The Passion Vine June 2017

The Passion Vine

The Passion Vine – June 2017

21 Turramurra Road, Tarragindi, QLD 4121

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June 2017

Good Roll-Up in Murwillumbah

By Margie Milgate

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 Despite the local chaos that had been unleashed by ex Tropical Cyclone Debbie in Northern NSW there was a good roll-up of growers and supporters at the General Meeting held in Murwillumbah on the 19th April.

The meeting commenced with a welcome from President Tina McPherson who was pleased to see so many present.

Due to the recent disaster in the area the meeting was firstly addressed by Melinda Simpson and Cameron Trotter from the NSW DPI. The officers started by saying that they were sorry to hear about the damage done to local farms. They then discussed the assistance available and the need to also look after mental health of anyone involved and affected by

these events. They handed out information packs on key contacts that could be used including the farm financial councillors and mental health support.

Peter Rigden from the Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries also handed out an information sheet on the management of vines in these wet conditions. The officers were thanked for their information and support.

Other items discussed included:  Upcoming projects under Newsletter of Passionfruit Australia Incorporated

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the HIA Passionfruit Strategic Investment Plan and how growers could put up project ideas through the HIA website Projects under discussion were an export market project for New Zealand, a supply chain and data collection project and a communications project An export development plan project had also been put into for funding through Griffith University and the national Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Update on passionfruit breeding trials from Jim Gordon who is Chair of the Breeding and Vine trial committee The issue of chemical registrations and the role of HIA and the Integrated Pest and Disease Management Committee The processes around membership and plant royalties and how these could be improved – especially working with the nurseries involved.

(Continued on page 4)

The Passion Vine – June 2017

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Passionfruit Australia Incorporated Executive Committee and Sub-Committees

The Passion Vine – June 2017

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Breeding and Vine Trial Committee

Communications Sub-committee

Jim Gordon—Chair Ross Brindley Peter Griffiths John McLeod David Peasley Brian Westwood Keith Paxton

Jane Richter - Chair To be advised This sub-committee gives oversight to the levy funded Communications Project which runs until June 2017.

This includes the magazine and website.

President

Treasurer

Tina McPherson

Sean Russell (JE Tippers)

15 Zinks Road Bundaberg QLD 4670 P: 07 4159 3001 M: 0428 415 930 E: tina@tinaberries.com.au

PO Box 27, Brisbane Markets QLD 4006 P: 07 3379 1041 M: 0418 158 331 F: 07 3379 4817 E: sean@jetipper.com.au

Integrated Pest and Disease Management Committee

Secretary and Vice-President

Member

Jim Gordon

Jane Richter

PO Box 119 Yandina QLD 4561 P: 07 5446 7536 M: 0403 185 961 E: jill_88@msn.com

160 Judds Road Glass House Mountains QLD 4518 M: 0431 700 258 E: jane@chorizotrading.com

Sub-committees are important to the operations of the industry as they concentrate their energies on specific topics and then provide advice and recommendations back to the Executive. Their wonderful and volunteer work is greatly appreciated and shows commitment to the development of this passionate industry.

Member

Member

Ian Constable

Keith Paxton

260 Boyds Lane Dulguigan Via Murwillumbah NSW 2484 P: 02 6672 6826 M: 0428 181 246 E: ianconstable11@bigpond.com

31Atkinsons Road Woombye QLD 4559 P: 07 5445 9387 E: kjpaxton@bigpond.com

Industry Services Manager Margie Milgate 21 Turramurra Road Tarragindi QLD 4121 M: 0439 596 174 E: admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au

Keith Paxton—Chair Steve Grey Ross Brindley Ian Constable Ian Campbell

For information regarding administration issues for Passionfruit Australia Incorporated please contact: Margie Milgate, 21 Turramurra Road, Tarragindi, QLD 4121 Mobile: 0439 596 174 Email: admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au (Please note Margie works 2-3 days a week and if contacted will get back to you as soon as she can.)

For varieties and plantings issues please contact your local Executive Member as listed on page 2.

Other enquiries can be made through Queensland Department of Agriculture & Fisheries on their call centre number 132523.

All contributions concerning the passionfruit industry are most welcome.

