Australian Berry Journal - SUMMER 2023 - Edition 17 by BerriesAustralia

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L E A R N I N G TO M A N AG E VA R R OA

C O STA N U F F I E L D WINNER

S E AW E E D F I G H TS ST R E SS

POLISH B E R RY S U C C E SS

Industry

Rubus

Strawberries

Blueberries

106

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Berries Australia team visits the Apple Isle.......................................................................................................................15 A Game-Changer - Haygrove's Total Vent shaping the future of growing...................................................................17 Switching from eradication to management of Varroa destructor................................................................................ 22 My Berries: A home for every piece of fruit.................................................................................................................... 24 Managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace: spotlight on harassment..............................................................27 The Road to Diversification............................................................................................................................................... 30 National Agricultural Plastics Stewardship Scheme: What’s next?............................................................................... 34 Understanding viral disinformation in food and agriculture...........................................................................................41 Optimising chemical efficacy for spray application in berries...................................................................................... 44 Habitat hosts of Queensland fruit fly............................................................................................................................... 48 Export Update: Asia Fruit Logistica Hong Kong 2023.................................................................................................. 56 Plant Biosecurity in Australia – An introduction for growers......................................................................................... 62 Leasing a solar system...................................................................................................................................................... 64 Hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời cho thuê......................................................................................................................... 66 Export Update: Market Profile – Singapore.................................................................................................................. 69 MT23500: Introducing the ‘Berry Basket’ Marketing program.................................................................................... 72

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Tasmanian Berry Growers Field Day...............................................................................................................................75 MT22003: Meet Kirsty Dickenson: Nuffield Scholar.................................................................................................... 80

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Giving strawberries real fight: Seaweed extracts prime plants for optimal yields and profits................................... 85 Strawberry runner production on display at JCLM Farming..........................................................................................91 BS22000 Australian Strawberry Breeding Program..................................................................................................... 94 The use of heat in horticulture for pest and disease control........................................................................................... 99 Export Update: Getting Retailers ‘Berry Ready’ in Thailand....................................................................................... 102

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Time for Polish Superfruits!............................................................................................................................................. 106 Pest Spotlight: Red shouldered leaf beetle..................................................................................................................... 110 ABGA Levy discounted for 2023/24............................................................................................................................ 112

E D I TO R

C O N T R I B U TO R S

Jane Richter

Jane Richter Rachel Mackenzie Anthony Poiner Simon Dornauf Andrew Bell Richard McGruddy Dr Angela Atkinson Mark Salter Helen Newman Aileen Reid

TERES Communication 0431 700 258 jane@teres.com.au

A DV E R T I S I N G Jen Rowling Wendy Morris Gaius Leong Bronwyn Koll Dr Dylan McFarlane Dr Scott Mattner Dominika Kozarzewska Katie O’Connor Jodi Neal Dr Saleh Adnan

For all Advertising & Partnership Enquiries 0491 751 123 | admin@berries.net.au All advertising and advertorial material is subject to review and approval prior to publication. DESIGN Sama Creative | samacreative.com.au

Wherever you see this logo, the initiative is part of the Hort Innovation Blueberry, Strawberry and Raspberry and Blackberry Fund. Like this publication itself, it has been funded by Hort Innovation using the Blueberry, Strawberry and Raspberry and Blackberry R&D levy and funds from the Australian Government. Some projects also involve funding from additional sources.

DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this journal, the information contained is necessarily of a general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific advice. The advice and opinions in the articles published in Australian Berry Journal are essentially those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Berries Australia or the Editor. The advice is at the reader’s own risk, and no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the material presented. Inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not necessarily imply endorsement of the product, company or service by Berries Australia or the Editor. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) makes no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in Australian Berry Journal. Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation is 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 Hort Innovation or other person’s negligence or otherwise from your use or non-use of Australian Berry Journal or from reliance on information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation provides to you by any other means. Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2023 Copyright subsists in Australian Berry Journal. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) owns the copyright, other than as permitted under the Copyright ACT 1968 (Cth). Australian Berry Journal (in part or as a whole) cannot be reproduced, published, communicated or adapted without the prior written consent of Hort Innovation. Any request or enquiry to use the Australian Berry Journal should be addressed to: Communications Manager, Hort Innovation, Level 7 | 141 Walker Street, North Sydney 2060, Australia | E: communications@horticulture.com.au | P: 02 8295 2300

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Executive Director's Report Rachel Mackenzie | 0408 796 199 | rachelmackenzie@berries.net.au

I recently had the good fortune to visit a number of Tasmanian berry growers. Getting out on farm and seeing innovation in action is genuinely one of the most exciting parts of my job. I also got to taste some amazing berries and meet a strawberry picking robot. A big thanks to everyone who showed me around and those who attended our grower meeting (you can see more on PAGE 15).

all growers. Whilst the gains are enormous the process of getting market access is slow and expensive. There has been a considerable amount of work undertaken behind the scenes and we are making progress and I am ever hopeful that we will have some market access wins to report in the near future. In terms of decreasing costs, the Berries Australia industry development project will explore a number of different options to increase efficiency on farm whether it be through more efficient water and fertiliser use or better use of agricultural chemicals. That said, you can only benefit from these initiatives if you make the time to get involved. Berries Australia will also be driving investment in important research and development through the new Hort Innovation consultation mechanism.

Recent conversations with growers from all around Australia have highlighted that it has been a tough season across the board. Production is up, quality is good and yet growers are not making a profit. This is not just that supply has met demand but also production costs, especially labour are increasing, and growers have no way of passing those costs on.

Our other key role is to advocate to government on your behalf. This covers off on a range of topics including workforce, red-tape reduction, streamlined access to AgVet chemicals and competition policy. A number of inquiries into competition and the retail environment are being done in the next 12 months and we will be contributing on your behalf.

Obviously as an industry association, we have no means of directly increasing the price paid to growers, but we can work across several areas to try and increase how much goes back into your pocket both on the demand side but also by working to reduce input costs.

The Berries Australia team attends hundreds of meetings across the country (virtually) each year with all levels of government to ensure the needs of the berry industry are not overlooked. Whilst we are not always successful, you can be assured that we are fighting for your interests every time and always bring the conversation back to how to make things better for growers.

As mentioned in the other Association reports we are about to embark on a cross-berry marketing campaign to lift demand across the whole category. This is a pilot program to try and make the best use of the remaining Rubus marketing funds and also explore the benefits of a joint program including blueberries and strawberries. The Rubus and strawberry components are funded through Hort Innovation and the blueberry component is funded through the voluntary levy, but it is our objective to create a seamless marketing campaign across all berries and leverage the additional funds to create more bang for our buck. SEE PAGE 72 for more information.

I do hope you all have a wonderful festive season. For those of you in your off season I hope you get some well-deserved rest and for those in peak production I hope your efforts are amply rewarded. Once again I would like to thank all of the committee members for their input as well as the Berries Australia team including the IDOs and Jane Richter.

Export is another important tool to strategically reduce supply into the domestic market which lifts prices for

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Chairman's Report Anthony Poiner | 0412 010 843 | anthony@smartberries.com.au

The last few years have seen a spate of challenging weather conditions which has led to suppressed crop levels across the category. However, over the past 12 months, drier weather, higher levels of heat and sunlight, and better pollination have been very conducive to higher production. Consequently, we have rebounded with overall tonnage of berries harvested increasing by 45% year on year.

Across the berry category we will be launching the first ever “Berry Basket” marketing campaign. This pilot campaign will utilise remaining Rubus marketing funds, strawberry royalty funds and the ABGA voluntary levy. International experience suggests that a “Berry Basket” campaign lifts consumption across all berry types. We may not shift the consumption dial with a one-year campaign but there will be enough value to test the concept so we can explore options for its continuation. We also reviewed the full range of efforts to open new export markets. Government to government negotiations on new protocols can take a lot of time, but we must continue to focus our efforts towards getting the technical research completed, and both supporting and lobbying our government in these endeavours. These areas will continue to be a strong focus for Berries Australia.

This a phenomenal growth rate. We have also grown overall sales by 35%, to the point that the combined berries category now represents sales of approximately $1.8bn. We are literally a few short months from hitting the $2bn mark. Berries is clearly the largest category of fruit in Australia and families across the country are consuming a lot more berries than ever before.

Berries Australia has been advocating strongly on your behalf in the areas of workforce, export and opposition to the biosecurity levy, as well as ensuring that berry growers have been supported through the Varroa crisis. We are seeking to lift our advocacy efforts over the next 12 months to ensure politicians are aware of the value of the berry industry and the barriers to realising our even larger potential.

The unfortunate downside is that pricing has come under record levels of pressure with an average decline of 8% year on year. This compression has been felt across all berry types, with no one spared. Along with the impacts of ever-increasing costs to grow, many growers (if not most) have been forced at times to sell fruit at below the total cost of production, whether it was raspberries last summer, or strawberries and blueberries this spring. Clearly this is not sustainable over the long term.

Finally, I would like to thank the Board Members of Berries Australia and the Committee Members of the Peak Industry Bodies. All but one is a berry grower, so have exceptionally busy day jobs, yet give up their time selflessly for the good of the industry. I would also like to thank the Berries Australia staff and the IDOs for their support throughout the year.

At our recent Annual General Meeting, we discussed these factors and concluded that it is critical that we focus even harder on building domestic demand and opening new markets. The alternative is that for many, financial sustainability will be harder and harder to maintain.

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President's Report Andrew Bell | 0422 234 124 | andrew@mountainblue.com.au

As I conclude my first year as President of the ABGA I would like to thank the Committee Members and the Berries Australia team for their support. I am very pleased to be continuing in the role and that committee membership remains stable. That said, we would very much welcome a Western Australian voice on the ABGA as the region is becoming more important to the industry, so please let us know if you are interested.

Members of the ABGA Committee along with the Berries Australia Executive Director and Export Manager recently met with the Australian government market access team in Canberra to emphasise the importance of opening export markets. This built on the recent successful trade mission to Vietnam where the Australian government is currently negotiating market access. Working in this space certainly requires great patience but it is so vital to the success of the industry. The ABGA also invested $400,000 into marketing this year and will contribute to the “Berry Basket” marketing campaign. There is strong evidence from overseas that a category-wide campaign lifts consumption across all berry types and we are excited to be working with the other categories in this pilot campaign.

From a production perspective this has been a bumper year. Production is up 57% on last year (which was a low volume year) and will be the largest blueberry crop every produced in Australia. Unfortunately, value is only up by 20% and the gap means growers will be getting paid lower than the cost of production at certain times of the year. It is important that we all acknowledge our role in this situation and make careful decisions about future plantings, particularly of lower quality varietals.

All these activities are funded by your levies. Whilst the ABGA is currently in a healthy financial position, the reduced levy income this year and the ongoing investments in R&D and the industry development program means that levy income remains critical to the success of the sector, so we request your ongoing support. On the subject of levies, the Australian government has proposed a biosecurity levy be applied to all commodities. As there is no statutory levy for blueberries it is uncertain how this will be applied. Berries Australia is lobbying for a fair and reasonable payment mechanism whilst opposing the levy in principle (read our submission on the website). This levy, plus the desire to protect our growers in the event of a plant pest incursion by signing the PHA Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed, and the fact that some large producers do not contribute to the current voluntary levy has prompted the committee to look into the potential for a statutory levy. This is a long process, and we will ensure all growers have the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.

Ironically, production in many other parts of the world is down. Due to El Niño and the yearly warm ocean current appearing along the Peruvian coast around December, Peruvian blueberry production is down by more than 50%, leaving a gap in the world markets leading to global higher prices. It is deeply frustrating that Australian growers cannot take advantage of this situation due to our restricted market access. Export remains our number one priority, and we are making significant investments (more than $1 million) into fruit fly disinfestation projects to ensure that when the government-to-government negotiations conclude, the industry will be fully prepared.

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President's Report Richard McGruddy | 0408 763 804 | richard@berryq.com.au

As another year draws to a close, I would like to thank the RABA Committee Members for their ongoing commitment to the industry and to the Berries Australia team and IDOs for their support.

appropriately represented, and this commitment continues even though the pest is no longer feasible to eradicate. Tyler Scofield was a huge support to all Rubus growers in the impacted region and provided valuable local knowledge and technical support to the Berries Australia team. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, it seems like Varroa is here to stay. The biggest initial consequence will be that wild European honeybees will be wiped out and it will cost an additional thirty percent to maintain managed hives. It has been estimated that there are not enough managed hives to meet Australia’s pollination needs so hives will go to the highest bidder. Berries Australia will be developing a Best Practice Guide to Pollination and I urge all growers to make sure they are operating at the highest professional standards when it comes to working with the pollination sector.

There is no doubt it has been a difficult year for the Rubus industry and for the first time many growers saw prices drop below the cost of production. The reasons for this are many and varied, and include a late surge in volume post-Christmas which meant the Tasmanian growers were competing with other commodities and berry types. To try and mitigate against a similar scenario, the RABA committee worked with Hort Innovation to utilise the remaining Rubus marketing funds to contribute to a joint “Berry Basket” marketing program along with strawberries and blueberries. This will be launched early in the new year and represents an exciting new approach for the industry where we lift each other up rather than compete across the category. This approach has been used successfully for many years in the UK and other major berry markets.

I hope that you have all noticed some hip pocket relief now that the levies have been reduced from 12c to 4c per kilogram. Disappointingly just as we got our levy reduction across the line, the government announced a 10% biosecurity levy which they initially proposed be based on 2021/22 levy income. Berries Australia has pushed back strongly on this proposal, particularly in light of all of the work done to reduce the levy burden on growers.

Another curve ball was the detection of Varroa mite in the Coffs Harbour region. This detection and the consequent quarantine measures had the potential to completely derail Rubus pollination for a number of growers. For those who are not familiar with the processes around managing an emergency plant pest response, the level of input required by our industry representatives is truly enormous and impacts on all growers not just those in the affected region. Rachel Mackenzie and Angela Atkinson have devoted countless hours to ensure that the Rubus sector was

It seems that Australian consumers will be the lucky recipients of excellent value and high-quality raspberries and blackberries over this Christmas season. I hope they all add berry trifle to their Christmas day menus, and I wish you all a prosperous festive season.

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Chairman's Report Simon Dornauf | 0408 681 206 | simon@hillwoodberries.com.au As we approach the end of 2023, I find myself reflecting on the challenges and triumphs we've experienced as an industry over the past year. The impact of La Niña on our growing conditions and the challenges from cost-of-living pressures have tested our resilience, but our collective efforts have kept us moving forward.

plug-plant propagators is a priority. Balancing this with biosecurity and product quality concerns, we are committed to ensuring a sustainable runner industry for the future. This will no doubt consume much of our energy as a committee for the next 12 months.

Financial Oversight & Industry Investments:

Our industry has benefited greatly from the government’s Pacific worker schemes, fostering invaluable relationships with our Pacific Island workers. While challenges persist, such as addressing issues in the new deed and guidelines, we continue to support these workers who are integral to our businesses. I continue to encourage Government representatives both local and federal to meet with our workers and to help understand how important they are to us and how important our businesses and the opportunities they present are to the workers.

Pacific Worker Schemes & Industry Support:

Our committee has diligently worked alongside Hort Innovation to address the unexpected challenges stemming from a levy over-commitment due to an accounting error. Together, we've engaged in frustrating and robust discussions with Hort Innovation, ensuring a responsible approach to managing our industry's levy funds. Moving forward, we are embracing greater involvement and oversight, recognising the need for more accountability from Hort Innovation with regard to financial management and industry investments. We also note that Hort Innovation has significantly improved their engagement with the berry industry as a whole and look forward to an ongoing positive relationship.

Strategic Planning & Industry Priorities: Looking ahead, Strawberries Australia is undergoing a strategic refresh. I encourage all members to communicate your priorities to your state representative bodies. Your input is invaluable as we navigate challenges and opportunities unique to our industry. While many issues are dealt with at a Berries Australia level, it is crucial that the specific needs of the strawberry industry are heard and addressed through the mechanism of Strawberries Australia.

Marketing Initiatives & Industry Collaboration: Despite market fluctuations and external pressures, we are exploring innovative strategies to boost demand. Embracing the concept of a comprehensive “Berry Basket” marketing program, now endorsed by Strawberries Australia, Berries Australia, RABA and the ABGA, reflects our commitment to strengthening the entire berry category. By leveraging royalty funds overseen by Hort Innovation, we are optimistic about the positive impact this initiative will have on sales of the joint berry category.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to each committee member for your professionalism and dedication throughout this challenging year. Together, we have navigated financial complexities, market uncertainties, and industry-wide changes. Your commitment to the greater good of our industry has been exemplary. Let us continue to work hand in hand, fostering a resilient and vibrant future for the Australian strawberry industry.

Quality Plants & Sustainable Runner Industry: Securing high-quality runners remains a challenge for our industry. We acknowledge the complexity of this issue and are actively seeking collaborative solutions. Engaging all segments of the supply chain including

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New South Wales Gaius Leong, Berry Industry Development Officer 0484 055 748 | gaius.leong@dpi.nsw.gov.au

As warmer weather approaches, summer blueberry varieties such as Brightwell and Powder Blue are fully loaded and ready for harvest. Recent rains have been welcomed across growing regions as dams were running low and growers were preparing for limited water availability as demand hit its peak for fruiting plants over summer. The recent bushfires along NSW’s midnorth coast were a stark reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change and fortunately were brought under control by the RFS without impact upon berry farms.

The ability to determine distribution uniformity, make the necessary changes required and monitor progress should be at the forefront of improving drought resilience in the region. Ensuring uniformity through the production area is a cost-effective investment and should be the primary focus before investing in other expensive monitoring equipment. To support this, we will be undertaking a project through the ‘Hort360 for a sustainable and resilient berry industry’ program, which has been funded through the storm and flood industry recovery program, to create demonstration farms that will make various budget conscious changes tailored to each farm’s unique circumstances to achieve optimum distribution uniformity. Growers who are keen to participate or believe they can benefit from understanding more about distribution uniformity are asked to get in touch.

Increasing drought resilience has never been a hotter topic, but the burning question remains, how can we increase drought resilience cost effectively? In most regions obtaining a water access licence is a scarce, time-consuming and costly route to take to increase water security, therefore, the real focus should be on increasing water use efficiency.

In addition to the Hort360 irrigation component, there will be a pollination component that will cover challenges arising from the effects of the Varroa mite on hive availability. Updates on the research scope will be provided in the next issue of this journal. Extended periods of warm, dry weather also bring its own array of pests and disease issues. Stem blight infection increases in incidence in these conditions, and it can be avoided by decreasing entry points for the disease. A common entry point is through cutting wounds. Avoid pruning under extreme heat, make angled cuts to allow moisture to drain, sanitise pruning equipment between plants and apply a fungicide such as copper hydroxide after the prune. Also avoid excessive use of hand applied fertiliser to the crown area and avoid creating excessive root zone salinity through over fertilisation.

Water has and will always be the bloodline of all horticulture operations. Recent on-farm surveys found that often on blueberry farms, water distribution uniformity was below the recommended 85% level for efficient water use. In some cases, plants in the same block were receiving a 10-fold difference in the amount of water applied. This difference is equivalent to plants in areas receiving 200 ml versus 2 L in others. If water is blood, the water pump is the heart, and irrigation lines the arteries, then most farms would have lost multiple limbs or suffered a major heart attack!

Regarding pest pressure, we can expect to see a rise in mites and thrips, and the occasional Monolepta beetle outbreak following rain events – for more about Monolepta australis SEE PAGE 110.

The inability to achieve uniform distribution drastically impacts water use and production efficiencies for farming operations. Poor water distribution leads to the occurrence of moisture extremities through the block, which results in increased susceptibility to diseases such as stem blight and phytophthora, reduced fruit quality, lower production, and eventual decreased harvest efficiencies.

As we continue playing our cards in this berry game, let’s look forward to building resilience through the adoption of best management practices.

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Victoria & South Australia Victorian Strawberry Industry Development Committee

Dr Angela Atkinson, Berry Industry Development Officer 0408 416 538 | ido@vicstrawberry.com.au

Berry season is well underway in Victoria and South Australia. Above average temperatures in September meant the season got off to an early start, with strawberries picked in September in Victoria up to three weeks earlier than usual.

At the end of September, a field day was held at the Wandin Research Centre with timely pre-season information from Bronwyn Koll (YV regional fruit fly coordinator) on how to assess and mitigate Queensland fruit fly risk in the coming season (SEE PAGE 48 for an article about controlling non-crop hosts for QFF) and Dr Scott Mattner (VSICA Research) about research demonstrating how using seaweed extract (Seasol) can ‘prime’ strawberry plants to increase stress tolerance (SEE PAGE 85). Dr Dylan McFarlane (VSICA Research) presented his work developing a method to measure fumigant levels in soils to ensure it is safe to plant runners (presented in the Spring 2023 edition), and Dr Jodi Neal (DAF) spoke about the latest developments in the strawberry breeding program (SEE PAGE 94).

In South Australia rainfall was below average and temperatures slightly above average during both September and October. In Victoria both September and October saw above average rainfall and temperatures. The outlook for both states, under the influence of the El Niño weather pattern and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, is still for above average temperatures and below average rainfall through the summer period.

The Victorian Strawberry Grower’s Association held their Annual General Meeting at Spirli Strawberries in Wandin in early October, with Emma Germano, VFF president, as an invited speaker, as well as local Yarra Ranges councillor Jim Childs. The current committee members were re-elected unopposed. The AGM was well attended, and growers were given a farm tour of the new tunnels and tabletops, and a trial which is underway using weather station data as a predictive tool for powdery mildew.

In August we held a webinar on traceability as part of the AgriFutures funding for technology uptake awarded to the Victorian Strawberry Growers Association (VSGA). The webinar focused on why traceability is important, what requirements are on the horizon for industry and potential tools and solutions. The speakers were Rose Elphick-Darling from the Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics at Deakin University and Greg Calvert from Fresh Chain Systems. For those who were unable to attend the webinar, the recording is available at the Berries Australia YouTube channel youtu.be/Zaa-kFdqDAY. Further webinars will be held in 2024 under this grant, building on the previous series focused on traceability, robotics and automation, and irrigation efficiency. Webinars are available to all berry growers in all regions and the details will be shared in our E-News, and on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages so follow us there.

The Varroa mite response has continued to take up a lot of time, and unfortunately, as of 19 September 2023, it was decided by all industry stakeholders and governments that it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate the pest from Australia. The response will now transition to managing Varroa to ensure business continuity for the bee and honey industry and the horticulture industries dependent on honeybees for pollination. For a summary of the current situation SEE PAGE 22.

In early September I was lucky to be able to participate in the Berries Australia International Market Tour to Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai. During the tour we learnt about the opportunities in each of these markets for Australian berry growers, how fresh produce distribution and retail operates in these markets and we attended Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong. Check out the article on PAGE 56 for more learnings from the Tour.

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As always please get in touch if you would like any further information about anything in this update, or if you need any help or support in general.

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Bron Koll and some of the QFF resources available to growers. Photo credit: Angela Atkinson

(L) Scott Mattner and (R) Dylan McFarlane from VSICA Research presenting to the growers at the field day Photo credit: Angela Atkinson

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Western Australia Helen Newman & Aileen Reid, Industry Development Team, Agricultural Produce Commission

It’s been hot and dry in the west. Winter finished with drier than average conditions in August and average daytime temperatures were up to 2°C warmer than normal.

At the same field walk, Jodi Neal, Principal Plant Breeder for the Australian Strawberry Breeding Program, gave an overview of the new technology being used in the Australian breeding program and how it will fast track selection for flavour and disease resistance. Jodi also provided updates on new Australian-bred varieties showing promise for the Perth region. Newly released variety ‘Stella-ASBP’ appears to have promise for WA, with great yield, fruit size and flavour. 'Susie-ASBP' also has potential and has good fusarium tolerance but doesn’t perform well under high-nitrogen fertiliser programs. The new novelty pink variety 'SB17-230-ASBP' did well in WA trials this season and is available in small numbers for anyone interested in trialling it.

