Technology Transfer in the Goulburn Murray Pome Fruit Industries

Technology transfer in the Goulburn Murray pome fruit industries

John Wilson Fruit Growers Victoria

Project Number: MT06067 MT06067

This report is published by Horticulture Australia Ltd to pass on information concerning horticultural research and development undertaken for: Apple & Pear (Apple - Mkting Projects) Summerfruit

The research contained in this report was funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd with the financial support of Fruit Growers Victoria.

All expressions of opinion are not to be regarded as expressing the opinion of Horticulture Australia Ltd or any authority of the Australian Government.

The Company and the Australian Government accept no responsibility for any of the opinions or the accuracy of the information contained in this report and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their own interests.

ISBN 0 7341 2333 7

Published and distributed by: Horticulture Australia Ltd Level 7 179 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 8295 2300 Fax: (02) 8295 2399

Technology transfer in the Goulburn Murray pome fruit industries 1st July 2007 – 30th June 2010

Michael Crisera

Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd

Project Number: MT06067

HAL Project MT06067

Michael Crisera

Industry Development Officer

Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd

P.O Box 612

Mooroopna, VIC 3629

Phone: 03 58253700

Mobile: 0418379746

Email: [email protected]

This final report provides an overview and summary of the Fruit Growers Victoria Technology Transfer project from July 2007 – June 2010.

The FGVL Technology transfer project was facilitated by HAL in partnership with FGVL and was funded by FGVL voluntary contributions and matched HAL funding.

Thank you to the Goulburn Murray pome fruit growers for their support of the FGVL Technology transfer project.

Any recommendations contained in this publication do not necessarily represent current HAL policy. No person should act on the basis of the contents of this publication, whether as to matters of fact or opinion or other content, without first obtaining specific, independent professional advice in respect of the matters set out in this publication.

Contents

Table of Contents

Abbreviations 4

Summary 5

Introduction 6

Methods and Activities 7

Evaluation 15

Implications 18

Recommendations 19

Acknowledgments 20

Bibliography 20

Appendices 21

Abbreviations

FGVL Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd

VIC DPI Victorian Department of Primary Industries

IPDM Integrated Pest and Disease Management

IDO Industry Development Officer

HAL Horticulture Australia Limited

APAL Apple and Pear Australia Limited

HIN Horticulture Industry Networks

FO 2012 Future Orchards 2012

DAFF Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

EINTO Ears in the Orchard

Summary

The following final report details how technology transfer and industry development priorities were delivered to pome fruit growers in the Goulburn Murray region of Victoria. This project commenced in July 2007 and will be completed in June 2010 and was managed by Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd, the peak industry body representing pome fruit growers in Victoria. The project was funded by voluntary contributions from FGVL and matched HAL funding.

Key purposes of the project were for the IDO to deliver the latest technology in both Integrated Pest and Disease Management and a changeover of orchard production techniques to higher density plantings. Promoting the latest orchard practices from around Australia and from around the world to the Goulburn Murray region is imperative for the sustainability of growers and the industry.

Benefits to the public include delivery of a safer end product (pome fruit) and of higher shelf quality fruit delivered to consumers. The benefits to the industry for successful IPDM and high density production systems include reduced pesticide usage and increased production per hectare of land.

Having an IDO available to growers to assist and pass on the latest production techniques is key for the industry to make the correct development decisions such as varietal choices and production system choices. Growers are beginning to change from older production systems to more modern higher planting density systems as a result of technology transfer through varying projects and study tours co - managed or in delivery partnership.

Introduction

This project was undertaken because fruit growers in the Goulburn Murray region are currently facing key challenges in regard to the profitability of their orchards. High production costs are not reflected in the farm gate prices that growers are currently receiving. A real need to increase profitable production for growers is imperative for their survival. Increasing the average pome fruit tonnes per hectare is a key criteria but one that cannot be measured in the short term.

The current project MT06067 replaced the previous project FR05005 that was a co funded by Australian Nashi Growers Association, Summerfruits Australia and Fruit Growers Victoria Limited. The current project was funded solely by FGVL and HAL matched funding.

Technology transfer is the key component for the IDO with the target audience being pome fruit growers, extension providers and consultants. Information exchange to the target audience includes articles in technical publications, contributions to relevant industry newsletters, organising grower group meetings, orchard walks, field days and workshop demonstrations.

The ability to demonstrate orchard best practice in orchard management by organising study tours and assisting with the initial management of the APAL Future Orchards 2012 project has been the preferred way to demonstrate and implement change on orchard. Orchard walks and outdoor demonstrations have been hands on for growers to see benefits in changing their orchard practices.

Method and activities

The Industry development officer role in the Goulburn Murray region has been defined as 2 days per week equivalent with the majority of IDO time being allocated in the winter months while during the spring and summer months the IDO changed roles to be Cropwatch area manager for a commercial business managed by FGVL in the Goulburn Valley.

Many occasions these roles have overlapped with the majority of the technology transfer grower group meetings being held in autumn and winter periods from April through to August. Cropwatch commitments have commenced from September through to April.

The methods used to organise, advertise and promote grower meetings have been to utilise FGVL membership base and contacts through media, faxes, emails and sms text messaging to notify and remind growers of upcoming meetings, demonstrations or orchard walks. It has been the IDO’s responsibility to organise speakers, presenters and venues for meetings, orchard walks or demonstrations. For study tours arranging travel and accommodation is also an important part of the role.

The following programs whether it be in partnership or as a facilitator have been delivered or promoted to Goulburn Murray pome fruit growers by the IDO utilising FGVL’s grower membership base.

 APAL FO2012/FGVL Orchard Walks, Tree Measurements, Data Collection, Technical Presentations.

 DPI VIC/FGVL Ears in the Orchard BBQ’s, meetings, demonstrations and workshops.

 DPI VIC/FGVL Young Growers Network meetings and study tours.

 DPI VIC Winter Pear School 2009.

 DAFF/FGVL Next Gen Farmers study tours to Adelaide Hills and New Zealand.

 Landcare Network/Woolworths/FGVL Southern Victoria Grower Bus Tour.

 Gippsland Fruit Growers/FGVL Lenswood Study Tour

The activities carried out by the IDO Michael Crisera since January 2008 has been the following:

Activities

January 2008 – April 2008:

APAL Future Orchards 2012, tree measurements and facilitating the Northern loop Orchard walks and presentations. –

D ensit y A g e Lat est Pro f it Gro ss ( t rees ( years) Pro f it $/ ha Kg / ha ? V ic B lo ck V ariet y / ha) TRV R o o t st o ck R ep lant Y ear

North VC09 Cripps Pink 2222 5 2667 M 26 Yes 2006 -7173 12350 North VC12 Gala 3150 8 2588 M M 106 No 2006 14395 40347 North VC13 Gala 2857 1 - M 26 Yes - - - North VC14 WBC 2222 5 4555 D6 2006 -12736 3106 North VC15 Cripps Pink 2200 7 2000 M 26 No 2006 27052 45055 North VC17 Cripps Pink 2200 7 2421 M M 106 No 2006 12633 29941 North VC18 Corella 2200 7 3578 BP1 Yes 2006 10155 31517 North VC19 Packham 2083 6 1350 D6 Yes 2006 199 31181 North VC20 Cripps Pink 1666 7 3278 M 26 Yes 2006 12559 33684 North VC21 Cripps Pink 1829 12 2300 Northern Spy Yes - - - North VC22 WBC 1818 5 2454 D6 Yes 2006 -12222 3546 North VC23 Cripps Pink 1481 9 2889 M 26 No 2006 13353 37297 North VC26 Cripps Pink 1234 15 3666 Undefined Yes - - - North VC27 Cripps Pink 1666 8 4375 M 26 No - - - North VC28 Gala 1111 4 4444 M M 106 Yes 2006 -12726 1625 North VC29 Cripps Pink 2514 8 4222 M M 106 Yes 2006 31159 60211 North VC30 WBC 393 5 3451 D6 Yes - - - North VC31 Packham 555 21 3240 D6 Yes - - - North VC33 Gala 1000 5 3368 M 26 No 2006 -5652 8750 North VC34 Gala 1666 1 - M 26 No - - - North VC37 Gala 1923 3 1829 M 26 Yes - - - North VC38 WBC 1000 4 545 BP1 Yes - - - North VC41 Cripps Pink 2857 1 - M 26 Yes

Above: the Northern loop FO 2012 monitoring blocks.

Above: example of FO2012 photo points used to evaluate crop performance.

May 2008 – August 2008

DPI VIC & FGVL Ears in the Orchard program with local Goulburn Murray growers.

Above: EINTO meeting at Bill Sali’s packing shed with growers from Shepparton East.

Above: EINTO BBQ at Dean Pullar’s property in Cobram.

Above: photo taken with High Country Fruits in Victoria’s Nth East.

Above: photo taken at Pear pruning demonstration at Lenne’s in Ardmona.

Above: FGVL Trailer BBQ used for grower presentations, BBQ’s and orchard walks.

May 2009 – September 2009

Above: Southern Victoria Bus tour for Goulburn Valley orchardists.

Above: Goulburn Valley and Harcourt tour for Gippsland Fruit Growers.

Above: DAFF Next Gen/ Goulburn Valley Young Growers study tour to Lenswood/Adelaide Hills. 11

Above: DAFF Next Gen young grower study tour to New Zealand for Goulburn Valley orchardists.

January 2010 – June 2010

Above: HAL milestone funded trip to Lenswood in February 2010.

Publications

Publications of technical bulletins on pome fruit growing are an important aspect of technology transfer from industry to growers. In the current pome fruit growing industry there are 2 predominant fruit growing journals or magazines that growers in the Goulburn Murray access for technology transfer. Australian Fruitgrower, produced by Apple and Pear Australia Limited and Tree Fruit, produced by Nick Morenos. Both are produced monthly. Fruit Growers Victoria Limited previously published 2 quarterly journals, Top Grower and Growing Wiser. Top Grower was intended to be a more hands on orchard technical bulletin while Growing Wiser was intended to cover more industrial and political issues of fruit growing.

In the past 18 months FGVL has changed its format for grower communications, including publications with more focus for technology transfer to be used in the weekly FGVL newsletter ‘Core Facts’ and the FGVL website. In the need to provide current technology transfer, which is needed at different periods of the growing season, the IDO has included grower relevant technical data in ‘Core Facts’ on a weekly as needed approach.

The snippets below detail examples of technology transfer to growers for current access each week, weekly apple and pear maturity testing carried out in the Goulburn Valley as well as fruit sizing on Pink Lady™ apples which are important statistics for growers as they near harvest.

With 2 monthly journals available to growers (Australian Fruitgrower, Tree Fruit) FGVL’s Core Facts offers a different benefit as a more current to the week form of technology transfer.

Media Coverage

The IDO and media have played an important role in getting the message out about any urgent on orchard precautions or warnings for growers in the Goulburn Murray. Any media by the IDO would only have relevance to orchard specific matters or technology transfer and not of a political nature. The varying issues which may or may not include technology transfer include:

 Frost Damage warnings

 Water allocation information

 Storage of heat damaged fruit information

 FO 2012 promotions

 FGVL events, promotions or reminders

The newspaper snippets below are just some examples.

Evaluation

IDO Evaluation by FGVL Board and Management.

An evaluation on the IDO position was discussed at an FGVL planning meeting with Directors and FGVL staff on Wednesday the 27th of May 2009. The following table details the priority list for each topic covered on the planning day and will be reviewed again on Wednesday the 23rd of June 2010 at FGVL’s next planning day.

TOPIC Priority COMMUNICATION 1 APPLES 2 CROP WATCH 3 ADMINISTRATION 4 MEMBERSHIP 5 FIDO 6 GOVERNANCE 7 PROMOTIONS 8 CORPORATE 9 WATER 9 DOMESTIC MARKETS 9 ENVIRONMENT 12 PUBLIC RELATIONS 13 CANNING 14 INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT 15 PEARS 16 EXPORTS 17 AUDIT COMMITTEE 18 STONE FRUIT 19

The comments that were most frequently put forward at the meeting were as follows:

 State-wide workload increasing.

 IDO position was seen by many members as too Goulburn Murray focussed.

 Not enough regular grower steering committee meetings.

 More grower visits required.

 Need to access more funds for the position.

 Growers need to be explained the benefits of FGVL membership by the IDO.

The position was again defined at the meeting as a position of Fruit Industry Development Officer funded through voluntary contributions from FGVL and matched HAL funding. A 2 day per week position is actioned as 100 days per year with the majority of the work being completed in the winter months, while Cropwatch takes priority during the summer months.

IDO Evaluation by FGVL grower members.

An interview meeting was held with 2 grower steering committee members based in the Goulburn Murray region; John Pottenger (Shepparton East orchardist) and Ian Bolitho (Ardmona orchardist) and the relevant points were noted for this evaluation report.

 IDO communications should include regular phone calls to grower members.

 Most times a grower will only call on an IDO when a problem is need of awareness or action.

 Growers will only call an IDO for clarification on issues.

 Chemical resellers are a common contact point for growers.

 IDO position is important for transfer of independent information to growers.