Thank you to growers Brian Westwood, Peter Griffiths, Jim Gordon, Nick and Nerida Hornery for their contributions. Also thank you to Kelly McGuinness, from Hort Innovation, and Sean Russell from JE Tipper, This publication of The Passion Vine is edited by Margie Milgate and Jenny Drew.

Letters and adverts to the Editor

R&D and marketing projects reported in this newsletter have been funded by Hort Innovation Australia Ltd.

Don’t forget to send your letters or your adverts to the Editor admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au

The advice and opinions in the articles published in The Passion Vine are essentially those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Passionfruit Australian Incorporated 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 Passionfruit Australia Incorporated or the Editor.

The Passion Vine – June 2017 (Continued from page 1)

The meeting also discussed in detail some of the changes recommended in the Constitutional Changes Discussion Paper forwarded to members in March 2017. The motion to accept the new constitution was put to the

The meeting was then followed up by a field walk around the trial block at Duranbah, ably hosted by

general meeting and the motion was accepted in the affirmative.

The General Meeting then concluded with a comprehensive presentation on the breeding project from Peter Bundock from Southern Cross University. Peter was joined in this discussion by Graeme King who is also

David Peasley. There were a wide number of varieties on

Page 4 involved in the project. Growers got to meet Gary Ablett on his first day of working on the project, who will be conducting some of the detailed collections from the trial blocks. It was noted that this was a good project and it was good to see the levy funds being spent in this way.

show that were keenly inspected by the growers’ present.

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Damage From Debbie

By Margie Milgate Damage assessments provided by growers in the North Coast area of NSW were compiled by Matt Weinert from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Margie Milgate from Passionfruit Australia. These were gratefully received by the disaster management team in the NSW Government and were the basis for the provision of assistance measures for growers in the region.

The passionfruit industry is strong and resilient, however after such events timely assistance can help get farms back on track as early as possible. Growers who are eligible are encouraged to look at the assistance available.

Growers reported that the damage to their farms came from floods, heavy rain and strong wind. The main area was the Tweed Valley where falls of 800 mls were reported over 16 hours. Flood levels were reported to have been over a metre higher than had ever been predicted from council flood mapping.

Assistance measures are also available in many regions across Queensland. If you have been impacted please also take advantage of this support.

Applications in NSW can be received up to 27 October 2017.

Low interest loans are also available.

We wish all growers well in their recovery efforts.

Contact Details: NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service 02 6662 5055 Free Mental Health Support Line 8am to 6pm 1300 137 934 QLD QRAA 1800 623 946 or the Queensland Farmers’ Federation website Farmer Disaster Support where you can put in your postcode and industry and see what support is available.

National Mental Health Services available 24 hours are: Lifeline on 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Mensline 1300 789 978 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

The most significant damage was to Passionfruit Australia Executive Committee member Ian Constable and his family who had their house flooded, as well as flood damage to their vines.

Other damage reported by growers was to roadways, creek crossings and in fields where there was damage from fallen trees, landslips, washouts and damaged posts and trellises. Exposed areas suffered from strong winds and rows were blown over and fruit lost.

Damage assessments had been calculated on loss of cartons @ $50 a carton which was the current price in the market, and damage to trellising at $25,000 per hectare (Matt Weinert NSW DPI).

Source Nick Hornery photo on Aussie Passionfruit Facebook page 31 March 2017

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The Passion Vine – June 2017

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Members and supporters of Passionfruit Australia Incorporated are invited to the

Annual General Meeting, Industry Update and Market Tour 

on 13th October 2017 The day will commence at 6.30am at Brisbane Markets for a tour, breakfast and short presentations at 385 Sherwood Road, Rocklea

PASSIONFRUIT AUSTRALIA FEES Don’t forget the benefits of membership include :  Showing support and being involved in the Australian Passionfruit industry  Accessing industry contacts and information  Discounted cost of royalties on the purchases of Passionfruit Australia plant varieties  Up-to-date information through industry publications, field days and meetings New Grower Membership Fee $253 incl GST, joining fee and lobby fees Renewal Grower Membership Fee $198 incl GST and lobby fees New Associate/Supply Chain Partner $297 incl GST, joining fee and lobby fee Renewal Associate/Supply Chain Partner $242 incl. GST and lobby fee

Bank account details Passionfruit Australia Incorporated BSB: 124-001 Acc No.: 21655088

Memberships run with the fiscal year from July 1st to June 30th each year irrespective of the date joined.

