Profile: Rob Kennedy

As a third-generation dried grape grower, Rob Kennedy remembers helping his parents on their family block as a kid.

Since then, much has changed in the industry, and on the Kennedy’s property, including updating and adapting the vineyard to more mechanised and efficient production systems.

Rob is part of Dried Fruits Australia’s Innovation Committee and was the first grower to invest in a new dried grape harvester for this season. He explains why he’s proud to be part of the industry, and what he sees for its future.

How long have you been involved in the dried grape industry?

I am a third generation dried fruit grower. I grew up on a dried fruit and citrus property in Irymple and as a child would help my parents with the various jobs involved in running the property. I particularly remember harvest time including jobs such as carting in fruit to be put on the rack for drying and raking out and boxing fruit.

My wife and I purchased our 18-acre property 18 years ago in 2005.

We both had full-time jobs so we had to be time-efficient with the management of the property. This meant redeveloping the property from its purchase state of flood irrigation and rack drying to a more modern pressurised watering system and trellis drying.

Is the family involved too?

My parents are still involved in the industry after 50 years, having also grown citrus and wine grapes. My eldest son has been helping over the past few years particularly at harvest time with tractor work.

What do you like about the dried grape industry?

Having grown up in regional Victoria,

I really value the rural lifestyle. Dried fruit growers are a supportive bunch and are willing to help out when they can. We share ideas and support each other through challenging times.

The dried fruit industry is an important part of Sunraysia history and I am proud to be able to continue the legacy of the growers who established it so many years ago. How have things changed over the years?

We are much more mechanised now with all areas of production. Trellis drying and mechanical harvesting have increased the efficiency of production and enable us to produce greater volumes of fruit. This is necessary to remain viable in the dried fruit industry. We’re always looking at the most cost efficient and time effective way to produce good quality fruit.

Where do you see the industry going?

Like any farming, growing dried fruit has its challenges. Whilst we can control many things, weather is the ultimate factor determining the quality of the fruit.

Medium scale/family growers are becoming a rare commodity as large corporate farming companies gradually make up the bulk of the fruit produced.

It is vital that these smaller producers are able to continue in the industry to ensure it remains what has kept it unique from its origins.

Being able to access contractors with specialised equipment is important for small to medium sized growers to reduce the costs associated with dried fruit production.

Ultimately the price that processors are able to pay the growers for their fruit will determine the longevity and growth of the industry.

Is there anything new or innovative that you're doing on your block or in your business? We recently removed all of the citrus trees on my parents property and are gradually converting it over to dried fruits.

We are looking at planting some of the earlier ripening varieties such as Selma Pete to try to spread the workload out a little during harvest.v