WA CITRUS
Markets U
ncertainty is the status quo as we start the 2020 citrus season. A fall in prices for lemons and limes in Autumn with the immediate overnight and ongoing loss of the food service market, negatively impacted on growers.
3 DAN Papacek, Bugs for Bugs, presents on Qfly via Zoom.
R&D goes on-line
A
s a result of technology and researchers’ flexibility, we have been able to link to various on-line presentations relevant to our industry. In some cases, perhaps more than what would have done in a normal year. Bronwyn listened to a presentation by Dan Papacek on his experience with areawide management of Queensland fruit fly in the Burnett region of Queensland. Thanks to organisers from the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area program.
of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will be collaborating on with Steven and WA afourer growers.
Research proposals Research proposals were called for by Horticulture Innovation Australia for using the national citrus levy on integrated pest and disease management. WA is part of a tender that was submitted. If successful this will mean three years of activities related to pests, including workshops, farm walks and demonstrations. An article from DPIRD on Citrus gall wasp is also in this edition of the WA Grower (see page 63).
FREE
pre-harvest fruit testing has started!
Steven Fallivene (NSWDPI) hosted several online presentations with South African citrus industry colleagues to talk about their experiences with Afourer mandarin management. More than 20 people joined the forum from across Australia. This is a part of a national citrus levy project that Rachelle Johnstone from Department
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WA Grower WINTER 2020
Maturity standards
Maturity standards for 2020 were approved and free preharvest fruit testing has started as part of our industry development program. The program provides free testing of internal brix and acid levels to see if they meet the minimum standard. This helps growers ensure their fruit is picked when it meets consumer expectations.
By May, mandarin and orange harvests began, with volumes increasing into June as more orchards supply the popular Imperial mandarin. Growers will be watching to see if the reported consumer demand for fresh produce that boosts the immune system will follow through to sales. Exports are due to start in June. Shipping reports to date indicate a levelling in port logistics after early disruptions in Australia and export markets. Some export markets are not viable as internal country logistics are impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
Monitoring internal fruit quality of WA citrus fruit in the market has begun for 2020. This is part of a national levy project lead by Citrus Australia. Before the unexpected impacts of COVID-19, Citrus Australia hosted their annual Market Outlook Forum event in Melbourne this year. Topical presentations were on traceability, national crop forecast and packaging. Citrus Australia are undertaking a project aimed at improving traceability in horticulture supply chains. Presentations from the Forum are available for Grower and Affiliate members on the Citrus Australia website. MORE INFORMATION Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au.
MORE INFORMATION Contact Bronwyn Walsh on 0400 873 875 or industrymanager@wacitrus.com.au.
3 CITRUS growers, packers and marketers attend the Citrus Australia Market Outlook Forum.
