Witcombe, and asked planned for a decade earlier were now as suppliers and our buyers of the packed him what had changed in the interim, being realised. A throughput of one million product. particularly with regard to such factors cartons when the companies first merged as quality control, expansion, technology was doubled in just a few years, vindicating MFC is one of the world’s most efficient, advancement, employment opportunities the wisdom of the merger. large-volume, orange packing lines, delivering and the MFC as a valued corporate citizen. a low packing cost (variable costs). Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board 9

Mildura Fruit Company and the Tree That Pays for Everything

Left - Right: Russell Witcombe with a Sun Garden orange pack. Pallet Scanning. Main sorting In both a domestic and international context, the Mildura Fruit Company (MFC) is a significant player in the citrus industry table. Carmella at the CVS Computer. and the stages of its development have been well documented over time. A comprehensive article on this development was published in the National Marketplace News in August, 2004 under the heading ‘Road Map To The Top’.

It has a loyal grower base, committed to Throughout the interview, Mr Witcombe The price declared on MFC’s packout report growing the best quality fruit that water emphasised that the MFC’s relationship with is always paid to the grower and on the date availability and input costs will allow. its growers was critical to the company’s advised. MFC carries the risk of outturn business survival. problems and the risk of non-payment by The widespread application of purpose Australian and overseas buyers. written software, delivers accurate and ‘Personal and professional integrity are detailed information that covers the location the core values of MFC. Only in the event of a chemical residue of empty bins, of all fruit waiting to be problem or similar ‘orchard issue’ would packed, an inventory of all packed stock Therefore we treat our relationship with our MFC consider passing some of the costs and the reporting of packhouse fruit quality, growers as a partnership. Rapid feedback back to the individual grower.’ as well as an analysis of trading performance. to growers on bin pricing is important. Growers want this information, sometimes Currently, the MFC site has the capacity MFC’s scale makes the company an appealing to decide whether they back off picking to handle 4 million cartons, by running choice for large domestic and overseas for a while, in the hope returns improve. multiple shifts. It packs oranges, 6 days supermarkets because of our ability to pack per week, 10 hours per day on a dedicated a large volume of citrus over a specific Any of our growers, at any time, can ask 8 lane orange packing line and runs two count range, to a consistent standard. for an explanation of a bin price and we 10 hour shifts per day, 6 days per week, will readily disclose all MFC sales and cost packing mandarin varieties. MFC’s scale also provides the potential to data to show how we arrived at the fruit negotiate freight rates and prices for inputs payment. The company packed 2.6 million cartons and that reflect our volume. This makes the trays and 1.4 million net bags in 2007/08. company better placed to absorb inevitable MFC tries to work to the timeline of price increases without passing them on supplying our growers with a fully priced Cont’d... to our growers through a packing charge orange packout, 3 working days after the increase.’ fruit is run. For other varieties, 5 to 7 working days from the end of the week of running applies. 10 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

Mildura Fruit Company Cont’d...