 Information has been passed to growers but there is never enough information, IDO to keep information flow happening.

 Study tours have been great, need to cater for both older and younger growers.

 FO 2012 orchard walks have been great.

 Have regular grower meetings on topical on orchard issues at the time. Aim to have 4 meetings per annum.

 Expand and increase the Young Growers Group.

Implications

The key learning’s from this project is the need for best practice on orchard demonstrations for growers to take back to their own orchard situation. Whether it is FGVL activities such as grower meetings or study tours, APAL’s FO 2012 orchard walks, the best way to get growers to learn are to use the simplest methods. To see best practice ‘hands on’ has been most successful.

Technology transfer through publications is as important also, the information provided needs to be in an easy to read format. The most important aspect of technology transfer through technical bulletins is how current the information is. If the information is not current then growers tend to overlook it.

The gap between Research and Development and growers is widening and needs to be bought back into a working relationship.

The industry goal is to successfully change grower orchard management to higher density, higher profitable orchards. The biggest challenge to industry is convincing growers to change. This is especially difficult when growers do not have the capital to redevelop because they are currently non profitable. Current high production costs and the drought in Victoria have had a major impact. Recent drought has kept water purchase prices high thus affecting grower’s bottom line. We are seeing a decrease in grower numbers throughout the state as a result of the high production costs and the lower farm gate fruit (bin) prices.

The industry’s biggest weaknesses in the Goulburn Murray region is the low average tonnes per hectare produced compared to the rest of the world and the reliance on privatised water right. With the threat of imports looming growers in the Goulburn Murray need to become globally competitive.

The Goulburn Murray’s strength is the availability of new land, not previously used for orchards, for new orchard development.

Recommendations

Regular study tours to areas of similar climate to the Goulburn Murray are most important to assist with changing grower’s management practices to move towards higher density planting systems, with the latest soil, irrigation and tree management technologies.

The need for a grower manual on every aspect of pome fruit growing best practice and IPDM that a grower can access in his shed that is weather, chemical and dust proof would prove to be the most valuable tool to growers in the industry.

For growers that are more technologically advanced industry needs to develop a website that is specific for pome fruit growers and their orchard best practice. The website would have a range of downloadable forms that growers can access free of charge.

R&D findings from Australian and overseas researchers in the pome fruit industry need to be transitioned into grower’s orchards through programs managed by the IDO. The PIPS project findings need to be transitioned into orchard practices.

The IDO should facilitate more grower meetings that are specific to certain production challenges on orchard and increase IPDM uptake by Goulburn Murray orchardists.

Technological advances from overseas need to be relayed to local orchardists through the technical bulletin and from study tours.

A demonstration block that is owned by the industry could be used to demonstrate how an orchard can be profitable; a demonstration block that is owned by industry could be used to trial different production techniques.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all Fruit Growers Victoria Limited management, staff, directors and grower members for their friendship and support over the life of this project. I would like to thank Horticulture Australia Limited project manager Richard Stephens and his support staff. I would like to also acknowledge and thank the relevant pome fruit industry and research staff across Australia who have assisted me in any aspect of pome fruit and IPDM.

Bibliography

Nil.

Appendices

1. FGVL 080827 Business Plan FY2008

2. TOP GROWER 080731 Winter 2008 (FGVL)

3. GROWING WISER 080725 Winter 2008 (FGVL)

4. CORE FACTS 090414 Volume 5.15 (FGVL)

5. DAFF - Goulburn Valley Young Growers Study Tour October 2009.

Goulburn Valley Young Growers Study Tour October 2009.

DAY 1 OCTOBER 9 2009

In October 2009 a group of young fruit growers, mostly apple and pear growers, from the Goulburn Valley in Victoria participated in a study tour funded by DAFF to Lenswood as part of the Goulburn Valley young growers study tour. 14 participants from the Goulburn Valley participated in the study tour.

Day 1 was a visit to the Lenswood Research centre where we were greeted by Paul James from Rural Solutions SA and Trevor Ranford, Manager of Fruit Growers South Australia.

Both gave an overview of local industry and how the water catchments were privately owned and supply Adelaide with 60% of its water.

The environmental concerns with commercial orchards being in the middle of these catchments are also a challenge. There is no possibility of new development of orchards on new ground, the only way growers can expand is to redevelop within the current growing hectares and hence the increased re-planting of high density orchards. Re-plant disease is a major hurdle when redeveloping orchards. Local environmental authorities are proving to be difficult to deal with especially after installing hail netting.

A lot of research has been driven from the local Lenswood research centre (35 Years) and the trial blocks. In South Australia there are 1800 hectares of pome fruit in comparison to 5000 hectares of wine grapes.

The next stop for day 1 was to the Lenswood Co-operative. The Lenswood Co-operative is a cost recovery company owned and governed by its fruit suppliers. The group was greeted by the General Manager Michael Cox. Michael detailed to the group the importance of quality of supply and the involvement of growers in the planning of the development of the shed. Michael also detailed the recent expansion investments to be undertaken in early 2010. Joyson’s, Plummer’s and Hillview growing enterprises were committing extra volumes of fruit to the packing shed to increase bin volumes from 18,000 bins to 35-45000 bins in 2010.

The high costs associated with running a shed and employing high numbers of staff to present perfect boxes of fruit to wholesalers are proving to be a challenge and beginning to affect their ability to remain competitive.

Lenswood currently handle 18,000 bins with a staff of 30 and the forecast is that they can do 40,000 bins with 22 employees under a pre-size setup. The plan is not to employ any additional staff until the volumes increase to 60,000 bins. The newly installed water flume pre-sizer is to be operational in February 2010. By installing the pre-sizer and increasing the throughput, Lenswood Co-op is aiming to reduce bin charges by $50.00 per bin. The Lenswood Co-op has 35 grower suppliers.

After taste sampling some of the local Fuji’s in the Co-op the young growers arrived at Robert Green’s constant redeveloping orchard. Here Robert grows 15 hectares of Cripps Pink, Gala, Sundowners and Fuji apples. 60-70% of his plantings are on M9 rootstocks (tree dwarfing) with the common spacing being 3.5 metre X 1 metre. The average age of the trees within the orchard is 8 year old. Robert aims to have 80% of the crop to pack in Class 1 boxes with 75% of this in three target sizes.

Robert’s aim is to grow 60 tonne to the hectare of Cripps Pink as he does not have enough water to produce greater yields and maintain quality. Rob is also aiming to grow Gala apples at 40 tonnes to the hectare and Fuji apples somewhere in between 30 and 60 tonnes to the hectare.

Michael Stafford’s was the next stop for the group where we saw Cripps Pink on M9 (lower vigour rootstock) and recently redeveloped parts of the orchard. In some areas of the orchard Michael is having problems with return bloom this season. He is not sure if it is one single reason for the issue or whether last season’s summer pruning had contributed to the poor return bloom (too much stress for M9 rootstock).

The next stop for the afternoon was to Flavell’s orchard and packing shed where we saw double row plantings of Granny Smiths and the beginning of installation of hail netting. The Flavell family is now planting Kanzi and Greenstar varieties of apples this season. They have 30 hectares of orchard in total.

At Mason’s orchard the young growers saw varying blocks at high density and the tying down of limbs to hold the vigour within the close plantings. The aim is to avoid crossing over of limbs and shading. Open V trellis systems are preferred with concentrated labour on tying down larger limbs closer to the main plumbing of the tree. M9 rootstock is the preferred choice for the Mason’s. The Mason’s orchard is where the Rosy Glow sport of Cripps Pink apple originated. Attention to detail and immaculate orchard hygiene is what stands out on this orchard.

Ian and Gavin Plummer’s orchards were also very impressive consistent cropping high density planted orchards. Ian admitted to being a high density orchard sceptic at first but now is glad he has changed from the old spacing’s to increase production. The local landscape (steep hills) kept the flat footed Goulburn Valley growers on their toes. The Plummer family owns a number of orchards in the Lenswood area with predominately Cripps Pink and Fuji grown. Family succession is important with his son Gavin having a major input into the orchard business decisions.

The day finished with a bbq and beers with local Lenswood orchardists as the group listened to a presentation from a Sth Tyrol grower from Northern Italy describe their industry and varietal choices and planting systems in Sth Tyrol.

DAY 2 OCTOBER 10 2009

The young growers first port of call on day 2 was at Kym Greene’s orchard where the group looked at the KGB (Kym Greene Bush) cherries which are double planted rows managed similar to the Spanish bush but kept at a manageable height (pedestrian). Kym likes to constantly regenerate wood by removing too strong or too weak limbs.

Kym works hard to build soil organic content and soil fungi. Kym is trying to improve organic content in his weed strip by allowing weeds to grow there for part of the season before burning them down with spray seed. The top part of the weed breaks down slowly on the surface but the root system of the weed which is 50% of the organic content of the plant remains in the soil profile to decompose more quickly where it is most needed.

Kym is using Potassium Silicate, composted chook manure, soft phosphate rock, Magnesium, and lime. All amendments go into compost. He applies 3 tonne per hectare to his apples and 5 tonne per hectare on his cherry varieties. His favourite cover crops in the row centres are Cocks foot grass, Fava bean, and Vetch.

The penultimate stop was back at the Lenswood research centre where the group viewed the high density apple planting trial blocks that Paul James has worked on for many years (10) and he detailed the cropping potential and results of the varying rootstocks and trellis and orchard systems. The final stop was at Uraidla on the way back to Adelaide on the Saturday afternoon at Michael and Damien Nichol’s orchard. The group viewed Fuji on MM106 rootstock as a new planting block in preparation for hail netting. The Nichol’s were having trouble getting the desired height up in the trees with the lower available water and the poor water quality of recent seasons as well as re-plant issues. Many in the group discussed the options with the Nichols to help them achieve height in the tree early.

In conclusion the trip was very worthwhile and many thanks to DAFF for funding the trip and to the Lenswood orchardists, Lenswood Co-op and Fruit Growers SA for giving us their time and especially Paul James from Rural Solutions SA for co-ordinating a great itinerary. I would also like to thank Chris Peters, Shaun Witchell, and Jason Sheilds for assisting by passing on their pome fruit knowledge and assisting within the group. Thanks also to Angie Grills for initially helping to organise this trip.

Many of the young growers that took part in the trip have since taken back the same practices on orchard that they viewed on this trip and many feel more confident to plant high density apple orchards.

The key learning’s from the study tour were:

 The importance of getting the initial setup right when planting high density orchards.

 Getting the trees to the correct height as quickly as possible.

 Getting the open v trellis angle right when planting coloured varieties of apples.

 A poorly positioned limb is a poor cropping limb, remove it.

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An outbreak of Queensland fruit fly has been declar been has fly fruit Queensland of outbreak An ed in Shepparton, Victoria. Victoria. Shepparton, in ed

QFF Outbreak……….. Outbreak……….. QFF QFF

QFF Outbreak……….. Outbreak……….. Outbreak……….. QFF QFF

www.fgv.com.au www.fgv.com.au

2307. 2307. 5829 on Silverstein Rien contact please etc. travel

istration, program, accommodation, costs, costs, accommodation, program, istration, reg regarding details further for or East North the

d like to travel down with the ladies from from ladies the with down travel to like d woul and interested is anyone if 2009. May 1st—3rd

bration of Women on Farms in Warragul on on Warragul in Farms on Women of bration cele Year 20th the attend to places still are There

WOMEN ON FARMS GATHERING GATHERING FARMS ON WOMEN

igo_bank_scholarship.asp#application http://www.bendigobank.com.au/public/community/bend

Website: Website: Information: Further

Ongoing Ongoing Closes:

Various Various info: Additional

Max per grant: $25,000 $25,000 grant: per Max Funding:

Bendigo Bank Bank Bendigo Provider:

Bendigo Bank Scholarship Scholarship Bank Bendigo Grant:

institution. institution. other

tertiary institution. The institution. tertiary student’s residency must be an any an be must residency student’s Australian university or college or or college or university Australian

The institution must be must institution The apply: can Who recognised recognised nationally a and accredited appropriately

nancial circumstances, nancial undertake tertiary education. education. tertiary undertake to able been have not would

To provide support to selected to support provide To Purpose: particular social or fi- or social particular to due otherwise, who students

lege or other accommodation other or lege successful applicants. applicants. successful of materials) resource (and

Grants under the scholarship may be may scholarship the under Grants at a University col- University a at residency of costs the cover to applied

character. character. leadership and individual and leadership

The scholarship will signal that the successful the that signal will scholarship The applicants are students of a high a of students are applicants calibre in study, study, in calibre

education. education. tertiary to secondary from transition their early years of years early

to commence tertiary education at education tertiary commence to a centre of excellence by providing financial providing by excellence of centre a support in the the in support

The scholarship enables selected students students selected enables scholarship The

versity or college campus. college or versity

ally from a from ally offered a full-time place at an Australian an at place full-time a offered been have who area, regional or rural uni-

disadvantaged students, usu- students, disadvantaged but outstanding to awarded be will Scholarship Bank Bendigo The

