Ready
Dual weight ranging compact scale
Robust and reliable, the light-weight Japanese designed IPC series of compact scales can withstand rough conditions to produce accurate weight results, and runs on only two D-size batteries Dual range weighing improves weighing data, and has a large LCD screen for easy reading and a helpful battery ‘save’ function. The IPC comes in 3kg, 6kg, 15kg and 30kg weighing models, with a water proof model also available.
Trade approved and certified National Measurement Institute (NMI) approved for trade within Australia and C-Tick Compliant.
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: admin@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au
W: www.driedfruitsaustralia.org.au
Australian Table Grape Association
P: 0438 316 339
E: tmilner@atga.net.au
W: www.australiangrapes.com.au
Editorial committee:
DFA Thomas Cheung, Megan Frankel-Vaughan
ATGA Jeff Scott, Terryn Milner
Design: Kylie Norton Design Printing: Sunnyland Press
Cover photo: The Australian dried grape industry will be mapped as part of a new initiative. Image: Megan Frankel-Vaughan
© Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2025
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.
New season’s promise
There’s optimism among the dried grape and table grape industries.
As fruit is delivered to processors and growers finalise their seasons, early dried grape crop forecasts more than double that of two years ago.
On that note, DFA will host a three-day course in June with nutrition farming leader Graeme Sait, who will share key information about how growers can optimise yields and reduce production issues.
For table grape growers, volumes are set to be higher than the 186,000-odd tonnes produced last season. Exporters are optimistic following trade events,
and a new five-year
Table Grapes Dried Grapes
Combined Industries Prunes
Dried Tree Fruit
Dried grapes on the map
NEW PROJECT TO RECORD INDUSTRY DETAIL
A new project mapping
Australian dried grape plantings will aim to build a database for the industry, creating its most detailed and up-todate snapshot to date.
Dried grapes will join the avocado, banana, citrus, macadamia, and olive industries in Hort Innovation’s Australian Tree Crop Map project. The project aims to geographically identify and map fundamental industry information such as variety, planting date, management, and productivity.
The project also aims to help safeguard the industries by allowing first responders and authorities to
quickly plan protection zones during pest and disease incursions.
Delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the University of New England’s (UNE) Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC) in partnership with the Future Food Systems CRC, the new tool marks an expansion of the Australian Tree Crop Map.
The Australian Tree Crop Map services eight industries and also boasts market access, traceability, yield forecasting, carbon storage, regeneration, and drought resilience applications.
University of New England senior researcher Dr Craig Shephard said the map was becoming a cornerstone for biosecurity monitoring.
“The Australian Tree Crop Map, created to Australian mapping
standards and freely available for industry use, is rapidly advancing as a benchmark for industry-wide spatial data adoption. This data is critical for early biosecurity detection, risk assessment, and response coordination,” Dr Shephard said.
“In this next phase, we’re expanding the map to include cherries, lychees, dried fruit, and summerfruit, while also enhancing it with additional data such as variety, planting date, and management practices. This will enable tailored biosecurity strategies for different industries.”
Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung said gathering industrywide data had been a priority and task the industry had been trying to achieve for years.
STORY
“The platform this project provides will be invaluable for our industry in terms of data gathering, new variety development, disaster management and crop forecasting,” he said.
“Importantly, it also offers potential in the areas of pest and disease management, weather alerts and yield and productivity management.”
Thomas said prioritising the collection of data would bring the dried grape industry in line with other industries in terms of having reliable data that industry can use.
Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield emphasised the critical role of the map in supporting biosecurity preparedness and response.
“The Australian Tree Crop Map has repeatedly proven its worth,
particularly in the face of biosecurity challenges like the Varroa Mite incursion,” said Mr Fifield.
“With its ability to quickly pinpoint areas of concern, the map is an essential tool in managing biosecurity risks and equipping the industry with the timely data needed for an effective response.”
This collation of information will directly assist market access, traceability, biosecurity responsiveness, yield forecasting, carbon storage, regeneration and drought resilience.
Research provider University of New England has engaged dried grape producer Stephen Bennett to collect the crop information from the Australian dried grape industry.
The base layer of information – including dried grape planting
locations – will be openly accessible, while the second layer of information – including varieties and yield – will be accessible to industry only.
“Other than DFA, which has the overall management of the data in a professional and responsible way, only individual growers can get access to their own property data in a highly confidential way,” Thomas said.
Check out the current map, which will soon include dried grapes, here:
New award for dried fruit industry
RECOGNISING OUR INNOVATORS AND GAMECHANGERS
The Australian dried fruit industry has moved to recognise the individuals who have built and progressed the industry.
The industry’s peak body, Dried Fruits Australia (DFA), will introduce a new award – the Industry Contribution Award – at this year’s Mildura Field Days in May.
DFA has been associated with the Mildura Field Days for more than 70 years.
The industry previously recognised growers who produced each season’s best quality fruit as part of the industry’s Quality Awards.
After a transition period, the industry has moved to the new-format Top Crop Awards, recognising growers who produced the highest value crop per hectare, using tonnages and grading based on known base-level pricing.
These awards are typically announced and presented in the second half of the year.
But the industry is well aware that much of its continued success is attributable to the people who have contributed their knowledge, ideas, skills and time for the good of the Australian dried grape industry.
It’s those innovators and changemakers that the industry aims to recognise while continuing its long association with Mildura Field Days.
“We know that there are people in the dried grape community who have made extraordinary contributions to our industry – both over decades and more recently,” DFA CEO Thomas Cheung said.
“While these people don’t make these contributions for reward, it
is important that their work and dedication are acknowledged.
“Without these people, the industry would not be what it is today.”
Thomas said the industry had a rich history, and it was important that people’s contributions to it were not only recorded, but lauded more broadly.
“This industry has a reputation for innovation, sharing of information and an openness among growers that helps all dried fruit producers to progress together,” he said.
“We’re calling for nominations for people who have made or are making meaningful and outstanding contributions to the dried grape industry.
“These could be current or past growers, industry personnel, or people who worked behind the scenes.”
The award will be called the Industry Contribution Award and will be judged by a panel of DFA Board members.
To nominate a person for the inaugural award, please visit driedfruitsaustralia.org.au and fill out the form on the events page.
Nominations close on 24 April 2025.
A presentation will be made at the Mildura Field Days, which will be held 16 and 17 May at 53 Racecourse Road, Nichols Point.
Top: A showcase of dried fruit mechanical pruning at last year’s Mildura Field Days.
Bottom: A dried fruit machine display at a gadget day in 1960.
Sunraysia rolls out red carpet
FOR KEY BUYERS AMID TRADE MISSION
Sunraysia’s table grape industry recently played host to around 40 buyers from key Asian markets as part of a Victorian Government horticulture inbound trade mission.
Delegates spent four days exploring Victoria's premier horticulture growing regions, including two days in Sunraysia.
The delegates, who were from China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India, visited six Sunraysia table grape producers and exporters. Each of the producer-exporters approached the farm and pack house
visits in a unique way, showcasing the diverse nature of the industry.
Delegates appreciated the time spent with growers, especially during their busiest time of the year, and were impressed by the range of available varieties on offer.
Sunraysia delivered perfect weather for an exploration of the region. A warm and sunny welcome – paired with the sights and sounds of the vine-covered landscape, bustling pack houses, and cool rooms – set the scene for the twoday visit. Delegates saw firsthand how Australian grapes are grown, harvested and exported around the world.
A standout moment came on Monday, 10 February, with a networking
event aboard the PV Mundoo, which offered river vistas and further cemented the pristine qualities of the production region.
More than 20 table grape and citrus export businesses connected with the delegates, strengthening existing relationships and forging new ones. Hosted by the Australian Table Grape Association and Citrus Australia, the event was supported by Hort Innovation using table grape and citrus research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government. The timing of the trade mission – during the peak harvest period –provided a prime opportunity for table grape businesses to build
or enhance connections and see commercial outcomes this season.
