Protected cropping ON THE RISE
M E E T YO U R
NEW
Field Officer
VOLUME 19 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2023 | ATGA SECURES MARKETING PROGRAM TAKING HEAVY LIFTING OUT OF TIPPING | INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
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Contents 4
Cover story Protecting assets
26 News Growers vote on future of dried grape industry
8
News Michael takes on new challenge
28 Pest & disease Flick the thrip
10 ATGA news Chair & CEO report
32 Pest & disease Managing grapevine disease with UV-C
11
ATGA news Future planning
34 Marketing Spotlight on Jesse White
12
DFA news Chair & CEO report
35 Insights Dried grape insights
13
DFA news Reflecting on project
36 Processing & marketing Promising outlook for 2024
14
Table grape news International marketing win
37 Processing & marketing Focus on industry rebuild
16
Dried grape news Letting nature do the work
38 Profile Nathan Walker
18
Prune news Global prune industry update
39 Community Notice board
20 Insights Table grape investment snapshot 2022/23 21
39 Board members
Insights Dried grape investment snapshot 2022/23
22 News Managing the risks of labour mobility 24 News Building to a brighter season
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: Protected cropping in table grapes. Photography by David Sickerdick. © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2023 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.
Table Grapes
Dried Grapes
Combined Industries
Prunes
Optimistic outlook for new season The November to January window of time is one of anticipation - but also cautious optimism. With bated breath we overlook our vineyards - a forecast drier summer coming, vines growing luscious canopies with berries forming, and the disease pressures of last year hopefully behind us. Key for both the table grape and dried grape industries has been marketing on a global scale. For the first time in four years, the dried fruit industry returned to reconnect with European markets, while the table grape industry looks forward to a new dawn for its international marketing program. – from the team
For further publication details, see page 39
VINE MAGAZINE 3
C OV E R STO RY
Protecting assets Protected cropping – or protected cultivation – is on the rise for table grapes.
individual rows, to covers spanning
While growing grapes under covers
“More recently, we’re seeing a large
is nothing new for table grape
variety of designs and adaptations
producers around the world, protected
of trellising systems which help
cropping in Australia has evolved
elevate the covers off the vine’s
significantly since table grape covers
foliage and allow for greater air flow.
were first used in the early 1990s. As innovative protected cropping materials and structures are appearing all over the country, we take a look at how and why growing grapes with protective methods has changed.
Under wraps Over the years, agronomic and production practices and knowledge have evolved in parallel with technologies available for trellising, and agricultural plastic
multiple rows, such as greenhouse style setups which have openings at either end to allow air flow,” Karen said.
“Elevated covers, while they provided greater air flow, also require stronger, more durable structures to be able to withstand wind, something producers Australia-wide are investing in. "Lately we've seen a boom in experimentation as new materials become available and technology advances, including using high masts that extend further from the trellis in varying sizes and designs, or inverted V-trellis formations, for example."
and netting composition.
Combining strengths
Now, combination covers, permanent
Horticultural producers Australia-wide
covers, temporary covers, and netting are all used in a variety of combinations and designs to help producers manage the effects of variable climate conditions and varietal vulnerability, and increase water use efficiency. They’re
have used netting to protect fruit from hail, wind and predator damage for decades now, a practice which table grape producers are adopting in increasing fashion all over the country.
also used to advance harvest and
Producers are increasingly using
perhaps enter the market earlier than
permanent netting structures
competitors, or to extend harvest by
to help provide extra assurance
keeping viable fruit on the vine longer.
during the season.
Originally, covers were placed
Until recently, the Federal Government
directly on top of vines, which
provided co-contribution funds for
could create a unique microclimate,
horticultural producers to install
providing a suitable environment
netting over established productions,
for pest and disease development
with state governments delivering
– something Australian Table
the programs across the country.
Grape Association industry development officer Karen Connolly said had changed with knowledge and adoption of new practices, particularly over the past 10 years.
The netting program built on the success of a similar program for apple and pear producers and was extended to support all horticultural producers (excluding wine-grapes)
“The industry has seen covers evolve
to develop resilience and respond to
from being placed directly on top of
Australia’s ever-changing climate.
4 VINE MAGAZINE
VINE MAGAZINE 5
While permanent netting structures require a significant upfront investment in terms of materials and labour, the ongoing savings in labour, reduction of damage and viable undamaged fruit later in the season could be greatly beneficial to producers.
In Western Australia, growers like
Growers reported the introduction of
Graeme Roscic are managing their
covers as “revolutionising industry”.
bird concerns by fixing bird netting
Alongside the adoption of using
year-round underneath the vines from
sulphur pads to increase shelf-life, the
post to post which is raised on either
covers were instrumental in allowing
side of the vine, when needed, to cover
producers to control environmental
the fruiting zone, and secured to the
factors with greater capacity – rather
Using a combination of netting and covers would also give dual protection.
third foliage wire above the fruit.
than being controlled by them.
“We have so many birds, lorikeets
Over the past 30 years, as
“The netting provides protection from hail, wind and dust, while the plastic provides cover from rains during flowering and later in the season from
in particular, and five years ago I
Australian table grape exports
purchased rolls of bird netting for $500-
have increased – particularly since
600 a roll,” he said. “Based on the amount
2015/16 during the production boom
of damage the birds do, it’s well worth
– producers have had to adapt to
sun and late-season rains,” Karen said.
investing in bird netting – the return on
changing market requirements and
On or off
investment is significant and these rolls
competitive market conditions.
Temporary covers and netting are commonly used, with application styles and timing varying, however these remain labour-intensive.
will last probably another five years.”
Through the years While table grape producers in Europe had been growing grapes
Knowledge, technology and innovation has played a large role in assisting producers to adopt new practices and help build their business’s resilience.
Plastic cover designs have evolved in terms of composition and flexibility, which means they can be rolled up tighter and fixed to higher masts, rather than completely removed - potentially
under covers since the 1950s, the
While some of the emerging
foundations of protective cropping
protected cropping systems are
didn’t really take off in Australia until
complex and elaborate, others are
the early 1990s, when producers in
simple, yet innovative solutions
Sunraysia began to install covers.
adapted from existing systems.
saving on labour time and costs.
Overnight, it seems, producers
“One thing that’s obvious, we know
In Queensland and Western Australia, temporary netting has been a gamechanger for managing pests, such as Queensland fruit fly, and birds.
saw the benefit of applying woven
table grape producers are inventive,
or plastic covers over grapevine
and resourceful,” Karen said. “They’re
rows to protect against a range
doing all they can to protect their
of environmental concerns.
assets – quite literally!”v
6 VINE MAGAZINE
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Michael takes on new challenge CO NT R IB UT IO N TO INDUSTRY CONTINUES
A familiar face has joined Dried Fruits Australia as the new industry development officer. Researcher and former dried grape grower Michael Treeby has joined the team and is looking forward
grape business from about 1992 to 2021. Michael has already worked in many areas of the dried grape industry,
vines can take full advantage of the climate, advanced trellising systems and vineyard layouts being used.
including research and industry
He is keen to share that
development, but this will be his first
knowledge with growers.
industry development officer role. “I know a lot of growers – some
“Nitrogen is often the most limiting nutrient in our sandy soils,” he said.
to contributing to an industry that
I even grew up with,” he said.
has driven most of his career.
“I’m looking forward to working
to demonstrate to growers the
with them, and working closely
importance of fertiliser programs to
with the Innovation Committee.
support their ongoing productivity.
up on a dried grape property, after his
“It’s a different role for me. Generally,
“Because they may not see a response
grandfathers were soldier settlers
I’m the person called in to talk
to fertiliser in that season, they
at Red Cliffs after World War I.
at field walks, now I’ll be running
abandon it and think it’s a waste of
them. It’s a whole new skillset.”
money. Fertiliser results will be a
Michael has been involved in the dried grape industry all his life, having grown
Michael's parents owned and ran
Michael said it could be challenging
multi-season plan,” he explained.
his paternal grandfather’s original
Michael’s key area of expertise is plant
allocation, which he and his wife Jenny
mineral nutrition, and how to manage
“The decisions you make now
later bought and ran as a wine and dried
vineyard fertiliser supply to ensure
really affect not just this season,
8 VINE MAGAZINE
producing sought-after premium
“It’s a good industry to be in.
dried vine fruit for discerning
It’s producing a clean, healthy
customers around the globe”.
and good quality product.”
than 10 tonnes to the hectare, and
With growers having faced two
Dried Fruits Australia CEO
Michael says there’s no reason
difficult seasons of disease pressure
Thomas Cheung welcomed
more couldn’t do the same.
and wet weather, Michael said it was
Michael to his new role.
but the next season too.” The top Australian dried grape growers consistently produce more
“We need to be right up there productivity-wise,” he said. “When you do the sums and look at the numbers, if you’re fairly productive – 10 tonne plus per hectare – you’re pretty
important they use the tools and resources already at their disposal.
together in the dried fruit industry
being able to spray strategically, using
on various projects and forums.
the advice, is absolutely critical,” he said. The Australian dried grape industry
those other seemingly high-value crops.
continues its legacy of gadget day
up and being highly productive, then you can take advantage of
for many years, having worked
“Access to the GrowCare model, and
competitive with almonds and some of “It’s about keeping those inputs
Thomas said he had known Michael
ethos and sharing of ideas and innovations – an attribute Michael says ensures its evolution.