A warm spell at the end of August broke temperature records in some areas. September also bought above average temperatures and a mixed bag of rainfall. October was much drier and warmer than normal, with average daytime temperatures up to 4.5°C warmer than normal. Record breaking daily and monthly average temperatures were recorded in several areas, particularly in the greater Perth region. With planting delays and a late start to harvest, followed by three bouts of unseasonably high temperatures in October, the Perth strawberry season was very compressed for some growers. Unfavorable market conditions on the east coast added to the pressure. Strawberries in the southern region were also delayed due to late planting of runners, but volumes are looking good in the lead up to Christmas.

Future events: A field tour for strawberry growers

interested in protected cropping is planned for early February. A pre-season event for Vietnamese growers sponsored by FMC is planned for late-February. Costa Berries in Neergabby will host a blueberry grower event in late March/Early April. Keep an eye out in The Burst, on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for details of these events.

The heat and some strong winds in the greater Perth region caused problems in blueberry and Rubus crops, but all are generally on track.

Aileen is retiring: After 26 years working with

the WA strawberry industry Aileen Reid is leaving us. While she hopes to retire, she may pop back to share her extensive knowledge and expertise in the future if needed. The WA strawberry industry would like to acknowledge and extend its appreciation for the incredible work that Aileen has done for the industry in Western Australia and nationally. We wish her all the very best in everything that she does!

Perth region blueberries have again been heavily impacted by Chilli thrip, with populations booming during flush times in the warmer weather. Strawberry growers with good integrated pest management programs have been luckier, able to keep the pest at bay with healthy populations of predatory insects. Perth strawberry growers got to taste and see a selection of 9 new international varieties on trial in Wanneroo during a field walk in October. We thank Ngan Van Doan for hosting the event and George Weda from Toolangi for allowing us to see the trials and for sharing information on their early performance. When new varieties are imported from overseas, it takes at least three seasons for them to settle in to the Australian climate, so it will be a couple more years until we have a good picture of how these varieties will perform in WA.

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Qfly update: DPIRD continues to make progress with the eradication of Qfly in the Bayswater area following a confirmed detection in early 2023. The anticipated reinstatement of area freedom in October was delayed following the detection of a single Qfly in the Quarantine Area. A new Quarantine Area Notice will now extend to Monday 4 December 2023 and will be reviewed as the biosecurity response progresses.

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Sunburnt fruit following a 36°C day in October in Wanneroo. Photo credit: Helen Newman

Strawberry growers evaluating new US and European varieties on trial in Wanneroo. Photo credit: Helen Newman

‘Warrior’ (UC Davis short-day cultivar) is one of 9 new varieties on trial in Wanneroo. These photos were from a weekly harvest in late August 2023. Photo credit: Helen Newman

Sunburnt fruit following a 36°C day in October in Wanneroo. Photo credit: Helen Newman

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Queensland Wendy Morris, Berry Industry Development Officer 0484 272 963 | qldberryido@berries.net.au

It’s now the end of a season most Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg strawberry growers would prefer to forget, with the late plantings having placed them in a situation it was difficult to recover from. Blueberries and Rubus are now in production, and the Stanthorpe strawberry season is also well underway.

It’s time to start thinking about the good (new DAF varieties) and the bad (likely impending drought). ‘Stella-ASBP’ will be available in 2024 and to aid growers, DAF will be providing information on how they have grown this variety in the next edition of the Australian Berry Journal. Growing information will also be supplied for ‘Susie-ASBP’, a variety which proved tricky for many growers this year. If you have ordered plugs for 2024 and are intending to plant these in ground, please stay tuned for our early 2024 event where we will cover tips and tricks to getting the most out of your plugs. We understand that growing plugs in ground is different from runners, however they deliver the benefit of requiring less water during establishment, are less likely to perish during establishment, and can offer early yields.

It was all about berries in Bundaberg this September, with Berries Australia hosting a grower dinner and Silver Partner Haygrove holding an Open Day at Hillwood Berries showcasing their tunnel products. It was great to see so many growers at both events. Read more about the day on PAGE 17. Proceedings commenced on Tuesday night at the Young Australian Hotel, with representatives from MADEC, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers and Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers providing information on current schemes and grants designed to make life easier for growers. FMC and Nutrien Ag Solutions kindly sponsored the event.

The Bureau of Meteorology has officially declared that both an El Niño event and positive Indian Ocean Dipole are underway so now is the time to get drought ready. Queensland primary producers can now apply for a grant of 25 per cent of the cost of purchasing new permanent capital infrastructure to a maximum cumulative amount of $50,000 over five years.

Our final event of the year is a webinar, planned for December that will help growers to navigate the potential impacts of Varroa mite. Keep an eye out on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages, and in The Burst for more information about this webinar. It will also be recorded and made available for you to view later if you are not able to tune in ‘live’.

The grant aims to assist producers with the cost of implementing new permanent capital improvements and carrying out drought preparedness activities identified in their Farm Business Resilience Plan (FBRP). There are also Drought Ready and Recovery Finance Loans available. If you don’t have a FBRP then now is the time to reach out and take advantage of all the assistance that is available to help you get prepared. Visit bit.ly/Qld-FBRP for more information.

Speaking of pesky pests, foliar nematodes have made an unwelcome appearance on farms between the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg over the past two years. Thank you to everyone who checked their crops and reported any findings to DAF. If you have not already reported suspected or known infestations, please contact wayne.oneill@daf. qld.gov.au and take the appropriate measures to ensure you remove all host plants. Foliar nematodes have over 250 hosts, but if you remove the hosts they’re dead within days.

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Lastly, many thanks to everyone who has welcomed me onto their farm and shared their knowledge. It has been fantastic to continue to meet our growers and to chat about their experiences. On a personal note, it’s also been lovely to not just write about growers who are diversifying their operations, but to visit their farms and enjoy their agritourism offerings.

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Amy Nash addressing the attendees about the year-round services MADEC Harvest Trail provides to meet seasonal need. Photo credit: Wendy Morris

Tina McPherson (Tinaberries) and John Targett (Central Queensland Resilience Officer, Growcom). Photo credit: Wendy Morris

(L-R) Austin Barrie (Hillwood Berries), Bron Ford (Bronze Partner FMC) and Jacob Griffin (Hillwood Berries). Photo credit: Wendy Morris

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Tasmania Mark Salter, Berry Industry Development Officer 0400 100 593 | berryido@fruitgrowerstas.org.au

The Tasmanian berry season has commenced with the first strawberries coming online in early October and raspberries and blackberries due to start mid-November, which will be a close to average season start compared to last year which was quite late.

After lunch the afternoon session focused on how IPM works in the field. Followed by a sprayer demonstration of Burlington Berries new over crop sprayer conducted by Dave Farmer from Croplands. You can read more about the day on PAGE 76. Fruit Growers Tasmania held a harvest labour forum alongside its AGM on the 19 October with 27 growers and industry people attending. With competition for workers extremely high across Australia the forum aimed to share relevant information, advice and learnings to help growers navigate their labour challenges.

The weather seems to have settled down with drier conditions prevailing compared to previous years, resulting in good growing conditions to produce excellent fruit quality. Most growers are apprehensive about the coming season and will be hoping for better prices than last year.

Session 1 speakers built a picture of what the harvest labour situation looks like, including current numbers of backpackers, PALM workers, grey nomads and local numbers of visiting international students.

Labour remains top-of-mind for berry growers as the season commences. The PALM scheme has proven to be more complex and challenging for growers this year. The upside to the labour situation is there appears to be more working holidaymakers looking for work this season.

Session 2 hosted a series of open forums between growers and speakers discussing tips, tools and strategies to help growers navigate the current labour situation, including: • a dvertising harvest jobs - how, where and what to include in your job ads • onboarding workers - learning how to streamline your processes to free up time for other tasks • encouraging productivity - tips and tricks to help workers and businesses track and increase worker productivity • worker retention - ideas and discussion on how to improve worker retention, reduce staff turnover and avoid shortages

Events Fruit Growers Tasmania held a successful Berry Growers Field Day on the 18 October at Burlington Berries with IPM being the focus. Over 60 growers and industry representatives heard from a range of speakers including Jon Finch and Stephen Quarrell from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) presenting on their findings on ecological principles to enhance the activities of predators. Paul Horne spoke on the cultural practices, thresholds and monitoring to help look after beneficial insects. Jake Byrne from Biological Services explained the principles of IPM which is a “Philosophy/strategy of pest control that integrates all available tactics to reduce pest populations to an acceptable level”. Michael Gangi from EE Muir focused his presentation on Two-spotted mite which is an important pest in berries. His presentation included images to identify Two spotted mites through the various growth stages of growth. Dave Farmer from Croplands spoke on optimising spray equipment and minimising drift. Brenden Green from Nufarm highlighted some new chemistry for berries.

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All those in attendance agreed the labour session was very helpful. Berries Australia and Fruit Growers Tasmania hosted a meet and greet for growers at Hillwood in northern Tasmania on 15 November. The meeting coincided with the visit of the Berries Australia team including all IDO’s who were in Tasmania to attend the Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) International Conference taking place in Launceston. It was a great opportunity for growers to meet the team and hear the latest news from Berries Australia and Fruit Growers Tasmania you can find out more on PAGE 15.

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Berries Australia team visits the Apple Isle Jane Richter & Mark Salter, Berries Australia

In mid-November, Rachel Mackenzie and the Industry Development team from Berries Australia travelled to Launceston in Tasmania to attend the Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) and enhance their extension skills. At the same time, the team took the opportunity to tour some local farms, meet with growers and learn more about what the key challenges are for the Tasmanian berry industries. About APEN

APEN is the professional organisation for extension professionals working with people to enable change and innovation in primary industries, natural resource management and communities. Extension is about working with people in a community to facilitate change in an environment that has social, economic and technical complexity. This is achieved by helping people gain knowledge and confidence so they want to change and providing support to ensure it is implemented effectively.

(Executive Director at Berries Australia) and Peter Cornish (CEO of Fruit Growers Tasmania), and had the opportunity to highlight their challenges before enjoying a BBQ dinner kindly sponsored by E.E Muir and Sons, Serv-Ag and SLTEC. The group was also joined by Adrian Englefield (Industry Services & Delivery Manager for Berries) and Bronwyn Walsh (Industry Development & Innovation Manager) from Hort Innovation.

Thanks to the Dornauf Family, attendees had the opportunity to tour Hillwood Berries which is a 52 hectare multi-berry farm with a significant pick-your-own on farm tourism component located near the Tamar river about 25 km north of Launceston. The Dornauf family history with berry growing started in 1985 when father Robin planted the first raspberry canes at a different site now known as Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm in Elizabeth Town about one hour south west of Hillwood. The business now farms in two states and grows all four major berry crops in substrate under a variety of polytunnel systems.

The evening provided the opportunity for everyone to raise any concerns they have about the current state of the industry as this years’ major harvest window gets underway. It was also a valuable chance for our Hort Innovation team members to meet growers and the IDO team face-to-face.

Following the Hillwood Berries tour, a group of about 30 growers, Berries Australia team members and industry stakeholders congregated at Hillwood Sharks Football Club to hear industry updates from Rachel Mackenzie

1. (L) Melinda Simpson (NSW DPI) and (R) Adrian Englefield (Hort Innovation) at Hillwood Berries. Photo credit: Wendy Morris 2. Simon Dornauf leading the tour at Hillwood Berries. Photo credit: Jen Rowling 3. Peter Cornish from the Tasmanian peak industry body Fruit Growers Tasmania providing an update. Photo credit: Jane Richter 4. Rachel Mackenzie from Berries Australia provided an update for growers across a number of topics including the upcoming Berry Basket Marketing program. Photo credit: Jane Richter 5. Simon Dornauf from Hillwood Berries opened the evening and welcomed the attendees. Photo credit: Jane Richter

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A Game-Changer — Haygrove's Total Vent shaping the future of growing Wendy Morris, Berry Industry Development Officer, Queensland & Haygrove

It was all about berries in Bundaberg this September, with Berries Australia hosting an information night and grower dinner, and Silver Partner Haygrove holding an Open Day at Hillwood Berries. of Total Vent and retractable shade nets took centre stage, with a spotlight on their precise climate control. The structure’s ability to mechanically open the roof or sides of the tunnel in hot weather; combined with its strategically positioned vents for releasing rising hot air, and the agility to respond swiftly to rain events showcased its efficacy in managing temperature and humidity to enhance the crop.

Proceedings commenced at the Young Australian Hotel, with representatives from MADEC, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) and Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers (BFVG) providing a useful update for growers about the government schemes and grants currently available to support horticultural producers. The following day and in the scorching heat of the Bundaberg sun, the Open Day at Hillwood Berries Queensland showcased Haygrove’s cutting-edge protected cropping technology, with a focus on the patent-pending Total Vent design. Hillwood Berries are growing strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries on site, under a variety of different structures.

The integrated retractable shade net, where a single motor operates up to 0.6ha at time, provides another lever for temperature management. Delegates at the Open Day experienced the full cooling effect of the vents and shade nets whilst standing in the tunnels on the farm tour.

The 20-hectare facility exemplifies a significant leap forward in field-scale polytunnel design, using mechanisation to boost the crop yield and quality, minimise labour and have the versatility to adapt to a changing climate.

The 10-metre bay width, that utilises the space protected by the rainwater gutter under the 3-metre support leg, stood out as a game-changer for Hillwood Berries. This innovative approach increases plant density over an equivalent area, translating to a substantial revenue gain of $130,000 per hectare per year, demonstrating the tangible economic benefits of adopting these innovative technologies.

The headline product showcased was the Total Vent, designed to mechanically roll the polythene to the apex of the tunnel. This system provides precise climate control, offering growers the means to combat the effects of extreme weather on both the crop and the structures, using automated venting.

Using rainwater gutters in combination with mechanised vents allows for efficient rainwater harvest. As well as using this water as a vital resource for irrigating the crops, the gutters promote responsible water usage, and they protect the soil below preventing erosion in the tunnel from rainwater run-off.

Marcus Dornauf, Managing Director of Hillwood Berries Queensland, shared his firsthand experience with Total Vent, and commented on its remarkable flexibility in optimising the growing environment in Queensland's hot and humid climate. During the insightful discussions, the key advantages

Raspberries growing in Total Vent tunnel with the vents fully open. Photo credit: Haygrove

Utilising the space under the rainwater gutter for an additional plant row has generated Hillwood Berries additional revenue of $130,000 per hectare. Photo credit: Haygrove

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Total Vent's versatility doesn’t stop at automated venting, it can also be custom-tailored to specific needs, sizes, and crops. Whether it's improved plant quality or meeting unique configuration requirements, Total Vent stands as a testament to the adaptability needed in modern berry growing.

Addressing a key concern for growers, Total Vent tackles labour efficiency by automating venting processes. This not only minimises man-hours and reduces labour costs, it also ensures crops are no longer compromised by decisions to forego venting. Mechanised venting can be operated at precise moments and with sufficient frequency, ensuring crops reach their yield potential. Pollination efficiency can also be improved by rolling up the polythene to allow better access for beneficial pollinators, a feature which further solidifies Total Vent's role in enhancing overall crop yields.

As the industry grapples with challenges such as climate change and labour shortages, Total Vent emerges as a viable solution for growers aiming to operate successfully on a large scale. Hillwood Berries' early adoption and subsequent success with this technology serve as a compelling testament to the transformative power of Total Vent in shaping the future of berry growing.

The system's ability to fully utilise natural light without additional energy requirements is also noteworthy. Through retracting the polythene, Total Vent enhances UV light exposure, contributing to healthier plants and increased rates of photosynthesis. This commitment to sustainable and efficient farming practices underscores the system's forward-thinking approach.

After exploring the Total Vent tunnels, the tour group moved to the Fixed Top Vent style, which comes with the option of additional roller vents on the hoops and sides of the tunnel.

Blueberries growing in the innovative Total Vent tunnels. Photo credit: Haygrove

Open Day attendees enjoying some shade in the blueberry crop planted in Total Vent tunnels with retractable shade nets. Photo credit: Haygrove

best to safely erect the tunnels. After undertaking thorough risk assessments, Hillwood Berries elected to utilise boom lifts as the safest and most cost-effective for building their structures.

The final part of the tour looked at the EZVent tunnel which is a simple solution for quick return on investment. Each tunnel allows for the leg row to be utilised, and the addition of rain gutters allows for greater structural integrity while at the same time allowing rainwater to be harvested. Interestingly, strong tape is used in place of ropes to prevent wear and tear to the plastic.

Overall, it was a well-structured and informative day. The range of tunnel styles available is impressive, and it was great to see so many growers from all over Australia come to Bundaberg to learn about the latest innovations from Haygrove.

Planning each tunnel requires careful consideration, not only about the type of crop and local conditions, but the availability of power and decisions about how

Aerial view of the Total Vent showing the polythene rolled to a range of venting positions. Photo credit: Haygrove

Strawberries growing in Haygrove’s substrate gutters under EZVent tunnels. Photo credit: Haygrove

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The simpler Fixed Top Vent design is being used to grow Rubus. Photo credit: Haygrove

Total Vent is mechanised by electric motors, minimising the labour requirement and giving a high degree of flexibility to manage the growing environment. Photo credit: Haygrove

Acknowledgements: Berries Australia would like to thank the team members from QFVG, BFVG and MADEC for their helpful insights. We are also grateful to our generous event sponsors- FMC and Nutrien Ag Solutions – for their support to help fund the evening. A big thank you must go to Hillwood Berries and the Dornauf Family for opening the gates of their farm and being prepared to share their experiences so candidly with the all the Open Day attendees. And finally, thank you to our Silver Partner Haygrove for continuing to support the Australian berry industry.

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Switching from eradication to management of Varroa destructor Angela Atkinson, Berry Industry Development Officer, Victoria & South Australia

Since Varroa destructor was detected in NSW in June 2022, 15 pollination dependent industries, the honey bee industry and the Commonwealth and state and territory governments have worked together to attempt to eradicate this pest from Australia. Several changes occurred immediately as a consequence of the decision to transition to management, including changes to the emergency zoning. The previous Surveillance Emergency (Purple) Zones and smaller regional outlier Eradication Emergency (Red) Zones (including Coffs Harbour and Nana Glen) have merged with the previous General Emergency (Blue) Zone to form the Suppression Zone. This makes up the majority of NSW. Movement is permitted within and out of the Suppression Zone once a Hive Movement Declaration form has been completed.

During the course of the response, industry successfully engaged with Commonwealth and state governments to highlight the significance of Varroa to the wider community, not just the affected horticultural industries. This resulted in the cost-sharing of the response shifting from a 50:50 split to 80% government funding and 20% funding from the affected industry parties. Unfortunately, the response teams were unable to keep ahead of the spread of Varroa. As a consequence, on 19 September this year the National Management Group, comprising all affected industry and government parties, reluctantly came to the unanimous decision that it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate Varroa.

The former Eradication Emergency (Red) Zones in Kempsey, Hunter, and Central Coast regions where Varroa is present in higher numbers have become Management Zones.

The response is now shifting from an eradication program to a transition to management approach. At the time of writing, the details of the transition to management program are still being negotiated with industry and government input. The aim of the transition to management program will be to increase resilience and capacity within the Australian honeybee industry to manage Varroa mite, minimising its ongoing impacts on the industry and pollination-dependent horticulture sectors. This will involve slowing the spread of the pest while building industry resilience, providing management options, and ensuring pollination security.

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• M ovement of bees, hives and permitted bee feeders out of the Management Zone to the Suppression Zone is not permitted • M ovement between Management Zones is allowed under secure conditions • M ovement of apiary equipment out of the Management Zone is permitted once cleaned and free of any bee material and live bees • H ive movement declarations must be submitted for all hive movements

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Varroa mite emergency zone map. Photo credit: NSW DPI www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response

Efforts are underway by Berries Australia to develop a pollination pilot program in the Coffs Harbour region. The program will include producing a handbook outlining pollination best practice and developing a Code of Practice for pollination in collaboration with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.

All beekeepers in NSW are required to complete hive testing every 16 weeks (alcohol washing, soapy water wash, sugar shake or miticide strip and sticky mat) and report results to DPI within 7 days. Where results indicate a mite infestation DPI will supply miticide strips to be installed in infested hives. Miticide treatments must also be reported to DPI.

This initiative will also aim to reduce reliance on managed hives through alternative pollination methods and varietal management, aligning with research already being conducted by the University of New England.

At this stage there is no clear indication of the cost of the transition to management program, although it is unlikely to exceed the already agreed response plan budget. Transition to management will almost certainly include restrictions on interstate hive movements, at least within the short term, to slow the spread of Varroa.

The resources created will be available to berry growers across Australia, with support provided through the Berries Australia extension network.

In countries such as New Zealand, where Varroa has become established, there has been increased competition for managed hives for pollination services resulting in increased costs. In addition, there is concern for pollination dependant industries that the potential loss of feral European honey bees and the ‘free’ pollination they provide, which is largely unmeasured, will increase the demand for managed hives.

For more information go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/ current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response

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A home for every piece of fruit Wendy Morris, Berry Industry Development Officer, Queensland

All too often, fruit that doesn’t meet retail specifications ends up rotting in the field or being dumped before ever leaving the farm. For Stuart and Allison McGruddy, seeing perfectly edible fruit go to waste was both a source of frustration and the inspiration for a business. My Berries sells their value-added products to more than 1,000 independent retailers across Australia and overseas, plus wholesales bulk product to leading food manufacturers. The inclusion of big names such as Weiss, Arnott’s and Beerenberg is a sure sign that quality and reliability are hallmarks of their business.

Working out of Caboolture, in the heart of berry territory in South East Queensland, My Berries collects surplus strawberries, raspberries and blackberries direct from local farms and processes them into frozen and freeze-dried products ready for both retail and wholesale sales channels. My Berries also sources surplus blueberries from New South Wales, mangoes from the Northern Territory and Queensland, and bananas from Central Queensland. All the products are processed, quality checked and packed into retail pouches or manufacturing grade cartons, proudly emblazoned with their ‘Aussie Grown’ My Berries brand and shipped out via third party distributors or in some cases, direct to the retailer distribution centres.

My Berries has grown dramatically since Jane Richter first interviewed Stuart on behalf of the Australian Blueberry Grower’s Association in 2018 (you can read the original story at bit.ly/ABJ-Aut18) . Talking to Stuart about the changes since then, it’s evident there has been a lot of hard work, learning and growth, liberally sprinkled with calculated risk taking. While fellow Australian berry processors were closing their doors, Stuart and Allison sought advice from business mentors and leaders in manufacturing who gave them the confidence to forge ahead and back themselves. Listening to their story, it is very clear that actively seeking out assistance whether that be advice or grants has been important in their journey to date. Business mentorship is available in many guises and the local Chamber of Commerce or Council is often a great place to start. In the last two years, My Berries has invested heavily in expanding its processing facilities by designing one large, streamlined manufacturing area. Upgrades include new processing machinery, automated packing lines, more freezer space and a larger area to improve workflow. The business has also secured more space in the industrial unit complex where it is based, providing room for the business to grow.

The current My Berries frozen fruit retail range. Photo credit: My Berries

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My Berries has invested in automation and better packaging capability to support the ongoing expansion. Photo credit: Jane Richter Since our last catch up, the company has also invested in rebranding, and the packaging has gone from practical to enticing. With the business now more established, Stuart and Allison have been able to identify their core consumers and target their marketing accordingly. Overall, today’s image is fresh, bright and inviting. It speaks to everyone from the Bondi mums who make smoothies to inner city consumers wanting a healthy, low-calorie portable snack to get them through the afternoon.