Despite many growers and exporters having full harvest calendars, a large number of table grape and citrus producers, exporters and marketers were involved in the farm visits, business matching or networking events across the two days in Sunraysia.
Producers and exporters in attendance were enthusiastic about the success of the trade mission, including its timing, delegates and the markets they represented, and exposure of the region and industry at large.
Many delegates expressed strong interest in expanding their markets with Australian table grapes, further cementing Sunraysia’s reputation as a global player in horticulture. v
Thomas Marciano of Yummy Grapes / Grape Innovation:
“It was a really beneficial experience. The quality of the buyers this year was great, and we were able to make new connections. The timing of this year’s trade mission was perfect and meant the connections we made could translate to real-time commercial successes, rather than just contacts for the future.”
Dominic Sergi of SergiFresh:
“It was good, I think everyone would have got something out of the night. We reconnected with some previous contacts. It was great to highlight the region as well.”
Michael Pitrone, Divinely Fresh / Grapeland:
“It’s extremely valuable having these opportunities. Bringing the delegates on-farm during the season and all together in one group provided them with great exposure to the Australian table grape industry – in an efficient way. A lot of the delegates we were already working with or had some correspondence, but we did also make some new contacts. The Australian industry has a wide range of varieties on offer, so it was great to have the buyers on-farm, taste many of the available varieties and get a sense of what their differences and characteristics are.”
Growing optimism for strong harvest
A note from our chair Harvest is upon us and this year looks to be a better year than the last couple.
The hot day in late December caused damage in some varieties. For me, it was the Sunmuscat that was the worst, but it will be interesting to see how it all ends up.
Queensland fruit fly has also been an issue in some areas, and appears to be a growing problem.
For those who started their control program early in September, it was successful and Qfly wasn’t as big a problem, so the secret is to start your control plan early.
Last year was a busy one for DFA on the marketing scene, with trips to China, Germany and England, and hosting many visits from China, Germany and USA all looking for product from Australia after low yields around the world.
Once again it is a shame that we don't have the volume to meet the demand.
Demand for dried fruit has grown around the world because of the low crops from Turkey and the USA in particular as these two countries usually account for 50 per cent of the total world supply.
Prices around the world have increased because demand is greater
than supply, this can be seen in the supermarkets and at the farm gate.
At time of writing this, the weather looks like it will be a good drying year and fruit maturity is a couple of weeks ahead, so there is no reason why all the varieties couldn’t be cut and drying by the end of February.
Remember to have a look at the best practice guide as there are some handy points to have a successful harvest.
Wishing everyone the best of luck!
News from our CEO
The excellent spring budburst built a strong foundation for a fruitful 2025 crop across all varieties.
The overall crop has been developing well, with no major impact from frost, mildew or sunburn.
The current favourable weather conditions accelerate the harvest season, with both the yield and quality of the 2025 crop looking promising at this stage.
We are expecting a 20 to 30 per cent increase in volume compared to last year.
Market conditions continue to be favourable, underpinned by short supply worldwide, coupled with weakening Aussie dollar, reinforcing optimism
Mark King | Chair
for a successful 2025 season ahead.
Last year was a very busy and productive year at DFA, making big progress in some key strategic areas, including new variety development, R&D innovation, communication, pest and disease management, GrapeWeb, GrapeWatch and promotion of dried grape industry and products to overseas markets.
We are already ready and excited for 2025, as great news from early of this year: DFA has been approved for a DAFF Export Market Development Grant in 2006 and 2007.
This will assist to fund our industry promotion program – spreading the word of our industry, our farmers and our unique products to the world.
We are also working on a number of significant new projects with Hort Innovation to elevate our industry to another level in terms of R&D innovation, communication and promotion.
Our DFA strategic planning review session was conducted by the DFA board directors and trustees back in December.
This will reinforce the correct path and direction our industry is heading, ensuring priorities are clearly set and resources are there to achieve set goals.
Wishing all producers a very successful harvest season! v
Thomas Cheung | CEO
Prepare for next season with pest records
Anecdotal reports of large numbers of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) caught in both lure and bait traps have tapered away since about mid-January, likely due to the combined effects of baiting and the high temperatures the region has been experiencing.
Qfly are sensitive to warmer temperatures, seeking shelter when the temperature gets closer to 40C and experiencing serious stress at higher temperatures.
If bait traps were being used, now is probably a good point to consider where all the Qfly came from.
In other words, were the trapped numbers in one part of the property greater and then became more or less uniform across the property as the season progressed?
Keeping accurate records would help answer that question, and would be a good guide to planning next season’s control program.
Targeted monitoring will help identify when and where baiting programs need to be started and sited.
Post-cutting vine care
It’s easy to forget that after the bearers have been cut the canopy left on the non-fruiting side of cordon trained dried vine fruit production systems still needs to be fully functional. It will use water as the leaves turn carbon dioxide into sugar.
The sugars produced by the remaining canopy are the basis of the starch (aka
carbohydrate) stored in the new shoots that will be the replacement bearers, and in the cordon, trunk and roots.
The sugars being produced during this period also help drive root activity.
If the leaves slow down or stop transpiring due to a lack of water in the rootzone, sugar production by the leaves will be lower or cease completely.
The upshot of this is that less starch is stored over winter and so less starch is available to be mobilised in spring to support shoot and inflorescence development until the point that leaves start exporting carbohydrates.
Given that the cordon-based system is based on the production of healthy shoots growing in the sun to become next season’s highly fruitful bearers, on strong inflorescence development and a functional canopy to grow and mature many bunches each with many berries, getting everything past bud burst off to a good start seems desirable.
So, attention to the vines’ water demands post-cutting is worth serious consideration.
Water storages
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s water storage report released late January indicates reasonable amounts of water in the Dartmouth (88 per cent) but the Hume is down to 43 per cent; these being the major dams that feed the Murray.
Predicting winter in-flows and then next season’s allocations are both pretty risky, but consideration of how much water might be available given what is known now should be a good impetus for irrigators to check water accounts to see how many ML of water have
been used to date in what could be described as a warm irrigation season.
Add to that number a rough stab at how much will be needed through to leaf fall; mindful, of course, that about half or a bit more of the canopy is out of the equation as soon as the bearers are cut.
Assuming usage will be similar next year, compare that sum to the sum of whatever carryover is likely to be available at the start of the next irrigation season and how many ML would be available if allocations were cut to, say, 75 per cent or 50 per cent.
That exercise might show that there is scope for selling a bit of temporary water now or next season or identify a need to purchase some temporary water next season. v
Michael Treeby Industry Development Officer 03 5023 5174
projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au
Season and projects progress well
News from our CEO Harvest is well underway across Sunraysia, and the industry is seeing an excellent season with high yields and outstanding fruit quality.
Growers are reporting strong production levels, and the consistent warm weather has helped ensure that fruit maturity, colour, and sugar levels are meeting market expectations.
The quality of this year’s crop is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our growers, and it positions Australian table grapes well for both domestic and international markets.
Several trade missions and official delegations have already taken place in Sunraysia, attracting key
international buyers, importers, retailers, and officials. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest in Australian table grapes from key Asian markets. These inbound missions provide a valuable opportunity to showcase the quality and reliability of our industry, allowing buyers to see firsthand the production process and supply chain efficiencies that set Australian grapes apart. Importers continue to highlight Australia’s reputation for delivering high-quality fruit with strong food safety standards, and these trade engagements reinforce long-term relationships that are critical for market growth. You can read more about the recent inbound mission on pages 8-9.
