Yielding success DRIED FRUITS AUSTRALIA BENCHMARKING PROJECT
RI ANA
e h t s e k ta lead VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 2020 | GLOBAL CONFERENCE REPORTS WIN FOR CONSUMERS & GROWERS | 10 TONNE PROJECT UPDATE
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Contents 4
Cover story DFA benchmarking project
7
News Growing our dried grape industry
8
27 Biosecurity
Grapevine Pinot gris virus
Plant health focus for 2020
High priority exotic pest threat
News Empowering change 30 Processing & marketing
10 DFA Chair & CEO news
Australian Premium Dried Fruits
Sunbeam Foods & Angas Park
Murray River Organics
12 Table grape news
Trade activities continue to be great success
14 Dried grape news
34 History A proud history worth sharing
16 Prune news APIA promotion activities
36 Climate Australia’s driest year on record
18 Wellbeing Getting through tough times
38 Profile Anthony Cirillo
21 News Hort Connections 2020 preview
39 Community International conference
22 Best practice MRLs
39 Board members
11 ATGA Chair & CEO news
23 Technology Industry-first app 24 Labour Fijian workers help Duxton expand 26 Strengthening communications The Vine is a joint publication of the Australian table grape and dried fruits industries. For editorial and advertising enquiries contact: Dried Fruits Australia T: (03) 5023 5174 E: enquiries@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au W: www.driedfruitsaustralia.org.au Australian Table Grape Association T: (03) 5021 5718 E: enquiries@atga.net.au W: www.australiangrapes.com.au Editorial committee: Anne Mansell, Lauren Roden (DFA), Jeff Scott, Terryn Milner (ATGA) Design: Kylie Norton Design Printing: Sunnyland Press Cover photo: David Lyons at his Red Cliffs property, photography by David Sickerdick. © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2020 This publication has been funded by Hort Innovation using the table grape and dried grape levies and funds from the Australian Government. Wherever you see a Hort Innovation logo, the initiative is part of the Table Grape, Dried Grape, Dried Tree Fruit or Prune Fund. Some projects also involve funding from additional sources.
For further publication details, see page 38.
Table Grapes
Dried Grapes
Combined Industries
Dried Prunes
New decade, new look We’re pleased to welcome you to the redesigned Vine magazine. Our 2020 new-look magazine brings together the efforts of many, and is an important part of our current and future communications to industry. Harvest is well underway and we’re all hoping for a great season. We want to hear from you. Whether it’s innovation, news, a feel good story, or even just a photo – please share it with us. Hope you enjoy the read! – from the team
COVER STORY
Measuring success IN DRI E D F RU I T PROD U C TI O N
Sunraysia’s best performing dried grape patches last year produced upwards of 10 tonnes per hectare, setting the standard for what can be achieved. Some of the properties involved in Dried
“I understand that this isn’t the only trellis system around, but it clearly provides a great framework for managing high producing vines,” he said. Nearly all the patches in the benchmarking project are drip irrigated, with only one low level sprinkler system in the mix.
Fruits Australia’s (DFA) benchmarking
Irrigation rates were at 8.5 to 9
project have achieved this level of
megalitres per hectare, with many at a
production, across key varieties
high frequency.
Sunmuscat, Sunglo and Carina currants, for several years.
“Daily irrigation of 6 to 8 millimetres is not uncommon, particularly for those
A total of 12 dried grape sites are
growers that back up their irrigation
involved in the Hort Innovation-funded
decisions with the use of capacitance
project, which aims to determine the
probes,” Stuart said.
most effective production practices by comparing activities undertaken in the vineyard. The data, collected over three years, will provide benchmarks of viticultural practices and production levels and costs. DFA field officer Stuart Putland said the best performing patches for the 2018–19 season shared a number of key characteristics. “The vines are all in their high production phase, aged between five and 25 years old,” Stuart said.
“In these cases, the vines are virtually never under water stress – an important consideration when chasing maximum tonnes of fruit.” According to Stuart, nutrition also contributed significantly to the sites’ strong performances. “Many growers are fertigating throughout most of the season and delivering at least 70 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare,” he said. “Some growers have even included the price of getting specific professional nutrition advice as part of their
“The program also includes one site less
production costs.”
than four years old, which is on its way
One thing that didn’t play much of a part
up to 10 tonnes per hectare, and another that is at least 25 years old, which is well below that figure.
in last season’s results was pest and disease control. “The season didn’t provide the type of
“While a sample size of two is nothing to
climatic conditions for serious pest or
draw conclusions from, it does indicate
disease outbreaks, so all the prevention
that there is a certain time vines are at
programs used on the benchmarking
their peak production.”
sites were effective,” Stuart said.
Stuart said the high achievers were all on swingarm trellis, with vines spaced along the row at 3.5 to 4.5 metres.
4 VINE MAGAZINE
Right: Benchmarking project participants John Hunt and David Lyons.
VINE MAGAZINE 5
COVER STORY
So, what does it cost to deliver
Stuart said it was useful for growers
The graph below shows the 2019
these high tonnages?
to know these numbers and the cost
production figures for each property
of the rest of their inputs to the
involved in the benchmarking project.
Stuart said the benchmarking work
block, especially in years where water
provided some of the answers. However,
availability is at a critical level.
the project was designed to focus
produced per hectare, acre and
primarily on viticultural practices, so the
“A patch yielding 10 tonnes per hectare
available information was slightly limited.
could be expected to give you $20,000 income per hectare,” he said.
“As part of the benchmarking program,
“This will probably allow a little bit of
block was accounted for,” he said.
room to buy some top up water after you account for the cost of things like labour, fertiliser, irrigation pumping
you’re not shelling out for temporary
patch is much lower than this,
to 158 hours per hectare. That includes
might be more useful to look at yield per kilometre of cordon as we are comparing
Below: Grower David Lyons with DFA field officer Stuart Putland at one of the benchmarking sites.
“However, if the yield of a particular
labour across all sites ranged from 50
“However, as a last point to consider, it
different vine spacings and row widths.”v
maintenance, and loan repayments.
“In total, the number of hours spent on
“Production per hectare or acre may
production levels across vineyards with
and connection costs, repairs and
water – is labour.
kilometre of cordon.
be a good enough guide,” Stuart said.
the time taken for each activity on the
“The biggest single cost – assuming
It includes the number of tonnes
particularly in a year where you need
everything from pruning through
to buy top-up water, it might be worth
to harvest.
looking at regenerating that patch to
“If we assume a labour cost of $26 per
one that is capable of doing 10 tonnes
hour, it comes to a range of $1300 to
per hectare.”
$4108 per hectare.” Stuart said the low end of the range was for a newer planting that required little pruning or training that year, while the high end of the scale was for a system that used hand cutting and cordon bunch removal. “Higher labour costs didn’t correlate to higher production, but more to the level of mechanisation of the system and the amount of cane selection, placement and rolling on done at pruning time,” he said. “For fully mechanised systems, the assumed labour cost ranged from $2000 to $2700 per hectare.”
Yield from benchmarking sites - 2019 harvest 18
Key: Tonnes per hectare Tonnes per acre Tonnes per km
16
Tonnes
14 12 10 8 6 4 2
6 VINE MAGAZINE
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Variety
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NEWS
Growing our dried grape industry A new Dried Fruits Australia project will help to build the capacity of dried grape producers to invest in and utilise new innovative agtech systems. The three-year project, which began in October last year, is funded by the Australian Government under the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program. DFA field officer Stuart Putland said four “proof of concept” sites had been established at Merbein, Red Cliffs and Colignan with the aim of achieving high production and improving land and water-use efficiency. “The sites will be used to demonstrate how to consistently achieve 10 tonnes
per hectare, spatially across a range of vineyard sizes and across production years, compared to the current industry average of five to six tonnes per hectare,” Stuart said. “They are all located in working vineyards and operated with the support of a technical advisory team that focusses on implementing appropriate irrigation and nutrition improvements and monitoring crop progress with appropriate precision viticulture tools.” Stuart said the 10 Tonne Project would include grower technology training sessions to demonstrate the use of pest and disease modelling, NDVI (normalised difference vegetation index) imagery, and soil moisture monitoring.
and Facebook page for opportunities to visit the demonstration sites and participate in technology workshops as part of our field day program,” he said. Stuart said data from the demonstration sites would be used in the delivery of the training sessions and the development of investment case studies. “The investment case studies will be used to engage key investment facilitators with the overall aim of attracting new investment into the dried grape industry,” he said. “Towards the end of the project in 2022, funding will be used to update the SunRISE mapping of our industry to confirm trends in growth.” v
“Keep an eye on DFA’s Currant News
VINE MAGAZINE 7
NEWS
Empowering change
When Riana Cochrane fell into a role in the horticulture industry, she didn’t know it would lead to a “transformation” within herself.
and I’ve come into it, but I feel like I’m
– having received a Hort Innovation
a quick learner and I take a lot in so
scholarship for the Leading Edge
it’s really helped me to be where I am
program through Women & Leadership
today,” Riana said.
Australia (WLA).
As she became more familiar with
The course is part of a five-year
the industry and the job, Sylina owner
joint funding arrangement between
Pat Cufari structured her role around
WLA and Hort Innovation designed
what she was good at – and Riana
specifically to offer women in
began to take more leadership and
the sector access to leadership
responsibility.
development programs.
producer Sylina was looking for
“I got the feeling that I was obviously
“It sparked my interest because it
a bookkeeper.
good at what I was doing, so it was
was aimed at building up women’s
Soon after taking on the role, Riana
really exciting and a confidence boost,”
leadership skills,” Riana said.
She had studied a Certificate IV in Accounting at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, and Cardross-based table grape
discovered that it was actually the
she said.
horticultural aspect of the job that
Almost three years on, and the
to encourage women to step up and
agricultural administration coordinator
have the ability and confidence and
at Sylina is challenging herself further
knowledge to step up into those roles.
“excited” her. “I never had much to do with farming
8 VINE MAGAZINE
“It’s really awesome that WLA is trying
NEWS
“The scholarship has been great too,
the program has helped her understand
“I do a tiny snippet currently, but I’d
because not everyone has the ability
how to communicate with different
love to take that whole role on and be
or resources to do it (so it’s helpful for
types of people.
able to oversee all of it.”