My Berries’ mission is to find a home for every piece of fruit local farmers produce in peak season. Expanding and automating facilities is bringing them closer to realising this ambitious goal. By offering growers a profitable and value-added solution for their surplus fruit, they have been able to steadily increase their buying power and the tonnages processed year on year, as well as provide a more reliable supply to their downstream customer base. More fruit means more staff. Sourcing labour is a headache that many growers can relate to and postpandemic, Stuart and Allison have focused on local recruitment, retention and upskilling, so they are less reliant on working holiday makers. They also understand that a supportive and inclusive working environment leads to happy workers who are passionately invested in helping the business to succeed, and this is evident in the low levels of staff turnover. When asked if Covid saw an increase in Australian food manufacturers seeking processed fruit for their products, Stuart advised that there was a temporary increase in demand before overseas products became available again, and manufacturers returned to cheaper products. But this, at My Berries, is part of the natural ebb and flow. There are always new opportunities.

The business has its own truck collecting fruit direct from farms in the local area. Photo credit: Jane Richter

Branding is just one way to get more Australian grown frozen fruits on supermarket shelves. In 2020, Stuart successfully applied for a Hort Innovation Churchill Fellowship to build on the knowledge, experience and technology used in the freezing of whole soft berry fruits. These fellowships are offered annually to cultivate new ideas and drive transformation within Australia’s horticultural industry. Overseas, significantly less seasonal produce is wasted, and Stuart wanted to explore why. After Covid delays, Stuart recently returned from his research trip to processing facilities in Poland, Spain, the USA and Chile. An interesting take-away from European farms was the larger number of processors capable of transforming lower grades of fruit into value-added products. This meant fruit did not need to travel as far, reducing freight costs, and in turn making processing grade fruit more financially viable. Likewise in the USA, mechanical picking was used to harvest raspberries that are grown specifically for the frozen market and

bound for processing, which dramatically reduced harvest costs. Stuart’s full report has been submitted to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and is now available on churchilltrust.com.au. The trip made Stuart acutely aware of how important it is to reduce barriers for growers to get involved. My Berries will be trialling new collection trays to make it even easier to collect, transport and freeze processing grade fruit. The business believes grower backed solutions are the key to reducing food waste and are keen to build relationships with farmers, and to continue to identify and remove barriers in the supply chain. Stuart’s final piece of advice to anyone who is undertaking a business journey is a Winston Churchill quote; ‘You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks’. Great words from a processor who has managed to thrive in what has been proven to be an extremely challenging market.

My Berries are open for business – if you are a berry grower and would like to chat with the team about processing grade fruit options, please contact: Stuart McGruddy: stuart@myberries.com.au | 0412 352 321 | myberries.com.au

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Managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace: spotlight on harassment Jane Richter, Communication Manager, Berries Australia

Work-related stress often caused by psychosocial risks is estimated to affect around one third of all Australians. One in five Aussies experience a mental health condition in any year and one in two of us will experience a mental health condition in our lifetime. groups, making derogatory comments or taunts about someone’s disability, sharing inappropriate images, videos, emails, text messages, social media messages, letters or notes about an individual or group of workers’ personal characteristics.

You don’t need to be an expert on mental health, but as an employer, people manager or leader you do need to manage psychosocial risks in the same way you manage workplace health and safety (WHS) risks, in a reasonably practicable manner.

• E xamples of workplace sexual harassment may include asking intrusive questions about a person’s body, staring, leering or unwelcome touching (e.g. deliberately brushing up against a person or touching them in a sexual way), sexual or suggestive comments, jokes or innuendo, sharing sexually inappropriate images or videos or uninvited sexual propositions.

Harassment One of the most common psychosocial hazards is harassment. Harassment towards another person in relation to age, disability, race, sex, relationship status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status can also be considered discriminatory.

As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCUB ) positive duties under work health and safety laws require you to do all that you reasonably can to prevent workplace and sexual harassment.

• H arassment may be perpetrated by a person's employer, a co-worker or group of that person’s co-workers. • H arassment is not always obvious, repeated or continuous, and may be a one-off incident.

Table 1 provide some tips on the process steps that you can follow and the actions you can implement to do the best you reasonably can to prevent harassment and sexual harassment in your workplace.

• E xamples of workplace harassment may include telling insulting jokes about particular racial

It is important to note that if someone finds a particular behaviour offensive, humiliating or intimidating, and it relates to their sex, race, age or any of the listed attributes, then it is considered harassment. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is done to either offend, humiliate, or intimidate another person, or where it is reasonable to expect the person might feel that way when exposed to certain behaviours. These can include uninvited physical intimacy or propositions, remarks with sexual innuendo and jokes of a sexual nature.

Table 1: Steps to help you prevent harassment in your workplace Source: Safe Work Australia

Identifying how, where and when harassment including sexual harassment might happen

Assessing the likelihood that a worker may experience harassment or sexual harassment and how it may affect them

Implementing the most effective control measures to prevent harassment from happening

Working out how you will address harassment – especially sexual harassment – it is does happen in your workplace

Checking that your control measures are working and whether there is anything more than you can do

Talk to your workers

Create a positive and respectful workplace culture

Provide information and training on preventing harassment and sexual harassment

Address unwanted or offensive behaviour early

Encourage workers to report any harassment

Quickly respond to reports of harassment

Implement safe work systems and procedures

Create a safe physical and online work environment

Implement clear workplace policies Lead by example

Photo credit: Yan Krukau, pexels.com

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What other tools are available to help you to manage the risks of psychosocial hazards in your business? Safe Work Australia has a range of resources available

healthy workplace.Visit bit.ly/WS-Vic-WorkWell to access the tool kit.

on its website, including guides for both employers and workers. Visit bit.ly/Safe-Work-Harassment

Another facet of handling managing psychosocial risks in the workplace is ensuring that you have a clear and fair grievances and complaints process in place.

Workplace Health & Safety Queensland has developed a useful psychosocial risk assessment tool which takes you through the four steps in the process to help you identify and manage risks. This template can be used by any business in Australia. Visit bit.ly/ WS-QLD-RiskAssess to download the tool.

SafeWork SA have produced a very useful template for a Grievance and complaint resolution procedure that can be adapted for any business to follow. Visit bit. ly/WS-SA-Complaints to download the template.

Work Safe Victoria has a range of useful tools available through its website including a WorkWell Toolkit which provides practical step by step ideas, tips and suggestions to help employers of different sizes prevent mental injury and create a safe and mentally

Acknowledgements This article has been compiled with thanks to WorkSafe Australia.

S U P P O R T U S & B E C O M E A N I N D U ST RY PA R T N E R

Support the largest horticultural group in Australia by becoming an Australian Berry Industry Partner with Berries Australia! To discuss your options in more detail, please contact Jen Rowling at Berries Australia on 0448 322 389 or email jenrowling@berries.net.au GOLD PARTNER

Thank you & welcome to our new Industry Partner Corteva Agriscience

FIND OUT MORE AT:

www.corteva.com.au

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The Road to Diversification Wendy Morris, Berry Industry Development Officer, Queensland

For some growers, a single variety of a single crop is enough – enough income, enough effort, enough risk! Some others, like SSS Strawberries and Tinaberries, have taken the road less travelled and diversified their operations significantly. While both operations are quite different in scale and approach, what they share is an ongoing commitment to reducing waste, and building resilience in the face of adversity. When faced with tough situations, instead of going broke, they shot for the stars and succeeded. Both SSS Strawberries and Tinaberries are fortunately located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and have a dynamic tourism body which funnels tourists their way, many from interstate. While this accounts for traffic to their farms, it in no way explains their success. The reviews for each farm are full of praise for the taste of the produce, the welcoming hosts and the scenic locations. Their success speaks to their hard work, grit and determination.

SSS Strawberries — Sticking Together for Success They have continued to strive towards success, diversifying operations through a series of ventures. The farm now covers over 140 acres, growing over four million strawberry plants, making SSS Strawberries one of the larger strawberry growers in Australia.

‘Seven Successful Siblings’ is the origin of the name SSS Strawberries and this family were once seven siblings with no interest or skills in agriculture. All they knew was that their parents needed help growing strawberries in Bundaberg, and they were prepared to pitch in. The early years were rough on the family who migrated to Australia from Vietnam. Troubles achieving quality and matching it with a market meant that they fell into a worse financial place than when they’d arrived in Australia as refugees. It’s a story that many people can relate to - loans maxed out, favours exhausted, with everyone in the family having a different idea, a different opinion, on how to move forward. The matriarch eventually gathered the family around and gave some sage advice ‘One stick is easy to break, but a bundle is much harder’. The siblings understood that they needed to find a way to work together to make a successful business. The brothers and sisters banded together, purchased the business from their parents, and relaunched it as SSS Strawberries.

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The SSS village. Photo credit: SSS Strawberries

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The highly successful ‘High Tea on the Strawberry Field’ experience provides a more elegant alternative to eating at the farm shop and cafe. The scent of ripe strawberries hangs in the air, as guests get close to nature while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.

The SSS Village is an example of their innovation. The 30-unit, gated worker’s accommodation has built in security, ample parking spaces and common outdoor areas including a gym, barbeque and basketball court. Located just a five-minute walk to a local supermarket, and under ten minutes’ drive to Bundaberg, with twice weekly transport to night shopping and other activities, it’s a perfect – and low cost – method of providing accommodation for their workers. Gina Dang credits it with allowing farm operations to continue throughout the pandemic and is a major drawcard for temporary staff as it solves a major problem for them.

The latest innovation is ‘Gina’s Table’ – a freeze dried selection of fruit with some surprising twists. Each pack is a delicate crunch made of 100% fruit. What makes SSS Strawberries’ story incredible is the resilience they’ve shown. With no family money to back them up, they have had to rely on their wits, willingness to learn, and most importantly, on each other.

Opened on the farm in 2011, The Strawberry Shop offers a range of homemade jam, chocolate coated strawberries, barista coffee, Banh Mi, desserts and much more. One of the most recent additions to the range is home-made fresh strawberry iced tea, which has proven a success with customers.

There are now twelve grandchildren involved in the business, with 14-year-old Ruby Rose pledging to ‘grow and evolve the seed’.

(L-R) Cindy Dang, Trinity Dang, Lyn Nguyen, Toan Nguyen, Gen Nguyen, Thanh Dang, Rena Dang, Gina Dang, Lilly Dang and Victor Dang. Photo credit: SSS Strawberries

Tinaberries — putting your name on the line Tina was in the fortunate position of having access to commercial kitchen facilities, they just needed to be dismantled and rebuilt. An old ice-cream churn was refurbished, and the production of fresh berry and passionfruit ice cream commenced, alongside jams and butters.

Tinaberries has never been just a production farm. Right from their inception 17 years ago, the Pick Your Own has operated alongside traditional farming and wholesale supply operations. Farm owners Tina and Bruce McPherson have always understood that inviting families to come and enjoy berries straight from the field rebuilds connections with growers and the land and is helpful when fruit supply is high and wholesale prices are not!

Despite being open just one day a week for ‘Ice Cream Sundays’, the new venture was so popular that the decision was made to freeze berries and other fruits for use during the off season. The popularity of Tinaberries strawberry ice cream increased exponentially, and the farm shop is now open 363 days a year. Adding to the experience is a garden for visitors to sit in and enjoy their ice-cream.

While the public may think of a strawberry crisis as the needle tampering event of 2018, like many growers Tina found the real crisis to be the annual strawberry gluts leading to prices plummeting well below the cost of production in the peak of the season. It was not just the low financial return at this stage of the season but the sheer wastage that began to prey on Tina’s mind.

1. Tina McPherson; 2. Strawberry ice cream is a top seller and major drawcard for visitors; 3. Some of the additional products available for sale from the Tinaberries farm shop 3. Photo credit: Tinaberries

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Tina is open about the challenges. Planning regulations can be painful to navigate, with current laws providing limited pathways for growers to offer on-farm activities. Agri-tourism, which has taken off in other states, is stifled by both Queensland state and local council legislation. There is also the lack of privacy when your farm and home are opened up to the public. Almost everything is done in the public eye. Tina highlights that down time needs to be structured in, and the small moments of privacy, peace and relaxation need to be appreciated when then can be found. The biggest challenge, Tina notes, is avoiding over consumption of your own product! Which is difficult when it’s available right down the driveway…

Planning a visit? Both SSS Strawberries and Tinaberries welcome visitors to their farms.

SSS Strawberries SSS Strawberries offers PYO from mid-August to the end of November. The Strawberry shop is open from 7am to 5pm, 7 days a week during the strawberry season (May to November).

Find out more at sss-strawberries.com.au

Tinaberries Pick your own is available during August, September and October at Tinaberries, with the real fruit ice-cream available 10am to 5pm for 363 days a year.

Find out more at tinaberries.com.au

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National Agricultural Plastics Stewardship Scheme: What’s next? Carl Larsen – Associate & Dr Anne-Maree Boland – Principal, RMCG

• An Implementation Plan for a proposed National Non-Packaging Agricultural Plastics Stewardship Scheme has been submitted to the Australian Government • One of the critical next steps is the establishment of an Industry Working Group to progress the Implementation Plan • The scheme is aiming to commence nationally from the 2024/25 financial year onward, pending progress of the Industry Working Group and outcomes from further consultation with key stakeholders Background

Key achievements

This project developed a proposed agricultural plastics stewardship scheme for non-packaging plastic waste. The scheme aims to facilitate and incentivise a viable market to recycle agricultural plastics. It involves solutions for on-farm retrieval, from farm collection logistics, processing technology and equipment and development of recycled plastic products and their markets.

The RMCG and Growcom project team have achieved the following outcomes over the past two years:

This project was one of 24 funded under the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund (NPSIF) and a key initiative of the National Waste Policy Action Plan. It was implemented from January 2021 to March 2023.

2. I ncreased sustainability of farm practices facilitated through avoidance of waste, resource recovery and recycling through pilot schemes

1. F easible industry-led national scheme for non-packaging agricultural plastics ready to be implemented with established governance, administration, logistics and accreditation procedures and sustainable financial model

3. I mproved industry partnerships and coordination so plastic collectors and processors can service the agricultural sector with viable end markets (new or existing) for products

The scheme has been developed and modelled to exclude existing (e.g. drumMUSTER, Big Bag Recovery) and emerging (e.g. bagMUSTER, Dairy Australia silage wrap) plastic stewardship schemes to ensure complementarity and that producers are not ‘doublecharged’ if multiple recycling schemes or levies exist.

Progress against outcome 1 The proposed National Non-Packaging Agricultural Plastics Stewardship Scheme will be a voluntary industry-led scheme with government accreditation with the following objectives:

The scheme focuses on the following priority plastic types (Figure 1): • P rotective film – grain silo bags, protected cropping film, cotton wrap and table grape covers

• I ncrease the amount (tonnes) and proportion (%) of end-of-life agricultural plastics collected from Australian farms

• Piping, irrigation and drainage – tube and tape • Nets and mesh – hail and bird netting

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Figure 1. Five most common uses for plastic in agriculture and their corresponding polymer type codes Plastic codes

Piping, irrigation & drainage

Protective films

Bagging, twine & ropes

Nets & mesh

Storage, trays & labels

Cotton film

Water reservoir

Bale net

Bulka bags

Produce crates/ boxes

Berry film (from coir packaging)

Irrigation tapes

Horticultural twine

Polystyrene boxes

Polytunnel/ protective housing

Irrigation pipes and fittings

Protective netting

Shade cloth/ mesh

Twine/ ropes/ string

Tarps

Seedling trays/ pots/ racks

Crop cover film

Clips

Mulch/ fumigation films

Chemical containers

Silage wrap

Storage tanks

Clear film wrap

Drainage pipes

Polymer Description Type

PETE

Clear, tough, solvent resistant, used for rigid sheets and fibers

HDPE

Hard to semi-flexible, waxy surface, opaque

PVC

Hard, rigid, can be clear, can be solvent welded

LDPE

Soft, flexible, waxy surface, translucent, withstands solvents

OTHER

Hard, flexible, wide property range for many applications, good chemical resistance

Clear, glassy, rigid, brittle (PS); or foamed, light weight, energy absorbing (EPS)

6 Other resins and multi materials of unknown composition, acrylic, nylon, polyurethane (PU), polycarbonates (PC) and phenolics

This has influenced the design of the stewardship scheme through a modular, or staged, approach.

• I ncrease the amount and proportion of agricultural plastics recovered through mechanical (primary) and advanced (secondary) recycling

Based on the plastic data analysis and material flow, current mechanical recycling capacity and relative value and quality, it is estimated that approximately 68,000 tonnes of agricultural plastic waste could be collected per year by a stewardship scheme at full operational scale. This represents about 80% of the total annual volume of waste not covered by existing or emerging schemes.

• R educe the amount and proportion of end-oflife agricultural plastics that are inappropriately disposed of on-farm through stockpiling, burying and burning • E xplore opportunities to further avoid, reduce or reuse agricultural plastics to decrease the total amount needing to be recovered for recycling

Of these 68,000 tonnes, it is proposed that 41,000 tonnes (60%) could be mechanically recycled (most preferable) with 13,500 tonnes (20%) recycled using advanced technologies (less preferable).

The scheme demonstrates the plastic sector is taking a proactive approach to meeting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments, as well as ensuring a sustainable agriculture industry that continues to meet market access requirements and consumer expectations to manage waste responsibly and reduce environmental impact.

Due to limitations with market capture rate of schemes and difficulties with collection, transport and contamination, it is estimated that 17,500 tonnes (20% total volume) would remain on-farm and either stockpiled, buried or burnt. In addition, some collected plastics will not meet re-processor specification and will need to be landfilled.

The ultimate aim of circularity is for waste agricultural plastics to be turned back into their original products, such as irrigation tube being recycled back into irrigation tube and old table grape covers being used to create new table grape covers (Figure 2).

Leakage from the scheme through non-compliant plastic is estimated to be 13,500 tonnes per year or 20% of plastic collected.

The recycling pathway of different plastic products and polymer types differs based on the value, quality and technical feasibility of recycling the waste plastic.

Figure 2. Agricultural plastic end-of-life management and the waste hierarchy

Most Preferable Prevent plastic use (e.g. plastic alternatives such as biodegradable film ) Reduce single-use plastic

Prevention & Reduction

Produce reusable plastic Design for longer life and increased utilisation

Reuse

Mechanical Recycling

Conventional

Conversion Depolymerisation Purification

Advanced Recycling

Indefinite loss of raw material, which should be avoided

Landfilll Stockpiling Burying Burning

Stockpiling can be hazardous Burying can cause leakage to the environment Burning is least preferred

Least Preferable

Progress against outcome 2

January, July and December 2022; and May 2023 to keep stakeholders informed of project progress

The Victorian pilot directly collected and recycled 81 tonnes of irrigation tube and grain bags over sixmonths from May to October 2022 that would have otherwise ended up in landfill or contaminated the environment through incorrect disposal on-farm, such as stockpiling, burying or burning.

• S ought expert input from a Project Reference Group through six meetings over the course of the project (April, August and December 2021; July and November 2022; and May 2023) • C ollaborated closely with the dairy and nursery industries who were working on complementary stewardship projects funded under the NPSIF

The Queensland pilot found that growers are willing to participate in a recycling program and undertake separation of drip tape and mulch on-farm; however, there are a number of challenges such as time, cost and suitability of current retrieval equipment. High volumes of organic material and soil contaminate the used plastic and reduce its potential to be recycled.

• C ontinued a productive working relationship with the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence • E ngaged with agricultural plastic manufacturers, suppliers, re-processors, collectors and local government to understand their challenges with collection, transport, contamination and processing of particular products

In addition, approximately 150 tonnes of grape covers were indirectly collected by an existing regional service that was improved through partnerships developed under the Victorian pilot.

• E ngaged with existing stewardship owners to explore issues related to governance and funding models • W orked with the National Farmers Federation to consider solutions at a national scale

Progress against outcome 3 Significant progress has been made against the third outcome in improving industry partnerships and coordination. This is evidenced by the project team having:

• C ollaborated with agriculture, fisheries and forestry Research and Development Corporations to understand specific plastic waste issues and contribute to possible solutions

• E ngaged with 515 stakeholders around the country in the agriculture, plastic and waste sectors, including product manufacturers, plastic recyclers and existing stewardship scheme operators

• C ollaborated with AgriFutures Australia to contribute an understanding of plastic waste to their program on ‘Pre-farm Gate Waste for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’

• D istributed an initial project summary in February 2021 and communicated industry updates in July 2021;

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Mechanically difficult to recycle plastics (e.g. co-mingled, multi-layer products, higher levels of contamination) Includes gasification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal Produces energy from waste treatment Waste to fuels should sit higher in the hierachy than incineration

Waste to Energy

On-farm disposal

Close the loop of high-value material (e.g. PET, PP, PS, HDPE) Sorting and collection systems

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Scheme design

Separate funds would be established for individual plastic waste streams with responsibility for recommending the levy rate and contributing to Board deliberations on expenditure. The PSO would provide shared administration common to all funds. Additional funds could join the scheme as they emerge, providing flexibility over time. These funds would allow for the segregation of finance systems and activities to ensure that members’ money is overseen by an independent entity.

Governance Following extensive consultation and research of existing schemes, it is proposed that the Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO) for agricultural plastics be a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee as described in Figure 3. This would ensure the following principles are met:

The CEO and executive team would be responsible for implementing the strategy and all administrative functions related to scheme management (including compliance and auditing) and the engagement of service providers.

• Voluntary • Purpose-driven and independent • Not-for-profit • Flexible

Advisory committees with specific skills and interests would be established to ensure contribution of additional expertise on issues such as research and development (R&D), marketing and standards providing advice to the Board.

The company would consist of a Board representing members and other experienced Non-Executive Directors with ultimate responsibility for establishing the constitution with a clear description of why the organisation exists. Other responsibilities of the Board include appointment of the CEO, setting strategy, undertaking risk analysis and determining and administering the levy. The composition and number of seats on the Board will be an important early consideration for the PSO.

The Board would also work to communicate strategy and performance with members and partners. Of particular relevance will be advocacy to government on issues of importance, such as free riders and nonparticipating farmers.

Figure 3. Scheme entity structure and key components

Administration

Value (Years 1- 5)

Value (Years 6 -15)

Plastic collected (t/yr)

51,260

67,914

Percentage collected

41%

80%

Plastic recovered (t/yr)

41,008

54,331

Percentage of plastic recovered

33%

64%

Plastic to landfill (t/yr)

10,252

13,583

Nutrient

The administration of the PSO will involve support for the Board, team organisation and scheme management. The Board meetings will be structured around the organisational constitution (purpose), strategy and organisational objectives. Policies and procedures will be developed to inform the five-year strategy with the establishment of annual operating plans. Key performance indicators will be monitored annually, publicly available and independently assured. The functions shared across all scheme funds will include: 1. Compliance and auditing 2. Infrastructure and logistics 3. Research and development 4. Communication and education

Scheme operation

Funding

Collection sites The scheme ensures the majority of plastic waste can be aggregated through strategically located collection sites that are relatively easily accessed by farmers to drop off material free of charge. The drop-off collection points for the scheme include those situated in priority locations with capacity to temporarily store and aggregate agricultural plastic waste prior to it being pre-processed and transported to a recycler.

A detailed economic analysis was conducted to determine the operating costs of the stewardship scheme. This figure was then used to develop a cost per kilogram of plastic sold in the Australian market. It is expected that this cost will be passed on at an individual ‘point of sale’ level, however this would be confirmed through the ACCC Authorisation process. The scheme is estimated to collect 51,000 tonnes of agricultural plastic waste per year in the first five years of operation, which increases to 68,000 tonnes per year thereafter. The plastic recovered is expected to increase from 41,000 tonnes per year (33%) to 54,500 tonnes per year (64%) at full operation. A summary of the scheme collection and recovery rates is provided in Table 1.

The scheme plans to operate approximately 450 collection sites at full operation after 10 years.

Pre-processing There are a number of options for pre-processing agricultural plastic waste as part of the scheme, depending on the type of plastic and regional context (e.g. number and location of collection sites). The main methods that will be employed include baling, chipping and granulating, however baling is preferred as it is suitable for most plastic types and mobile balers can be strategically moved to multiple collection sites.

The scheme will raise revenue through a levy applied to plastic put on the Australian market, as high up the supply chain as possible (i.e. the manufacturer). This will establish a sustainable scheme from the onset and build industry and end-user confidence while allowing long-term planning. A levy was deemed to be more cost-effective for industry when compared to other models, such as a user-pays system.

