Vine magazine February 2023

New growth

PLANTINGS BOOST INDUSTRY

Reducing uncertainty WITH MRLS

for the picking season?

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The Vine is a joint publication of the Australian table grape and dried fruits industries. For editorial and advertising enquiries, contact:

Dried Fruits Australia

T: (03) 5023 5174

E: enquiries@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

W: www.driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

Australian Table Grape Association

P: 0438 316 339

E: tmilner@atga.net.au

W: www.australiangrapes.com.au

Editorial committee:

DFA Thomas Cheung, Megan Frankel-Vaughan

ATGA Jeff Scott, Terryn Milner

Design: Kylie Norton Design Printing: Sunnyland Press

Cover photo: Kamal Grewal and his son Aman inspect the family's new dried grape plantings at their Cullulleraine property. Photography by David Sickerdick

© Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2023

This publication has been funded by Hort Innovation using the table grape and dried grape levies and funds from the Australian Government. Wherever you see a Hort Innovation logo, the initiative is part of the Table Grape, Dried Grape, Dried Tree Fruit or Prune Fund. Some projects also involve funding from additional sources.

Learning lessons, looking ahead

Most, if not all, of our table and dried grape growers have felt the effects of a mild season, as well as the disease pressures that have come along with it. While growing conditions this season have been less than ideal – and with the season not yet over – already growers from both industries have learned valuable lessons from season 2023 and are looking toward a positive future.

In this edition, we look at how the dried grape industry is looking to rebuild and recover, while table grape growers are taking stock of their mental wellbeing and looking out for each other during a difficult time.

For table grape growers, using available screening and testing tools – for quality, maturity and MRL compliance – will be key, while dried grape growers will be hoping for ideal drying conditions over the coming weeks. We wish everyone all the best.

– from the team

Table Grapes Dried Grapes Combined Industries Prunes

Dried grape plantings grow

The traditionally wheatgrowing region of the Millewa in Victoria's north-west might not be where you’d expect to find some of the dried grape industry’s newest plantings. But that’s exactly what’s happening at Grewal Farms at Cullulleraine, between Mildura and the South Australian border.

Grewal Farms – a family-operated business – has taken the leap into dried grape growing and the newcomers have shared their enthusiasm for what they see as a positive future in the industry.

Owners Manjinder and Kamal Grewal, originally from Punjab, India, have always been connected to agriculture and have been involved in farming for generations.

The family started farming in the region in early 2000 in the Riverland, South Australia, growing winegrapes and stone fruit.

“Then the business expanded its operations to Sunraysia, growing grain, nuts and grapes, most recently moving into citrus as well,” Kamal said.

“Along with growing the crops, we started processing the commodities to add value. This was done by milling the grain into flour.”

The Cullulleraine farm is home to Grewal Golden Grains. A Dried Fruits Australia field walk last year toured the farm, which included the new dried grape plantings and an insight into the milling side of the grain business.

Kamal, whose role is to explore business development opportunities, explained the decision to add dried grapes to their production was about diversification of crops.

“We wanted to diversify the crops that we grow and to minimise the risk while growing limited crops,” he said.

The business was supported in their decision by Dried Fruits Australia’s GrapeInvest platform.

The online platform allows growers to input data – grape variety, hectares and other variables – to see their earning potential.

“The dried grape industry is very supportive and encourages new growers to enter,” Kamal said. While the Grewals have had

experience in vineyards before, this will be their first introduction to growing dried grapes.

“We haven’t had any experience growing dried grapes before, but have grown other types of grapes, which has been helpful in the process,” Kamal said.

“As mentioned before, the industry has been very supportive, especially the industry leaders in providing valuable insights and knowledge to first-time growers.

“The experience has been great so far, we have learnt a lot and there is still much more to learn as we move forward.”

Grewal Farms is only in the first of several planned stages to enter the dried grape industry.

The first stage – 120 acres (48ha) of dried grape plantings – includes Sugra 39 and Selma Pete, and is expected to be ready for its first harvest in 2025.

“There will be more plantings to follow after this first stage,” Kamal said.

“We’re looking at doing another two to three stages of similar acreage of dried grapes in the coming years with other varieties.”

Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung and field officer Stephen Kelly recently visited Grewal Farms to see the progress that’s been made on the development.

Thomas said he was excited by the potential of new plantings and what that meant for the dried grape industry.

“DFA, as the peak industry body for dried fruits, will always encourage new growers with technical expertise and market insight support from an industry point of view,” Thomas said.

“Our goal aligns with the industry’s processors. Together we would like to welcome and support new growers and expand our existing crop intake.

“I have spoken to Kamal, the extraordinary passionate leader

with big vision for his family business. I honestly believe that this is the perfect time to invest in the dried grape industry.”