“It explored the four different
With a part-time commitment of
personality types, and then showed
two hours per week, the five-month
Riana’s participation in the program,
how to interact with those personality
program combines webinars, face-
and her role in horticulture, is helping
types, so it helps you change the way
to-face workshops and self-directed
create change and greater diversity in
you communicate with certain people,
learning tasks, and helps women
the sector.
because certain people may respond
redefine their role and value to their
better this way,” she said.
organisation while building them up for
people to be able to access funds that make it possible).”
Census data showed women made
leadership opportunities.
up only 30 per cent of Australia’s
Riana assists with a lot of the
agricultural workforce in 2016.
operations, ensuring things run
Riana said that, although she found
While the number of women studying
smoothly, and has to undertake a
it difficult on occasion to find the
workplace project as part of the
motivation, she embraced the
program, which she said will focus on
knowledge, skills and connections
transitioning to a scan on/scan off
she was developing.
agriculture in higher education was increasing, many never go on to work in the sector. Women have been previously, according to the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, less likely to selfidentify as farmers or farm workers,
system for Sylina’s farm workers. Being able to implement innovative ideas and come up with her own has been a highlight of the program for
and therefore were less visible to
Riana, as has developing her network.
government and policymakers, which
While she’s not sure yet what she’d like
WLA and Hort Innovation, as well as campaigns like the Invisible Farmer Project, are tackling. Four years into the five-year WLA
long-term, Riana is determined to take on more accountability
from the Australian horticulture sector
“I am not per cent sure what I’d like to
leadership development program.
“It can be hard for women in those industries who want to climb the ladder, so it’s good to have these tools behind you while trying to do that.” v
and the skills she’s cultivating in the
and responsibility.
undertaking, or about to start a WLA
male-based,” she said.
to do with the tools she’s been given
and Hort Innovation project, 39 women have either completed, are currently
“There are a lot of industries that are
do, but it would be very good to be the administration for the whole running of the farm,” she said.
“It sparked my interest because it was aimed at building up women’s leadership skills,” Riana said.
Three programs are on offer for women of varying leadership experience, with $600,000 committed to scholarships over the life of the project. For Riana, the skills she’s already gained are helping her change the way she thinks. As one of the faces of Sylina, Riana is constantly in contact with people, attending grower meetings, liaising with farm workers and managers, agronomists, chemical companies, exporters and much more. She said the face-to-face element of
VINE MAGAZINE 9
DFA CHAIR & CEO NEWS
Challenging start to the decade A note from our chair It’s been a challenging start to 2020 for dried grape growers, who continue to feel the effects of the long-running drought. As such, water has been high on the agenda for DFA. We’ve had many meetings with ministers and other peak bodies to try and find a way forward that’s fair for all with the scarce amount of water available. The National Farmers’ Federation has also been working hard on the issue, and we were fortunate to have president Fiona Simpson and CEO Tony Mahar, along with Murray Darling Basin Water Resources inspector-general Mick Keelty and members of the water committee, visit Mildura to meet with local industries. As a member of the NFF, I get to see how they can influence policy, as the government realises they are the voice of farmers at a political level. By now, you should all be close to starting harvest. Please look at the Dried Grape Best Practice Guide for some very important harvest guidelines that will optimise your returns. If you don’t have a copy, you can download it from the DFA website or pick one up from the office. You must finish cutting by the first week of March at the latest. It’s better to be down a little in weight than run
out of drying weather and have to pay for dehydration. At our AGM last October, we welcomed Loxton grower Luke Lory to the board. Luke is passionate about innovation in the dried grape industry and will make a great addition to our board. You will get to learn more about him in a future edition of the Vine. Long-serving board member Brian Bolton stepped down last year, and on behalf of DFA, I would like to thank Brian for his valuable contribution and ongoing service to the dried fruits industry.
News from our CEO 2020 is well and truly here and it’s harvest time again. The board and staff of Dried Fruits Australia hope it goes smoothly for everyone, acknowledging the challenges that continue to confront the industry. In November last year, DFA hosted the international dried grape conference in Mildura. Over the first two days, we showcased the region and how dried grapes are produced in Australia. Delegates were fortunate to see innovation on local dried grape properties, hear about research from Agriculture Victoria, and tour Olam’s almond processing plant and all three dried fruit processors.
Mark King | Chair
10 VINE MAGAZINE
At the conference on day three, each country delivered a presentation and we heard from a number of guest speakers. Belinda Neville, coordinator of Nuts for Life, spoke about the marketing project promoting nuts as a superfood. This program has taken significant research work, which culminated in deliberate promotion to health professionals. Overall, it has been a 15-year effort to have nuts recognised for their health benefits. Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes from the University of Melbourne spoke about his “vineyard of the future” project, which utilises technology including drones, apps such as Viticanopy, artificial intelligence, and other innovations that monitor grapevine growth, nutrients, soil and moisture issues. Learn more at vineyardofthefuture.com. Following on from the 2018 conference, where concerns were raised regarding negative and inaccurate media coverage about dried fruit consumption, Dried Fruits Alliance UK member Simon Mellik spoke about the confusion that now exists in the mind of the consumer about the health benefits of dried grapes. Simon proposed a new global marketing campaign promoting their nutritional benefits, and it was agreed to by all countries in attendance. v
Anne Mansell | CEO
ATGA CHAIR & CEO NEWS
Meeting maturity & changes afoot A note from our chair Welcome to the newly redesigned national industry magazine, the Vine! The ATGA has appointed a new communications manager, Terryn Milner, who has replaced Rebecca Wells. Harvest is over for the northern Australian growers in Queensland and Western Australia and is now in full swing for southern Australian growers. Despite unprecedented hot weather in December, let’s hope we all have a great harvest. There have been some welcome changes at ATGA board level and for one of our local associations in Sunraysia. For years now I have been calling on our younger growers to step up and take on more of a leadership role within the industry so it’s pleasing to announce that Anthony Cirillo was appointed to the ATGA board. Anthony is a fourth generation farmer and is also a Mildura Rural City councillor. At the local level, I have stepped down as president of the Sunraysia Table Grape Growers Association, with Dominic Sergi taking on the leadership role as the new president. It’s encouraging to see the number of younger generation growers wanting to be on the committee of the local association. This is a step in the right direction, and all bodes well for the continued strategic management of the table grape industry. Everyone should now be aware of the
John Argiro | Chair
new maturity standards announced by the ATGA late last year. These standards were determined after extensive research by Delytics – the company who has the ATGA/Hort Innovation project – and consultation with the major retailers and vendors to the supermarket. The objective is to have 80 per cent consumer satisfaction when purchasing grapes. Early fruit from Queensland went a long way to achieving that result and although it is a transition year to the new minimum maturity standards, it is expected every grower will comply in future years.
News from our CEO I hope you all had a good Christmas and great new year. There have been a number of changes over the past few months within the ATGA with personnel. It is pleasing to announce Terryn Milner as the new ATGA communications manager. Terryn has had extensive experience in communications and I encourage all of you to contact her in regards to table grape matters. The harvest season for the southern states is now in full swing with some exciting changes occurring on the export front. Korea has agreed to conduct 600 bunch inspection and no supervision of the loading of the container. This will reduce the inspection time for a container from three hours to 30 minutes.
I have also requested for two inspectors to be in Australia this season based on expectations of increased exports to Korea from advice of exporters. New Zealand inspections are now coordinated by the ATGA and first inspections took place on 13 January. The results of the maturity project are encouraging. Our goal of reaching 80 per cent consumer satisfaction has been achieved for a number of varieties. Although this is a transition year, it is pleasing to see the major retailers and growers embracing the newly adopted maturity standards. The recent trade seminars in Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Indonesia were deemed a great success by those that attended. At each venue there were around 80 importers, distributers and retailers in attendance along with a total of 18 grower/exporters from Australia. After the presentations, each of the exporters had the opportunity to discuss, one on one, future potential commercial arrangements with that country. The remainder of the trade seminars have been conducted in the Philippines and Thailand. v Read more about the maturity project on pages 12-13. Read more about the trade seminars on page 33.
Jeff Scott | CEO
VINE MAGAZINE 11
TABLE GRAPE NEWS
A win for consumers & growers
Industry wide efforts to improve table grape quality and consumer acceptability are proving promising, early season results show.
with the ATGA, Kitchener Partners and
consumer acceptance and repeat
Rudge Produce Systems Ltd.
purchase frequency of fruit.
Last year, major retailers Coles,
While retailers are currently
Woolworths and Aldi accepted
transitioning to the new standards,
newly developed minimum maturity
which will be in full effect by the
standards for table grapes, in a
2021/22 season, the industry wide
A three-year project to increase
major win for consumers and
awareness generated by the project
demand and consumption of Australian
growers alike.
and the new standards has already had
table grapes, which we reported on previously in the July edition of the Vine, has yielded several successful outcomes, after significant industry consultation and research.
The new minimum standards will apply to a number of public varieties grown
Table grape consumer acceptability is
in Australia. For Crimson, Flame, Red
at its highest point in five years – 81.4
Globe and Thompson varieties, at least
per cent* – above the target of
80 per cent of fruit in a representative
80 per cent.
Table grape supply chain quality
sample must have at least 16°Brix.
2017–2020 (TG17002) is funded by
Meanwhile, Menindee (Sugraone or
Hort Innovation using the table
Superior) variety must have at least
grape research and development
80 per cent of fruit in a representative
levy and contributions from the
sample with at least 15.5°Brix.
Australian Government.
a positive impact.
It’s a promising turnaround from last season’s 69 per cent – a figure which showed almost one in three purchases didn’t meet taste expectations – and should give growers and suppliers
The newly adopted standards were
confidence that ongoing attention to
The project brought together key table
developed based on the analysis of
the common goal could yield positive
grape industry stakeholders, the ATGA,
maturity monitoring of 13,500 table
sustainable results long term.
growers, Hort Innovation, key retailers
grapes carried out over the past two
and marketing companies to respond
seasons by Delytics.
Delytics managing director Mark
to grower concerns regarding the
Loeffen said once maturity standards
Delytics combines extensive
are set and followed across the board,
experience in crop quality assurance
turnarounds can happen relatively
with robust science and data analytics
quickly for fruit categories. Delytics
Hort Innovation contracted Delytics
to optimise crop quality throughout
helped Calypso mangoes become a
Ltd to lead the project, in collaboration
the entire supply chain to increase
market leader in 2011, and assisted
negative effects of immature fruit in the market.