Transport and logistics Transport and logistics constitute a large proportion of scheme operating costs due to large distances between the source of plastic waste in regional and rural areas and location of recyclers often in capital cities.

A levy (per kilogram) was calculated by combining all of the costs associated with the scheme and dividing by the total amount of plastic generated annually, excluding industries and plastic types mentioned above. A levy has been proposed that would cover all operating costs. However, it will be up to the new scheme entity to determine the levy structure and amount.

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This further highlights the importance of pre-processing to reduce size and minimise contamination of the agricultural plastic waste prior to transport from collection site to recycler.

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Plastic mulch retrieval and source separation is a key issue for Queensland growers. Photo credit: Brock McDonald

The project team worked with agricultural plastics processors to better understand their requirements and current challenges. Photo credit: Carl Larsen

Re-processing

The leadership role of the founding scheme members should continue to be recognised and leveraged.

3. I mplement a phased approach to scheme launch over the next 12 months by the Industry Working Group. 4. S ecure additional funding from founding members and other sources for the scheme launch over the next 12 months, which includes provision of independent executive and secretariat support to the Industry Working Group.

The recycling pathway of different plastic products and polymer types will differ based on a number of factors and influenced how the scheme was designed.

5. C ontinue engagement with the plastic and agriculture industry, existing product stewardship scheme operators and local government, building on the significant consultation undertaken in the development of the Implementation Plan.

This is largely dependent on the plastic value, quality and technical feasibility to be mechanically recycled. The scheme will preference mechanical recycling due to its technology readiness and commercial scale in Australia.

6. A im to commence the National Non-Packaging Agricultural Plastics Stewardship Scheme from the 2024/25 financial year onward, pending progress of the Industry Working Group and outcomes from further consultation with key stakeholders.

Communication and education It is important that the scheme provides adequate farmer and industry training and education through targeted communications and capacity building initiatives. Communication material will include fact sheets, retrieval instructions and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the scheme, supported by online and traditional media channels to raise awareness of the scheme and promote participation.

7. M onitor progress of the scheme against the five-year targets following launch. Should these targets not be met, consideration should be given to promoting the inclusion of agricultural plastics on the Minister’s priority list which names products and materials that need urgent product stewardship action.

Research and development

8. E xplore options for government regulation to support minimum recyclate targets for the manufacture of new agricultural plastic products to incentivise and assist in meeting individual business targets.

Research and development (R&D) will be critical to the scheme maintaining current markets and developing new markets for agricultural plastic waste. This will ensure there is sufficient demand for cost-effective recyclate based on supply, comparative to virgin resin prices.

Acknowledgements This project received funding from the Australian Government under the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund (NPSIF)

Next steps The following recommendations have been provided to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water:

For more information contact: RMCG Principal — Dr Anne-Maree Boland: anne-mareeb@rmcg.com.au 0427 679 042

1. U se the objectives, scope, design and operation components of the Implementation Plan as the basis for the National Non-Packaging Agricultural Plastics Stewardship Scheme to complement other existing and emerging schemes.

RMCG Associate — Carl Larsen: carll@rmcg.com.au 0419 622 393

2. E stablish an Industry Working Group comprised of the main suppliers, retailers, users and recyclers of agricultural plastics to progress the Implementation Plan and maintain momentum to develop circular economy solutions for agricultural plastic waste.

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I N D U S T R Y

Understanding viral disinformation in food and agriculture Jane Richter, Communication Manager, Berries Australia

AgriFutures Australia recently hosted a webinar led by Sarah Nolet from consultancy firm Tenacious Ventures, to provide a better understanding of a new challenge facing food and agriculture industries, viral disinformation, and to share recommendations on how industry can respond to this emerging threat. What is disinformation?

Who spreads disinformation & why?

Where misinformation refers to inaccuracies that are mistakes, disinformation is a deliberate falsehood spread in a concerted effort with bad intent.

Government, individuals and organisations all carry out disinformation campaigns for a variety of reasons. Such is the way of our world today, there are even ‘professional’ organisations that offer a service for paying clients where they will create and enact a disinformation campaign.

In short, telling lies with the intent to harm in a structured and strategic way.

The two main motivations are: • P olitical & ideological: to promote a cause or viewpoint, or attack an opponent’s position • F inancial & economic: new revenue opportunities or market disruption Ultimately the purpose is to persuade a target group of individuals to listen to and adopt a set of opinions that supports the objectives of those responsible for the disinformation who we refer to as “threat actors".

How are disinformation campaigns waged? The important point to understand is that campaigns are iterative, which means there is a continuous feedback loop which shapes the campaign as it unfolds. There are typically a series of steps which threat actors follow which starts with a period of ‘social listening’ to understand the information sources of the target audience and who they are currently influenced by.

What are the risk factors for disinformation attacks?

They will then design and build the infrastructure to be used to disseminate the campaign. This is typically digital and could include social media profiles for ‘spokespeople’ that are real or imaginary, for example, that will be used to amplify the messaging from the campaign.

Uncertainty & Confusion

The third step is to create the campaign content which may include both genuine and misleading content with the more benign content designed to provide a credible surrounding and disguise for the disinformation material.

Any issue with a high degree of unfamiliarity or fragmented messaging. An example would be an emerging crisis.

Subjectivity

The deployment phase is the active step where messaging is spread and amplified. The goal here is to reach the widest possible audience and can include encouraging cross-posting, sharing in multiple languages and engaging paid influencers to leverage reach to more people.

Issues that are not entirely fact based and are open to interpretation. Production practices where opinions may differ over the ‘best’ way to achieve a certain outcome.

At this point the active feedback loop kicks in and the threat actors monitor, patrol and control the responses to the disinformation, re-shaping the messaging to guide discussion in the direction that is wanted. This might be achieved by infiltrating existing conversations or using third parties to steer the debate.

Emotiveness Issues that arouse strong emotional reactions. The live animal export trade is one such area in agriculture.

Controversy & Conflict

The final stage is the ‘actualisation’ and is the end result that has been sought by the campaign, which could be for individuals to vote in a certain way or attend a protest, for example.

Issues that are associated with historical conflict or controversy. An Australian example may be water usage in the Murray Darling basin.

Throughout the campaign, the threat actors are continually monitoring, evaluating and tweaking the campaign tactics to achieve the intended outcome.

Why would threat actors target agricultural producers as an audience?

Why would threat actors target food and agriculture?

Producers are an identifiable community with common interests and often underlying belief systems and values that can be targeted.

• F ood is linked to health and wellbeing and so is a deeply personal and emotional topic, meaning people are likely to hold strong views

They are also a strong political force and could be targeted in attempts to influence election or policy outcomes.

• T rade in food and agriculture is essential and as such can get caught in the political crosshairs • A dvancements in agriculture are dependent on innovation and technologies that can be unfamiliar, complex and often misunderstood by the general public

Ultimately, we are reliant on farmers for our food production and so this group is at the heart of food security and could be targeted to cause widespread disruption.

All of these factors make this area fertile ground for threat actors to cause confusion and fear.

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What can be done about disinformation campaigns? Essentially there are two main approaches that can be used: prevention or response. Prevention

Response

Prevention strategies for industry organisations should focus on three areas:

There are four main strategies that can be deployed in response to a disinformation campaign:

1. I ncreasing the acceptance of reliable information through increasing trust in the traditional media and strengthening engagement with audiences

1. R aising the alarm by notifying other interested parties about the disinformation campaign 2. Assessing the scale and severity of the disinformation campaign and identifying how to neutralise it

2. D ecreasing the acceptance of false information by pre-emptively addressing high risk topics and improving audiences’ ability to recognise and reject false information

3. Directly address the disinformation claims, including educating unwitting actors who may spread misinformation

3. S topping the spread of false information by acting quickly to stop viral activity, inhibiting the capabilities of threat actors and improving your response readiness

4. C ounteracting the threat actor and their tools and tactics by taking measures to stop the campaign going viral

As an individual producer, there are a number of actions that you can take:

As an individual producer you can also respond in these ways:

1. Establish a presence for your business on social media platforms and share authentic and transparent stories of farm life to educate, inform and even entertain audiences to build trust

1. N otify others – including your industry association if you see something that you suspect is a campaign of disinformation 2. W here relevant, acknowledge and debunk the disinformation through your own channels

2. Engage directly with your industry body to ensure that messaging is consistent and unified

3. A lways fact check information and sources before sharing further

3. Ensure that you critically evaluate and validate information you receive before sharing or engaging with it

4. D on’t be afraid to report suspicious posts and activity to the social media platforms for further investigation

4. Be mindful of the information that you share online

Berries Australia conducts an ongoing campaign of ‘social listening’ for issues in the Australian berry industries using a digital monitoring tool. We are always keen to hear from growers or industry stakeholders about any concerns that you may have and urge you to contact us directly: rachelmackenzie@berries.net.au or 1300 201 713 You can watch the full Webinar recording at www.youtu.be/GCstfWBnSds You can download the Future Forces – A ten-year horizon for Australian agriculture report at www.agrifutures.com.au/product/future-forces-a-ten-year-horizon-for-australian-agriculture Acknowledgements AgriFutures Australia – previously known as the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) - is one of 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) that service the Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) needs of Australian rural industries. They represent the research needs for 13 rural industries (chicken meat, rice, honey bee and pollination, ginger, tea tree oil, pasture seeds, export fodder, thoroughbred horses, kangaroo, buffalo, deer, goat fibre and ratite), delivering research and innovation that aims to give farmers and producers real returns, as well as prepare them to thrive into the future.

I N D U S T R Y

Optimising chemical efficacy for spray application in berries Gaius Leong, Berry Industry Development Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industry

The application of agrichemicals to control pest and disease incursion is used as part of an integrated management approach which also includes cultural and biological control. It is important that users of agrichemicals optimise the efficacy of the chemicals applied as the cost and time associated with application often makes up a substantial portion of total production costs. Turbidity

To ensure optimal efficacy, there are a few components that growers should focus on. Firstly, it is important to achieve adequate coverage of product and reduce spray drift. For more information about these aspects, please refer to the Berry Plant Protection Guide available on the DPI website.

This is the term used to measure water cleanliness and essentially tells us the amount of solids in the water. Suspended particles of clay, silt and organic matter are often found in dam or river water, which gives it a cloudy appearance. Wind, increased water temperature, excessive run-off, breakdown of aquatic plant material or heavy rainfall may increase turbidity.

Secondly, attention needs to be given to water quality and the appropriate chemical mixing order when more than one chemical is used during an application. This article covers these two components.

The effectiveness of some herbicides, such as glyphosate, is reduced when mixed with turbid water as the chemicals are readily adsorbed to soil particles. Turbid water can also block nozzles and pre-filters which reduces spray pressure, limits coverage, and causes additional wear on spray rigs.

Water Quality Water quality is variable and dependent on the source (e.g. rainwater, dams, river, bore, town). Quality can also vary throughout the year after periods of high rainfall or drought. The quality of water used to mix agrichemicals can:

Filtering turbid water into a settling tank allows heavier particles to sink. Application of a flocculent or coagulant such as aluminium sulphate or aluminium chlorohydrate helps reduced turbidity.

• Reduce the activity or efficacy of chemicals • Block nozzles, reducing application uniformity

This should be done before adding to a spray tank.

• I ncrease wear on nozzle and spray rigs, also reducing application uniformity Clean rainwater is the best option, however, where unavailable the following guidelines can be used to determine suitability.

Hardness Water hardness refers to the positively charged mineral content within the water. As water moves through various substrates, it accumulates dissolved solids such as calcium and magnesium carbonates/bicarbonates, sodium, and iron. Water hardness is expressed in milligrams per litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).

It is recommended that water be tested regularly to ensure it is suitable for use.

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It is suggested that water with a hardness level of 300 mg/L can cause problems for chemical sprays.

You should check the pH of your water regularly. If you find you need to lower your pH, this can be done by adding adjuvants such as Agri-Buffa or LI700m while the addition of an alkaline substance such as potassium hydroxide will increase pH. The amount of chemical required can be calculated by measuring the pH of your water and then adjusting the pH in a 5-10L jug with a known amount of buffer and then using that to determine the required rates for a larger spray tank volume. The pH must be adjusted prior to the addition of chemicals, which will be covered in the following segment on tank mixing procedure.

The solubility of chemicals with amine formulations, such as glyphosate, is reduced by hard water, which leads to less absorption by weeds. Hard water can also cause some chemicals to precipitate and can affect properties of surfactants, emulsifiers, and wetting agents. Precipitates can block nozzles and pre-filters thus affecting pressure, coverage and cause additional wear to the spray rig.

It is best to carry out water testing to ensure you are aware of any potential problems. Before you add any products to modify your spray water quality, seek professional advice on the best options for your situation.

Where water is found to exceed 300 mg/L, the use of ammonium sulphate at 1 – 2 % w/v* to total spray volume solves most hard water issues. The sulphate ion binds with hard water cations to prevent the antagonistic cations from binding to, and inhibiting, activity while the ammonium ion improves cellular uptake of the chemical. This should be completed prior to the addition of any agricultural chemicals.

Types of Chemical Formulations

*Weight/volume percentage (w/v percent or %w/v) is a measure of the concentration of a solid in a solution. It is expressed as the ratio of the weight or mass of the solute to the total volume of the solution multiplied by 100.

Pesticides come in different formulations. The solubility of an active ingredient (AI) and its intended use determines the product formulation. There are some active ingredients (AI) that come in different formulations such as Mancozeb that can be found in both dry flowable and water dispersible granule form.

pH This parameter is linked to pesticide solubility, hard water antagonism and pesticide degradation. Alkaline water (>pH 8) can break down some chemicals through a process called alkali hydrolysis. The half-life of chemicals such as Dimethoate can be drastically reduced with increasing pH.

The following are a few of the registered chemicals used in berries to provide examples. Regardless of the product used, you must always refer to the label for comments on mixing and compatibility. If you are unsure, please contact a crop protection representative, agronomy consultant or reseller.

For example, Dimethoate at pH 9 = 1 hour; pH 6 = 19 hours; pH 4 = 21 hours. Very acidic water (<pH 4) can affect the stability and physical properties of some chemical formulations.

Tank Mixing Procedure When adding multiple products to the spray tank, always check for the label for compatibility.

pH values between 4 and 7 are considered acceptable.

These products must also be added in a specific order to ensure they are adequately mixed.

The length of time at which the chemical is exposed to non-ideal pH levels increases the level of breakdown, therefore it is not recommended to leave spray mixes for extended periods of time prior to application.

The order relates to the solubility and formulation type. If products are added in the incorrect order, it increases the risk of reducing chemical efficacy and affecting the stability in the tank mix.

Key

Equals

Examples

Wettable Powder

Serenade® Opti, Mimic®

WDG

Water Dispersible Granule

Pristine®, Switch®, Captan, Interven®, Dragon, Ridomil® Gold MZ, Avatar®, Proclaim®

Dry Flowable

Mancozeb, Kocide® Blue Xtra™, DiPel®

Suspension Concentrate

Miravis® Prime, Infinito®, Bravo® WeatherSti®, Teldor®, Amistar®, Scala®, Kenja®, Movento®, Coragen®, Confidor®, Success™, Prodigy®

Suspension Emulsion

Fyfanon®

Emulsifiable Concentrate

Tilt®, Triadimenol, Dimethoate, Bifenthrin, PyGanic®

Soluble Liquids

Agri Fos® 600

Tank Mixing Procedure Steps Step 1

Fill tank to 70% and commence agitation

Step 2

Add water conditioner if required (e.g. LI 700, Agri Buffa®, Liase)

Step 3

Add DRY products in following order: 1. Wettable Powders (WP) 2. Water-dispersable granules (WDG/WG) 3. Dry Flowables (DF) / Water Soluble granules (SG)

Step 4

Agitate tank for a minimum of 3-5 minutes between products

Step 5

Add WET products in the following order: 1. Suspension Concentrate (SC) 2. Suspension Emulsion (SE) 3. Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) 4. Soluble Liquid (SL)

Step 6

Fill tank to 90%

Step 7

Add adjuvants if required (e.g. Designer®, Expand®, Bond®, Hasten™, Agral®)

Step 8

Finish filling tank

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WEAR OVERALLS

USE EYE PROTECTION

USE SUITABLE MASK

WEAR COVERED SHOES

WEAR GLOVES

Reminders • Always wear appropriate PPE when mixing chemicals

Acknowledgements

• A void adding oil-based products, EC formulations and/ or adjuvants before dry products, as the oils and adjuvants in the mix can coat the dry formulation and reduce its ability to disperse properly. Undispersed products will clog nozzles and filters.

This Water Quality segment was adapted from the NSW DPI fact sheet ‘Water quality for chemical spraying’ written by Sandra McDougall. The Tank mixing procedure and types of formulations segment was adapted from the article found in the Macadamia Plant Protection Guide 2023 written by Mark Whitten.

• Allow 3-5 minutes of agitation in between products • I f using foliar fertiliser with chemical application, consult the manufacturer to ensure suitability • D o not reduce the pH of the tank mix when using copper products

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I N D U S T R Y

Habitat hosts of Queensland fruit fly Bronwyn Koll, Queensland Fruit Fly Regional Coordinator (Yarra Valley), Agribusiness Yarra Valley

• Fruiting plants growing in non-production areas and property perimeters are ideal hosts for Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) • Berry growers are encouraged to remove or manage these key risk areas to improve their overall QFF management and prevention outcomes Beneficial Insect Refuge or QFF Breeding area? Targeting weedy fruit host plants in these areas will help prevent and manage QFF, and areas can then be improved to just host beneficial insects.

In the non-production areas and property perimeters, the debate comes down to evaluating the benefits of shelterbelts, food for native pollinators and homes for beneficial insects versus the benefits of QFF host management – as QFF will habitually seek refuge in these areas too! They are an insect found in the native forests of Queensland after all. A key difference is the requirements of QFF in this area – that is the “fruit” available for “breeding” in these areas.

There are the added benefits of also reducing other crop pests, e.g. thrip, aphids, white fly, mites, carpophilus, mirids and shield bugs (plus birds, rabbits and deer!) using this approach.

Figure 1. A Queensland Fruit Fly on Rubus fruit. Photo credit: insectsandorganicgardening.com.au

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Management of the fruiting plants

In most cases, (all except for Kangaroo apple), these species are weeds in these areas, and all can thrive in these unchecked and unkept ‘bush’ areas or ‘creek/ dam’ edges, along with fence lines, and neglected roadside verges on property boundaries.

A surveillance grid coupled with visual observations will typically indicate QFF incursions starts at the extremities of a monocrop near to QFF habitat, then moves inwards (common with many invasive insect pests). In crops where there is a break in the habitat cycle (dormancy or crop removal) there is not any reason for the QFF to hang around in the crop area. QFF’s return into fruiting crops is usually reliant on its ability to survive or seek refuge elsewhere until the next crop is ready to harvest (or infest in the perspective of the QFF). This “QFF refuge area” can be plants and foliage or buildings and other protected areas. These non-production areas are often surrounding commercial crops, and the management of these areas can benefit crop management.

Controlling fruit fly at season end and season start… and starting where the habitat is conducive to hosting QFF Reducing QFF host opportunities in non-production farm areas is a key “good farm hygiene” element to QFF prevention and management. • S tarting QFF control before QFF are active, minimises the QFF spread and subsequent impact to production areas, a good strategy in reducing the volume of chemical used, the area requiring treatment and the time taken to apply the chemical controls. A zero or low QFF population presence also reduces the chemical impact on beneficial insects in the fruit crop during the season.

The distinguishing factor between beneficial insect populations and QFF populations, is the ability for QFF to breed in fruiting bodies of the weeds and plants in these areas. Blackberries are a major culprit for providing a QFF breeding environment close to commercial fruit production areas, accompanied by loquats, plums, apples, pears and quinces, Wild Tobacco, in some cases Kangaroo apple, and there are even cases of wild roses (rosehips can host QFF).

• Q FF prevention using host reduction techniques and early targeted chemical management can shift the farm labour requirement into the early season tasks, reducing the time required for QFF control in the busy harvest periods when labour is in high demand.

Figure 2. Feral Blackberries are a host of Queensland Fruit Fly. Management of this fruiting host plant will assist QFF prevention and management in the commercial production environment. Photo credit: Bronwyn Koll

Figure 3. Feral Loquats and Wild Tobacco are hosts of Queensland Fruit Fly. Management of these fruiting host plants will assist QFF prevention and management in the commercial production environment. Photo credit: Fruit Fly Murray Valley, Yarra Ranges Council In the Yarra Valley, where QFF have been detected early, intensive QFF surveillance for 5 years has shown that areas where these undesirable weed host plants have been managed well, QFF have not been detected again. In areas where QFF have been found as part of the early detection program over the last 5 years, in most cases there is an abundance of unmanaged feral blackberry and these QFF detections are occurring in line with the blackberry fruiting season (starting in January and peaking in February and March).

Strategies for removing blackberry and other weedy QFF host plants

The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce (VBT) is currently in the process of independently investigating the correlation between feral blackberry and QFF populations. Preliminary studies have indicated that QFF have been reared from wild blackberries collected from locations where QFF are prevalent.

2. carrying out removal

Obviously host removal needs to be done with sensitivity to protect native flora and fauna, keeping in mind the benefits of these areas for hosting native pollinators and insect pest predators. A blackberry action plan is often multi-year plan and tasks are usually completed in key stages: 1. prioritising areas for control 3. re applying controls 4. r evegetation with desired species to suppress blackberry re-infestation (that can be critically selected to provide native pollinator and pest predator habitat)

The most important message to a weed removal program is the same as for a QFF management program, “use a suite of tools to reduce the target pest numbers, start early and get neighbours involved”.

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Figure 4. A Parks Victoria area in Pheasant Creek where goats were grazed as part of a blackberry management program. The goats have eaten the leaf off the plant improving access and reducing blackberry plant viability. This is a multi stage strategy for blackberry control. Photo credit: Bronwyn Koll The VBT has supported a blackberry removal program in the Kinglake region’s Pheasant Creek. In conjunction with a concerted effort on local Council managed roadsides in the target area and a Parks Victoria “Good Neighbour” grant, the VBT’s Pheasant Creek Blackberry Action Group has engaged about 25 out of the targeted 56 property managers to improve blackberry management in the area. The most significant change over time has been the application of “GrazeAway” goats in a heavily blackberry infested Parks Victoria area, where environmental sensitivities were addressed, and the blackberries were eaten and trampled to ground level. Access is now improved, and Parks Victoria will now carefully target blackberry re-growth whilst protecting native plants. An immediate benefit was the consumption/destruction of blackberry fruit, reducing QFF risk to the berry producers in the area. The mechanical removal of large areas of blackberry is a major task, but has significant impact on reducing large areas of blackberry fast. The cut (and mulch) and paint technique using a track wheeled machine for difficult to access areas is an economical and safe approach on tricky terrain. The chemical control of large areas of blackberry can also have a similar impact on blackberries.

Figure 5. A goat from “GrazeAway” showcasing their skills for eating the problem away at a VBT demonstration event. Photo credit: Bronwyn Koll

Figure 6. Ecoblade, “cutting and painting” a problematic blackberry area, in preparation for either a return to pasture or a revegetation program. Photo credit: Bronwyn Koll

Figure 7. Chemical control of large areas of blackberry or inaccessible areas with a drone is an emerging technique. Permits are required to apply chemicals with a drone. Ensure chemical label directions are adhered to. Photo credit: Bronwyn Koll

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With all of the chemical, mechanical and animal removal of blackberry options, follow-up actions are required to prevent blackberry regrowth, but each time the task becomes significantly smaller. Targeted removal of unmanaged trees is also required for good QFF prevention and management. Trees or plants with QFF host fruit support QFF breeding, and will provide a safe habitat for QFF even without fruit. The fly will move from safe habitat to a fruit crop fruit as needed. Trees that are removed should also be stump-painted or managed to prevent regrowth.