“I am very delighted with his further commitment to DFA,” Thomas said. “His knowledge, experience and technical skills will elevate DFA’s service to growers to another level. I look forward to working closely
mechanisation and the return on
“The spirit of innovation is really
with him, supporting him in fulfilling
capital investment is much greater.”
quite strong in the industry,” he said.
his passion – contributing more
Whilst acknowledging that the
“These guys aren’t competing with
industry is unlikely to return to the
each other – if anything they’ve got
scale it was at its peak, it can still
a vested interest in making sure
be a “highly productive, mechanised
their neighbours and fellow dried
industry profitably and reliably
fruit producers are up there.
to the dried fruits industry.” v
VINE MAGAZINE 9
ATGA N E W S
Industry victories From the chair A growing season is never complete without some challenges, and this year, one thing I’d like to recognise is the lighter crop growers are reporting. Across the board I’m hearing from growers that crop loads are down on last year. The vines themselves are looking fantastic, but this year’s bud fertility has been affected by last year’s cold and cloudy days. While this does affect us, and it can be disappointing to think about what that mean comes harvest, I think it’s important to try to remain positive. The lighter crops will likely mean improved outcomes, potentially, on last year. Hopefully with a lighter crop, we should have no issues getting full colour and nice, sweet produce. And less crop could mean less work in the vines. It is a balance. With labour looking the best it has in five years, in my case at least, and water availability currently positive – with good allocations and temporary prices going down – I am hopeful we’ll all have a good season!
News from the CEO The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) has recently had some collective wins for industry. In October, ATGA secured the tender for the 2023/24 international promotional campaign, a monumental achievement for industry – a victory not just for the ATGA, but for every grower and exporter. This program will allow us the autonomy to lead and execute promotional activities in key and emerging Asian markets. Read more on pages 14-15. Building on this momentum, we were also awarded a separate tender to guarantee our strategic participation at trade shows during the year. Trade show representation offers immense potential for networking, learning, and showcasing our excellence. These two programs will involve transparency and inclusiveness and support a two-way flow of information between the ATGA and growers and exporters, and we extend an invitation for advice, suggestions, and feedback to ensure they meet industry needs. On another export-related front, ATGA is contemplating the establishment of a ground-breaking exporter registration process for those dealing in Australian table grapes. This initiative has been a topic of discussion with the Department
Jeremey Boyd | Chair
10 VINE MAGAZINE
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for several years, pending technological upgrades and legislative changes. We have now received encouraging signals from DAFF that these prerequisites are nearing completion, paving the way for us to proceed. In collaboration with DAFF, we envision the exporter registration as a seamless extension of our existing grower registration system. Exporter registration would not only create a framework for industry exports, but empower both growers who export and exporters with a plethora of resources, benefits, and support. In our discussions with DAFF, we have placed a strong emphasis on the need for advanced market intelligence and data-driven decision-making. A critical component of this is our push for the recording of exported varieties and expected time of arrivals for shipments, adding to existing data collection on fruit volume and destination. This important industry advancement would be a game-changer, equipping both growers and exporters with the strategic insights needed to navigate the market, optimise operations, and maximise success. A comprehensive package detailing the perks and particulars of becoming a registered exporter with the ATGA is being developed as we speak. v
Jeff Scott | CEO
ATGA N E W S
Future planning As usual it’s been a busy time for the team.
Presenters and workshop attendees
the Gatton AgTech Showcase and came
discussed lifecycles and identification
back with lots of ideas and connections.
Although we may not have been as
courses of action and timing. In the
visible to you as last year, there has been a lot going on for us behind the scenes.
of pests and disease and appropriate second session we shared insights into and challenges of vineyard fruit
While continuing to hunt down the cause
fly management and opened the
or causes of restricted spring growth,
discussion to attendees providing on-
investigating possible alternatives
the-ground support to growers. Some
to Dormex, holding informative
important considerations included
events, and completing our regular
the importance of orchard/vineyard
six-monthly milestone reporting, we
floor hygiene, and the availability of
have had to come up with a plan and
Naturalure bait in the 2023/24 season.
a project application for our next five years for Hort Innovation. The new project proposal has been submitted and hopefully we will know if we have been successful before our existing project has finished. If and when the ATGA is successful in
The second producer session on fruit fly will be held in early December. By the time this magazine goes to print, we are hopeful to have hosted some agtech workshops for Mildura and Robinvale.
receiving the tender, we will share our
If you follow us on social media, you will
extension strategy to keep growers and
know that the team also managed to
extended industry partners informed.
get to Queensland and see producers in
We’ve worked quite closely with other Sunraysia viticulture industries and agronomic service providers lately as part of the Mallee Horticulture Technical Network. We hosted meetings in August,
Emerald, Mundubbera and St George. It was great to catch up, exchange regional
As part of the Extended Harvest Interval project, funded by Agriculture Victoria’s Food to Market program, the ATGA, Summerfruit Australia Limited and Cherry Growers Australia launched a toolkit for producers. The ATGA team are now able to extend to table grape producers: 1. Updates to extended withholding periods (XWHPs) in the ATGA MRL app. 2. A poster showing the toxicity to beneficials of pesticides used in grapes. 3. A booklet showing more detail and data sources about toxicity against beneficials of a wide range of pesticides used in a range of crops including grapes. We did highlight these resources in the last edition of the Vine and these are now available on the ATGA website under the vine health section.v
updates and have a firsthand look how the Queensland season has progressed. We scheduled the trip to coincide with
bringing agronomic advisors, resellers and consultants together with the CEOs from Dried Fruits Australia, Murray Valley Winegrowers Inc. and the ATGA to give updates and exchange information on the seasons past and ahead of us. We again held a dormancy trial field walk at budburst in September, where the attending agronomists and the ATGA team had a good discussion about the budburst stages of different treatments. Due to recent rain events, and the early detection of Queensland fruit fly, we have held two online grapevine pest and disease management sessions for agronomists. The first session covered downy, powdery mildew and pseudomonas, as well as mealybugs.
VINE MAGAZINE 11
D FA N E W S
Promising season on horizon A note from our chair Another year has nearly passed us by.
The flow-on effect in the communities,
producing GrowCare reports, based
either at the local shop or the big ag
on 15 weather stations, which are
suppliers, will be felt. When the Plan
distributed directly to growers.
Let’s hope this harvest is kinder
in the mix was to ensure that all were
than the last two.
in agreement, or at least understood
I notice that some varieties have been slow shooting and some haven’t got the bunch numbers that I would like, yet on Selma Pete and Sugra 39 they look good. Hopefully warm weather, water and some fertiliser will help even them up. Let’s hope the weather will be back to normal. Remember, the Sunraysia area was selected for dried fruit because of its weather patterns – hot and dry, just like California.
was introduced, having the communities
how the water was obtained, either through water saving projects or buy backs. If these changes get through this is not going to be the case. The Government will be able to buy water in the marketplace whenever they like with no consultation with the community. This being the last Vine for this year, DFA staff and board wish you all a safe and joyful Christmas and a prosperous harvest in 2024 and remember it’s not
In response to the desperate need for early harvesting varieties in our industry, DFA is working to establish an agreement with CSIRO to launch a new variety with many outstanding attributes. I believe that this new variety will be an exceptional add-on to our existing dried grape varieties. A proposed change to our current R&D levy structure (from current $11/ tonne to a proposed $20/tonne) is in progress and we need your support to make it happen from the 2025 season.
We need to keep our sprays up to
what’s under the Christmas tree that
The levy, matched by government
date and keep an eye out for any sign
matters but who’s around it.
funding, will guarantee sufficient R&D
of disease, as it is very likely that there are downy and powdery mildew spores in the soil and ground cover. A high priority for industry has been the proposed changes to the Basin Plan, which will have a big impact on irrigators throughout the Basin. It will drive the cost of temporary water higher, while the pool of available water to purchase will become smaller. Supply charges will rise, less water will be pumped, yet the cost
funding being delivered to support the
News from our CEO The 2023 total industry crop intake volume is just above 7300 tonnes, which is just half of last year’s figure. This has highlighted the importance of pest and disease alerts to provide growers with timely guidance to protect their crops.
dried grape industry into the future. DFA projects, such as innovation, communications and marketing, are progressing well. Continuing from the success of the May China export promotional program, we are working on another important market for our industry. We have just returned from Europe, where we reconnected with our existing customers and aimed to expand the market on the back of increasing
for running the irrigation area will
DFA has worked with other industries
crop volumes from now on. Read more
have to be met by fewer irrigators.
to successfully reach an agreement in
about this trip in this edition. v
Mark King | Chair
12 VINE MAGAZINE
Thomas Cheung | CEO
D FA N E W S
Stephen reflects on role
My short stay with Dried Fruits Australia has come to an end. It has been exciting to see how much
Business Skills for the Future The final day of the workshop series was a success with Gavin Beever from Cumbre Consultants.
progress there has been on new variety
Growers took their learning from
adoption and mechanisation since my
day one to the next level, using
last foray in the industry 26 years ago.
their own financial information to
Highlights from the last few weeks
inform their decision making.
have been:
A follow-up one hour online
Spray diary training
workshop took place in October.