When discussing the outlook for citrus, plus drought-impacted crops, will feel the are in the ‘margin business’. Profitability is Russell made some considered observations. ‘adjustment pain’ more acutely. simply a small margin x a large (hopefully) ‘Obviously, the future for citrus packhouses number of cartons. Reduce your costs, and is entirely dependent on the financial When world markets are oversupplied with you increase your profitability - a preferable viability of our growers. citrus, you are punished on price. This happens option to passing an increased packing with all commodities, whether it is fruit, charge on to the grower. After 35 years experience in agriculture, grain or metals. If the market is short, the I have formed the pretty simple view that price can lift sharply as we’ve seen recently I further believe that marketing overseas nothing remains very good or very bad with wheat and now corn. Hopefully, citrus is much more about logistics than simply for very long. Markets change, seasonal will soon benefit from the reported global finding a buyer for your product. conditions change, overseas competitors food shortage and growers will see a crop conditions change, and growers make significant lift in prices.’ I’ve also learnt that at times I spend too adjustment decisions in and out of varieties much time at work and not enough with and types of horticulture. The combined I then asked Russell to identify and comment my family.’ impact can be a relatively rapid movement on some of the important lessons he had in ‘industry prospects’. learnt over his many years in the citrus Russell Witcombe puts great value in trust industry. - personal and professional integrity, to do He acknowledges that times are tough for the job effectively and well. ‘For this is about citrus growers right now and identified as ‘One of the lasting messages I learnt was as good a foundation as you can have.’ key factors the uncertainty of water from my first boss in the citrus business, availability and its cost. Similarly, the cost Peter McLaren, who said, ‘Don’t sit on bad This belief explains the other factors that of fertiliser and other inputs, together with news. It won’t get better with time.’ underpin the company’s present day fuel costs and the transfer of other cost strategies and business practices, both in increases down the supply chain to the Therefore, communication with grower terms of management style, delegation grower…with the end of the chain copping customers and buyer customers is so and the wider company profiling. all the increases. important. If there is a problem outturn or a disappointing packout, the packer needs I was pleased to be able to experience first ‘A huge factor impacting on grower returns to share this information quickly so that hand the operations of MFC and assess is the strength of the Aussie dollar. A 20% all parties can work through it in a spirit the positive sense of direction conveyed by depreciation in the Australian currency of partnership. those who are closely associated with the would lift grower returns probably about organisation. I express my appreciation for 30%. A 30% lift in bin prices would probably I have come to believe that you don’t have the opportunity that was provided. increase profits per hectare by greater than suppliers and customers in the citrus packing 50%!! Unfortunately, we don’t have any and marketing game; you have customers The overriding conclusion is one of an control over the strength of our currency. at both ends of the supply chain. Customers organisation that is working with purpose All we can do at MFC is favour the who supply you and those who buy from to achieve known goals in a researched, Australian market and consider overseas you; they are both critical to your business constructive and hands-on manner. I was markets where the currency has appreciated and equally important. also impressed with the frankness, efficiency at a similar rate to that of the AUD.’ and professionalism of the contributors I also know that, whilst the product is citrus, and the positive image this conveyed. However, Russell Witcombe believes one the business we are in is the relationship reality is undeniable. business. Strong relationships with growers, MFC’s record to date indicates that it will buyers, materials suppliers and transport continue to serve its growers, the citrus providers, staff and owners, are all part industry and the communities it serves ‘No one grows a better eating of the complex tapestry of business life. very well in the future. Navel orange in the world, and this is the great competitive advantage One of our overseas customers and a good Clearly, there is pride in what they do and of the Murray Valley citrus industry. friend of MFC, made the remark at a meeting a determination to achieve to a consistently In tough times it will ensure the that, ‘Never ever forget that the tree pays high standard. survival of our local industry, even for everything’. I know our Grower Services if at a reduced scale.’ Manager, Bill Robinson, has often repeated E. Warhurst this truism. It is tough for the grower because cost increases get passed back Compiler As has occurred over the past 20 years, down the chain to the first critical link packhouse rationalisation will continue - production. There is nowhere for the to take place. Candidates for future grower to pass on the cost - the tree rationalisation may not be the smaller must fund it! packhouses. Maybe, the larger packing establishments, with higher overhead Related to that is the very simple observation costs and a shortened packing season, ‘your profit is in your costs’. As a packer we Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board 11

Irrigation Management and Rootstock Effects on Navel Orange Fruit Quality From Neil Eagle Cont’d...

This article is by MT Treeby, RE Henroid, Overall the results from the study KB Bevington, DJ Milne and R Storey and concluded that: There has been some uncertainty published in Agricultural Water Management, as to the detail at grower level up Volume 91 (2007), pages 24-32. • The reduced water volumes/season had until now. However, I encourage all more influence on the quality of fruit at growers to actively embrace this The paper was principally concerned with harvest, than where the water was applied groundbreaking initiative of our external fruit quality because previous (i.e. water volume was more important industry, to maximize the benefit to research has shown that citrus irrigation than irrigation strategy). growers from their levy contributions, management strongly influences fruit size by eliminating duplication of effort and rind quality, as well as internal fruit • Total crop load (yield) was unaffected by and re-focusing of monies, so saved, quality parameters such as total soluble irrigation treatment and was the same towards marketing and promotion solids (TSS) and acidity. for all three treatments. of our product. This is clearly an area of under activity at the moment, The trial investigated the effects of three • The trees irrigated using DI and PRD due to the current lack of resources, different irrigation management strategies strategies produced larger numbers which urgently needs to be rectified. on the yield and quality of Bellamy Navel of small fruit. Those of us in the industry, I expect oranges grafted on five different rootstocks would agree - it is pointless if, as in the Sunraysia region of NSW over 2 • The fruit from the DI and PRD treatments growers we successfully produce a seasons from 1999-2001. The Bellamy Navel had higher TSS levels than the Control quality product, but fail to market orange trees were about 33 years old trees, and so some deficit irrigation it profitably. planted at 6.7 x 6.7m spacing on a light strategy may be useful to the juicing sandy clay loam. In this study irrigations sector where TSS levels per tonne of All in our Industry, Growers, Statutory were applied weekly and amounts applied fruit is important. Board Members and Staff, should were calculated using potential see this restructure as an opportunity evapotranspiration and rainfall. Trees were • Reduced water volumes produced fruit and not as a threat to progress irrigated using low level micro-sprinklers. with thinner rinds and fruit also had less the Citrus Industry and their roles incidence of creasing (also knows as within it. The irrigation treatments trialed included: ‘albedo breakdown’ and ‘crease’).