Bendigo Bank Scholarship... Scholarship... Bank Bank Bendigo Bendigo

Bendigo Bank Scholarship... Scholarship... Scholarship... Bank Bank Bendigo Bendigo

www.fgv.com.au www.fgv.com.au

he same but only bigger. bigger. only but same he t of more do to able be will we year next Hopefully

find out more about the event. event. the about more out find

contact the FGVL office if you would like to to like would you if office FGVL the contact please day, the on activities successful other many

t, and machinery next time. There were were There time. next machinery and t, equipmen tools, see to like would participants that

a lot of interest, with many comments comments many with interest, of lot a had also display photo heritage orchard/cannery The

stopped, their samples were particularly popular. popular. particularly were samples their stopped,

ine, juice and chocolate apples never never apples chocolate and juice ine, w as such products added value fruit selling stalls

uture promotional activities from FGVL. The The FGVL. from activities promotional uture f for encouraging is this stand, our of success the

y. FGVL staff were run off their feet with with feet their off run were staff FGVL y. da the on sampled well also were DPI from varieties

ile fruit flies had to be seen. The new pear pear new The seen. be to had flies fruit ile ster of swarm contained the and fly fruit giant the

ularly DPI with their timely info on fruit fly, fly, fruit on info timely their with DPI ularly partic day, the on busy very were holders stall The

the FGVL office at a discounted price. price. discounted a at office FGVL the

them. Janelle’s cook book is available from from available is book cook Janelle’s them.

pears and delicious ways to cook with with cook to ways delicious and pears

sessions. She was excellent at promoting promoting at excellent was She sessions.

up to 70 people in attendance at each of the the of each at attendance in people 70 to up

Stead Cook) was the highlight of the day with with day the of highlight the was Cook) Stead

The Celebrity Chef (Janelle Bloom from Ready Ready from Bloom (Janelle Chef Celebrity The

feedback to Kath Boast ( Boast Kath to feedback [email protected] ). ).

see some growers there, please provide provide please there, growers some see

the day with their families. It was also good to to good also was It families. their with day the

demonstrating apple peelers and attending on on attending and peelers apple demonstrating

oig 3 coming !), helping with the FGVL stall, stall, FGVL the with helping !),

entering pear cooking competitions (and (and competitions cooking pear entering

aspects of the day, such as donating fruit, fruit, donating as such day, the of aspects

FGVL Directors were involved in many many in involved were Directors FGVL

often as they had learnt more about pears and how t how and pears about more learnt had they as often o cook with them. them. with cook o

enjoyed themselves and the best thing is the majori the is thing best the and themselves enjoyed ty stated that they would buy pears more more pears buy would they that stated ty

ocre. vr 0 pol atne ad evaluation and attended people 700 Over concerned. data collected indicates that they all all they that indicates collected data

h Gubr Vle Pa Fs hl o Ese Saturd Easter on held Fest Pear Valley Goulburn The ay was a success by all all by success a was ay

A Pear Pear A A fect Fest……... Fest……... fect fect --

A Pear Pear- A A fect Fest……... Fest……... Fest……... fect -fect

www.fgv.com.au www.fgv.com.au

261237. 56 on Armour Helene contact enquiries For

The afternoon will conclude with Dinner at 7.00pm. 7.00pm. at Dinner with conclude will afternoon The

Planning for the next 12 months. months. 12 next the for Planning

s Victoria Victoria s Grower Fruit into input some for time be will There

Awards. Industrial new the with date to up us bring will Murdock Patricia

Qld Fruit Fly. Fly. Fruit Qld on speak will DPI Standards, Plant D’Arcy, Gary

Thursday 7 May commencing with coffee at 2.30pm 2.30pm at coffee with commencing May 7 Thursday

Southern Growers Gathering at Knoxfield Knoxfield at Gathering Growers Southern

SOUTHERN GROWERS GATHERING GATHERING GROWERS SOUTHERN

these applications.) applications.) these

gation management grant must be in by 31st March 20 March 31st by in be must grant management gation 09. (Liz or Ann can help you with with you help can Ann or (Liz 09.

applications for the professional planning grant mu grant planning professional the for applications st be in by 12th June 2009 and irri- and 2009 June 12th by in be st

LAE OE Ti porm s ny vial utl t until available only is program This NOTE: PLEASE he end of April 2009, and also also and 2009, April of end he

providers above if you would like to attend group s group attend to like would you if above providers essions or workshops. workshops. or essions

uies a afr t sed n ucaig ae. P water. purchasing on spend to afford can business lease contact any of the extension extension the of any contact lease

hs e ssin il nld tosta il ass will that tools include will sessions new These ist growers to determine how much their their much how determine to growers ist

There is also the opportunity to hold group session group hold to opportunity the also is There s with small or large groups of growers. growers. of groups large or small with s

(GV) (GV) [email protected] i an 02 5 7 578 857 0427 Mann Liz

(Swan Hill) Hill) (Swan [email protected] n on 495371 711 503 0409 Young Ann

following Extension Providers to set up an appointm an up set to Providers Extension following ent: ent:

Call Fruit Growers Victoria on 03 5825 3700, email email 3700, 5825 03 on Victoria Growers Fruit Call [email protected], or contact the the contact or

Providers who have a background in horticulture or or horticulture in background a have who Providers finance. finance.

growers are able to access one-on-one, free, confid free, one-on-one, access to able are growers ential sessions with local Extension Extension local with sessions ential

The project is being run by the Department of Prima of Department the by run being is project The ry Industries (DPI). Through the project, project, the Through (DPI). Industries ry

make business decisions in the face of reduced wate reduced of face the in decisions business make r availability. availability. r

Goulburn Valley and Swan Hill access the financial financial the access Hill Swan and Valley Goulburn and agronomic information they need to to need they information agronomic and

Fruit Growers Victoria Limited has been contracted contracted been has Limited Victoria Growers Fruit to help horticulture irrigators in the the in irrigators horticulture help to

for Horticulturists…………………….. Horticulturists…………………….. for for

for Horticulturists…………………….. Horticulturists…………………….. Horticulturists…………………….. for for

Free Financial & Agronomic Advice Advice Advice Agronomic Agronomic & & Financial Financial Free Free Free Financial & Agronomic Advice Advice Advice Agronomic Agronomic & & Financial Financial Free Free

www.fgv.com.au www.fgv.com.au

1995, Colin R. Little. Little. R. Colin 1995,

turity assessment, Revised edition edition Revised assessment, turity Ma Pear and Apple from sourced parameters above The

4-5 STARCH PLATE, >14.5—15.5 BRIX, <7.5KG PRESSURE PRESSURE <7.5KG BRIX, >14.5—15.5 PLATE, STARCH 4-5

SHORT TERM CA TO JULY JULY TO CA TERM SHORT

3-4 STARCH PLATE, >14.5 BRIX, 7.5KG-9KG PRESSURE PRESSURE 7.5KG-9KG BRIX, >14.5 PLATE, STARCH 3-4

MEDIUM TERM CA TO SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER TO CA TERM MEDIUM

2-3 STARTCH PLATE, >14 BRIX, 7.5KG -9.5KG PRESSURE PRESSURE -9.5KG 7.5KG BRIX, >14 PLATE, STARTCH 2-3

1ST PICK LONG TERM CA TO NOVEMBER: NOVEMBER: TO CA TERM LONG PICK 1ST

PINK LADY ™ MATURITY PARAMETERS PARAMETERS MATURITY ™ LADY PINK

3.4 9.1 72.4 AVG

14.9

4.0 8.7 70.2 AVG

15.1

9.3 15.1

71.7 10 3.6 9.5

69.4 10 3.9 8.9 9.3 16.0

3.3 9.1 72.2 9

14.8 9.2

3.9 8.8 70.8 9

14.9 8.4

15.2 2.9 9.2 9.4 73.5 8

15.1 4.1 9.2 8.8 70.0 8

14.8 3.5 8.7 9.1 71.6 7

14.8 3.6 8.6 8.2 70.4 7

15.0 4.3 8.7 8.6 70.8 6

15.0 3.5 9.2 9.1 73.0 6

14.7 3.9 8.1 8.3 70.8 5

14.6 3.5 9.2 9.0 73.4 5

15.8 4.0 9.2 8.9 68.6 4

14.8 4.1 9.2 9.3 71.3 4

14.9 4.3 8.8 8.6 69.0 3

14.6 3.0 9.4 9.4 73.3 3

15.0 4.4 8.8 8.7 72.8 2

14.7 3.7 8.9 8.8 70.8 2

3.7 8.8 69.8 1

14.6 8.4

3.4 9.3 73.0 1

15.4 8.9

(1-6) b) (side a) (side mm) (Circ. (oBrix)

SAMPLE

(oBrix) (1-6) b) (side a) (side mm) (Circ.

PLATE SIZE UA SUGAR

SAMPLE

UA SUGAR PLATE SIZE

EAST

14/4/09

14/4/09 ARDMONA SHEPPARTON SHEPPARTON

SAMPLE DISTRICT AEDATE SAMPLE AEDATE DISTRICT

Test Maturity APPLES LADY PINK

for first colour pick were chosen for sampling this sampling for chosen were pick colour first for week. week.

Maturity sampling of fruit (above) is from the Goul the from is (above) fruit of sampling Maturity burn Valley. The larger more coloured fruit fruit coloured more larger The Valley. burn

Pink Lady™ Maturity Testing….. Testing….. Maturity Maturity Lady™ Lady™ Pink Pink

Pink Lady™ Maturity Testing….. Testing….. Testing….. Maturity Maturity Lady™ Lady™ Pink Pink

www.fgv.com.au www.fgv.com.au

contact Bill Rye or Michael Crisera. Crisera. Michael or Rye Bill contact . . [email protected] or [email protected]

f hr ae rwr fo te oten ein h w who region southern the from growers are there If ould like to measure fruit size please please size fruit measure to like ould

as a fee for service. service. for fee a as

20 fruit per block are being measured on random tre random on measured being are block per fruit 20 es in 21 sites across the Goulburn Valley Valley Goulburn the across sites 21 in es

rootstocks. rootstocks.

h aoe al wl b udtd eky ih ik La Pink with weekly updated be will table above The dy™ sizing from varying districts and and districts varying from sizing dy™

40/09 10/09 /420 1/420 21/04/20 14/04/2009 7/04/2009 31/03/2009 24/03/2009 09 09

70MM 70MM SHEPPARTON EAST AVERAGE AVERAGE EAST SHEPPARTON 0 0 0 66.78 65.93 64.93

70MM 70MM 0 0 0 69.00 68.43 67.17 UNDERA AVERAGE AVERAGE UNDERA

70MM 70MM TATURA EAST AVERAGE AVERAGE EAST TATURA 0 0 0 69.25 68.58 67.26

70MM 70MM 0 0 0 67.74 66.83 65.67 ARDMONA AVERAGE AVERAGE ARDMONA

PINK LADY FRUIT SIZING(MM) SIZING(MM) FRUIT LADY PINK

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 5 WEEK 4 WEEK 3 WEEK 2 WEEK 1 WEEK

Fruit Sizing……………….. Sizing……………….. Fruit Fruit

Fruit Sizing……………….. Sizing……………….. Sizing……………….. Fruit Fruit

www.fgv.com.au www.fgv.com.au

www.wrc.org.au

covered. covered.

Supper provided and travel costs can be be can costs travel and provided Supper

Mildura, evening of May 7 May of evening Mildura,

Shepparton, evening of May 4 4 May of evening Shepparton,

864. 260 1800 on researchers

following dates please contact WRC WRC contact please dates following

discussion groups being held on the the on held being groups discussion

If you are interested in attending one of the the of one attending in interested are you If

needs. needs.

and how they manage their farm labour labour farm their manage they how and

Phone 03 57217297. 57217297. 03 Phone hear from farming people about their work work their about people farming from hear

industries workforce in Victoria and want to to want and Victoria in workforce industries $15400 incl GST. GST. incl $15400

commissioned to do a study of the primary primary the of study a do to commissioned

Serial number 97689. 97689. number Serial

The Workplace Research Centre have been been have Centre Research Workplace The

VGC. 470 Hrs. Hrs. 470 VGC.

metre orchard type. type. orchard metre farm work and employment? employment? and work farm

Would you like to share your insights about about insights your share to like you Would Crendon "squirrel" 3.55 3.55 "squirrel" Crendon

Hydraulic ladder. ladder. Hydraulic

or Shepparton area? area? Shepparton or

Do you operate your own farm in the Mildura Mildura the in farm own your operate you Do

SALE FOR

Are you a fruit grower? grower? fruit a you Are

Classifieds…………….. Classifieds……………..

Classifieds…………….. Classifieds…………….. Classifieds……………..