Thomas said strong demand in both domestic and overseas markets for quality Australian dried fruit, coupled with consistently improving grower returns, made dried grape investment attractive. He flagged new rain resistant and disease tolerant varieties with exceptional crop yields and early harvest as a "gamechanger" to our industry.

"Mechanisation and automation have been significantly improved through the mechanical winter pruning project, as well as the DFA Innovation Committee's

work getting new harvesters out to industry," Thomas said.

Kamal said the future of the dried grape industry looked to be positive.

“The industry is growing and looking into areas of improvement in the growing of dried grapes, which is optimistic,” he said.

Stephen encouraged other growers who were considering new plantings or vineyard redevelopment to consider contacting DFA for guidance with the GrapeInvest platform.

“I am available to visit growers on their blocks and discuss plans for new or expanded plantings,” he said. v

Stephen can be reached by emailing projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

Traceability pilot's global recognition

The ATGA’s table grape traceability pilot has been recognised on the world stage after being awarded a global packaging award.

The pilot, one of the largest traceability and authentication projects deployed in Australia, achieved global recognition last week after taking out a WorldStar Packaging Award, facilitated by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

The pilot was one of 19 Australian and New Zealand packaging solutions awarded among 228 winners from 488 entries across 41 countries.

CEO Jeff Scott said it was rewarding for the pilot to be recognised.

“To win a world award is an exciting achievement for the Australian Table Grape Association,” Jeff said. “There was a lot of thought and strategy that went into our traceability pilot to make sure it would be a success.

“In future, traceability will likely become a mandatory requirement, so it’s positive that the Australian table grape industry has a traceability package – now globally recognised for its innovation – for growers to embrace.

“We’re really proud of the pilot and thank the Victorian Government for their support of the project. Thanks also to technology provider Result Group and producer-exporter Perfection Fresh for agreeing to participate in the pilot.”

The industry’s traceability pilot was one of the largest traceability and authentication projects deployed in Australia. The outstanding achievements are the result of collaboration between Australian

Table Grape Association, Agriculture Victoria, Perfection Fresh Australia, GS1 Australia, and Result Group.

More than 840,000 units of table grapes, including bunch bags, clamshells, and cartons, were labelled with a unique serialised QR code, further enhanced with the use of GS1 Digital Link standards and exported to over 15 markets in the Asia Pacific Region.

Agriculture Victoria CEO Matt Lowe acknowledged the “fantastic outcome” for the pilot and congratulated the pilot partners.

“Agriculture Victoria is delighted to have been part of this awardwinning pilot program by funding and partnering with the Australian Table Grape Association to pilot the use of Result Group’s traceability software with growers and exporters in the sector,” Matt said.

“We’re committed to working with industry to implement new traceability systems that maintain Australia’s competitiveness in international markets and ensure the safety and trustworthiness of produce delivered to overseas consumers. It’s a fantastic outcome to receive this industry recognition and I congratulate everyone who has been involved in this pilot program.”

As part of the pilot, growers were connected with consumers and supply chain through a custom traceability platform, label printing and management program, as well as process automation and scanning technologies.

Technology provider Result Group group general manager Michael Dossor said the win was “humbling” and highlighted the importance of collaboration and cohesion

among vendors and systems to ensure traceability systems are embraced by industry.

“Collaboration with current system vendors and developing interoperable protocols is always a challenge and requires trust and respect,” Michael said. “The upside, it opens up new opportunities in the traceability sector, as we continue to strive toward further innovative solutions in the Australian market.”

“Packaging is the most important touchpoint for customer and consumer communication,” added Perfection Fresh Australia chief marketing and innovation officer Luke Gibson.

“This technology gave us, as a brand owner, the opportunity to ensure product safety and quality across the supply chain as well as obtain direct feedback from users on our product experience.”

The WorldStar program highlights the global significance of packaging innovation by promoting technology and innovative solutions, recognising and inspiring packaging experts, and collaborating with brands to explore new ideas.

“This award is recognition that Australia has the capabilities, technology, and drive to be the world leader in traceability across agricultural sectors, but a lot still needs to be done,” GS1 Australia chief customer officer Marcel Sieira said.

“We encourage industry and Australian governments to build on this success and turn traceability into a real differentiator of Australia agricultural exports in international markets.”

Winners will be awarded in a Gala Ceremony on 6 May during Interpack 2023, in Düsseldorf, Germany v

Reducing uncertainty in chemical use

MRLs, WHPs and uncertainty

“The app is only as good as that data,” Alison said.

Internationally, export markets have no tolerance for breaches of maximum residue limits (MRLs). A breach in just one grape sample affects the reputation of the entire table grape industry.