Dried Fruits Australia hosted digital
Looking back over the whole of my
spray diary training sessions with
14 months with DFA, highlights are:
Okhi Oktanio from Digital Agri
The final report of the 10 Tonne
Solutions to support growers to
Project funded by the Australian
transition to the online system.
Government under the Murray-
The hard copy spray diary is also
Darling Basin Economic Development
still available, and copies are
completed during my tenure.
The only change in the spray diary for
The project’s four demonstration sites
2023 Top Crop Award field walk The Top Crop field walk highlighted that over 14 tonnes per hectare is achievable.
The area of new varieties is still expanding. Several field walks to look at alternative trellis systems were conducted through the season. Mechanical winter pruning was yet again the field walk with the highest attendance for the season.v Stephen Kelly Dried Fruits Australia field officer 03 5023 5174 projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au
Program was a major milestone
available at the DFA office. 23/24 is the removal of Chlormequat.
It is very encouraging to see that the industry’s goal of consistent yielding varieties becoming more prevalent than the inconsistent bearing sultana has come to fruition.
have proven that Sunmuscat and Sunglo can average yields of more than 10 tonne per hectare over three consecutive seasons in commercial scale vineyards. Analysis of the industry’s plantings
I have discovered that a more
conducted during the project showed
proactive approach to seeking
sultana is no longer the variety with
entries is needed, and I hope more
the largest planted area, with that
growers will take part next year.
title now being held by Sunmuscat.
Images: During his time at Dried Fruits Australia, Stephen helped to keep growers informed through season updates (left), and hosted several field walks (right), including the 2023 Dried Fruits Australia Top Crop Awards presentation.
VINE MAGAZINE 13
TA B L E G R A P E N E W S
ATGA wins bid for international marketing program The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) will for the first time deliver the industry’s levy funded international marketing program across the 2023/24 season. ATGA will work with international
Grower input and engagement
ATGA to respond to industry needs
The table grape marketing
which will explore proposed
program will work hand in hand
activities and seek feedback and
with the industry communications
support from industry. Additional
program to support a two-way
briefings around February and May
flow of information from industry
will update on season progress.
participants – producers, exporters and marketers – and the ATGA marketing project team.
across the season. A pre-season briefing will be held in December,
“At these briefings and during the season, we want growers to tell us how they’re actually going,” Jesse
marketing consultant project
ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said there were
said. “And while I don’t know how
manager Jesse White to deliver
growers and exporters who felt
honest they’re going to be in a room
the program, which will have
as though the marketing program
with competitors, we want to know
a strong focus on grower
would benefit from more regular and
what they’re hearing from their
engagement and inclusion,
consistent grower engagement, an
importers and retailers, what they’re
strategic in-market promotion,
issue from previous seasons that
hearing from their partners in the
targeted retail programs, and
could be rectified with the ATGA
region – are people saying it’s going
stakeholder facing campaign
delivering the program directly.
to be a late season or will there be
launches, among other pillars.
The aim of the 2023/24 program
price pressure or have the retailers had to make tough decisions about
Jesse said a key element of
would be to ensure it was flexible
the program would be taking
enough to respond to industry
industry “along for the journey”,
needs as the season evolves,
with program activities set to
while maintaining a strong
“Once we have that conversation,
be backed by strong technical
technical marketing application.
we can be flexible where we can.
marketing foundations and enhanced by the breadth of industry experience and expertise on offer from producers, exporters, and marketers.
“Our aim will be to find that point in the middle where the program is flexible enough, growers can say there is good value for money here, we can also feel confident
who they will procure from – that’s what we really want to get.
While we might be limited with what we can do, at least if we have the knowledge, we can bring producers in openly and use their feedback as part of the decision-making process.”
that there is enough technical
As well as grower briefings, regular
marketing application, and that
communication through ATGA
the program is localised enough
channels, such as Pick of the Bunch,
– not too generic,” Jesse said.
Vine magazine, the ATGA website and
Grower briefings will help inform marketing activities and allow
social media would provide a strong foundation for communication.
Program at a glance
- Retail program in five markets
- Trade visits for four countries
(Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia,
(Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia,
- Extensive grower engagement
The Philippines, Singapore)
The Philippines)
-C ampaign launches in four
- Digital marketing in four
- PR, social media and influencers in
markets (Thailand, Vietnam,
markets (Thailand, Vietnam,
five markets (Thailand, Vietnam,
Indonesia, The Philippines)
Indonesia, The Philippines)
Indonesia, The Philippines, China.
14 VINE MAGAZINE
TA B L E G R A P E N E W S
Retail program
Social media
Trade visits
The table grape marketing
A strong social program will be
Trade visits are a necessary
program will feature a
supported by existing social media
inclusion in the program.
“conventional” retail program
channels and in-market key opinion
across six markets, which
leaders (KOL, or influencers).
will feature sampling, retail point of sale and retailer and consumer incentives.
Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok,
opportunity to engage with
Manila, Jakarta, and Guangzhou.
consumers directly, through
Broaching in-market relationships
subtle education and awareness
important,” Jesse said. “We also
about Australian table grape
know that post-Covid, the stigma
varieties, seasonality and more.
disappearing, so I think we can return to that with confidence.” The retail program will also feature e-commerce promotion elements, which might support existing retailer presences – for example, digital banners on the retailer website and investment into content on retailer social media channels.
“We know that consumers engage with social and
Consumer launch events will generate interest for Australian grapes in four key markets – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and The Philippines.
season and allow importers and in-market retailers to enter into the conversations with
“Previous programs have
season, according to Jesse.
included the development of materials on the Grown in Good Nature LinkedIn page and Australian Grapes Facebook and Instagram pages, which had good engagement from Asian market consumers, and it’s something
confidence about the upcoming “Knowing there is a large budget behind the whole industry – that we’re investing a significant amount across the region – might not even come up in conversations between growers and exporters and their importers or retail partners,”
The ATGA website is also a
Jesse said. “But knowing that this
key source of information for
overarching industry program is
customers and consumers of
happening sets the context for
grapes, featuring the nutritional
the conversation and we hope it
benefits of grape consumption
will mean better conversations
and recipes. The consumer pages
come out of the season earlier.
of the australiangrapes.com.au URL receive thousands of hits
hosted primarily at retailer
each year, with the most popular
shop floors and feature local
pages being varieties, availability,
media, key opinion leaders, retail
recipes, and growing regions.
officials and in-market leaders.
market confidence early in the
growers and exporters with
Campaign launches will be
representatives, government
well in advance will help build
online media,” Jesse said.
we will continue to build on.”
Campaign launches
place to key markets, including
Social media will provide a great
“We know that sampling is really
around sampling in stores is
A number of trade visits will take
“Asian markets really value the presence of industry bodies and government officials attending, officiating and announcing. “Those types of visits really show respect and face and importance to trading partners. While having commercial players in market is also important for them privately to develop great relationships, high level industry visits demonstrate a level of respect for the trading partner.” v
VINE MAGAZINE 15
DRIED GRAPE NEWS
Letting nature do the work M ET HOD TAKES HEAVY LIFTING OUT OF TIP P ING
Dried grape growers are letting gravity do the work when it comes to tipping swingarm trellis, making the process less labour-intensive and more efficient.
frost protection in a way, too,” he said.
A steadily growing number of
On John and his wife Jenny’s Red Cliffs
producers are using the selftipping method, developed by John Hunt about 20 years ago. John explained the self-tipping method came about by mistake. “We didn’t finish pruning in time and the buds had shot and I didn’t swing it over,” he recalls.
“From then on, I always left
“Then it was time to get it swung down, finish it off and clip it in," he said.
it up because it comes down
Previously, the job of tipping
mostly under its own steam.
was “heavy going”.
“It’s easier to bring down.
“We used to work from the ground (20
“I haven’t done it any other way since (for established vines).” property, much of the preparation for the following season is completed at pruning time in one pass. “At pruning time, we do all the pruning and clip the wire across from the pruning platform and we don’t go back to it,” John said. “It’s all finished until we go through
years ago) and we had levers and things to pull it, push it and heave it. It was hard work having to manhandle it," he said. More dried grape growers are now seeing the benefits of this method of tipping. Among them is Warren Lloyd, who first started using John’s self-tipping method on a patch at his property last season. This year, his whole property was done this way.
at the beginning of October, end
“To tip in winter, it’s a pretty big job
As the new growth developed, its weight
of September, to swing it down
that needs to get done among a
tipped the swingarm trellis, removing
(and latch/pin into place).”
range of other jobs, and it’s quite
much of the physically-demanding job.
John said this year it was necessary
a physical thing to do,” he said.
“There was actually a frost that year and
to push the frames down a little
“And when you employ people they have
because (the new growth) was up high
sooner to allow for spraying
a tendency to really force the trellis
enough, the frost never got it, so it’s my
machinery to access the vineyard.
down and there’s a percentage of canes
16 VINE MAGAZINE
DRIED GRAPE NEWS
that get broken the whole way along.” John’s self-tipping method allowed Warren to tip later in the season. “I’m still tipping now (late October) and I’ve been doing it for about the past three weeks. I can do it in stages. You may still break canes but I think the percentage is a lot less,” Warren said. In addition to using the self-tipping method, John has also implemented the swingarm latch to half of his vineyard. A couple who have worked on the property for the past several years have noticed the difference the swingarm latch had made to the process. “They reckon the latch made a huge difference to the speed of doing it,” John said. “It’s so much quicker than hooking the frames through the pins.
