The Passion Vine Winter 2023

Driving Greater Awareness and Demand for Tropical Fruit in Australia

We are a grower-focused and consumer-driven fresh produce marketing group that connects consumers with growers and growers with markets across Australia. We offer a whole of group solution and specialise in national & independent retail sales, traditional wholesale markets and food service. Our unique and integrated service model provides a whole of crop model backed by associated logistics, ripening and pre-packing services. Our business footprint offers a choice of market access in all states.

The Jetbest difference

Committed to growing fresh produce categories through innovative marketing solutions. Transparent and competitive on all costs associated with marketing our grower's produce. Investment in farms and farmers through new variety development and other support services.

Development of new products to increase market penetration and grower returns

Our model offers lower operating costs, delivering better returns to our growers.

A true whole-of-crop sales solution

Proven results in grower sales and value. Offer a choice of market access in all states, with extensive distribution in retail, wholesale and food service sectors.

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email admin@passionfruitaustralia.org.au | web www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au

DISCLAIMER: 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, the Editor or Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation). 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, the Editor or Hort Innovation. Hort Innovation and Passionfruit Australia make no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in The Passion Vine. Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation or Passionfruit Australia is entirely at your own risk.

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Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2023. Copyright subsists in The Passion Vine. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) owns the copyright, other than as permitted under the Copyright ACT 1968 (Cth). The Passion Vine (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 Passion Vine should be addressed to: Level 7, 141 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia E: communications@horticulture.com.au P: 02 8295 2300

Wherever you see this logo, the initiative is part of the Hort Innovation Passionfruit Fund. Like this publication itself, it has been funded by Hort Innovation using the passionfruit levy and, in the case of R&D, with contributions from the Australian Government. Some projects also involve funding from additional sources.

President's Report

Dennis Chant, New South Wales

On behalf of Passionfruit Australia Inc (PAI) and Hort Innovation, our funding partner for the ‘Passionfruit Industry Communications Program (PF22001)’, I welcome all growers and industry stakeholders to the first edition of The Passion Vine prepared under a new three-year funding program. The program incorporates provision for regional field days, regular e-newsletters and annual editions of this magazine, website updates and growers’ surveys for the benefit of all contributors to the passionfruit levy fund.

All growers are encouraged to actively utilise and contribute to these initiatives to ensure the passionfruit industry is sustainable and profitable for growers and supply chain partners.

It has been some time since our last journal was published so we do have much to catch up on. I trust that you find this edition both interesting and informative. As always, your feedback is welcome to ensure the information provided is relevant to your needs.

After an extended period of below average rainfall, most of our growing regions experienced above average and even record-breaking rainfall over the last eighteen months. In most growing areas this has had an adverse impact on fruit production and growers are now working hard to recover after losing a large number of established vines during the extended wet period.

As an industry, it is important to share our experiences to foster a more resilient environment in which it can prosper in the face of increasing climatic extremes. To assist in this regard PAI has partnered with the Queensland Government to host two “Resilient Passionfruit” field days in Bundaberg on 15 August and at the Sunshine Coast on 17 August. All growers are welcome to attend and more details can be found on PAGE 11.

Our regular e-newsletters provide valuable insights into major capital city market trends and regional growing conditions. Both economic conditions for our consumers and some continued production shortfalls in selected regions appear to be having an adverse

impact on overall returns to growers in recent months. Under these conditions it is essential that our levy funds allocated to R&D and marketing are utilised in an optimum manner.

Hort Innovation has partnered with PAI to more effectively engage with growers in determining how our levy funds should be allocated for R&D and Marketing. The two have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which encourages greater levy payer involvement in setting priorities for the use of levy funds and monitoring program outcomes.

Biosecurity is becoming a major consideration for all primary industry sectors, with passionfruit being no exception. The industry has long been engaged in preventative activities such as the National Exotic Fruit Fly in Torres Strait Eradication Program. More recently the Varroa mite incursion has also seen our involvement in the eradication program.

Whilst government is currently underwriting the passionfruit industry’s share of the costs associated with these programs, these costs will have to be recovered from industry in the future. These costs are additional to the biosecurity levy recently announced by the Federal Government to contribute to the costs of border biosecurity activities. There will be extensive consultation with growers in the next few months on the most acceptable way of covering these costs through a levy mechanism.

Lastly, I would like to again raise the prospect of approval being given for the import of fresh passionfruit from Vietnam. PAI is following closely the development of this application and has had government representatives address recent field days. The draft report has just been issued for a public consultation period, closing on 11 September 2023. More details can be found in the article on PAGE 3.

Please enjoy reading this edition and, as always, we welcome your feedback on how we can make our communications program relevant to your needs.

Vietnamese Passionfruit Imports

Wendy Morris

Vietnam has applied to export fresh passionfruit to Australia. What does this mean, and what are grower’s options?

A technical overview

• In August 2022, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry announced the commencement of a risk analysis for fresh passionfruit from Vietnam. The risk analysis was initiated in response to a market access request from Vietnam.

• Since then, the department has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the biosecurity risks and developed a draft report.

• They released the draft report on 13 July 2023 for a 60-calendar day public consultation period. During the consultation period, the department will be holding information sessions to discuss the report and answer questions from stakeholders.

• For further information, see the department’s webpage: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/ policy/risk-analysis/plant/passionfruit-from-vietnam

• The draft report proposes that the importation of commercially produced passionfruit to Australia from all commercial production areas of Vietnam can be permitted, subject to a range of biosecurity requirements.

• The draft report was issued on 13 July 2023 for a public consultation period, closing on 11 September 2023.

• Visit bit.ly/PAI-Viet-Pass to view the report and then bit.ly/PAI-Viet-Pass-HYS to Have Your Say

Have Your Say!

As a grower you may be wondering why Vietnam is applying, why it is allowed, and if there is any way we can block the application?

Due to Free Trade Agreements, Australia is obliged to accept applications for market access from parties to the agreement and vice versa. Australia wants to export fruit to Vietnam and ‘in return’, Vietnam is seeking to export their fruit to Australia. Each commodity is assessed individually, and it is typical for Vietnam and Australia to both make applications to the other country at the same time. In this instance, Australia is seeking to export blueberries to Vietnam and Vietnam is seeking to export fresh passionfruit.

Growers can’t argue that the Australian market is already well supplied, or fruit would disrupt the local industry. We can, however, review the Biosecurity Risk Assessment and advise of any risks to Biosecurity that we do not believe Vietnam can adequately control. If Vietnam can adequately control all biosecurity risks, then they will be granted the right to export fruit to Australia. This does not necessarily mean that they will export fruit. For example, if the cost of sending fruit and/or the cost of controlling biosecurity risks will result in fruit being more expensive than local fruit, it is unlikely that we will see much – if any – Vietnamese fruit on our shelves.

As an industry, the best way we can safeguard our fruit is to ensure we thoroughly review the Biosecurity Risk Assessment, supply quality fruit and ensure retailers stick to their promises to buy fruit from Australian growers first.

Passionfruit Australia is committed to ensuring that foreign fruit does not present a risk to our domestic production. We have maintained close ties with the Department of Agriculture, sought advice from an independent Trade Expert and will ensure that our marketing levies focus on the best passionfruit available – Fresh Aussie Passionfruit.

It is critical that anyone who wants to provide feedback on this matter does so using the online mechanism at bit.ly/PAI-Viet-Pass-HYS before AEDT 4pm on 11 September 2023.

Regional Reports

Far North Queensland: Cynthia Barbagallo, Packed with Passion

FAR NORTH QLD

Hello from North Queensland! It seems we have not been alone in our growing struggles over the last year. Many growers across most horticultural crops, not just passionfruit, have been impacted by the extended wet season last year. And some growers are finding growing conditions continue to be less than favourable this season. Continuing wet and cold conditions are impacting on quality with less unblemished passionfruit and increasing vine deaths. Brown Spot and Fusarium Solani seem to be the two biggest growing concerns for passionfruit growers in our region at the moment.

Many of the growers I spoke to who are affected by Fusarium Solani have adopted crop rotation and spelling of their blocks. Growers are hopeful that spelling, cover cropping and crop rotation will reduce the impacts of Fusarium Solani the following season with some growers reporting that they are optimistic that they are already seeing success. Red Scale and Red Spider Mites also seem to be impacting growers in our region. It has been an interesting year for us here on our farm with weather, pest and disease pressures making it impossible to reap a return. It was disheartening to see our small orchard struggling despite our continuing best efforts. Nevertheless, we have our new seedlings happily growing in our shade house and we are in the process of preparing our orchard for the new growing season.

Our goal this season is to companion plant a selection of herbs, flowers and groundcovers around the base of each vine to create a happier, healthier ecosystem within our orchard. We are optimistic that by creating a biodiverse environment and mini habitats with food and shade, we can attract and establish more beneficial insects within our orchard earlier. We know that when we remove our vines to re-plant younger and more productive vines, we are also removing all of the colonies of beneficial insects that have taken up residence in the lush canopy cover. We are similarly removing the shelter that protects the now almost bare, moist soil that our worms and microbes are thriving in and exposing them to extreme harsh conditions. So while removing the old vines provides a fresh start for us by way of reducing any fungal issues the old vines posed, the now stark environment for our soil and beneficial insects are far more unhabitable and pests love it!

We have also selected plants that will promote a richer, healthier soil. Some are nitrogen fixing while others are pioneer plants mining nutrients from deeper in our soil. And last but not least, our selection of ground covers will aid in weed control and moisture retention around each vine which should reduce the need to weed and spray, and cut down the costs of mulching and watering. Of course, our selection also includes herbs and flowers that we hope we can harvest to create a dollar return too. We want to be grass roots farmers, relying less on inputs while promoting sustainable soils by reviving the soil’s fertility. And we have high hopes that we can establish this as our new platform for growing profitable crops on our farm. So, until next time, happy growing and we hope your Winter is Packed with Passion.

Wide Bay: Sarah & Jason Meiers, Meiers Tropical Plantation

Hello everyone, it’s winter already and what a year it has been! With a much cooler beginning to summer last year our crop picked all the way over Christmas and into the New Year keeping us busy through what is usually our only time of the year not picking. Other crops were affected by the cool start, like lychees which were around three weeks later than usual. By the time our old vines stopped, our young vines started so no breaks here.

Thankfully the Paradise Dam works have begun for it to be returned to its original height. With three of our four farms relying on water from the Paradise Dam this is great news for us and many surrounding farms. The past 12 months have been very kind to us with sensible amounts of rain to help replenish the ground water and dam storage helping to get our new farms’ windbreaks established well after a three-year previous drought. We hope you all have a good season.

MAREEBA, DAINTREE, COOKTOWN

WIDE BAY BUNDABERG

Sunshine Coast: Jill & Jim Gordon, Mandaramba Harvest

2022/23 has been the most unusual I have experienced in the past 40 years.

While there haven't been any extreme weather events in the Sunshine Coast area, abnormal patterns have been common.

Last spring was cooler and wetter than normal and this upset the fruit set for the summer crop. Less fruit and a much later crop was a common trend. We had a reasonable amount of fruit in February and March and since then, not much at all.

A very cool May has slowed down our winter crop. We expected to start getting busier by mid to late May, but it was well into June before there was any quantity.

Rainfall has been quite variable within the region. While at Yandina we were getting good regular showers most of autumn, just south and further north were complaining about it being so dry. (Of course farmers never whinge about the weather!) The rain was good but the Septoria that came with it wasn't so welcome.

I hope everyone else has had a more productive year than I have. There is always next year.

On a more positive note, the breeding program has been reinvigorated by Mo from the University of Queensland. He is very keen and energetic and despite a protracted transfer from Southern Cross Uni, Mo is doing his best to make up for lost time. He has spent many hours on Paxton's and our farms becoming familiar with passionfruit farming practices, what we are looking for in a variety and doing a number of crosses. We are ever hopeful of a few new varieties for the whole industry soon.

Good luck with the coming season.

Northern NSW: Dennis Chant, AD & JL Chant

As growers have experienced across most of our production regions, the first half of 2023 has presented a variety of challenges for those of us in the Tweed Region and Northern NSW more generally.