Page 1 1 Page www.fgv.com.au

ABN 39 113 584 615E 615E 584 113 39 ABN

l; [email protected] [email protected] l; Emai 3700 5825 (03) Phone; 3629 Mooroopna Road lara Rumba 2 Office: Head Limited Victoria Growers Fruit

DAY/SPONSORS... LADY PINK

WINTER 2008 EDITION 2008 WINTER

GREEN PAPER & AGRICULTURE… GROWER MEETINGS… MEETINGS… GROWER AGRICULTURE… & PAPER GREEN

AMIF… NOMTO… AIT OUS. FOCURS….. VARIETY INFORMATION… INFO… AGM

BUSINESS PLAN… FGVL WEBSITE… ROP’s REBATE... ROP’s WEBSITE… FGVL PLAN… BUSINESS

ISSUE ISSUE THIS THIS INSIDE INSIDE INSIDE THIS ISSUE ISSUE ISSUE THIS THIS INSIDE INSIDE

ions. ions. edit future in comments member publish to endeavour

el free to email or write to us and we will will we and us to write or email to free el fe Please feedback. member welcome will we Finally,

of the FGVL communication strategy. strategy. communication FGVL the of part key and part final the is which site WEB FGVL

on in Victoria. It will link closely with the new new the with closely link will It Victoria. in on publicati fruit leading the be to it develop to aim

nt and be printed in higher quality. We We quality. higher in printed be and nt conte more have bigger, a be now will Wiser Growing

content prepared by CropWatch manager, Bill Rye. Rye. Bill manager, CropWatch by prepared content

during the season with with season the during Update Cropwatch electronic fortnightly the publish also will Gwyn

processing. and production fruit about information

embers. Top Grower will contain technical technical contain will Grower Top embers. m FGVL for Wiser Growing in insert an as it publish

cer). Gwyn will will Gwyn cer). Offi Development Industry (Fruit Crisera Michael by

or the fruit growing industry industry growing fruit the or f produced bulletin news technical quarterly the is Grower Top

FGVL members. members. FGVL

wing Wiser will only be available to financial financial to available be only will Wiser wing Gro previously. than production quality better a be

rovide you more in depth information and will will and information depth in more you rovide p will It mail. the in copy hard a receive will You

and commentary on industry events and issues, marke issues, and events industry on commentary and ting and an update on FGVL activities. activities. FGVL on update an and ting

s report contain will and quarterly published be will Wiser Growing that is change Another

quick reference point for current events. events. current for point reference quick

ber, and notices and releases from government and o and government from releases and notices and ber, ther bodies. It will provide you with a a with you provide will It bodies. ther

ng; weekly market prices, events to remem- to events prices, market weekly ng; includi information current contain will Facts Core

rganizations. rganizations. o member our in levels more reaches information the

weeks and it will be also faxed out so that that so out faxed also be will it and weeks few next the over content and layout its to changes

as our weekly email bulletin. You will see see will You bulletin. email weekly our as Facts Core produce to continue will Gwyn

s will now be directed to head office. office. head to directed be now will s call administrative office Southern timely. is move

wns fie okod a dmnse a w hv ad have we as diminished has workload office Gwyn’s opted more efficient systems and this this and systems efficient more opted

Grower and CropWatch Update. Update. CropWatch and Grower

lications; Core Facts, Growing Wiser, Top Top Wiser, Growing Facts, Core lications; pub four our of production the to time her dedicate

ome and cease all administrative work and and work administrative all cease and ome h from work will Gwyn Officer. Publications our as

resources. We have changed Gwyn Kitchener’s role in role Kitchener’s Gwyn changed have We resources. our southern office and appointed her her appointed and office southern our

Perhaps the most important change we have made is t is made have we change important most the Perhaps o ensure that we have the necessary necessary the have we that ensure o

that you will appreciate the changes we are making. are we changes the appreciate will you that

GrowingGrowingGrowingGrowing Wiser Wiser Wiser Wiser communications plan . We apologise if you have miss have you if apologise We . plan communications ed it but we trust trust we but it ed

de uig ht ie Drn ti hau w hv r have we hiatus this During time. that during idle eviewed our our eviewed

quite a while since Growing Wiser was last publishe last was Wiser Growing since while a quite d. FGVL has not been been not has FGVL d.

omncto fr GL. ay f o hv ntcd t noticed have you of Many FGVL.. for communication hat it has been been has it hat

Welcome to the new format of Growing Wiser and new new and Wiser Growing of format new the to Welcome era of of era

Behind the scenes……………. scenes……………. the the Behind Behind

Behind the scenes……………. scenes……………. scenes……………. the the Behind Behind

Page 2 2 Page www.fgv.com.au

. . Advisory Group Advisory

Pear APAL the of member a as participate will FGVL

resources. resources.

labour labour limited and quotas cannery in reduction rootstocks,

es & & es varieti new systems, training simple of development

re; the the re; a issues big The change. with cope to adjusts it as

l phase phase l renewa a into moving is industry an as growing Pear current events. events. current

Pears bodies. It provides a quick reference point for for point reference quick a provides It bodies.

notices and releases from government and other other and government from releases and notices

weekly market prices, events to remember, and and remember, to events prices, market weekly

Ardmona. SPC with Committee Consultative Grower the

Corefacts contains current information including; including; information current contains Corefacts

er of of er memb a as basis issue by issue an on requested when

es es issu fruit stone on members its represent will FGVL

list. list.

next harvest. harvest. next

FGVL office to be included on the distribution distribution the on included be to office FGVL

the the for rates piecework the set to annually meets which

the contact please fax, by or electronically either

ouncil ouncil C Industrial Valley Goulburn the form organisations

If you are not receiving our weekly newsletter newsletter weekly our receiving not are you If

these Together (VPAGA). Association Growers Apricot

d d an Peach Victoria the with cooperatively works FGVL

FGVL’s WEEKLY NEWSLETTER –COREFACTS –COREFACTS NEWSLETTER WEEKLY FGVL’s

Fruit Stone

from fireblight host countries. countries. host fireblight from

fruit fruit of importation the to opposition maintain will FGVL

protects Victorian fruit growing industries. industries. growing fruit Victorian protects

the necessary resources to effect an outcome that that outcome an effect to resources necessary the infrared mapping will be explored and implemented. implemented. and explored be will mapping infrared

llocate llocate a to government lobby will and review technical DPI and and management data portable in technologies new Also,

Victorian Victorian the in participate will FGVL crucial. is outbreaks ting. ting. tes maturity and Thrip Flower Western of monitoring

ly ly f fruit Queensland the of escalation current the of ding the the ding inclu services expanded or new offer will CropWatch

nagement nagement ma the particular In priorities. high as viewed are

staff. seasonal new of training and recruitment the

eats eats thr disease and pest of eradication and control The

essitate essitate nec will This FY2009. in orchards 60 and 48 between

Apples

al of of al tot a service to expand will business CropWatch The

• • The expansion of the CropWatch business. business. CropWatch the of expansion The

Growers at recent FO2012 Orchard Walk. Walk. Orchard FO2012 recent at Growers

Victoria Fruitgrowers Association, and and Association, Fruitgrowers Victoria

Fruit Cool Stores Association and the Northern Northern the and Association Stores Cool Fruit

and ists Orchard of merger the of formalization

the FGVL constitution which will involve the the involve will which constitution FGVL the

• • The completion of the Transition Period under under Period Transition the of completion The

Key projects will include; include; will projects Key

stronger interface with members. members. with interface stronger

a and communication better for need a recognises It

• • act as the industry voice voice industry the as act

growers to government and other bodies, and and bodies, other and government to growers

• • provide effective representation for fruit fruit for representation effective provide

growing Industries; Industries; growing

• • provide a wider ranges of services to fruit fruit to services of ranges wider a provide

• • increase its value proposition to members, members, to proposition value its increase

that will complement a larger business in southern southern in business larger a complement will that Victoria. Victoria. the organisation to; to; organisation the

expansion of CropWatch has established in northern northern in established has CropWatch of expansion Victoria Victoria This business plan calls for the sustainable develo sustainable the for calls plan business This pment of of pment

iemme Itgiy ru. s rsl a ai fo basis a result a As Group. Integrity five-member r an an r Directors. Directors.

a rcutd o te olun aly o evc th service to Valley Goulburn the for recruited was e e est oc i hs en aiid y h FV Board FGVL the by ratified been has it once website of of

to concentrate more fully on field activities. An a An activities. field on fully more concentrate to rea manager manager rea the Business Plan will be available online via the the via online available be will Plan Business the FGVL FGVL

triplication of costs, sped up processes and releas and processes up sped costs, of triplication ed field staff staff field ed major priorities for this financial year. The fina The year. financial this for priorities major l version of of version l

rvos rcse cnoiae. hs lmntd th eliminated This consolidated. processes previous e e

result was a Business Plan that will set directions set will that Plan Business a was result and and

nrdcd Amnsrtv tss ee etaie w centralised were tasks Administrative introduced. ith three three ith

attended by FGVL Directors and management staff. T staff. management and Directors FGVL by attended he he

income generated a modest profit. A new business mo business new A profit. modest a generated income del was was del

aiiae b FV Gnrl aae, on isn an Wilson John Manager, General FGVL by facilitated d

n Y08 olwn a infcn ls i F20. P FY2007. in loss significant a following FY2008 in roject roject planning day that was held in June. This was was This June. in held was that day planning

The CropWatch entomology monitoring business broke broke business monitoring entomology CropWatch The even even

il ou coey n oe f h otoe o a rec a of outcomes the of some on closely focus will ent ent

CropWatch This Edition……. Edition……. This

Business Plan……………….. Plan……………….. Business Business

Business Plan……………….. Plan……………….. Plan……………….. Business Business

Page 3 3 Page www.fgv.com.au

exchanges and orchard walks. walks. orchard and exchanges

personnel personnel tours, study projects, research lectures, schemes,

luding; training training luding; inc initiatives training industry support will FGVL representation. representation.

t. harves next the for rates piecework the set to ally

d VFF VFF d an training and education development, and research

eets annu- eets m which Council Industrial Valley Goulburn the form tions, tions, rela industrial includes Development & Industry The

ations ations organis these Together (VPAGA). Association Growers

<> <> Membership

d Apricot Apricot d an Peach Victoria the with cooperatively works FGVL

time.

(GENERAL MANAGER) MANAGER) (GENERAL

time to to time from delegations representative VFF on sit members

onWlo Wilson John Relations Public aff and and aff st FGVL policy. and submissions VFF to contributes

and and VFF the with cooperatively works FGVL quarter. each

Rien Silverstein (MEMBER) (MEMBER) Silverstein Rien meets meets which Council Policy Group Horticulture VFF the on

entatives entatives repres has FGVL (VFF). Federation Farmers Victorian

Chris Turnbull (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Turnbull Chris Development & Industry

anch of the the of anch br horticulture state-wide a of status the has FGVL

Training & Development Industry,

Helene Armour (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Armour Helene Promotions

Merv Prossor (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Prossor Merv for the new market at Epsom. at market new the for

ning ning plan relocation the on influence active an exert to

Brad Fankhauser (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Fankhauser Brad Environment

inue inue cont will Alliance Strategic Markets’ Vegetable and

FGVL as a member of the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit Fruit Wholesale Melbourne the of member a as FGVL

Jamie Craig (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Craig Jamie

to growers and branding. branding. and growers to

ng aids aids ng advertisi supplying produce, Australian of sale the Merv Prossor (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Prossor Merv Water

oting oting prom plans, marketing to growers linking varieties,

hs il nld te eeomn o mreig club marketing of development the include will This

Cnig (Canning) lly. lly. domestica fruit grown Victorian of distribution the

r r fo avenues support and pursue to continue will FGVL Markets Portfolio Matthew Lenne (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Lenne Matthew Portfolio Markets

Domestic Markets Domestic

(Export/Import) (Export/Import)

Markets Portfolio Andrew Plunkett (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Plunkett Andrew Portfolio Markets bulleting and grower meetings. meetings. grower and bulleting

rdcin f h “o Goe” urel technology quarterly Grower” “Top the of production

he he t groups”, “grub of continuation the are milestones Dmsi) (Domestic)

Goulburn Valley and northern Victoria. The key key The Victoria. northern and Valley Goulburn

Markets Portfolio Mark Paganoni (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Paganoni Mark Portfolio Markets

n the the n i growers fruit to transfer technology is objective

Promotion, through funding and the The project project The the and funding through Promotion,

Harcourt Apple Fest and the HiCountry Fruit Fruit HiCountry the and Fest Apple Harcourt

SoeFut Fruit) (Stone

FGVL will support regional events including the the including events regional support will FGVL

Fruit Portfolio Andrew Plunkett (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Plunkett Andrew Portfolio Fruit

the viability of a paid coordinator. coordinator. paid a of viability the

ablish ablish est to done be will study feasibility a and growers

The southern program will seek to involve younger younger involve to seek will program southern The (Pears)

year will be to cover six schools in three days. days. three in schools six cover to be will year Fruit Portfolio Matthew Lenne (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Lenne Matthew Portfolio Fruit

at the FGVL Mooroopna office and the target in the the in target the and office Mooroopna FGVL the at first first

Shepparton growers the northern kit will be maintai be will kit northern the growers Shepparton ned ned

Ape) (Apples)

to join the program. If the program is adopted by by adopted is program the If program. the join to

Shepparton (Euroa) regions and they will be encoura be will they and regions (Euroa) Shepparton ged ged Fruit Portfolio Neil Collins (DIRECTOR) (DIRECTOR) Collins Neil Portfolio Fruit

demonstrated to growers in the Bairnsdale and and Bairnsdale the in growers to demonstrated