The traceability project is progressing well, with significant developments in the system that will allow end-to-end tracking of fruit from the vine to the
consumer. This initiative is an important step in ensuring market confidence and providing greater transparency in the supply chain. While there has been some scepticism from parts of the industry, the benefits of traceability in protecting market access, improving biosecurity, and meeting consumer demand for verified produce are clear. We will continue to work with growers to address concerns and ensure that the system delivers practical benefits while maintaining a streamlined approach to implementation.
On the international front, promotional activities are set to be in full swing, with events scheduled in most of our key export markets. These activities will focus on in-store promotions, media engagement, and strategic partnerships with retailers to drive consumer demand. With Australian table grapes entering highly competitive markets, it is essential that we maintain strong promotional support to differentiate our product and reinforce its premium positioning. Read more about the international marketing program on pages 12-13.
As the season progresses, growers are reminded of the importance of diligent pest monitoring and responsible chemical use. Ensuring compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs) for specific countries remains a critical factor in maintaining market access. Export markets have strict requirements, and adherence to protocols is non-negotiable to avoid trade disruptions. By continuing to uphold Australia’s reputation for safe, high-quality produce, the industry can build on its success and expand its reach in global markets. v
Above left: Several trade delegations have visited Sunraysia during the season, boosting the industry's profile.
Jeff Scott | CEO
Collaborative efforts driving production efficiency
As the season progressed from spring to summer, and Queensland fruit fly management became top of mind for producers again, we saw many examples of collaboration between not only horticulture producers, but also other industries.
Many producers started their surveillance, trapping and baiting programs earlier than in previous years, to be on the front foot against the pest.
The ATGA distributed another 2000 MAT cups, at cost price, throughout greater Sunraysia in early January 2025, following producers’ requests. This followed the successful first round distribution of MAT cups in October–November 2024. In total 25,000 MAT cups have been distributed. There has been interest in this initiative continuing in future seasons.
The extension team also facilitated a group of cross-industry producers to pilot and evaluate the usefulness of the collaborative sharing of trapping data to improve area-wide management, as highlighted on pages 8-9.
In collaboration with the table grape communications project, the team also added another video to its Bait like a Boss series. This video includes testimonials from producers across Australia, as they discuss baiting programs of the past and the future, exploring what worked, what didn’t, and what they would like to accomplish.
The team continues to explore possible causes of restricted spring growth (RSG) and has followed up on another line of enquiry looking into a pathogen already in Australia but not previously
found in table grapes. Leaf samples were collected from several properties across the region and sent for analysis in November 2024, however, based on the early results, the pathogen seems unlikely to cause RSG.
ATGA facilitated a webinar on biostimulants for agronomists, featuring Dr Patrick Brown, a worldrenowned plant nutrition scientist and lecturer at UC Davis (University of California). After positive feedback, the team is exploring hosting Dr Brown, to present in-person to producers in Sunraysia and online to other regions, during winter 2025. The team also collated information from table grape producers and
from the Australian nut and stone fruit industries on managing birds, which is now available on the ATGA website. We will be working closely with the communications project to upload many new and historic resources over the coming year.
The ATGA MRLs app is constantly updated with information. Recent changes included 15 new or updated MRLs for Indonesia, four updates for the USA and seven for Japan. Two new actives have been added to the list, however, being new these don’t have MRLs established yet in all markets. v
Building profits through soil health
COURSE TO BOOST INDUSTRY POTENTIAL
Dried Fruits Australia will this year bring renowned nutrition farming educator Graeme Sait to the growing region to teach producers how they can increase profitability while improving farm management.
The three-day course – Soil health and your wealth – profit building with minerals, microbes and humus – will include two theory workshop days and a final practical field day, with a focus on helping growers better understand the idea of productive balance in the soil and plant, to optimise yield and reduce pest issues.
Presenter Graeme Sait is a renowned educator and author of two books, hundreds of published articles and the Nutrition Matters blog.
Graeme created the Nutrition Farming Podcast, which now has 500,000 listeners in 72 countries, while his video series provides practical demonstrations of
regenerative principles.
He said grape producers could expect to discover the root causes of many of their production and crop quality issues at the course in June.
“We will discuss multiplenutrition farming problem solving strategies,” he said.
“From a business perspective, nutrition farming reduces input costs through precision nutrition and task specific, DIY, microbial inoculums. Improved quality and yield further increase financial rewards.”
The course will be open to all viticulture industries, and will be beneficial to both large and small scale producers.
Graeme’s team has trained more than 40,000 farmers and consultants around the world, and has much experience in vine crops, including consulting for French vineyard Romanee-Conti, which produces the most expensive wine in the world.
He said both large and small producers would benefit from the training coming to Mildura.
Graeme is based in Queensland, where
he delivers his courses and training.
Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung said bringing Graeme to Mildura, and heavily subsidising participant tickets, would give producers the opportunity to gain practical knowledge to use on their blocks without the added expense of travelling interstate.
The two theory days will be packed with information on a range of nutrition farming practices, while the practical day will include demonstrations of novel new crop and soil monitoring strategies, guidelines for on farm brewing of microbes, soil and leaf testing guidelines, compost making, nutrition programming, understanding microbial problem solvers and other strategies relative to addressing root causes rather than the ongoing, increasingly expensive treatment of symptoms.
The course will be open to all viticulture industries. Tickets cost $200 per person, and include refreshments and lunch on all three days.
To register, visit driedfruitsaustralia.org.au and fill out the details on the event page.
DAY ONE
The regenerative revolution. Recognising the change drivers – realising the change makers:
In this introductory presentation, you will discover the mechanics of a more sustainable, more profitable approach.
Carbon capture – the multiple benefits of harnessing humus:
Humus (organic matter) has recently been recognised as the single most important driver of farm profitability. It is a win-win situation when you are about to be paid for something which makes you more productive. Learn key strategies to protect and create soil humus and you will better understand why organic matter really matters.
SCAN TO BOOK NOW
Calcium, boron, silica – building the protective platform:
Calcium is immeasurably important in crop nutrition, but it is negatively impacted on multiple fronts. Boron is the trace mineral powerhouse that also allows calcium to perform its many roles. Silicon is the cellstrengthening immune elicitor that works in concert with calcium and boron for crop protection, quality and resilience. Here you will learn multiple strategies to manage this trio.
Microbe management – understanding your invisible workforce:
Most things you do on the farm will impact your microbe workforce. The goal here is to make that impact more positive than negative. Discover the key players in the soil food web and how they are best managed.
Foliar feeding – problem solving and fast-tracking productivity with the direct route:
Foliar feeding offers 10-12 times more efficiency with nutrient delivery. Discover how, when, and why you can use foliar to great effect.
The magic and myth of cover cropping:
Learn why multi-species cover-cropping has gained such global popularity in such a short time. The most important principle in nature is biodiversity. Nature loves “the more the merrier”. Our choice to grow monocultures is actually scientifically flawed.
Nutrition farming essentials – seven key inputs for the regenerative farm:
Humates, kelp, amino acids, micronised minerals, triacontanol, wood vinegar and compost extracts are fertility building essentials. Discover how and why to use these tools.
DAY TWO
NPK revelations:
The most misused and abused trio in agriculture is hugely important. Often this abuse fuels more chemical requirements, so there is great value in improving NPK management. In this informative session you will discover the secrets of how to better utilize NPK to optimise efficiency and profit.
Microbial inocula – DIY living fertiliser:
Discover how to multiply or extract key microbial workers to boost yield, manage disease, and improve soil health. Learn the dynamics of BAM, compost extracts, bacillus blends, protozoa brews and on-farm manufacture of trichoderma.
Understanding your soil test:
Your soil is the essence of your business success and it is critical that you know how to read and interpret your soil test. Blindly accepting advice from those with vested interests, is not a good plan. Here you will understand key terms, ideal levels, suitable correctives, and you will learn how to program your own soil and crop nutrition.