Summary • M anaging and preventing Queensland Fruit Fly is a complex task, especially when also protecting Integrated Pest Management in crops. • E ach prevention step taken reduces QFF risk by lowering QFF population and chance of survival. • R emoval of non-commercial fruit fly hosts on or near production areas is part of industry’s QFF best management practice “good farm hygiene” guidelines for commercial producers, and a significant aspect of the formerly used interstate trade protocols for trade of fruit from a known fruit fly risk area to a QFF sensitive market. • T he other benefit from removing or better managing fruiting plants growing in non-production areas and property perimeters is the reduction of other crop pests. • I t is vital that all land mangers remove or reduce unmanaged fruiting plants for good QFF prevention and control.

Figure 8. Removal of weed species that host QFF breeding adjacent to cropping areas is essential to slow the spread of QFF and reduce risk. Permits are required to remove vegetation from roadside verges. Photo credit: Bronwyn Koll

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I N D U S T R Y

Asia Fruit Logistica Hong Kong 2023 Angela Atkinson, Berry Industry Development Officer, Victoria & South Australia Despite being unable to open on day three due to the worst rainstorm to hit Hong Kong in 150 years, more than 13,000 visitors attended the conference. The trade show was very busy, and very much geared towards promoting opportunities for direct interactions between importing and exporting businesses with everyone showcasing their fabulous produce.

In early September, I had the opportunity to join the Berries Australia International Market Tour to Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, along with berry growers from South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia, and Projects Manager Jen Rowling. The tour was led by Berries Australia Export Manager Jenny Van de Meeburg. All three markets have been identified in the Export Plans as offering opportunities for quality Australian berries, particularly as they are non-protocol markets. Further insights and opportunities will be shared through a series of articles in this journal with the first article on Singapore to be found on PAGE 69.

We were all disappointed that it was not Korean strawberry season, as we had heard so much about their strawberries and were keen to try them. Unfortunately, the beautiful berries on display at the Korean stands were all fake! A notable feature in berries, throughout our tour, was the difference in packaging in the Asian markets (this will be covered in more detail in a later article), but many countries were exhibiting blueberries in handy flip-top tubs, which we saw in retail stores as well as at AFL .

Whilst in Hong Kong, we attended Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) which had not been held in Hong Kong since before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. AFL is a huge trade show running over three days and covering the entire fresh produce industry value chain in Asia, introducing new products and ideas from around the globe and giving all parts of the supply chain a chance to network together. As Hong Kong is an open protocol market, there are no phytosanitary barriers to bringing produce in, so the range of fruit on display from all over the world was amazing. There were around 700 exhibitors from 45 countries, with China by far the best represented with nearly 250 exhibitors. The Australian contingent was the second largest and comprised 45 organisations including industry associations, marketing groups, fruit growing businesses and Hort Innovation.

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Tubs of blueberries from California Photo credit: Angela Atkinson

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Part of the huge display from China Photo credit: Berries Australia

Part of Australia’s display Photo credit: Jen Rowling

Exhibits from Korea Photo credit: Berries Australia

Beautiful Korean strawberries – that you can’t eat! Photo credit: Angela Atkinson

Chris Baker (Totem Media) gave a presentation on the changing marketing landscape in the region, with a focus on China. E-commerce is a huge part of the retail sector in China. 50% of global e-commerce flows through China, compared to 19% through the US, and 55% of all commerce in China is online.

Asiafruit Congress, which is Asia’s premier fresh produce business conference also takes place at the same time as Asia Fruit Logistica and in the AFL exhibition space. AFL attendees are able to attend the conference sessions for free. The first session focused on new market demographics in Asia, which are changing and presenting new opportunities for marketing fresh produce. India has just overtaken China as the world’s most populous nation, and mid-tier cities are on the rise across India and other countries in South East Asia. Asia is also now home to more ‘empty-nesters’ with surplus income to spend on premium products.

He described three demographics in the Chinese market and strategies for reaching those consumers: • T he younger consumer, where ‘discovery marketing’ is a valuable strategy especially for new products (brands) going to market. Using platforms like Tik Tok to build a voice and excitement works well for this demographic.

Prerna Garg (research strategist with HSBC in Hong Kong) gave a presentation about the changes in demographics and the consumer markets in a number of Asian countries. In summary:

• M ums are THE most important demographic in Asia as they are buyers for three generations. Strategies must build authority and credibility. • F amilies, where trust in, and benefits of, a product are important, as decisions (especially with food) are made with consideration of family harmony and health.

• C hina has a changing demographic with more ‘empty-nesters’, more working women and high internal migration

There are three important pillars in marketing in China:

• I ndia has more population to feed, and having a good distribution network is essential. Consumer preferences are very diverse across the nation

• I nfluencers – social media is paramount – used for ‘discovery marketing’, building authority and trust • L ivestreaming – used to kickstart sales – farmer to consumer live streaming was a breakthrough during the pandemic

• I n South East Asia there are opportunities in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia with a rise in mid-tier cities and a rising middle class. Vietnam is predicted to have a large increase in the population segment with a daily income of more than US$20, from 29 million in 2021 to 49 million in 2030. Bangladesh, which is rarely mentioned as a potential export market, is predicted to increase from 21 million people with a daily income of more than US$20 in 2021 to 54 million in 2030.

• S ocial commerce – word of mouth marketing, used to sustain sales momentum Websites are not important marketing tools, particularly in China, but ‘super apps’ like Grab (a bit like Uber where you can do everything on it) are popular and successful tools. The second session asked, ‘What’s next for food retail?’ and focused on the big trends shaping food retail in Asia.

• I n North Asia, Japan and Korea have ageing populations – ‘silver societies’ – with increased spending power. There is also an increase in single person households.

Carlos Bonet from AM Fresh spoke about the changing shopping trends in Asia, with physical stores evolving to incorporate more experiential elements to make them more engaging, such as in-store hydroponic farms and more shopper activations. There is a focus on convenience, with in-store dining and cashier-less stores. Local sourcing to support small business and farmers is an increasing trend, as is sustainability for larger stores, and global suppliers can engage with this trend through their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programs.

Her key takeaway messages were that China is trading up and there are strong opportunities there as it matures and becomes more sophisticated. Distribution networks are important for success in India. Strong opportunities exist in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia with the rising middle class, and there are potential export opportunities as per capita income increases in Bangladesh.

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(L-R) Jen Rowling, Tina McPherson (Qld grower), Angela Atkinson and Kirsten Cleeve-Edwards (WA grower) Photo credit: Berries Australia For anyone interested in more information about markets in Asia, the Asiafruit Congress Statistics Handbook 2023 is available online and provides analysis of key trends in trade across 12 Asian markets.

Edwin Sun from Nielsen IQ also described a move towards sustainable retailing for larger stores, with more local, organic and sustainable choices, vertical farms in store, no plastic packaging and climate impact labelling on products, among other measures. There is also an expansion of smaller format stores across South East Asia, and less of a focus on supermarkets and hypermarkets, as accessibility of retail outlets increases.

The handbook can be found at https://desktop. asiafruitmagazine.com/full_page_image/asiafruitcongress-statistics-handbook-cover/content.html

Attending Asia Fruit Logistica was a great experience, and I would encourage any growers curious about export to attend the show, and certainly explore any trade tour opportunities offered in the future through the Berries Australia Export program.

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I N D U S T R Y

Plant Biosecurity in Australia – An introduction for growers Dr Zac Hemmings, Regional Plant Biosecurity Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries

What is Biosecurity?

The overarching goal of Australia’s biosecurity system is to apply the concept of biosecurity at the national level by

Biosecurity refers to a set of practices that reduce the negative impacts of pests and diseases. Biosecurity can be practiced by anyone at any time. There is no requirement that biosecurity be undertaken as part of a structured program, or that multiple parties be involved.

minimis[ing] adverse impacts of pests and diseases on Australia’s economy, environment, and the community while facilitating trade and the movement of plant, animal, people and products.

A grower using netting to reduce damage from insect pests is very different to a government regulating and enforcing biosecurity laws, but fundamentally they are both biosecurity practices. The concept of biosecurity also applies to any pest, whether that be established or exotic. However, typically when you read about biosecurity it’s in relation to an exotic pest that is not present in Australia or is under official control in part of the country.

Australia’s Biosecurity System First and foremost, the system aims to reduce the risk of pests entering the country. Failing this, the system aims to eradicate the pest before it can become established.

Australia’s unique geography and position in the world provides some protection from the natural spread of many pests. As a result, Australia is free from many major pests and diseases that are present elsewhere. This pest-free status provides several benefits, including reduced cost of agricultural production, increased agricultural productivity, and access to international markets.

As a pest population grows and spreads it becomes increasingly difficult to eradicate. Successful eradication therefore relies on early detection, either through structured surveillance programs led by government and industry, or by reporting of suspect pests by the general community.

A pests’ impact is not limited to economic damage; they can also have a negative effect on society, people’s health, and the environment. Many plant pests are capable of feeding and reproducing on a wide range of plant hosts and were they to establish they could threaten our wider natural environment. Despite our geographical advantage, the ever-growing volume of global travel and trade means increasing pressure on our system to keep pests out or detect them early enough to support their eradication.

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If there is no method to feasibly eradicate the pest, or the cost of eradication is greater than the benefit of eradication, then the pest may be able to be contained to a specific area and its impact minimised. The final and least desirable option is long term management where the management of the pest is primarily the responsibility of the land manager, with government and industry providing technical support.

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Participants

Industry groups and representative bodies are responsible for biosecurity awareness and preparedness for their respective industries, advocating for the biosecurity interests of their members, and contributing to surveillance through industry led programs (e.g. CitrusWatch). An important aspect of this is the development of industry biosecurity plans. These plans identify exotic pests and assess the risk present and describe farm biosecurity measures to address these risks.

The Australian biosecurity system is not comprised of a single entity, but is a partnership between government, industry, and private entities. The roles and responsibilities of the federal, state and territory governments are formalised in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB). The system is built on the foundation of shared responsibility by all, government, industry and the general public. This is not to say that all parties have the same role and equal responsibilities. The concept of shared responsibility means that participants in the biosecurity system should be responsible for matters under their control.

Under the concept of shared responsibility, individuals including growers and the general public, are responsible for complying with biosecurity obligations, including relevant state or territory regulations.

The Commonwealth government is responsible for biosecurity at the national level. This includes preborder and border screening of biosecurity material, development and enforcement of quarantine rules, risk assessments of imported goods, and providing national leadership. They manage international governmentto-government agreements and report the status of pests and diseases in Australia to meet international obligations and requests from trading partners.

Specific legislation varies, but typically includes an obligation to report suspected exotic plant pests. These laws often acknowledge that not everyone can be expected to recognise an exotic plant pest on sight, and liability is typically commensurate with expected knowledge. For example, a producer that exports fruit to international markets is expected to have greater knowledge of pests relevant to their industry than a member of the general public.

State and territory governments are responsible for biosecurity within their borders. This includes regulation and compliance, surveillance, and diagnostics to support early detection of pests. It also covers claims of pest freedom to assist the Commonwealth in meeting its reporting obligations and responding to exotic pest reports and detections within their borders including eradication and containment.

This article gave a broad overview of biosecurity in Australia, setting the scene for further articles exploring Australia’s biosecurity system. If you’re interested in learning more about biosecurity, how it works, and what you can do to improve biosecurity on your property, then stay posted! If you just can’t wait, head on over to the Plant Health Australia website and check out their short Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) modules.

Plant Health Australia (PHA) is a government-industry co-funded not-for-profit company which acts as the coordinator of the government-industry partnership for plant biosecurity in Australia. Membership to PHA includes industry bodies, state and federal governments, and associate members. PHA collaborates with industry on the development of industry biosecurity plans.

IF YOU SEE ANYTHING UNUSUAL, CALL THE EXOTIC PLANT PEST HOTLINE

1800 084 881

I N D U S T R Y

Leasing a solar system Helen Newman, Berry Industry Development Officer, Agricultural Produce Commission

Solar systems can generate big savings on electricity bills and can pay for themselves very quickly, often in under four years. But what if you can’t afford the upfront cost of installing a solar system? There are still ways you can benefit from capturing the sun’s energy without the capital outlay. So how does the lease work?

Some WA growers are leasing solar systems to cut electricity bills without the upfront cost of purchasing panels and inverters. Anthony Lieu of Landsdale Strawberries is one such grower, taking on a solar lease arrangement in 2022.

Anthony’s system is on a 5-year lease. Once the 5 years is up, he owns the system. If he moves from the property before the 5-year term, he will need to pay the outstanding balance and take ownership of the system.

Anthony and his family lease a property in the Carabooda region, north of Perth, where they grow strawberries from winter to spring, and capsicum, tomatoes, and eggplant during summer.

Shorter (2-year) and longer (up to 7-year) lease arrangements are also available to cater for individual circumstances.

They lease a 40kW solar system that helps to power their cool rooms, air conditioners, lighting, irrigation pumping and other operational activities during the day. With peak electricity consumption happening during daylight hours, they are making the most of the energy generated without the need for battery storage. They also don’t need to worry about postponing activities to take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs.

• T he system was installed and is maintained as part of the lease • Anthony pays $600 per month to lease the system • P rior to leasing the solar system, Anthony’s electricity bills were $4000 per month • W ith the solar system in place, the electricity bills have dropped to $1600 per month

In the case of pumping water for irrigation, this means the plants are getting the water (and nutrients) exactly when they need it throughout the day, instead of applying one or two irrigations at night when rates are cheaper, which isn’t ideal on Perth’s sandy soils.

• T hat’s a saving of $1,800 per ml month after the lease payment without any upfront costs

Note: this is a real-life example based on a 40kW system. Please consult a solar provider about how solar would work in your situation.

We use all our power during the day when the sun’s out, so solar was a no-brainer for us. We run our cool rooms during the day to maintain the shelf life of our fruit and turn them off when the fruit is picked up, so we don’t use power overnight.

SUMMER 2023

AUSTRALIAN

Before considering a solar leasing arrangement you should compare the different financing options available to you. If you are eligible for a loan, compare the interest rates and repayments of the loan to the lease arrangements on offer to ensure you are getting the best return on your investment (monthly payments).

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Monthly costs

Before solar

With leased solar

Upfront installation cost

Lease fee

$600

Electricity bill

$4,000

$1,600

TOTAL monthly cost

$4,000

$2,200

1. A nthony Lieu from Lansdale Strawberries leased a solar system in 2022 and is already reaping the financial rewards. Photo credit: Helen Newman 2. T he 40kW inverter is tucked away in the packing shed. Photo credit: Helen Newman 3. T he panels have been mounted on the side of the packing shed roof which captures the maximum sun exposure. Photo credit: Neil Van Der Walt, Next Power

I N D U S T R Y

Hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời cho thuê Helen Newman, Berry Industry Development Officer, Agricultural Produce Commission

Sử dụng hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời có thể tiết kiệm rất nhiều hóa đơn tiền điện và có thể trả hết trong thời gian rất ngắn, thường là dưới 4 năm. Nhưng điều gì sẽ xảy ra nếu quý vị không đủ khả năng chi trả chi phí ban đầu để lắp đặt hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời? Vẫn có nhiều cách quý vị có thể hưởng lợi từ việc thu được năng lượng mặt trời mà không cần đầu tư vốn ban đầu. Vậy việc cho thuê diễn ra như thế nào?

Một số nông gia ở Tây Úc đang cho thuê hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời để cắt giảm hóa đơn tiền điện mà không phải trả chi phí trả trước cho việc mua tấm pin và bộ biến tần. Anthony Lieu của Landsdale Strawberries là một trong những nông gia đã làm như vậy, anh đang thực hiện hợp đồng cho thuê năng lượng mặt trời vào năm 2022.

Hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời của Anthony có hợp đồng thuê 5 năm. Khi hết 5 năm, anh sẽ sở hữu hệ thống này. Nếu anh kết thúc hợp đồng thuê trang trại trước thời hạn 5 năm, anh sẽ phải thanh toán số tiền còn thiếu và sở hữu hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời. Các thỏa thuận cho thuê hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời ngắn hơn (2 năm) và dài hơn (lên đến 7 năm) cũng có sẵn để phục vụ cho các nông gia có nhu cầu khác.

Anthony và gia đình anh thuê một trang trại ở vùng Carabooda, phía bắc Perth, nơi họ trồng dâu tây từ mùa đông đến mùa xuân và ớt, cà chua và cà tím trong mùa hè. Họ thuê một hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời 40kW để cung cấp năng lượng cho các kho lạnh, điều hòa không khí, chiếu sáng, bơm tưới tiêu và các hoạt động vận hành khác trong ngày. Với mức tiêu thụ điện cao nhất xảy ra vào ban ngày, họ đang tận dụng tối đa năng lượng được tạo ra mà không cần đến pin lưu trữ. Họ cũng không cần lo lắng về việc trì hoãn các hoạt động để tận dụng mức giá rẻ hơn ngoài giờ cao điểm. Trong trường hợp bơm nước để tưới, điều này có nghĩa là cây trồng nhận được nước (và chất dinh dưỡng) chính xác khi chúng cần trong suốt cả ngày, thay vì áp dụng một hoặc hai lần tưới vào ban đêm khi giá rẻ hơn, điều này không tốt lắm cho việc tưới tiêu cho đất cát ở Perth.

• H ệ thống năng lượng mặt trời đã được lặp đặt và được bảo trì như một phần của hợp đồng thuê • Anthony trả $600 AUD mỗi tháng để thuê cả hệ thống • T rước khi thuê hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời, hóa đơn tiền điện của Anthony là $4,000 AUD mỗi tháng • S au khi lắp đặt và sử dụng hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời, hóa đơn tiền điện đã giảm xuống còn $1,600 AUD mỗi tháng • Đ ó là khoản tiết kiệm $1,800 USD mỗi tháng sau khi thanh toán tiền thuê mà không phải trả trước bất kỳ chi phí nào

Chúng tôi sử dụng hết năng lượng vào ban ngày khi mặt trời tắt, vì vậy sử dụng năng lượng mặt trời là điều không cần bàn cãi đối với chúng tôi. Chúng tôi vận hành kho lạnh vào ban ngày để duy trì thời hạn sử dụng của trái cây và tắt kho lạnh khi hái trái cây để không phải sử dụng điện qua đêm.

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Chi phí hàng tháng

Khi chưa sử dụng năng lượng mặt trời

Thuê hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời

Chi phí lắp đặt

Phí thuê

$600

Hóa đơn tiền điện

$4,000

$1,600

TỔNG chi phí hàng tháng

$4,000

$2,200

Lưu ý: đây là ví dụ thực tế dựa trên hệ thống 40kW. Vui lòng tham khảo ý kiến của nhà cung cấp năng lượng mặt trời về cách hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời sẽ hoạt động trong trường hợp của quý vị. Trước khi xem xét thỏa thuận cho thuê hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời, quý vị

nên so sánh các lựa chọn tài chính khác nhau có sẵn cho mình. Nếu quý vị đủ điều kiện vay, hãy so sánh lãi suất và số tiền hoàn trả của khoản vay với các thỏa thuận cho thuê để đảm bảo quý vị nhận được hiệu quả đầu tư tốt nhất (thanh toán hàng tháng).

1. Anthony Lieu từ Lansdale Strawberries đã thuê một hệ thống năng lượng mặt trời vào năm 2022 và đã thu được những phần thưởng tài chính. Photo credit: Helen Newman 2. Hệ thống 40kW biến nguồn ở trong shed đóng gói. Photo credit: Helen Newman 3. Các tấm được lắp ở bên mái nhà kho để đón ánh nắng mặt trời tối đa. Photo credit: Neil Van Der Walt, Next Power

Translation by Giao Nguyen, Horticulture Research Scientist, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

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complexities of seasonal labour.

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Enjoy a smaller, more productive workforce

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Pay on performance, incentivise your best workers. Use accurate timely data to identify, attract and retain your best pickers.

Profitable harvest Our vision at Dataphyll is to cultivate a harmonious partnership

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STREAMLINE YOUR HARVEST OPERATIONS Achieve pinpoint traceability . Accurately capture data . Easy to use (automatic weight and location capture . Real time notifications (act immediately) . Piece-rate picking down to the gram. App lets you clock workers on and off for breaks individually or as a group . Packhouse touchless grader for scanning and quality control in real time . Enhanced management of individual pickers via quality control alerts . Highlight best performing workers, row-level yields and understanding reject rates . Payroll integration RETURN ON INVESTMENT

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working. By leveraging our expertise, we strive to assist growers in delivering an optimum product to the market, the ability to capture accurate piecerate, whilst meeting consumer demands while maximising Growers economic success.

SUMMER 2023

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“Our bottlenecks have been relieved. The fruit is coming through very smoothly and our kilos per hour are increasing constantly.”

GROWER DAMIAN DUGGAN-JONES, TURNERS & GROWERS, NZ

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For further information: Christoph Kistler hello@dataphyll.com +64 274 458095

REPUBLIC OF

SINGAPORE KEY STATISTICS

734.3 km

CAPITAL CITY

SINGAPORE PERMANENTS RESIDENTS

CITIZENS

0.54m

LANGUAGES MALAY, MANDARIN, TAMIL & ENGLISH

CURRENCY SINGAPORE DOLLAR (SGD) S$

1.77m

NON-RESIDENTS

1.77m

TOTAL POPULATION 5.92m

• Singapore lacks natural resources & imports more than 90% of their food • Singapore currently imports from more than 170 countries & regions • A ustralia is extremely well placed as an exporter to Singapore due to its proximity, connectivity & time zone

POPULATION DENSITY RANKED #3 IN WORLD AT 8592 PER km²

• Trade & business ties between Australia & Singapore are strong • S ingapore is Australia’s largest two-way trading partner & investor in South East Asia

MEDIAN AGE 43 YEARS AND AGEING RAPIDLY

• S ingapore is also our 5th largest trading partner ($52.9bn in 2022) & our 5th largest source of foreign direct investment ($148.6bn in 2022)

100% URBAN

• S ingapore serves as a business hub for South East Asia & is one of the world’s most important ports

ETHNICITY: CHINESE 74% | MALAY 13% | INDIAN 9%

ECONOMY

POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

CONNECTIVITY

• S ingapore is the 5th largest trade and investment partner globally, and the largest in ASEAN

• S ingapore is one of South East Asia’s most politically stable countries

A major trans-shipment hub, Singapore is one of the world’s most connected countries and is a world leader in logistical infrastructure

• T he legal and judicial system in Singapore is robust and efficient, and Singapore is reputed for its tough stance against corruption

• I n the first quarter of 2023, tourism arrivals had increased to 2.9million – 62% of pre-pandemic levels • I t is expected that the tourism industry in Singapore will fully recover by 2024 and is projected to reach over AUD $13.8billion

• C omprising a highly skilled workforce and very low unemployment, Singapore is ranked #2 on the Ease of Doing business (EODB) Index 2022

Direct flights to Singapore currently operate from: • Brisbane (Qantas, Singapore Airlines) – 7 hrs 40 mins to 8 hrs 10 mins • Sydney (Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, British Airways) – 8 hrs to 8 hrs 30 mins • Melbourne (Scoot, Jetstar, Emirates, Qantas) – 7 hrs 40 mins to 8 hrs • Perth (Scoot, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines) – 5 hrs 5 mins to 5 hrs 30 mins • Adelaide (Singapore Airlines) – 7 hrs 10 mins

2024 CULTURAL HOLIDAYS Gift-giving is a significant tradition within the Singaporean psyche & premium fruit is often used as a gift New Years Day – 1 January • Chinese New Year – 10 February • Good Friday – 29 March • Hari Raya Puasa – 9–10 April • Labour Day – 1 May • Vesak Day – 22 May Hari Raya Haji – 17 June • National Day – 9 August • Deepavali – 31 October • Christmas Day – 25 December

EXPORT MARKET PROFILE | SINGAPORE

Source: www.population.gov.sg

LAND AREA

THE SINGAPORE CUSTOMER • Singapore customers' desire for experiential stimulation heavily influences how they approach and interact with brands • The younger generation in Singapore is more interested in experiences than owning physical goods • In a 2022 report, 69% of Singapore customers today believe that physical stores should be an exciting place to visit

THE EXPERIENCE SEEKER Singapore customers are driven by experiential stimulation Brands will need to cultivate new and unique experiences to keep them captivated and attracted, especially at physical touchpoints like in-store

THE CAUTIOUS CUSTOMER The effects of rising inflation are rippling across the globe, and the Singapore consumer is not immune Higher costs of living are dampening consumer purchasing power and buying intent The value proposition needs to align with the price expected

THE WELLNESS-FOCUSED In the wake of the pandemic, Singapore consumers are placing greater importance on personal wellness Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, opting for products and services that support a healthier lifestyle Look to integrate aspects of personal wellness in your customer proposition, even if you are not in the business of wellness

BERRY TRADE 2022

SUPPLY CHAINS

In 2022, Australia was the 5th largest supplier of berries to Singapore in value, with 6.3% market share (AUD$14m) and 944 tonnes in volume

MAINSTREAM RETAIL

Exporter Country

2022 Share %

5yr avg Share %

USA

29.6

30.4

Korea

21.6

31.2

Australia

17.8

20.1

Egypt

17.6

6.3

Japan

2.8

3.1

USA

77.7

79.7

South Africa

10.7

13.1

Mexico

3.8

2.9

India

2.4

1.1

Morocco

1.7

0.3

South Africa

31.4

16.8

Morocco

14.1

10.4

Spain

9.9

10.0

Zimbabwe

8.5

3.6

Peru

7.3

8.0

Total Volume Imported

Source: KPMG Customer Experience Excellence Report 2022. Emerging Trends in Consumer Behavior in Singapore: An Insightful Study by Assembled.sg 2023

A great opportunity for interesting branding or innovative packaging to create standout

3 major retailers dominate the market • Procurement for these retailers is through local importers and distributors or directly from wholesalers or exporters

• These retailers also have their own cold chain and warehousing facilities

3676 tonnes HS081010

422 tonnes HS081020

OTHER RETAIL Other retail channels include: • Wet markets and specialty stores • Food chains with retail hybrid concept • Mini marts • Petrol kiosks

2741 tonnes HS081040

The smaller retailers such as these procure through distributors and wholesalers

EXPORT MARKET PROFILE | SINGAPORE

MANY RETAILERS ARE NOW OMNICHANNEL WITH A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE Omnichannel is a customer-centric approach to marketing in which all channels are integrated so the customer has a unified and consistent experience whether they are at a physical store, using an app or on a website. The goal is to connect with customers on their preferred channel with relevant content and a consistent brand message.