School Program promotional model will be be will model promotional Program School fruit Vic The

may recruit other members to assist. The portfolios The assist. to members other recruit may are; are;

(7 year) and Kids’n’Fruit. Kids’n’Fruit. and year)

staff responsible and where appropriate portfolio h portfolio appropriate where and responsible staff olders olders

raies nldn te Vic the including organisers School Program Program School fruit

seven portfolios with individual directors and/or e and/or directors individual with portfolios seven xecutive xecutive

n wl se a lsr eainhp ih h delive the with relationship closer a seek will and ry ry

otois n rsosblte hv be consolida been have responsibilities and Portfolios ted to to ted

FGVL will continue to support various schools progr schools various support to continue will FGVL ams ams

Portfolios

Promotions

Business Plan………………... Plan………………... Business Business

Business Plan………………... Plan………………... Plan………………... Business Business

Page 4 4 Page www.fgv.com.au

Immigration Hotline on 1800 040 070. 070. 040 1800 on Hotline Immigration

or phone the Employer's Employer's the phone or www.immi.gov.au/employers at

nt's website website nt's departme the on available are law the about Details event manager. manager. event

breach of their visa conditions. conditions. visa their of breach Canning Conference in March 2009. FGVL will be the the be will FGVL 2009. March in Conference Canning

orking in in orking w is or Australia in illegally either is who person CFICA will host the Ninth Deciduous Fruits World World Fruits Deciduous Ninth the host will CFICA

employ a a employ recklessly or knowingly to offence criminal a is It

growers. growers.

check their employment status. status. employment their check

fruit with relationship equitable an development to

t work to to work t star employees that time the from hours 48 have You

nnery nnery ca the with work will FGVL decisions. restructuring

Or contact Fiona for a form on Ph: 1800 040 070 070 040 1800 Ph: on form a for Fiona contact Or

its ongoing requirements so that growers may take take may growers that so requirements ongoing its

1800 505 550. 550. 505 1800 of of notice early provide to Ardmona SPC urged has FGVL

e n t it le m e n t t o w or k in Au s t r a lia . F a x x a F . lia a r t s Au in k or w o t t n e m le it t n e

a holder's holder's a vis a of confirmation written provides that service of its preferred supplier scheme and quotas. quotas. and scheme supplier preferred its of

tion Faxback Faxback tion Verifica Entitlement Visa toll-free a also is There

uction uction introd the with relevant particularly been has This

www.immi.gov.au/evo

ach. ach. appro partnering a than rather approach dictatorial

24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge. charge. no at week a days seven day, a hours 24 a taken times at has cannery the However symbiotic.

lder online, online, lder ho visa a of entitlements work the check to ployers

FGVL views the grower-cannery relationship as as relationship grower-cannery the views FGVL

lw em- llows a Service, Online Verification Entitlement Visa The

through a simple website or fax back service. service. back fax or website simple a through

fruit prices. prices. fruit

ers ers work other and backpackers of status visa the check

y and and y canner the by volumes intake of notice insufficient

be able to to able be will labour casual of users other and growers Fruit

Australian dollar on quotas, foreign competition, competition, foreign quotas, on dollar Australian

VISA CHECKS VISA e high high e th of impact the are; growers cannery facing Issues

members on pear issues with the cannery. cannery. the with issues pear on members

********************* *********************

Grower Consultative Committee and represents its its represents and Committee Consultative Grower

board members. FGVL is a member of the SPC Ardmona Ardmona SPC the of member a is FGVL members. board ipants. ipants. partic sufficient are there as long as Victoria out

through- conducted be can courses – office FGVL the contact n n commo has and (CFICA) Australia of Council Industry

aining please please aining tr for idea an or need a have you If courses. most FGVL works cooperatively with the Canning Fruit Fruit Canning the with cooperatively works FGVL

for for members FGVL to discount a offer to able is Tafe GO

Canning Industry Canning

• Scout Pre Employment Course Course Employment Pre Scout

• • Farm Chemical Refresher Course Course Refresher Chemical Farm Committee

APAL Future Orchards 2012 Project Project 2012 Orchards Future APAL • • • • ForkLift Licensing Licensing ForkLift

Steering Industry Committee Committee Industry Steering fruit industry. The most recent have been; been; have recent most The industry. fruit

DAFF Information for Horticulturists Project Project Horticulturists for Information DAFF • • for the the for courses training relevant promoting and developing

AFE in in AFE T Ovens Goulburn with closely working been has FGVL

APAL Pear Advisory Group Group Advisory Pear APAL • •

TRAINING BASED INDUSTRY

VFF Horticulture Group Council Council Group Horticulture VFF • •

********************* ********************* Consultative Committee Committee Consultative

Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy Strategy Water Sustainable Region Northern • • in Australia. Australia. in

hts hts rig work has employee an that check to 833 882 1300

Victorian DPI Fruit Fly Strategy Review Review Strategy Fly Fruit DPI Victorian • •

n n o VFF at Clarke Fiona contact: information more For

Victorian DSE Lorikeet Working Group Group Working Lorikeet DSE Victorian • •

visitors/working-holiday/417/specified-work.htm . .

HAC Murray Darling Basin Crisis Task Force Force Task Crisis Basin Darling Murray HAC • • ‘specified work’ is online at: at: online is work’ ‘specified http://www.immi.gov.au//

of of definition full A employees. holiday working retain Strategic Alliance Alliance Strategic • •

nd nd a attract to ability their on impact negatively may

Markets’ Markets’

encouraged to provide feedback on whether the chang the whether on feedback provide to encouraged es es

Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Vegetable and Fruit Wholesale Melbourne • • sites, to meet the 88-day requirement. Farmers are are Farmers requirement. 88-day the meet to sites,

Current representation includes; includes; representation Current xeine n am, n i mns r n constructio on or mines in and farms, on experience n n

o fres Hwvr apiat ae be o combin to able are applicants However, farmers. for e e committees and boards as may occur from time to tim to time from occur may as boards and committees e. e.

work in the construction industry, and may be a con a be may and industry, construction the in work cern cern GL il ersn te ri goig nuty n s on industry growing fruit the represent will FGVL uch uch

hs s ie a epnig h cneso t includ to concession the expanding at aimed is This e e

public profile. profile. public applying for a second Working Holiday Visa. Visa. Holiday Working second a for applying

n einl utai fr t es tre ots bef months three least at for Australia regional in ore ore ei s ta FV mitis n ehne a positiv a enhances and maintains FGVL that so media e e

carried out ‘specified work’, rather than ‘seasonal than rather work’, ‘specified out carried work’, work’, oodntd cnitn ad cuae omn t th to comment accurate and consistent co-ordinated, e e

ia okr ms nw aif ciei ta te ha they that criteria satisfy now must workers Visa ve ve vie o Vcoi Fut rwr. GL il prese will FGVL Growers. Fruit Victoria for voice a nt nt

UNDER amendments to the Working Holiday Maker Maker Holiday Working the to amendments UNDER FGVL will avail to local state and national media t media national and state local to avail will FGVL o act as as act o

Relations Public WORKING HOLIDAY VISAS VISAS HOLIDAY WORKING

Business Plan/Information Plan/Information Business Business

Business Plan/Information Plan/Information Plan/Information Business Business

Page 5 5 Page www.fgv.com.au

nd prediction results via the website. website. the via results prediction nd a monitoring own their view to able be will members

CropWatch CropWatch season Next . Newsletters CropWatch of copies udes incl which access additional have members CropWatch

developed training courses. courses. training developed

nal materials and industry industry and materials nal promotio calendar, events including; growers to ful use information of lot a has also access public The

the website. website. the

do not have access to to access have not do you if office FGVL the contact Please area. mbers me the in also are items news and publications FGVL

Grants/Funding Grants/Funding

Orchard Management Management Orchard

Pest and Diseases Diseases and Pest

Industrial Industrial

Grower info which includes – – includes which info Grower

Organisational chart chart Organisational

Constitution Constitution

Submissions Submissions

Annual Report Report Annual

FGVL corporate documents which includes – – includes which documents corporate FGVL

The restricted members area has access to to access has area members restricted The

well as generating a lot of enquiries. enquiries. of lot a generating as well

Recently FGVL launched its new, improved website. website. improved new, its launched FGVL Recently The revised website has been a huge success with an with success huge a been has website revised The increase in usage as as usage in increase

FGVL Website (www.fgv.com.au) (www.fgv.com.au) Website FGVL

Website………………………... Website………………………...

Website………………………... Website………………………... Website………………………...

Page 6 6 Page www.fgv.com.au

www.garnautreview.org.au Available at: at: Available

cost of fruit. fruit. of cost greenpaper/index.html transcripts from public addresses are are addresses public from transcripts

that growers are reimbursed for the the for reimbursed are growers that / u a . v o g . e g n a h c e t a m i l c . w w w date, including reports, papers and and papers reports, including date,

your details to the FGVL office. Note Note office. FGVL the to details your All materials released by the review to to review the by released materials All available at the following website: website: following the at available

be involved in this please forward forward please this in involved be Copies of the Green Paper are are Paper Green the of Copies

will also be release in late August 2008. August late in release be also will

these functions. If you would like to to like would you If functions. these

approach. 2008. A Supplementary Draft Report Report Draft Supplementary A 2008.

the opportunity to provide fruit for for fruit provide to opportunity the

the Government’s preferred preferred Government’s the Final Report is due by 30 September September 30 by due is Report Final

We would like to offer more growers growers more offer to like would We

emissions trading scheme including including scheme trading emissions was released on 4 July 2008, and the the and 2008, July 4 on released was

and who live close to the events. the to close live who and

options for the design of an an of design the for options change for Australia. A draft report report draft A Australia. for change

2008. This Green Paper outlines outlines Paper Green This 2008. that we know will provide quality fruit fruit quality provide will know we that climate of opportunities and challenges

July, July, msin Taig n h 16 the on Trading Emissions source the fruit from a few growers growers few a from fruit the source impacts, the examine to governments

hth

released a Green Paper on on Paper Green a released throughout Victoria. We usually usually We Victoria. throughout Territory and State Commonwealth,

The Australian Government Government Australian The fruit for promotional activities activities promotional for fruit Australia’s by commissioned been has

FGVL is often requested to provide provide to requested often is FGVL Review Change Climate Garnaut The

Trading

Fruit for Promotions for Fruit

Garnaut Climate Change Report Change Climate Garnaut Green Paper on Emissions Emissions on Paper Green

near future. future. near the in members to provided be will information More

. . Shepparton in Motor Comfort Country the at Room iew Parkv the be will dinner the for venue The 6:00pm.

rinks at at rinks d pre-dinner with commencing held be will dinner al annu FGVL the Meeting, General Annual the Following

2008 Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd Annual Dinner Dinner Annual Ltd Victoria Growers Fruit 2008

Meeting.

at the Annual General General Annual the at vote to eligible are Limited Victoria Growers Fruit of members grower financial fully that note Please

• • Notice of Resolution Resolution of Notice

• • Nominations for the positions(s) of Director Director of positions(s) the for Nominations

• • Minutes of the 2007 Annual General Meeting Meeting General Annual 2007 the of Minutes

• • Agenda Agenda

• • Time and place of the meeting meeting the of place and Time

ude: ude: incl will and 2008] October [10 meeting the of date

s prior to the the to prior s day 21 than later no members to forwarded be will g Meetin General Annual the to relevant Documentation

Meeting Papers Papers Meeting

solution. solution. re the move to proposing member(s) the by signed be

• • and resolution; proposed the of wording the out set

• • be in writing; and and writing; in be

Please note that any Notice of Resolution must: must: Resolution of Notice any that note Please

by 5:00pm, 22 August 2008. 2008. August 22 5:00pm, by

General Manager Manager General FGVL the to submitted be must Meeting General nual An the before put be to Resolution of Notice(s) Any

Notice of Resolution Resolution of Notice

been posted to all financial members. members. financial all to posted been

Nominations for the position of FGVL Director close Director FGVL of position the for Nominations at 5:00pm on Friday, 22 August 2008. An official official An 2008. August 22 Friday, on 5:00pm at nomination form has has form nomination

Incumbent directors may stand for re-election and e and re-election for stand may directors Incumbent ligible members may nominate for election. election. for nominate may members ligible

[2] casual vacancies, one of which has been filled filled been has which of one vacancies, casual [2] and will be confirmed at the Annual meeting. meeting. Annual the at confirmed be will and

In accordance with the FGVL Constitution two Group Group two Constitution FGVL the with accordance In B directorships will become vacant by rotation. Th rotation. by vacant become will directorships B ere are also two two also are ere

Directors Directors

October, 2008 in Shepparton. Shepparton. in 2008 October,

Annual General Meeting of Fruit Growers Victoria L Victoria Growers Fruit of Meeting General Annual 4 the that advised are members Grower td will be held on Friday, 10 10 Friday, on held be will td

hth

Meeting General Annual 2008 FGVL

AGM/Information…………. AGM/Information………….

AGM/Information…………. AGM/Information…………. AGM/Information………….