Trace mineral magic:
Gain invaluable insights into the key roles of the seven trace minerals. Learn how best to address imbalances and the respective value of various application techniques (seed treatment, foliar, fertigation etc).
Mineral management and disease – getting back to root causes:
The ongoing treatment of symptoms is a hiding to nothing. You will discover that many diseases and pests have a nutrition link – that’s why we call it nutrition farming. Solve the problem, reduce your stress, and increase your productivity.
Task-specific inoculums:
Microbial inocula can solve many of our issues, ranging from disease, soil structure, nitrogen supply and even insect management. Learn how to use these problem-solving microbes and, when and why to use them.
Where to from here:
Key tips to begin your regenerative journey, and Q&A. v
Building confidence and boosting our brand
As a new season of Australian table grape exports begins, international marketing efforts are underway.
The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) conducted several pre-season briefings in key markets, allowing exporters, growers, and stakeholders to engage directly with importers and retailers. These events, combined with an exciting new branding strategy and marketing program, funded by Hort Innovation through grower marketing levies, set the stage for the current promotional season. The marketing program will focus on promotions, marketing and activations in seven target markets.
Building confidence and expanding relationships
The ATGA organised pre-season briefings in Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand to update importers and retailers on the season’s conditions and showcase the
diverse range of high-quality grapes Australian growers can supply.
“Our goal with these pre-season briefings was to not only update importers on the season but also to inspire confidence and encourage them to place larger orders and try different varieties throughout the season”, said Jesse White, ATGA international marketing manager. “It’s about opening doors for growth, building relationships, and ensuring our growers can meet the demand of these important markets.”
More than 166 representatives from over 70 retailers and importers attended events in the four markets. Several exporters attended in each of the markets as well. The events were also supported by key federal and state government agencies such as Austrade, Global Victoria, Trade & Investment WA, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The briefings offered direct engagement opportunities between Australian exporters and local buyers, ensuring alignment on seasonal and market conditions and consumer trends
“During the retail tours, we could actually see competitor fruit on the shelves and get a better understanding of the market conditions,” Jesse said. “These insights are invaluable in shaping our approach, and making sure Australian grapes meet consumer expectations.”
Fresh look for the Australian Grapes brand
An important component of the first year of the five-year levy-funded project involved a refresh of the Australian Grapes brand. Localisation of the logo, clear communication of provenance and strong emphasis on the unique selling proposition of Australian grapes were key factors involved in the rebranding process.
“We’ve focused on refreshing and repurposing a brand that reflects the quality and history of Australian table grapes but will also ensure that consumers in key markets can instantly identify the product,” Jesse said. “The brand elements are designed to work effectively across
various retail settings and have longevity over the next 3-5 years.”
The updated branding includes a new typeface, a tailored colour palette, and localised language translations for five different languages, in addition to English. These elements will be incorporated into packaging and point-of-sale materials, ensuring the brand stands out on shelves and resonates with local consumers.
Growers and exporters will also be able to access a suite of resources, including point-of-sale assets and co-branding templates, available on the ATGA website shortly.
Marketing tactics
Marketing and promotional activities are set to ramp up with a multifaceted approach that includes retailer promotions, trade marketing, and public relations activations.
The ATGA’s marketing strategy will focus on driving consumer awareness and increasing sales through a combination of in-store promotions, trade marketing initiatives, and high-profile activations.
eLearning platform: supporting retail education
The table grape eLearning platform, developed by Hort Innovation, will be a valuable part of the marketing activities. This platform is designed to educate retail staff about the benefits and handling of Australian table grapes.
“The eLearning platform is a great tool for empowering retail staff, ensuring they understand the value of Australian grapes and can communicate that knowledge effectively to consumers,” Jesse said.
Upon completion, participants receive certification from the ATGA, recognising their competence in dealing with Australian table grapes.
A bright future for Australian Grapes
Pre-season briefings, refreshed branding, and a comprehensive marketing program have set the Australian table grape industry up for a strong promotional season.
By focusing on market insights, direct engagement, and education, the industry continues to position itself for continued growth in key international markets.
ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said it was a “true industry-wide effort” that such an extensive program could be delivered for industry.
“The collaboration between the ATGA, Hort Innovation, growers, and exporters has been essential,” Jeff said.
“The structure of the international marketing program is valuable because, through engaging with industry, Hort Innovation, and other agencies – both in development and implementation – we’ve been able to deliver a comprehensive program aligned with market needs, positioning us well for the next few years of the project.”
As the season progresses, the ATGA will continue to support Australian exporters and growers with the tools and insights to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. v
Storm impacts prune crop estimate
PRUNE INDUSTRY UPDATE
Australia’s promising prospects for the 2024/25 prune crop were jolted by severe storm damage during December.
On Saturday 7 December, a severe storm hit Griffith, but it was Yoogali, Bilbul and Yenda to the north-east which bore the brunt of the storm.
The storm front produced strong winds, hail and heavy rain, which left a massive trail of destruction.
Affected growers reported that winds were like a mini tornado and reached 115km/h, while hail caused major skin damage to fruit and some fruit drop.
Another storm front passed through Coleambally and Hanwood and caused some minor damage.
Australian Prune Industry Association (APIA) chairman Michael Zalunardo was one of the affected growers.
He said many prune trees in the region had been uprooted or required stabilisation.
“Those trees that remain have also lost their production potential. Limbs have been sheared off, and fruit dropped or damaged by the hail,” he said.
At a recent Hort Innovation Prune Strategic Industry Advisory Panel (SIAP) meeting, members discussed the impact of the storm and suggested total prune production was likely to be reduced by 10-15 per cent this year.
“This brings the latest forecast for the 2025 Australian prune crop to 2000 tonnes,” Michael said.
“It’s disappointing for those growers that were affected by the storm, but the 2000t estimate is consistent with production figures over the past five years, which
show average total production to be 2042t and average graded production (to 90s count) of 1752t.”
Disaster assistance
APIA has urged all growers that were affected by the storm, regardless of the level of damage, to complete the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessments (PiNDDA) survey, which is available on the NSW DPIRD website (dpi.nsw. gov.au/emergencies/emergency/ community/primary-industriesnatural-disaster-damage-survey).
Michael said it was important for the
government to understand the scale and impact of this natural disaster on the industry if they were to consider offering disaster assistance, and this could only be achieved through completing the survey and providing photographic evidence.
APIA has also written to local and Federal MPs seeking support for appropriate assistance to be provided to affected growers and ensure that both the NSW Agriculture Minister and the Federal Minister for Agriculture are fully informed about the widespread storm damage caused to the prune industry and other horticulture industries on 7 December.
ESTIMATED WORLD PRUNE PRODUCTION
Global supplies
For those growers that do have fruit, Australia’s International Prune Association (IPA) delegate Tony Toscan said global prune supplies were reasonably well balanced.
“World prune consumption was estimated to be just under 200,000t in 2023/24 (Table 1),” he said.
“China has recently joined IPA but has not been included in the tables to date. Reports indicate China is a large producer of plums, but the majority of production is sold fresh, with about 50,000t of prunes (dried) produced annually and used domestically.”
Prune R&D update
Meanwhile, Australia’s prune research capacity has been given a boost.
“The industry recently received advice from Hort Innovation about additional matched funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), which resulted in a special one-off contribution to the prune R&D levy fund of $155,195,” Michael said.
“This is a significant boost to
our levy income, equivalent to about five years of average levy contributions by prune growers.
“The ideation forum was a great opportunity to explore the observations and learnings from the recent international study tour and to encourage a generation of ideas to help set R&D priorities for the investment of the industry’s R&D levy.”