“I probably need to spend a bit more
“I’ll be putting the latch on the rest of
time in winter setting it up, making sure
ours next year – the time and savings on
all the canes are over that top wire and
hooking it down were just phenomenal.”
not underneath and maybe even rolling
Warren said there was some refinement that was needed for him to be confident in the system.
on a couple of the longer ones would be things I’d look at next year,” he said. “The key is, it does the work for you.” v
Opposite page: Red Cliffs grower John Hunt developed the self-tipping method of managing swingarm trellis. The method takes much of the physical labour out of the tipping process. Above: Irymple grower Warren Lloyd trialled the self-tipping method on a patch of his property last season, and used the method across his whole property this year.
“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 17
PRUNE NEWS
Changes under way in global prune industry
The current worldwide
“Going forward, it was decided
photosynthesis removes carbon
cost price squeeze
that there would be significant
dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the plant biomass and soil.
will see changes in the way the International Prune Association (IPA) communicates with its member organisations. At the recent IPA Executive meeting held in Bologna, Italy, in mid-October 2023, delegates discussed the increasing costs of hosting an international congress and the difficulties in attracting sponsorship to offset those costs. Australian Prune Industry Association chair, Tony Toscan, who is Australia’s
change to future IPA meeting arrangements,” Tony said. “After Argentina, future congresses may be held every five years, rather than every 18 months, probably with a scaled down version to reduce associated costs. However, the IPA Executive will meet online (e.g., Zoom) as required as well as in-person every 18 months. “This approach will enable us to deal with global issues like the new carbon sequestration regulations in Europe, as well as the sharing of production and marketing information amongst member countries,” he said.
IPA Executive representative, said the
Carbon sequestration
next IPA Congress would be postponed
One of the strategies to address
from May/June 2024 until November
global warming is to promote
2024 and would be held in Argentina.
natural carbon sequestration where
18 VINE MAGAZINE
Cabon dioxide is an efficient greenhouse gas that can absorb infrared radiation emitted from the earth surface. Concentrations of the gas have been building over the last century, with industrialisation and burning of fossil fuels a major contributor. Consequently, more infrared radiation is retained, and the average temperature of earth’s lower atmosphere is rising in a process known as global warming. Tony said that the IPA Executive was advised it is likely the European Union will soon adopt new regulations to monitor carbon sequestration in orchards and forestry plantations, imposing import taxes on prunes that do not have low carbon accreditation certificates.
PRUNE NEWS
The IPA Executive was shown new equipment that can be used to measure the carbon levels in prune trees. Tony said it wasn’t enough to simply grow the trees; orchard management practices also had to be conscious of the movement of carbon. For example, if pruned branches or older trees are removed from the orchard and burned, or left in a pile to decompose, the stored carbon is released to the atmosphere. To keep the carbon secured, those branches need to be mulched and then incorporated back into the soil. The new regulations will see a system of carbon credits based on tree plantings which can be offset against carbon emissions from gas dryers and a tax system put in place for net emissions. Tony said that while it seemed like a good system for the environment, the cost of compliance was a concern, particularly the ongoing reporting requirements and he was thankful Australian growers were not subject to such demands.
IPA Country Reports France: French prune orchards have bounced back from historically low volumes (16,600 tonnes) in 2022 and are expected to produce 40,000t in 2023 with a lack of labour for harvesting an issue. Gaetan Vergnes said prune plantings had decreased by 300 hectares in the past 12 months to 10,780ha, of which 9300ha are productive (over eight years old). Growing conditions were good, with no frost and satisfactory rainfall despite strong differences between production zones. Storms were localised and pest pressure low. The quality will
United States of America: The 2023 California harvest started about two weeks later than normal and is expected to yield about 68,000t from 14,308ha of bearing trees. Donn Zea said the quality of the fruit was excellent, with sizing improved from last year’s crop. California experienced excellent weather during the season with a cool, often wet spring and typically hot summer. Donn said a few very hot spikes, not uncommon to the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley, occurred in early summer this year and caused some concern that the developing fruit would burn. Water supplies were significantly improved after a near record-breaking year of rainfall filling local reservoirs and recharging groundwater. High temperatures in June caused some sunburn and fruit drop, affecting yield, but not overall quality. Insect and defects were kept to a minimum and although sugar levels rose more slowly than normal, they ultimately topped out at a level consistent with the sweetness expected from California prunes. Economic impacts due to inflation, new regulations (both California and Federal) and restricted inputs and energy have placed significant upward pressure on US businesses and families. South Africa harvested 800-1000t of prunes from 200ha planted in 2023. Good winter rains and cold units have seen good fruit setting for the 2024 season; however, some areas have experienced hail damage. While the price trend is upwards, Charl Herbst reports that it is still too low to motivate growers to plant additional prunes. Chile has 12,417.56ha of prunes and, according to Jaime Lira, there has been no expansion in the past 12 months, simply replacements.
be medium grade, smaller than last
Total equivalent production dry in March 2023 was 97,000t of
year, but still very sweet fruit.
which 20,400t was fresh.
Argentina lost 6000ha of prunes in the last 10 years due to the low profitability of the sector. There is an incipient process of concentration in the sector with fewer growers with larger areas. According to Francisco Araujo, there is currently 10,000ha, which produced 20,000 dry tonnes of good quality prunes. The impact of the Ukraine war has seen prunes (Stanley dry plums) normally sold for spirits diverted into Russia from Poland. This is of concern as this production in some cases replaces Argentina’s at very low cost. Looking forward to the 2024 season, flowering appears to be going as predicted. A good season is expected in terms of water availability due to abundant snowfall in the Andes Mountain range.v
Above: Carbon sequestration monitoring devices are fitted to prune trees to comply with changing regulations in the EU. Opposite page: Italian host, Alberto Levi, right, discussed the impact of carbon sequestration monitoring in prune orchards to IPA executive members, from left, Pedro Pablo Diaz, Jamie Lira and Harold Schenker.
VINE MAGAZINE 19
INSIGHTS
Table grape investment snapshot 2022/23 Want to know how table grape levy funds were invested in 2022/23? This snapshot, recreated from Hort Innovation's 2022/23 Annual Report, shows some of the highlights from the table grape levy investments across the 2022/23 financial year.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS DELIVERED DURING THE YEAR: A renewed industry communications program, delivering the
$1,861,402
Vine, Pick of the Bunch, social media updates, events, videos and content for the industry website australiangrapes.com.au.
invested in R&D An industry extension program to support the adoption of industry best practice and new technologies for table grape growers.
Efforts to help table grape growers adopt the minimum maturity standards through working closely with growers, wholesalers and supermarkets.
$1,165,545 invested in marketing
Maintaining and improving market access for the table grape industry through a trade development program.
Updates to the table grape Harvest to Home dashboard, providing regular household purchase data and insight reporting.
$1,743,903 in levies collected by the
Delivery of the Strategic Agrichemical Review Process (SARP) which provides an updated view of current priorities and gaps regarding pest, disease and weed control.
government and passed on to Hort Innovation for investment
20 VINE MAGAZINE
Access to consumer insights through multi-industry investments.
INSIGHTS
Dried grape investment snapshot 2022/23 Want to know how dried grape levy funds were invested in 2022/23? This snapshot, recreated from Hort Innovation's 2022/23 Annual Report, shows some of the highlights from the dried grape levy investments across the 2022/23 financial year.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS DELIVERED DURING THE YEAR: A renewed industry communication program, delivering the Vine
$200,599
magazine, Dried Fruits Australia Currant News, social media content and resources for the industry’s website www.driedfruitsaustralia.org.au.
invested in R&D Investment in innovation and adoption to assist dried grape producers access and share leading and emerging research and knowledge on production techniques to grow skills, improve productivity and keep quality high. Maintenance of existing dried grape scion and rootstock
$1,495
trials with a focus on providing dried grape growers with access to superior varieties of dried grape.
invested in marketing Presence at international tradeshows SIAL Shanghai Exhibition and Anuga European Exhibition to promote Australian dried grapes to overseas markets.
Access to consumer insights through multi-industry investments to
$260,529
understand consumer behaviours, attitudes and purchase intentions.
in levies collected by the government and passed on to Hort Innovation for investment
SCAN TO READ THE FULL HORT INNOVATION 2022/23 ANNUAL REPORT AND FUND REPORTS.
VINE MAGAZINE 21
NEWS
Managing the risks of labour mobility
Australia’s seasonal labour challenges, while they have seemingly abated, are still evident. While backpacker numbers have returned to pre-Covid levels, and
Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme
- Significant changes to PALM Scheme,
which makes it much more difficult for
which are not easy to implement
employers to recruit Pacific workers.
and expensive, making the PALM
All employers need to plan and make sure that they are recruiting from all available programs and avenues.
Scheme uncompetitive due to the extra administrative burden compared to other labour sources.
The issue has become critical for
- The AgVisa is not being pursued by the
employers and must be addressed.
Federal Government, despite other
Understanding the challenges
Asian countries expressing interest
The overall labour shortage in Australia
to alternative sources of labour.