Production for most growers is well below average as they contend with the lingering impacts of last year’s prolonged and, in some cases, record wet season, together with the ongoing search for varieties that can adequately replace our former mainstays of Sweetheart and Misty Gem.

In our case, we have persisted with Sweetheart and the new vines are still standing up reasonably well compared to the extensive losses experienced with our second- and third-year vines. Production from the new vines has been slow but steady over the last few months with a good amount of fruit still hanging albeit very slow to colour up. We have had the benefit of a much drier first six months with 650mm of rain compared to more than 2200mm for the same period in 2022. Hopefully the survival rate will be greatly improved!

Market conditions have also been unpredictable with consumers seemingly more cost conscious under current economic conditions.

Unfortunately, the continued challenging conditions has taken a toll on the number of growers in our region with several long-standing growers leaving the industry. Hopefully this trend can be reversed with the development of new varieties and more favourable weather conditions.

Best of luck to all of our growers for the coming season.

SUNSHINE COAST GYMPIE TO GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS

Member Profile: Jason Miles, Tenfarms Melbourne & Sydney Markets

My name is Jason Miles, and I am a proud father of two energetic boys; Kody, who is now four years old, and Tate, my youngest at two years old. I have been happily married to my loving wife Dani for six years. She has kept me on-track and been my constant support, especially during the long hours and unpredictable demands of my work in the fruit and vegetable industry.

My journey in produce began 14 years ago at the age of 22, following in the footsteps of my father, who was a produce buyer for Woolworths. Since then, I have worked diligently, selling a variety of fruit and vegetable lines, and honing my skills in the tropical and exotic fruit categories.

However, it was the passionfruit category that truly captured my heart. At Tenfarms, I am blessed to have a team of dedicated individuals who share my vision for growth and success in this category. Our experienced sales team works closely with me to ensure that we are constantly driving the business forward and establishing ourselves as the go-to wholesaler in Melbourne. Our product range, which includes Avocado, Banana, Mango, Passionfruit and all tropical exotic fruits, enables us to engage with the state’s biggest and best retailers on a daily basis to achieve this.

I owe much of Tenfarms' success to the network of skilled growers who work with us. Their knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in getting us where we are today. I am grateful for their unwavering support and the hard work they put in every day.

Jason Miles

Jason Miles, Tenfarms

In summary, my journey in the fruit and vegetable industry has been an exciting and challenging one. With the support of my family, team, and network of growers, I am excited to see what the future holds for Tenfarms and the passionfruit category.

Do you feel that consumer attitudes to passionfruit have changed during your time?

Over the past year, there has been a significant shift in Melbourne towards larger-sized fruit, with the large ‘Flamenco’ variety becoming a popular choice. However, the most notable change in Melbourne's fruit market is the emergence of the Panama/Pandora variety, which has been enthusiastically received by consumers seeking more value for their money and larger amounts of juicy pulp.

How many varieties do you handle as a market agent, and which ones do well on the market floor?

Currently, our fruit selection includes a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences, such as Sweetheart, Misty Gem, Flamenco, Panama, Pandora, and several mixed varieties of Panama

We are proud to work with over ten growers from all over Australia, including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, which allows us to provide our customers with a diverse range of options that meet their needs and expectations.

The passionfruit that sells first, regardless of price, is the best quality one. Consumers are generally spoilt for choice today, and whilst there are always outlets for a value line or a cocktail bar (our bar trade business) line, the good-looking passionfruit is always what the best paying retailers want to buy.

What are some of the oddest experiences you’ve had dealing with passionfruit?

I must say that the best part of my job is the conversations I have with growers. Often, we chat for an hour and a half on my drive home from work, which is always enjoyable and keeps me alert. One of our newer farmers asked “if you already deal with ten farms, is there room for me?” The name Tenfarms was chosen because we originally worked with ten different farms that came together to support us to offer a parcel of fruit (Mango back in 2014) to a retailer.

In fact, Tenfarms deal with over 70 different farmers in a range of categories for the Banana business, Export, Supermarket supply and the Domestic Wholesale business that I manage for the tropical range.

Where do you feel the challenges lie for the industry? Do you think Vietnamese passionfruit imports pose a realistic threat to Australian growers?

The main challenge for the industry, in my opinion, is maintaining a consistent supply of passionfruit. As for the threat posed by Vietnamese passionfruit, I believe that air-freighted fruit from Vietnam is unlikely to make a significant impact on the Australian market, if we maintain a steady supply of domestically grown fruit. The USA stonefruit that is shipped to Australia in our winter was a novelty that sold at high prices when our market first opened up to allow imports, but now has limited uptake and volumes are a fraction of our main season Summerfruit sales. The same will apply to passionfruit. Australia can consume all the passionfruit it grows, and our consumers will always support a local product if it is available.

You are involved in new varieties – can you expand on what you are trying to achieve?

At Tenfarms, we're committed to helping growers diversify their passionfruit crops by working with them to trial new varieties. While we don't have our own proprietary varieties, we're always exploring new options and supporting growers in expanding their offerings and engaging in consumer research with our trade partners. We are keen to showcase different varieties, but equally interested in exploring new technology or packaging options to improve the appeal, the shelf life and the presentation of the passionfruit. There is a solid interest overseas in our passionfruit and it is a staple in many countries on mixed air shipments daily. There is plenty of scope for growth in many markets once we have consistent volumes.

What is your favourite passionfruit variety?

As for my personal favourite passionfruit variety, I have to say that I love the Flamenco passionfruit for its large size, abundance of delicious pulp, and rich flavour. It also keeps the kids quiet for a few minutes, they love it!

Contact Tenfarms on:

Jason Miles

email milesj@tenfarms.com.au

mobile 0427 248 067

Christopher Brammall

email brammallc@tenfarms.com.au

mobile 0411 822 703

web tenfarms.com.au

Member Profile: Growing Passionfruit in the Top End - Northern Territory Tropical Passionfruit

Wendy Morris

Several years ago, an idea formed in the minds of ex-army Fitter & Turner Jason Moon who switched to a career in horticulture, and Brett Tharle, a nurseryman and arborist with additional experience in turf and citrus. Let’s grow passionfruit!

With limited growers in the Northern Territory, the industry presented an opportunity for growth, and at Jason’s Noonamah property on the outskirts of Darwin, the farm was established and the search for the perfect variety commenced. And so, Northern Territory Tropical Passionfruit was born.

With many current popular varieties developed in Queensland and New South Wales, it soon became clear that a mini breeding program would be required. After a number of trials, one hybrid stood head and shoulders above the rest. The plant grew well, was resistant to pests and disease, and yielded high quantities of large, Panama-type fruit.

Being a hybrid, a suitable rootstock was required. This wasn’t a problem for Jason and Brett, who had been conducting rootstock trials as part of their breeding program. Cuttings were taken, and 600 vines were planted. The crop was a success. Jason and Brett currently sell 400-500 passionfruit a week to the local market, and have their sights set firmly on expanding operations. The next round of plantings will increase the orchard size with an additional 1800 vines put in the ground. The fruit are huge – around 240 g each – with excellent pulp content.

Pests and disease haven’t been a problem for the growers so far, who credit careful variety development and good farm maintenance for keeping issues at bay. Assisting in the running of the farm is Jason’s father, who lives on site. This has allowed Jason and Brett to retain their ‘day jobs’ while the farm gets up and running. When asked what the end goal is, the men are frank – to expand operations until they are full time growers, and to continue trialling their new variety with the aim of commercialising it if it continues to bear the right fruit.

NOONAMAH NORTHERN TERRITORY

The newly developed hybrid vine growing at Northern Territory Tropical Passionfruit.

Photo credit: Jason Moon

Growers Jason Moon (L) and Brett Tharle (R) at Northern Territory Tropical Passionfruit.

Photo credit: Jason Moon

Field Days | Passionfruit Style

Wendy Morris

Over the last twelve months, Passionfruit Australia has hosted two field days – one at Woombye, and one in Atherton. These events were a welcome return to normality from the Covid lockdowns and gave growers and industry stakeholders an opportunity to catch up and make new connections.

These field days have been funded by Hort Innovation through the passionfruit research and development levy, and funds from the Australian Government.

Soil health continues to be a major area of concern for growers, and we were fortunate to host Paul Lindsay from Biohub Solutions at Woombye, Bruce Scott from Campbells Fertilisers and Dr Jay Anderson from SCU (the latter via pre-recorded presentation) at Atherton.

Our North Queensland attendees also took the opportunity to explore Alicia and Alex Bertola’s farm at Kairi about 90 minutes south-west of Cairns.

Passionfruit Australia Inc has been successful in obtaining funding to run ‘Resilient Passionfruit’ workshops on the Sunshine Coast and in Bundaberg in mid-August 2023. Later in the year, we also intend to run a field day in the Northern NSW region.

Funding for the Resilient Passionfruit workshops has been provided by the Queensland Government Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy.

We welcome suggestions from local growers on topics of interest, and look forward to catching up with you all in person.

Upcoming Workshops: Resilient Passionfruit

BUNDABERG: 15 AUGUST 2023

Neville Room, Regional Business HQ, 20B Quay Street, Bundaberg

PROGRAM FOR BOTH LOCATIONS:

10.00am Registrations Open

10.15am Welcome

SUNSHINE COAST: 17 AUGUST 2023

Meeting Space 2, Kawana Forest Meeting Place, 60 Woodlands Boulevard, Meridian Plains

10.20am Surviving a flood - perspectives from a Passionfruit Grower

11.00am Dr Mo Alam - Updates on Passionfruit Breeding and the future of disease resistance

11.45am Graeme Sait, Nutritech Preparing for a severe weather event

1.00pm Lunch

1.30pm Graeme Sait, Nutritech Recovering from a severe weather event

3.30pm Monica Talbot – Vietnamese Passionfruit Biosecurity Risk Assessment

4.00pm Afternoon tea & networking

Nursery staff will also be in attendance to talk about variety selection. This field day is FREE for hobby and commercial passionfruit growers.

REGISTER to attend at: bit.ly/PAI-Event

Numbers are capped at 50 attendees (Bundaberg) and 30 (Sunshine Coast) so please RSVP to secure your place.

Field Day | Atherton

Atherton Field Day including a farm walk at Alex & Alicia Bertola’s property south-west of Cairns.

Photo credit: Wendy Morris & Cynthia Barbagallo

Field Day | Woombye

Woombye Field Day including a talk from Arbour Grove Nursery owner Megan Crowhurst.

Photo credit: Wendy Morris & Megan Crowhurst

New varieties deliver a juicy, taste sensation! Jetbest is working with growers to improve the customer experience

Article provided by Jetbest Group

In 2021, Australia’s largest wholesaler and national retailer supplier of passionfruit –Jetbest - committed to a long-term partnership to invest in the development of improved passionfruit varieties that Aussies would love. By combining their expertise with a group of innovative growers, Jetbest has been able to live their mission of connecting growers to consumers.

The opportunity to reinvigorate the market, and excite consumers with a delicious new offer, was an opportunity the group were ready to explore.

With over thirty years and two generations of experience growing, marketing, and selling passionfruit, the group was able to create a breeding program focussed on improving agronomic characteristics and crop performance.

This leading-edge innovation has set the partnership in motion to produce significant volumes of an improved passionfruit.

In May 2022, the first of the new varieties characterised by heavy fruit with sensational flavour, juice, and pulp were introduced to the produce market. The delicious eating experience quickly gained market share and motivated the group to continue to trial combinations and varieties.

Work on farm and with agronomists is continuing and there are currently eight new varieties of grafted passionfruit falling into three styles; standard small black, large oval ‘exotic’ flavour, and large ‘tropical’ types being sold nationally.

The partnership now includes thirteen commercial growers and five trial sites. Of the next round of twenty-five new varieties being trialled, the major

growing areas will include Coffs Harbour, Tweed Valley, Northern NSW, as well as Gympie, Bundaberg, and Far North Queensland regions. These trials are resulting in several hundred new selections, from which future product developments will be chosen.