Producers perform a delicate balancing act in high pest and disease pressure years, managing food safety requirements and quality control processes, to ensure fruit complies with export MRLs.

The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) is working in partnership with Cherry Growers Australia and Summerfruit Australia Limited on a Chemical Use for Export Toolkit.

The project, funded by the Victorian Government through its Food to Market program, involves modelling the breakdown of chemical residues to determine withholding periods to meet different export MRLs.

ATGA's Alison MacGregor, who worked on the project, said it was a timely project for industry, to reduce uncertainty for growers, particularly in high disease pressure years when they may need access to late season treatments.

Alison said that it was important that producers avoid taking unnecessary risks when it comes to meeting MRLs for different markets.

“What makes this tricky is that MRLs are different in all different markets, and sometimes we’re not sure how long we need to wait to meet a particular MRL,” Alison said.

“Differences between the MRLs in our export markets are not necessarily about health. Maybe that market has not used the chemical before, so they haven’t set an MRL. Or, maybe, the chemical is used commonly on other commodities, which means they need to ensure the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for that chemical is balanced across other fruit and vegetable categories, which means that their government needs to ensure the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for that chemical is balanced across other fruit and vegetable categories.”

“This is also frustrating for growers,” Alison said, “particularly if they can’t use a product after flowering simply because we don’t know how long it will take to break down to be undetectable in a market that has not yet set an MRL.

“These chemicals have been assessed as safe in Australia. They're proven to work well, and might be ideal in an integrated pest management program, with no impact on beneficials. But we can’t use them on export fruit if we don't know the wait period to achieve no detectable residue.”

The ATGA MRL app has been the industry’s go-to for guidance on extended WHPs to meet export MRLs, but it can be hard to source information to supplement the data behind the app.

“Sometimes the app recommends that a chemical is not used after flowering. Sometimes such a long WHP is necessary to avoid any trace of residue being detectable at harvest. In other instances, a long withholding period has been recommended simply as a precaution, because there is uncertainty around persistence of the chemical.”

Modelling the breakdown of chemicals

The project team used a model to derive eXtended Withholding Periods (XWHPs) to help determine how long a grower must wait to meet an export MRL.

“For table grapes, we selected nine chemistry options, and modelled the XWHP to to confirm the use patterns to meet export MRLs," Alison said. “In total, 25 chemical/crop combinations were modelled across grapes, cherries and summerfruit.”

“We chose chemicals that growers would be wanting or needing to use late season,” Alison said. “For example, growers might need fungicide options later in the season, and could get nervous about making that selection. So we chose chemistry to try to fill the gap, to give us access to options, late season, that will not compromise any Australian or export MRLs.”

The model used by the project team is a globally recognised tool – the OECD MRL calculator – used internationally to conduct risk assessment of residues. While it is usually used by government regulators to set their MRLs, the project team is using the model in reverse. Instead of using it to estimate an

Balancing chemical use with food safety is a strategic and critical part of fresh fruit production.

“Identifying XWHPs will help producers make safe decisions: safe for the consumer, safe for our markets, and safe for business”

MRL based on residues after a fixed WHP, they are using it to estimate WHPs that achieve target MRLs.

The actual data cannot be shown because some was provided in confidence by the chemical registrants.

Alison said he project is critical to provide "much-needed clarity about extending withholding periods".

“Identifying XWHPs will help producers make safe decisions: safe for the consumer, safe for our markets, and safe for business,” she said. “In some instances previously, we didn’t know whether a grower would have to wait just a few more days, or much longer, to meet an export MRL.

“Now we know that in some cases, we only have to wait a few more days – so this is really valuable! We now have XWHPs for some of the products we used to avoid, which gives producers more confidence in meeting export MRLs.

Alison acknowledged that although the project was beneficial, it was just the beginning.

“We’ve really just touched the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “This was a pilot – we’ve only examined nine chemistry options for grapes as part of this project, but there are still many more to cover.”

ESTIMATING THE XWHP FOR CHEMICAL X

The project team followed a multi-step process to estimate the XWHP for target markets. This example demonstrates how the project team estimated the XWHP for Chemical X, an unnamed product.

SOURCE

The project team sourced data from the registrant chemical company, the APVMA and the World Health Organisation.

SORT

The team sorted the data, because it wasn’t all suitable. They excluded about half the data either because the treatment conditions were quite different from how Australian growers use Chemical X, or because a trial had too few sampling dates or if there were too few test results at a sampling date.

MODEL

They entered the suitable data into the model. The model estimates the highest likely residue after spraying (after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days etc.) and uses statistics to apply a safety buffer to estimate a level that is higher than any likely residue on each day (e.g. 7 days after spraying).