FOOD SERVICES

ECOMMERCE

• T he food services industry plays a vital role in Singapore’s economy, with dining out a key part of the culture of the country for Singaporeans, the large expat community and visiting tourists

eCommerce remains popular in Singapore Key eCommerce supermarkets include:

• F ood service providers in Singapore include a broad range of outlets including restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, hawker centres, airport caterers, military suppliers, mass food caterers and more • A large proportion use the omnichannel model, with online delivery, retail store and online store concepts • T he food service industry in Singapore is recovering well from the impact of Covid-19 as visitor numbers and tourism spending increases, and expats return to Singapore post-Covid

• M any retailers have developed an online presence through their own independent websites or by partnering and listing on established eCommerce platforms such as Shopee Supermarket and Redmart Marketplace • C onsumer feedback indicates that Singaporeans still prefer to view fresh products in person to make their purchasing decisions

OPPORTUNITIES

CHALLENGES

S ingaporeans love quality produce and have a strong awareness and familiarity with Australian products

Due to the need for diversification of imports for food security, there will always be competition with other importing countries

D ue to their seasonality, berries are valued as an exotic fruit, and are core lines to stock for retailers

More than 27 free trade agreements (FTAs) allow major economies of the world to trade freely and easily with Singapore

T here is high demand for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries in various packaging sizes, other than the conventional strawberry packaging at 250g and blueberries at 125g

S ignificant competitors in the berry category include USA, Korea, New Zealand, Egypt, Spain, Greece, Africa and Peru

Specific opportunities exist for strawberries in 500g & blueberries in 200g packaging Supply of competitively priced, high-quality berries supported by great marketing including in-store sampling is essential to attracting the Singapore consumer

There is, however, strong awareness, familiarity and demand for Australian products in Singapore S ingaporean consumers are highly price-sensitive and passionate about environmental sustainability As much as they seek value for money, they’re also dedicated to saving the planet!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS  Singapore is a great test bed for brands to expand into the region  It’s a small but highly connected country, therefore a highly competitive environment  It’s a relatively easy market to access as there are low barriers to trade with strong FTAs and easy to navigate regulatory processes It’s important to know your unique value proposition, brand or story and have introductory and promotional material, case studies and  examples that are concise and targeted for potential partners

 Relationships matter especially in a small market like Singapore  Think about how you will build trust and demonstrate long-term commitments to the market  Provide marketing support, by engaging closely with retailers and distributors to ensure that brand awareness is strong to drive sales

EXPORT MARKET PROFILE | SINGAPORE

I N D U S T R Y

Berries Australia and Wavemaker launch ‘Berry Basket’ marketing campaign MT23500 FY24 Berry Basket Marketing Campaign Eliza Wilding, Client Coordinator, Wavemaker

Campaign aims:

Wavemaker and Berries Australia are building on their existing partnership to bring to life a broader campaign promoting the “Berry Basket”.

• Make fresh Australian berries a highly desired grocery purchase • Get into more trolleys and on more shopping visits

Understanding why and how the strategy works:

Uniquely positioned after their previous work with the ABGA, the team have secured a recent tender to expand this work with Raspberries, Blackberries and Strawberries, uniquely positioning this campaign for Australia’s first true all of Berry marketing campaign.

To overcome price sensitivity, we must build emotional and functional needs in the minds of consumers before they reach the checkout, where they are most easily swayed by price.

• We will focus on the nutritional richness that Berries deliver in the fruit category • We will seek to drive consumption in the two key occasions that resonate for Berries: Breakfast & Snacking

As seen in research from Nielsen, we know that shoppers who purchase all four berry categories make up almost 50% of total category spend and that a whole of category approach lifts sales across all berry types.

The channels that are in the mix: Wavemaker have access to several proprietary planning tools, that give Berries Australia an unfair advantage when it comes to media planning, and enables us to plan media channels based on over 1.1m+ consumer purchase journeys, ensuring that we know which channels to book to reach Australian consumers at the right time.

This model has been used effectively in the UK for many years and is also used globally by major berry marketing companies such as Driscoll’s. The team’s ability to pull together all four berry categories into a cohesive campaign will allow us to talk to the Australian consumer throughout the year, with the right berry, at the right time for growers.

Video: We intend on using Video to reach Australians at scale, which will require a new TV commercial to be created to promote the Berry Basket. This Video will then be placed in digital channels i.e., YouTube, as well as BVOD such as 9Now and 7Play.

This approach holds great appeal for berry levy payers as many of them grow more than one type of berry and single berry marketing runs the risk of cannibalising other berry sales, rather than expanding the whole category.

Social + Creators: Influencers and social media both score incredibly highly in Wavemaker’s planning tools when we look for channels that will influence purchasing behaviour and offer us a chance to introduce Australians to new ways to add berries into their everyday consumption, as well as reinforcing the ‘why’ behind the berries, with consistent messaging around health benefits.

Whilst the campaign is still in its planning phase, the team are working towards a January 2024 launch for this campaign, with the intention of covering the entire 2024 calendar year.

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We’re also able to be incredibly efficient across social media, enabling us to build on the already substantial reach created through Video, and this will allow us to deliver different messaging based on supply fluctuations. Out of Home (OOH): We know that reaching Australians as close to the point of purchase as possible leads to a higher propensity to purchase. As such, we’ll look to place our OOH in shopping centres nationally aligning with the key supply period of each berry. The added benefit of going with a primarily digital panel approach means we’ll be able to be flexible and responsive with our messaging based on berry supply flows. Activation & Sampling: By creating engaging sampling experiences and activations, we can capture the attention of potential customers, provide them with a firsthand taste experience, inspire with new way to consume Berries and encourage them to incorporate Berries into their summer routines.

We are specialists in both Tissue Culture and Young Plant Production and Services. INITIATION SERVICE PRODUCT EXPERIENCE CONTRACT PRODUCTION EXPORT CAPABILITY

Retail Media: In the post-COVID world, we know more and more Australians are doing their grocery shopping online, with Coles experiencing a 48% lift in eCommerce sales through 2022, and Woolworths experiencing a lift of 39%. We’ve got to ensure that Berries are front and centre in the virtual shopping aisles. We currently use retail media across blueberries and will be able to use the learnings from these campaigns to create efficiencies when activating across the Berry Basket.

How the campaign will look: Wavemaker have already begun working with creative agencies to produce to a new creative platform for this campaign, ensuring that we have consistent messaging across the Berry Basket, as well as across each individual berry. We’ll be sharing the new look in January so stay tuned to your Berries Australia channels for more information. The project 'MT23500 FY24 Berry Basket Marketing Campaign' is funded by industry levies through Hort Innovation and contributions from the Australian Blueberry Growers Association voluntary levy.

OUR BERRIES

Ramm Botanicals provides high scale onsite tissue cuture and young plant production and services for domestic and international markets. With over 15 years of experience, we can confidently offer all current and new customers quailty, reliabilty, service and knowledge.

BLUEBERRY

BLACKBERRY

RASPBERRY

STRAWBERRY

If you have any questions or would like to be a part of the grower content, please contact: berriesaustralia@wmglobal.com www.australianblueberries.com.au FACEBOOK-SQUARE instagram australianblueberries

A D V E R T O R I A L

C O N T E N T

SETTING UP FOR A FRUITFUL SEASON While pests and diseases are at the forefront of growers’ minds, crop establishment begins with good weed management. Weeds compete with berries for water and nutrients and can slow the development of the crop. Weeds can also make the micro-climate more favourable for pests and diseases. In some instances, weeds can harbour Botrytis cinerea, the same disease that infects berry crops. As such, weeds must be managed throughout the cropping season from pre-planting through to harvest. To be effective, weed management strategies should utilise a variety of management practices. Good farm hygiene is always the first step – keeping an eye out for new weeds and working quickly to eradicate or reduce spread, and wherever possible stop weed seed set. Physical strategies for weed management include cultivation, black plastic mulch, weed matting, thermal weeding, grazing and mulching. Mulching is the most effective of these and the benefits go far beyond weed control. Mulching along rows with straw (or similar) will stop weed growth if applied thick enough to block sunlight. Mulching also increases moisture retention, regulates soil temperature and increases organic matter and soil microbe density. Chemical herbicides are a cost-effective and reliable strategy for managing weeds. With an array of herbicides available, knowing how each works helps you get the best out of your herbicide application. Herbicides can be pre-emergent (applied before weeds emerge) or post-emergent (applied after the weed has emerged from the soil). Syngenta Technical Services Lead Dr Brandy Rawnsley said knowing what weeds are in the field is important for product selection. “During the season, growers may need a selective herbicide like FUSILADE® Forte which only controls grass weeds, whereas pre-planting they may be looking for a nonselective herbicide product (e.g. SPRAY.SEED® or glyphosate) that controls a broad range of weed types,” she said.

“Both the selective and non-selective herbicides, like glyphosate, act through foliar application, and do not generally have any residual activity in the soil.” FUSILADE® Forte herbicide (Group 1) is a selective herbicide that provides powerful post-emergent control of couch, many annual grasses and certain perennial grasses in a range of horticultural crops, ornamentals and nursery trees. It can be used in blueberries, blackcurrants and strawberry crops at any time during the crop as either a blanket or spot spray. “FUSILADE® Forte herbicide has a built-in adjuvant to help with coverage and retention and is quickly absorbed and translocated to the growing points of weeds,” said Dr Rawnsley. “To be most effective, apply FUSILADE® Forte to young, actively growing weeds at 3-5 leaf stage before tillering. The advanced formulation containing surfactants and wetting agent, ensures uniform distribution. “Good coverage of weeds is essential, and should be matched to the weeds being sprayed, using water rates greater than 100 L/ha. FUSILADE® Forte herbicide should not be applied to weeds that are not actively growing, under stress or to flowering weeds. FUSILADE® Forte herbicide has a 4 week withholding period in blueberries, blackcurrants and strawberries. “FUSILADE® Forte herbicide can be applied at any stage throughout the year, when weeds are small, and is rainfast in 1 hour, which is significantly better than other some other grass selective herbicides,” said Dr Rawnsley. “FUSILADE® Forte is the perfect solution to control grass weeds and offers the flexibility to be tank-mixed with a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide if required.” Effective weed management relies on understanding the weed spectrum and tackling the problem early before weed populations get out of control. It is important to select herbicides based on the weed species and use the relevant label rate for that weed. Also pay attention to water volumes with properly calibrated application equipment. With a bit of pre-thought, timely application will ensure effective weed control. Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com.au and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/SyngentaANZ. ® Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group company.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUSILADE FORTE® Speak to your local Syngenta representative or visit www.syngenta.com.au/product/crop-protection/fusilade-forte

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Berry Growers Field Day Mark Salter, Berry Industry Development Officer, Fruit Growers Tasmania

Berry growers gathered at the Cressy Research farm on 18 October to hear from a range of speakers on Integrated Pest Management, optimal sprayer setup and the latest chemicals for berries, before relocating to Burlington Berries production areas to see practical demonstrations of IPM and sprayer setup on-farm. Opening welcome

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Opening the workshop was Berry Industry Development Officer, Mark Salter, who provided a snapshot of Fruit Growers Tasmania’s recent activities including an update on the Coir recycle and reuse project, progress on the Mitchell plastic recycling plant and the latest on the Varroa mite situation.

Supporting predators with Conservation Biological Control Jon Finch from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) spoke on Conservation Biological Control (CBC) which is a broad strategy that uses ecological principles to enhance the activities of predators. Jon explained that growers can implement CBC by providing shelter, nectar, alternate prey and pollen (shortened to the acronym ‘SNAP’).

Kate Sutherland, Managing Director of Burlington Berries, then welcomed everyone and gave growers some interesting insights into the history of Burlington Berries and the future plans for the business.

Shelter provides natural enemies with nesting, hunting and overwintering sites, as well as protection from predators, adverse weather and sprays

Kate spoke about how they purchased the farm 20 years ago, initially to produce seeds for their Upper Murray Seeds business, and then in 2012 they decided to branch out into growing berries, starting with four hectares of strawberries grown in the ground under tunnels.

Nectar provides natural beneficials with energy that improves survival, predation and reproduction Alternate prey maintains natural enemy populations when the density of target pests is low

Today, Burlington Berries grow over 60 hectares of Driscoll’s strawberry, raspberry and blackberry varieties in substrate in tunnels. They have recently purchased a second site that, when fully developed, will produce a further 60 hectares of berries in new high tunnels.

Pollen supports the nutrition of natural enemies and other beneficials by providing a source of protein and fats. These nutrients are often critical for reproductive development and are sometimes consumed in the absence of prey.

Steve recommends checking 5 bushes per block each week for adults and nymphs, tapping flowers and laterals. From time-to-time the spray thresholds will need revision. Also, monitor weeds and farm borders if you have other cropping near your property.

CBC can have a range of other benefits, such as reducing soil erosion, increasing soil moisture, reducing fertiliser run-off, supressing weeds, promoting pollinators and reducing costs. CBC areas are usually placed outside of the main cropping area, in marginal production areas or awkward/uneconomical areas to harvest. They can also be mixed in with existing plantings, such as between orchard and tree rows. However, implementing CBC plots outside tunnels may be ineffective as natural enemies may struggle to move into the cropping area.

Steve lastly spoke about using pheromones for monitoring and trapping mirids, including, the green mirid sex pheromone, which is already commercially available and the Hort Innovation funded PhD project, also awarded to TIA “Using pheromones and traps in the management of mirids and vegetable bugs” (RB21011).

One solution may be to use the leg rows as this allows for:

This project aims to:

• Natural enemies to easily move into the crop

• I solate and trial brown mirid pheromones for monitoring

• No loss of cropping area

• O ptimise green vegetable bug and mirid trap placement

• No need for irrigation • No impediment people or machinery

Michele Buntain from TIA conducted an interactive session asking growers to identify which flowering plants around their production site were good or bad. Michele attached photos of the various plants to a wall and asked growers to place red and green dots on them depending if growers thought they were good or bad. After the morning tea break, Michele explained which of the plants were beneficial and which were weeds. Most growers identified correctly the good and bad plants. Michele also explained which plants were more likely to be advantageous for beneficial insects.

To help growers trial CBC on their own properties, Jon gave examples of the most suitable plants to use for attracting beneficials, as well as those plants which are suitable to be used as trap crops for pests. He also underlined that CBC areas take time to become effective (three to five years), so patience is needed. Stephen Quarrell from TIA presented on mirids in raspberry and blackberry crops. He underlined the importance of this pest for Tasmanian Rubus producers as there are currently limited controls for this pest group. Steve’s presentation focused on:

Jake Byrne from Biological Services outlined his company’s services which include the supply of a range of beneficial insects. Jake also explained the principles of IPM; a philosophy/strategy of pest control that integrates all available tactics to reduce pest populations to an acceptable level.

• The damage they can cause • T he three main species of mirids including, Australian Crop mirid, green mirid and brown mirid • Methods of control Damage caused by mirids can include deformed fruit, loss of fruit due to feeding on buds and flowers, delayed fruit ripening, reduced yield and contamination.

All available controls can be classified as: • Cultural controls • Biological controls

Steve also spoke on other bugs to look out for including, Rutherglen Bug, Broken Back Bug and Apple Dimpling Bug. He also explained it is important to monitor and scout your crop to identify what species of bugs are in your crop as some may not be pests in raspberries and berries. It is particularly important to start monitoring early in the season.

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• Chemical controls Jake also highlighted the importance of knowing when to introduce beneficials, and when to spray to look after your beneficial insects.

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Tackling two spotted mites

Fundamentals of Integrated Pest Management

Michael Gangi from EE Muir focused his presentation on two-spotted mite which is an important pest in berries. His presentation included pest images and how to identify them through the various stages of growth.

Paul Horne from IPM Technologies’ presentation focused on cultural practices, thresholds and monitoring to help look after beneficial insects. Paul stressed the importance of having a food source when beneficial insects are first introduced and underlined the need to monitor what pests are in your crop and use chemicals sparingly, and emphasised the importance of using chemicals that are not toxic to beneficials.

Mite Fast Facts: • Life Cycle Stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult • E ggs: globular and transparent, becoming opaque prior to hatching

Paul also discussed the life span of some of the important chemicals used in berry crops and the impact they have on beneficials, explaining that some chemicals can persist in crops that are grown under cover, and it is important to note this when introducing beneficials.

• L arvae: the larvae that hatch only have six legs. After a period of moulting, the nymph develops eight legs and the two distinct dots form later in the cycle • L ocation: eggs, nymphs and adults are mostly found on the underside of the leaves. This is due to cooler conditions and a less waxy leaf cuticle to penetrate

Chemical options and sprayer management

In dense populations they can be found on the calyx of the fruit and webbing can occur in extreme conditions (particularly Rubus)

Sprayer setup key to targeted spray use Dave Farmer from Croplands explained to growers the importance of having the correct sprayer setup. He started with nozzle selection, which is a critical part of the spray application process. Dave explained the three main points to determine the best spray quality:

• L ife Cycle Timing: in hot dry conditions, the l ife cycle can be completed in under two weeks • F eeding: the nymphs and adults pierce the cells of the leaf tissue and suck out the contents. This can give a distinct ‘speckling’ look

1. The target you are trying to kill

• F emales: the development of the overwintering females (diapause) is initiated by short day lengths and cool temperatures. The females will appear orange/red in colour

2. T he type of chemical you are using, i.e. Systemic or contact 3. How big is the risk posed by drift? To help address these three points, air induction nozzles are proving a better option for growers, particularly for better crop coverage as well as offering minimal spray drift. Dave also focused part of his presentation on calibration, highlighting how important it is to know exactly what volume of spray is being applied to the crop.

IPM plays an important part in controlling two spotted mites. Predatory mites include: • Phytoseiulus persimilis • Neoseiulus californicus Michael noted that there are also various chemicals available to both Rubus and strawberry growers, but most have some toxicity for beneficials, so care is needed in their use.

Brenden Green from Nufarm finished the morning session by outlining some of the latest chemicals for berries. Brenden spoke on the recent introduction of Intervene® as an effective fungicide for berries which is now accredited as an organic product.

IPM in the field – Burlington Berries After lunch, attendees travelled to the Burlington Berries production site at Burlington Road to look at how IPM is adopted in the field. Burlington Berries’ Manager Laurie Adams welcomed everyone to the farm and gave a brief overview of their berry production. Burlington Berries agronomist Catherine Nitz gave some good examples of how IPM works in the field. There was also time for a general question and answer session before traveling to Burlington’s new site further north.

Jake Byrne from Biological Services Photos credit: Fruit Growers Tasmania

Sprayer demonstration – Burlington Berries Laurie welcomed everyone to Burlington Berries’ new production site explaining the benefits of its isolation and protection from wind, minimising the risk of both wind and pest damage. Dave Farmer continued his sprayer setup presentation in the field featuring Burlington Berries’ new 2000L Croplands Quantum™ over row tabletop sprayer. Dave explained the benefits of the new rig, which includes eight adjustable multi-directional fan heads giving it the ability to target the crop more effectively. Also being able to reduce the application rate to 450L/ha helps minimise spray drift and make chemical use more efficient. Growers were then able to view the sprayer in action in one of the strawberry tunnels.

The event proved to be a great success with over 60 people attending. Many thanks to Burlington Berries and the presenters, plus a special thank you to Nufarm and TIA for their generous sponsorship of the event.

Attendees were given a tour of both Burlington Berries sites Photos credit: Fruit Growers Tasmania

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Dave Farmer from Croplands gave a ‘classroom’ presentation followed by a practical demonstration of the importance of having the correct sprayer setup. Photos credit: Fruit Growers Tasmania

Stephen Quarrell from TIA highlighting the importance of mirid pests for Tasmanian Rubus producers. Photos credit: Fruit Growers Tasmania

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Australian Horticulture’s latest Nuffield Scholar is destined for great things Jane Richter, Communication Manager, Berries Australia

Whilst visiting Tasmania in mid-November with the Berries Australia team, I had the privilege to spend an hour with the latest Australia Nuffield Scholar – Kirsty Dickenson from Costa Berries based in Northdown on the central northern coast. She is embarking on an incredible adventure, and we will be following her throughout the next two years as she completes her scholarship project. communities and local primary industries. Funding for PICSE has come from a blend of Federal Government, partner universities, and national R&D Corporations including Hort Innovation.

Kirsty grew up in an area of Hobart that backed on to bushland and so along with her many siblings she was an outdoor kid. When I say many siblings I mean it Kirsty is unbelievably one of 18 children meaning there was always something going on and you were never lonely. When she was growing up her first intention was to become a doctor, but as she progressed through school and understood more about what a career in medicine really meant she quickly realised a life spent indoors was not going to work for her.

Kirsty started the program as part of her Year 11 studies and quickly realised it ticked both her boxes; it was the science area that she was interested in and involved working outside. She continued the program in Year 12 and had the opportunity to study sustainability up in the Riverland - a region that covers an area of 9,386 square kilometres along the river Murray from where it flows into South Australia from New South Wales and Victoria. This was the final piece of the puzzle for Kirsty.

Typifying Kirsty’s practical and solution-oriented approach, as she got older she did a series of work experience placements to try different things on for size which helped her to rule out a lot of things!

“I thought this marries everything that I want to do in my career,” she said and from there she enrolled in a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Tasmania (UTAS).

When she went to tackle Year 11, there was a program known as PICSE which was aiming to get kids who were interested in science to consider agriculture as a viable career pathway. The School of Agricultural Science (UTAS) established the National Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) in 1998 to develop and deliver strategies to encourage more young people to enter primary industry and associated research and agribusiness organisations. PICSE is collaboration between agencies, universities, their regional

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Like many young Australians, after completing her degree the lure of adventure beckoned and she had a couple of gap years experiencing some incredible parts of the world including South America, South East Asia and Iceland.