12 VINE MAGAZINE
TABLE GRAPE NEWS
Citrus Australia in 2014 in identifying
the rise, but said that it was important
maturity measures which led to vast
for growers not to become complacent.
improvements (an increase from 70 per cent to 90 per cent consumer acceptability within two seasons), among many other achievements. “We try to take a whole-of-supplychain approach,” Mark said. “I think everybody is signalling that things are changing and will change in the future.”
“Growers need to adhere to the minimum standards to maintain consumer confidence,” Jeff said. “There are many alternative and competitive products. If consumers know that every time they purchase grapes they are enjoying that sweet burst of flavour that mature grapes
While it’s too early to tell whether the
provide then the consumer will have
results will have a sustained impact,
repeat purchases all through our
Mark said it was a step in the
harvest period. It’s a win-win for all.” v
right direction.
* Figure at the time of print
to see the consumer acceptability on
For Crimson, Flame, Red Globe & Thompson varieties, at least 80% of fruit in a representative sample must have at least 16°Brix.
MENINDEE (SUGRAONE & SUPERIOR) Menindee (Sugraone & Superior) variety must have at least 80% of fruit in a representative sample with at least 15.5°Brix.
80 %
80 %
Taiwan has requested the Australian Government conduct cold treatment verification on fruit fly for grape exports from Australia. Japan was previously the only other country which required verification trials, but the Australian table grape industry must now comply to continue exporting to Taiwan, at a cost to the table grape levies of about $500,000. The cold verification trials will involve both Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies, and will take place at research facilities in Western Australia and Queensland on about 30,000 flies using organic fruit.
ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said it was great
CRIMSON, FLAME, RED GLOBE & THOMPSON
Export news
16˚ Brix
15.5˚ Brix
The fruit is infected with fly larvae, then placed in cool rooms at temperatures below 3°C for a period of 18 days, at which point inspections take place to see if larvae have survived. Taiwanese biosecurity officials have also requested to oversee the fruit fly trials at the beginning and end of the trials. Francis De Lima will conduct trials in Western Australia, and Peter Leach in Queensland.
“Suppliers of improved grapevine rootstock and scion wood to the grape industry” Contact Gary Thomas Tel: (03) 5022 8499 Mob: 0418 997 730 PO Box 5051, Mildura Vic 3502 Email: vamvvia@bigpond.com Please see website for more information & order forms www.vamvvia.org
VINE MAGAZINE 13
DRIED GRAPE NEWS
Conference reports D RI E D G RA PE PRO D U C ER S M EET I N M I L D U R A
Representatives from dried grape industries across the world converged in Mildura last November for the 59th International Seedless Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference.
The conference supported the exchange of information on world production and marketing, finding that seedless dried grape production increased by seven per cent in 2018/19. Dried Fruits Australia chair Mark King said the conference took a major step forward in agreeing to launch an
international campaign promoting the health benefits of dried fruit. “Consumers are overwhelmed with misinformation and we need to correct those messages,” Mark said. “We need to celebrate our product – it has been used over millennia as part of a healthy diet.” Delegates – hailing from Australia, South Africa, Turkey, Chile, Argentina and the USA – also toured the region, looking at dried grape production and other local industries. The 2020 conference will be held in Athens, Greece in October, with Turkey set to host in 2021. v Read more about the event on page 10 and see more photos on page 39. Left: The 2019 international dried grape conference was held at Mildura Rowing Club on the banks of the Murray River.
WATER A N D I N DU ST RY F U TU R E F O C U S O F 2 0 1 9 F O R U M Water availability, technological innovation in horticulture, and the future of the dried grape industry were the focus of Dried Fruits Australia’s 2019 grower forum.
“Agriculture in the region is booming,
The event, held on 31 October at Mildura Working Man’s Club, provided an opportunity for growers and other industry members to connect, share ideas, and hear from a range of expert guest speakers.
ensuring compliance.”
Keynote speaker SunRISE Mapping manager Sue Argus presented the results of the dried grape industry data collection project, while Lower Murray Water managing director Anthony Couroupis and Western Murray Irrigation CEO Judith Damiani gave water updates for Victoria and NSW.
14 VINE MAGAZINE
which creates both opportunities and risks,” Anthony said. “The main challenges LMW customers face are associated with the cost and volume of water required to meet the needs of their crops. LMW is determined to support irrigators and the integrity of the water markets by The forum program also included a presentation by major sponsor MADEC about their harvest labour services, and SuniTAFE Smart Farm project manager Warren Lloyd spoke about new technology on the farm and its vision for the future. Dried fruit processors Sunbeam Foods, Murray River Organics and Australian Premium Dried Fruits also gave their yearly market and operations updates. v
Annual general meeting DFA welcomed four new and returning grower members to its board following an election at the 2019 annual general meeting. Current members Jenny Treeby, Ashley Johnstone and Warren Lloyd, and new member Luke Lory, were appointed for two-year terms. Held prior to the grower forum, the AGM covered several other business items, including annual financial statements, membership fees and research and marketing levies. The tiered producer member fees, which were introduced in 2017, will be retained for the coming season. Voting members also endorsed an unchanged research levy of $11/t, an unchanged marketing levy of $7/t, and a new biosecurity levy of $1/t on all dried grape deliveries in 2020.
DRIED GRAPE NEWS
Industry development 2019 YEA R I N R EV I EW
News from our field officer The start of a new year is a good time to reflect on where we’ve been and start planning for the year ahead.
use of dendrometers on tree trunks
simple trial of currants grown with and
to monitor irrigation needs at the
without setting sprays. The first year’s
properties of Michael Zalunardo and
results should be in shortly, but we will
Ann Furner.
need to look at it across a few seasons
viticultural research capabilities at
If you missed any of our events, you
We tried some different things as
Charles Stuart University, Wagga
can catch up on some of them on DFA’s
part of the 2019 DFA and Hort
Wagga. We heard from researchers
YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Innovation-funded industry extension
Regina Billones-Baaijens on eutypa
We have videos on snails, weeds, pest
project, so what were the standouts?
trunk disease, Julia Gouot on the
and disease, cordon bunch spraying,
impact of heatwave condition on
pruning and dehydration.
For our main events, the focus was to try and get the best available presenters, no matter where they were based. We had people travel from
The second stop saw some impressive
fruit ripening, and Sijing Li about benchmarking regional and subregional influences on shiraz fine wines.
before we get a solid answer.
We have a few ideas for the 2020 program in the pipeline, and we’d welcome any suggestions you have.
Melbourne, the Riverland and Adelaide
The following day the tour stopped
If there’s anything important to the
to present alongside experts from our
for a look at the Barmah Choke
development of the industry that you
own region.
and met with Andrew Shields from
think of as you’re reading the Vine, let
Goulburn Murray Water to discuss river
me know and we can discuss including
operations and seasonal conditions.
it in the program. v
Our three biggest events for the year were:
Finally, we were presented with an
• Vineyard health workshop in April,
overview of the Torrumbarry irrigation
with presentations on weeds and
area by Matt Hawkin from Agriculture
chemical use, dealing with snails,
Victoria and visited an irrigated dairy
and managing pest and disease
farm to discuss water issues.
spray programs. • Pruning workshop in July, where we looked at how to be most effective in the pruning operation and discussed the nutrition requirements of vines for the season and discussed how to determine piece rates for casual employees. • Irrigation and soils program in August, where we started out down a soil pit in the vineyard, talked about plant water use, looked at the water market in detail, and discussed how to plan for a season we could see was going to be short on irrigation water. We also spent some time out of our region, with a group of growers and industry staff heading off on a tour of the NSW Riverina at the end of July.
Stuart Putland Dried Fruits Australia field officer 03 5023 5174 projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au
Through out the year we also looked at some research and trial work. In conjunction with the Mallee Research and Innovation Centre, we facilitated a meeting with La Trobe University engineering researchers Robert Ross, Ed Kazmierczak and Erik Van Vulpen to discuss developing a project to build a mechanical winter pruning system for cordon-based vine systems. This a direct follow on from the outcome of the winter pruning workshop, which was held as part of this project in 2018. While this idea is still in the very early stages, it’s an exciting prospect. As an industry, we have begun exploring the possibility of successfully growing currants without
The group first visited the Griffith
setting sprays. A review of the
prune industry to look at solar and
scientific literature has indicated this
conventional drying systems and the
may be possible. We have established a
VINE MAGAZINE 15
PRUNE NEWS
APIA promotions move from strength to strength The Australian Prune Industry Association’s promotion activities have stimulated prune sales on the domestic market.
APIA chair Grant Delves to sharpen
from the 2020/21 financial year and be
the campaign over the last few years,
based on the 2020 prune crop.
At the 2019 APIA Annual Conference
Jane said the messaging was
on 15 October 2019, Grant Leyden
consistent throughout the campaign.
from Angas Park reported dried fruit sales were trending downwards with one major exception – prunes. He confirmed that during the previous 13, 26 and 52 weeks, prune sales had increased – the first positive market
targeting specific events to help introduce more people to prunes and spread the healthy messages about prunes.
“We promote prunes as being Australian-grown, delicious, versatile
APIA secretary Phil Chidgzey said members were keen to keep prunes in the spotlight, building on the foundations laid in recent years by Jane, APIA, and the major Australian prune processors Angas Park and Verity Fruits. Executive member and promotion
and nutritious,” she said.
portfolio holder Peter Raccanello
“We also mention gut and bone health
guiding APIA’s promotion and said he
at every opportunity.”
thanked Grant Delves for his efforts looked forward to continuing the
The industry is pleased with the results
good work.
being achieved, as reflected in the
Feedback from the Good Food & Wine
decision taken at APIA’s recent annual
shows has been extremely positive and
general meeting where members voted
the potential reach is huge, with about
to increase the promotional levy by
80,000 visitors to each show. APIA
APIA promotions coordinator Jane
$8 to $30 per tonne plus GST. The
plans to attend the Melbourne show in
McCorkell has worked with former
increased promotion levy will apply
May and Sydney show in June.
shift in some years. Grant said APIA’s promotion activities were one of the influencing factors in increased prune sales.