As with many new privately developed crops all varieties are covered by ‘Plant Breeders Rights’. Plant breeders' rights, also known as plant variety rights, are rights granted to the breeder of a new variety of plant that give the breeder exclusive control over the propagating material and harvested material of a new variety for a number of years.

Australian consumption of passionfruit continues to stall with only 14% of households purchasing on average four times per year*.

The developing varieties are expected to delight consumers. With the sensational flavour profile, once they try them, consumers will love them! They are juicier, and these fruits are the perfect snack, topping or addition for consumers.

For growers, they provide a sustainable whole of crop offer by also being suitable for value-add offers such as juicing and pulp. Connecting growers to consumers, no matter how they consume the fruit, delivers better outcomes for all.

In further support of the consumer at-home experience, Jetbest introduced passionfruit flow-wrapped for extra freshness into national retailers. This breathable packaging has delivered improved shelf presentation and significantly reduced shrinkage in store and created the first step in a longer-term strategy to drive consumption. The partnership is also working to develop an engaging online and in store consumer facing brand, and it is expected that the combination of an excellent product and an engaging campaign will drive category growth, increase household penetration and frequency of purchase.

… And with consumer feedback like this, we are confident we are on track!

My family stopped buying passionfruit because they were too often small, thick skinned, lacking flesh, and tart. I tried a box of Jetbest passionfruit, and it was what I had wanted passionfruit to be.

Sweet, generously sized and full of flavourful flesh. My kids, who rarely eat fruit voluntarily, ate the whole box in one weekend. It means we’re passionfruit eaters again!

One of the new varieties full of juicy pulp. Source: Jetbest Group

— Suzanne, Mother of 3 & regular customer at a Brisbane Greengrocer

One of the new Tropical types in commercial production with deep purple large fruit and good vine vigour.

Meet the latest Panama-style variety

Keith Paxton

In about 2005, after being involved in the passionfruit industry breeding program for some time, it was evident that there were inconsistencies in the quality of Panama fruit being produced. I thought it was time to try some trial vines of my own. I sourced some Panama seed and grew seven vines, which I planted in a block near our shed.

One of the vines was very different to the other six. It was dark green, grew a heavy crop and did not defoliate in the winter.

On one of David Peasley‘s visits to our farm, I showed him the vine and he agreed it looked good, so David, my wife Judy and I decided that the new vine needed a name and Judy gave it the name ‘Pandora’

We released Pandora to the industry at no cost. Since then, it has proven to be the preferred variety for commercial production and widely accepted across all the major markets. It is also our preferred variety for rootstock seed.

Over the years, I have continued breeding in the hope of producing a new purple variety with mixed results. There always seems to be a ‘but’ when looking at the criteria for a successful new variety.

Now, it looks like I have bred a new variety, which I think will have great market acceptance.

Features

• The colour is good, and while not a ‘true purple’ it is attractive and differentiates the fruit from other varieties

• It darkens with time after harvest

• The pulp has nice colour, is very sweet and the fruit are full

• The fruit has good shelf-life and a firm shell

• We packed a T35 carton with a weight of 9kg

• The size is 80 to 100

• The variety is suitable for vine harvest or ground harvest

• The vines are strong and vigorous with good flower production and fruit set

• The fruit and vine has so far shown good disease resistance with no blind tipping

My daughter, Megan and her husband Dave run the wholesale fruit tree nursery, Arbour Grove Nursery, and produce a range of passionfruit vines and subtropical fruit trees. They have also been closely involved in helping us to propagate and grow trial vines.

The new variety developed by Keith Paxton which is yet to be formally named. Photo credit: Arbour Grove Nursery

Workforce Update A summary of important changes in 2023

Jane Richter

Domestic & Family Violence Leave

All employees are entitled to family and domestic violence leave each year. This includes full-time, parttime and casual employees.

The entitlement to paid or unpaid family and domestic violence leave comes from the National Employment Standards (NES). It’s a minimum leave entitlement, like annual leave or sick and carer’s leave.

Employees can take paid leave to deal with family and domestic violence from different dates depending on the size of their employer. The leave is available from:

• February 2023, for employees of non-small business employers

• 1 August 2023, for employees of small business employers.

Employees of small business employers can continue to take unpaid family and domestic violence leave until 1 August 2023.

Find out more at www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/familyand-domestic-violence-leave

What is a ‘small business employer’?

It is defined as an employer with fewer than 15 employees at a particular time. If an employer has 15 or more employees at a particular time, they are no longer a small business employer.

When counting the number of employees, employees of associated entities of the employer are included.

Casual employees are not included unless engaged on a regular and systematic basis.

Changes to job advertisement regulations from 7 January 2023

New regulations require businesses to be more transparent about pay rates in job listings. From 7 January 2023, job listings or advertisements cannot include pay rates that undercut employees’ minimum entitlements.

Labour hire providers are also required to comply with these regulations as a condition of their licence.

Any pay rates mentioned in the listing must not breach the Fair Work Act or any industrial instruments, such as an award or enterprise agreement. Horticulture providers who engage workers under piecework arrangements should particularly be aware of these changes.

Employers advertising pieceworker positions where the employee would also be entitled to a periodic pay rate (for example, an hourly or weekly pay rate) need to:

• specify the periodic pay rate that applies, or

• state in the ad that a periodic pay rate will apply.

We encourage all employers and labour-hire providers to ensure their active job listings meet these requirements, including for any jobs advertised prior to 7 January 2023 that are still active.

Providers who mislead workers about rate of pay or employee conditions can face fines.

Read more on the Fair Work Ombudsman website and find useful templates to help you to get it right at www.fairwork.gov.au/starting-employment/job-ads

New workplace sexual harassment laws applied from 6 March 2023

These changes were part of the Australian Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislation that passed in December 2022.

Workplace sexual harassment protections

The changes mean:

• sexual harassment in connection with work is prohibited

• there are more protections against sexual harassment

• the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission have new powers in relation to sexual harassment protections.

The FWO have expanded their website information and updated the available resources in response to these changes. Visit www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/ news/secure-jobs-better-pay/new-workplace-sexualharassment-laws to find out more.

Superannuation Guarantee changes to 11% from 1 July 2023

From 1 July 2023, the rate of superannuation guarantee increased from 10.5% to 11%. The increase in July was part of a longer-term uplift in the super guarantee rate which is on track to rise from 9.5% to 12% between 2021 and 2025.

Visit www.ato.gov.au/Rates/Key-superannuation-ratesand-thresholds/ to find out more

Fair Work announces changes to Minimum Wage from 1 July 2023

The Fair Work Commission has recently announced the National Minimum Wage will be increased to $882.80 per week or $23.23 per hour – a 5.75% increase to minimum award wages.

The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023.

You can find out more at: www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/news/awr-2023

Paid Parental leave changes from 1 July 2023

The Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Improvements for Families and Gender Equality) Act 2023 which was passed by both Houses of Parliament on 6 March 2023 introduces changes to the government’s Parental Leave Pay (‘PLP’) scheme effective from 1 July 2023. The changes aim to better support gender equality in the home and workplace by providing greater flexibility and eligibility to the scheme.

From 1 July 2023, PLP and Dad and Partner Pay (DAPP) has been combined into one scheme which will provide eligible parent couples or single parents up to 20 weeks of PLP at the NMW. DAPP will no longer exist as a separate scheme. Eligible parents must not be working during this time or must be on leave (paid or unpaid).

You can find out more at www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/ maternity-and-parental-leave/paid-parental-leave

For other useful resources that are specific to Horticulture, visit the Horticulture Showcase online at: horticulture.fairwork.gov.au

Passionfruit Marketing Update

Jane Richter

The passionfruit marketing levy has continued to deliver a social media campaign across the Aussie Passionfruit Facebook and Instagram accounts. The posts have focused on inspiring consumers to use passionfruit in a range of everyday and exciting foods as well as providing tips on selecting a ripe fruit and how best to store the fruit.

In early June, passionfruit received a 5-minute segment on the Today Show (Channel 9) with last years’ winner of the Great Australian Bake Off – Ella Rossanis - showcasing desserts made with passionfruit. You can watch the segment at youtu.be/rSAxvu4kUNQ During the last few years, a portion of the levy has also been invested in the capture of a range of consumer and market insights through two main investments:

MT21003 Consumer Demand Spaces for horticulture is a multi-industry investment which identified and prioritised opportunities for the horticulture sector to engage consumers and build demand across the domestic market for fruits, nuts and vegetables. The final project report was published in November 2022 and can be read in full at www.horticulture.com.au/ growers/help-your-business-grow/research-reportspublications-fact-sheets-and-more/mt21003/

MT 21004 Consumer purchase and retail data gives industry access to the NielsenIQ Homescan panel which measures consumer purchasing behaviour and is the primary market read on retail consumer performance. The data is made available through a dedicated website portal called ‘Harvest to Home’ and can be accessed at www.harvesttohome.net.au

What are the key insights?

The MT21003 study was split into a series of phases and involved both in depth discussions with consumers and a 25-minute survey which asked 4000 consumers a series of questions about their fruit, vegetable and nut shopping and eating habits.

Interestingly, the pandemic has had an impact on not just how people work but how they structure the meals they eat. Lunch used to be a meal that involved effort, either through planning and preparing something prior to leaving home or purchasing at work.

Fast forward to working from home has meant people grab and go from whatever’s in the fridge, and rarely is lunch purchased now. Leaving breakfast and dinner to play a bigger role, with more care and consideration going into preparation as there is more time at the bookends of the workday.

@aussiepassionfruit 49,000 Followers

#aussiepassionfruit 3,776 Followers

The second major shift has been with regard to the origin of the food purchased. Australian consumers have long had a ‘support Australian’ produce attitude with 96% of all fresh produce sold in the major supermarkets being domestically grown. What has shifted is the focus to supporting local farmers and areas, contributing to local communities and states. The clearest example of this is the Western Australian campaign ‘Buy West, Eat Best’ which has performed exceptionally well.

Another key insight which emerged during the research is the role that childhood experiences play in the choices adults are now making. What people were exposed to when they were young, in particular what fresh produce was used (and how) largely sets people up for how they use it as they get older.

A final key insight – which in some ways seems obvious - was that it is more important to influence what’s purchased than what is consumed as people will choose what works for the moment that they’re in based on what’s readily available to them, they rarely seek out something specific.

The research report provides a broad understanding of how consumers shop for fresh produce, what triggers them to buy more or less and where they are purchasing. This key information forms part of the basis for the Demand Space framework which aims to represent a total Australian market map of commodity consumption that shows where commodities are strong today, and could grow in the future.

The analysis identified that there are 6 needs pillars (see below) and 5 meal occasions (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert) and the opportunity for growth for each commodity lies in understanding how that product fits across these dimensions.

Six Needs Pillars

1. Tasty: Taste, Refreshment, and Enjoyment

2. Quick & Easy: Convenience Simplicity & Ease

3. Healthy & Nutritious: Guilt-free, Nourishing and Sensible

4. Indulgence: Comfort, Relaxation & Self Care

5. Physical & Mental Energy: Energy, Uplift & Reinvigoration

6. Connection: Bonding, Celebration & Creating Memories

Passionfruit Insights

For passionfruit, 43% of all occasions where the fruit is consumed is as a snack with 28% eaten on its own, 23% as a topping, 10% in a smoothie and 7% as part of some other snack.

Passionfruit is also exceptionally strong in the ‘dessert’ meal occasion which will not be a surprise to anyone! When people buy passionfruit, they are looking for a refreshing taste, sweet flavour in a convenient form. Enhancing the flavours and texture of a dish are another standout feature for passionfruit.

The barriers to purchase for passionfruit are cost and quality, with consumers questioning ripeness as well as a number who simply don’t know what to do with one. There is still a significant myth out there that says that you have to wait until a passionfruit is wrinkled before its ripe and ready to eat an this is a major area for future communications activities to focus on.

Like all fruit, passionfruit are highly substitutable, with the large categories like banana and apples being easy alternatives. Berries, summerfruit and mango also have an expected substitutability for passionfruit buyers which reflects the ‘snack’ and ‘dessert’ meal occasion usages.