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She read that Hort Innovation was offering funding support for a Rubus grower to pursue an Australian Nuffield Scholarship and several of her peers suggested she should go for it. Kirsty is naturally a reserved person and was daunted by the ‘public spotlight’ component that is involved with a Nuffield Scholarship.

Upon her return, Kirsty’s first role was in the grains industry in South Australia where she worked mostly in isolation. Being from such a large family she quickly realised that for her to thrive she wanted to be an active part of a larger team with plenty of daily engagement with other team members. She joined Costa in 2018 as a Horticultural Technical Assistant and in 2020 she completed the University of Tasmania’s Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness: Masterclass in Horticultural Business. This post-graduate course offers participants immersive study that will ultimately make them a better businessperson. The Masterclass in Horticultural Business equips current and future farm managers, owners and employers with the agribusiness skills and capabilities required to run profitable and sustainable farm businesses.

“I have so many questions and I’d love to get out there and talk to people to find out how they are approaching the challenges that we’re facing, like a maturing market,” says Kirsty. It was only following a conversation with friend and 2018 Nuffield Australia Scholar Robin Tait, that Kirsty felt emboldened to submit an application. The selection process is certainly thorough; following submission of your written application you undertake a state-based interview with a panel, and if successful you then go forward to a three-part interview at the national level. If you are successful on the national stage, then you are awarded a Nuffield Scholarship and the real work begins.

You can find out more about this course at bit.ly/UTAS-Hort-Bus or scan this QR code Kirsty is now a Horticulturalist with responsibilities across both the raspberry and avocado businesses within Costa on the northwest coast of Tasmania. Her role has expanded to include not only pest and disease management, but R&D, pollination for the region, canopy management and capital project development and execution.

The point of the Nuffield is for someone from an industry to go out into the world, explore relevant topics for their industry and come back to share that knowledge, explains Kirsty.

Tasmania is the only state where Costa currently grows all four main berry types which makes the Apple Isle a key part of Costa’s ability to supply quality berries year-round. The Northdown site where Kirsty is based grows 85 hectares of just raspberries, spread across two of Driscoll’s varieties ‘Maravilla’ and ‘Yazmin’.

The benefits are already flowing in for Kirsty. You are joining an established network of like-minded, curious individuals and she has met a number of other ‘Nuffielders’ already, some of whom have been to stay with her in northern Tasmania.

It is abundantly clear from listening to Kirsty tell her story that she thrives on challenge, and her last couple of years at Costa - where the site has undergone significant changes - have allowed her to swim hard where others may have sunk. She has a maturity in her attitude that seems way beyond her years and gives me great confidence that the future of the berry industry in Australia is in safe hands with emerging young leaders like Kirsty.

Kirsty is seeking to find answers to the highly topical question of how we nurture resource sustainability in a rapidly maturing market. Costa is a large berry producer and with scale comes a responsibility to take a leadership role in tackling industry challenges. She is currently in the scoping phase of her project where she is refining the focus to ensure that she has a clear set of questions to answer as she travels during 2024.

About twelve months ago, Kirsty felt that she had gotten to the point in her career where she had established a strong base point of knowledge but she was starting to have a larger set of questions that her peers and mentors could not readily answer.

All raspberries on site are grown in substrate in a range of polytunnel designs. Photos credit: Jane Richter

Kirsty Dickenson showing off the delicious fresh raspberries grown at the 85 ha Costa berry site in northern Tasmania. Photos credit: Jane Richter

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A European honeybee providing a vital pollination service. Photos credit: Jane Richter

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network of contacts that can assist her to unlock access to the right people in the markets she is hoping to study; the mature markets of the USA and UK, Denmark where sustainability is already quite advanced, and finally the Netherlands to look at the intensive horticulture systems and how these coexist with considerations about biodiversity and the wider environment.

“I don’t want to just come back with these grand ideas that don’t make economic sense. I am hoping to identify a few key areas we can improve our environmental sustainability in the berry industry and highlight the value proposition for all growers,” says Kirsty, again demonstrating a maturity of consideration in her approach. After the scoping overview is completed, the first stage for Kirsty is to attend a meeting of the current Australian scholars in Canberra looking at the Australian context, followed by joining the Contemporary Scholars Conference where all the current scholars from around the world meet in Campo Grande in west central Brazil in March 2024. This forum is where she will be able to make a significant

Kirsty will be required to make a presentation in September 2025 about what she has learned as well as providing a substantial written report. We will be following her journey closely across the next two years so look out for regular updates in this journal, in our e-newsletter and on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

About Nuffield Scholarships • Nuffield Australia is the country’s leading agricultural scholarship organisation • It a unique program offering Australian primary producers a chance to travel and study • There are over 500 Nuffield Scholars in Australia and almost 2,000 worldwide • Scholars are committed and passionate leaders and at the leading edge of technology uptake • Each year, a new group of scholars are selected and they continue to be involved and engaged with Nuffield for life • Each scholarship is valued at $35,000 and open to Australian citizens or permanent residents directly involved in food and fibre production typically aged between 28 and 45 • The bursary allows scholars to travel overseas both individually and in small groups • After the study, scholars produce a written report and communicate the new knowledge and experience to others in the industry Find out more at www.nuffield.com.au

Seaweed extracts providing extraordinary results.

Seasol Commercial Seaweed Concentrate

• Aids plant establishment and reduces transplant shock. • Stimulates root growth. • Enhances soil microbial activity. • Increases tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. Seasol Commercial is a 100% liquid seaweed plant conditioner that provides a synergistic range of natural compounds, trace elements, alginates and carbohydrates from a blend of brown kelps. Seasol promotes root growth, and improves plant tolerance to environmental and climatic stress. By promoting root growth, Seasol also has the effect of enhancing fertiliser efficiency.

AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES Whatever your requirements, we now have sizes to suit your needs. Seasol Commercial is available in 5L, 20L, 200L & 1000L quantities.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS Aids plant establishment and reduces transplant shock

Stimulates root growth and enhances flowering

Increases tolerance to adverse environmental conditions

Enhances soil microbial activity

For more information, please go to www.seasol.com.au or call your local area sales manager on 1800 335 508

ACO CERT. NO. 10767

For your safety, please wear gloves and face shield when handling this product.

S T R A W B E R R I E S

Giving strawberries real fight: Seaweed extracts prime plants for optimal yields and profits Scott Mattner and Dylan McFarlane, VSICA Research

Have you ever had to ‘put up your dukes’ and defend yourself?

• Plants constantly need to defend themselves against stresses from the environment and pest and disease

We hope not! But strawberry plants must regularly defend themselves against a range of different stresses. Plant stress can come from the environment (called abiotic stress), like extreme temperatures over summer that cause strawberry plants to stop fruiting, poor water or nutrient availability, and saturated soils at the start and end of the season.

• ‘Plant priming’ is a strategy that increases a plants defence capability • Seaweed extracts can ‘prime’ strawberry plants to increase protection against stress

Plant stress can also come from other living things (called biotic stress), like Botrytis that causes strawberry rots (Figure 1), other diseases, and a range of insect and mite pests.

• Seaweed extract was shown to increase yield and profits in strawberry Summary We conducted a series of laboratory and field experiments to evaluate the effect of a combined drench (10 L/ha) and foliar spray (1:400 to the point of run-off) of a seaweed biostimulant (Seasol®) on strawberry production. Application of the seaweed extract significantly increased strawberry fruit yields by 8-10% and revenue by AU$0.37-0.59 per plant. Furthermore, the extract significantly reduced the incidence and severity of post-harvest rots in strawberry fruit by 52-87%, respectively. A key to achieving these responses was the regular monthly application of the product. Evidence showed the extract worked by ‘priming’ strawberry plants for better stress tolerance and increased root growth.

Figure 1. Strawberry badly affected by grey mould rot caused by the fungus Botrytis Photo credit: VSICA Research

We grew the plug plants in solutions containing the seaweed extract (1:400) and a water control for four days. Following this, we sampled roots from the plants and stained them with a chemical called 3,3´-diaminobenzidine (DAB).

A recent paper published in the scientific journal Plants has explained one way that strawberries defend themselves against such a variety of different stresses (Garza-Alonso et al. 2022). The process is called ‘plant priming’ and is a bit like telling a strawberry plant to ‘put up your dukes’ and get ready to fight!

This chemical reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form a brown precipitate or stain. Results showed that root cells from strawberry plants in the seaweed extract stained brown with DAB indicating the presence of hydrogen peroxide, but not roots from plants in the control (Figure 2).

Scientifically, plant priming is an adaptive strategy that improves the defensive capacity of plants (Mauch-Mani et al. 2017). One of the important biochemical groups involved in telling (signalling) cells in strawberry plants to prime themselves for defence are reactive oxygen species. And one of the key reactive oxygen species is a familiar chemical – hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

Separate analysis showed that, the seaweed extract doubled the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the roots of strawberry as soon as 1-day after treatment.

There are several ways that you can prime a strawberry plant to ‘put up its dukes’ and defend itself. One of them is by applying biostimulants, which are ‘any substance or microorganism applied to plants with the aim of enhancing nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance and/or crop quality traits’ (du Jardin, 2015).

These results showed that biostimulants like seaweed extracts can initiate the production of reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide in strawberry, which is a strong indicator of plant priming. It suggests the strawberry transplants were ‘putting up their dukes’ and getting ready for a fight! If you want to read more about the science in this experiment, go to https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-023-02979-0.

Plant stimulants differ from fertilisers because they typically have a very low nutrient content. Some of the common biostimulants include humic and fulvic substances, fish by-products and blood meals (called protein hydrolysates), and extracts from seaweeds.

In other studies, our colleagues from Deakin University applied the seaweed extract to a plant called Arabidopsis in the laboratory. Scientists like to use this plant in experiments because it has a short lifecycle, and its genetics are well known. Results showed that treatment with the seaweed extract ‘switched-on’ (upregulated) genes in Arabidopsis involved in plant defence against stress, production of plant hormones that promote growth, uptake and transport of nutrients, and cell wall formation.

If you want to read more about the scientific basis for plant priming and defence in strawberry, go to https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243463.

Can we prime strawberry plants to ‘put up their dukes’ and defend themselves? We conducted an experiment in the laboratory with our colleagues from Deakin University to see if a biostimulant could initiate plant priming in young strawberry plants.

Separate experiments showed that treatment with the extract increased Arabidopsis’ production of metabolites involved in plant defence against stress (e.g., glucosinolates) and energy generation (tricarboxylic acid cycle derivatives). These experiments demonstrated that the seaweed extract works by priming plants for defence against stress and improved growth to get them ready to fight!

The biostimulant product we used was an alkaline extract from the seaweeds bull kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) and knotted kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum), sold commercially as Seasol®. We used strawberry plug plants of the variety Albion in the experiment, sourced from the Foundation stock (2nd generation of runners) in a screenhouse at Toolangi, Victoria. This meant that the strawberry plants were like babies and had not yet been exposed to much biotic or abiotic stress.

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If you would like to read the scientific details of the experiments, go to https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00852, https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112476, and https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1114172.

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Figure 2. Root tips of strawberry (Albion) stained with the chemical DAB. A red/brown precipitate (see white arrows) formed in root cells of plants treated with a seaweed extract (Seasol®). This indicates they accumulated hydrogen peroxide, and were primed for defence against stress. Photo credit: VSICA Research

Can ‘primed’ strawberries really defend themselves in the field?

It is important to note, however, that differences in fruit yield of 10% are impossible for growers to see at any individual pick. Growers can only see these differences if they record the yields through the season, like we did in our field trials.

It is one thing to initiate plant priming in the laboratory and another thing to get plants to increase their defence against stress in the field.

The results from the experiments also showed that strawberry fruit treated with the seaweed extract developed 52-87% less rot from Botrytis (Figure 1) following harvest and commercial storage than the untreated control.

So, we conducted a series of strawberry experiments on commercial fruit farms in the Yarra and Don Valleys in Victoria. We applied the seaweed extract to strawberry plants (Albion) as a drench (10 L/ha) and foliar spray (1:400) every month through the season.

In our experiments, we applied the seaweed extract as a supplement and not a replacement to the standard fungicide program.

We planted the experiment at the Don Valley in winter with bare-rooted runners (full season crop), and the trial at the Yarra Valley in summer with cold-stored runners (short season crop). We picked and measured fruit yields 2-3 times per week through the season.

Therefore, these results indicate that the use of seaweed extract can help strawberry plants defend against Botrytis (a biotic stress) when applied with fungicides.

In both experiments, strawberry plants treated with the seaweed extract produced significantly more fruit (8-10%) than plants in the untreated control (Figure 3).

If you want to read more on the science from these experiments, the results are published in two articles in the Journal of Applied Phycology at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1387-9 and https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-023-02979-0.

A key to the yield increase was the regular application of the seaweed extract to plants throughout the season. It is understandable that growers sometimes cease treatments with biostimulants because they cannot see a visual growth difference in their crops.

Figure 3. Commercial fruit yields from strawberry plants (Albion) treated with a seaweed extract (SWE, Seasol®) or a control treatment in field experiments at Yarra and Don Valleys, Victoria.

What are the characteristics of a ‘primed’ strawberry?

Can ‘primed’ strawberries increase my profits from strawberry?

One of the major differences we saw in strawberry plants treated with the seaweed extract was their improved root growth.

It’s good to have a strawberry plant that is primed and ready to fight against plant stress, but we wanted to know if this meant they also produced more profits for growers.

We measured root growth (root length density) by taking soil cores around the plant, washing the roots from the soil, imaging the roots, and then analysing their length. Plants treated with the extract had up to 38% more functional roots than the control.

So, in addition to measuring commercial fruit yield in our field experiments, we calculated the revenue at each pick based on wholesale prices for strawberry fruit at the Melbourne, Victoria market (FreshLogic, Hawthorn, Victoria).

There was a strong scientific relationship (correlation of 94%) between improved root growth of strawberries treated with the seaweed extract and increased commercial fruit yields.

Results showed that the economics of using the seaweed extract to prime strawberry plants can be very favourable for growers. We showed the use of the seaweed extract increased revenue from fruit by AU$ 0.37 and AU$ 0.59 per plant while the cost of the treatment was AU$ 0.01 and AU$ 0.03 per plant in the Yarra and Don Valley experiments, respectively (Figure 5).

You can read the details of this field experiment at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1387-9 In the laboratory we conducted separate experiments where we took the tips of strawberry plants (Albion) from the Foundation screenhouse at Toolangi and grew them in solutions containing the seaweed extract and a control.

Most strawberry growers in Victoria have the equipment to apply the seaweed extract through their fertigation system and as additives to their spray programs, and therefore there would be negligible additional infrastructure and labour costs from the treatment.

We used timelapse photography to visualise root growth of the strawberry plants. The effect of the seaweed extract in stimulating root growth was dramatic (Figure 4), and you can see it for yourself on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvw5l28FJ8g, or in the scientific literature at https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10811-015-0574-9

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The intangible benefits of using extract for strawberry growers are reduced post-harvest fungal decay, increased shelf-life of fruit, and associated retailer and consumer confidence in the quality of the product.

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Figure 4. Image from a timelapse video showing the ability of a seaweed extract (Seasol®) to stimulate root growth of strawberry tips (Albion). Photo credit: VSICA Research

Figure 5. Revenue from fruit of strawberry plants (Albion) treated with a seaweed extract (SWE, Seasol®) or a control treatment in field experiments at Yarra and Don Valleys, Victoria.

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Future research and conclusion We would like to continue our research to see if the use of the seaweed biostimulant can increase a strawberry plant’s tolerance of charcoal rot (caused by the soil-borne fungus, Macrophomina phaseolina) or reduce its fertiliser and/or irrigation requirements.

Saturday 1 June 2024

But for now, our evidence indicates that the use of a seaweed biostimulant (Seasol®) has the capacity to prime plants and put the fight in strawberries against stress.

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Strawberry runner production on display at JCLM Farming Mark Salter, Berry Industry Development Officer, Fruit Growers Tasmania

Growing high quality runners

Fruit Growers Tasmania and Berries Australia held a strawberry runner field day earlier this year at JCLM Farming Pty Ltd, who operate an 80ha farm at Ouse in Tasmania’s central highlands. Central to JCLM’s operations is their commercial runner production nursery, which is situated near Tasmania’s Derwent River.

Jack explained that the process starts with planting disease-free strawberry mother plants, who produce runners on long stolons throughout the spring and summer period. These runners are pegged down to encourage them to take root, which is made easier for the plants by the deep and free draining sandy loam soils of the farm. In terms of pest and disease management, Jack explained that he prefers to utilise an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, which allows him to monitor and sustainably control pests and disease at commercially acceptable levels whilst minimising unnecessary chemical use. Being isolated from other strawberry producing regions gives JCLM a degree of extra protection for both their mother plants and the harvested runners.

Located in Tasmania’s central highlands region, JCLM use their colder environment to produce high quality, high-chill strawberry runners for strawberry producers in Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland. Throughout the field day, business owner Jack Beattie provided growers and other industry members with a tour of the operation.

At the end of the growing period, the runners are mechanically lifted and harvested in a way that minimises root damage, before being transported to the packing shed for washing to remove all soil. Here again, the lighter sandy soils separate from the roots more easily than other soils, without leaving staining or other impacts. The washing water itself also helps to pre-cool the runners, as it is sourced directly from the Derwent River during the colder autumn and winter months.

Varieties During the tour, growers were invited to inspect the nursery and compare the many varieties being propagated at the site to support both summer and winter production. These varieties include short day and temperate strawberry varieties from the Australian Strawberry Breeding Program (ASBP), including ‘Red Rhapsody-ASBP’, ‘Sundrench-ASBP’, ‘Tahli-ASBP’ and ‘Tamara-ASBP’, as well as varieties from the University of California Davis (UCD) and University of Florida (UF)/EMCO CAL breeding programs.

Following the washing process, runners are loaded into plastic bins and placed in a vacuum chiller which rapidly reduces the remaining field temperature to around 4°C. The chilled runners are then brought into the packing shed to be separated, graded and packed into waxed cardboard boxes. The runners are stored in a cool room prior to being dispatched via refrigerated transport to the customer.

The Australian Strawberry Breeding Program (ASBP) is funded by Hort Innovation using the Strawberry R&D levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

Cold critical to runner quality reduces plant tissue respiration, breakdown, and prevents partial composting and runner death during the potentially lengthy journeys to customers.

After hearing Jack’s explanation of the runner production process, I was fortunate to be able to catch up with Jack again in May, witnessing first-hand the care and dedication JCLM takes to ensure growers are getting the quality and quantity of runners they require.

For this reason, Jack implements a QA program throughout the production and supply process, with random quality checks regularly made to ensure correct quality and quantity.

Jack explains that the cooling process is critical to ensuring plant quality is maintained throughout the supply chain all the way to the future grower, as it

Participants at the field day

Washing strawberry runners

The Quality Control process in action at JCLM Farming

Jack Beattie with strawberry runners ready for dispatch

Photo credit: All images provided with thanks to Fruit Growers Tasmania

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Australian Strawberry Breeding Program Update Katie O’Connor – Plant Breeder, Jodi Neal – Principal Plant Breeder, Australian Strawberry Breeding Program Team, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

A new variety, wrap-up of the subtropical season, and an update of Mediterranean and temperate seasons from project BS22000: Australian Strawberry Breeding Program Subtropical update

The Australian Strawberry Breeding Program (ASBP) strives to develop superior strawberry varieties tailored to the specific demands of Australia's varied climatic growing regions. With a focus on enhancing both grower profitability and consumer satisfaction, our trials and research reflect our commitment to delivering practical outcomes for industry. This article gives a summary of our recent achievements and ongoing initiatives.

In the subtropical region, our 2023 breeding trials conducted at the Maroochy and Bundaberg Research Facilities in Queensland have yielded promising results (Figures 2 and 3). We have selected 149 seedlings, including 21 specialty lines, with consistent performance across the season to assess in replicated trials in 2024. We have also chosen 26 early-stage (stage 2) and 10 advanced (stage 3+) accessions for further evaluation during the 2024 retrials. Valuable feedback from growers conducting on-farm trials and from the industry field walk at the Maroochy Research Facility in July played a crucial role in our selection process.

New variety Following an overwhelmingly positive response from industry members, we are excited to introduce subtropical variety 'Stella-ASBP' (breeding ID 2017-040) to the market (Figure 1). Data from our clonal trials and feedback from industry shows that Stella has large fruit, high yield, and generally produces fruit earlier in the season compared to Red Rhapsody. Stella also has a higher flavour rating than both Red Rhapsody and Susie-ASBP, and is a new favourite for a number of our breeding team. Similar to Susie it has full resistance to Red Leaf Disorder, and early trialling suggests that it may also perform well in the Mediterranean (Perth) region.

Responding to feedback from industry, we conducted sap analysis for nitrate and potassium concentration in the subtropical clonal trials. This analysis, conducted fortnightly throughout the season, focused on key varieties such as Red Rhapsody, Susie, Stella, and select lines from the 2017 and 2019 cohorts. Additionally, we initiated monthly leaf nutrient testing for Red Rhapsody, Susie, and Stella. These analyses will help to establish a knowledge base for the nutrient requirements of advanced accessions and varieties. These efforts aim to provide growers with data-driven insights for effective crop management.

Additionally, small numbers of our soon-to-bereleased novelty pink variety (SB17-230-ASBP) are available to trial in small numbers this coming season. Talk to your plant propagators to check availability.

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Stay tuned for a summary of these analyses in the next edition of the Australian Berry Journal.

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Figure 1. New variety ‘Stella-ASBP’. Photo credit: Jodi Neal

Figure 2. Katie O’Connor assessing subtropical seedlings at Bundaberg, Qld, with coloured flags indicating good performance at different time points throughout the 2023 subtropical season. Photo credit: Jodi Neal

Figure 3. Industry members evaluating subtropical clonal accessions at the farm walk in Nambour, Qld, July 2023 Photo credit: Katie O’Connor

Mediterranean update

Temperate update

The Mediterranean seedling trial at the Maroochy Research Facility has resulted in the selection of 32 promising candidates for further development.

Despite wet weather conditions extending the usual planting window, our temperate trials in Wandin North, Victoria, have progressed well.

The number of Mediterranean seedlings assessed will be more than doubled in future seasons to over 4,000 each year, substantially increasing the likelihood of developing advantageous varieties for this region sooner.

We are assessing 11,752 seedlings from 50 families this season, plus 68 early-stage and 25 advanced-stage accessions in our replicated clonal trials (Figure 5). After consultation with industry, our data collection period will be extended until later in the season going forward, to match commercial practice more closely.

The clonal trials hosted by a Mediterranean grower at Bullsbrook, WA, are still in progress (Figure 4). More plant and fruit traits are being assessed this year compared to previous years, which will inform selection decisions at the end of the season.

We also have 11 advanced accessions being trialled in seven on-farm trials across five states. A number of temperate accessions are looking especially promising, and we’re excited to see how they perform this season.

Two other growers in Western Australia are also hosting on-farm trials of two advanced accessions that are candidates for commercial release, pending discussions with industry stakeholders.

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Figure 4. 2023 Mediterranean clonal trial at a grower’s property in Bullsbrook, WA. Photo credit: Jodi Neal

Figure 5. 2023-24 temperate clonal trial at Wandin, Vic., taken September 2023. Photo credit: Jodi Neal

Other breeding activities

Conclusion

Our routine powdery mildew screening has identified a number of tolerant accessions for all three production regions. These accessions are playing a pivotal role in current and future cross-pollinations, further enhancing fruit size, firmness, and mildew tolerance within the breeding populations. Additionally, annual screening for fusarium wilt tolerance has been completed for this season, and a screening experiment for charcoal rot tolerance has commenced.