Page 7 7 Page www.fgv.com.au

Mike and the Team at the Harvest Labour Office. Office. Labour Harvest the at Team the and Mike

eeds next season. season. next eeds n labour your with you assisting to forward look We

onage during the 2008 season. season. 2008 the during onage patr their for Growers all thank to like would CVGT

Harvest Labour Labour Harvest

(Cobram) (Cobram) • • Mildura, VIC– Tues 26 August August 26 Tues VIC– Mildura,

[email protected] 0428 570 394 394 570 0428 Fox Russell Colac, VIC– Mon 25 August August 25 Mon VIC– Colac, • •

(GV) (GV) Birchip, VIC– Tues 5 August August 5 Tues VIC– Birchip, • •

0427 857 578 578 857 0427 Mann Liz [email protected]

Shepparton, VIC– Mon 4 August August 4 Mon VIC– Shepparton, • •

(Cobram) (Cobram)

Victorian Towns and Dates Dates and Towns Victorian f1haw [email protected] 0417 091 679 679 091 0417 Schneider Henry

(GV) (GV)

. . 2008 August 8 close Submissions [email protected]

0417501503 Bell David

(Swan Hill) Hill) (Swan at: at: . . http://www.daff.gov.au/droughtpolicyreview

[email protected]

0409 503 711 711 503 0409 Young Ann line line on available is paper issues An submission. written

intment. intment. appo an up set to Providers Extension following the a lodge to urged are forums attend cannot who Those

or contact contact or page, front the on link the click and ww.fgv.com.au

functioning of local communities. communities. local of functioning to logon [email protected], email 253700, 58 03 Call

The cohesion, provision of services and the the and services of provision cohesion, The • • have a background in horticulture or finance. finance. or horticulture in background a have

oviders who who oviders Pr Extension local with sessions confidential free,

Family relationships; and and relationships; Family • •

-on-one, -on-one, one access to able are growers project, the Through

Individual’s mental and physical health; health; physical and mental Individual’s • •

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Forestry. and Fisheries Agriculture, of Department

atesi wt idsr ad upre b te Aust the by supported and industry with partnership ralian ralian

impact on: on: impact

The project is being run by Horticulture Australia Australia Horticulture by run being is project The Limited in in Limited

tne assac. f atclr neet s droug is interest particular Of assistance. stances ht’s ht’s

availability availability

hte te ae lgbe o Ecpinl Circum- Exceptional for eligible are they whether

ae uies eiin i te ae f eue wate reduced of face the in decisions business make r r

and the types of social support needed, irrespectiv needed, support social of types the and e of of e

access the financial and agronomic information they information agronomic and financial the access need to to need

f h dogt n am aiis rrl communities, rural families, farm on drought the of

Valley and Swan Hill Hill Swan and Valley culture irrigators in the Goulburn Goulburn the in irrigators culture

held across the country, examining the social impac social the examining country, the across held ts ts Fruit Growers Victoria has been contracted to help help to contracted been has Victoria Growers Fruit horti-

view of Drought Policy, 25 public forums are being being are forums public 25 Policy, Drought of view

making

AS part of the Australian Government’s National Re- National Government’s Australian the of part AS

horticulture irrigators with decision decision with irrigators horticulture

Drought Forums Forums Drought

Local experts appointed to help help to appointed experts Local

Horticulture & Drought……. Drought……. & & Horticulture Horticulture

Horticulture & Drought……. Drought……. Drought……. & & Horticulture Horticulture

Page 8 8 Page www.fgv.com.au

(03) 9207 5512. 5512. 9207 (03)

ment on on ment Depart Relations Workplace VFF the from obtained be

plication form can can form plication ap an with together Criteria Eligibility of list A

individual-farmers.html

ing that goal,” Mr Cochrane concluded. concluded. Cochrane Mr goal,” that ing

http://www.nff.org.au/ Farmers can register with the NFF at: at: NFF the with register can Farmers

rds deliver- rds towa way some go should subsidy this and protection

communities.” communities.”

rollover have orchards in used tractors that ensure

d local local d an businesses farm to value deliver and agriculture “The next stage of reducing risk on farms is to to is farms on risk reducing of stage next “The

enefit enefit b that results get can we together working by “Only

part of the job,” Mr Merritt said. said. Merritt Mr job,” the of part

a member of the NFF. NFF. the of member a

work is never never is work at hurt badly being that point the make to Victoria

rganisation is is rganisation o that ensure and – organisation commodity or state es across across es communiti farming with closely worked has “WorkSafe

r of their their of r membe a become to farmers all urge I organisations.

Victorian orchardists. orchardists. Victorian

s member member s NFF’ the of one join to need they does NFF the what

ilable to all all to ilable ava is and WorkSafe of behalf on Federation Farmers

in the NFF but, of but, NFF the in course, for farmers to have a genuine say on on say genuine a have to farmers for course,

Victorian Victorian the by administered being is program rebate new The

lue lue va tangible see and support farmers Overwhelmingly, “

the end of June 2009. 2009. June of end the

and more worthwhile than ever before. before. ever than worthwhile more and

July 2007 until until 2007 July 1 after installed ROPS for available is rebate The

tronger tronger s bonds those making to committed We’re imperative.

rane said. said. rane

is is NFF the and farmers between conduit communications

st,” Mr Coch- Mr st,” co low relatively a at workers their and themselves

e, a direct direct a e, natur in national being future, the into and today,

safety for for safety maximise to farmers allow will rebate This rebate.

o many issues issues many o s With initiative. exciting and positive a is “This

uce this this uce introd to worksafe with closely worked has VFF “The

mean for farmers. farmers. for mean

itt said. said. itt Merr Mr protection,” rollover with fitted be cannot

ional level level ional nat the at faced being imperatives the what and why

ll tractors tractors ll a why reason no there’s available, readily now ROPS

s importantly, importantly, s a just but, doing we’re what only not activities...

old-down old-down f safer With time. over evolve improvements “Safety

te on NFF NFF on te up-to-da and briefed fully them keep can we so NFF,

up to three tractors per farm business. business. farm per tractors three to up

nline with the the with nline o register can farmers Australian all today, of “As

ll ROPS on on ROPS ll insta to orchardists help would machine per $400 to

e said. said. e Crombi David President NFF farmers,” Australian all

rebate of up up of rebate the that said Cochrane Peter President, Group ture

embers and and embers m our of behalf on do we work the of value tangible orticul- H VFF and Merritt John Director, Executive WorkSafe

e the the e demonstrat can we so farmers to links communication

changed. changed.

W ae xrml ke t esr ta NF a stron has NFF that ensure to keen extremely are “We g g

gulations had had gulations re safety and health occupational of interpretation

tivity. tivity. ac NFF on up-to-date kept be and body national peak

ued that the the that ued arg successfully (VFF) Federation Farmers Victorian

directly with the the with directly register can farmers Australian so facility online S) after the the after S) (ROP structures protection rollover tractor of cost

a new new a created has (NFF) Federation Farmers’ National THE elp cover the the cover elp h to rebate a receive now can orchardists Victorian

NFF Orchardists

ROPS Rebate Support for Victorian Victorian for Support Rebate ROPS Farmers can now register direct with the the with direct register now can Farmers

ov.au ov.au www.centrelink.g webpage their to go or Office link Centre local your into call information further For

nces Exit Grant. Grant. Exit nces Circumsta Exceptional the up take who those to able

is also avail- also is expenses relocation for 000 $10 to up and raining, re-t and advice for available is 000 $10 further a -

nt payable if assets below $350 000), and and 000), $350 below assets if payable nt gra (maximum 000 $575 to grant this access to limit

an exit grant of up to $150 000 for farmers who ha who farmers for 000 $150 to up of grant exit an - e assets assets e th in increase an and land, the leave to decided ve

. . allocations water reduced significantly to response

a grant of up to $20 000 to irrigators in the Murr the in irrigators to 000 $20 to up of grant a - tegies in in tegies stra management water implement to Basin ay-Darling

ce areas) . . areas) ce assistan interim and facia prima (including area EC

less, and are in an an in are and less, or 000 10 of population a have income, farm on ant reli substantially are that towns in located nesses

small busi- small include to assistance, EC to access businesses all sm of requirements eligibility the of extension an -

Circumstances (EC) declared areas. areas. declared (EC) Circumstances

immediate access to the $5500 Professional Advice Advice Professional $5500 the to access immediate - and Planning Grant (GST included) for farmers in Ex in farmers for included) (GST Grant Planning and ceptional ceptional

stances Relief Payment or Interim Income Support. Support. Income Interim or Payment Relief stances

an increase to the off-farm income exemption from from exemption income off-farm the to increase an - $10 000 to $20 000 when claiming Exceptional Circum Exceptional claiming when 000 $20 to 000 $10 -

The major changes involving Centrelink delivered dr delivered Centrelink involving changes major The ought assistance include: include: assistance ought

assistance and help with social pressures facing fa facing pressures social with help and assistance milies across rural and regional Australia. Australia. regional and rural across milies

These new measures will provide direct assistance t assistance direct provide will measures new These o irrigators, make it easier for farmers and small small and farmers for easier it make irrigators, o businesses to access access to businesses

assist with the increased demand for services in dr in services for demand increased the with assist ought affected regions. regions. affected ought

mix of payments and new rural grants. Centrelink is Centrelink grants. rural new and payments of mix also expanding its social work and Rural Services Services Rural and work social its expanding also Officer network to to network Officer

further measures further pack assistance drought existing the to addition In ages, Centrelink is now administering administering now is Centrelink ages, that include a a include that

Assistance Drought Government Australia

Information………………….. Information…………………..

Information………………….. Information………………….. Information…………………..

Page 9 9 Page www.fgv.com.au

Wodonga

East Central Highlands Central East

East Ovens-Murray East

Shire 5812

Mornington Peninsula Mornington

10 05 21 West Gippsland West

Yarra Ranges Shire Part A Part Shire Ranges Yarra

13173

Melbourne

South Eastern Outer Eastern South 2059

1886

523 521 5 5 215 250 358 North Loddon North

Part A Part

Top 10 Sub Districts Sub 10 Top Greater Shepparton City Shepparton Greater

07 20 VIC (Tonnes) Production LadyTM) Pink(Pink Cripps

North Goulburn North

East Central Highlands Central East

Wodonga

West Gippsland West

110 1 51

Shire

Mornington Peninsula Mornington

Melbourne

3042

South Eastern Outer Eastern South

East Ovens-Murray East 12199

1238

Yarra Ranges Shire Part Shire Ranges Yarra

3 53 1 1

729

699

573 6 267 568

North Loddon North

Part A Part

Top 10 Sub Districts Sub 10 Top

Greater Shepparton City Shepparton Greater

06 20 VIC (Tonnes) Production LadyTM) Pink(Pink Cripps

North Goulburn North

East Central Highlands Central East

West Gippsland West

Wodonga

Shire

6664

Mornington Peninsula Mornington

Melbourne

South Eastern Outer Eastern South

East Ovens-Murray East

14105

2350

Part A Part

1341 Yarra Ranges Shire Ranges Yarra

4 44 1 1

1021

790 542 9 199 497

North Loddon North

City Part A Part City

Top 10 Sub Districts Sub 10 Top Greater Shepparton Greater

Cripps Pink(Pink LadyTM) Production(Tonnes) VIC 200 VIC Production(Tonnes) LadyTM) Pink(Pink Cripps 5

North Goulburn North

Variety Focus……………….. Focus……………….. Variety Variety

Variety Focus……………….. Focus……………….. Focus……………….. Variety Variety

Page 10 10 Page www.fgv.com.au

http://www.nff.org.au/read/2454862494.html at: at:

n the Green Paper is online online is Paper Green the n o release media NFF’s The threatened. not are nomy, eco national our and production, food that ensuring

asured and sustainable way – – way sustainable and asured me a in this achieve to able be to Government, with partnership in opportunities, these pursue must We

an equitable basis. basis. equitable an

ution to cutting emissions, on on emissions, cutting to ution contrib leading already our on build to footprint, carbon our reduce to solutions new workable finding

challenge. We are committed to to committed are We challenge. climate world’s, the and Australia’s, meeting in rt pa our play to willing are we that maintain Farmers

urity and prices at the checkout. checkout. the at prices and urity sec food on pressure costs, farm alleviate will and pump, the at felt being already pressures cost the

riculture. This takes account of of account takes This riculture. ag for offset be will – fuel through namely – costs farming major in increase potential the Meanwhile,

responses. responses. appropriate develop to and problems these overcome

• • on with agriculture to to agriculture with on consultati close in work to need essential the ised emphas has Government the importantly, and Thirdly,

search and development in the process. process. the in development and search

dciiybsd re- oductivity-based pr cannibalising avoid must we Importantly, scheme. any in inclusion for considered be can agriculture

solutions – before before – solutions workable delivering and – place in be must lopment deve and research of stream new a that signal clear

exist at this time. This is a a is This time. this at exist not do simply sectors agricultural all across sions emis reduce further to ways cost-effective sensible

• • or farmers. That is, is, That farmers. or f opportunities abatement carbon ommercially-viable c limited highlights also Paper Green the Secondly,

potential opportunities based on science. science. on based opportunities potential

e circumstances and the the and circumstances e uniqu Australia’s reflect better to change to II’ o ‘Kyot for need the accepts Paper Green The drought.

rol, like bushfires and and bushfires like rol, cont anyone’s beyond things to linked detrimentally is Kyoto under profile emission agriculture’s that

• • il, crops and pastures. Further, Further, pastures. and crops il, so in carbon store to ability agriculture’s for unt acco fully to fail rules Kyoto current the Firstly,

inclusion. inclusion. possible agriculture’s of ahead with dealt be must and unresolved remain concern of issues pivotal But

findings. findings.

the Productivity Commission’s Commission’s Productivity the and Garnaut’s Ross Professor both with consistent is analysis That 2013. in considered be to clusion,

decision on inclusion, or ex- or inclusion, on decision a with – emissions carbon of verification and ring monito measuring, of impediments practical overcome

2015 – pending the need to first first to need the pending – 2015 of date target a identifies it Instead, griculture. a covering for date arbitrary an impose not does It

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SETTING THE FRAMEWORK….

