Table Grapes Rise to Challenge
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Volume 6 • ISSUE 2 Nov/Dec 2009 Table grapes rise to challenge ADFA • 2008 International Conference of Dried Grape Producing Countries • Californian prunes highlight growing and processing opportunities ATGA • Business management - reviewing production costs makes cents • Australian table grapes in Asia Contents Dried grapes 4 ADFA Chairman’s report 8 International Conference of Dried Grape Producing Countries report 14 Processor report: Sunbeam Foods/Angas Park 16 Grower profile: John Hunt, Red Cliffs, Victoria 24 ADFA Board news 25 Drying for profit activities 26 Access to anti-dumping and countervailing system under threat Table grapes 5 ATGA Chairman’s report 6 Cover story: Australian Table Grape Conference report 13 Table Grapes WA to manage CSIRO-bred varieties 15 National Fruit Fly Strategy Implementation Action Plan release for comment 23 ATGA Chief Executive report 30 Business management – reviewing production costs makes cents 32 Australian table grapes in Asia: current position and future outlook 34 Growing grapes in an arid climate – Study tour to Israel 36 Meeting consumer expectations – a grower’s perspective Dried prunes 10 APIA annual general meeting 11 Californian prunes highlight growing and processing opportunities 12 An insight into fruit tree borer Dried tree fruits 18 Free standing V orchard – year one onwards Combined industry articles 20 Plant Health Australia column 21 Biosecurity plan updated to safeguard Australian grapes 22 Horticulture Australia update 28 Water outlook 31 DPI’s 1-2-1 program to provide free advice to horticulture 37 Around the Block Cover: One of the stops on the conference field tour was John Argiro’s property (pictured far right) to see his crop growing under an Italian pergola shade system. Australian Dried Fruits Association: Editorial: Phil Chidgzey, John Hawtin (ADFA) and Jeff Scott (ATGA) 31 Deakin Avenue Journalists: Paula Smith, Terry Gange PO Box 5042 Advertising: Geoff Bell Advertising Mildura VIC 3502 Australia. Production and Printing: Jamesprint Phone: (03) 5023 5174 • Fax: (03) 5023 3321 Email: [email protected] For editorial and advertising enquiries contact the Australian Dried Fruits Web: www.adfa.asn.au Association (ADFA) (03) 5023 5174, or the Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) (03) 5021 5718. The Vine is published and produced by the ADFA and ATGA. DISCLAIMER: Australian Dried Fruits Association (ADFA) and Australian Table Grape Industry (ATGA) acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise through placement of advertisements in this publication. Acceptance of these contributions does not endorse or imply endorsement by ADFA and ATGA of any product or service advertised by contributors. Australian Table Grape Association: Any advice provided in articles contained in The Vine is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. ADFA and ATGA and its officers do not guarantee that 33 Madden Avenue, the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your practical purposes and, therefore, disclaim all liability for any error, loss or any other consequence that may arise from you relying on the Mildura VIC 3500 Australia. information in this publication. Phone: (03) 5021 5718 All articles and other material published in this journal is ADFA and ATGA copyright (unless otherwise stated) Email: [email protected] and may not be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the authors and publisher. Web: www.atga.com.au The Vine is a registered trade/service mark of AgriMedia Pty Ltd. 3 ADFA Chairman’s report Outlook improves The increase in water allocations in New Locally, we continue to work with the South Wales, Victoria and South Australia National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) on following recent rainfall events has a number of important policy matters been welcome news for Murray Valley including agriculture’s position in the irrigators. Federal Government’s proposed Carbon Mark King While the water situation remains tough in Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). Victoria and South Australia, the generally As outlined in Board of Management ADFA CHAIRMAN improved water outlook should enable News on page 24 it is worth reaffirming dried grape growers to maximise their that NFF does not want a CPRS. ADFA BOARD OF crop potential and income. For those who The NFF has repeatedly advised that carried over 50% of their entitlement covering agriculture’s emission under there may be an opportunity to trade in such a scheme would decimate MANAGEMENT water later in the season. Australia’s farm sector. As such, the CPRS Chairman In addition, the early commitment of doesn’t work for agriculture. NFF wants Mark King major processors to the maintenance of at to ensure farmers can benefit from their Producer - Pomona least 2009 prices for next season’s crop ability to capture and store carbon. should provide dried grape growers with The NFF took its amendments to the Deputy Chairman confidence