Membership lapses if not renewed within three months of end of the fiscal year.

Plant Royalties are due on propagation or purchase of all PAI varieties.

Fees are payable to Passionfruit Australia Incorporated using a Tax Invoice/Plant Order form available through PAI. These fees are $0.35 per plant for PAI members, otherwise $0.70 per plant for all non-members.

and followed at 10.45 am for Annual General Meeting, Lunch and Industry updates at Brisbane Golf Club Tennyson Room, 70 Tennyson Memorial Avenue Yeerongpilly Parking will be available at both sites. However car-pooling is recommended if possible Sponsorship Packages are available.

Please contact : Margie Milgate on 0439 596 174 or admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au

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Regional Roundup From the growers...

SE Queensland

By Jim Gordon

Be careful what you wish for! In my last report I was hoping we would be able to talk about all the rain we were going to have but instead we were commiserating with the Northern Rivers growers who were flooded.

On the Sunshine Coast we were very lucky in that we had minimal damage and good dam filling rain, which was desperately needed.

After a long spell of no fruit, we kicked off again after Anzac Day and had an excellent month of fair quantities and good prices. At the moment (the end of May), there isn't much fruit to pack but I anticipate getting busy again in a week or two - probably at the same time as everyone else.

I hope the Northern N.S.W. folk have all recovered from the floods and that your only problem will be the state of origin result. Good luck with the rest of the season.

Bundaberg Area

By Peter Griffiths

Hello everyone. Since the last report where the Bundy region was drought declared we have received about 400mm of rain from mid March to now which included T.C. Debbie at the end of March. We faired quite well through Debbie with about 190mm of rain and a bit of a blow (not good for hothouses). Our thoughts and sympathy are extended to our friends north and south of us who experienced more extreme conditions and hardship.

On the farming side, most Misty Gem and panama growers in the area are momentarily semiretired, waiting for the fruit harvest to begin. With a minimal summer crop due to the hot, dry conditions and Rutherglen bugs, we are now waiting for a later than usual winter crop. The vines are loaded, just waiting now! That’s all until next time.

Thanks.

North Queensland

By Brian Westwood

Hi everyone. Little has changed since last edition. Our last weather event was 19th May where the local area averaged between twenty to thirty mls of rain. Further west and along the east coast region heavier falls were received. To the despair of local farmers little rain was recorded in the Tinaroo Dam water catchment area. Tinaroo Falls Dam water level is at 50%, and the new water allocation will be announced at the beginning of the new financial year.

It is amazing how environmental conditions can quickly change the price of most farming crops.

This seems to be the case with the last recent favourable prices paid for passion fruit. Hopefully most growers benefit from this situation. Mareeba district has had good growing conditions so far this season, but other growing areas to the north of Mareeba have had the pressure of high winds to contend with. Mother nature always holds the trump card, good or bad. It is the resilience of the farmers to fight back that brings them success.

Northern NSW Area

By Nick and Nerida Hornery

Hello All It was ironic that as I opened the last edition of the Passionvine and read the regional reports where all contributors were writing of the long hot summer, we had just experienced the devastation of TC Debbie. Areas around the Tweed experienced 800mm of rain in a short period of time which devastated parts of Murwillumbah.

Our local transport company, Shoebridge Transport, had 5 foot of water go through the depot which caused a lot of damage.

At Newrybar we had around 200mm of rain overnight coupled with very strong southerly winds.

The next morning was an interesting pick with more and more damage as we progressed around the farm.

We have a lot of hardwood posts that have been in the ground for 30 -40 yrs which broke off and collapsed the vine. A couple of big wind break trees also flopped over vines and caused some damage.

The more exposed blocks copped the wind and had quite a lot of green fruit blown off.

That started a long period of wet weather which hampered spraying so in came the disease on the newly set fruit. It started to dry out mid May and we have been getting lots of fruit off our 6 month old vines, with the older vines kicking in now with lots of fruit dropping.

All the best and go the Blues!!

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The Passion Vine – June 2017

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Media Activity

By Kelly McGuiness, Horticulture Innovation Australia Public Relations Activity Overview: Throughout the months of April and May, the PR activity for Aussie passionfruit continues to outreach to media and influencers to talk to their audiences about using Aussie passionfruit in new ways under the campaign theme: ‘Finish with passion’.