RESULT

Using the modelled values (including the safety buffer), the team established a decay curve to plot the predicted highest residue for each day. This curve is used to predict the XWHPs needed to meet each target MRL.

Aust WHP XWHP

Is your MRL test relevant to your spray program?

Most laboratories offer a selection of multi-residue tests. Growers need to provide test results to auditors and agents as part of quality assurance programs for domestic or export markets. The test required by domestic retailers focusses on a specific range of chemicals. In a high disease pressure year, growers might need

to apply fungicides that are not included in the basic screening required for domestic markets.

Export markets tend to screen for a much broader range of chemicals than are required for the domestic market test, including chemicals we don’t even use in Australia, and also a lot of the newest chemistry that is not screened for in a generic domestic market test.

Growers often talk about C3, C5 or C6 tests – some labs give their comparable tests other codenames.

Each screen includes a different array of chemicals. For example, the C6 screen includes many more chemicals than a C3 screen. Prices vary –including more chemicals in the multiresidue screen usually means the test price goes up, but more comprehensive screens also increase certainty for exporting growers that fruit won’t be rejected by a critical export market.

Be proactive – check that your MRL test complies with the requirements in your export market. v

Australian WHP (days) and extended WHPs (XWHP) for nine chemicals and key grape markets for 2022/23 season

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Facing challenges head-on

A note from our chair

What a challenging year 2022 was with a wet harvest, a shortage of labour during harvest and pruning and a huge percentage of fruit needing to be dehydrated. This was followed by a wet spring, which brought on downy mildew and powdery mildew.

Downy has had quite an impact, with bunches drying up and falling off, vines losing leaves and some turning yellow. The final percentage of loss won't be known until after harvest. This has been a real shock to some growers. It’s heart-wrenching to see what you have put your work into gone. If you know a grower who has lost their crop, give them a ring and ask how they are going. A phone call could make all the difference.

We are confident demand will be strong this year, but we won't have supply to meet it.

DFA, along with the processors, have been putting the word out there that supply could be an issue this year and the reason why. We have been actively telling buyers that plantings are growing and we would be looking for markets.

For those that have lost their crop or those that have lost a high percentage, you need to do your sums as to whether it is worth harvesting. Look at the costs and returns, as well as how you will prune in 2023.

Remember DFA, Australian Premium Dried Fruits and Sunbeam have field reps if you are unsure on what is the best option. Give them a ring – another set of eyes having a look may help you make an informed decision.

News from our CEO

This year has proven to be challenging for our industry. Coming off the back of a wet 2022 harvest, the industry was affected by a wet spring and the disease pressures that come with it.

This is no doubt going to affect our 2023 crop intake, which will not only affect our growers’ income, but also dried fruits sales and marketing programs with reduced supply volume.

On the positive side, I am confident our industry platform is well established. Business fundamentals are sound and solid. There is strong demand for our quality Australian dried fruits, both in domestic and overseas markets, and plantings are increasing.

Leaving mother nature aside, one thing we can manage and control is working collaboratively, more strategically and harder than before.

Welcome to our new DFA board members Ashley Chabrel and Rowena Smart. Ash is an excellent grower and leader with vast experience in the dried and wine grape industries. Rowena is a proud next generation new dried grape grower with passion, energy and forward thinking. More on pages 28-29.

Chaired by Ashley Johnstone, the Innovation Committee was established for growers, investors, processors and marketers to work as a group to come up with innovative ideas, forward thinking and priority projects for the industry. I welcome anyone involved in the industry to participate, share your innovative ideas and help the industry to streamline its priorities.

The New Varieties Committee, chaired by Stephen Bennett, is progressing well. There are promising varieties in the pipeline that will become available to the industry soon.

DFA will continue working with processors to establish market access and customer networks in 2023 to promote our industry and to build a solid foundation for an expected bumper 2024 crop.v

Thomas Cheung | CEO

Mark King | Chair

Stepping into the field

Over the next 12 months

I will spend a lot more of my time out in the field visiting growers to find out how Dried Fruits

Australia can help them on a practical level.

Over the past few months, DFA released a suite of resources to help growers recruit workers when it comes time for winter pruning.

As part of the Victorian Governmentfunded Seasonal Worker Project, DFA produced a seasonal worker brochure, a short film on winter pruning swingarm trellis, as well as a fact sheet on mechanical pruning. The mechanical pruning fact sheet highlights the findings of the DFA benchmarking project and mechanical winter pruning project, which demonstrated that a move to mechanised winter pruning could save growers up to $942 per hectare.