to give serious consideration Rudd Government months ago, but to investing in the industry’s future. Allan Long the government refused to make As detailed on page 8, I was part of the concessions upfront. The NFF Producer - Cardross the Australian delegation that recently subsequently took its amendments to attended the International Conference the Coalition, who adopted them as their Board Members of Dried Grape Producing Countries held policy platform. Neville Mitchell in Hamburg, Germany. Delegates from a This has formed the basis for negotiations Large Producer - Wemen number of producing countries attended, between the Coalition and government including the United States Turkey, Chile, over the CPRS legislation. South Africa, Iran and Australia. We have also been working closely with Brian Boulton Importantly, this conference noted that the the NFF on issues related to the new Producer - Vinifera total availability of Thompson Seedless Horticulture Industry Award 2010. Raisins (TSRs) and sultanas had increased In conclusion, the Australian Dried Fruits Jenny Treeby by 8% as world stocks carried into the Association and other horticultural Producer - Red Cliffs new season increased slightly, although industry members will participate in they remain at historically low levels. consultation meetings with the Chairman Further, the major Northern Hemisphere and new Chief Executive Officer of Stephen Bennett countries, with the exception of Iran, Horticulture Australia at a meeting to be Producer – Merbein reported reduced production levels. held at Mildura in early November. These Conference delegates noted that the meetings are important in ensuring good communication and understanding of Warren Lloyd world supply position was adequate to meet market requirements. issues affecting our industry. Producer – Irymple While in Germany, the Australian Finally I wish you all good luck for the delegation also took the opportunity to coming season. Richard Findlay attend the Anuga Trade Fair in Cologne. Sunbeam Foods The sheer scale of the fair is something to behold with more than 6,000 exhibitors from the food and beverage industry Chris Ellis showcasing their products in 11 halls. It Sunbeam Foods attracts over 150,000 visitors from more than 180 countries. Phil Chidgzey If anything, Anuga confirms the highly Mark King General Manager ADFA competitive environment in which ADFA Chairman Australian processor/marketers are pursuing sales of Australian dried grapes. The Australian industry was well represented at Anuga by Sunbeam Foods and Australian Premium Dried Fruits. But the reality is that we must compete with other dried grape marketers, as well as a tremendous range of foods and beverages which are all fighting for their share of the consumer’s dollar. 4 ATGA Chairman’s report Early days, but 2009/10 table grape season looks promising I’m pleased to be able to open this While our Chief Executive Jeff Scott’s column with the good news that the task of organising the conference Nick Muraca table grape industry has every chance slowly winds down, the ever demanding ATGA CHAIRMAN of delivering another pleasing outcome role of market access never eases. this season, although it is still early Jeff has been busy attending bilateral Chairman: days. negotiations and technical talks in Nick Muraca A quick ring around to fellow growers Korea, Japan and in China to progress Victoria in the West and the North revealed that our market access applications with crops are generally looking pretty good. those countries. Deputy Chairman: While the earlier regions are well ahead He was accompanied by ATGA Market Rob Wheatley and not far away from picking, the Access Sub-committee member John Queensland Sunraysia region and southern Western Argiro to Japan and I will travel to China Australia have just begun flowering as I with him in a couple of weeks time. I Executive Delegates: write this report in late October. look forward to providing the outcomes of these visits in the next edition. Matt Katich Unfortunately the news is not all good. Western Australia About 20 growers in Robinvale have The official business of the ATGA had their crops devastated by hail. continues and we will hold our Annual John Argiro The affected area covers about 250 General Meeting on 5 November. Victoria hectares, with some vineyards reporting Let’s hope that Mother Nature is kind 100% losses. to us with weather events for the It’s gut wrenching to hear the hail on remainder of the season, so that we can Chief Executive: the roof and know that Mother Nature’s realise yet another successful story. Jeff Scott short burst of anger could devastate a Victoria whole year’s crop. The ATGA again warns growers to Delegates: check their hail insurance provides David Agg adequate coverage. Nick Muraca ATGA Chairman South Australia The official business of the ATGA continues and we will hold our Annual Vince Dimasi General Meeting (AGM) on 5 November. Victoria Outcomes and any issues raised by delegates will be reported in the next Barry Pederson edition of The Vine.