According to the report, the biggest opportunities for passionfruit lie in the dessert occasion and ‘quick & easy’, ‘indulgence’ and ‘connection’ needs pillars.

At the point of publication of this edition of The Passion Vine, the most recent data available on the Harvest to Home portal covers the 12 months to 11 September 2022. The data compares the year to September 2022 with the previous year and shows the trends in both value sales (how much passionfruit cost) and volume sales (how many passionfruit in kg were sold).

Based on this information, only 14% of all Australian households are ever buying a fresh passionfruit and passionfruit are bought about 3.5 times per year on average.

The oldies – also known as ‘Senior Couples’ are the largest purchasers of passionfruit with the three ‘Family’ segments choosing to buy other fruit in preference to passionfruit, perhaps reflecting the price challenge outlined above.

The insights from these two data sources should form the basis for the planning of any future passionfruit marketing activities.

Varroa Mite A little pest that delivers big problems

Wendy Morris

Thank you to Johnathon Davey, Executive Director, Melons Australia for your assistance with this article.

On 24 June 2022, the NSW DPI announced the detection of Varroa destructor in one of their surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle. What followed has become the largest and most expensive biosecurity response plan in Australia’s history, but for many of us there are questions.

How did this serious pest arrive in Australia?

How big of a problem is it really?

And what are the consequences for food production in Australia if we can’t control Varroa?

There are two species of Varroa mite; Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni. The Asian honeybee is the original host to both varieties, however two sub-types of Varroa destructor have spread to the European honeybee. Unfortunately for European honeybees, they are far more susceptible to these little pests.

Varroa mites are tiny red-brown parasites that feed on honeybees, either in the brood or on adult bees. While the mite is small, when compared to its host, it is one of the largest parasitic mites in the world. According to Dr Cooper Schouten, the project manager for the Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods Research Group and Lecturer at Southern Cross University, ‘For a human, it would be like having a dinner plate sized tick on you’.

How does the Varroa mite affect a honeybee?

Varroa feed on the fat body (an organ akin to the liver in humans) by piercing through a membrane layer underneath the abdominal plates of the bee. They inject an enzyme that destroys the vital structure of the fat body,which allows the mite to more easily consume the fat. This process weakens the bee, leading to lower immunity, shorter lifespans and greater susceptibility to viruses. Left unchecked, the mites spread through the colony, causing parasitic mite syndrome, and ultimately the death of the hive.

How did Varroa mite get to Australia?

While Varroa mites are found in every other beekeeping area in the world, until now it has not managed to become established in Australia. As to how it has now made its way to Australia, this is unknown – it may have arrived via a transport container, it may have been present on a Queen bee intentionally smuggled in, or it may have come from another, unknown source. At present, the infestation is believed to be contained within a series of defined zones within New South Wales. Activities taken so far to contain the outbreak have included the widespread euthanasia of both feral and managed hives.

There are strict permits in place for movement of hives to prevent the further spread, and the NSW DPI is reminding beekeepers across the state to carry out mandatory surveillance on their hives.

During the course of the response, the zones have been expanded as more and more mites have been found.

What do the emergency zones mean?

• The red represents the 10km eradication zones where honeybee hives will be euthanised.

• The purple shows the 25km surveillance zones, where officials are monitoring and inspecting managed and feral honeybees to limit the extent of these incursions.

We are fortunate in that there do not appear to be any passionfruit growers in a red zone, however we are conscious this may change. For those who are reliant on European honeybees for pollination, we have been observing other industries to understand what ‘work arounds’ are being trialled to ensure that pollination of crops can still occur.

You can follow the Varroa mite response and get updates at:

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response

Can Varroa mite be eradicated and at what cost?

At this point there is a general consensus that eradicating Varroa is still technically feasible. Further, the costs of eradicating Varroa are minimal compared to the cost and consequences of having to live with it (the cost of Varroa establishing in Australia has been estimated at an eye-watering $70 million per year).

The cost of eradication will be shared across 16 affected industries, the Commonwealth Government and State and Territory Governments and further funding directly from the NSW Government, under a formal cost sharing arrangement.

While the costs to eradicate are high, without feral hives to aid in pollination, growers will need to rely entirely on alternative pollinators as well as managed hives, which themselves will attract higher costs as beekeepers will need to actively monitor for and control Varroa mites.

The latest version (17 July 2023) of the Varroa mite emergency zone map showing the Red and Purple zones around infected hive detections.

Source: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/emergencies/biosecurity/ current-situation/varroa-mite-emergency-response

How has Varroa mite affected crops in other countries?

The New Zealand experience of a Varroa destructor invasion commenced in April 2000, when the mites were detected in Auckland. A response was abandoned as Varroa was considered to have already become established. Since then, there have been dramatic declines in feral bee colonies, leaving agriculture to rely almost solely on managed hives, which have themselves become more expensive 5 .

Unfortunately for the industries involved, we will have to pay our share of the response costs. The total cost is still being worked through, and we anticipate being able to communicate these, along with the specific party breakdowns in the coming month. Fortunately, the Federal Government has agreed to underwrite Passionfruit Australia’s contribution for ten years, which will allow us to amend our existing levy to repay the money, or find another method to repay the loan.

PAI's committee and secretariat have spent considerable time and resources keeping abreast of this program and addressing the passionfruit industry's interests in this regard. The passionfruit industry is legally required to assist in funding control measures and there will be future communications with the industry on funding options as soon as the options have been properly explored.

Close-up of a Varroa mite and an adult female Varroa mite feeding on a developing bee.

Photo credit: Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Understanding Food Safety Compliance

Jane Richter

In 2012 Horticulture Australia Ltd (now Hort Innovation) initiated a project to harmonise the food safety certification requirements for the major retailers in Australia. The result of this project is the Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS).

The initial HARPS project was funded by Hort Innovation using across-industry levies and funds from the Australian Government.

The scheme is voluntary and application for certification is open to all fresh produce businesses that supply the major grocery retailers.

To determine whether your business needs to be certified to HARPS use the Decision Graphic in Figure 1. The following major grocery retailers and foodservice providers are members of the HARPS Retailer Committee: ALDI, Coles Supermarkets, Costco, Hello Fresh, Metcash (IGA) and Woolworths.

HARPS has resulted in the alignment of major grocery retailers and foodservice providers in Australia accepting a suite of GFSI benchmarked programs so that suppliers to these businesses are able to complete a single audit that will satisfy their customers rather than multiple audits against multiple programs.

What is an approved GFSI scheme?

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has developed a benchmark standard for food safety certification that reflects global best practice in food safety management. Businesses are not certified against this standard. Existing food safety standards can be benchmarked against the GFSI standard. If a standard meets the GFSI benchmark it is regarded as being ‘GFSI equivalent’. This work is accomplished through collaboration between the world’s leading food safety experts from production, retail, manufacturing, and food service companies, as well as international organisations, governments, academia and service providers to the global food industry.

GFSI is facilitated by The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a global food industry network.

What approved GFSI schemes are available for Australian growers?

There are THREE schemes that are available for growers to choose from:

1. Freshcare Food Safety & Quality FSQ4.2 www.freshcare.com.au

2. GLOBALG.A.P Integrated Farm Assurance www.globalgap.org

3. SQF Food Safety Code Edition 8 www.sqfi.com

Is HARPS required for my business?

To help you to understand whether you are required to comply with HARPS, use the Decision Graphic in Figure 1.

What are the fees associated with HARPS?

HARPS is self-financing, owned by Hort Innovation and managed by One Direction ANZ Pty Ltd.

HARPS charges a Royalty fee of $295.00 + GST for each site that is audited to HARPS, which is collected by the Certification Body on behalf of HARPS.

HARPS aims to maximise operating efficiencies to help keep the fees charged to participating businesses to a minimum.

The auditing is carried out by third party approved certification bodies (CB) who set their own audit fees.

To determine which CB are approved to conduct your audit, please refer to https://harpsonline.com.au/ wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Scheme-RulesAppendix-2-Version-17-June-2022.pdf

Overview of launch date & transition timelines for Tier 1 and Tier 2 businesses

What has changed in Version 2.0?

The Version 2.0 Standard will assist suppliers in meeting retailer requirements, and relevant Australian Laws.

The revised standard is accompanied by additional support tools for growers and suppliers, including guidance for each element and how to achieve compliance. The standard also incorporates guidance developed by the Fresh Produce Safety Centre.

The HARPS Retailer Committee said, “Version 2.0 of the HARPS Standard has been in development since early 2019 and reflects the foundational nature of the GFSI benchmarked standards, whilst building upon these requirements to ensure safety, quality, compliant products that customers expect when purchasing their fruit, vegetables and nuts in-shell.”

Each element within the Standard has been reviewed, discussed and debated by the HARPS Technical Advisory Group (H-TAG), a group comprised of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, as well as a diverse group of industry representatives, including auditors, trainers and peak industry body representatives.

The H-TAG have provided recommendations for improvements to the Retailer Committee.

Notably, feedback received following a public consultation period closing in early 2021 and recent pilot audits to test the standard, have been important components of the development process.

This has helped to ensure elements are practical and realistic and identify the most appropriate support tools to assist implementation by suppliers, and particularly Tier 2 growers.

Throughout the process, specific attention has been given to the requirements for Tier 2 growers, who are often less well-resourced than Tier 1 suppliers. This includes detailing which elements are relevant to Tier 2s, guidance for growers currently using Freshcare as their GFSI benchmarked standard and providing a 12-month transition period (instead of the six-month timeline for Tier 1s).

Following the 17 October 2022 launch, Tier 1 suppliers were given six months to transition to Version 2.0, with a mandatory transition date of 17 April 2023. Tier 2 suppliers are permitted 12 months to transition, with a mandatory transition date of 16 October 2023.

Any new suppliers to HARPS from 18 October 2022 will require an audit against the Version 2.0 Standard. The graphic below provides an overview of the launch date and transition timelines for Tier 1 and Tier 2 businesses.

In addition, short and easy-to-follow training guides have been developed to help businesses update their existing QA processes and systems to the Version 2.0 Standard. Transition training will be available on the HARPS website.

If you require more comprehensive training, you can visit the training page on the HARPS website to find a trainer in your state or capital city.

MINOR USE PERMITS

Etoxazole is not effective as an adulticide treatment, and where large numbers of adults are present, it is recommended that a miticide from a different mode of action (MoA) group be used to control adults immediately.

40 mL per 100 L water Where biological control of Two-spotted Mite is being practiced –20 mL per 100

Passionvine Mite & Two-spotted Mite

Fenbutatin Oxide (Miticide)

directed All efforts have been made to provide the most current, complete and accurate information on these permits, however we recommend that you confirm the details at the APVMA website port

portal.apvma.gov.au/permits or at www.infopest.com.au . If you believe you have had a non-performance or an adverse experience following use under a Minor Use Permit, please report it using form “Non-Performance form for Horticulture Pesticides”–available in the GROW FRUIT section of www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au and return it to Hort Innovation: claud.warren@horticulture.com.au . A ‘non-performance’ is an unintended or unexpected effect on plants, plant products, animals, human beings or the environment, including

associated with the use of an agricultural chemical product(s) when used according to label (or permit) directions.

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Save money on your annual Freshcare audit?

Jane Richter

Did you know?

• You do not have to stay with the same Certification Body each year for your Freshcare audit

• There are eight different Certification Bodies who are authorised to carry out Freshcare FSQ4.2 audits

• The prices charged by the different companies differ significantly – there can be a difference of over $1000 in cost from the most expensive to the most affordable

• You can contact all of the Certification Bodies through a simple form on the Freshcare website to request a quote specific to your farm business circumstances from each company to enable you to easily compare

Did you know?

Certification Bodies may also offer a discounted rate in the first year of audit to new customers so shopping around and ensuring that you are fully prepared in advance of your audit date are the ways to get the best available deal for your farm. And it could save you up to $1000 so it’s worth investing a little time for your next audit.