The labour shortages in Australia
has been well documented. It is
are evident at both the level of
important not to assume that, post-
- The introduction of new industrial
individual businesses, and the
Covid, everything is back to normal, as
national economy, through historically
we are experiencing a rapidly changing
low unemployment rates.
and uncertain labour environment in
sourcing labour seems much easier, it is unwise to believe that “everything is back to normal”, according to Steve Burdette, executive officer of Approved Employers of Australia (AEA).
Over the years, changes to workforce
Australia due to several factors:
in sending labour to Australia. This means that we have limited access
relations laws and more changes to come could have an adverse impact on many industry sectors. - Union activity is on the increase and are being granted more rights to enter
programs have had a direct effect
- Potential changes to Working Holiday
on agriculture by reducing the
Makers visas that could remove
available workforce through:
the 88-day requirement to work
- Fair Work Ombudsman/compliance
in rural and regional Australia.
audits are increasing and record
- changing the industry requirements
growers’ properties and workforce.
keeping remains very important.
on the Working Holiday Maker visa,
- Phasing out of the 408 visas by
and further planned changes to
mid-2024 could result in 11,000
The PALM Scheme provides work
remove the 88-day requirement
workers returning home and
opportunities for more than 40,000
having to be replaced. This will
people across 10 Pacific countries
put additional pressure on the
and Timor-Leste. Those countries
- introducing new guidelines and
stretched resources in the Pacific
benefit from remittances from
requirements for the Pacific Australia
and the Australian Government.
workers that support families and
- cancelling the Agriculture Visa
22 VINE MAGAZINE
NEWS
communities across the Pacific,
(DEWR) recently released the most
and the skill and knowledge
significant changes to the scheme.
development that visa holders
Critically, changes to the wording
receive when they are in Australia.
of clauses introduce issues, with
The AEA represents the members that participate in the PALM Scheme.
the proposal requiring a “minimum of 30 hours per week employed”,
To manage the risk to labour mobility it is important to consider the following:
instead of “minimum average
More than 28,000 of the 40,000
of 30 hours work a week for the
1. Sources of labour are limited
people working in the PALM Scheme
duration of their employment”.
in Australia. It’s important
are working in Australian horticulture because the short-term, seasonal nature of the work means that they can return to their families every year. The seasonality of horticulture requires flexibility in the scheme and in business. The success of the PALM Scheme is built on trust and good faith between Pacific countries and Timor Leste, the Australian Government, employers, and all stakeholders in participating countries.
Other issues include stand-downs, pay parity, accommodation, transport and covering accommodation
to identify what sources of labour are available to meet your business needs.
and transport costs if workers
2. Plan your labour requirements
work less than 20 hours.
well in advance, particularly
The result is a very expensive PALM Scheme with additional
if you are sourcing workers under the PALM Scheme.
administrative burden making it
3. Weigh up the pros and cons
uncompetitive going forward.v
of hiring employees through labour hire and or directly.
Steve Burdette Executive officer
However, the Department of
Approved Employers of Australia
Employment and Workplace Relations
steveb@approvedemployers.com.au
4. Spread your labour risk by employing labour from different sources and countries (offset the risk of natural disasters such as Tsunami in Tonga, etc).
Steve has expert knowledge of the horticultural supply chain, from orchard development through to market. He has also chaired several national and regional committees, founded two variety commercialisation companies, formed grower clubs
5. Ensure you fully understand new IR laws and implications on your business. Stay up to date with changes to IR legislation as they may be significant. 6. Monitor union movement, as they now have a lot more power to visit sites at very short notice.
and written and co-authored
7. Review enterprise agreements
several technical publications.
(Zombie agreements being phased out) and beware of
Steve Burdette has been the
Participating in the Seasonal
executive officer of the Approved
Worker Programme since the pilot
Employers of Australia since 2021.
was introduced in 2012, Steve
8. FWO audits are being
He has had a strong background
gained extensive knowledge
conducted more frequently, so
in agribusiness, ranging from field
and experience from 2012-18
ensure your record keeping is up
packing, logistics and marketing,
in the recruitment, selection,
to date and workers are being
to commercialising intellectual
administration and welfare and
paid according to your Award
property rights, restructuring/
wellbeing of up to 200+ workers
classifications and or Agreement.
mergers and developing extensive
from the Pacific, which was a key
national and international
driver in establishing the Approved
contacts and relationships.
Employers of Australia Ltd.
multi-employer bargaining.
9. Review and assess your labour mobility regularly.
VINE MAGAZINE 23
NEWS
Building to a brighter season DR IED F R UIT R ECONNECTS WITH EUROP E
COLOGNE, GERMANY
which is expected to be significantly
for our continued success in Europe is
After a four-year absence, Dried Fruits Australia (DFA) has returned to Europe.
higher than the last season,” he said.
to produce premium quality fruits to
Led by DFA and funded by Hort
1 per cent of that market share.
Innovation, the Australian dried fruits joint marketing team attended the Anuga exhibition in Cologne, Germany. Representatives from DFA, Australian Premium Dried Fruits and Sunbeam Foods were among about 140,000 industry visitors from 200 countries at the event. Anuga this year included 10 trade shows under one roof, showcasing about 7900 exhibitors, including the Australian dried fruit industry. DFA chief executive officer Thomas Cheung said his priority for the trip was to reconnect with existing
Of the 210,000 tonnes of dried grapes imported into Europe in 2022, Australia represents less than ‘The potential for Australian growers and the Australian industry in that market is huge,” Thomas said. While he said the challenges from other regions were obvious, and Turkish, South
Thomas said becoming irrelevant to the European market was a real risk if the forthcoming 2024 crop failed. “It is commonly agreed by the industry it would take a long recovery journey if this happened,” he said. “As such, the priority for our growers, producers and processors is to do the
demand for Australia’s premium
best to secure a prosperous 2024 crop.
quality sultanas and Sunmuscats remained high and under-supplied.
“Under the current market conditions: short global supply in sultanas due to
“Europe has also been willing to
a poor Turkish 2023 crop intake, high
pay a premium price for quality
selling prices and relatively lower
Australian fruits, the Italian market
Aussie dollar, all points to favourable
in particular,” Thomas explained.
market conditions for our 2024 crop.”
in both the volume and quality
Sunmuscats is also evident and certain
of Australian dried grapes.
markets would like to pay a premium
24 VINE MAGAZINE
to achieve for the past many years.”
presented fierce competition, the
“Market acceptance of our quality
foundation to launch the 2024 crop,
basis, which we have not been able
African, US and Chilean producers
customers and rebuild confidence
“Our hope was to build a sound
supply the EU and do so on a consistent
for quality Aussie Sunmuscats. “It seems obvious to me that the key
Left: DFA meeting with INC and international dried grapes counterparts. Top right: Australian representatives meet with European agent. Bottom right: The Anuga main entrance in Cologne, Germany.
NEWS
İZMIR, TÜRKIYE The 63rd International Seedless Dried Grape Producing Countries Conference was held in İzmir, Türkiye, on 13-14 October. Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung and chair Mark King attended the conference after representing the industry at Anuga. The conference aimed to facilitate the exchange of information on worldwide production and marketing.
Presentations included information on
“This is the only opportunity for the
activities of the Dried Fruit Alliance
dried grape industries across the world
Delegations from Argentina, Australia,
in the UK, as well as on the impacts
to gather together professionally,
Chile, South Africa, Türkiye, and the
of climate change on viticulture
with the knowledge shared and
United States, as well as Türkiye's
worldwide, while the conference
the topics covered having the
exporters, were in attendance.
decided to establish a committee to
potential to shape the future of the
work on innovations and marketing
dried grape industry worldwide.
Thomas presented at the conference, providing an update on the progress
issues throughout the year.
“The Australian dried grape industry
made in Australia in the areas of
The conference included technical
is the smallest in the group, but has a
dried grape production, innovation,
visits to Manisa, a major grape
strong and important leadership role in
marketing and varieties.
production area in Türkiye, with a
innovation and dried grape knowledge.”
The conference discussed the world supply and demand position and noted that the seedless dried grape supply
particular emphasis on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Manisa Viticulture Research Institute.
from the sultana/natural seedless raisin
“During these technical visits,
varieties had decreased by 21 per cent
participants had the chance to engage
compared to the 2022 crop, primarily
with local experts and exchange views
due to short starting stock (down 10.3
on grape production techniques and
per cent) and production issues.
recent developments,” Thomas said.
The next conference will be held in London on 24-25 October 2024, after the SIAL Exhibition in Paris.v
Top: Turkish sultana processing plant visit. Above: Mark King during the Turkish vineyard visit.
VINE MAGAZINE 25
NEWS
Growers vote on future of dried grape industry Dried grape growers will soon cast their vote on the future of levies collected for research and development in the Australian dried fruit industry.
While the past two seasons have
Australian Government, included the
presented challenges for growers, who
industry’s extensions and adoption
experienced reduced crop intakes and
and communication programs.
Growers will vote on whether to
when growers and the industry
increase the levy from $11/tonne
are back on track with normal
to $20/tonne.
tonnages,” Thomas said.
performance through development
The proposal to increase the dried vine
“This is about setting up a sound
fruits levy followed a motion and vote
foundation for the future of our
with innovative trellis design
by members at the 2022 Dried Fruits
dried grape growers, processors
Australia (DFA) annual general meeting.
and all stakeholders.”