1 Normal irrigation where trees were • Rootstock type does have some influence Neil Eagle watered on both sides along the tree on how trees respond to irrigation Chairman, Mid-Murray Citrus row to field capacity (i.e. this treatment management; the external quality of fruit Growers Inc was the experimental ‘Control’). from trees growing on sweet orange and the citranges was more sensitive to 2 A deficit irrigation (‘DI’) treatment where irrigation management than for fruit about half the water volume of the from trees growing on P. trifoliata and Control was applied to both sides of Cleopatra mandarin. the trees along the tree row at each irrigation. Source Coastal Fruitgrowers’ Newsletter No. 68 Autumn 2008.

3 A partial root zone drying (‘PRD’) treatment, where about half the water volume of the Control was applied to one side of the tree along the tree row, and then at the next irrigation event the other side of the tree was watered (i.e. only one side of each tree was watered at each irrigation event).

The average water volumes applied per season for each of the three irrigation treatments were:

Control - 10ML/ha DI - 5.9ML/ha PRD - 5.5ML/ha 12 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

A Juicy Tale of the Citrus Industry (A Successful Work in Progress)

Quarantine bin and sign installed at the Kerang roadside stop.

1 2

The children at the Nangiloc/Colignan Primary School are off again to discover what happens to the thousands of oranges that grow in orchards surrounding their school. The trip will involve the children actually picking a bin of oranges and then tracking the various processes that eventually find the orange on sale on the supermarket shelf.

The pupils will visit 2 local packing houses, The journey has an enormous educational 4-6 pupils are all shareholders. The company SOS Citrus and Sandalwood Ridge Packers, impact and has secured support from the has developed its own products, which travel into Mildura for a special tour of Murray Valley Citrus Board, Mildura Rural include Slurpeeez (100% citrus ice block) the Mildura Fruit Company and then visit City Council, Country Education and the local which now includes such flavours as, Curlwaa Fresh, a commercial juicing factory. media. Its potential has been recognised orange, tangelo, mandarin and the most While at each of these facilities, they will by Scotch College, Melbourne, where the popular blood orange. The children also make a digital record of the many and children will make a special presentation created ‘Red Rox’ a 50ml blood orange varied boxes and labels they spot during to the grade 6 Junior School. Our thanks juice drink. The program is constantly the orange packing process. These will must go to Tony Bothroyd, Field Officer, growing and developing and has featured be used as a form of SPOTTO on the next Murray Valley Citrus Board, for his support on national and local media. leg of their journey, which involves the and encouragement of our program. Tony children traveling to Melbourne. While was instrumental in our link with Scotch The children have developed such a there they will visit the Footscray Market, College. reputation they were asked to support the Melbourne Market Head Quarters, Coles Murray Valley Citrus Board promotion at Distribution Centre, Port of Melbourne, The children have also picked an ‘orange the Mildura Show in 2007. Thanks again to Addamo Packers (prepacked fruit for Coles) buddy’ and this orange has been given a the work of Tony Bothroyd and the impact and finally into the Coles Supermarket, full medical, a home to live in, and a carry the children provided, the show display was Fountain Gate, Berwick. Here, they will bag. It must travel with them on all outings, awarded 2 major prizes, Best Trade Stand set up a small display, give away show including the trip to Melbourne. The buddy and Best Trade Pavilion Exhibit. bags they have prepared themselves and will be re-examined at the conclusion of present customers with an orange and our journey. This aspect helps children The pupils also shared their experiences with explain its journey to them. understand the importance of careful storage other rural children when they presented and handling etc (science, maths and at a state wide Country Education Project All of the above industries and agencies technology). We know of one buddy that Conference. The program is highly valued have been extremely generous with their has already been eaten by the pet dog! by the pupils, parents, teachers, local support and willingness to ensure that no community and industry. It involves children ‘doors’ are closed to the children. They The Nangiloc/Colignan Primary School began in ‘real life’ experiences. It brings their local have been provided with access to areas this program in 2006 when they established economy into the classroom and ensures that are normally closed to the public. a company called Fundzinc, of which grade that the children are engaged in meaningful Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board 13

