ATGA CEO
Hope for a budding future News from our CEO It feels like growers were just pruning, but buds will emerge soon and a new season will be upon us.
Markets
Fruit fly
The ATGA has increased its
A number of workshops have been
communication with the Australian
held in recent months concerning fruit
Government about improving access
fly activity. Recent outbreaks in the
into the United States and Japan.
Riverland have become more frequent
Last season was difficult and challenging for everyone, by most accounts. The challenges faced by all can be attributed to several factors, but none more so than the lingering effects of the pandemic.
At a recent bilateral meeting between
Internationally, China had lockdowns in Shanghai and Beijing – during the most important period of the harvest – and all other countries had restricted movements, which one could argue led to lack of consumer confidence and spending. Importers were, simply, not at the confident level they were pre-Covid.
to conclude its work on mangoes by
Climatic conditions did not help, with overcast and humid times during critical growth periods, compounded by two bouts of La Niña. This was a major contributing factor to the quality of fruit produced this year and the lateness of harvest, compared to previous years. There is some uncertainty, with rare triple La Niña predictions for the next season. However, with a 50-50 chance, we hope weather patterns are in our favour, and the industry can look forward to next season’s harvest with some amount of confidence.
Australia, the Japan importers association, and the Japanese government, it was pleasing to hear that Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) expects October. It should then commence work on Australia’s next priority for access, which is set to be additional varietal
Pest Free Area status. This will have an impact on the way fruit is exported from the Riverland. There is also the concern of the odd Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) outbreaks in Adelaide. All eastern states in Australia are deemed Medfly free, and it is important that the state governments continue their surveillance programs
access for table grapes and citrus.
on Medfly.
Japanese importers suggest they
Several protocols rely on the East/
would like the next priority to solely be table grapes, which is good news for the industry. While it is difficult to put timelines on the conclusion of these activities, assuming no unforeseen circumstances, I hope these negotiations will conclude between Australia and Japan by December 2023, in time for the 2024 export season.
West conditions for fruit fly. The West is free of Qfly and the East free of Medfly. This status needs to be maintained. So, it is a timely reminder that all growers should be vigilant for Qfly in their vineyards. The extension team is on hand if you need support or advice on bait spraying and trapping for Qfly on your property. In autumn, record numbers of Qfly were detected
The ATGA has engaged the US embassy
in traps in Sunraysia, due to abnormally
in Australia to hasten a response
humid conditions. While Qfly numbers
from the United States Department
fell over the cold winter, they're
of Agriculture (USDA) for improved
expected to increase during spring
access to the US. Let’s hope Australia
with the warmer weather. You can read
gets a response from them soon.
more about fruit fly on pages 31-33. v
Jeff Scott | CEO
12 VINE MAGAZINE
and there is fear that it may lose its