16 VINE MAGAZINE
PRUNE NEWS
Peter and wife Sue helped at the
“One of the next stages in the
APIA chair Tony Toscan said as prune
recent Brisbane Good Food & Wine
promotions campaign is to upgrade the
growers, the industry faced many
show, where many people tasted
APIA website, in particular the
challenges, one of which was how
prunes for the first time.
way content is managed.
to manage limited finances to get
“We’d love more growers to attend the
“A modern, updated website will
Good Food & Wine shows in Melbourne
improve the image of the industry
“We are committed to promotion and
and Sydney in 2020 and assist with the
and enable APIA to track visitation to
have very talented and dedicated
industry display,” Peter said.
the site and its individual pages and
people involved,” Tony said.
“There is genuine interest in knowing how prunes are grown and processed,
monitor the outcomes of promotional activities.
maximum return.
“Jane has done an excellent job of tailoring APIA’s limited promotion
and the visitors appreciate having
“It will allow for embedded video, links
funds into real outcomes for the
industry members on hand to
to our social sites, and improved search
industry, and there is some evidence of
answer questions.
engine optimisation.”
the effort being rewarded with a turn-
“It’s busy, but we found it very
Jane said APIA’s three social media
rewarding; and of course, the smiles of
sites – Facebook, Instagram and
“Our promotions budget will receive a
delight of those trying prunes for the
Twitter – would also receive some
real boost next financial year provided
first time is just gold.”
attention, with plans to develop a social
we stay on track and produce an
media calendar with planned posts.
average crop this season.
when it came to educating consumers
The subjects would be based on
“Jane has prepared a prioritised list
about the versatility of prunes.
aspects of the industry (pillars), from
of possible new generic promotion
which good news stories could be
activities to be undertaken in 2020/21,
generated and posted. These pillars
along with proposed budgets.
Jane said there was still much to do
“We often have people comment that they didn’t realise they could cook with prunes,” she said. “Having commercial chef Becky Gilhespie develop fresh recipe ideas and bake samples for the shows has been a tremendous help. “We then consolidate the tastings with recipe cards, and upload the recipes
could include: • Recipes – to show the versatility of prunes • Provenance – stages of production and processing of prunes and the people behind it • Health tips and nutrition – to highlight
to the website, so people can go home
all the excellent health and nutritional
and make it for themselves.
qualities of prunes.
around showing in recent sales periods.
“The executive is excited about the new ideas that are being developed and we look forward to communicating these to members as they progress.” v Phil Chidgzey APIA national secretariat 03 5023 5174 ausprunes@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au
Opposite page: Sue and Peter Raccanello with chef Becky Gilhespie at the Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show in October 2019. Left: Aus Prunes recipe cards.
VINE MAGAZINE 17
WELLBEING
Getting through tough times Peter O’Donnell from Southern Cross Farms knows only too well the challenges that farming life can present. As a manager of staff who are spread far and wide and involved in many
Reducing the impact of isolated
suicide prevention trial, being run by
work and encouraging staff to feel
Murray PHN (Primary Health Network.)
comfortable asking for support have been key focus areas for Southern Cross Farms in recent years. This focus has been driven in part by a need to support staff members who have experienced loss.
agricultural enterprises, he spends a
“Southern Cross Farms has been
lot of his time thinking about how to
closely affected by suicide, and it
keep people well and safe.
has been a challenge for us to ensure
“Farming is a predominantly male field, and the men who work in farming are often not as good at dealing with
we are having open and honest conversations with our team members,” Peter said.
As part of the trial, which is aimed at building community efforts to reduce suicide and suicide attempts, Southern Cross Farms arranged for their staff to hear more about support available for themselves, their mates, and those impacted by suicide. Coordinator of the Mildura trial, Merryl Whyte, said the session had been a positive way to point staff in the right direction, particularly those who felt confused about what to do and where to get help.
emotions and emotional issues,”
“Keeping in regular contact with each
Peter said.
farm and its team members is vital.
“They tend to lock up issues
“I think it’s great that speaking out
tried to make this a little easier by
internally and not seek help when it’s
about experiencing poor mental health
talking about the warning signs that
most needed.
is now seen as a sign of strength, rather
someone may be distressed, and how
than weakness – I think this really
to ask questions that may lead them to
helps with the healing process.”
support,” Merryl said.
regions, and once on a farm, team
Late last year, Southern Cross Farms
“We have also assured people that they
members often work as individuals.”
reached out to the Mildura place-based
don’t need to be a health professional
“Add to this the fact that our places of work are generally located in isolated
18 VINE MAGAZINE
“Through the Mildura trial, we have
WELLBEING
to check in with someone they are worried about, and that asking someone if they’re thinking about
Four steps to help prevent suicide:
suicide won’t actually put ideas in
Ask: Are you having thoughts about
their head.
suicide? How long have you been
“Most people in our community want to support those around them – and
feeling this way? Find out if they have made a plan.
we want to give them the tools and
Listen and stay: Check their safety and
confidence to do that.” v
don’t leave them alone. Make sure the
Preventing suicide: simple ways you can help
person knows you’re there for them.
There is no single cause of suicide and
Get help: If their life is in immediate
no simple way to prevent it. However,
danger, call 000. Offer to accompany
there are ways to help someone who’s
the person to seek further help or
feeling suicidal or struggling with their
assistance (for example, from a local
mental health.
emergency department). Support
Suicide warning signs:
is also available through a GP or
• Feeling worthless or trapped • Alcohol and drug misuse
Let the person know that it’s OK to talk about their feelings.
psychologist, or Lifeline: 13 11 14. Follow up: Make sure you check back with the person often.
• Feeling like they don’t belong • Engaging in risky behaviours • Frequently talking about death • Dramatic changes in mood and behaviour • Social isolation or feeling alone
Below: Southern Cross Farms executive director Peter O’Donnell.
Support: 000 Triple Zero (emergency) – use in life-threatening or time-critical emergencies 13 11 14 Lifeline – crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support 1300 224 636 Beyond Blue – depression, anxiety and related disorders 1300 659 467 Suicide Call Back Service – 24/7 free professional phone and online counselling 1300 789 978 MensLine Australia – for men with family and relationship concerns 1800 805 801 National Indigenous Critical Response Services – support to bereaved families and individuals
Working towards preventing suicide in Mildura Murray PHN has partnered with the Victorian Government to develop local strategies for delivering a place-based suicide prevention trial in Mildura. This work forms part of the Victorian Suicide Prevention Framework 2016–2025, which aims to halve the state’s suicide rate by 2025. Project officers have been working in Mildura to coordinate strategies that address local priorities by engaging and consulting with community, looking at data, and using an evidence-based approach as a foundation for decision-making. Highlights from the trial so far include: • Establishment of the Sunraysia Mallee Suicide Prevention Network driven by the community • 190 people attended workshops to gain knowledge and practical skills to support those impacted by suicide • 102 people who are likely to come into contact with at-risk individuals attended training to recognise and respond to suicidality • Delivery of free online suicide prevention training for the community • GPs and practice nurses attended training in suicide prevention • Local suicide prevention resource card developed and distributed.
VINE MAGAZINE 19
Workforce
solutions
Are you struggling to find enough workers? Australian growers in rural and regional areas have options available to help them access reliable labour. The Australian Government’s two Pacific labour mobility initiatives, the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), give eligible employers the opportunity to recruit workers from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
“The morale within the crew is exceptional, and that’s contagious among other members of our staff.” Nathan Walker - Dried Fruits Manager at Duxton, Euston NSW To find out how Pacific labour mobility can meet your employment needs, please call (02) 6240 5234 for SWP, (07) 3557 7750 for PLS, or visit www.pacificlabourmobility.com.au
NEWS
Building connections Early bird registrations are now open for the Australian horticulture industry’s biggest networking event, Hort Connections.
Channel, and Michael Williams, J-Tech
expected this year, with the trade show
Systems general manager.
combining cutting-edge products,
of attendees to discuss on-farm
The event has had a 94 per cent
A joint initiative between Ausveg and
and supply chain practices, review
increase in grower attendance over the
consumer behaviour and consumption
past three years, with participants able
trends, and focus on the future of
to learn from industry experts
the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ),
This year’s event will feature the theme “sustaining the future of fresh” and is expected to bring together thousands
supply-chain solutions, technological innovations and horticultural support for growers and industry stakeholders.
Hort Connections 2020 will be held
sustainable fresh food production.
from 15–17 June at the Brisbane
More than 3500 delegates from across
and events. v
Convention and Exhibition Centre.
the entire supply chain converged on
Early bird registration ends 19 March.
Hort Connections 2020 will boast
Melbourne for the 2019 event, with
speakers Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice Bars, Jon Dee, anchor host of Smart Money, Sky News Business
attendees participating from more than 35 countries.
and connect via industry meetings
For more information, visit hortconnections.com.au
Record numbers of exhibitors are also
VINE MAGAZINE 21
BEST PRACTICE
Maximum residue limits for export markets Australian table grapes enjoy international market access to a number of countries. Continued access and export growth is dependent on high-quality produce that meets market standards.
Results of export table grape testing
Rotating pesticides based on their
As part of the Chemical Use for Market
when you do decide to use them.
When exporting produce
industry alignment with international
internationally, it is important to know and adhere to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) observed by the intended export country. By observing some simple practices, a grower can ensure that produce is market ready and compliant with the importing country requirements. Key points: • Use chemicals according to the label. • Know the MRLs observed by the importing country. • Keep an accurate record of all chemicals used for a minimum of two years.
Access project managed by Agriculture Victoria, growers volunteered to participate in a residue testing trial on export table grapes. The purpose of the trial was to examine the level of MRLs and identify factors to make
mode of action is an effective way of maintaining your toolkit of pesticides Rotating modes of action reduces the development of resistant pests and diseases in your fields. For more info on how IPDM and pesticide rotations may be applied to your business, talk to your agronomist
it easier for growers to meet export
or an experienced consultant.
requirements. Based on the results of
Accurate record keeping
the trial, Agriculture Victoria is now in a better position to be able to support growers and promote chemical use that ensures ongoing access to export markets. Agriculture Victoria is grateful to all growers who participated in the trial.