A Juicy Tale of the Citrus Industry (A Successful Work in Progress)

3 4 1 Russell Witcombe (MFC) showed the students around MFC packing shed. 2 Chris Goulding (Sandlewood Ridge Packing Shed) talking to the students. 3 Curlwaa Fresh provided a sample of juice for each student. 4 Frank Sos (Sos Citrus) talking to some of the students.

and relevant learning. As one parent Some comments from the Nangiloc/ how the oranges have coped with the commented, ‘It allows the children to Colignan Primary School: ‘Journey of journey, where they go, what happens to appreciate all personnel involved in the an Orange! them when they get there, and to see if they citrus industry, from the picker to the taste better than the ones around Nangiloc. packer right through to the consumer. ‘The grade 4, 5 & 6 students from I think I’ll have great fun in Melbourne.’ They are all given equal recognition for the Nangiloc/Colignan & District Primary Jol Peters role they play.’ The consistency, on going School have a business called Fundzinc. and evolving capacity, ensures the project We started this business because we live ‘In Melbourne the grade 5 and 6’s have to is forever renewing itself. around citrus trees. We picked a bin of look out for logos on boxes, we have seen oranges and then we got to pick out an some of the boxes that they have to find.’ We would like to acknowledge the following orange buddy. We got our buddy as the Brittany Lyell for their support: first step of the journey of an orange.’ SOS Citrus Nicole Minter ‘I hope I will learn how to sell and advertise Sandalwood Ridge Packers our products and experience the ‘Journey Mildura Fruit Company - Russell Witcombe ‘The first step was to learn how to pick an of an Orange’. Also in Melbourne we are Curlwaa Fresh orange. You ‘twist, tilt, and snap’. The next going to the Footscray Market, Scotch Murray Valley Citrus Board – Tony step we did was to pick one bin of oranges College and the Melbourne Port to see Bothroyd and Mary Cannard on my dad’s property and he took it to where the fruit goes overseas. We will also Addamo Packers SOS CITRUS and the money is going to see if and where the fruit gets sent Port of Melbourne the grade 5/6 trip to Melbourne.’ domestically.’ Melbourne Market Authority Harrison Baker - Grade 4 Mia Dear Coles Supermarket Footscray Market We went to MFC (Mildura Fruit Company). Scotch College it is a huge packing shed. When I walked ABC Radio - Nikolai Beilharz in I thought oh-my-god this place is huge, Mildura Rural City Council you could fit about one million or more people in their shed (that’s only my estimate). Eric Wright, Principal I was amazed by how nearly everything is Nangiloc/Colignan Primary School run by computer. Rhianna Gove - Grade 6

*Citrep will continue to follow this worthy ‘We are going to Melbourne to see where citrus based project with interest and the oranges go after they’re picked. We enthusiasm. Full credit to all those involved will be going to the markets to see some in the Nangiloc/Colignan Primary School boxes that we saw at Sos’s citrus and and the community it serves. Sandalwood Ridge. We will also be going to the Melbourne Shipping Port and Scotch E. Warhurst, Compiler College. In Melbourne I will expect to learn 14 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

Irrigated Horticulture of the Lower Murray-Darling 1997 to 2006: A Report

The recently released SunRISE 21 Inc. aerial mapping survey indicates that irrigated agriculture has grown about a third in the past decade. The new SunRISE 21 report incorporates the Lower Murray-Darling with 94,450 hectares of irrigated horticulture. Ross Lake