Matters of the Belly and Nourish Naturally have received passionfruit hampers, which will lead to more passionfruit stories and messages on their channels.

To date, the PR campaign has now achieved over 187 media and social clips with 9.3 million opportunities to see, and we’re continuing to talk to media about future opportunities.

The Passion Vine – June 2017 mouthwatering imagery continue to perform best. For example, a yummy passionfruit slice from Starts At 60 performed the best in April/May, reaching over 27.5k people. Farm-related posts are also received well by fans, showing they like to feel connected to the source – our hard-working growers. Please share any farm news and pictures with avril@bitecom.com.au to be

As a recap, ‘Finish with Passion’ seeks to showcase how Aussie passionfruit can transform an ordinary dish into something special by simply adding a splash of natural and tangy passionfruit.

Key Activities and Results: Throughout April and May, PR activity has focused on the messaging that winter is a peak time for passionfruit.

Outreach has included a media release that aims to educate media and influencers on the winter season, along with supporting messaging around the health benefits of passionfruit. Media materials have also included winter recipes that hero passionfruit and a short video showcasing how a simple passionfruit curd can make at least three spectacular dishes.

Recent coverage has included Recipes +, Body + Soul, Westfield.com.au and Onya.com.au. There have been warm leads for future coverage from Australian Women’s Weekly and Nine Kitchen.

High profile influencers and media, including That’s Life, Women’s Health and Fitness,

Instagram statistics Page growth: In April/May 2017, the Aussie Passionfruit Instagram page has increased by 37 followers, or 4.5%.

Facebook and Instagram Activity Overview: The Aussie Passionfruit Facebook page now has a massive 37,859 fans, while the

Instagram has an impressive 874 followers.

Both the Facebook and Instagram pages continue to be highly engaged and sweet recipes with

Popular posts: Right : Likes and comments 110 Overleaf (page 12) : Likes and comments 105

featured on the pages.

Both pages continue to educate fans on picking, storage, seaonal and health information.

Facebook statistics Reach: Since April 2017, the page has achieved a reach of 243,567 page impressions Engagement rate: Average engagement rate of 6%

Page 11 throughout April and May, which is well above the industry benchmark of 3%.

Popular Facebook posts: Below left : Reactions, comments and shares: 1,775 Reach: 19,830 Below right : Reactions, comments and shares: 2,397 Reach: 27,845

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The Passion Vine – June 2017

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Passionfruit Around the World

By Margie Milgate The Passionfruit Australia Executive are keen to learn more about the passionfruit industry around the world. To this end we will be putting in a new page into the Passion Vine that covers topics of interest from the international passionfruit industry. If you have contributions to make to this page we welcome your input.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show The Sydney Royal Easter Show is the largest ticketed event in the southern hemisphere, which saw more than 922,000 people come through the gates. Attendance was up 20% on last year and the highest recorded since 2004.

Passionfruit teamed up with Custard Apples and Persimmons on a Tropicals stand, with the exhibit located right inside a main entrance in the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome. Staff wearing branded uniforms handed out 40,000 brochures, as well as

21,400 Passionfruit samples.

The brochure contained serving tips and ideas, as well as a recipe for the Passionfruit Eton Mess.

Planning is also underway for the next 3-year Marketing Plan.

As a first stop the new HIA Passionfruit Strategic Investment Plan tells us that Brazil is the largest producer of passionfruit in the world. However it is not an exporter of significance due to its high domestic consumption. Other large producers of fresh passionfruit are Ecuador, Indonesia and Columbia with Ecuador also being noted as one of

the largest exporters of processed passionfruit.

From Africa Kenya is noted for using its direct supply lines to send product into Europe.

In Asia, Indonesia has the same supply window as Australia and even though it is a large producer of juice product it only exports a small amount.

Domestic producers are aware that cheaper processed products – particularly pulp - from countries such as Thailand and South America have heavily impacted the viability of supplying into this market segment.

The HIA report does go on to say “no country has applied to import fresh fruit, however there is a possibility that fresh imports may become a reality if the industry is unable to address issues such as volatile supply and high price fluctuations in the domestic market”. (HIA report page 10).