Downy mildew impact

Downy mildew is a topic on everyone’s mind. A survey that 25 growers responded to indicated a very mixed impact across the industry. Almost 60 per cent of respondents had less than 10 per cent crop loss, almost 30 per cent had between 10 and 90 per cent crop loss, while 12 per cent had more than 90 per cent losses. While this is a better result than anticipated, it is of little solace to any of you with major crop loss.

I encourage growers who have been severely impacted by downy mildew infections, and who are anticipating financial hardship as a result, to contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

The service provides confidential, independent and free business and

wellbeing support for farmers and small business owners navigating financial stress and uncertainty. RFCS can be reached by calling 1300 735 578. Alternatively, you may wish to discuss your situation with your accountant or business advisor. Farm Household Allowance is a Federal Government support designed to help at times like this. On a practical level, I liaised with AgSmart, Australian Premium Dried Fruits and Sunbeam to get additional chemicals on the DFA spray diary approved list for downy mildew control.

Recognising top producers

DFA will again highlight and reward the best producing dried grape businesses in the industry with this year’s Top Crop competition. Winners will be those businesses that produce the highest value crop, per hectare, based on their final yields, grades and any deductions and publicly known base level pricing. The individual awards will be for each major variety, including Sunglo, Sunmuscat, currant, Selma Pete, Sugra 39, and sultana (and other sultana types).

These awards focus on commercial outcomes rather than solely on quality. For example, in the Sunmuscat category, an 11.6 tonnes per hectare 5 crown brown entry with no deductions will score better than a 10 tonnes per hectare 5 crown light entry.

To enter, contact DFA and register your business. As part of this registration, DFA will need to confirm your production areas for each variety award you want to enter. In nearly all cases this will involve a phone call with DFA to locate your patches on Google Maps. If more details are required, we will arrange to visit you.

All participating entries must:

- Include all the producing patches in your business regardless of age of planting for each variety entered.

- Be a minimum combined total of 1 hectare for each variety entered.

- Provide documented evidence of tonnes delivered, grades and deductions received, from the relevant processors.

- Be 4 crown brown or better in grading. Entries close 17 March, with final yields, grades and deductions provided to DFA by 15 May. Awards will be presented at the DFA-sponsored Mildura Field Days. Each category winner will receive a $500 Mildura City Heart gift card.

Dried grape project support

Horticulture Innovation has broadened its local staffing presence in Sunrayasia, with Nicole Dimos-Byrnes appointed to the role of industry service and delivery manager for dried grapes. Nicole will now be the point of contact for all Hort Innovation dried grape projects. Congratulations to Nicole on this appointment.v

Stephen Kelly

Dried

Fruits Australia field officer

03 5023 5174

projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

Trade optimism despite delayed season

News from our CEO

This harvest season has been another challenging year for everyone.

Climatic conditions have impacted several growing regions again this year.

Queensland had to contend with a lot of rain at the wrong time and this led to some issues with gaining maturity in the fruit.

Like last year, grapes were slow to reach the minimum maturity standard and at the same time had low acid levels. So, while the fruit may have had low brix, it was still edible, but the taste was bland.

Hot weather in Sunraysia has certainly helped the growth stages of the fruit, but by all accounts, harvest is around three weeks later than what growers say is a normal year.

Domestic prices for this time of the year have been strong, which has affected the volume of exports in January. Exports are expected to pick up from February onwards.

China is now out of lockdown, and this will support continued volumes being sent there and hopefully consumer confidence returns to what we have expected prior to Covid.

Other export countries are expected to want the same volumes as last year, with growth countries being Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.

The ATGA has started promoting to Japanese importers that additional varieties are just around the corner, with the expectation the 2024 harvest season will see full varietal access into Japan.

The USA is still a work in progress to improve the protocol assisting the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in sourcing the information requirements to be sent back to the USA for assessment.

Currently we have New Zealand inspectors in Sunraysia conducting pre-shipment inspections after the SO2/CO2 fumigation. They arrived on 23 January and stay for three weeks before going home and then replaced by another for three weeks at a time.

In December, the Korean inspector conducted the annual audit verification, choosing Mundubbera farms, as they had not previously been to Queensland. The inspector spent two days assessing all facilities and farm practices and procedures. Pleasingly, the Korean inspector was impressed with everything observed as assessed, which allows everyone to export to Korea for this export season.

Japan has indicated it will conduct annual audit assessments in late March, with international auditors visiting Sunraysia and auditing selected farms, as well as DAFF procedures regarding Japan.

Growers need to be aware of the potential fruit fly numbers in the vineyards this season. The weather has been conducive to increased numbers of fruit fly. The advice from Fruit Fly Murray Valley is that the volume of flies being trapped so far is exceeding other years. Be diligent in maintaining your sprays and trap surveillance and take action if fruit fly is detected near or on your farm. Read more on page 33.