In his foreword to the 2006 crop report, These include horticultural growers and • Water trade Mr Ross Lake, Chairman, SunRISE 21 grower groups (regional and national), • A zoning and levy approach to guiding made the following observations: associated industries, local governments, development to areas of low river land and water management authorities, salinity impact ‘Telling ‘our’ story has never been more community groups, research institutions • The continued drive by irrigators for important in the history of this district. In and state government agencies. greater efficiencies particular, telling the story of the changing nature of irrigated horticulture in these This fourth edition of a SunRISE 21 Crop times of drought, market driven economics Report continues the provision and creation Some important background notes from and low commodity prices must have a of detailed irrigated crop data. It builds on the report are as follows: high priority. work and analysis undertaken since 1996 and provides the further quantitative insight ‘SunRISE 21’s mapping of irrigated The expression of these changes and impacts into changes and trends in irrigated horticulture in the Lower Murray-Darling in the format of digital mapping can only horticulture from 1997 to 2006. region of Victoria and enhance our recognition and accurate commenced in 1996. Using geographic representation of the impacts of change With this continuously enhancing capability information system (GIS) technology, the when we are required to seek support in any the Crop Report 2006 project can continue mapping was designed to measure and forum for our irrigated farming practises. to play an important partnership role with monitor the region’s irrigation industry, those district agencies and businesses that and its spatial relationship to the region’s Irrigated horticulture is Sunraysia’s core seek to utilise the database as an integral environmental, social and economic business. It is in many respects the keystone part of their planning.’ features. that holds much of the other economic activity in the district together. Primary It is noted that during this time, more than Analysis of the mapping now provides industry earnings are essential to regional 21,000 hectares of new farmland have been comprehensive information on irrigation employment opportunities and economic developed particularly with the expansion development from 1997 to 2006, a nine well being of the majority of the local of almonds, olives and winegrapes in the year period in which the region experienced population. This is not always perceived by Boundary Bend and Robinvale areas. a 29% increase in its irrigated area; from the casual observer as the link is not often 73,405 hectares in 1997 to 94,450 hectares direct, but it can be illustrated that irrigated Almonds have now joined wine and in 2006. horticulture remains the base upon which tablegrapes as the mainstays of the region much of the regional economy rests. with citrus coming in third. The study region encompasses irrigated areas along the Murray River from to In a global market and rigorous trading The decline in dried fruit plantings was the South Australian border (Victoria and environment it is essential that investment reflected in the production of between New South Wales) and along the Darling and planning decisions are based on accurate 10,000 and 11,000 tonnes in 2007 as River from Menindee to Wentworth and timely information. If we can measure opposed to some 50,000 tonnes a few (New South Wales). This report presents it we can manage it. Further we can years ago. information at three levels; regional, state enhance our capacity to create scenarios and district. The ‘region’ refers to the Lower with the assistance of trend analysis. ‘The whole picture of Sunraysia has changed,’ Murray-Darling (LMD) area of New South SunRISE 21 Executive Officer Sue Argus Wales and Victoria, and state reporting In 1996, SunRISE 21 Inc. responded to this said. In this context the average property provides a separate summary for the Lower information need by designing and investing size has grown from 20 to 27 hectares Murray area of Victoria and the Lower in a regional information system utilising with 150 fewer farms recorded from 1997 Murray-Darling area of New South Wales. Geographic Information System (GIS) to 2006. The region has been divided into seventeen technology. report districts; ten districts in Victoria The report also indicated that some of the and seven in New South Wales. The system, now known as ‘SunRISE Mapping’ biggest changes in Sunraysia over the past is a financially self-sustaining operation decade were: Details are also collected in collaboration providing information products and services • The wine grape boom with local agencies and industry bodies to to many organisations and businesses. • Large-scale development by MIS support specific programs such as irrigation Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board 15