It is a legislative requirement that accurate records of all pesticides and herbicides applied to fresh produce be kept for a minimum of two years. These records can be used to confirm chemicals were applied according to good agricultural practice. Chemical
Know your MRLs
use records can demonstrate that
Pesticides registered for use in
checked application rates, wind speed
Australia have label instructions that align with Australian MRLs. Each country sets its own MRLs based on the chemicals approved for use in that
the grower has assessed risks, and and withholding periods prior to chemical application. They can also inform:
country. When exporting be aware of
• resistance management
in export consignments for all
the differences between Australia’s
• the quantity of chemical product
chemicals applied prior to exporting.
MRLs and those of the export market.
• Check the residue concentrations
• Adherence to label instructions for Australian registered agricultural chemicals does not guarantee compliance with importing country MRLs. • Up to date information regarding international MRLs and export harvest intervals for table grape exports is available at: - Australian Table Grape Association: ATGA MRLs Search app (available for download at Apple, Google and Android stores) or follow the links on the ATGA website - New Zealand MPI pesticide maximum residue limit database.
22 VINE MAGAZINE
Depending on the market, a longer withholding period may be needed. Always use chemicals according to the label. Applying pesticides after flowering should be done with caution for blocks bound for international export.
needed for future applications • the overall effectiveness of chemical use practices.
Residue testing Prior to exporting, table grapes should be tested for pesticide residues to ensure compliance with the importing
How to reduce pesticide use
country’s MRLs. Produce samples
Integrated Pest and Disease
entire consignment and tested for
Management (IPDM) is a great way of
all chemicals applied throughout
reducing the use of pesticides and is
the season. If more than one variety
different from organic practices. IPDM
of table grapes is grown, a sample
promotes spraying with selective
of each variety should be analysed.
pesticides only when the crop needs it,
Knowing the residues present and their
which generally means less pesticide
concentration can help with decision
is used.
making and marketing.
should be representative of the
TECHNOLOGY
N EW A P P D EL I V ER S I N D U STRY- F I R ST I N N OVATI O N Real-time chemical residue information is now at hand following the launch of an industry-first app.
generation of younger, tech-savvy
that cover all chemicals used.
The Australian Table Grape
“top of mind”.
Maintain farm hygiene
industry’s first mobile phone app in
Contact your laboratory for information about available tests
All equipment used up to the point of marketing your table grapes must be cleaned and maintained to prevent cross contamination. This includes
Association (ATGA) released the October, which provides compliance information on maximum residue limits (MRLs) and withholding periods (WHPs) for domestic and export table
growers entering the industry and taking over the family farming enterprises.” Jeff said MRLs and WHPs should be
“Breaches of MRLs or WHPs not only threaten to destroy the reputation of an individual grower, but also Australia’s reputation as a clean, food safe supplier of fresh product,”
grape markets.
he said.
equipment between different tank
More than 329 installations of “ATGA
The app, developed in partnership with
mixes. Spray equipment should be
MRLs Search” app have been made
the Australian Wine Research Institute
regularly calibrated.
since its release, with table grape
(AWRI), is the final result of a project
growers able to easily access pre- and
funded by Agriculture Victoria’s
post-harvest chemical application
Horticulture Innovation Fund.
thoroughly decontaminating spray
Implementing processes and adhering to appropriate chemical use practices will help ensure access to international markets is maintained and grows. The Chemical Use for Market Access project forms part of the $8 million
data based on domestic or export country, target pest or disease and/or active constituents. ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said the app
The ATGA and AWRI collaborated in 2011 to deliver the sector’s first agrichemical compliance tool, adapted from the AWRI’s highly regarded
delivered necessary innovation.
“Dog Book”. Over time, the online
program, aiming to help Victorian
“The ATGA has been innovative in
platform had become obsolete. The
industries and producers better
being the first horticulture industry
manage market risks, capture market
to develop an MRL tool that will help
opportunities and increase Victoria’s
and support grower decisions when
share of the global agri-food trade. v
applying chemicals,” Jeff said.
Dr Nevi Parameswaran
“A number of administrative functions
nevi.parameswaran@agriculture.vic.
within the table grape sector have
gov.au or 0459 864 201
recently moved to online platforms,
ATGA MRLs Search is available at
which is a reflection of the next
Apple, Android and Google stores. v
Growing Food and Fibre Markets
current project funded research, analysis and development of the app, an upgrade to database software and hosting to maintain the original online search portal, and a review of MRLs for three new markets.
Below: NMI lab technician testing for residues. Image: National Measurement Institute.
VINE MAGAZINE 23
LABOUR
‘Energetic & high-spirited’ F IJIAN W ORKE RS HE L P D U X TO N D R I ED F R U I TS EX PA N D
Last year, Duxton Dried Fruits – which produces grapes on farms in Euston, south-western New South Wales and Wemen, northwest Victoria – had plans to increase its growing operations.
Under the PLS, employers can find
be quite easily lost when you have high
workers to fill low-skilled and semi-
staff turnover,” Nathan said.
However, like a lot of farmers in the Sunraysia region and around the country, it was having difficulty finding enough local labour to meet its business needs.
increase its operations from 150
To get around this problem, Duxton recruited 10 Fijian workers through labour hire businesses that had signed up to the Australian Government’s Pacific labour mobility initiative, the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP).
tractor driving work.
The SWP, along with the Australian Government’s Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), enables employers to recruit workers from the Pacific and Timor-Leste when there is not enough local labour available.
24 VINE MAGAZINE
skilled roles for between one and three years, while the SWP allows businesses to recruit workers for unskilled roles for up to nine months. With the SWP workers on board, a flurry of activity on the Euston property this season has seen Duxton hectares to 250 hectares. The group of Fijians has helped with irrigation, surveying, marking out and installing new grape trellises, and
Dried fruits manager Nathan Walker said using labour hire businesses to recruit workers through the SWP had helped Duxton address the problems it has faced in finding and retaining enough local labour. “There’s a lack of availability and reliability in getting workers in at the ground level here, and the time that you invest in upskilling staff can also
“Retaining workers and getting some reliability from that group is paramount to achieving our objectives.” Nathan said bringing the Fijian workers into the business had helped Duxton achieve its expansion goals – and had been positive in other ways too. “We’ve had 10 gentlemen here that are highly motivated, energetic and highspirited,” he said. “The morale within the crew is exceptional, and that’s contagious among other members of our staff. “We have easily been able to develop a rapport with them, and what we have invested in time and training has come back tenfold. “This has ensured we can objectively hit our targets in the development of our dried fruits enterprise here.” Former HR Manager Avalon Studt said
LABOUR
the Fijian workers were enthusiastic
are looking after us very well.
While the current group is due to
and had picked up new skills quickly.
With the other Fijians working here,
go home soon, Duxton is planning
we’re like a family.”
to recruit another 10 Fijians in
“The boys are great to work with,”
March 2020. v
she said. “They’re like sponges when
Alongside their day-to-day work
it comes to learning new things too.
on the farm, the Fijian workers
To find out how Pacific labour mobility
They’re excited every day, they laugh,
have also connected with the local
can meet your employment needs,
they joke, they have a great time.”
community outside work hours,
visit: pacificlabourmobility.com.au
One worker, Jack Loboilagi, said he was grateful for the opportunity to take up employment in Australia. “I love the work,” Jack said. “It’s been the wildest dream of my life to come and
with some even joining the Mildura Warriors rugby league team. Opposite page: Fijian workers installing new grape trellises on the farm. Below: Standing from left: Semi Malainasiga, Apisai Susu Naivalu Koroi, Avalon Studt, Jone Vuniani, Lemeki Kuruvasu Rokoduguni, Jack Kusitino Stark Loboilagi, Sailosi Vunikuta. Front, centre: Josefa Roko Keli. Images: Craig Vowles.
work here on Australian soil, it’s been a blessing.” With the wages he earns in Australia, Jack plans to support his community and family back home. “The money will help my wife and kids, and especially my younger sister who has been sick since the age of seven,” he said. “Duxton is a good company and they
A NEW PODCAST SERIES JUST FOR GROWERS Hort Innovation’s Growing Matters podcast series is here. With something for everyone, it's chock-full of practical and interesting info for horticulture growers – and you can listen whenever and wherever you want. All-new episodes are out now, including: • How to access and use industry, retail and consumer data and insights • Starting out or strengthening your export game – support and programs available • What you need to know about the future of pollination in Australia • Harnessing the power of good fats in horticultural produce Listen at ww.horticulture.com.au/podcasts or on one of the platforms below.
VINE MAGAZINE 25
PROJECTS
Strengthening communications Dried Fruits Australia: A new dried grape industry communications program kicked off in late 2019, with the aim of maintaining and improving communication with Australian growers and other industry members.
the industry informed of the latest
able to access the Vine in a new and
innovations and on-farm practices,
improved online format.
The project will encourage the uptake
News, and quarterly Vine magazine.
of research and development and support growers with decision making on farm and in their businesses.
technology transfer events, and other important news and information. Dried grape producers can engage through several communications channels, including the DFA website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, SMS service, fortnightly newsletter Currant
The three-year communications project got off to an exciting start with the redesign of the Vine.
Funded by Hort Innovation and Dried
Over the past several months,
Fruits Australia, the project will build
DFA has been working with the
on the achievements of the previous communications program, which ran from 2016 to 2019.
Australian Table Grape Association and
In 2020, DFA will also be looking at new and innovative ways of communicating with growers and delivering information and events. We are committed to strengthening our communications and will be releasing a survey later this year to learn more about your level of engagement and satisfaction. v If you have any feedback, questions or ideas, or want to subscribe to our newsletter, please get in touch on 03 5023 5174 or at communications@ driedfruitsaustralia.org.au.
a team of designers, photographers, contributors and advertisers to
DFA communications manager
produce a fresh, engaging and high-
Lauren Roden will continue to keep
quality magazine. Readers will also be
The Australian Table Grape Association will deliver three more years of communications to the table grape industry after successfully securing a new project.
Exciting updates will include the
recipients, with numbers rising as
development of a new ATGA website,
technological capacity builds
increase of ATGA’s e-newsletter
among stakeholders.