Please note:

• Certification Bodies who audit the Freshcare Standards are independent businesses to Freshcare, this ensures the integrity and quality of compliance processes

• Freshcare has no influence over the specific fees charged by Certification Bodies for undertaking an audit

There are a number of factors that will affect the cost of your FSQ4.2 audit; travel distance to your farm business, how many crops and sites your business covers, and how well prepared you are – these have a significant impact on the overall cost as essentially you are paying based on the time taken to complete the audit onsite and the time taken to complete the report.

The Freshcare FSQ4.2 standard meets the latest market requirements and international standards, with FSQ4.2 achieving benchmark to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

This ensures continued access to markets around the world for Australian produce. Being GFSI compliant also means that the audit must run for at least four hours, although part of the on-site audit time can be used by the auditor to start their final report.

• The Freshcare fee structure is fully transparent –for the Food Safety and Quality – On Farm (FSQ4.2) standard, the Annual Certification Fee charged by Freshcare is $200 + GST (2022-23 Program Fees)

• The Freshcare certification fee is a pass-through charge only, currently captured by the Certification Body on behalf of Freshcare and should be clearly itemised on any quotes provided by a Certification Body

How can I easily get multiple audit quotes?

Visit www.bit.ly/Freshcare-Audit-Quote and complete the simple form. You can select as many of the available Certification Bodies as you choose.

Each Body will then contact you to get further information; they may require a copy of your previous audit report and proof of Freshcare training completion, for example. In my experience, each of the Bodies requested information in a slightly different format and it took about 15 minutes to complete each information request.

Who are the authorised Certification Bodies?

NASAA Certified Organic (NCO)

NASAA Certified Organic (NCO) has been a Freshcare approved certification body since 2020. NCO offers certification for the On Farm and Supply Chain Food Safety & Quality Standards and the Environmental Code of Practice. NASAA Certified Organic (NCO) is a fully-owned subsidiary of the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA), and provides certification services to the organic industry, in Australia and internationally. You do not need to be an organic farm to use this audit option for FSQ4.2.

phone 08 7231 7700 | email info@ncocertifiedorganic.com.au web www.ncocertifiedorganic.com.au

SAI Global

SAI Global Pty Ltd, a global provider of integrated risk management solutions, quality assurance, and property services, helps organisations to proactively manage business risk to create trust and achieve business confidence, growth, and sustainability. Their Assurance services division has a global reach with locations across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

phone 1300 360 314 | email assurance@saiglobal.com web www.saiassurance.com.au

AUS-QUAL

AUS-QUAL™ is a national service provider across a number of Agriculture and Horticulture sectors. AUS-QUAL provides a range of certification services and is accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) to certify quality management systems against the (ISO 9001-2015) and Food Safety programs (HACCP).

phone 1800 630 890 | email ausqual-freshcare@ausqual.com.au web www.ausqual.com.au

Merieux NutriSciences Certification

Merieux NutriSciences focus on the provision of Certification Services to the Food Industry globally, offering services that are on time, transparent and all encompassing. MXNS is a subsidiary of Merieux NutriSciences and has been established to provide the food industry with a meaningful choice of certification body for independent second and third-party recognition against a range of national and international product and management certification standards.

phone 03 8878 2122 | email certification.au@mxns.com web www.merieuxnutrisciences.com/au

SGS Australia

SGS offers food safety management systems audits against various international standards, ranging from COLES, WQA, SQF, HACCP, BRC, ISO, FSSC. RSPO, UTZ, along with many others. SGS offers the Australian agribusiness community extensive experience in auditing on-farm management systems, a national and regional network of qualified food safety auditors, a unique ability in providing a single integrated audit covering several standards/codes, a service delivery program that understands the needs of rural producers, and an audit process that adds value to your system.

phone 08 9373 3500 web www.sgs.com.au

SGS Australia

Established in 1991, Sci Qual International Pty Ltd was one of the first certification bodies to be accredited by JAS-ANZ. Fully Australian owned and operated Sci Qual has auditors located nation-wide, who all have first-hand experience in the horticultural industry. Sci Qual provides a cost-effective service, specialising in Multi Program Certifications.

phone 07 5499 3377 | email contact@sciqual.com.au

web www.sciqual.com.au

BSI Group ANZ

BSI offer a broad range of food safety certification and risk management services to help all organisations in the food supply chain achieve compliance and industry best practice to grow their business. BSI are a food safety and certification provider with extensive auditing capacity and the capability to conduct integrated audits for a wide range of food safety standards across the entire food and beverage supply chain –including GFSI-recognised standards.

phone 1300 730 134 | email info.aus@bsigroup.com web www.bsigroup.com/en-AU

ACO Certification

ACO Certification Ltd (previously Australian Certified Organic) is Australia’s largest certifier for organic and biodynamic produce and has over 2000 certified operations within its certification system. ACO has been providing Freshcare certification services to fresh produce businesses for over 10 years, and are accredited by IOAS to provide Freshcare Food Safety & Quality – FSQ4.2 certification services. You do not need to be an organic or biodynamic farm to use this audit option for FSQ4.2.

phone 07 3350 5706 | email info@aco.net.au web www.aco.net.au

For more information about Freshcare, please visit: www.freshcare.com.au

Information about the Certification Bodies who are authorised to provide Freshcare Certification is provided for your information only. An individual farm business must choose its own Certification Body and this article does not seek to recommend any specific Certification Body in preference to another.

Freshcare Training Made Simple

Jane Richter

It is a requirement of Australian food supply chains that a farm business producing fresh produce achieves certification to a recognised food safety and quality program. This is also a pre-requisite for any farm business that supplies produce to the major retailers in order to meet the base certification standards for HARPS.

Currently there are three options available in Australia –GlobalGAP, SQF and Freshcare – with Freshcare being the only industry-owned system designed in Australia for Australian farmers. Freshcare offers flexible, practical training options to ensure participants have a full understanding of the relevant program requirements. All courses include practical application techniques and detailed examples on what needs to be implemented and prepared to demonstrate assurance outcomes and compliance at audit.

Face-to-face training — Price varies

This training option is delivered by qualified third-party trainers who are there to provide tailored support and guide you through a streamlined process from initial program registration, all the way to certification. Training usually starts as a one-day face-to-face workshop with multiple participants or a one-on-one session. Trainers can then follow up with an on-site visit or provide further support by phone or email to help you interpret and apply the program requirements to your business. This support can be negotiated with the Trainer directly, to provide an outcome that is designed to suit your individual needs. Each trainer sets their own fees to deliver the Face-to-Face training so it’s a good idea to contact a couple of trainers to get a quote based on your needs – they may do a discount to train multiple staff at once or to combine your training with another local business. Visit www.freshcare.com.au/ search-directory/training to find an authorised trainer.

eLearning — $880 per person

A relatively new option, Freshcare eLearning provides a self-paced, online-only training option with userfriendly, on demand access to program modules and resources. eLearning trainees have 12 months access to materials for course completion, or to review and reference as required.

A dedicated eLearning support officer and qualified trainers are on hand to help you through the course when needed and to sign-off your course completion. Visit www.freshcare.com.au/elearning to find out more and register for access to eLearning.

Assurance Essentials — $495 per person

In partnership with Satinbird Education, Freshcare has developed the Assurance Essentials (AE) online training course to support building knowledge and skills in the areas of records management, training, & development, food contamination, traceability, and audit processes.

AE will upskill staff who are not directly responsible for the management of the Freshcare Program, but whose role requires them to have a general understanding of business operations and be vigilant about food safety potential risk areas.

The AE course costs $495 per person and comprises 5 learning Units + Introduction:

• Each Unit in the course takes approximately 2 hours to complete

• The Units can be done in any order and at your own pace

• Enrolments are valid for 12 months

• The material contains both custom and public domain video content to assist your learning

Visit www.satinbird.au/courses/assurance-essentials to enrol for the Assurance Essentials program or to discuss a bulk discount.

For further program info about these training options visit: web www.freshcare.com.au/training

Fertilizer Australia launches labelling awareness campaign

Jane Richter

Fertilizer Australia - the Australian fertiliser industry’s peak body - has recently launched a national Fertiliser Labelling Awareness campaign to highlight:

• the importance of fertiliser labelling

• how to recognise the correct labelling of fertilisers, and

• the potential consequences of purchasing products that are not accurately labelled.

It’s a timely initiative because recent supply chain restrictions, resulting from COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have led to several examples of products being sourced from markets Australia is less familiar with and markets unfamiliar with Australia’s labelling requirements. Several of these consignments, primarily sold into the horticultural industry, had no labels at all! Some didn’t even have correct Safety Data Sheets or Certificates of Analysis.

So, what’s the potential impact of incorrect labelling?

Fertiliser labels contain vital information to help agronomists and farmers decide about nutrients for optimal crop yield and quality while caring for the environment and food safety.

While most fertilisers are not classified as dangerous goods, some products are scheduled poisons or hazardous substances. Labels provide this information so people transporting and handling the products stay safe.

Fertiliser labels also aid traceability, a requirement of quality assurance schemes such as Freshcare.

What should be on the fertiliser label?

Agronomists and farmers use fertiliser labels to determine the best product to meet their needs. We call this the four Rs.

That’s why fertiliser labels must be descriptive and include all relevant information, such as the plant nutrients contained in a fertiliser, the form of the nutrient and its concentration. Nutrients may only be included on the label if they meet or exceed the concentrations in the tables on page 38.

Fertilisers can also contain contaminants that can accumulate in the food chain. Inorganic fertiliser labels should provide warnings on impurities when they exceed a “trigger concentration.” These contaminants include cadmium, lead, mercury, fluorine and biuret. For impurities of concern, maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) have been set. It is often impossible to know if poorly labelled products exceed MPCs without a chemical analysis of the product.

So, what can go wrong?

There have been cases where the quality of imported fertiliser has not matched the certificate of analysis provided by the supplier. In one case, cadmium levels far exceeded the maximum permissible concentration. In another, the “fertiliser” appeared to be simply soil. Usually, these issues are managed by the QA systems operated by the manufacturers and importers, including sampling and product analysis.

What can you do?

Fertilizer Australia members must have QA systems and labelling that meets the National Code of Practice for Fertilizer Description & Labelling.

This means you can purchase fertiliser products from Fertilizer Australia members with confidence. You can check the members list at bit.ly/41P4qxB and you can find the National Code of Practice for Fertilizer

For more info about Fertilizer Australia, visit: fertilizer.org.au

This sample label shows the information that is required on a fertiliser label in Australia to be compliant with the National Code of Practice for Fertilizer Description and Labelling.

Photo credit: Fertilizer Australia

National Farmer Wellbeing Report 2023: Farming’s silent crisis

Jane Richter

Published in late March 2023, the National Farmer Wellbeing Report research was commissioned by Norco (the 100% farmer-owned co-operative based in northern NSW), in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, and with additional input from the Black Dog Institute.

The research surveyed 1,338 Australian farmers aged 18+ with representation from all states and territories across Australia, as well as a cross section of farming sectors. You can download the full report at bit.ly/23-farm-wellbeing

The report paints a saddening picture of the mental health of Australia’s farmers with almost one third (30%) reporting a decline in their mental health over the past few years.

Farmers are typically brave, optimistic and resilient people. We take the knocks that would cripple many other people and we eat them for breakfast! But it has been an incredibly trying few years in this country for farming with extreme weather events – bush fires, storms, floods, droughts - coupled with the impact of other factors outside of our control like rapidly rising costs, labour shortages and supply chains upended by the pandemic.

What other profession has to manage the same breadth of responsibilities and level of risk, all the while being asked to do the one of the most important jobs in the land; to produce the safe and nutritious food that we are all 100% reliant upon for our very survival?

Whilst it is not new news that some farmers experience poor mental health outcomes, this new report suggest that it is more widespread than previously understood. In recent years, nearly half of Australian farmers (45%) have felt depressed, with almost two thirds (64%) experiencing anxiety. For one in seven (14%), it’s a frequent experience.

Even more devastating, close to half of Australian farmers (45%) have had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, while close to a third (30%) have attempted self-harm or suicide. This is a staggering number and one which demands urgent national attention.

According to the report, the way in which farmers’ mental health struggles manifest themselves appears to vary noticeably according to gender. Women tend to report to depression and anxiety in greater numbers, while men pose a greater risk when it comes to self-harm or suicide.