Other international snippets sent in by Tina McPherson are: Source

Comments

Bangkok Post

Rubber farmers hit by falling prices are being encouraged to start growing passionfruit as it is “fast-growing and could generate extra income”

Freshplaza

Zimbabwe farmer to supply $800k in passionfruit and peas to Germany. The lucrative contract was gained by Mt Tantenda Karimazondo after he attended the Fruit Logistica in Berlin. Mr Katimazondo has put in 20 hectares under granadilla.

allafrica

Ugandan Agriculture teacher Robert Nsabimana has embarked on commercial farming of passionfruits as a way of practising what he preaches and generating income. He is also training church leaders and local farmers under a Operation Wealth Creation programme

FreshFruitPortal

Columbian purple passionfruit shipments to foreign markets skyrocketed last year by more than 50% as the industry eyes further growth in export markets. The South American country also hosted the first edition of the World Passionfruit Congress, with the national passionfruit growers’ association (Fedepasiflores) having been established in 2015. The local Ministry of Agriculture reported that there was currently 15,200 planted hectares of passionfruit varieties in Columbia, which generated more than 20,000 jobs.

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Media article - Biosecurity in Queensland This article has been prepared by Biosecurity Queensland. Other states are governed by their individual state biosecurity legislation.

BIOSECURITY means mitigating the risks and impacts to the economy, the environment, social amenity or human health associated with pests and diseases.

The number of significant pest and disease incidents has increased in Australia over the last decade.

We live in an unpredictable environment with a range of factors affecting our biosecurity risk profile, including our geography, climate change, the global movement of people, animals and goods, emerging diseases, new industries and changing demographics and land use.

Biosecurity Queensland was established within the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to ensure that a central agency could coordinate the management of biosecurity issues in Queensland. Principal Policy Officer Rebecca Sapuppo said it was not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ a significant biosecurity event would occur in the future.

“What that event may be and how it will impact on an industry is not possible to predict with certainty,” Ms Sapuppo said.

“A key issue is striking an appropriate balance between prevention, surveillance, preparedness and response.

“Everyone can play a role in preventing the introduction, establishment or spread of pests and diseases. Industry, government

and the general public must all work together to mitigate biosecurity threats. “ Maintaining effective biosecurity measures is an essential part of any agricultural business.

All growers, including passionfruit growers, know that keeping your farm free of pests and diseases is good for business and good for the health of the agricultural industry across the state.

The passionfruit industry is a member of Plant Health Australia, who represent the biosecurity interests of passionfruit growers and act as a link between government and industry for biosecurity matters.

Plant Health Australia coordinates the development of industry biosecurity plans for member industries, including the passionfruit industry. These plans provide a mechanism for industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to actively determine priority pests, analyse the risks associated with those pests, and put in place procedures to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders, and minimise the impact in the event of a pest incursion.

Ensuring the passionfruit industry has the capacity to minimise the risks of pests, and to respond effectively to any pest threat, is a vital step for the future sustainability and viability of the industry. Through this pre-

emptive planning process, the industry will be better placed to maintain domestic trade and reduce the social and economic costs of pest incursions on both growers and the wider community.

Industry biosecurity plans are reviewed every five years. This ensures that scientific content is current and helps new and emerging biosecurity risks to be accurately identified. The Passionfruit Industry Biosecurity Plan will be reviewed during 2017/18.

The Passion Vine – June 2017 diseases.

“Under the new Biosecurity Act 2014 we will be better placed to focus on the biosecurity risks that impact our economy, our agricultural and tourism industries, our environment and lifestyle,” Ms Sapuppo said.

The Act imposes significant obligations on individuals who deal with biosecurity matter or carriers.

Ms Sapuppo said the general biosecurity obligation (GBO) was one of the core principles of the Act. “The GBO requires all persons who deal with biosecurity matter

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or a carrier, if they know or ought reasonably to know that it poses a biosecurity risk, to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the risk,” she said.

“As a grower, you will need to take an active role in managing biosecurity risks.

“While you will not be expected to know about all risks, you will be expected to know about those that might affect your farm or business, the risks that are associated with your day to day work as passionfruit growers.”