TG18004 was funded by Hort
New communications manager
shows a commitment to producing a
Innovation using the table grape
Terryn Milner stepped into the role
high-quality magazine that current and
late last year. A writer and editor
future readers will find informative and
with experience in the media and
engaging. ATGA is pleased to continue
communications industries, Terryn
working alongside Dried Fruits
following on from TG15008.
will help provide clear, essential and
Australia, and all Vine contributors,
The new project enables the ATGA to
up-to-date information to the table
advertisers, designers, photographers
grape sector through all channels.
and many more. v
2019 saw steady growth for ATGA
ATGA welcomes feedback on
communications channels. The
communications and invites those with
Facebook page hit 1500 likes in
questions or suggestions to contact
December, with analysis showing
tmilner@atga.net.au.
research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government and began in November,
continue its communication to table grape levy payers and other industry stakeholders – including government agencies, crop monitors, marketers, distributors, exporters and other interested parties – and deliver significant communications
Pick of the Bunch to fortnightly releases, growth of social networks, development of accessible table grape photo/video content, and increased media release output.
followers responded well to content including videos and imagery.
updates to correspond with the
Pick of the Bunch increased its
industry’s evolution.
circulation to almost 500 table grape
26 VINE MAGAZINE
Finally, the re-design of the Vine provided an opportunity to refresh the industry magazine, as will the forthcoming launch of the digital editions. The fresh-look publication
BIOSECURITY
Grapevine Pinot gris virus Growing speculation on the effects of Grapevine Pinot gris virus continues as experts encourage those affected to test. Agriculture Victoria’s Dr Fiona Constable presented to concerned growers recently, providing the following update. Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) was first found in Italy in the wine grape variety Pinot gris with symptoms of leaf mottling and deformation (GLMD) in 2012. Like all viruses, GPGV is spread through infected propagation material. It is also spread by bud and blister mites. GPGV is not known to be seed borne or transmitted mechanically on pruning and cincturing tools. Overseas, it is occasionally found in other plant species such as fat hen (Chenopodium album) growing near infected grapevines, but their role in the spread of the virus in vineyards is unknown. Globally, the association between GPGV and disease is complex and unclear. In Italy, GPGV is proven to cause GLMD symptoms in Pinot gris. It is associated with, but not proven to cause, similar symptoms in a few other grape varieties overseas. It is often found in mixed infections with other viruses that might also contribute to a range of symptoms, including GLMD. GPGV is also found in symptomless grapevines. The variability in symptom expression may be due to genetic variability of GPGV, host varietal tolerance and environmental factors such as soil and climate. Testing of archival samples suggests GPGV may have emerged in Italy as early as 2002, after importation of infected grapevine material from Eastern Europe. GPGV has since been found in other European countries, North and South America and Asia.
Infected propagation material is the primary pathway for global spread of GPGV. Australian quarantine introduced testing for GPGV in early 2014, to prevent its introduction through imported grapevine material. However, GPGV was detected in Australia in 2016. It has since been found in young and older table, wine and dried grape varieties and rootstocks in grape growing regions in NSW, South Australia and Victoria and is no longer considered an exotic virus. It is likely that GPGV was introduced with imported material prior to 2014 and probably before it was first found in 2012. In Australia, the impact of GPGV on infected grapevines is unknown and the appearance of GLMD symptoms has not been reported. However, there appears to be an association with GPGV and a restricted growth disease that is emerging some Australian table grape vineyards . As restricted growth can be caused by other biological, environmental and physical factors, research is required to further understand the contribution of these factors and GPGV to the restricted growth disease.
scholarship to address some of these questions. Research will commence in May 2020. In the meantime, it is important to implement the following control measures for GPGV if feasible: •T esting grapevines for the presence of GPGV • Removing GPGV-infected or restricted growth affected grapevines in vineyards with low disease incidence • Control bud and blister mites • Use pathogen-tested material that GPGV and other significant viruses have not been detected in for vineyard establishment • Employ food vineyard hygiene practice – work from clean to dirty areas v Dr Fiona Constable Agriculture Victoria Research AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Vic. 3083
A recent review of GPGV, funded by Wine Australia, identified the following gaps in knowledge about GPGV in Australia: •D istribution and agronomic impact of GPGV •G enetic diversity of GPGV and association with disease •E ffect of the Australian environment on disease expression in GPGV infected grapevines • Efficiency of vector transmission • Role of alternative hosts in Australia •A ccurate screening of budwood source blocks. Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe University and Wine Australia have funded a PhD
Leaf mottling and deformation in infected grapevine. Image: Dr Pasquale Saldarelli
Grapevine virus testing available at: Agriculture Victoria Crop Health Services T: (03) 9032 7515 E: CHS.Reception@ecodev.vic.gov.au The Australian Wine Research Institute – Virus testing service T: 08 8313 7426 E: commercialservices@awri.com.au DPIRD Diagnostic Lab Services T: 08 9368 3351 E: DDLS@dpird.wa.gov.au
VINE MAGAZINE 27
BIOSECURITY
Plant health focus for 2020 I N T E RN AT I ON A L YEA R O F P L A N T H EA LTH
The UN-declared International Year of Plant Health in 2020 is a great opportunity to show how much Australians value plants, and how we can best protect them from pests and diseases.
premium prices for plant products,
Australia is celebrating the
improves crop yields, and saves on the
International Year of Plant Health by
cost of using pest control measures.
highlighting the importance of our
With more global and domestic trade and travel occurring than ever before, and changes to landscapes and climate, there are now more pests threatening the health of our plants, so it’s
plants and inviting everyone to be involved in protecting them. Plant Health Australia is encouraging industries to get involved in the Australian celebrations. Find out how
important to be vigilant.
at planthealthyear.org.au.
in plantation forests, in backyard
While biosecurity activities before and
The International Year of Plant Health
gardens, or in the natural environment,
at the border help manage threats to
plants are vital for life. They are
plant health, all Australians have a role
essential to our economy,
to play. Farmers and landholders are
Whether it be plants grown as crops,
the environment, and our health and wellbeing.
on the frontline, playing an important incursions and protecting plants and
biosecurity measures before, after,
their livelihoods.
and at the border, as well as managing
Being proactive about plant pests and
plant industries.
diseases makes good business sense. The risks shouldn’t be ignored, but
Keeping Australia’s plants pest free
rather included as a core part of every
maintains trade opportunities in
business that relies on having
lucrative overseas markets, sustains
healthy plants.
28 VINE MAGAZINE
Agriculture Organisation. Visit the international website: www.ippc.int/en/iyph v
role in detecting and reporting new
Protecting plant health by applying
pests and diseases, adds huge value to
is being led globally by the Food and
Below: Prune grower Grant Delves at his Hanwood orchard.
BIOSECURITY
High priority exotic pest threat V I N E & G R A P E M EA LYB U G
Vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) and grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus) are small insects that infest all parts of the vine.
Vine mealybugs are oblong in shape
This series from Plant Health Australia
and have shorter filaments around
features exotic pests that would
their body.
survive, spread, and establish in
Both mealybugs produce large
be confused with grape and vine
amounts of clear, sugary excretions
mealybug. These include:
known as honeydew, which damage the fruit and foliage of the vine, resulting in unmarketable grapes. They also cause the grapevine to decline in production and may transmit grapevine viruses.
What to look for
Several different species of mealybugs can infest grapevines, some of which are endemic to Australia, and may
•L ongtailed mealybug (Pseudococcus
filaments. It is confined to south-
• White waxy clusters of mealybugs in grapevine crevices – they will often be covered with honeydew and black sooty mould.
What they look like Vine and grape mealybugs are small –
eastern Australia. • Tuber mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni), which has orange excretions and short tail filaments. It is present in some regions of QLD, WA and eastern-Australia.
How to protect your vineyard Vine and grape mealybugs have limited movement crawling, but long-range dispersal of adults or nymphs may
about 3 mm in length – and difficult to
occur through wind-assistance.
see. They live in colonies composed of
They may also be spread long
adults, eggs and nymphs.
distances on propagation material or
Adult mealybugs are soft bodied,
fruit. As such, you can protect your
segmented insects covered in a white powdery wax. They are slow moving and feed on sap, secreting honeydew as a by-product of their feeding activities. Females are a flat oval
vineyard by only sourcing high health status (preferably certified) plant material from reliable and accredited suppliers. Also ensure that all staff and visitors adhere to on-farm biosecurity
shape and flightless. In contrast, male
and hygiene practices.
mealybugs are much smaller and
Finally, check your vineyard frequently
have wings.
for the presence of new pests and
While similar, vine and grape
investigate any sick grapevines for
mealybugs have some differences.
unusual symptoms. v
Grape mealybug has long tail filaments,
If you see anything unusual,
giving it the appearance of a tail, while vine mealybug has no tail filament.
normally encounter.
•C itrophilus mealybug (Pseudococcus
of grapevines. Look for:
mealybugs)
can distinguish them from pests they
is present throughout Australia.
body excretions and short thick tail
on the honeydew secreted by the
appearance and symptoms so they
body contents that are pale yellow. It
detected through visual surveys
• Intense ant activity (ants feed
Growers should be familiar with their
filaments and, when poked, excretes
calceolariae), which has dark red
leaves and fruit
through border quarantine controls.
longispinus), which has long tail
Vine and grape mealybug can be
• Honeydew on trunks, cordons,
Australian vineyards should they get
call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Top: Adult vine mealybug. This species does not have the long tail filaments present on grape mealybug. Image: Kent M. Daane, University of California. Middle: Grape mealybug. Note the long tail filaments on this species of mealybug. Image: United States National Collection of Scale Insects Photographs, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org. Bottom: Vine mealybug infested grape bunch. The white powdery wax and honeydew on grapes are typical symptoms of infestation. Image: Kent M. Daane, University of California.
VINE MAGAZINE 29
PROCESSING & MARKETING
Good luck for the season AU ST RA L I A N P R EM I U M D R I ED F R U I TS
Most dried grape growers will now be starting to plan their harvest. Hopefully you have been able to manage the serious water issues we are all facing from the drought, and
to stay on the farm, as we see a great
APDF is committed to a long-term
future for our industry.
future for the dried grape industry,
Weather will always play its part in the grades a grower is able to achieve each season, but high-quality farm management practices generally make
which we presented to our very valuable grower partners at our preharvest meeting in December. We believe in this industry, so we
a huge difference in the overall result.
hope growers can fight through the
harvest period.