And age makes a difference too. The baby boomer generation has experienced the biggest decline in mental health over the past few years, with approximately 40% of those aged 45-64 reporting a downward trajectory.

Farmers are twice as likely to die by suicide as other employed Australians

What is driving the decline in mental health?

Natural disasters and weather impacts (47%) understandably topped the list for farmers trying to identify the triggers but financial stress (36%) and cost pressures (35%) both made it into the top 3.

Quantifying the impact across the country of natural disasters, the report found that 88% of Australian farmers have had their farming operation significantly impacted over the past five years, with an average cost of $1.4 million per farm.

Digging deeper into the numbers a clear picture emerges of a more complex problem with 76% of farmers surveyed feeling that the role they play is undervalued by the Australian public. We produce the food that consumers simply take for granted.

What should be alarming for those same complacent shoppers is that two in five farmers (40%) have contemplated leaving the industry, citing not only the physical, emotional and financial pressures, but also the perception that farming is no longer valued in Australia as key reasons.

What’s more, a quarter of Aussie farming families (24%) report being in their ‘final generation’ as they either don’t want their children to take over the farm, or their children don’t wish to follow in their footsteps citing the pressures and uncertainties of farming being too great (29%) and the financial rewards being insufficient (24%) as two major reasons.

The impact is not being felt in the same way across all sectors of farming, but horticulture is in second place with 44% of surveyed horticulture farmers reporting a decline in their mental health.

More than a quarter of all farmers (27%) say feelings of loneliness or isolation, combined with limited access to mental health services have had the biggest impact on their mental health over the past five years.

Respondents to the survey also believe that rural and remote communities are forgotten about and left behind when it comes to public policies and services, with one in ten (11%) calling for more support and funding from the Government.

Findings from the Report also indicate that many farmers are suffering in silence with more than half (51%) not wanting to burden family or friends with their problems or are simply not comfortable discussing them.

For those who have experienced mental health challenges, close to one in five (17%) did not want to seek or receive help, while one in ten (11%) felt too embarrassed to do so. One in seven farmers (15%) also reported difficulty accessing suitable services in their community.

What can we do to support our farmers?

While some macro factors - such as the weather and the global economy - are impossible to control, the research identifies several mental health triggers over which we can potentially exercise some influence as well as opportunities to improve access to support.

With the endorsement of the National Farmers’ Federation, Norco has developed three key recommendations aimed at galvanising action among consumers, farmers and the industry as a whole.

Photo credit: ditttmer, Shutterstock.com

1. Aussie Grown

Encourage consumers to actively choose Australian farmer products. In order to help restore much-needed pride within the farming community, more can be done by consumers to recognise and champion the critical role farmers play in our society. There is a role to play here for our industry marketing campaigns, educating and connecting consumers with the farms where their food is grown with pride, sweat and tears and the farmers who shoulder all of the risks.

2. Check In

Call on farmers to “check in on a mate”. Anecdotal research and the findings of this report indicate that farmers respond best to other farmers, who are uniquely placed to understand the challenges they’re facing. In rural communities where loneliness and social isolation is rife, it’s never been more important for farmers to stay connected to one another. Whether by attending industry or community events together, dropping in to help out with some farm work or even just picking up the phone, it’s important to maintain those social connections during tough times.

3. Advocate

An industry-wide push to create a ‘Farmer’s Army’ of mental health advocates. Norco is also calling on the farming industry to follow their lead by investing in mental health training for their workers.

For Norco, this includes offering Lifeline Crisis Supporter Training to all field officers, select co-op farmer members, the senior executive team and Board of Directors, so that they have the right tools and can develop the skills to identify and provide support to farmers who may be struggling.

In addition to Norco’s recommendations, the National Farmers’ Federation is calling on all levels of government to urgently assess the resourcing they provide to farming communities to support wellbeing and mental health.

“This country is built on the backs of our farmers. If our farmers do well, then we all do well. We need to make farmers feel valued again,” comments Norco CEO Michael Hampson.

Other resources that can be helpful

A new Royal Flying Doctor Service booklet ‘Mental Health on the Land' aims to provide support to individuals and families struggling with mental health issues. Funded by a grant from Thankful4Farmers, the booklet includes topics like:

• Keeping well

• Dealing with difficult times on the land, grief and loss

• Strategies to reduce loneliness

• Responding to trauma, anxiety and depression

• Resources & contact details for further information & support

Download it at bit.ly/RFDS-MentalHealthBooklet

The ifarmwell website has been designed by Australian farmers to help other Australian farmers cope effectively with life’s challenges and get the most out of every day. It does this by sharing practical ways of coping with difficult circumstances, thoughts and feelings (especially worries about things you can’t control) and helping you to work out where it is most useful for you to put your attention and energy. You can do this from the privacy of your home, tractor or shed.

ifarmwell can be accessed on your computer, smartphone or tablet - anywhere that you have internet access. The site will even send you text message reminders to keep you focused, and it’s free!

The website is designed to be useful for BOTH farmers who are currently feeling down or stressed AND those who would simply like some new tools to improve their ability to cope with uncertainty associated with life on the land.

Access all the tools and support now at ifarmwell.com.au

Farmer to Farmer: Why it’s good to talk

Ross Blanch has been a dairy farmer for more than fifty years - but for close to 3 decades he’s also been working as a Lifeline Crisis Counsellor, providing guidance and care to individuals struggling with mental health issues.

His work in this space since has seen him travel the country and provide support to those in need following natural disasters such as the equine influenza outbreak, as well as victims of cyclones and floods. Four years ago, motivated by the emotional toll the drought was having on farmers, Ross began operating a farmer-to-farmer call line, a service that was established by Lifeline Queensland. “Farming is tough, both financially and emotionally,” he says. “Farmers tend to brush off their issues and say they’ll be alright – but it’s extremely important that they have someone to talk to who understands and has experienced the same struggles they are.”

He often speaks to farmers who feel helpless and out of options, largely due to financial challenges, or the flood recovery process, many of whom are sadly considering suicide – but he says the work that he does helps to bring farmers to the now rather than looking back.

“I acknowledge what they’ve been through but help to bring them out of the past and into the present,” he says. “It’s a really important strategy in crisis counselling that helps them to change their thinking patterns, and after an hour and a half you can see a mentally healthier person.”

“Access to support, especially from someone who understands firsthand what they’re going through, can be lifesaving - and more work needs to be done to ensure our farmers right across the country feel supported, especially when times are tough.”

Hort 360: Get on board & reap the benefits for your farm

Jane Richter

What is Hort360?

Hort360 is a computer based, risk assessment tool, which is designed to give you a 360 degree view of your farm business operations.

Hort360 assists you to identify potential risks, capitalise on business opportunities and highlight unnecessary farm expenses. It is a whole of farm business approach.

Hort360 is broken down into a series of modules which each focus on a different area of farm business and not all modules are relevant to every farm operation.

How does it work?

The program is entirely voluntary and is free for growers to participate in. You do not have to be a member of Growcom or Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers to participate.

Through a one-on-one facilitated process, you will be asked a series of questions relevant to your business. As you answer each question, the system tells you if you are ‘below’, ‘at’, or ‘above’ the industry standard for each practice. If any practice is below the industry standard, you will be advised on what necessary actions are required to reach the right level.

Why be involved?

By participating in Hort360 you will have the opportunity to access technical support, on-farm training, and professional networks. All this will enable you to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, improve productivity and product quality, and build wealth.

There are also a number of government funded programs which require you to complete one or more modules in order to be able to access grant funding or rebates for farm improvement.

What are the benefits?

Increased profitability and sustainability are the major benefits of improved natural resource management and business management. However, voluntary adoption of Hort360 will also help ensure the most effective use of farm inputs and farm resources to reduce environmental impacts, reduce transaction costs, improve public perception of the horticultural industry and reduce the need for regulation or mandatory controls in the future.

Farm Business Resilience Planning and Hort360 Reef Certification are two current Hort360 programs.

Through the Farm Business Resilience Program, Growcom is assisting horticultural growers to be more resilient, profitable, and better prepared for drought and our ever-changing climate.

Using Growcom’s best management practice program, Hort360, Growcom’s Resilience Facilitators are assisting businesses to assess their current management practices to identify risks, solutions and actions that can build resilience and profitability over the longer term.

Growcom has streamlined the process with the development of a Farm Business Resilience Module, risk report and farm business resilience planning template all housed within Hort360.

A Farm Business Resilience Plan helps you:

• support the productivity and profitability of your business

• identify and assess risks which will impact your farm business such as drought, natural disasters, production risks

• identify opportunities to improve your business

• develop strategies and actions on how to manage risks and progress opportunities.

To find out more about Farm Business Resilience Program contact the Project Manager - Karen George on 0408 135 003 or kgeorge@growcom.com.au

You need a Farm Business Resilience Plan to apply for drought assistance grants and loans, which in Queensland are administered through Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

In Queensland, Primary producers across all agriculture industries can currently apply for these drought grants and loans without needing a drought declaration. The support on offer includes:

• Drought Preparedness Grants of up to $50,000 for on-farm capital improvements identified in a Farm Business Resilience Plan that improve drought resilience.

• Drought Ready and Recovery Finance loans of up to $250,000 for preparedness measures consistent with the producer’s Farm Business Resilience Plan.

• Farm Management Grants offer a 50% rebate up to a maximum $2,500, on the cost of eligible professional advice to produce a Farm Business Resilience Plan for your property.

In NSW, there is a similar Farm Business Resilience Program in operation, but this is not connected to Hort360.

You can find out more about what is on offer at: www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/programs/farmbusiness-resilience-program

The key purpose of a Hort360 Reef Certification is to provide a quality, credible certification pathway for horticulture growers to demonstrate their environmental stewardship and industry best practice standards in the Great Barrier Reef catchments.

The Hort360 Reef Certification aligns and leverages off current systems (i.e. Freshcare) used by horticulture businesses to provide a specific water quality outcome. This will ensure there is reduced administration effort for the grower.

For example, growers can be audited against the Hort360 Reef Certification at the same time as they are audited for Freshcare Food Safety QA and/or Freshcare Environmental.

It is important to horticulture growers, with much of Queensland’s fruit, vegetable and nut production close to sensitive marine environments such as the Great Barrier Reef, that they manage their enterprises to reduce impacts on water quality both on and off farm.

To find out more about Hort360 Reef Certification contact: Scott Wallace, Project Manager email swallace@growcom.com.au phone 0408 135 002

Passionfruit Levy Fund Update

Jane Richter

Australia’s Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) have helped drive agricultural innovation since 1989. They allow Australian government and primary producers to co-invest in research and development (R&D) for the benefit of primary production sectors.

In horticulture, for the majority of crops the RDC is Hort Innovation. Hort Innovation is responsible for investing the passionfruit levy into R&D projects to improve the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of the industry. They are also responsible for investing the marketing levy to achieve the industry objectives of value and volume growth.

The passionfruit levy was first introduced 1 May 1999. Passionfruit that are produced in Australia and sold by a producer or that are exported will attract a levy. The passionfruit levy is currently set as below.

When you receive a Grower Return from your market agent, you will see the Levy component has been deducted. The Levies are collected from the agents by a section of the Federal Government and the monies are handed over to Hort Innovation to manage and invest on behalf of the industry.

You can find out more about the current fund balances and how much is being spent each financial year at www.horticulture.com.au/growers/passionfruit-fund

Hort Innovation developed a passionfruit Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) in 2021 to reflect current priorities for the passionfruit industry, involving extensive consultation with passionfruit growers and industry stakeholders, including Passionfruit Australia.

The SIP is the roadmap that helps guide Hort Innovation’s oversight and management of individual levy industry investment programs. The passionfruit SIP lays the foundation for decision-making in levy investments and represents the balanced interests of the passionfruit industry. The most important function of the SIP is to make sure that levy investment decisions align with industry priorities.

The passionfruit SIP identifies four outcome areas that will contribute to the productivity and profitability of the sector.