DFA CEO Thomas Cheung said the
The dried vine fruit R&D levy
dried vine fruits levy had not been
is payable on dried grapes that
altered in three decades and no longer
are produced in Australia.
met the Australian industry’s needs.
quality issues due to wet seasons and disease pressure, the proposed levy would not come into effect immediately. “It will start from the 2025 season,
These levies are collected by the
“We are lagging behind so many other
Australian Government and then
industries nationally,” he said.
entrusted to Hort Innovation. It is then
Thomas said an increased levy
Hort Innovation’s responsibility to
While investment decisions are based on the dried grape SIP, potential future projects and priorities could include: - new dried grape variety trials - increasing productivity and of new technologies combined - demonstration sites leading to overall adoption of environmental and other sustainability practices to meet export market protocols. - design and development of automated management and monitoring systems - uptake and adoption of new technologies and innovations, through extension and communication
work with industry to invest the levies
- development of a comprehensive
dried grape industry’s research and
– together with Australian Government
dried grape industry database
development program moving forward.
funds in the case of R&D – into strategic
- further research into export
would better support the Australian
“Changes are desperately needed
R&D and marketing initiatives.
to support a sustainable industry
Investments specific to the Hort
development in terms of R&D
Innovation Dried Grape Fund are
innovations and new varieties," he said.
guided by the industry’s Strategic
“This change is needed to ensure we can deliver on our strategic plan’s vision to
Investment Plan (SIP) and the Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
continue as a profitable and sustainable
Previous industry projects funded
industry delivering innovative
through the dried vine fruit R&D
growth and quality dried grapes.”
levy, which is matched by the
26 VINE MAGAZINE
market opportunities The levy vote will be conducted by independent mail ballot and all growers are strongly encouraged to have their say.v
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P E ST & D I S E AS E
Flick the thrip M ANAGING T HE MYSTERIOUS CHILLI THRIP
Chilli thrips have quickly jumped onto the radar of many horticulturalists in Western Australia (WA). This is despite this pest’s presence in northern Australia for about 20 years.
plant species, is known around the
in Israel, the Solomon Islands, the
world to be notoriously difficult to
Caribbean and South America.
The first complaints from home
manage, and can cause significant economic damage to horticulture.
Sap-sucking insects, these pests cause deformities in flowers, leaves,
With this in mind, WA table grape
stems and shoots. They are also a
growers are encouraged be vigilant
known vector of several viruses,
as the season warms, combating chilli
including tomato spotted wilt virus and
thrip populations by implementing
tobacco streak virus, however they
effective control and monitoring
are not known to transmit viruses in
gardeners in the Perth metro area
programs where possible.
table grapes. In WA, while it has been
were received in 2020. This was
reported on table grapes, strawberries,
following year, by berry growers in
So where did they come from?
2021/22 and it has now spread to
Chilli thrips (S. dorsalis), also known
many other hosts reported, including
as strawberry and yellow tea thrips,
a wider range of fruit and vegetable
are native to Asia. They were first
crops. Nightshades and acacia are
recorded in the US in Florida in 1991
also listed as hosts and may be
While the greatest risk to table grape
and established there in around 2005.
responsible for overwintering. Table
growers occurs in the first year of
Since then, they have become a major
grape producers with vines in their
a vine’s development, growers are
pest for many horticultural crops. They
first year of development should
urged to not underestimate the
have also been reported in various
take particular caution, as without
pest. It has a wide host range of 225
parts of Africa and are established
treatment damage to the growing
followed by table grape growers the
capsicums, chillis and tomatoes. Carnarvon table grape growers also identified the pest earlier in 2023.
28 VINE MAGAZINE
blueberries, blackberries, capsicums, chillis, roses and tomatoes, there are
P E ST & D I S E AS E
tips may mean that the vines need to
over a short time. In the Perth region,
resistance management guidelines
be re-trained in their second year.
up to 13 generations may be possible.
and rotation of chemical activity
This would likely be higher for those
groups will be critical,” Colin said. “We
under rain covers, under high tunnels
still have concerns, though, because
and in greenhouses. Understanding
there aren’t a lot of treatment
the life cycle of the pest will help with
options that we can rotate.”
Damage on mature vines (anything after the first year of development) only occurs on new lateral growth and second crop bunches in southern regions. Most concerning, though, is that the northern
management options and schedules.
While biological controls are being used
regions, such as Carnarvon, have an
In terms of seasons, they are most
in other commodities, Colin said they
increased risk due to the warmer
active from spring to autumn. In
were unlikely to be a control option for
year-round climate that allows for chilli
Western Australia, dryness and higher
chilli thrips in table grapes at this time.
thrips to develop at a faster rate.
temperatures create conditions
Identification
conducive to chilli thrips feeding, spreading and reproducing. Like
In other commodities, control was improved when adjuvants were used. However, growers are urged to always
This type of thrip is pale yellow. It’s
most thrips, they prefer to feed
very small – 0.5-1.2mm long – and
on new growth, which result in
hard to distinguish from other
undesirable feeding scars, distortion
species without a microscope. Key
of leaves and discoloration of
Elliot Howse, research scientist in
distinguishing features are eight
buds, flowers and young fruits.
the insect and disease management
segmented antennae, red ocelli and two
So how do we control it?
space for the Department of
Chilli thrips can quickly develop
Development, said that despite the
resistance to chemicals, but
pest’s difficult identification, it was
according to Colin Gordon, the
important to be scouting for chilli
senior technical officer for table
thrips across the warmer seasons.
pairs of bristles below the prothorax. Its life cycle, comprising egg, larva, pre-pupa, pupa and adult, lasts from 15-40 days, depending on temperature and host plant. For example, it takes 11 days to become an adult from first instar larva on capsicum plants and 13 days on squash at 28°C. Adults can survive for 15 days on eggplants and 13 days on tomato plants. They can
grapes at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, calendar-based control programs are – for the short term – the “best option” for table grape producers.
check the label and the APVMA website before applying a treatment option.
Primary Industries and Regional
“It is also important to maintain a monitoring schedule from spring to autumn, use more selective chemicals and apply insecticides from different chemical groups in rotation and those
have many generations in a single year
“Thrips are likely to develop insecticide
insecticides must be registered
and populations can build up quickly
resistance rapidly, so following
for use in the crop,” he said. “Avoid using products from the same chemical group more than the recommendations, to prevent resistance. Resistance management guidelines can be found on the Croplife website.” So, what further work is needed to combat the establishment of chilli thrips? There is a need to develop a better understanding of this pest’s biology across growing environments and hosts. We know they are prone to developing insecticide resistance, so it is important to develop an understanding of how they interact with chemistries. To combat insecticide
VINE MAGAZINE 29
P E ST & D I S E AS E
resistance, further work is needed to develop biological control agents either by optimisation of currently
Identify damage
leaves and buds brittle, resulting
If you see these symptoms,
crop loss. Infested soft fruits can
the pest is already well
develop corky tissues, sometimes
resistance management guidelines,
established in the crop.
with zipper-like scarring on larger
visit croplife.org.au.v
Chilli thrips have piercing and
This story was made possible thanks
sucking mouthparts, and cause
to the Hort Innovation-funded
damage by extracting the
Australian Berry Industries MT22010
contents of individual epidermal
project. Thank you to Aileen Reid
cells, which leads to damaging
and Helen Newman of the Australian
feeding scars (usually silver,
Produce Commission, Cezar Moraes
brown or black), distortion of
of Biological Services, Elliot Howse
leaves and discoloration of buds,
and Colin Gordon from Horticulture
flowers and young fruits. Upward
and Irrigated Agriculture at
rolling of leaves (referred to as
available biological controls or investigating new opportunities. For more information on
DPIRD WA for contributing to the writing of this article.
“chilli leaf curl” in capsicums) and reduced leaf size are also common. A severe infestation of chilli thrips can make tender
30 VINE MAGAZINE
in complete defoliation and total
fruits, such as capsicum. On citrus, chilli thrip damage can appear as bronzing and silvering on the rind. Chilli thrip infestations are not always easy to identify and can sometimes be mistaken as other pest problems, such as broad mite, so monitoring is important.
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P E ST & D I S E AS E
Managing grapevine disease with UV-C Researchers have known for a while that ultra-violet light can be used to damage the reproductive spores of powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator), suppressing spread of the disease. Even better, a low dose of UV light kills the pathogen without harming the plant.
treatments. However, they did report
each row, pulsing light. Autonomous
that sensitivity to UV-C light varied
models have their own wheels,
between strains of powdery mildew.
while the tractor-mounted versions
How does UV-C work to control powdery mildew? Powdery mildew has a natural defence mechanism, activated by blue light in sunlight, that protects DNA in the fungal conidia from damage by UV light. At night when there is no blue light, the
have UV light banks suspended on a frame, looking much like an overrow sprayer. Reflectors inside the tunnels help the light “bounce around” because the light must be multidirectional, reaching all the foliage.
Is UV-C a commercial option?
Some innovative grape producers,
mildew’s natural defence mechanism
together with technology companies,
is inactive. Therefore, at night-time
A commercial, tractor-mounted
have embraced the research and
powdery mildew becomes very
unit (UVBoosting™) is operating in
made it a commercial reality – and
vulnerable to UV light, especially UV-C.