We always encourage growers to minimise their risk and make sound
being experienced and come on the
As part of our pricing for the 2020
you can look forward to a successful
tough drought conditions currently journey with us as we move through the
season, we are offering a water
decisions based on best practice.
support payment to help growers
Yes, we all want to deal with 5-crown
As with any business, you need to be
light. But in the event of oncoming
adopting efficient, highly productive
The additional support is for our
poor weather, it can be a great decision
business models to survive – and dried
growers on a standard contract, as
to cut earlier than first thought to
grape production is no different.
they have the greatest exposure to
minimise the risk.
survive the drought.
high water prices.
transition our industry is experiencing.
We are continuously improving our
This may mean you receive 4-crown
production site at Wargan Road to be
The offer applies to all varieties and
brown, rather than massive amounts of
as efficient and productive as possible,
grades and is not subject to the volume
damage and mould to go along with a
qualities we also encourage in
a grower produces.
poor grade.
our growers.
We are also committed to paying the
It is not always straight forward at
Modern options on varieties, trellis,
full amount as part of the first door
the time, as the decision to cut can
irrigation and mechanical practices
payment when fruit is delivered.
sometimes be a gamble, but the
are some of the areas we see
growers we consistently see achieve
growers developing to run a
the best results each year have a model
sustainable vineyard.
cost a grower has, but it’s important
of risk minimisation.
Efficient processing and vineyard
to Australian Premium Dried Fruits
We recommend this is adopted by
production is the key to our sustainable
(APDF) that we try to assist growers
anyone who asks.
We know this payment of $200 per tonne won’t cover the entire water
and prosperous future. Good luck to everyone for the 2020 harvest. We hope to see a similar level of quality to that produced in the previous three seasons. v Grower enquiries: Grower liaison officer Larry Dichiera | 0488 199 221 larry@apdf.com.au
Left: Grower Ashley Johnstone and Scalzo Foods managing director Michael Scalzo looking at a young patch of Selma Pete vines at Ashley’s property.
30 VINE MAGAZINE
PROCESSING & MARKETING
Support for a new season S U N B E A M F O O D S & A N G AS PA R K
As we enter the 2020 season, we wish our dried grape, prune and dried tree fruit suppliers all the best for a successful harvest. Dried grapes In October last year, Sunbeam Foods general manager Grant Leyden wrote to growers to communicate our shared concern for the extraordinary temporary water prices and announce some support for Sunbeam growers so they could have confidence and certainty during this likely difficult growing season. “The 2020 seasonal price to growers has not yet been determined, but all market indicators are looking stable at this point and Sunbeam is able to announce now that the 2020 seasonal price for contracted growers will be at least equivalent to pricing received by our growers in the 2019 growing season,” Grant said. “In addition, Sunbeam Foods is very aware that growers’ ability to pay for water, and consequently grow a good yielding and quality crop, is key to our own viability. “It is for that reason Sunbeam has made the decision to act on supporting our growers this season via the introduction of a water assistance payment to all contracted growers. “This water assistance payment will be an additional payment to the seasonal offered price per tonne in 2020. “The water assistance payment is in two parts, with the first part to the value of $100 per tonne of fruit triggered now. “The second part, to the value of a further $100 per tonne of fruit, will be triggered by temporary water prices continuing to remain at extraordinary levels on 31 December 2019 (which is expected). “The water assistance payments would
be paid in the first door payment after fruit has been delivered in 2020.
that was presented at the Angas Park function in January.
“We trust that this early advice of support in the form of both water assistance payments and seasonal price stability assists you to confirm your growing input plans and maximise your possible yields for 2020.”
Dried tree fruits
Full details were outlined in the letter circulated to all Sunbeam growers.
Prunes The 2020 prune crop is shaping up well as it is developing. Growers have assessed their crops and thinned if necessary to get the fruit number balance correct. We are anticipating a slightly reduced crop from 2019 as there has been some properties sold and trees removed. There has also been some positive replanting of older areas, which will give a longer-term gain. The Australian Prune Industry Association recently saw the election of Tony Toscan to the chair position, taking over the reins from Grant Delves, who remains as a board member.
Unfortunately, for some of our fresh and dried tree fruit suppliers, the hail event that went through the Riverland last year decimated their crops, so very little will be picked from these properties this season. The apricot crops are variable, with some of the varieties producing smaller than average crops. But generally, the volume is reasonable across the board. v Enquiries: Supply manager dried fruit David Swain | 0407 834 044 Field officer (including SA) Alan Lister | 0409 437 801 Field officer Gary Simpson | 0429 960 234 Dried tree fruit operations manager Luke Fitzsimmons | 0431 894 515
Angas Park congratulates and thanks Grant on his outstanding contribution to the chair role and wishes Tony all the best in his new position.
2019 Prune Quality Awards In our fifth year of awarding our best prune growers for their high-quality prunes, we have three debutantes making up our awards. Last year, P and L Cremasco, P and S Raccanello, and D and G Zalunardo were recognised for their outstanding achievements.
Above: Apricots drying at the Angas Park drying yard.
Adjudication of these awards considers the size distribution, achieved price of the fruit, ease of grading and processing, and the level of juice and discarded fruit. The 2019 winners were treated to an all-expenses paid weekend for two in Sydney, a $1000 cash prize, and a trophy
VINE MAGAZINE 31
PROCESSING & MARKETING
Export growth continues MU RRAY R I V ER O R G A N I C S
Murray River Organics has continued its focus and commitment to growing its export business, with double digit growth experienced over the last year. MRO saw a 27 per cent increase over the 2019 financial year from the corresponding 2018 period, and the company anticipates it will continue this year and beyond. China has been a major contributor to the increase, with sales to Chinese customers more than doubling in 2020 since the same time last year, as MRO leverages the increasing demand in China for healthy foods. Chief executive Valentina Tripp said
there was significantly more potential
“taking Australia to Asia” growth
for MRO to grow its exports to China
strategy that was launched in 2018.
following the company’s launch on the WeChat digital platform in October 2019.
With ongoing concerns about food safety in Asia and around the world, MRO believes Australia’s trusted
“WeChat is a very powerful tool,
clean and green reputation is also
used by more than a billion users
helping it win new contracts and
each month, which enables us to
distribution.
communicate directly with Chinese consumers, build brand awareness and share the Australian organic dried vine fruit provenance story as the largest dried grape grower in Australia,” Valentina said. MRO has been able to increase its market share in Greater China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and Korea with the introduction of its new branded product range, which is part of the company’s
This has been leveraged in the European markets as well, with highquality Australian sultanas now being exported into the premium baking industries across Germany and Italy. Valentina said that global demand for organic and conventional dried fruit remained strong and growing exports had been a major focus for MRO and the industry over the last 18 months. “We have received great support from Dried Fruit Australia, with its Chairman, CEO and key board member – who are also growers – attending trade shows in China, Japan, Vietnam and Germany,” she said. “They have been a great supporter in building international awareness of our high-quality Australian sultanas.” v Grower enquiries: Stuart McNab 03 5022 8291 | 0407 805 473 smcnab@murrayriverorganics.com.au Left: MRO’s Sunmuscat raisins are growing in popularity and awareness with export markets. Right: MRO connects with customers through WeChat, which attracts more than a billion users per month. Bottom: The MRO team welcomes international guests to its Nangiloc farm.
32 VINE MAGAZINE
PROCESSING & MARKETING
A valuable tool TRA D E AC T I V I T I E S C O N TI N U E TO B E “ G R EAT S U C C ES S ”
Table grape seminars late last year continued to strengthen existing trade relationships with Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Indonesia.
importers, distributors and retailers
exporters were less available to travel
who attended in each country,
during harvest.
Australian Table Grape Association
which always put a positive outlook
(ATGA) CEO Jeff Scott presented at each of the seminars – which
discussing potential trade for the coming harvest season,” Jeff said. “The importers gained valuable information from the presentations, for the coming season generating enthusiasm and excitement around
were hosted by Hort Innovation and
Australian table grapes.”
Austrade, under the Taste Australia
The early season seminars capitalised
banner – to enthusiastic audiences in
on the availability of growers and
each country.
exporters, with more than 18
Jeff said the seminars were deemed a “great success” from the growers and exporters who attended. “All had access to the 80 odd
Australian delegates participating in
Exim Trading director Brad Senn attended some of the seminars and praised the activities. “We found them to be a very valuable tool and will definitely add these trade seminars to our trade/marketing program,” Brad said. “It helped us gain further insight into the market specifications and requirements and also introduced us to new selling opportunities.”
some or all of the trade activities – an
Jeff presented the remainder of
increase on previous efforts, which
this harvest’s trade seminars in
were typically held in the first three
the Philippines and Thailand in
months of the year when growers and
early February. v
Exporter directory available now Australian growers and exporters will be front of mind for importers with the 2020 exporter directory now available. The brochure features more than 50 exporters, as well as information on growing regions, varieties and availability, export markets and how to buy.
AUSTRALIAN TABLE GRAPE
EXPORTER DIRECTORY 2020
Top: ATGA CEO Jeff Scott presents in Japan. Bottom: The Exim Trading team, including director Brad Senn (centre), found the experience valuable.
VINE MAGAZINE 33
HISTORY
A proud history worth sharing
By Dick Johnstone, retired dried fruit grower For the greatest part of the 20th century, the growing, processing and marketing of dried vine fruits formed the biggest horticultural export industry in Australia, as measured by value of output.
Its success was firmly contingent on
Linkages with the United Kingdom
the complementary disciplines of
endured after federation through the
statutory regulation and co-operative
preservation of reciprocal empire
marketing.
preferences in traded goods and
Formed in 1907, exclusively to foster the interests of the growers, the
As the shift to freer trading policies
Australian Dried Fruits Association
grew, the industry expanded its
(ADFA) became a powerful overseer,
marketing horizons.
developer and defender of its members’ livelihoods. Through a vast network of agents and distributors within Australia, the
Founded and expanded by the
organisation controlled the prices for
application of deliberate government
dried fruits supplied to manufacturers
policies, the industry sustained
and retailers.
vast numbers of growers and regional towns.
commodities.