In other biosecurity news, Hort Innovation recently announced an $8.7M investment to trial tree immunisations that protect Australia’s horticulture industries against the deadly Xylella and Huanglongbing (HLB) diseases.

Table grapes will be one of the horticultural products in the research project, due to the risk to industry of Xylella and its associated exotic vectors.

The project will be delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the USbased agricultural biotechnology company Silvec Biologics alongside the University of Queensland.

The trial will employ a method developed by Silvec Biologics to immunise trees, vines and bushes against diseases. The researchers will combine this technology with elements of BioClay to improve how trees are immunised. Xylella is of great importance to table grapes, as it has the ability to scorch and weaken leaves, eventually causing the tree to die.

Instead of hearing from the ATGA chair on this page, we spoke to Jeremey Boyd and other grower representatives about season challenges, remaining positive, and connection. As an industry, it’s important to reach out if you or someone you know is having a tough time. Read more on p. 22.v

Jeff Scott | CEO

From floods to bugs and everything in between

Most table grape producers, alongside other industries, have been impacted by La Niña conditions bringing with it a wet season and associated risks.

Some producers suffered varying degrees of downy and powdery mildew, along with botrytis. Early in November, the team responded to reports of bruising on bunch stems. We collected samples for analyses and diagnostic results indicated that the bruising may have been associated with Pseudomonas syringae. Pseudomonas is a bacteria that causes necrotic lesions in various parts of plants, including rots in grapevine inflorescences, bunches or berries. No fungal pathogens were isolated. Recent flooding in the Greater Sunraysia region impacted many, including table grape producers in flood plain areas. We worked with affected producers, Rural Financial Counselling Services (Vic NSW), and Agriculture Victoria, specifically to seek clarification on grant application criteria, leading to a revision and extension of the criteria – a positive result for flood-impacted producers. We will continue to assess the health of inundated vines to discern the long-term effects on production.

The team continued to assess the dormancy breaker and mealybug demonstration trials.

Preliminary results from the dormancy breaker demonstration trial showed that one of the 13 treatments provided a similar response to Dormex®, in timing of bud burst and uniformity at flowering, however most treatments did not provide any clear advantage over the untreated or water-only treatments.

It is hoped the trial will continue for at least two more seasons, to ensure that new treatments have no adverse effects (e.g., impacts on fruitfulness) and to refine the rates and timing.

The mealybug demonstration trial site was treated post-harvest in 2022 with a selection of chemistry, with and without a wetter. We have been monitoring the mealybug population, to determine whether post-harvest treatments reduce mealybug populations.

Running in parallel to all these activities, the team continued its work on restricted spring growth (RSG). We are currently exploring the possible link between carbohydrate levels in roots and leaves and RSG symptoms.

The team has collected the first of four sets of root and leaf samples scheduled for carbohydrate testing throughout the year. The prepared samples were sent to South Africa for analysis (total carbohydrates, starch and sugar). When all four scheduled samples have been analysed – October 2023 – we will share the results. Meanwhile we are consulting with plant physiologists to interpret results.

The team is looking forward to bringing you some grower events this year and sharing some more research, development and extensions news, updates on innovation in industry and more.v

Alison,

Jenny & Karen Industry development team

Top & middle: Leaf samples collected for carbohydrate testing and analysis.

Bottom: Inspecting leaf samples for mealybugs as part of the mealybug trial to determine whether postharvest treatments reduce mealybug populations in subsequent seasons.

The road to recovery

REBUILDING AFTER A CHALLENGING SEASON

For some dried grape growers, season 2023 is a year like no other – and one they’d like to forget.

This year, for the first time in more than four decades, Dried Fruits Australia’s own chair Mark King won’t harvest a crop after his Pomona vineyards were either flooded by the Darling River, or suffered complete losses from downy mildew.

While some are ready to put season 2023 behind them, others have remained relatively unscathed and will harvest a good crop this season.

While the season’s not yet over, already we can look back and begin learning from a less-thanfavourable year to rebuild in 2024.

Back to the beginning

As the industry was ready to put season 2022 behind it, the Bureau of Meteorology announced a

third consecutive La Niña event would begin late in the year.

These events typically increase the chance of above average summer rainfall in northern and eastern Australia.

A mild and wet spring and early summer meant vineyards were especially susceptible to the disease pressures of downy and powdery mildew.

“We had vines go under water when the Darling River went over its banks,” Mark explained.

“We built a three-metre levee, which kept water out of another 15 hectares. For the first time in 43 years, we will not be harvesting any dried fruit this year.