French vineyards. UVBoosting™
claim success using UV light to control
Applying treatments at night, ideally
powdery mildew within a reducedchemical program. Various research teams across Europe and the USA are now exploring use of UV light to control disease in a range of other crops. Most of the grape research on UV
with about four more hours of darkness after the treatment, ensures that the damage to powdery DNA is maximised, and not countered by the positive influences of blue light.
suspends the light banks on frames. Small, tractor-mounted research units used in trials have also been scaled up for use in commercial vineyards in the USA. Driverless UV-C units are available commercially in Europe, USA and New Zealand. SAGA
How are UV light treatments “applied” to vineyards?
Robotics™ have an autonomous unit
pathologist Dr David Gadoury.
Banks of UV-C lights are mounted on
be quite narrow and may struggle to
In their vineyard trials, powdery
frames or inside tunnels that hang over
straddle Australian table grape and
mildew was suppressed after weekly
the vines. The tunnel units move down
dried grape trellises. In New Zealand,
and powdery in grapevines is from the USA, by a team led by plant
32 VINE MAGAZINE
(Thorvald) operating in vineyards in Italy, although the tunnel appears to
P E ST & D I S E AS E
the dose applied in northern hemisphere production systems would also provide the same level of control in Australia.” Grapevine pathologist Dr Bob Emmett, formerly from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, saw the first Cornell UV research unit in the early 1990s. He agrees with Andrew. “We definitely need to confirm the efficacy of UV-C application under Agri Automation – in collaboration with
Safety is also a concern - UV-C is a very
Vertex Engineers – is launching UVEX.
powerful light wavelength so operators
Does UV-C also control other disease? UV-C is being used in an increasing range of situations for infection control. Researchers are now investigating whether UV-C is effective in in vineyards for control of Downy mildew, Botrytis bunch rot, Pseudomonas or other diseases. More on this later.
What are the benefits of using UV-C in a powdery management program? UV-C treatment is not weather dependent, so the unit can operate in rain and in windy conditions. There are labour savings if the UV light can be applied by an autonomous unit without stopping to replenish a tank mix. Powdery mildew populations suppressed or controlled using non-chemical methods are less likely to develop fungicide resistance. MRL concerns can be avoided.
What are the concerns? The biggest downside for Australian grape producers is that the frames and tunnels designed for UV-C treatment in narrow winegrape canopies may not suit the diversity of trellises and canopy
need protective equipment. Also, correct calibration is crucial, as too high a dosage could cause damage to the vine.
If it works in USA and Europe, can’t we immediately start using it in Australia? Delivering the UV-C light should be no problem. Over-row and tunnel equipment are not new in Australian vineyards. We have over-row sprayers, and we also have tunnel sprayers applying drying oil to dried fruit, and over-row harvesters for winegrape and dried fruit. Driverless tractors and other autonomous equipment is also available for Australian vineyards. So, if UV-C does work under Australian conditions, and the UV light banks are cost effective to run, then we should be able to re-purpose the technology
Australian conditions because of differences in climate and the range of grape varieties and vine canopy architectures in our vineyards,” Bob said. “Also, the variation in UV tolerance within our powdery mildew populations might be different.” On the positive side, there is a lot of interest in non-chemical management options as alternatives to using fungicides, across a range of Australian horticultural crops. The Australian Table Grape Association is certainly watching this space, and we may see UV-C appearing in Australian vineyards soon.v Alison MacGregor Project lead – Extension Australian Table Grape Association amacgregor@atga.net.au Sources and for more information: Clarke, J. (2022) The Science Behind UV Light in Vineyards | SevenFifty Daily (news story) Cornell University (2020) Robots use UV light to fight grape mildew - Cornell Video (1 min 40 secs video)
to apply UV-C effectively and safely.
Cornell University (2019) UV light vs. powdery mildew Cornell Video (1 min 42 secs)
There are questions about the efficacy of
Wong, A., Moyer, M., Gadoury, D., Mahaffee, W (2022) UV-C Light as a Tool to Manage Grape Powdery Mildew. BIO Web of Conferences Vol 50. http://www. researchgate.net/publication/362525929 (science journal paper)
UV-C against Australian powdery mildew. According to Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development grape pathologist Andrew Taylor, while the technology for delivering the UV-C light is relatively straightforward, we need Australian trials to look at efficacy.
Gadoury, D. (2019) The potential of light treatments to suppress certain plant pathogens and pests. Research Focus 2019 (2):1-7. http://www.ecommons.cornell. edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6035809-2f6b4045-abfb-e15172cea5aa/content (Good graphics and images and a summary from the research team at Cornell University)
architectures in Australia. Also, UV-C may
“Australia has one of the highest levels
not have good efficacy against Australian
of UV radiation in the world,” Andrew
strains of powdery. The technology hasn’t
said. “So, investigations on UV dosage
Opposite page: Agri Automation - in collaboration with Vertex Engineers - is launching UVEX, their disinfection solution.
been tested under Australian conditions.
requirements are needed to determine if
Above: SAGA Robotics' Thorvald autonomous unit
VINE MAGAZINE 33
MARKETING
Spotlight on Jesse White D I S C OV E R M OR E AB O UT T HE PERSON BEHIND THE MARKETING P ROGRAM
International marketing expert Jesse White has had a successful 10-year career building brands in global markets. Now, he’ll use his extensive marketing acumen to help the Australian Table Grape Association deliver a strong international marketing program for the 2023/24 season.
So just who is Jesse White? And
international marketing campaigns
After departing Global Victoria, I
what will he bring to the table
from 2019-2021. Prior to Bastion I
wanted to get involved with the SIAP
for table grapes? The ATGA sat
spent time in Singapore and China
further, putting my hand up to serve
down with Jesse to talk about his
helping brands to grow in Asia, a
as a member. I’m excited to have
career, table grapes, and what he’s
region I am very passionate about.
been appointed and I think it’s a great
looking forward to this season.
During my time at Bastion, I developed
opportunity to be able to contribute.
Jesse is the director of Kinesys Agency,
another passion – for horticulture
I’m contributing to the SIAP from a
a specialised international horticulture
– and a bit of in-depth knowledge.
trade development and marketing
and consumer goods marketing agency and consultancy service, and of Syncret, which provides strategic export market entry advice for exporters. He has had a decade-long career working in both the public sector and private businesses, in Australia and Asia, including Global Victoria, the Victorian Government’s international trade agency, Bastion, Australia’s largest independent full-service marketing agency, and Market Engine,
From Bastion I moved on to Global Victoria, where I worked with Victorian exporters of food and FMCG to reach new markets
leverage overseas offices, Austrade, the
experienced firsthand the passion and demand for Aussie produce. It’s always fulfilling to get behind a product that you know is 100 per cent the best in the world. involved with the Table Grape SIAP.
How did your interest in
the government perspective as well.
Having strong links to Asia, I have
Tell us about how you became
Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP).
internationally, and also leveraging What that entails is looking at how we
enabler for the Chinese market. member of the Table Grape Strategic
I have gained delivering campaigns
and develop existing ones.
a software-based e-commerce Since September, Jesse is also a
perspective, bringing experience that
I became involved unofficially with the Table Grape SIAP while I was still working with Global Victoria.
can tap into government resources, Victorian Government, and international governments, to find the best way to streamline our efforts and make things more efficient and productive – with growers’ interests in mind. What are you looking forward to most this season? I’m most looking forward to working closer with growers and exporters to continue to refine how we deliver
From 2021 to 2023, I worked with
this program. I have so much to learn
the Table Grape SIAP and Hort
from industry about not just the table
I was recruited by the agency Bastion,
Innovation to reshape how we were
grape product and all its varietals,
the incumbent marketing service
doing marketing for table grapes
but also our export markets. Every
provider for Grown in Good Nature
internationally and domestically,
time I speak with exporters, I learn
(previously known as Taste Australia
and reprioritise the markets we
new things about our trading partners
and Now! In Season), to lead the
were investing marketing funds in.
and consumers in those markets.v
horticulture develop?
34 VINE MAGAZINE
INSIGHTS
Dried grape insights Greece
2023 ESTIMATED PRODUCTION
1000t
Variety: Sultana & Raisins
Uzbekistan 20,000t
Turkey
206,346t
(All figures metric tonnes packed weight )
GREECE
USA
150,253t
India
145,000t
Chile
Iran
58,000t
90,000t
South Africa Argentina
AUSTRALIA
China
190,000t
53,000t
Australia
34,000t
7309t
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE KEY POINTS - World supply of marketable dried
2022: 1,056,145t 2023: 802,599t ↓ -24.01%
about 1.1 million tonnes, to last year currants reduced by 9 per cent - Weather events were main causes for dried grapes crop intake volume reductions
1240t Currants 2798t Sunmuscats
grapes volume dropped by 21 per cent, -G oldens reduced by 8 per cent, while
AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION BY VARIETY (TONNES):
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE 2022: 171,076t 2023: 152,309t
550t Sunglo 469t Other
2252t Sultanas
↓ -10.97% VINE MAGAZINE 35
PROCESSING AND MARKETING
Promising outlook for 2024 AUST R ALIAN P REMIUM DRIED FRUITS
Promising early spring weather has provided some long-needed positivity to the Australian dried vine fruit industry after some very challenging years.
The Australian dried vine fruit
She comes to APDF with a
industry was well represented
wealth of experience and will be
at the fair, with both processors
a great addition to the team.