Suggestions for further research included:
1. Control of fruit bats
2. Energy savings in drying
3. Dehydration designs – efficient, uniformity of trays, labour, less gas, different fuels
4. Pruning techniques
5. Consumer messaging – peer review of health benefits and flavour attributes
The Prune SIAP met recently and further discussed the wide range of topics (as listed above) put forward by members and, as a result, Hort Innovation is now preparing potential project proposals for further consideration by the Prune SIAP.
Promotion update
APIA is currently planning the promotion program to be undertaken in 2025 and has reviewed last year’s program, which included three large promotional activities during May-July 2024:
- PBC expo Sydney
- Naturally Good Sydney
- PBC expo Melbourne
About 10,000 people attended each expo, with larger numbers in Melbourne.
The interest in the prune stand was extremely encouraging from a producer standpoint and it was encouraging to see younger people approaching the stand.
A push towards healthy whole foods is seeing them add prunes to their diet.
Promotional activities in 2025 are likely to include attendance at one or two similar expos. v
Taking aim at fruit fly
INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE AREA-WIDE MANAGEMENT
Table and dried grape producers are taking a united and proactive approach to Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) management across the Sunraysia region.
Data-sharing pilot
Industry bodies know that, anecdotally, grape producers are likely to start baiting for Qfly if they know fly numbers are increasing nearby.
Unfortunately, concerns about privacy have previously restricted the sharing of data from fruit fly traps located in the Sunraysia region, monitored by Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) and the Fruit Fly Murray Valley team. A pilot group of producers are sharing data from 34 RapidAIM traps to test the usefulness of data sharing.
The traps are located on properties in Irymple, Cardross, Iraak and Colignan.
The data share experiment goes further than just the properties where the AgVic traps are located because all the active members of a grower group in Nangiloc-Colignan will be able to see trap data from the RapidAIM traps, until mid-March.
Until now, there had been no mechanisms to access data from Qfly traps other than on growers’ own vineyards.
Peter Cottrell, from Cottrell Farms in Nangiloc, grows a variety of crops, including table grapes, citrus and avocados.
He said he chose to be involved in the pilot because of a realisation that Qfly was now part of farm
management, and there is a need for people to be proactive.
“We feel that the more people are proactive and doing something about it, the better it’s going to be for everybody,” Peter said.
“The trapping (with RapidAIM) gives us information that we can act on. It gives a bit more of an indication where the pressure is coming from, and at what time of year.
“We knew there was reasonably high pressure of fruit fly around there, which is proven to be true with the information (from the traps), but it has been interesting; the flies have mostly been coming from one direction. That’s the sort of information that can be handy.”
Peter said seeing how others were managing Qfly, and seeing the result of fewer flies, was both helpful and promising for the future of managing the issue across the district.
“It just goes to show how important it is. We know how to combat downy, powdery and botrytis – we’ve got strategies – and fruit fly has just got to be another one,” he said.
Fellow pilot participant, dried grape producer Ashley Johnstone, agreed.
“It’s important for industry to take a communal attitude towards this because it affects us all. We need to gain a better understanding of it,” he said.
“We should use every tool available and not be scared of admitting that you’ve got fruit fly on your property. It’s endemic. There’s some hesitancy among some to sharing information, but my view is we need to be sharing it, and work this thing out.”
The RapidAIM data-sharing pilot is testing the readiness of producers to take responsibility for area wide management, all closely watched by the peak industry bodies and Fruit Fly Murray Valley, as part of the transition of Qfly management from government to industry/growers/councils.
It will also demonstrate how a district can take responsibility for their fruit fly problem and instill an ethos of area wide management across commercial producers, plus engage residents in the small settlements in the NangilocColignan and Irymple areas.
If the data sharing model works, grower groups in other districts affected by Qfly might also consider sharing their trap data.
In addition to working collaboratively to monitor Qfly, growers and industry are also exploring new and novel technologies and techniques for managing the pest.
Improving delivery of Qfly bait
Growers are exploring how to improve the delivery of Qfly bait in an effort to save time and improve product efficiency.
A group of Sunraysia table grape and dried grape growers met late last year to share early design concepts for new technology to apply bait to a range of vineyard canopy types.
The goal is a baiting system that can:
- move through large areas quickly
- deliver a very targeted bait
- maximise the field life of the bait mixture.
Dominic Sergi, of Sergi Fresh, said he and other growers were looking outside the box of typical Qfly bait delivery to “find something easier to apply –and not have to touch it for longer”.
“Anything that can make bait delivery easier and quicker is very beneficial – we’re all time poor,” Dominic said. “Spray baiting isn’t something we can forget, it’s a key part of our management of Qfly, but as growers who are managing everything else we need to have greater capacity to do it effectively and efficiently.”
Release of parasitoids in Sunraysia to suppress Qfly
Agriculture Victoria is conducting research into the potential benefits of mass-releasing fruit fly parasitoids in Victoria.
AgVic previously conducted massreleases of fruit fly parasitoids in regional towns and cities in Sunraysia and the Goulburn Valley in 2021 and 2022, and is continuing its research into one particular species of parasitoid wasp.
Parasitoid wasps are beneficial insects that attack Qfly eggs and larvae developing within fruits. These beneficial insects inhabit Queensland and northern New South Wales, where they can significantly impact upon fruit fly populations, however, they are largely absent from Victoria.
Diachasmimorpha kraussii, the species in focus for future research, is native to Queensland. It appeared to perform better under Victorian conditions compared to other species in the 2021/22 releases.
A crucial question is how well parasitoids will establish in the Murray Valley in the long term. In
the summer of 2023, D. kraussii was found at two of the previous release sites, clearly demonstrating this species can overwinter in Victoria.
Research will continue monitoring the establishment and spread of Qfly parasitoids in and around
release sites, evaluating the impact these natural enemies are having on Qfly populations in Victoria.
Current research at AgVic on Qfly parasitoids is funded as part of Hort Innovation’s Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) program. v
Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook
2023/24
Out now!
The 2023/24 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook is out! Currently in its 11th edition, the Handbook’s data speaks to the strength and resilience of Australia’s horticulture industry. It provides a comprehensive
insight into 75 horticultural products including fruit, nuts, vegetables, nursery, turf, and cut flowers.
Take a look at the table grape and dried grape industry insights by scanning the QR code.
Industry insights:
Learning from the Top of the Crop
The dried fruit industry came together late last year to recognise Australia’s top dried fruit growers, and to hear directly from them about how they built their success.
The 2024 Top Crop Awards were presented at overall winner Allan Long’s Cardross property, which fellow dried grape growers and industry gathered under the vines to hear about how he managed to produce 14.79t/ha in his Selma Pete patch.
Dried Fruits Australia deputy chair Warren Lloyd presented the awards alongside industry development officer Michael Treeby.
Warren said the awards highlighted the top performing growers in the Australian industry, who could be justifiable proud of their achievements.
As has been the case for several years, the Australian industry has the demand for volumes of its high quality dried fruit, however has not got the supply.
The Top Crop Awards were introduced to reward, recognise and incentivise those producing high volumes, and to encourage others to do the same with the knowledge shared by top producers.
Allan has developed his own narrow row trellis system, a strong contributing factor to his success in producing high yields. The rows are spaced at about 7ft, rather than the traditional 11ft.
He spoke at the event about how the trellis system helps achieve a greater per hectare yield.
Other category winners, including Rod Trigg and Warren and Rowena Smart, highlighted their key elements to a winning crop: nutrition, water and disease control.
About 25 people attended the presentation and field walk event, where Allan took the group on a walk through his property, showcasing his Selma Pete grown on his own trellis system, custom machinery, as well as a planting of Murray Bold grown on a biennial trellis system. v
1. Allan Long among a patch grown on a pergola trellis system.
2. Warren and Rowena Smart won the Sunmuscat category with 11.17t/ha.
3. Allan Long shares how his patch of Selma Pete produced 14.79t/ha.
4. Dried Fruits Australia deputy chair Warren Lloyd and industry development officer Michael Treeby present overall winner Allan Long, centre, with his award.