“We have looked through the different patches many times and the fruit is not there. The vines look OK, but downy mildew has taken the bunches. We are looking at pruning

differently this year and have started already in some young vines by cane thinning, hoping to push new growth.”

Assessing the damage

Dried Fruits Australia surveyed growers to establish an estimate of the crop losses the industry might face this year.

The survey yielded 25 responses, which showed a wide variation in estimated losses.

About 90 per cent of growers had at least some impact by downy mildew outbreaks this season, with some estimating complete losses, while others were more fortunate to have less than 5 per cent of their crop affected.

In addition to estimating losses, the survey aimed to find out how DFA could best support its growers through the remainder of this season and into the future.

Among the issues to arise were chemical availability, timing of pest

and disease alerts, and best practice information for seasons like this one.

Better access to information about varietal susceptibility to diseases was also raised.

Learning from season 2023

While DFA will continue to update growers on disease and weather alerts through GrowCare, there are several initiatives that will be added to better support growers.

DFA chief executive officer Thomas Cheung and field officer Stephen Kelly, through meeting with growers, will collect information to learn from this season.

Growers – particularly those who suffered few losses this year – will be asked to share their experience in the hope of supporting others to manage risks into the future.

Thomas said it was important to learn from this season.

“We need to make sure our growers have the best information possible to

make sure they can make informed decisions around the effective management of their vineyards, during years where conditions are ideal, and those that are not,” he said.

DFA will this year develop updated variety fact sheets, which will include information on disease tolerance and susceptibility.

Looking ahead to 2024

Mark encouraged growers who had lost a high percentage of their crop to do the sums on whether it was worth harvesting this year.

“Look at the costs and returns, as well as how you will prune in 2023,” he said.

If in doubt, he encouraged growers to contact their processor field representative, or DFA, for advice and options.

Mark said while the season’s conditions would no doubt have an impact on this year’s total yield, he was optimistic about the future.

Despite being unable to meet the demand for Australia’s dried grapes, he was heartened that the industry was enjoying new growth.

“We have been actively telling buyers that plantings are growing and we would be looking for markets,” he said.

Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung echoed those sentiments.

“There is strong demand for our quality Australian dried fruits, both in domestic and overseas markets, and plantings are increasing,” he said.

“DFA will continue working with processors to establish market access and customer networks in 2023 to promote our industry and to build a solid foundation for an expected bumper 2024 crop.”v

Left: Dried Fruits Australia field officer Stephen Kelly with grower Warren Lloyd in the field to assess the 2023 season so far. Right: Some growers suffered large crop losses due to flooding and downy mildew.

As the table grape season hits its stride, growers are advised to “hold firm” and harvest only mature fruit that meets the minimum maturity standards.

Early season results gleaned from Nielsen IQ, conducted with Nielsen Homescan panellists who had purchased Australian table grapes from 1-7 December 2022 showed somewhat “concerning” results.

Consumer acceptance fell to 70 per cent for red and green grapes – below the 80 per cent threshold and “significantly lower” than the start of last season, according to Nielsen’s Angela Carter.

Black grapes, while achieving lower consumer acceptance rates

Hold firm and harvest right

than this time last season, still maintained an average of 87 per cent consumer acceptability.

While penetration rates remained similar to December 2021, of the 213 households surveyed, Angela said responses revealed a “polarised” experience, indicating a lack of consistency in grape quality.

“It seems that we’ve seen a polarised experience in the early season to December 2022. We’re getting a few more people saying they ‘extremely liked’ their green, red and black grapes, but in contrast, particularly in the red and green, we’re losing more consumers that said that they liked the grapes ‘moderately’ or ‘very much’. ”

Consistency is key

Kitchener Partners is the project lead in the table grape minimum

maturity standards adoption project, funded by Hort Innovation with the table grape research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

Tristan Kitchener, of Kitchener Partners, spoke about the importance of maintaining consistency across table grape consumer experiences.

“Competition is increasing across the dessert fruit category,” Tristan said. “Other categories, such as berries, mangoes, stone fruit and cherries, are improving their offer to ensure consumers have a consistent eating quality. Berries have also significantly increased in supply volume, with extremely competitive pricing –blueberries are retailing at 3 punnets for $5 and strawberries are $2/ punnet, compared to grapes typically retailing at $9.98/kg this season.”

The project team said that early season consumer acceptance can have a flow-on effect through the season, as it can be difficult to change consumer sentiment and encourage customers to purchase grapes if they have had a negative eating experience previously.

What does that mean for growers harvesting or about to harvest? Every bunch of grapes counts when we look to maintain consumer trust, loyalty and repeat purchase. Ensuring 80 per cent of grapes meet the minimum maturity standards in a representative sample is an essential factor in achieving greater consistency.