Ms Sapuppo said growers had a general obligation to ensure their activities did not spread a pest disease or contaminant and that

they took action to minimise any biosecurity risks.

“Developing a farm biosecurity plan will assist with preventing the entry and spread of pests and diseases. It will also help ensure you are meeting your general biosecurity obligation,” she said.

“A biosecurity risk exists when you deal with any pest, disease or contaminant, or with something that could carry one of these. This includes, for example, moving diseased plant material, or associated soil or equipment, off the property.”

Further information about the Biosecurity Act 2014 is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

DAF plays a lead role in the review and consultation process to ensure that those industry biosecurity plans that are relevant to a Queensland industry are scientifically robust and can be used to support biosecurity decision making from the farm gate to the international border.

To help further protect plant health, Queensland’s new biosecurity legislation, the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act), came into effect on 1 July 2016.

The purpose of this new, contemporary legislation is to improve Queensland’s preparedness and capability to respond to biosecurity threats.

The Act replaced five other pieces of legislation and is designed to provide a framework that facilitates timely and effective biosecurity responses to protect human health, the economy, the environment and social amenity from animal and plant pests and

Above left : Cambomba flower and above right Salvinia 

Passionfruit Australia Licensed Nurseries J & V McLeod Campbell’s Road Dungay NSW 2484 Ph: 02 6672 3503

Widebay Passionvine Nursery 408 Dahls Road Calavos via Bundaberg Q 4670 Ph: 07 4159 7394

The Passion Vine – June 2017

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Valuing Passionfruit Australia

By Margie Milgate Passionfruit Australia’s purpose is to lead the Australian passionfruit industry and to represent the interests of members in matters that affect the viability and profitability of the industry. In their role of leading the organisation the Executive Committee of Tina McPherson, Jim Gordon, Sean Russell, Jane Richter, Ian Constable and Keith Paxton have this in the back of their minds when making decisions on industry issues and other matters to be addressed.

The Passionfruit Australia Executive Committee meet regularly through the year to perform these duties in a growing industry sector. Recent Horticulture statistics are valuing the industry at $17 million and with production being approximately 4,000 tonnes of passionfruit per year. The majority of this production goes into the fresh market and a reported 200 tonnes are sent to processing.

Statistics are also showing that Qld is the main production state with

60% of production, followed by NSW with 25%. There is also growing interest in areas such as Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Although there is a national levy system in place to cover important aspects of the industry such as marketing and research and development, there are many other components that go into making an industry strong and viable which is performed on your behalf by Passionfruit Australia.

One of these is industry advocacy. There being strength in numbers Passionfruit Australia joins and is a member of other groups so that key messages from the passionfruit production sector can be heard in regional, state and national forums. Key memberships that Passionfruit Australia hold are with Voice of Horticulture, Growcom, Plant Health Australia and Freshcare.

These memberships allow the Executive Committee to be across a range of issues that

affect the passionfruit industry both on farm and through the supply chain. Passionfruit Australia is also aligned with a Tropical Horticulture Group that meets regularly to discuss issues of shared concern and was reported on and discussed in the March Passion Vine.

To assist the National Executive, Passionfruit Australia has also set up a range of sub-committees.

Namely they are the Breeding and Vine Trial Committee, the Integrated Pest and Disease Management Committee and the Communications Sub-committee.

These are valuable in being able to focus on key issues that serve to strengthen the industry.

All this activity comes with costs associated and that is where your support is so valued. Currently membership renewals are being sent out for the 1917/18 year and these funds along with Plant Royalty payments go to assist building your industry. Your continued support is welcomed and appreciated.

The Passion Vine – June 2017 has an app that provides information on active ingredients, withholding periods, product labels and pack sizes. You can type in the product name and the app will generate the label. You can also search using active ingredients and weed type.

chemical’s packaging and it will record all necessary information.

Another app to keep track of your chemicals is Industry Inventories.

This was designed by mixed farmer Richard Thompson, Ballantyne, Cassilis to help users keep a record of what chemicals you have on your farm. You simply scan the barcode on the

Page 17 On feral animals that you may see on your farm you can now record sightings on with the FeralScan app. As well as recording sightings, it can also record the problems they are causing. This information can be useful for agencies and catchment or other groups involved in pest management programs.



Are you interested in succession planning for your business??