It is the time of year when growers are faced with setting the framework for the next growing season. Pruning and financial planning go hand in hand. During difficult drought and financial periods growers are faced with reduced profits. The ability to produce more profitable fruit per hectare is more important now than ever before. It is important that growers remain passionate and focussed on farm activities that they can control

and avoid being consumed by what they cannot.

Top Grower Top Top Grower Top Top Grower Top Top Grower Top

The above pictures demonstrate the adjustment of mature tree limbs as well as implementing high density orchard systems. Inside this issue please read about how pruning and creating the right framework are key to balancing the tree to produce the desired fruit. To succeed as editor of this publication and in my Fruit Industry Development Officer role, my challenge is to provide the best resources and tools possible to assist growers increase profit per hectare of orchard and minimise risk. A key objective for the HAL project as an IDO is technology transfer, the quarterly publishing of Top Grower and re-establishing FGVL Grub Groups. These are important components of technology transfer, as is communicating with growers at group meetings and on-farm visits. The key issues that growers have consistently raised with me so far have been: increasing on-farm costs, fruit fly, codling moth (last season), orchard re-development choices, new research, and FGVL communications. Through this technical bulletin and increased grower visits, I will provide articles and resources to assist growers on the various orchard/packing activities. I encourage growers to contact me about any orchard/ packing activities whether you are in the North or South of the state. I am looking forward to meeting as many growers as possible over the coming weeks, months and seasons. Many growers have impressed me with their attention to detail, whether it be on their orchard or with their packing systems.

All have been very welcoming and I look About FIDO and this publication forward to the challenge ahead as I am Editor: Michael Crisera, Fruit Industry Development Officer - FIDO project has been funded by Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) using voluntary contribu- passionate about contributing as much to tion funds from Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd and matched funding from the the industry as possible. Australian Government. Sources of information for this publication include milestone and research Michael Crisera reports for projects funded by industry and Commonwealth funds through HAL. Fruit Industry Development Officer Other sources include websites of overseas research agencies, newsletters and Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd. magazines. Every effort is taken to interpret and report accurately on information. However no responsibility is taken for the source or accuracy of either the information or the interpretation placed upon it in this publication. It is recommended that before incorporating change management practices, individuals and/or organizations seek guidance from the relevant researcher and/ or professional consultant. FGVL and HAL does not accept any responsibility for any action, which may be taken by an individual or organization following their interpretation of statements made in this publicatio n. IN THIS ISSUE: Water... Pruning... Chemical use… Pest & Disease… Opinion… Information...

Top Grower — Winter 2008

Fruit Growers Victoria Limited Head Office: 2 Rumbalara Road Mooroopna 3629 Phone; (03) 5825 3700 Email; [email protected] ABN 39 113 584 615E

July 2008 Page 1

WATER………………………………..

“Murray-Darling Basin drought is getting worse…... with June inflows the lowest on record and autumn inflows only just above the record lows of 2007.” That was the grim news in the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s (MDBC’s) latest Drought Update on 10 July. Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said inflows in June were 95 GL, lower than the previous record low of 106 GL in June 2006. In June 2007 inflows were 220 GL. The long-term average is 680 GL. Inflows during autumn this year were 200 GL, just above the record low of 195 GL in autumn 2007. The long-term average is 806 GL "This is very disappointing, and the likelihood of upper Murray inflows being above average for the remainder of winter and spring is very low," Dr Craik said. "Until there is significant rain and run-off, the prospects for irrigation and the environment in 2008-09 remain grim.

"2008-09 is shaping up to be a very tough year for water availability, and there is likely to be continuing pressure on the riverine environment. The new water year is also likely to pose operational challenges, with low river flows and varying weir pool levels. "The most recent seasonal climate outlook issued by the Bureau of Meteorology shows a shift in the odds towards drier than average conditions across the Murray-Darling Basin from July to September, including the high-yielding catchments of the upper Murray and its tributaries." For the year ending June 2008, total inflows to the Murray River System — excluding Darling inflows and Snowy Scheme releases — was 2,220 GL, the 6th lowest in 117 years of records and only 25 % of the long-term average of 8,900 GL. "Critical water for human needs (including stock and domestic) for 2008-09 is reasonably assured for those who draw their water from the main stem of the Murray. However, we need inflows that are higher than the minimum used for planning to ensure water is available from anabranches or major channel systems." Dr Craik said headwater storage levels were slightly higher than the record low levels of this time last year (due to higher levels of carryover) but were still well below average. "The water level in the Lower Lakes has temporarily stabilised, but unless there is a significant improvement in water availability for South Australia, the outlook for the next 12 months is extremely poor. "Pumping water from Lake Alexandrina, which began in early May, is maintaining Lake Albert at its current level and preventing further exposure of sulfidic sediments. However, we are also looking at further management options for the Lower Lakes for the 2008-09 season and beyond," Dr Craik said. Dr Craik said the MDBC’s river operations would continue to maximise water availability by reducing evaporation and transmission losses along the river system. The above information was sourced from GMW e newsletter and www.g-mwater.com.au

www.fgv.com.au July 2008 Page 2

PRUNING……………………………...

CROWDING OF LIMBS Bas van den Ende Consultant in Fruit Production Shepparton

Crowding of limbs is a major problem in many orchards. It is not uncommon to find large free-standing trees with 12 to 15 limbs each. Crowding causes shading and leads quickly to loss of production. Crowding is often created when the trees are young and headed in winter. Each heading cut forms two shoots which become limbs. Trees end up with too many limbs and too many forks. Forks, especially in the upper part of the trees, create enormous shading problems. As a result of shading, the cropping zone moves up to where it is expensive to harvest the fruit. Pruning and thinning also become more expensive when the majority of the fruiting wood and fruit are in the upper parts of the trees. You can remedy over-crowding by first singulating the forks, especially in the tops of the trees. Then, remove limbs that are too thick. Select limbs that are straight. Limbs that have been headed in the past give you trouble. Limbs do not like to change direction and will fight you each summer with bunches of strong watershoots. Before you send your pruners into your orchard, sharpen your chainsaw and let your trees see the light. Always paint the wounds with a protective sealer to avoid infection by wood-rotting fungi. As a guide, if your trees have 12 to 15 limbs, you should end up with about seven good straight limbs and no forks. Forks belong on your dining table, not in your orchard. When you have done a good job, you will soon notice that fruit quality and fruit size improve. New shoots will develop in the lower parts of the trees and more fruit buds will form, because sunlight can penetrate through the canopies of the trees. This type of pruning is LIGHT work.

PRUNE BEST FRUIT BLOCKS FIRST !

If rainfall conditions change during July and over the next 2 months through to the Henry Schneider August, there is still time to do all the FruitCheque Officer start of the irrigation season. pruning. But at this stage it’s the priority in It will then be clearer what winter DPI, Cobram which pruning and weed control are done. rainfall has occurred and will give some Before pruning the next fruit tree, Priorities for winter and spring idea of irrigation inflows into the orchardists should make sure they are Prune the highest returning blocks with the Murray and Goulburn storage systems. working in the most productive blocks best budwood first! This will help make decisions on which on their orchards – just in case the If the winter is dry again this year, decide blocks to continue to prune, or which seasonal predictions of a dry season do before pruning is finished, if all trees will be blocks to pull out as more up-to-date eventuate. productive enough to spend money on information on irrigation allocations It might be time to set aside a major pruning them at all this season. If water is becomes available later in winter and planning day with all the key people very short in the worst case scenario, save early spring. The aim is to get the most involved in the business and determine the money on pruning less profitable blocks productive trees through to commercial where the most important effort and and sacrifice those blocks to buy extra fruit harvest next summer. money is directed in the next few weeks water for your more profitable blocks. The important message it to ‘Prune Target all weeds in the orchard now to heading into spring. Your Best Blocks First’. There is no point working hard doing the conserve any rainfall in the soil for early common routines in the orchard and root growth in late winter. More drought management strategies finding later in the winter or early spring Delay replanting new trees if a decision for your orchard can be found on that the available water is so limited that needs to be made to conserve irrigation www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fruitcheque it would be impossible to get all your resources. They can be planted into your varieties through to harvest. It’s better own nursery rows on drip tape. If planting not to spend the money on pruning if you out in the orchard is the only option, will not be able to harvest a crop. drippers may be an alternative to micro-jets If not already mapped out, ensure all or sprinklers for one or two seasons.

work done and money spent is on the The very difficult decisions of which fruit most ‘lucrative prospects’ for your blocks to take through to harvest can be business in the coming season! Work on made as the seasonal rainfall pattern unfolds the ‘best blocks’ first.

www.fgv.com.au July 2008 Page 3

CHEMICAL USE…………………...

INSECTICIDES REGISTERED FOR WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS CONTROL - POMEFRUIT/STONEFRUIT MAY 2008

Trade Name Crops Active ingre- Product Insecticide States registered/permitted dient name/ chemical NT Qld NS Vic Tas WA SA AC

valid group W T SUCCESS2 brassicas, cucurbits, fruiting vegeta- spinosad DOW Group 5A Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y bles, leafy vegetables, legume vegeta- (240 g/L) bles, ornamentals, berryfruit, pome fruit, stone fruit ENTRUST NATURA- brassicas, cucurbits, tomato, leafy spinosad DOW Group 5A Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y LYTE vegetables, legume vegetables, orna- (800 g/kg) mentals, berryfruit, pome fruit, stone fruit

WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS WFT colour varies from pale There is much discussion about this pest in horticul- yellow to light brown ture at the moment and the damage that it is causing to vegetable and greenhouse crops during flowering. There is little data about WFT presence in Victoria 1. Females have light col- and its effect on local produce. It is critical that be- oured edge on abdomen fore deciding to control this pest that you properly Banded antennae identify the thrips that are found in your orchard. 2. Right is a pic of a female WFT however please con- 3. Hairs on pronotum sult an expert prior to making control decisions.

The above information was sourced from www.sardi.sa.gov.au and www.apvma.gov.au

Getting caught out with off label chemical use Steven Field, DPI Chemical Standards Officer

A number of traceback investigations were conducted by DPI throughout the 07/08 season in the Goulburn Valley related to unacceptable levels of chemicals in produce. When conducting the traceback investigations it came to light that a rain event in early January had resulted in some producers using multiple applications of the fungicide propiconazole. Group C fungicides, of which propiconazole is a member, can be susceptible to the build up of resistance in fungal populations if used inappropriately. This is recognised by the chemical manufacturer, and the label usually contains information related the repeated applications of the chemical. For example the label for TILT 250 EC Systemic Fungicide clearly states: ‘DO NOT apply more than two applications of TILT (or any other Group C fungicide) in any one season on the same paddock. Applications of TILT should be alternated with a fungicide containing a different mode of action.’ Under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 , specific label statements such as ‘ DO NOT ’ statements are enforceable. Therefore, it would be illegal to use this fungicide more than twice in a season on the same paddock, regardless of whether an unforseen rain event occurred. In this context the word paddock is also equally applicable to an orchard block, vineyard, etc. Apart from the illegality of the use of this chemical in the scenario, the likelihood of resistance building in the fungal population is increased. This means there is an increased chance of having to use more alternative chemical control options in the future, with an associated increase in control costs to the grower. This is not a good scenario for anyone, and there are numerous examples around of where this has occurred. If an unforeseen event ie: rain, frost, etc. occurs that requires the application of a chemical, it is important that growers think about what they should use rather than grabbing the same product out of the shed they’ve used all season. As is frequently the case, residue problems can usually be avoided by growers reading and understanding the entire label and taking the time to work through various solutions to the problem at hand. Further information regarding the use of agricultural chemicals can be found at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicalstandards or by contacting Steven Field, DPI Chemical Standards Officer on 03 5824 5532.

www.fgv.com.au July 2008 Page 4

PEST & DISEASE………………...

Pest and Disease Reminders: Michael Crisera, Cropwatch Area Manager GV, Fruit Growers Vic Ltd

After 6 months in my role as CropWatch Area Manager for the Goulburn Valley and my continuing education in the world of IPM, the following is a management reminder for growers leading into the coming season. I will continually offer my experiences in

IPM to assist growers with managing Pest and Disease problems.