A Different Way of Doing Things

What are the options? • Protected horticulture for intensive food products with extended seasons Part 1 • Organic, halal and other certified foods • Dried fruits and vegetables Co-operation and collaboration are • Juices examples of farming differently to survive the future because it’s not We all know that times are tough and ‘business as usual’ any more! that we are not going back to the good old days. Recently the price of fuel has A winegrape grower recently agreed with doubled, followed closely by the price me on the idea of pooling resources and of nitrogenous fertilizers, the increasing supply infrastructure upgrades, water use his better bookkeeping and marketing value of the Aussie dollar has significantly efficiency assessment, economic assessments, skills with his neighbor’s better growing reduced the returns from export, water drought impacts, drainage assessment, water and irrigation skills and another neighbor’s allocations are just a probability, labour trade and salinity impacts and industry passion for machinery and farm as a and skills are in short supply and markets planting statistics. Citrus growers for partnership, rather than separate are getting fussier. Farming has to adjust instance, are surveyed annually by the businesses. There can be advantages to survive in the future. Collaboration Murray Valley Citrus Board to provide with economies of scale and taxation and co-operation may be ways of up-to-date planting statistics for crop benefits as well. affording adjustment and the hard forecasting and industry planning. Privacy decisions have to be made now! of individual property details is maintained Another example is a small citrus grower and only aggregated information is published. who bulk purchased some of his inputs Both reports can be found on the for the season. Instead of buying every Mildura - Murrumbidgee Horticulture SunRISE 21 will continue to maintain the month, he obtained quotes for the years website (http://murraymurrumbidgee. region’s crop mapping, with the next update supply. He saved at least $2000 for the com.au/). of aerial photography and orthophoto year. Growers could combine to jointly imagery planned for February 2009. The purchase a range of inputs including Written by Pam Strange, Horticulture imagery will provide a map base for 2009 fuel, chemicals and fertilizer, to realize Facilitator, DPI Irymple. Ph 5051 4571 crop mapping (i.e. the 2008-09 irrigation significant savings. season) and the capacity to continue Pam Strange joined the Department measuring changes in the region’s irrigated Examples of collaboration are detailed of Primary Industries in Mildura horticulture. Following on from 1997 to in the Feb 2007 report written by Street in January 2008 as a Horticulture 2006, will be another period of considerable Ryan & Associates. ‘Opportunities for Facilitator. A large part of her work is change, with irrigators responding to gaining economies of scale through to assist horticultural industries in the continuing drought conditions and collaboration’. They include: Mildura region adapt and adjust to exceptionally low water allocations.’ • Share farming the challenging economic environment • Leasing an operating property to better meet customer and market Further details may be obtained from: • Machinery sharing requirements, understand business SunRISE 21 INC. • Labour sharing viability and explore different business 54 Lemon Avenue Mildura Victoria 3500 • Joint or group purchasing of inputs, models. She will be working closely PO Box 997 Mildura Victoria 3502 technical advice or other with the industry organizations within Telephone O3 5023 7355 • Using Contract services the region to develop and deliver tools Email [email protected] • Collaborative marketing that will assist these adaptations.

Another view of doing things differently Pam is an Agricultural Scientist by is to grow a different crop, aim at niche training and has had a varied career markets like organic or halal or add value principally as a production horticulturalist. to the product like juicing, drying or She has been a Research Scientist, an pre-prepared. Industry Development Officer and a Consultant in the various potato and Examples of alternative crops and cost vegetable industries in Victoria, South cutting and value adding opportunities Australia and New Zealand (onions), are detailed in the Jan 2007 report and a fruit crop horticulturalist in prepared by Scholefield Robinson Mildura. a variety of roles with Chiquita and Timbercorp. Pam succeeded in achieving They include: the first EurepGAP accreditation for a • Pomegranates, dates, vital vegetables citrus property in Australia and is currently (broccoli, red lettuce etc), carob, cut a Director on the South Australian flowers, extracts & oils, figs, garlic, juices Citrus Industry Development Board. 16 Newsletter of the Murray Valley Citrus Board

Murray Valley Citrus Board Product Price List Advertise

Available through the Murray Valley Citrus Board office. your product Item Name Grower Price

PUBLICATIONS Citrus Disease and Disorders $26.00 Citrus Growing Manual $22.00 Citrus Pests & Their Natural Enemies $85.50 or service Citrus Field Guide - Citrus Pests and their Natural Enemies $35.00 Drip Irrigation Book $25.00 Physiology Notes 04/2003 $18.00 Good Bug Book $44.50 Citrus Disease & Defects found in the marketplace $118.75 CD Citrus Pests & Their Natural Enemies $45.00 in the next

PRODUCTS Citrus Peelers - Complete $1.00 Cranston Gauge $39.00 Hand Lens $8.50 issue of Plastic Juicer $3.50 Sizing Ring America (Yellow) $22.00 Penetrometer 011 $274.00 Phenolphthlalein PH Indicator $44.00 Refractometer REF103 Brix $340.00 TDS Solid Tester pocket (PH WATER TESTER) $125.00

NET BAG SALES Grapefruit 3 kg net bags - per 1000 $178.75 Imperial 1.5 kg net bags - per 500 $89.38 Navel 3 kg net bags - per 1000 $178.75 Navel 1.5 kg net bags - per 1000 $139.00 Valencia 3 kg net bags - per 1000 $178.75

MEETING ROOM FACILITIES Half day Board Room hire $55.00 For further Full day Board Room hire $110.00 Half day Projector Multimedia hire $110.00 Full day Projector Multimedia hire $220.00 Coffee Tea Biscuits (per head) - Board Room hire $1.50 information about

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