The ASBP team remains committed to leading advancements in strawberry breeding and catering to the diverse needs of growers across different production regions. We extend our sincere gratitude to the industry for their continued support, invaluable feedback, and cooperation in our breeding efforts. The ASBP is guided by the principle of fostering idea exchange. If you would like more information, please contact Jodi Neal (email: jodi.neal@daf.qld.gov.au; phone: 07 5381 1352). Your thoughts and feedback are highly valued by the project team.

Using genomic prediction models, we identified three subtropical seedling accessions from 2022 with predicted high performance, based on their genetic fingerprint alone. We integrated these accessions as parents in our subtropical cross-pollinations this winter and will use the same technology and innovation to identify elite Mediterranean and temperate accessions in the coming months. We are committed to continuous improvement and excellence in our breeding program and so are also currently re-assessing our statistical methods to enhance our confidence in selecting the best performers.

Acknowledgements The Australian Strawberry Breeding Program has been funded by Hort Innovation using the strawberry research and development levy, with cocontributions from the Queensland Government through its Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and funds from the Australian Government. We thank the contributions by the Temperate, Subtropical and Mediterranean Reference Groups who have helped guide the program, the Industry Development Officers, and all other industry members who provide feedback, advice, and support. We are also extremely grateful to all the fruit producers in all states who have trialled, collected data on, and given feedback on our onfarm accessions. This has helped us make more informed and better commercial judgments.

This year we also continued our involvement in the Hort Frontiers project Genetics of Fruit Sensory Preferences (Hort Innovation project AS19003). Fruit from ten varieties and accessions were assessed by a consumer preference panel and a trained sensory panel to provide feedback on Australian consumer preferences for strawberry. This has provided invaluable information to guide breeding efforts for improved and optimal strawberry flavour. Dilmini Hettiarachchi, a PhD student with the University of Queensland and co-supervised by ASBP project lead Jodi Neal, is additionally assessing this fruit for their volatile, sugar, and acid contents. As part of her PhD, Dilmini will identify genetic and near-infrared (NIR) tools to more easily screen breeding material for the presence of desirable volatiles (positively contributing to aroma and flavour) and sugars. Check out the Autumn 2024 issue of this journal for a full update on results from this project.

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The Australian Strawberry Breeding Program team members include Jodi Neal (project lead), Michaela Antoine (Perth field assistant), Geoffrey Brinkley (Nambour lab assistant), Mitchell Gates (Nambour lab assistant), Apollo Gomez (pathologist), Joanna Gillespie (genetics and virus indexing), Dilmini Hettiarachchi (PhD student), Juan Jimenez (Nambour lab assistant), Dale McKenna (Nambour field technical officer and hydroponics), Lauren Stirling (Nambour field assistant), Alan Noon (Wandin field assistant), Katie O’Connor (breeding and genomics), Harrchun Panchalingam (laboratory technical assistant), Michelle Paynter (virus indexing, tissue culture, and pathology), Sandy Shaw (Wandin field assistant), Karen Spencer (Wandin operations manager), and Louella Woolcock (Nambour field and glasshouse operations manager).

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The use of heat in horticulture for pest and disease control Aileen Reid, Strawberry Industry Development Officer, Agricultural Produce Commission

You may be familiar with heat being used for virus elimination in plants (thermotherapy), but heat, as hot water, has been used for many years in horticulture to control or eliminate various pests and diseases, particularly in bulb crops for the elimination of nematodes. Powdery mildew

The first protocol for heat treatment of strawberry nursery stock was developed to control broad mite (Phytonemus pallidus) in 1991. It recommended plants be directly submerged in a hot water bath at 48-49ºC for 5 to 7 minutes. However, this treatment delayed growth for up to 2-3 weeks making it unsuitable for plants destined for fruit production. More recently, hot-water treatment at 37.8°C for 30 minutes has been used by some nursery, government, and university breeding programs to eliminate broad mite.

Repeated trials in Norway and Florida showed aerated stem treatments completely eradicated powdery mildew in strawberry transplants. The standard steam treatment of 4 hours at 44ºC used against other pathogens and pests can be reduced to 2 hours at 40ºC without any loss of efficacy in eradicating the powdery mildew. So, if the primary aim is powdery mildew-free planting material, this may enable a reduction in time and cost, which is highly beneficial when treating large plant volumes.

Although once popular, few growers now routinely use hot-water treatment for managing pests and diseases, because of concerns about delaying, stunting or killing plants, and the spread of pathogens. More recent protocols that use aerated steam and heat shock pre-treatments have overcome these issues.

It should be noted that powdery mildew fruiting bodies (that produce the spores you see on the leaf surface) were not present on the plants in this experiment. These structures are thicker but much smaller than some other fruiting bodies so may also succumb to the steam treatment.

Research has shown that Nematodes aerated steam can be used Aerated steam treatments have been evaluated for to control several pests and their efficacy in managing three nematode species: diseases in strawberry plugs Aphelenchoides besseyi (a foliar nematode), Meloidogyne hapla (root knot nematode), and Pratylenchus penetrans and runners without plant or (root lesion nematode). Four hours of exposure to yield loss by pre-treating for aerated steam at 44ºC completely eradicated the foliar 1-hour at 37°C then cooling to and root knot nematodes. Unfortunately, root lesion room temperature for 1 hour nematode is quite heat tolerant and populations were only reduced by 85% with the treatment. before treating at 44°C for 4 hours.

Two spotted mites

Despite proven efficacy in small-plot trials, persuading commercial growers to adopt precision thermotherapy in commercial settings has been difficult.

Estimated complete mortality of two spotted spider mite using steam at 48°C was achieved after 2.7 hours of treatment for adult females and 1.9 hours for eggs. Treatments at 44°C and 46°C for up to 4 hours killed 20% and 60% of the mites, respectively.

Precisely applying the conditioning treatment to commercially boxed plants is challenging. Factors such as packing density, cleanliness of the nursery stock, and temperature of the nursery stock at the beginning of treatment all make it hard to quickly and evenly heat plants.

Phytophthora Nursery transplants exposed to aerated steam treatment at 37°C for 1 hour followed by 44°C for 4 hours were much less likely to die from Phytophthora crown rot.

Botrytis Using the same protocol for control of Botrytis species (37°C pre-treatment followed by 44°C for 4 hours), the presence of fungal fruiting bodies was strongly reduced but not completely eradicated. Smaller fruiting bodies were killed by the treatment, but larger ones remained.

Controlled Atmosphere Temperature Treatment As an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation (MBr), a controlled atmosphere temperature treatment (CATT) was developed and scaled up by Wageningen University in cooperation with the Dutch plant propagating association Plantum. During CATT, plants are treated at 35°C, 50% CO2, and 10% O2 under high relative humidity for 48 hours. Under those conditions, mortality of the broad mite (Phytonemus pallidus) is over 99.8%. From 2009, CATT was scaled up to a commercial level and widely applied by Dutch nurseries. In 2011, this method was modified to eradicate the root knot nematode (>99.7% mortality), which was not effectively controlled by MBr fumigation. To be effective the temperature must be raised to 40ºC. Temperatures must not exceed 40º or damage will result.

It is apparent that strawberry cultivars vary in their ability to survive heat treatments. It has been reported that strawberry plants tolerate heat treatments better if the roots are well-developed and soil moisture is low. The more dormant the plants are, the better they tolerate warm-water treatments. Storing plants for two weeks at 0°C increases the tolerance to the warm-water treatments. Use of heat-shock pre-treatment increases the tolerance to heat of both cold stored and freshdug plants.

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In the CATT system, work showed plants exposed to 40ºC up to 28 hours experienced only minor damage. Given the unavoidable and inherent variability in plant packaging and the associated difficulties in precisely regulating the ramp-up to 37ºC, it is perhaps best to consider 37ºC as a minimum temperature to achieve the desired heat-shock response and simply redefine the conditioning treatment to a range between 37 and 42ºC for 1 hour given the thermal “cushion”. The heatshock response should not be affected, because others have shown that exposure to elevated temperatures for as little as 15 minutes was sufficient for heat-shock protein production. There is generally less room for error at the temperature extremes. In nearly all trials, obtaining and maintaining 44ºC was achieved without having to raise the temperature far above the target temperature.

Putting this into practice

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It is possible to initially set the temperature of the precision thermotherapy unit (PTU) above 37ºC to generate a greater volume of aerated steam to overcome this issue, but it risks damaging the plants if the temperature stays too high for too long. However, even with the best of circumstances, it takes nearly an hour for a “conditioned” box of plants to reach 44ºC in the PTU, so it seems unlikely that plants are in danger of being damaged.

Unlike the conditioning treatment, boxes of plants entering the eradicative treatment phase have been “conditioned” and start the treatment with a homogenous temperature profile. Conditioned plants seemed to achieve their target temperature at a quicker and more uniform rate. Although the protocol is written that plants be exposed to 44ºC for 4 hours, in practice the PTU is set to run for 4 hours at 44ºC. This means plants packed on the top will quickly reach the target temperature, but plants in the middle may take up to an hour longer to reach the 44ºC target temperature.

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Figure 1. The chambers used for aerated steam treatments in Norway and Florida were constructed by Plantsauna AS (now Moleda AS) https://moleda.nl. Photo credit: Moleda Details and images of the aerated steam units used in the actual experiments described here can be found in: https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHYTOFR-08-20-0012-R

References and further reading Baggio, J. S., M.V. Marin and Natalia A. Peres 2021. Phytophthora Crown Rot of Florida Strawberry: Inoculum Sources and Thermotherapy of Transplants for Disease Management. Plant Disease Vol. 105, No. 11, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-20-2476-RE Khanal C, Gu M, Peres NA, Desaeger JA. 2020. Steam-based thermotherapy for managing nematodes in strawberry transplants. J Nematol. E2020-95, Vol 52: 1-10. https://doi.org/10.21307/ jofnem-2020-095 Peres N.A., Marin M. and Juliana S. Baggio 2023. Phytophthora Crown Rot of Strawberry. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP350 Renkema J. ,Dubon F., Peres N. and Braden Evans 2020. Two-spotted Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae) on Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Transplants, and the Potential to Eliminate Them with Steam Treatment, International Journal of Fruit Science, https://doi.org/10.1080/1553 8362.2020.1755769 Stensvand, A., Wang, NY., Le, V.H. et al. Aerated steam eradicates powdery mildew from strawberry transplants. Eur J Plant Pathol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-023-02744-6

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Turechek W. W., Myrhene, O., Slovin J., and Natalia A. Peres 2020. The Use of Aerated Steam as a Heat Treatment for Managing Angular Leaf Spot in Strawberry Nursery Production and Its Effect on Plant Yield. Phytofrontiers: Vol 1 No. 2; 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1094/ PHYTOFR-08-20-0012-R Turechek, W. W., and Peres, N. A. 2009. Heat treatment effects on strawberry plant survival and angular leaf spot, caused by Xanthomonas fragariae, in nursery production. Plant Dis. 93:299-308. https://doi. org/10.1007/s10658-023-02744-6 Zuniga, A. I., Nan-Yi Wang, and Natalia A. Peres 2023. Heat Treatment as a Possible Means to Reduce Botrytis Inoculum on Strawberry Transplants. Plant Health Progress 2023 24:3, 345-352 https://doi. org/10.1094/PHP-08-22-0078-RS

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Getting Retailers ‘Berry Ready’ in Thailand Jen Rowling, Project Manager, Berries Australia

Strawberry exporters from Western Australia travelled to Bangkok in July to present a series of training workshops and promotional activities for two of Thailand’s major retailers. both retail staff and consumers on the ways that strawberries can be incorporated into Thai households.

The in-market initiative was implemented with funding from the Australian Government’s Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program and was collaboratively coordinated by Berries Australia and Austrade, with the assistance of WA strawberry growers, Jamie Michael, Adrian Surianingrat and Thai Tran. Western Australia is currently the only state sending export strawberries to this market due to protocol limitations.

The in-store events were very well attended with our Berries Australia delegation being joined by Austrade delegates including Trade Commissioner, Esther Sun and Agricultural Counsellor, Amber Parr. Tops senior management executives also joined the promotional afternoon at the store in Central Ladprao.

The objectives of the visit were to showcase the Australian Strawberry Industry and provide training workshops for staff of Tops and Makro, two of the leading retailers in Thailand. The workshops featured a strong storage and handling focus aimed at store managers and fresh produce managers. This was delivered with a “train-thetrainer’’ approach designed to empower the managerial staff to pass on the information from the training to floor staff at their respective stores.

Anecdotal reports from the exporters who participated in the Thailand training and promotional initiative have indicated that the activity drove an immediate and significant boost in sales. They have also reported that the visit and the investment in the training has solidified their relationships with the importers and retailers.

Attendance at the training workshops was excellent, with over 200 people participating in the Tops workshop, either in person or online, and over 25 staff attending the training for Makro. Participants included buyers, Quality Control, Quality Assurance and in-store retail staff from numerous stores across the Thailand capital Bangkok. Printed materials were produced for distribution to staff and a video was created that will be shared through retail networks in Bangkok and other regional parts of Thailand to further promote correct storage and handling of Australian strawberries. A range of in-store and market promotional activities were also coordinated, with cooking demonstrations, taste testing and distribution of recipes to help educate

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WA Strawberry growers (L) Adrian Surianingrat and (R) Thai Tran. Photo credit: Diva Studio

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Over 25 Makro staff attended the Australian Strawberries training workshop

Makro staff learned how to handle, merchandise and display Australian Strawberries

Jamie Michael from Ti Produce in Western Australia training Makro managers

Training was given to 200 Tops staff both in-person and online

Fresh Australian Strawberries were provided to enable staff to touch and taste the quality of the product

All photos supplied by Diva Studio and Berries Australia

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An in-store display in the Central Ladprao Tops store in Bangkok

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Time for Polish Superfruits! Dominika Kozarzewska, Polish Blueberry Promotion Foundation, Board Member and Maciej Dolata, INSPIRE smarter branding

Poland is number one in Europe and number six in the world when it comes to blueberry production. Interestingly, it is the leader of consumer growth. The blueberry is perceived as a superfruit and has become one of the pillars of a healthy lifestyle. This July, producers from around the world met in Poland at the International Blueberry Organization Summit to learn how to combine growing exports with multifaceted promotion on the domestic markets. Blueberry consumption in Poland in 2022 was at an impressive 1.83 kg per person which is more than the USA - home of the blueberry - can boast with just 1.78 kg per person. According to the IBO, it is one of the greatest success stories of the global industry in the last decade.

The considerable daily and annual temperature fluctuations help Polish berries to gain their flavour and colouring. Interestingly, Polish producers also use this climatic feature as a part of their marketing communication to both domestic and international consumer audiences.

Polish growers believe that growing domestic demand is the foundation for the development of the industry and their future export potential. They rely on promoting the habit of regular blueberry consumption. They have also learnt to combine the messages “eat local” with “eat healthy every day!”.

For the past 30 years, Polish blueberries have been present in a number of exports markets. They have always enjoyed a good reputation due to their overall quality and taste. The importers know that the combination of high chill periods and hot summers helps to create the balance between sweetness and acidity, giving Polish blueberries their unique flavour which is difficult to obtain in the growing regions in the south of Europe.

Producer cooperation and involvement in food education Poland enjoys a centuries-old tradition of food production. The cooperation between Polish (cereal) growers and Dutch merchants was important for the history of Europe and gave rise to globalisation. Polish blueberry production started 50 years ago and added blueberries to the list of other berries already grown in the country. For hundreds of years, berries have been a mainstream produce type that is grown and processed in Poland. Berries are well suited to the Polish temperate climate. The country enjoys warm days with cool nights, beautiful sunny summers and snowy, frosty winters.

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Positioning blueberry as a Superfruit The newest chapter in the book of promotional activities is being written by the producers themselves. The “Time for Polish Superfruits!” campaign is a yearround promotional activity that positions berries as a daily superfood with the universal nutritional recommendation regardless of age and lifestyle. The campaign highlights the benefits of everyday consumption of berries and maintains a strong presence in media and Business-2-Business (Supply Chain) relations.

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Berries are promoted in Poland as ‘superfruits rich in health-promoting substances’ with a real positive influence on immunity, regeneration and beauty. The logo of the campaign takes the form of a hashtag #PolishSuperFruits which highlights their added benefits. The promotional activity applies to direct sales, self-picking and freezing of seasonal fruit. Fresh fruit is shown during the harvest season and later gives way to blueberry preserves. Autumn and winter are equally important to producers when it comes to promotional activities. Among others, three events stand out that promote the future of the berry industry.

Solidarity, cooperation and creativity The blueberry promotion project in Poland is a collaboration between the Polish Blueberry Promotion Foundation, a few organisations in the industry and several producer groups. The activities are partly financed by the Fruit and Vegetable Promotion Fund, which is co-created by the growers.

The success of the Polish blueberry industry and the extraordinary growth in consumption experienced strongly supports the “Berry Basket’ promotional approach that is about to be launched here in Australia and you can read more about this new marketing approach on PAGE 72.

Berry Fest – the most important Polish competition for berry alcohol products Innovation Conference – review of new categories and interesting developments worldwide Branding Ovation – a competition for the most interesting berry brand These events are all meant to be incubators for new products, concepts, brands and labels.

‘CZAS NA MROZENIE’ translating to ‘TIME TO FREEZE’ is a key component of the year-round berry marketing campaign encouraging consumers to buy volume and freeze it when berries are at their peak in quality and availability Photo credit: Polish Blueberry Promotion Foundation

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Polish Blueberry Season Opening Ceremony at this year’s IBO Summit in Poland Photo credit: Polish Blueberry Promotion Foundation

Just like Australia, the use of social media to promote fresh berries is a major component of the year-round marketing campaign Photo credit: Polish Blueberry Promotion Foundation

Poland Snapshot • With just under 38 million inhabitants, Poland is the eighth most populous nation in Europe. • Just over half of the population are city-dwellers and with 306,230 Km² of land, there’s plenty of space for agriculture which has always been an important part of the country's economy. • Poland is characterised by warm summers, with a mean temperature of around 20°C in July, and chilly winters (by Australian standards!) averaging −1°C in December. • Poland is a big berry producing nation; they are the 7th largest producer of strawberries, 4th largest producer of raspberries, and now the 6th largest producer of blueberries in the world. • Blueberry production is centred in the Mazovia, Lodzkie and Lubelskie areas in central and south eastern Poland.

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B L U E B E R R I E S : P E S T

S P O T L I G H T

Red shouldered leaf beetle (Monolepta australis) The Red shouldered leaf beetle Monolepta australis Jacoby (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera) is an increasingly important insect pest with impacts on numerous horticultural industries throughout Queensland, northern NSW, and subcoastal parts of the Northern Territory. Monitoring

It is a native pest that affects avocado, cashew, citrus, macadamia, mango, longan, and lychee. In addition, significant damage has been reported in recent years across additional crops including Rubus, blueberries, ornamental plants, and nurseries.

Currently, there is no efficient semiochemical-based commercial tools for monitoring adult beetles. Usually, growers rely on intermittent scouting specifically following the first substantial rain after a dry period.

Impacts of Monolepta australis on berry production is yet to be estimated.

Yellow sticky traps across the periphery of the orchard can serve as early monitoring tool for detecting the adult beetle.

Lifecycle & Feeding Habits

Eucalyptus torelliana used as a windbreak can also be deployed for early detection as they are highly attractive to these beetles.

Swarms of adult beetles feed on the growth flushes of young plants, resulting in wilting and shoot dieback, and significant growth impairment

Management Options

The infestation of flowering plants can cause reduced fruit-set, while epidermal scarring of fruit renders it largely unmarketable

There is limited knowledge about the potential of natural enemies for managing this pest.

The adults are yellow to orange-coloured beetles that have red patches over the shoulders and near the distal end of elytra

Spot application of synthetic insecticides where adults are feeding serves as the primary control approach for this pest.

Generally, females oviposit in the soil surface, mainly in pastures

Early detection before they swarm throughout the farm can provide effective control.

Following egg hatching the larvae feed on the grass roots and pupate in the soil

Currently synthetic products like Bifenthrin, Pyrethrin, and Methomyl are registered for use against this beetle in Australia.

In dry conditions it takes approximately 2 months to complete the life cycle

Check the APVMA website for more information and always use products in accordance with the label.

3 to 4 generations can be produced in a year

Access the APVMA website at www.portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris

Adults usually emerge from the soil after heavy rainfall in spring through to autumn Availability of suitable weather conditions and host grasses can generate multitudes of aggregating beetles that swarm into tree crops at any time of the year

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1 & 2. Adult Monolepta australis (L) and feeding on blackberry flowers (R). Photo credit: Brisbaneinsects.com and Saleh Adnan, NSW DPI 3. Yellow sticky traps can be used to detect the presence of the adult beetle. Photo credit: AlSimonov 4. Eucalyptus torelliana can be planted as a windbreak hedge to attract the beetles Photo credit: Wikicommons Media: Dinkum

This Pest Spotlight has been prepared by Dr Saleh Adnan, Research Horticulturist Entomologist, NSW Department of Primary Industry.

References Fay, H. A. C., & DeFaveri, S. G., 1990. Invasion of flowering avocado trees by Monolepta australis (Jacoby) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its impact on fruit-set in North Queensland. Crop Prot., 9(5), 392-394. Murray, D. A. H., 1982. Life history of Monolepta australis (Jacoby) (coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).Aust. J. Entomol.,21(2), 119-122. Simpson M., 2021. Berry Plant Protection Guide. NSW Department of Primary Industries. 58-59. Adnan S.M., (2023). Early Needs Recovery Program to address pest challenges in blueberry. Australian Berry Journal, Winter 2023, 105-108.

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The ABGA LEVY HAS BEEN DISCOUNTED FOR 2023/24 VOLUNTARY LEVIES SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS Why should I pay the voluntary levy?

How do I pay the levy?

Voluntary levies fund all of the essential activities that contribute to the growth of our blueberry industry. Activities include, but are not limited to:

Follow the steps below:

• M aintaining consumption and price through a dedicated marketing campaign

• Grower Name • Quarter + Dates (e.g. Q2 1st Oct - 31st Dec) • Number of kg fruit sold in that quarter • Amount of levy being paid • Indicate if your agent deducts your levies (if so, include agent name)

• Supporting growers through the Varroa mite incursion • R esearch & development into registered chemicals + IPM + Integrated Disease Management programs • A chieving export protocols into Vietnam and other Asian markets

1. Prepare a statement with the following information

• P rogressing applications for market access to China and other countries

2. Email the statement to the Membership Officer

• Funding our IDO, Exec Director and support staff

Email statement to admin@berries.net.au – the Membership Officer will send you an Invoice for payment

• C ommunication and engagement with members – industry journal, e-news, website, conference • P romoting positive industry stories and addressing negative media • P roviding our contribution to Hort Innovation under the Collective Industry Fund which is matched with equal funding used for various industry projects such as managing Chili thrips

How much levy do I have to pay? Standard levies are $0.07c/kg fruit sold. This year the levy is discounted to $0.03/kg fruit sold in recognition of a challenging season. This will commence 01/08/2023.

When do I pay the voluntary levy? Levies are payable once every financial quarter:

Quarter

3. Pay your levy to the ABGA account

Account name: Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association Bank: Westpac BSB: 033 107 Account: 181 471 Reference: GROWER NAME + Financial Quarter (e.g. “Joe Bloggs Q2 levy”)

My agent deducts levies — what do I do? Send your statement to Membership Officer (Step 1 above). They will then check that the agent has paid the levy. Email the statement to admin@berries.net.au

What about confidentiality of the information provided?

Period Covered

Payable by

1 July – 30 September

31 October

1 October – 31 December

31 January

1 January – 31 March

30 April

I need help, who do I contact?

1 April – 30 June

31 July

Email: admin@berries.net.au | Phone: 0491 751 123

Any information provided will be kept confidential.

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Australian Berry Journal - SUMMER 2023 - Edition 17

Articles inside

Getting Retailers ‘Berry Ready’ in Thailand

Australian Horticulture’s latest Nuffield Scholar is destined for great things

Berries Australia and Wavemaker launch ‘Berry Basket’ marketing campaign