Winter Oil applications (European Red Mite, Bryobia mite) The exposed over wintering eggs of ERM and BM on the spurs of the tree are vulnerable to sprays, unlike the over wintering females of two spotted mite. Winter oil is very effective against winter eggs, provided 100% coverage is achieved.

Timing is also important. During the middle of winter the eggs are dormant, and sprays are not very effective. As temperatures increase in spring, development within the egg commences, and it becomes more susceptible to suffocation by oil. In fact, it has been shown that the closer the egg is to hatching, the easier it is to kill with oil. The recommendation is to use winter oil, at green tip. The oil spray will also control San Jose scale.

Applying oils at green tip can help save thousands on miticides later in the season. The previous season’s mite’s pressure can determine whether or not a green tip oil control is necessary. Try and recall the problem mite patches from the previous season and monitor limbs for eggs.

Orchard Hygiene Orchard hygiene during the autumn months can have an effect on the next spring’s pest and disease pressure. So growers need to remember which patches had high numbers of fruit left on the trees especially during seasons of poor returns.

Mating Disruption For growers that are looking to use mating disruption ties this season, now is the time to plan for ties to be put in their orchard. If growers had problems with Codling or OFM toward the end of last season then putting the ties out earlier would be recommended. Controlling the spring generation of Codling moth and OFM is critical to helping decreasing pressure throughout the season.

Season Review A good way to see if your current pest control program is working well without costing you a fortune is to take a look back over last season’s spray records and record the number of controls that had to be applied. When planning for this season please consider how many organophosphates, carbamates, miticides and synthetic pesticides have been applied previously. Whether it is to control Codling moth, mites, thrips, and mealybug or for crop thinning all pesticides have differing effects on different beneficial species. Some fungicides are toxic to beneficiaIs also. I am not suggesting to stop using pesticides all together but to slowly decrease the amounts of pesticides applied in one season. Too many pesticides applied during the spring will decrease beneficial species for the remainder of the season, hence more pest problems and the beginning of the pesticide cycle.

Summary Many growers may well think that I am crazy for stating the obvious, but some of the worst pest problems in orchards can be caused from the over use of pesticides. This is not a negative judgement of growers. In my time as an IPM consultant I have realised that the only reason growers may go overboard in their pest control is to minimise the risk of losses on their orchard and for piece of mind. Every fruit lost to pests is $$. Over the coming seasons it is my goal to gradually decrease the use of pesticides and also give growers the correct tools when making a decision to control a pest. I will encourage growers to take more risks so 2% or 5% damage in some cases can prevent 20% damage and save thousands of $$ in chemicals.

KEY IPM POINT FOR JULY: Identify problem patches from last season and prepare for the next season.

www.fgv.com.au July 2008 Page 5

OPINION……………………………..

The tree-fruit industry needs a coordinated Research & Development program Bas van den Ende Consultant in Fruit Production, Shepparton Vic

Aside from water security, the greatest challenge facing the In the 1970s and 1980s a team of researchers at the tree-fruit industry is for fruit growers to operate their Tatura Research Institute identified some of the major orchards profitably. Efficient and innovative management problems facing the tree-fruit industry. drive profit. Fruit growers need to keep an eye on the future A coordinated research program was undertaken to and not assume that things will stay the same. improve the efficiency of fruit production two or three Global competitiveness, increasing costs of production, and times the then current level. This required the increasing demand by retailers and consumers for fruit of knowledge of various disciplines to integrate tree high quality, all need research and development (R&D) that management, soil management, irrigation, tree is relevant and aligned to industry needs. Technology is propagation and mechanization. continually evolving. Our challenge is to understand the This type of research, known as “systems research”, technology and identify the impacts it will have on our resulted in the development of an orchard system that industry. To survive, the tree-fruit industry needs good became a blueprint for fruit growers to follow coordinated R&D. The challenges that face the tree-fruit throughout the life of a planting. The Tatura Trellis and industry today need solutions based on research. the Tatura System of Soil Management were R&D There have been no major technical improvements in pome models which revolutionised fruit growing in the and stone fruit R&D in Australia for over 20 years. The Goulburn Valley and placed Tatura amongst world decline in horticultural research, extension and teaching has leaders in horticultural research. If we had continued this been obvious for years, but nobody has done anything about work and replicated these models to other branches of it. Since the late 1980s, Victorian and Australian the tree-fruit industry, governments slashed funding, restructured departments, and We probably would have been as internationally did not replace managerial staff and scientists who left. This competitive and efficient as fruit growers in Chile, New caused many institutes of horticultural research to close or Zealand and South Africa are now. Unfortunately, the to degenerate to where they were (and still are) of little Victorian government and the tree-fruit industry did not value to the “men on the land”. keep the momentum going, forcing the region’s fruit Leadership was lacking, and staff became demoralised - there growers to rely on research carried out more than 20 was no direction or vision for the future. Career years ago, and on generic research results generated in development with industry funding is now basically a lottery. overseas countries with different climates, growing Current research in tree-fruit production by the conditions, and costs of production, varieties and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is mostly short- rootstocks. term, piecemeal and insufficiently flexible to enable research Conducting coordinated R&D is like a team of to adapt to emerging needs. R&D is no longer part of a researchers working on a jigsaw puzzle. To see the big coordinated approach to solve major problems of the tree- picture, all the pieces of the puzzle must fit together. fruit industry in the 21 st century. The big picture of an orchard system is one that is The vacuum left by the then Department of Agriculture of continuously improved, one appropriately called The Victoria (now DPI) has been partially filled with projects Orchard of the 21 st Century. Such an orchard has the such as following features:

Future Orchards 2012 Trees are closely planted at a density of around 2200 AFFCO IHD Seminars trees per hectare (4.50 m x 1.00 m).

Field days and orchard nights run by grower Early and high yields are obtained because the trees organizations intercept 60 to 70 per cent of sunlight less than 3 years Rootstock and variety evaluations on after the orchard was planted. private properties by APFIB Demonstration orchards on private Fruit of high internal and external quality and good taste properties funded by the tree-fruit industry are consistently produced because the entire canopy is and HAL exposed to more than 30 percent of sunlight in summer.

The trees are permanently supported by a trellis which These provide excellent technical information but are no substitutes for a world-class research orchard that provides • allows trees to grow and develop canopies valuable cutting-edge research relevant to the modern tree- and root systems quickly, and. fruit industry. • supports crops from young trees onwards.

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OPINION…………….cont.

The trellis is Australia lags behind many of its international competitors a) suitable for growing pome and stone fruit with in education. This starts right from orchard employees different varieties and rootstocks through to managers and owners. The perception among b) Versatile to combine different methods of tree farming families is that there is no future in horticulture. training with same canopy configuration, and Doom and gloom stories have deterred many young

c) Compatible with traditional orchard equipment people away from orcharding and into careers in the and allows a transitional period for change. cities, holding onto the belief that off-orchard employment

To fill their spaces quickly and for ease of management, will provide a more satisfying, fulfilling and secure the trees are kept small and can be reached from the livelihood. A new partnership in research is needed to ground. The canopy is thin, uniform and continuous to change this perception and promote the courses offered a) enable sprays to be efficiently applied by the universities, colleges or TAFE that would lead to b) economise on sprays by calculation of the tree diverse employment.

row volume (TRV) Australia has some of the best environments for fruit c) Facilitate hand-thinning and harvesting production. There are not many places in the world d) Allow development of over-the-row spray, where one can grow a wide variety of pome and stone pruning and harvesting equipment, and fruit and harvest these over 8 months of the year as e) Allow accurate crop forecasting happens in some areas of Australia, including the

The trees produce more fruit with less water. Water Goulburn Valley. But unless the tree-fruit industry and consumption is reduced by at least 50 per cent – from Victorian and Australian governments invest more in 150 litres per kilogram fruit to 70 litres per kilogram fruit horticultural R&D and training, our overseas competitors produced, by use of drip line irrigation, regulated deficit will take a greater share of our domestic and export markets. irrigation and surface mulch and monitoring effective canopy shade, evapotranspiration, fruit growth and soil Bas van den Ende water. Consultant in Fruit Production, Analyses of nutrients in leaves, sap and soil, along with fertigation, mean that less fertilisers are needed.

The orchard is in positive cash flow in less than 6 years after the trees were planted. This includes capital costs and applies to a re-planted orchard. It does not include cost of land, irrigation pump, filters and mains, netting, frost control and management fees.

The concept of the Orchard of the 21 st Century needs the following new research:

• Climate control – protection from hail, wind, sun, birds and spring frost. • Do-it-yourself trellis construction – special steel posts, wires and anchors. • Sub-surface drip irrigation. • Fruit tree propagation – produce a cheaper nursery tree. • Pollination and fruit set with or without bees. Ban van den Ende and Jef DeCoster at a recent • An “Instant Orchard” – Plant a canopy; don’t pruning demonstration. grow a canopy. • A cost & return model that fruit growers can This article from Bas is welcomed by the editor and FGVL, so whether you are a grower, consultant, industry use. representative, or a packer/marketer please feel free to • Prevention of re-plant disease. have an opinion. I will publish constructive opinions • Ways to effectively transfer information. that make valid points……….. • New spray technology – spray without air blast; reduce and save on chemicals. Michael Crisera • Harvesting aids – do away with the picking bag. Fruit Industry Development Officer • Use the concept of the tomato harvester and Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd. adapt the tomato harvester to harvest tree fruit Email: [email protected] and for summer and winter pruning and Ph: 0418 379 746 thinning fruit.

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INFORMATION………………...

DPI -Tatura. Irrigation technology in orchards-Ian Goodwin, Fruitcheque Project Management—Cathy Mark O'Connell, Rebecca Bruce Mansfield. Has a number of projects going on at the moment Cathy’s role is the project leader for Fruitcheque including deficit irrigation demonstration trials in

and manages a range of other projects lead by Shepparton and Toolamba. Fruitcheque staff members including industry development projects in Blueberries, Raspberries Insect pest research - David Williams, and Walnuts and the Adoption of Intensive Pear Mofakhar Hossain and Alex Illichev Production project. The focus of has been carpophilus beetle , oriental fruit moth and codling moth Fruitcheque (Tatura and Cobram)-Angie in addition Kevin Powell (DPI Rutherglen) is working Grills, Henry Schnieder, Hein Van Kralingen, on woolly apple aphid. Harold Adem Intensive pear, Walnut industry development, Orchard diseases- Chin Gouk extension in best practice eg irrigation, nutrition, Specialist in bacterial diseases. Industry leadership development, drought response and outbreaks of established pests and Whole Farm Planning - John Read and Melly disease, co-operate consultancies for a fee, Pander extension connected to particular research They also work specifically with growers who have projects eg woolly aphid. english as a second language. internal reporting to government about industry situation and impact of events. Landlearn - Sheree Burke who provides classes for school students throughout Chemical standards - Steven Field the state on agriculture. Assists growers with residue issues eg. will help work out what is wrong. Salinity - Chris Nicholson and Rabbie Maskey Alerts industry and growers to improper use of There is also and environment section which works chemicals with the CMA this include Landcare people and Can prosecute members of the public if they community drains. wilfully break the law in relation to chemical issues. DPI - Knoxfield

Plant Standards- Bill Ascroft, Tony Carbone, Diagnostics - Coordinated by Con Skylas Ingrid Stava Crop Health services, both soil and plant analysis. Monitor the Fruit Fly and release sterile flys to prevent population development and spread. Post Harvest Research - Robert Holmes (DPI Manage pest incursions from exotic pests. Knoxfield) Investigate abandoned orchards. Rob does work on ripening and storage. FGV GRUB GROUPS CHILL ACCUMULATION MODELS It is important to note that some people refer to chill units as chill hours. FGVL is beginning the Goulburn Valley grower Grub Groups as With the simple models this could be correct, as 1 hour under 7.22°C is the equivalent to 1 chill unit. of the 20 th of August 2008. The first Grub group for However, as the complexity and accuracy of the calculations below Shepparton and surrounding areas will be on Wednesday the increases, the above statement is not necessarily correct. th th 20 of August. The following Wednesday the 27 will be the A chill unit is a measurement allocated when temperatures are in between Ardmona Grower Grub Groups first meeting. If you are a certain parameters. grower or involved in fruit industry Pest and Disease control 7.22°C and Under Model and would like to be involved in the monthly meetings during 1 hour under 7.22°C=1 chill unit (CU). the growing season from August until April 2009, please In this model anything over 7.22°C = 0 chill unit (CU). contact Michael Crisera on 0418 379 746 or email 0-7.22°C Model 1 hour between 0 and 7.22°C=1 chill unit (CU). [email protected] to register. In this model less than 0°C = 0 chill unit (CU). These meetings will give growers, consultants and Whilst chilling is important for satisfactory fruit set in deciduous tree fruits, agronomists the opportunity to cross over information and some cultivars are naturally precocious and will set a commercial crop even assist with decision-making on Pest and Disease control when the chill factor is lower than considered necessary. The reverse of relevant at that time of the year. this can also be true. The amount of accumulated chill units and the heat unit requirement of a particular cultivar determines its bloom time. USE CHILL UNIT INFORMATION WITH CAUTION.