Information supplied by QRAA Farm Management Grants are now available as an incentive for Queensland's farming families to seek professional advice on succession planning.

Primary producers and their relatives can apply for a rebate of up to 50 per cent of the amount paid for professional advice associated with family farm transfers provided on or after 23 March 2017. The scheme runs for three years and applicants can receive a maximum rebate of $2,500 per year.



Eligible advice includes that provided by accountants, financial planners, solicitors, succession consultants and more - view our Frequently Asked Questions or scheme guidelines to see if you may be able to benefit from this scheme.

Business Matters

For further information on Farm Management Grants or to arrange a meeting with your local QRAA Regional Area Manager, visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au or Freecall 1800 623 946.

From Qld Country Life, some recommended apps that may assist you are: For weather, they advise the Weatherzone app as being useful as it combines information from the Bureau of Meteorology and Weather Zone forecasters. Another is YR developed by the Norwegian

Meterological Institute. Rural retailers Landmark and Elders also have apps that check forecasts plus you can locate their nearest stores.

For chemicals, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (AVPMA)

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The Passion Vine – June 2017

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Passionfruit Strategic Investment Panel Name

Organisation

Eoin Wallis

(Chairman)

Astrid Hughes

(Relationship Manager)

Passion Vine Cook Book

Location

Contact : 07 31986579 Email: astrid.hughes @horticulture.com.au www.horticulture.com.au

Ross Brindley

Brindley’s Farm

QLD

Melissa Smith

Little Brother Agriculture

QLD

Tina McPherson

Tina Berries

QLD

Keith Paxton

KW & JE Paxton

QLD

Brian Westwood

BL & IM Westwood

QLD

Sue Granger

P & S Granger

NSW

Jim Gordon

J & J Gordon

QLD

Tropical Churros with Passionfruit Sauce



Market Report

By Sean Russell After a very dry summer, autumn has brought the rain and wow didn’t it come down? Flooding in several regions and unfortunately damage done to some.

What we also saw was the sweethearts which had been hanging for so long finally starting to colour. Quantities increased dramatically and prices fell allowing customer’s excellent value.

Passionfruit and Sugar Cane Farm – For Sale $990 000 Located in Millaroo, QLD. Unique harvesting window for Passionfruit Sept-Nov period 17 acres of Trellis under drip irrigation. Underground mains and pumps for further 43 Acres set up.

84 acres, 3800 tonne Sugar cane crop. (Average last 3 years) 140 acres Burdekin river front grazing lease 310 Megalitre water licence, Passionfruit packing shed and grader.

2017 Sugar cane crop included. Comfortable 3BR House.

Machinery – list on request

Panamas however have remained very scarce in supply resulting in record prices for this time of the year. Eating quality of both passionfruit has been superb and visual quality mixed after the rain.

We should see the supply for both purples and panamas be much larger for the next couple of months and demand should also be good.

Contact : Duane 0447 849 000

Ingredients Tangy Passionfruit Sauce: 1 cup caster sugar 1/2 cup water Pulp of 8 Passionfruit Churros 1 cup water 1/4 cup caster sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 litres vegetable oil, for frying Cinnamon sugar, for dusting 125g white chocolate, chopped 150ml thickened cream Icing sugar, for dusting 1 cup plain flour

Method Tangy Passionfruit Sauce: Place caster sugar and ½ cup water in a saucepan over low heat and stir to dissolve sugar Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer for 3 minutes until syrupy Stir in the passionfruit pulp and simmer gently for 3 minutes Allow to cool Churros Heat a small saucepan to a medium high heat. Add sugar, water, salt and oil and stir to combine. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Add flour to sugar and water mixture.

Mix until a dough is formed. Add dough to a piping bag In a deep fryer or deep saucepan, heat oil to 180°C (use a thermometer to check temperature). Using your piping bag, pipe 10cm long churros strips. Add strips to deep fryer, and cook until golden. Coat churros in cinnamon sugar mix and set aside Meanwhile, add white chocolate and thickened cream to a microwave safe bowl. In 30 second bursts, heat the white chocolate and cream in the microwave, mixing with a spoon in between bursts. Once melted, transfer to a serving bowl Arrange churros on plate and dust with icing sugar. Serve with white chocolate sauce and passionfruit sauce

The Passion Vine – June 2017

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