5. Dried grape growers and industry gathered under the vines at Allan Long’s Cardross property to hear from him about how he managed to produce 14.79t/ha in his Selma Pete patch.
6. Rod Trigg receives his award for his Sunglo patch, which produced 11.51t/ha.
7. Emily Secur accepted the award for her family’s Sugra39, which produced 10.1t/ha.
2024 Top Crop
Award winners:
Selma Pete
Allan Long - 14.79t/ha
Sunglo
TriggsTrellis Supplies - 11.51t/ha
Sunmuscat
RJ & WN Smart - 11.17
Sugra39
M & O Secer Family Trust - 10.1t/ha
Currants
Gardner DJ & BJ - 13.73t/ha
Honourable mentions:
Sunglo
Hidden Brick Vineyards
- A & N Chabrel - 10.94t/ha
Sunmuscat
JW & JL Hunt - 10.72t/ha
Exploring new dormancy breakers for table grapes
Hydrogen cyanamide has long been a staple for initiating budburst in Australian table grape vineyards.
Dormancy breakers like hydrogen cyanamide can be crucial for ensuring healthy budburst and uniform flowering. However, as export markets phase out its use, and with potential health risks to spray operators, the table grape industry has been looking for viable alternatives that can provide consistent results.
The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) launched a demonstration trial in 2022 to explore potential replacement options as part of the Hort Innovation levy-funded table grape extension project. This twoseason study, conducted in a Crimson Seedless vineyard in Sunraysia, offers some useful insights.
The 2022-2024 dormancy breaker trial
The ATGA aimed to identify new dormancy breaker options by testing alternatives against hydrogen cyanamide, assessing the impact of these treatments on budburst, flowering, bunch
weight, yield and fruit quality.
The trial spanned two seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024) at a commercial vineyard in Red Cliffs, and was conducted in a randomised block design, with 78 treated vines, each surrounded by buffer vines, to ensure statistical soundness.
Thirteen treatments were applied using a backpack sprayer at a rate of 0.6L/vine in 2022. Nine treatments were continued in trial's second year. As most products are still in the process of being trialled and are not registered as dormancy breakers in table grapes in Australia, the names of treatments are not listed.
The ATGA hosted several open days for growers, agronomists, and service providers to see the trial at different production stages.
Assessment criteria
The trial measured four main parameters:
1. Budburst timing: Observations were made to see how quickly each treatment stimulated budburst.
2. Flowering uniformity: Uniform flowering is key for precise gibberellic acid treatments and consistent fruit set.
3. Bunch weight and yield: The weight of bunches and overall yield were measured at harvest to evaluate the treatments' effectiveness in promoting healthy vine growth.
4. Fruit quality: At harvest, berry weight, Brix, and bunch colour were also assessed.
Flowering assessments were made on 12 pre-selected and tagged inflorescences per vine. Budburst and flowering assessment referred to the BBCH scale for grapevine development (Lorenz, et al., 1994).
At harvest, four assessments were made:
- Total number of bunches per vine.
- Weight of each tagged bunch.
- Colour development of each bunch.
- Brix and berry weights.
Seasonal weather considerations
The weather during the trial years played a significant role in the results. Both 2022 and 2023 were warmer than the long-term average, meaning the vines did not accumulate the recommended chilling hours. This presented an opportunity to observe how well the dormancy breakers could compensate for insufficient
chilling, as budburst timing is naturally influenced by chilling hours.
Results: budburst, flowering, and yield
Budburst timing
In 2022, budburst occurred earliest in vines treated with hydrogen cyanamide and the “white” treatment. Other treatments, including water-only, showed no significant differences when compared to untreated vines.
In 2023, budburst timing was slightly advanced and relatively uniform across four treatments, including hydrogen
cyanamide, the untreated control, white, and orange/white/yellow.
Flowering uniformity
Flowering uniformity was a key focus, as it is essential for seasonal management. In 2022, white produced the most uniform flowering, closely followed by hydrogen cyanamide and the orange/white/yellow treatment. Other treatments, particularly the green/pink and orange, showed significant delays and extremely variable flowering (P<0.05).
In 2023, there were no significant differences in flowering stages between
hydrogen cyanamide and green, orange/ white/yellow, white or the untreated control. Flowering was less uniform and slightly delayed in vines treated using water-only, or blue or blue/white. The green/pink treatment had too few flowering bunches to assess.
Bunch weight and yield
In 2022, vines treated with hydrogen cyanamide produced significantly smaller bunches than vines in seven other treatments, including the untreated control, and a smaller yield than all other treatments except one (green).
SUMMARY OF TREATMENT CATEGORIES, TIMING AND APPLICATION
BUDBURST TIMING OF TREATMENTS, 2022 & 2023
The yellow-treated vines had the largest bunches and highest yield, though overall yields did not differ significantly from untreated vines. The treatment effect on bunch size seen at harvest 2023 was not as clear at harvest 2024. The blue treatment produced significantly smaller bunches than hydrogen cyanamide in 2024, but differences in bunch sizes between other treatments were not significant, and there were no differences between the yields.
There were differences between treatments in berry weights but these are assumed to have been an indirect consequence of bunch weights and yields rather than a direct effect of the treatment.
Maturity at harvest
Overall, berry maturity was most advanced and brix levels were most
consistent in vines treated with wateronly, hydrogen cyanamide, or white, or the orange/white/yellow treatments. Bunches from the blue/white, green and green/pink treatments showed a concerning degree of variability in berry maturity in their second year.
Takeaways
The trial suggests that some alternatives to hydrogen cyanamide, particularly the white treatment, show promise but require further investigation and trial before being registered for use in Australian table grape vineyards.
A key takeaway is that advanced budburst did not correlate with higher yields or improved fruit quality.
While there was an effect on flowering uniformity in 2022, this was less apparent in 2023. The treatment
effects were also inconsistent, with amino acid-based products performing differently despite similar chemistry.
Vine health should be carefully monitored when applying treatments over multiple seasons, as the long-term effects remain unclear after only two seasons.
The trial offers valuable insights into the impact of various dormancy breakers on budburst, flowering uniformity and harvest maturity. Results have been shared with participating companies and the report will be available on the ATGA website. v
UNIFORMITY OF FLOWERING IN NOVEMBER 2022 & 2023, EXPRESSED AS THE BBCH GROWTH STAGE (MEAN ± STANDARD DEVIATION).
Hort Innovation to SHIFt into new gear for investment planning
Hort Innovation wants to “SHIFt” how levy-funded investments are planned, putting growers at the heart of the decisionmaking process.
The research and development corporation has just launched the Strategic Horticulture Investment Framework (SHIFt) program, to reimagine its investment planning approach.
With the expiration of the current 33 Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) in June 2026, Hort Innovation is asking “is there a better way to plan investments and develop industry investment strategies in research and development and marketing?”
Hort Innovation has started the conversation, releasing a Discussion Guide and inviting industry stakeholders to have their say on the future of investment planning, to ensure investment plans capture the priorities of horticulture industries in an effective and efficient way.
How does this affect levy payers?
The current Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) are the key documents guiding Hort Innovation levy investments through each industry fund. The current five-year plans expire on 30 June 2026.
The introduction of the SHIFt program aims to achieve greater impact and value for table grape and dried grape levy payers – as well as other horticulture industries – simplified
planning and reporting and deeper engagement with industry stakeholders. Why is it necessary to change the way investments are planned?
The current five-year industry-based SIPs have been largely effective as Hort Innovation’s primary tool for planning, evaluating and reporting on levy investments and to help ensure that levy investment decisions align with industry priorities.