Its strength grew in the aftermath of two world wars when governments
But by the mid-1970s, the country’s legislators commenced the implementation of micro analysis of industry protection. Within Australia, the growing populations in the major cities were rapidly dominating the voting and power constituencies. Organised marketing arrangements
It was the powerhouse of
were enthusiastic to foster developing
Sunraysia’s economy.
primary industries.
Being very labour intensive in both
Almost all exports until the late 1950s
the growing and processing stages, a
were destined for markets in Great
Subsequent dismantling of the key
huge proportion of the local workforce
Britain or countries that were formerly
strengths systematically preceded a
depended on its fortunes.
part of the British Empire.
decline in industry size.
34 VINE MAGAZINE
no longer matched the doctrines of pure economists.
HISTORY
Much of the land and water once
Many vital accomplishments face a
I am most appreciative for the
used to produce dried fruits has
real risk of being forgotten unless
opportunity DFA gives me in allowing
been transitioned to other grape
actions are taken to identify them and
access to their records.
uses in modern times, although some
highlight their significance.
properties remain derelict.
It is very much a “work in progress”,
Today’s growers participate in a very
commanding attention between some
Prices paid to growers in the
different commercial world to that
seasonal distractions.
remaining industry are unfortunately
of their forebears, but perhaps some
no longer as competitive compared
knowledge of industry heritage may be
to historical achievements.
of occasional value.
However, the reward of extensive
In October 2018, I commenced penning
investment in research has
a manuscript focussing primarily on
transformed the technology
Sunraysia’s dried fruit annals from the
of production and enabled the
1930s forward.
remaining growers to adopt significant mechanisation of key operational components.
Dried Fruits Australia’s (DFA) library of the association journals, minutes, annual reports and comprehensive
The ADFA’s 2007 publication of A
press clippings offer a key resource in
Century of Challenges delivers an
tackling the task.
excellent narrative and pictorial telling of the key milestones of the industry’s journey.
My target audience will be readers with an interest in the strength of rural organisation and accomplishment. The account’s final destiny will hinge on its appraisal by my peers. v Opposite page: Retired grower Dick Johnstone working on his manuscript of Sunraysia’s dried fruit history. Middle: Historical images from the ADFA publication A Century of Challenges. Bottom: Dick Johnstone working at his Irymple property with son Ashley about 15 years ago.
These appear to be sufficient for my needs, but I applaud DFA’s preservation of the detailed archives.
There remains, however, a need to recount some of the vast array of stories that made dried fruit so prominent above other horticultural undertakings. Issues as diverse as initiating and heading international consortiums, to embryonic activism on over allocation of irrigation waters provide telling historical lessons.
VINE MAGAZINE 35
CLIMATE
Australia’s warmest & driest year on record A new report by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has confirmed the lived experience of many agricultural communities – that 2019 was Australia’s driest and hottest year on record. The annual climate statement revealed Australia’s average mean temperature in 2019 was 1.52 °C above average, making it the warmest on record since consistent national temperature records began in 1910 and surpassing the previous record in 2013 of 1.33 °C above average. The national average rainfall total last year was 277 mm – the lowest since consistent national records began in 1900. The previous record low was 314 mm, set during the federation drought in 1902.
VIC
NSW
QLD
Victoria’s fifth-warmest year on record, with the state’s mean temperature 1.05°C above average
Warmest and driest year for New South Wales
Sixth-warmest year on record for Queensland, with the mean temperature 1.27°C above average
Tenth-driest year on record, with rainfall below average for most of the state, and well below average in the north and over Gippsland
Mean temperature 1.95°C above average, exceeding the previous record from 2018 by almost 0.3°C
Persistently dry in southeast Queensland, with many sites having their driest year
36 VINE MAGAZINE
CLIMATE
National Farmers’ Federation
“January last year was the warmest
and New South Wales during spring,
president Fiona Simson said there was
month Australia has ever recorded,
amplifying the fire weather.”
no escaping the challenges of the past
while in December we saw the
12 months, with an escalation in the
Australia-wide record hottest daily
long-running drought bookended by
average maximum temperature broken
devastating floods and fires.
multiple days in a row.
Despite present challenges, Fiona
“At the same time, rainfall deficiencies
likely to occur, while the trend in recent
believes the future for agriculture
across large parts of eastern
decades has been for drier winter and
remained bright.
Australia have continued to increase,
spring seasons in the south.”
“It’s been a sobering start to the 20s for Australian agriculture, but I’m confident the coming decade will be an exciting one for our industry,” she said. “How we support our farmers to rebound from these challenges will
unfortunately exacerbating both drought conditions and the current bushfires.” Karl said multiple factors had influenced Australia’s weather patterns in 2019.
dictate our success over the next
“Most of this year, Australia’s
10 years.
climate has been dominated by
“It’s critical we invest now to capture the growth potential of Australian agriculture.” BoM head of climate monitoring Dr Karl Braganza said the record warm and dry year was one of the key factors influencing recent and current fire conditions in large parts of the country.
a very strong positive Indian Ocean dipole, which acted to both warm and dry Australia’s landscape, particularly from around the middle
“The other key factor at play is that Australia’s climate has warmed by more than a degree since 1910, which means very warm years like 2019 are now more
According to the BoM, some of the key drivers of recent warm and dry patterns over Australia have eased. As a result, rainfall for the coming months is expected to be average to below average in the east, while wetter than average conditions are possible much of WA and SA. However, temperatures are likely to remain warmer than average over the rest of summer.
of the year,” he said.
“It’s important the community remains
“We also saw the influence of a rare
fire days this summer, particularly
sudden stratospheric warming event high above the south pole, which acted to push our weather systems
vigilant to the risk of more heat and given how dry the country has been over the past 12 months,” Karl said. v For long-range weather
“2019 was consistently warm, but it
northward and compound the
was bookended by periods of
warmer and drier than average
and climate information,
extreme heat,” Karl said.
conditions over southern Queensland
visit: www.bom.gov.au/climate
WA
SA
NT
Warmest and second-driest year on record for Western Australia
Driest and second-warmest year on record for South Australia
Second-warmest year on record for the Northern Territory
Severe tropical cyclone Veronica in March brought significant rainfall along the Pilbara coast and adjacent inland
South Australia’s mean temperature was 1.45°C above average
Rainfall well below average for most of the Northern Territory away from the Queensland border
VINE MAGAZINE 37
PROFILE
Profile Anthony Cirillo
Anthony Cirillo’s advocacy for the table grape industry and the Sunraysia region does not go unheard.
with a wealth of farming knowledge
of the opening of new export markets,
and a commitment to innovation in
new varieties and better growing
sustainable farming practices, Anthony
techniques – the industry has grown to
found some time in his busy schedule
an extremely large scale, which we all
to answer a few questions.
should be proud of.
A passionate spokesperson for the
How long have you been in
Where do you see the industry going?
industry, Anthony is a table grape
the industry?
producer with a commitment to sustainable growing practices, and a Mildura Rural City councillor, with the environment and farming sustainability portfolio. A family man with a wife, Vittoria, and three young children, Anthony is the director of Aquila Produce.
I see the industry continuing to
All my life. As a kid I spent a lot of
grow and out-compete our southern
time on the farm with my grandfather,
hemisphere competitors.
father, uncle and cousins. Our family has been farming for four generations, starting out as many others did in the dried fruit industry, then slowly converting to table grapes from the 1980s. Now our farms
What do you love about the industry? Lifestyle and the challenges; no two seasons are the same. Is there anything unique that your business or you individually are looking
A grower and exporter of a number of
are 100 per cent grown for fresh
into, in terms of innovation?
table grape varieties, Aquila Produce
table grapes.
We’re quite innovative on the export
Is your family involved too?
scene – we put a lot of attention into
before transitioning to table grapes.
Yes, currently I work the farming
Since then, the family owned and run
business with my father, Vince, and
the future in my opinion. We also
business has grown from strength
two brothers, Bruno and Mark and
to strength.
their families.
In November, Anthony utilised his
How things have changed
platform further to become elected as
over the years?
was established in the 1980s, and started out growing dried raisins
a Victorian delegate of the Australian Table Grape Association board. As a fresh new voice to the board,
38 VINE MAGAZINE
growing our export markets, which is have our own marketing arm of the business from which we trade fruit from other growers. v
I have seen the industry evolve from something quite niche and small, compared to now, where – on the back
Above: Anthony Cirillo with his wife Vittoria and three children at their property.
COMMUNITY
International conference The International Seedless Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference was held in Mildura from 6–8 November 2019. Read more about the conference on pages 10 and 14.
BOARD
Mark King (Chair) Producer, Pomona
David Swain Sunbeam Foods
Tony Martin (Deputy Chair)
Grant Leyden Sunbeam Foods
Producer, Merbein
Craig Greenwood
Jenny Treeby Producer, Red Cliffs
Australian Premium Dried Fruits
Stephen Bennett Producer, Merbein
Michael Scalzo
Warren Lloyd Producer, Irymple
Australian Premium Dried Fruits
Luke Lory Producer, Loxton
Valentina Tripp Murray River Organics
Ashley Johnstone Producer, Irymple
Stuart McNab Murray River Organics
John Argiro (Chair), Victoria
Adrian Cordoma Victoria
Jeremy Boyd (Deputy chair), Victoria
Anthony Cirillo Victoria
Vince Dimasi (Executive delegate), Victoria
Joe Gareffa New South Wales
Richard Lomman (Executive delegate),
Peter Nuich Western Australia
Northern Territory
Mark Leng Queensland
David Agg South Australia
BOARD
Nick Muraca Victoria Rocky Mammone Victoria
Disclaimer: Dried Fruits Australia, the Australian Table Grape Association and Hort Innovation acknowledge contributions made by private enterprise through placement of advertisements in this publication. Acceptance of these contributions does not endorse or imply endorsement of any product or service advertised by contributors and we expressly disclaim all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in the Vine. Reliance on any information provided in the Vine is entirely at your own risk. Dried Fruits Australia, the Australian Table Grape Association and Hort Innovation are not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way, including from any person’s negligence or otherwise, or from reliance on information contained in the Vine, or your use or non-use of the material. Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2020. Copyright subsists in the Vine. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) owns the copyright, other than as permitted under the Copyright ACT 1968 (Cth). The Vine (in part or as a whole) cannot be reproduced, published, communicated or adapted without the prior written consent of Hort Innovation and both ATGA and DFA.
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