They are:

• Industry supply, productivity and sustainability

• Demand creation

• Extension and capability

• Business insights.

You can download a full copy of the 2022-2026 SIP from the Hort Innovation website at: www.horticulture.com.au/ growers/passionfruit-fund

The passionfruit Annual Investment Plan (AIP) details how Hort Innovation spends levy funds over 12 months.

You can download a full copy of the latest AIP from the Hort Innovation website at : www.horticulture.com.au/ growers/passionfruit-fund/

Hort Innovation will continue to report on fund performance regularly, focusing on outcomes and the impact of investments.

The passionfruit levy is currently set as:

Current projects funded through the passionfruit R&D levy are:

Generation of data for pesticide permit applications in horticulture 2022

National passionfruit breeding and evaluation program 2022-2027

At Hort innovation there is an Industry Service and Delivery Manager responsible for the management of the Passionfruit fund activities.

IS&D Manager Gemma Burger: email

Managing Fusarium Solani

Wendy Morris

Many growers are all too familiar with Fusarium solani and the effect on vines. This frustrating fungus has a long history of causing havoc for passionfruit growers, combining with Passionfruit Woodiness Virus in the 1950’s to decimate black passionfruit crops. Anecdotally, growers have told us it’s on the rise again, in some cases wiping out entire crops.

What is it?

Fusarium solani is a soil-borne fungus which causes base rot. It can also have an aerial stage of air-borne spores from the red spheres on the stem.

As far as we know, infection occurs under wet conditions through damaged areas in the stem base or roots. Young plants with twisted and/or J-roots are predisposed to infection and waterlogged conditions exacerbate the disease. The fungus survives in soil by means of dormant spores.

We generally refer to it as a 'stress' pathogen - which means it needs a predisposing factor, which can be varied for example, waterlogging, wounding (physical or insect) or infection from another pathogen.

Fusarium solani is different to the other Fusarium you may have heard of in passionfruit; Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. passiflorae. For Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. passiflorae we have rootstocks which are resistant to the disease.

What happens once a vine is infected?

Vines lose vigour and young vines can collapse suddenly. A soft decay or pronounced swelling develops at the soil line leading to decay of the entire root system. Adventitious roots can develop above the damage. In conditions of high humidity, the red spores of the aerial stage may occur on stems. Cut stems exhibit a reddish-brown discolouration of vascular tissue that is generally restricted to less than 0.5 metres above soil line but occasionally up to 2 metres in ungrafted Panama varieties.

Passiflora flavicarpa rootstock itself is highly susceptible to virus diseases, and succumbs to base rot when it is below optimum health such as when vines are badly affected with virus. This is the main reason for the use of other varieties as rootstock for grafted vines, that some of them may have more vigour. Unfortunately, once Fusarium is present with a predisposing factor, it nearly always kills its host plant, and there are limited fungicide options.

Note that cutting the vine down and mowing it in will simply spread the disease further through the orchard. Infected plants MUST be removed completely from the orchard and destroyed.

Risk Factors that increase the spread of Fusarium in some cropping systems;

• Undecayed organic amendments

• Excess fertilisation, especially urea

• Excess irrigation

• Contaminated irrigation water

• Sciarid flies (fungus gnats) and soil-borne insect pests

• Ammonium fertilisers –nitrate fertilisers can suppress disease

Non-Chemical Control

• Prompt removal of infected plants, including the roots (as best you can). It is particularly important to remove vines before new spores of the fungus are produced on the old dying vines

• Soil solarisation

• Crop rotation with other crops/biofumigant crops

• Adequate calcium in soil

• Serenade Prime, a soil ameliorant and biofungicide

• Anolyte has been successful in some settings such as nurseries

Non-chemical control is not without drawbacks –soil solarisation can lead to a death of all beneficials, crop rotation may be difficult with trellising in place, and before Serenade Prime is used or calcium added, it is important to research whether these additives will be suitable for your situation.

Anolyte – Electrolysed Activated Water – has been trialled by some growers with high levels of success. Whilst the initial set up costs were high, the ongoing cost of production is in the region of 3 cents/litre.

As always, we recommend growers research their options carefully and consider a trial before making large scale commitments.

Growers can also refer back to the article on Page 12 in the Autumn 2021 edition of The Passion Vine for more information available online at:

issuu.com/janerichter/docs/the-passion_vineaut-21

For growers that missed the Passionfruit Australia Field Day held in Atherton on 16 June 2023, catch up on Dr Jay Anderson’s pre-recorded talk about ‘Base rot of passionfruit and the fungus Fusarium solani’ on our You Tube channel: web youtu.be/SETSlEzj_Ew

References

ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/DISEASES/ fusariumwlt.html

www.horticulture.com.au/globalassets/hortinnovation/resource-assets/vg15010-managingfusarium-diseases-in-vegetable-crops-fact-sheet.pdf

www.crop.bayer.com.au/products/bayer-biologics/ serenade-prime

ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74145.html

Air-borne phase of Fusarium solani red spores on stem tissue.

Photo credit: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Impact of Fusarium solani on roots of vines.

Photo credit: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Base rot on infected passionfruit vine.

Photo credit: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Vines severely affected.

Photo credit: Jay Anderson

Tips for running a trial on your farm

Wendy Morris

With so many new variety options coming online, you may want to consider running a trial on your farm. Trials can be simple or complex, but they can produce long-lasting benefits to your farm if it helps you identify the best varieties to grow where you are located.

Tips & Tricks

There is considerable variability of performance of the individual varieties in different environments and management regimes, so the first step is to thoroughly research your selected trial and speak to other growers about their experiences.

Understand what you are seeking to achieve, whether it is disease resistance, greater yield, improved fruit or brix and create a way of measuring outcomes.

Decide what row spacing is required, and what pest and disease management will be required. Factors such as disease incidence can be tricky to measure, so consider leaf sampling, insect traps and protein analysis as part of your trial.

It can be tempting to rely on visual results, but some products can make a plant look green without actually improving it’s health, and this can lead to misleading results. Next, select your plot. The best practice is to select several trial blocks, however if you are using just one trial patch, ensure that it is indicative of your farm. Be aware of the ‘edge effect’ – environmental conditions can vary significantly for plants on the edge, versus the innermost rows.

It is also important that your trial plot is clearly marked as it is not unheard of for growers and their staff to forget where one variety starts and the other begins, especially when the physical characteristics are similar. Lastly, don’t forget to record what you did, when, and what your results are!

More resources:

Passionfruit Growing Guide 2011 available to buy at www.passionfruitaustralia.org.au for Association Members only

How to conduct your own field trial, NSW DPI available at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0020/41636/Field_trials.pdf

What Can Variety Trialing Do for Your Vegetable Farm? available at:

smallfarms.cornell.edu/2019/04/what-can-varietytrialing-do-for-your-vegetable-farm

The Grower’s Guide to Conducting On-farm Variety Trials available at seedalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ Growers-guide-on-farm-variety-trials_FINAL_Digital.pdf

Chemical Update: Strobilurin fungicides & Anthracnose

This excerpt from an Avocado industry research update has been brought to you with thanks to the ‘Improving avocado orchard productivity through disease management (AV16007)’ project which is funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, and contributions from the Australian Government.

Azoxystrobin was first registered for use in avocado by Syngenta in 2003 as Amistar®WG (wettable granule), with later registration as the soluble concentrate (SC) formulation in 2005. It was registered for control of a range of fungal diseases in many crops (including against Alternaria and Cladosporium in passionfruit), including anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp. and stem end rot in avocado and mango.

Group 11 (strobilurin or QoI) fungicides, including azoxystrobin and many others, kill fungi by targeting a specific gene involved in fungal respiration. This singlesite mode of action classifies them as being “high risk”, for the fungus developing resistance to its action, through genetic mutation. The longer that these singlesite chemicals are used, the higher the chance that target fungi could develop resistance. For this reason, the labels for Amistar and other strobilurin fungicides, have very strict instructions for their use, as part of an anti-resistance strategy, to reduce the risk of resistance and prolong the life of the fungicide.

While these fungicides are best used preventatively, they are considered translaminar, and remain active within the leaf and cuticle of the peel for several weeks, and thus have a useful post-infection activity.

Our AV16007 project work during 2020 - 2022 showed that pre-harvest applications of Amistar 250SC, at label rates, did not result in reduced severity of anthracnose, compared with untreated or limited copper-only controls. This supported anecdotal evidence from several growers who felt that azoxystrobin sprays were not as effective as they once were. This suggested that Colletotrichum sp., the fungus causing anthracnose, had possibly mutated to become resistant to the QoI strobilurin group of fungicides.

Resistance to strobilurins is well known in Colletotrichum spp. causing diseases in other crops. From these previous studies we optimised a molecular test to detect the mutation, and thus screen for resistance in individual isolates of Colletotrichum from avocado.

So far, we have screened only a small number of isolates, but confirm that a high proportion of isolates sourced from orchards which have a history of using azoxystrobin fungicides, were resistant. Three of these are from south east Queensland, and 2 from south-west WA. This was confirmed in agar plate tests, where the resistant isolates grew very well on plates amended with high concentrations of azoxystrobin. Only 1 isolate from an orchard in NSW with history of azoxystrobin did not have the gene mutation for resistance. Isolates from pre- Amistar days (available from the QLD Dept. Agriculture and Fisheries fungal collection), and those from organic and minimallysprayed orchards, are still sensitive to azoxystrobin, and do not have the mutation.

Liz Dann, Lara-Simone Pretorius, Imsu Nokdy, University of Queensland

Anthracnose spots on leaves and fruit. Photo credit: Passionfruit problem solver field guide

What are our next steps?

We have a very large collection of Colletotrichum spp. isolates from most of the growing regions, and will be screening more isolates in coming months to determine the range and extent of the resistance. Resistance will be confirmed using the molecular detection assay as well as the in vitro (agar plate) screening method. It is likely that resistance is widespread.

It is likely that there is resistance to the whole group of strobilurin fungicides, including trifloxystrobin, one of the actives in Luna Sensation. We will be checking growth on agar plates amended with Luna Sensation.

What does this mean for passionfruit growers?

Amistar 250 SC (Active ingredient Azoxystrobin) is a Group 11 fungicide and is registered under APVMA Approval number 58340/129023 for use in passionfruit against Alternaria and Cladosporium. Although it is not registered for use against Anthracnose, it is important to understand that this chemical is subject to a CropLife Fungicide Resistance Management Strategy and it is critical that this strategy is followed by all growers.

What is fungicide resistance?

Resistance by fungal pathogens to fungicides usually evolves following the intensive use of fungicides for disease control. In any fungal population there are likely to be individuals that have some degree of natural resistance, and which are less susceptible to fungicides, even before the chemicals are used.

Resistance arises mainly through the incorrect use of fungicides, which selects for the resistant individuals. Continued use of a fungicide or fungicide chemical group can result in a significant build-up of resistant individuals in the fungal population – to the point where that particular product, or other products from the same chemical group, is no longer effective.

You can find out more about fungicide resistance at:

www.croplife.org.au/resources/programs/ resistance-management

What can be done to delay or prevent resistance?

Following the Fungicide Resistance Management Strategy

Crop(s): Passionfruit

Disease(s): Alternata Spot (Alternaria spp.)

Resistance Management Strategy for: Group 2 Dicarboximide; and Group 11 Quinone outside inhibitors (QoI)

1. Maintain a protective cover with a protectant fungicide such as mancozeb

2. Limit the use of Group 2 to strategic periods i.e. before, during and after extended wet periods

3. Always tank mix the Group 2 fungicide with a protectant such as mancozeb

4. Do not apply more than four Group 2 sprays in a season

5. The total number of Group 11 sprays should be no more than one-third of the total number of fungicide sprays per season.

6. Do not apply more than two consecutive applications of a Group 11 spray

7. If two consecutive applications of a Group 11 spray are applied, they must be followed by at least the same number of sprays from an alternative chemical group

Remember

all crop protection products must be handled and applied strictly as specified on the product label or APVMA permits

Sprayer setup & managing spray drift

Jane Richter

When setting up a sprayer, matching the sprayer setup to the crop is very important to ensure most of the spray hits the target crop without being forced through the crop and onto surrounding crops or vegetation.