Hort Innovation has consistently sought feedback and is committed to continuously improving the Strategic Investment Plan system. This program allows greater engagement with industry to ensure investment planning meets grower needs and is fit for purpose in structure, content, and usage.
How can industry become involved?
The SHIFt program comprises four distinct workstreams:
- Investment framework – the structure, horizon and domain of the plans
- Users and needs – systems and tools to make plans accessible and straightforward
- Investment content – the strategic direction of investments, goals, priorities and evaluation
- Project management – program governance and co-ordination.
Hort Innovation is currently prioritising industry consultation on the investment framework, with
discussions on the investment content to follow later in 2025.
Table grape and dried grape levy payers and other industry stakeholders can now read the Discussion Guide and provide feedback until 4 May 2025.
Further consultation on the content of the investment plans will begin in August and continue through to May 2026.
Growers can provide feedback in a number of ways:
Speak directly to Hort Innovation contacts, including the relevant industry service manager (ISM).
Email the SHIFt team at shift@ horticulture.com.au
Attend industry meetings, webinars and online meetings, which will be regularly updated on the Hort Innovation website over the course of the next 15 months. v
Download here:
Let’s talk biostimulants
PART 2: BIOSTIMULANT CATEGORIES
As any producer would know, there has been an increase in biostimulant products hitting the shelves. In the last edition of the Vine , we examined what biostimulants are and what they’re used for.
Increased demand for biostimulants has been driven by a global desire to increase productivity, minimise environmental footprint and meet consumer demands.
However, research has not been able to keep up the pace. This means that the knowledge around how biostimulants work, how transferrable glasshouse research is, and if biostimulants work in different crops, soils, and/or climates, is lacking – especially in viticulture.
So far, scientists have looked at a range of biostimulants for use in viticulture. They fall into the following categories:
1. Seaweed extracts – extracts from several algae species, including well-
studied brown algae, to red and green algae. The bioactivity of seaweed is largely influenced by the extraction method and the source material. All the seaweed extracts contain several micro and macronutrients, vitamins, amino acids, and the plant hormones cytokinin, auxin and abscisic acid. In mainly laboratory experiments, seaweed extracts showed promise to control and prevent the impact of biotic and abiotic stress in grapevines when applied as a foliar. However, extensive field trials have not been conducted yet.
2. Humic substances – highly decomposed animal, plant and microbial residues separated into soluble and insoluble humic acid and fulvic acid. These can improve plant nutrition, promote nutrient uptake and stimulate plant growth; however, the heterogeneity of the product composition (parent material and manufacturing process used) influences the plant response.
3. Chitin and chitosan derivatives –these have antimicrobial properties
and may promote plant defences to pathogens. Several studies demonstrate improvement of grapevine defence responses and also grape production and quality under stress; effectiveness depends on the concentration and stage of development when exposed to abiotic stresses.
4. Beneficial fungi and bacteria, such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma spp. There is an increasing number of scientific articles discussing the use of bacteria and fungi in grapevines for plant growth, increased tolerance to stress, biocontrol and disease resistance in fully controlled environments. When plant-microbe specificity has been established, it will be easier to transfer results from one crop to another crop, soil and/or climate .
5. Free amino acids, N-containing substances & organic compounds – some are thought to be plant regulators and are elicitors that
induce a defensive reaction in a plant. Substances such as methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, salicylic acid and glycine betaine are in this category. For now, further research into the application concentration is important to avoid inhibitory effects or severe phytotoxicity. Additionally, several factors, such as type and level of stress and genotype.
6. Plant extracts such as formic acid and histamine from nettle and anthraquinones from Japanese knotweed are in this grouping. Unfortunately, their possible roles in combating and/or preventing biotic stresses such as fungal diseases are not yet scientifically proven.
7. Yeast extracts – yeast may improve the synthesis of phenolic amino acids, volatile compounds in berries and anthocyanin content, but at the cost of some amino acids. However, several authors reported different responses across multiple years and between varieties in wine grapes to foliar applications.
8. Chitin and chitosan derivatives –these have antimicrobial properties and may stimulate plant defences to pathogens; several studies demonstrate improvement of grapevine defence responses and also grape production and quality under stress – with the effectiveness depending on the concentration and stage of development when exposed to abiotic stresses.
9. Antitranspirants, such as kaolin, provide an inert and non-toxic clay layer on grapes that can reflect radiation (abiotic stress), however, there seems to be some conflicting research on the impact of kaolin on the photosynthetic rate due to the biofilm it creates in wine grapes.
For producers to use biostimulants with maximum efficacy, there needs to be enough scientific evidence on the following:
- which mechanism is triggered by each bioactive compound (promote or inhibit plant growth, alleviate stress and a combination thereof) in a plant
- which biotic or biotic stress they can protect from
- what the effect of combining different biostimulants categories is (positive or negative)
- what the impact of different genotypes, rootstocks, climate etc is and
- what application programs look like, e.g., concentrations, foliar or other applications, and timing. v
In Europe, biostimulants are defined as fertilisers – the function of which is to stimulate plant nutrition processes independently of the product’s nutrient content; it can target abiotic stress but only if it simultaneously and explicitly improves plant nutrition status.
In the US, a bill has been tabled to widen the definition of biostimulants as substances that act to support a plant's natural nutrition processes; biostimulants can target abiotic stress or plant nutrient use efficiency to achieve increased growth, development, quality or yield.
In Australia, there is currently no regulation in place and biostimulants can be sold even without specifying source material.
Gearing up for strong harvest
AUSTRALIAN PREMIUM DRIED FRUITS
The season started on a promising note, with favourable weather conditions accelerating the development of early varieties and now we’re gearing up for harvest.
While extreme heat has posed challenges, it has primarily benefited the crop, leading to an early intake of fruit this week – one week ahead of the previous season.
Crop conditions are looking strong, with sunburn observed in some areas but no significant commercial impact at this stage.
However, growers should remain vigilant regarding Queensland fruit fly management.
Continuous monitoring up until harvest is crucial to ensuring fruit quality and meeting market standards.
Our grower prices for the 2025 crop have recently been announced to contracted growers and there are
substantial increases this year that reflect current global trends in the dried vine fruit market.
Exciting times are ahead for our farm at Nangiloc, with plans to redevelop an additional 200 hectares over the next two years.
This expansion signals a positive outlook for the region, reinforcing long-term investment and sustainability in the industry.
Harvest equipment – plan ahead
A key reminder for all growers: the industry is likely to face high demand for harvesting equipment and contractors.
It is essential to organise equipment well in advance to avoid last-minute shortages. Coordination now will help ensure a smooth harvest without delays or logistical challenges.
Reminder: Spray diaries essential for compliance
Growers are reminded of the critical importance of submitting accurate and complete spray diaries.
This documentation is essential for Quality Assurance, and fruit cannot be packed without it. Key points to note:
- Submission: Growers should submit their spray diaries via Grapeweb whenever possible. For those using hard copies, completed forms (including sprayer calibration) must be sent to Megan at megan@apdf.com.au
- Deadline: Spray diaries must be submitted before the first intake of fruit to the processor. Failure to provide accurate documentation will result in fruit being rejected.
- Assistance available: For help with completing or submitting spray diaries, contact Meg at 0431 704 778 for support or to arrange pick-up.
By staying proactive and ensuring compliance, we can maintain the highest quality standards for the season ahead.
Let’s work together for a successful harvest! v
Celebrating our top growers
SUNBEAM FOODS & ANGAS PARK
At our grower presentation dinner held in early December, our 2024 All Australian 18 (AA18) Quality Award winners were announced.
The AA18 awards have now been going for 15 years and reward our top performing growers who produce the best quality fruit for the year.