Warm days, combined with just the right amount of rainfall, has meant
and Dried Fruits Australia all having representatives attend.
will be pleased to know that he has not
agent Bosch Boden Spies (BBS)
left our business but has taken on a
who manage all Australian dried
role of managing one of our vineyards.
vine fruit sales in the EU.
I’m sure he’ll keep in contact with
There were some spirited and
returning to not only APDF but
challenging meetings with customers
our partner growers as well.
from Italy and Germany who’ve
and early September. Preliminary bunch counts in newer varieties such as Selma Pete, Sugra 39, and Sunmuscat are promising for the 2024 crop. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that there's still a
been disappointed with the quality of fruit that has been sent into the market over the last few years, particularly when the premium for
the customer base and BBS have
impact from the previous season. However, this is unlikely to significantly affect APDF, as Thompsons constitute a diminishing portion of our overall intake, now accounting for less than the combined volume
sultanas in the upcoming season. Our growth trajectory aligns well with the demand side of the equation. The key challenge lies in ensuring a consistent and highquality crop for the 2024 season.
producers (Turkey, USA, Greece)
going in our favour due to the major all facing similar challenges to the ones we faced over the last couple of seasons like excessive rainfall at
double our 2023 intake, which was a
critical times and vineyard disease.
touch over 3000 tonnes this year.
This has led to decreased volumes,
We recently had the pleasure of
poor quality fruit and higher prices.
attending the Anuga Food Fair in Cologne,
We hope to be much better placed to
Germany, which ran from 4-8 October.
compete next season in terms of pricing
Anuga is the world’s largest and most
and quality against competing origins.
important food and beverage fair. It
We also take this opportunity to
takes place every second year in Cologne
announce the appointment of
and is sub-divided into 10 separate fairs,
our new grower communications
each covering a different category.
officer – Megan Rogers.
36 VINE MAGAZINE
(03) 5025 6210 | megan@apdf.com.au
of our world-renowned golden
Provided we can avoid any weather-
in a good position to more than
Megan Rogers
fruit, eagerly anticipating the arrival
Market dynamics also seem to be
the growing season, we should be
Grower communications officer
maintained their interest in Australian
of other sultana varieties.
related calamities for the rest of
Enquiries:
Turkey, Iran and South Africa.
to consider before harvest is complete.
bunches due to the downy mildew
relationships with over the years.v
higher than competing origins from The positive aspect here is that both
with most growers noting lighter
most of the growers he’s formed close
Aussie fruit has been substantially
considerable amount of time and factors
Thompsons are a mixed bag this season,
with Larry Dichiera over the years, you
We were hosted by our European
there is some cautious optimism
Buds started to shoot in late August
For those that have worked closely
Top: Frank Bartz, sales Italy BBS, Craig Greenwood, CEO APDF, Andreas Schroda, sales Germany BBS, and Zak Arapovic, head of sales at APDF, at Anuga Food Fair in Germany. Above: The BBS booth at the Anuga Food Fair in Cologne, Germany.
PROCESSING AND MARKETING
Focus on industry rebuild S UNB EAM FOODS & ANGAS PARK
While the 2023 crop is off growers’ hands, we are still battling through to process the lower quality fruit that was presented this year.
Some of the badly affected vines from
This has posed many challenges
have been suitable for bunch
for the retail, export and industrial
formation and the drier conditions
channels that have received a lower
have kept diseases at bay.
quality offering than anticipated.
Sunbeam on show
The export market, in particular, which is highly sensitive to fruit colour, has been affected by the lower based colour fruit.
downy mildew in 2023 have not bounced back 100 per cent, but overall the crop is being set up for a good season. The weather conditions, aided by the El Niño weather pattern,
Sunraysia residents may have seen the Sunbeam “Add a little SUNSHINE to your LUNCHBOX” advertising
While some markets appreciate the
billboard displayed on Fifteenth Street
difficult growing conditions, many rely
opposite Mildura Central in October.
on the consistently lighter coloured Australian fruit to differentiate their products from the rest of the world.
This eye-catching sign highlighted the Sunbeam snacking range, along with our partnership with
Interestingly, the world’s largest
WIRES (Wildlife Information
producer Turkey also suffered
Rescue and Education Service).
poor growing conditions this year, which resulted in a smaller crop and poorer quality. Many of our markets are keen to get
This is part of our advertising campaign promoting back-to-school snacking.
Prunes
their hands on the renowned high
The 2023 prune grading has produced
quality Australian product but the
a mixed result across the growers,
last two seasons have seen a supply
with pittable sizing averaging just 51
of lower quality (and quantity) fruit
per cent, but to get this average there
to the market, which will necessitate
were some high results and some lower
a strong marketing push to regain
results that arrived at this number.
our relevance and credibility across
The hot and cold weather conditions
the various export customers.
the later flowering prune varieties.
the Sunbeam export sales team have
The flowering appeared to be very good,
Anuga (Germany) and SIAL (China), to get “face to face” with our longstanding buyers to start to rebuild the confidence in the Australian product. These relationships are key to building a solid foundation for the increased crops that will come online over the next few years.
The fruit set has been quite spasmodic across the various apricot varieties. The contributing factors to this are mainly adverse weather conditions that interrupted the later stages of flowering. A short period of hot days followed by days of low overnight temperatures have stressed trees and flowering has not transformed through to a good fruit set. It appears that it will be only a medium to light yielding season at present, but the fruit should have good sugar accumulation and be larger in size.v Enquiries: Grower Services | 03 50514 400 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
have led to a poor fruit set across
In preparation for the coming season, attended international food shows,
Dried tree fruit
but the weather conditions restricted the number of flowers to set fruit. The forecast lower crop will provide challenges as a normal crop only just covers the demand for retail whole and pitted prunes. There has been a very positive response to Angas Park’s tree planting incentive program announced in July and these
The start to the 2024 crop has
trees can’t produce fruit quick enough
experienced ideal conditions.
to meet our demand requirements.
Above:A billboard promoting Sunbeam’s snacking range has been on display in Mildura.
VINE MAGAZINE 37
PROFILE
Profile Nathan Walker
Nathan Walker has been involved in the dried grape industry for 12 years, starting his career at the largest dried fruit farm in Australia. Now he’s General Manager Operations at Duxton Dried Fruits, where he’s noticed a shift in the industry in areas of mechanisation and dried grape varieties to combat rising costs of labour and to manage risks in the industry. What's your title/role with Duxton Dried Fruits? General Manager - Operations. How long have you been involved in the dried grape industry? 12 years.
38 VINE MAGAZINE
How did your involvement in
Where do you see the industry going
the industry come about?
and how do you see things changing?
I started my career in the dried
Over the next five to 10 years, I see
fruit industry in 2012 at the largest
the dried fruit Industry switching
dried fruit farm in Australia.
to a more mechanised standard.
What do you like about the
Is there anything new or innovative
dried grape industry?
that Duxton Dried Fruits is doing
I thoroughly enjoy the challenge that
on blocks or in the business?
every season brings and how the
Following the significantly wet
majority of growers in the dried fruit
weather in recent years, Duxton Dried
industry are willing to pass on their knowledge on to other growers.
Fruits has been trialling different ways to aid in early sugar production
How have things changed over the
to minimise the risk of colder/
years you've been in the industry?
wet weather later in the season.
The dried fruit industry has begun to
Duxton Dried Fruits is also looking
mechanise many of its operational
into alternative varieties for
tasks to combat the rising cost of
upcoming developments to spread
labour and I am excited to see what
out harvest timing and minimise
the future holds for the industry.
the risk of colder/wet weather.v
COMMUNITY
Notice board Industry members gathered for the August event of the Mallee Horticulture Technical Network.
Left: Murray Valley Winegrowers Inc CEO Paul Derrico, ATGA CEO Jeff Scott and DFA deputy chair Warren Lloyd. Centre: Costa agronomist Chris Potgieter. Right: DFA CEO Thomas Cheung at the August event of the MHTN.
Left: Agriculture Victoria's Jeremy Giddings, agronomists Penny Nesbitt and Chloe Cai. Right: Jeff Milne, ATGA's Jenny Treeby and Perfection Fresh agronomist Andrei Goergen.
Mark King (Chair) Producer, Pomona
David Swain Sunbeam Foods
Warren Lloyd (Deputy Chair)
Steve Sinclair Sunbeam Foods
Producer, Irymple
Craig Greenwood
Stephen Bennett Producer, Merbein
Australian Premium Dried Fruits
Ashley Johnstone Producer, Irymple
BOARD
Ashley Chabrel Producer, Barmera
Michael Scalzo Australian Premium Dried Fruits
James Shopov Producer, Duxton
Rowena Smart Producer, Red Cliffs
BOARD
Jeremey Boyd (Chair) Victoria
Joe Garreffa New South Wales
Rocky Mammone (Deputy Chair) Victoria
Anthony Cirillo New South Wales
Dominic Sergi Victoria
Peter Nuich Western Australia
Adrian Cordoma Victoria
Zoe Dichiera Queensland
Robert Nugan Victoria
Bill Avery South Australia
Don Albanese 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 2023. 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.
VINE MAGAZINE 39
GREEN
BLUE
SLOW
Your grapes deserve the best Using fresh science to protect fresh produce