To achieve this, growers should choose the correct nozzles for the job and focus on fan speed to supply the optimal air velocity and volume. Get expert advice from your sprayer supplier or agronomist about which are the right nozzles for your task.

Calibration

Once set up, growers should calibrate the sprayer to their production area. Regular calibration checking is also a requirement for any of the food safety certification schemes.

The typical calibration process is completed in 4 steps:

Step 1 – Clean the unit

• Ensure there is no residual chemical in the tank

• Check that the nozzles are clean, not blocked and set correctly

Step 2 – Check speed

• Half fill the tank with water

• Measure out 50 or 100m and time how long it takes to travel that distance

• Include uphill and downhill if you have a sloping block

• Calculate the km/min travelled by the machine

Step 3 - Calculate total sprayer output

• Run both sides of the sprayer at normal pressure

• With 2 people + 2 jugs + timer + calculator, use the jug to capture output in 1 minute from each nozzle and combine to calculate the total L/min from the whole unit

• Ensure that you use the correct PPE to protect eyes, ears and skin

Step 4 – Calculate L/ha output

• Using row width, total L/minute from the output calculation in Step 3 and speed from Step 2 you can calculate the L/ha output

Managing Drift

Spray drift is a growing issue for all horticulture industries from both a regulatory and public awareness perspective. There are numerous examples of spray drift reaching adjoining farms and property resulting in costly fines, and product becoming contaminated and unable to be marketed.

Late in 2022, a large-scale spray drift event hit up to 30,000 hectares of cotton on the eastern Darling Downs in Queensland causing up to $100 million worth of damage. Read more at ab.co/3jwjD5H

Spray drift can be caused by spraying when winds are too high or by having fine or very fine sized droplets that can be carried beyond the target crop and onto neighbouring vegetation or crops. Some key factors contributing to the formation of these droplets are pressure, nozzle type, the use of some adjuvants and simply not having machines set up correctly.

Key considerations for managing spray drift include:

• Calibrate your spray unit and assess coverage before the start of the season

• Increase droplet size and use low drift nozzles

• Reconsider the use of wetters and particularly avoid non-ionic surfactants

• Keep detailed spray records and critical weather data particularly wind speed and direction at the times you are spraying

Keeping accurate records of spraying and accompanying weather data is not just a requirement for your food safety compliance program, its more and more possible that you may need to be able to produce your records for scrutiny if you end up in a legal battle from a spray drift issue!

Calculating Water & Chemical Quantities

Before spraying it is necessary to calculate the exact quantities of water + chemical needed to spray the required area of orchard.

CHEMICALS REQUIRED (Litres or Kg) per ha

Tank Volume (L) x Recommended Chemical Rate (L/ha) or (Kg/ha)

Spray Application Rate (L/ha)

example: 3000 Litres x 5 (L/ha) ÷ 900 (L/ha) = 21.4 Litres or (Kg)

AREA COVERED (ha)

Tank Volume (L)

Spray Application Rate (L/ha)

example: 3000 Litres ÷ 900 (L/ha) = 3.33 hectares

TANK VOLUME OF MIXTURE REQUIRED (Litres)

Area (ha) x Spray Application Rate (L/ha) or (Kg/ha)

example: 3.25 (ha) x 900 (L/ha) = 2,925 Litres

CHEMICALS REQUIRED (Litres or Kg)

Tank Volume (L) x Recommended Chemical Rate (L or Kg per 100 L) 100

example: 1500 (L) x 3 ÷ 100 = 45 Litres

IMPORTANT Be sure to mix only enough spray mixture to cover the area required. Avoid wastage and problems of needless chemical disposal.

National Passionfruit Breeding & Evaluation Program

The National Passionfruit Breeding and Evaluation Program has been recently contracted to deliver new passionfruit varieties for Australian growers. The new 5-year passionfruit breeding project PF22000 is being funded by Hort Innovation through the passionfruit research and development levy, and funds from the Australian Government.

The project is also receiving support from the University of Queensland who have been selected as the Service Delivery Partner. The primary goal of this project is to develop a new breeding strategy to reboot Australia’s passionfruit industry.

The research team consists of lead researchers from Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) at the University of Queensland.

• The project leader, Dr Mobashwer (Mo) Alam, brings over 20 years of experience in national and international plant breeding research and development (R&D) in horticultural, industrial and field crops

• Professor Bruce Topp is a renowned horticultural crop breeder

• Associate Prof Craig Hardner is a globally recognised Quantitative geneticist

• Professor Topp and Associate Professor Hardner have over 40 years of research experience in the Australian horticulture industry

• Associate Professor Heather Smyth has two decades of research experience in flavour chemistry and sensory science

• Associate Professor John Thomas has over 40 years’ experience as a plant virologist, with extensive research experience in virus diseases of passionfruit

The new breeding team will build upon and expand the genetic improvement program previously developed by Southern Cross University through two successive projects, PF15000 and PF19000.

Currently, the Australian passionfruit industry faces several problems, including the unavailability of new varieties, yield declination of the main scion varieties (Sweetheart and Misty Gem), blind tipping, and reduced vigour, inconsistent fruit size, disease susceptibility, and adaptation challenges to changing climates.

The primary objectives of this new project are to:

• Generate new progenies for the development of new passionfruit selections with improved agronomic performance, product quality, and consumer appeal

• Develop hybrid varieties for industry adoption

Dr Mobashwer (Mo) Alam, University of Queensland

Project leader Dr Mo Alam. Photo credit: Megan Pope

• Develop and apply new technologies and methods to enable rapid breeding

• Generate comparative performance data for progenies

• Communicate performance of new selections and varieties to the Australian passionfruit industry

With input from the research team, this project seeks to focus on developing new passionfruit varieties for the industry, considering production requirements, consumer preferences and quality and pest and disease tolerances.

Dr Alam will also investigate the potential value of accessing passionfruit genetics from breeding programs overseas to feed into the Australian passionfruit breeding program.

The current breeding program is funded through until the end of 2027 and Dr Alam will use a range of approaches to improve the chances of successfully identifying superior passionfruit selections, including efficient breeding strategies, bioeconomic and choice preference models, development of molecular markers for productivity and quality traits and a genomic selection model for yield.

A germplasm collection will also be established to feed into breeding efforts. Each year, progeny will be developed and assessed for performance.

The project will work with industry representatives and also include grower-based trials for promising selections to be evaluated in the field under different production conditions.

Progress on the project will also be communicated through Passionfruit Australia and other industry forums as relevant.

Dr Mo Alam with Keith Paxton. Photo credit: Megan Pope

PASSIONFRUIT ABOUT Passionate

As soon as you visit the nursery, you can’t help but be impressed by Megan and Dave’s enthusiasm and professionalism.

Having been involved in all aspects of the passionf ruit industry for many years, Megan knows what is needed and expected by growers.

Arbour Grove nursery takes great pride in supplying quality plants.

Grafted Varieties & Panama.

Claud Warren

Regulatory Affairs and Crop Protection Manager, Hort Innovation

Claud was raised on a vegetable farm. He is an experienced senior horticultural scientist and technical manager with extensive international experience and expertise in horticultural science, regulatory affairs, product development and registration, R&D, research, extension, innovation, and business development across highly competitive public and corporate markets.

Claud has worked in companies and organizations like the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group, Yates Australia, Evergreen Garden Care and Reckitt Benckiser.

Having joined Hort Innovation in March 2023, Sydney-based Claud is responsible for oversight of the large Crop Protection portfolio of investments, including minor use permit renewals and new applications, facilitating the generation of pesticide residue, efficacy and crop safety data to support minor use permit and label registration applications, and managing crop protection regulatory activities.

Claud takes over from Jodie Pedrana who many growers will know from her time at Hort Innovation where she successfully secured considerable amounts of additional funding to help facilitate access to chemicals both on-label and via Minor Use Permits. Contact Claud at claud.warren@horticulture.com.au 0407 402 997

Did you know?

Technically passionfruit are a berry

Passionfruit Skin Jam

With thanks to taste.com.au

Yes, you really can transform your un-used passionfruit skins into a yummy breakfast preserve with just sugar, water and some wine!

INGREDIENTS

4 purple passionfruit cut into 8 halves

2 cups caster sugar

½ cup red wine

METHOD

1. Scrape the pulp from 8 passionfruit halves and make yourself a nice cocktail!

2. Place skins cut-side down in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and cook over low heat, partially covered, for 1 ½ hours or until very tender. Drain and reserve the liquid. Cool skins.

3. Scrape out the jelly-like flesh from inside the skins to make 2 cups (top up with reserved liquid, if needed). Add to a saucepan with the caster sugar and red wine.

4. Puree with a stick blender until smooth. Bring to the boil. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, for 50 minutes or until a small amount sets on a chilled saucer. Pour into sterilised jars. Seal.

Did you know?

Passionfruit is known to have calming properties and it’s used as a sleeping aid, to calm nerves and relieve anxiety

Passionfruit Jellies

With thanks to New Zealand Woman’s Weekly Food

Create these juicy, sweet fruity passionfruit lollies for your family and friends

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup water

1 ½ cup caster sugar

¾ cup passionfruit juice, strained

METHOD

Did you know?

Brazilians are crazy about passionfruit! Brazil grows and eats more passionfruit than any other country on earth

3 tbsp powdered gelatine white sugar, to coat jellies

1. Using your fingertips, sprinkle a little water in an 18 x 26cm non-stick slice pan.

2. Combine sugar and passionfruit in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat, until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered, without stirring, for 10 minutes, until syrup thickens slightly and is clear.

3. Meanwhile, in a jug, sprinkle gelatine over water. Set aside for 5 minutes, until gelatine softens and expands. Place jug in a container of hot water. Stir until gelatine melts. Whisk into passionfruit syrup. Set aside for 15 minutes, removing any scum from the surface.

4. Pour into the prepared pan. Cool to room temperature and then cover and chill for 2 hours until firm.

5. Cut jelly into small pieces. Toss in white sugar. Serve immediately.

Passionfruit Sunrise

With thanks to Woolworths

Did you know?

In Mexico, passionfruit is eaten raw with lime & chilli powder

Move over Pornstar Martinis –there’s a new cocktail favourite in town

SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp coconut liqueur

2 tbsp grenadine syrup

2 fresh passionfruit

METHOD

500ml orange juice

Fresh mint to serve 30ml vodka

1. Fill 2 chilled glasses with ice.

2. Add 15ml vodka and 1 tbsp of coconut liqueur to each glass.

3. Carefully pour 1 tbsp of grenadine down the side of each glass.

4. To each glass, add pulp from 1 passionfruit and top with orange juice.

5. Garnish with fresh mint to serve

6. Serve immediately.

Get Involved Join Passionfruit Australia

Passionfruit Australia Inc. (PAI) is the peak industry body representing passionfruit growers in Australia

Becoming a Passionfruit Australia member gives you:

• Access to projects funded by PAI or through competitive grants which provide funds outside of the existing levy system

• Grower alerts about immediate threats to your business from weather or pest events provided by our Management Committee

• Representation by an industry body who has your interests as its only priority

• Access to useful tools and special deals developed exclusively for members

• Membership runs from July 1 to June 30 each year, rates are pro-rated

• Membership lapses if renewal not paid within three months of the start of the fiscal year

• Associate Members receive a 20% discount on advertising packages which include more than one advertising insertion

Membership rates 2023/24

New Grower Member $253

Renewal Grower Member $198

New Associate Member $297

Renewal Associate Member $242

• Free access to Hort Innovation Final Reports

• A monthly e-newsletter, Growing Innovation

• Direct invitations to participate in industry events, as well as Hort Innovation forums and consultations

• The opportunity to exercise voting rights at Hort Innovation’s Annual General Meeting

• Please remember paying a levy does not automatically make you a member of Hort Innovation. If you haven’t become a member, then now is your opportunity.

TO JOIN, VISIT:

www.horticulture.com.au/membership-application-form

ifarmwell is a practical online tool kit to help Australian farmers manage life’s challenges effectively and get the most out of every day

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