Our 2024 AA18 winners are: MP & KV Dubois, DJ & TE Kennedy, WT McClumpha, Quible Pty Ltd, JW & JL Hunt, R & E Kennedy, MO Secer, JM, JR & LS Lory, F & S Dimasi, JB Nichols, A & R Palamara, Allemooc Irrigation Contractor and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. Our five Best on Ground performers were PJ & LA Andronescu, RJ & WM Smart, PG & RL Melton, P Liakos, DG & NL Smith. The 2024 Export Award was won by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE.
2025 dried vine fruit
The growing season has nearly been ideal, except for some threatening rain patterns in December.
The hot and dry conditions since have seen the vine crops flourish with good growth and minimal disease pressures.
Even the incidents of Queensland fruit fly have been reduced by the heat and growers were vigilant with baiting and lures around their properties.
This season will see a large increase in the production of Sugra39 and Selma Pete, two of the emerging early maturing varieties the industry now has in the arsenal.
Cutting of the Sugra39 canes began late January followed by Selma Pete.
The introduction of Murray Bold will fit nicely in as it will follow closely behind Selma Pete, so this gives three early maturing and high-yielding Sultana types to build the intake around.
Having a really strong volume of Sunmuscats is very important as our export markets and our retail dedicated Sunmuscat products are in high demand.
General manager notice
Steve Sinclair, general manager Sunbeam Foods, has tendered his resignation and will leave the business in April.
Steve will relocate to Queensland to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
“After nine years at Sunbeam Foods/ Angas Park there is still much to do, but we are now at a point where the industry future is secure and prepped for what looks to be a very prosperous future for Australian dried vine and tree fruit,” he said.
“I am very proud of what we as a business, and as an industry, have achieved over this time.
“Thank you to all my colleagues, our growers, industry representatives and the dried fruit industry for your support, efforts and belief in a truly wonderful industry.”
Prunes
After the outstanding crop set that required targeted thinning, an unwelcome storm in early December wreaked havoc through parts of the growing area.
More than 2000 trees were uprooted and many more had to be “stood up” after the strong winds.
The result was an industry loss of around 10 per cent, but there was a high impact on some individual growers.
Since then, the conditions settled until more storms with hail in early February on the point of harvest.
Again a few growers were impacted with crop loss and fruit marking.
Most of the crop matured and increased in size very well and harvest commenced in the second week of February.
Dried tree fruit
The 2024-2025 apricot harvest was very successful for Angas Park.
Good volumes of fresh fruit, from both the Pike River Orchard and growers, bolstered the dried apricot tonnage.
The fruit size and colour were good, and the Australian component of our Angas Park brand will be substantially increased this year. v
Enquiries:
Grower Services | 03 5051 4400
Supply Manager - Dried Fruit
David Swain | 0407 834 044
Field Officer - Dried Vine Fruit
Gary Simpson | 0429 960 234
Dried Tree Fruits Operations Manager – Loxton
Luke Fitzsimmons | 0431 894 515
Profile Kyle Lovreta
For Kyle Lovreta, a thirdgeneration table grape grower in the Swan Valley, Western Australia, farming isn’t just a career – it’s his way of life. Kyle is the ATGA’s newest WA delegate and a passionate member of the Swan Valley industry.
How did you become involved in the table grape industry?
I am lucky enough to have been born into this industry and have grown up watching my parents, Tony & Julie Lovreta, run our farm my entire life. My grandfather, Stipan Lovreta, started our family business in 1936 after emigrating from Croatia, and it was handed down to my dad when he passed away. I grew up watching my dad work tirelessly on our farm amongst the vines, living and breathing this business.
I am honoured to be walking in their footsteps and learning from the best. I get to watch nearly 90 years of knowledge and information every single day, hear stories of the successes and failures our family has worked through to build what we have today,
and have a hand in continuing that tradition to keep this business going.
Together with my sister, Shari Lovreta-Fiorentino, the plan is to expand our business to even greater heights to ensure the success for future generations, like her son Blake. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.
How have things changed over the years?
Over the years there have been a lot of changes. Technology is becoming a major part in farming now, which has led to some amazing innovations and improvements.
With each generation, we’ve seen advancements in farming practices; we started with my grandfather operating using a horse and cart, now we have a fleet of tractors and machinery saving both time and effort.
We’ve seen improvements in grape varieties, better irrigation systems, pest control, and soil management which all contribute to better yields and quality.
We have also seen an upturn in the administrative requirements of grape production, with the increase of documentation and record keeping. And with ever expanding population and housing requirements, encroachment is always on the horizon for all Swan Valley growers.
While new technologies and techniques have made things more efficient, I never want to forget the old ways. It has always been my goal to learn all I can from my father. There’s something to be said for the natural instincts of a lifelong farmer, and I want to use those instincts and combine them with the innovations of the industry to ensure the greatest success for our family business.
Where do you see the industry going forward?
Looking ahead, I see the table grape industry focusing more on sustainability and efficiency. With challenges like climate change and water scarcity, I think we’ll see greater use of droughtresistant grape varieties and more precise irrigation methods. Technology, like precision agriculture, will become more common, helping us use resources more efficiently. Sustainability will be key, from growing practices to packaging, consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly products. At the same time, quality and consistency can’t be overlooked – it’s essential for staying competitive in the market. Moving forward, the industry will need to balance innovation with maintaining high standards of quality and environmental responsibility.
Greater focus needs to be on the national and international biosecurity controls, as new pests and diseases have a huge effect on not only growing practices, but the costs and sustainability of all farms locally and interstate. This was seen recently with a Queensland fruit fly incursion into Western Australia, which threatened local supply of not only grapes, but all horticulture.
What do you love about the industry?
This industry is unforgiving, harsh and difficult. It takes a lot from you and can be inconsistent with the returns. It is always a gamble; but when you get it right, it can be an amazing feeling.
There’s something incredibly rewarding, after the hard work we put in all year long, to see the fruits of our labour. v
Notice board
Mark King (Chair) Producer, Pomona
Warren Lloyd (Deputy Chair) Producer, Irymple
Stephen Bennett Producer, Merbein
Ashley Johnstone Producer, Irymple
BOARD
Ashley Chabrel Producer, Barmera
Rowena Smart Producer, Red Cliffs
Almost 40 importers, retailers and wholesalers from key Asian markets visited Sunraysia as part of the Victorian Horticulture Inbound Trade Mission.
Top: Dominic Sergi, from Sergi Fresh, with Mediterranean Shipping Company's Scott Christison attended the networking event.
Right: Buyers visited several farms in Sunraysia, including Cordoma Group in Robinvale.
Below: Buyers at Palms Vineyards' unique farm visit, which involved brunch catered and styled by w's food editor, Amanda Cordony.
Top L&R: Dried Fruits Australia held its Annual General Meeting in Mildura late last year. Pictured are DFA finance and administration officer Robyn Rohrlach with chair Mark King and board member Rowena Smart presenting to the crowd.
Below: Dried Fruits Australia visited Duxton Dried Fruits’ Wemen vineyard to see the development of a new black variety planted four years ago under a trial agreement. Pictured are Nathan Walker and Mark Luehman from Duxton with DFA industry development officer Michael Treeby.
David Swain Sunbeam Foods
Craig Greenwood
Australian Premium Dried Fruits
Michael Scalzo
Australian Premium Dried Fruits
James Shopov Producer, Duxton
Nathan Jilbert Specialist, Cardross
BOARD
Jeremey Boyd (Chair) Victoria
Rocky Mammone (Deputy Chair) Victoria
Dominic Sergi Victoria
Robert Nugan Victoria
Don Albanese Victoria
Joe Garreffa New South Wales
Anthony Cirillo New South Wales
Bill Avery South Australia
Kyle Lovreta Western Australia
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 2025. 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.