Early season results show that green grapes fell short in their flavour balance and size/shape; red grapes fell short in flavour balance, taste, firmness and crunch in varying degrees; while black grapes had a much better performance, only falling below the acceptance threshold on firmness.

Combining Nielsen’s consumer feedback with in-field testing preand during harvest and store testing, the project team has developed a strong method of determining grape performance at various parts of the season, enabling growers to correct issues found in the early season.

“Part of the reason for in-field testing is to say, ‘how do we prevent immature fruit from ending up in a supermarket or an independent and resulting in a consumer having a negative experience’," Tristan said. “By conducting in-field testing prior to harvest and sharing that data across the industry, we can help ensure the industry is aligned and provide a clear incentive for growers, suppliers and retailers to not harvest fruit too early before it’s of the correct maturity and eating quality. If one party harvests too early it damages the season for everyone.”

Data across the project has shown that when consumers have a satisfactory eating experience, they’re more likely to repeat their purchase, increase their purchase volume, and stay in that category for longer periods of time, even if there is competition from other fruit categories.

While the team has identified some challenges with consistency, no customer complaints regarding eating quality had been identified, according to one retailer.

“No news in that world is good news”, said the retailer, when asked if there had been any complaints lodged.

Hold firm on maturity

Technical lead Andreas Klieber, of Quality Associates, who manages the in-field and store maturity data analysis, acknowledged the importance of getting the message out there and holding firm on the maturity standards.

“The last two seasons have been difficult for growers regarding maturity. Consumer sentiment dropping this season highlights that industry needs to continue to work hard on providing a consistent product,” Andreas said. “We want to make sure the message gets out there. We need to hold firm on these maturity standards so we don’t encourage consumers to switch into other categories that may be more competitive.”

Project’s final year

The table grape minimum maturity standards adoption project is in its final year and will finish at the end of the current domestic season.

As the industry dives into the final season of the project, it’s important to reflect on the data, resources and results of the past five years.

“After this season, the onus will be on growers to utilise the tools and

resources developed as part of these maturity projects, in order to help uphold the industry’s reputation in the dessert fruit category,” ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said.

“We’ve spent the better part of almost six years now, working with the project team, alongside all of the major retailers, Nielsen IQ and producers, dedicated to raising the bar for table grape consumer acceptance, and the industry has come a long way.”

“Historically we have tracked about that 80 per cent consumer acceptability on a consistent basis. Last year due to climatic factors it dropped down to about 70 per cent mark. This year is probably an even a tougher year climatically, and we are again seeing a reduction of acceptability to 70 per cent on white and red grapes,” Tristan added.

“But while there are climatic and production challenges that we recognise growers are facing, there is still opportunity for producers to succeed in meeting the consumer acceptability rate this year. In-store monitoring data and on-farm testing has improved visibility of fruit maturity and ultimately consumer satisfaction. ‘Good data’ enables ‘good decisions’ and is particularly important during challenging growing seasons, as we have experienced over the last two years.

"A ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ and for future years it will be important for the grape industry to develop a solution to ensure the gains that have been made over the life of the project are not lost, particularly given the increased competition from other fruit categories.” v

Prunes have bone health benefits

BY GEORGE CITRONER

A new study shows that postmenopausal women who consume prunes have a decreased risk for bone loss associated with osteoporosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 20 per cent of women 50 years of age and older are living with osteoporosis of the femur, neck or lumbar spine. However, two new studies from Pennsylvania State University found that eating prunes daily could help prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. The findings of both studies are based on data from the same 235 postmenopausal women and were shared in a poster session at the North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

The research was funded by the California Prune Board.

Women at highest risk of osteoporosis

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) say about

10 million American adults over 50 have osteoporosis, but women are four times more likely than men to develop the condition. This bone loss is caused partly by age and partly by declining estrogen levels, which contributes to increased inflammation that suppresses bone formation, according to NAMS.

Inflammation associated with bone loss

The first of the two new studies looked at the relationship between cells called inflammatory mediators, which release inflammation-reducing substances, and different measures of bone health, including bone density and strength.

“Our findings demonstrate that inflammatory markers are negatively associated with bone health in postmenopausal women, suggesting that inflammation might be an important mediator for postmenopausal bone loss and a potential target for nutritional therapies,” Connie Rogers, PhD, MPH, professor and head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Georgia, said in a statement.

Women who ate prunes vs those who didn’t

The other study compared four groups to discover what benefit eating prunes may have to prevent bone loss.

There was a control group that did not eat prunes, a group that ate 5 to 6 prunes per day, a group that ate 10 to 12 prunes daily, and a combined group – which consisted of women eating either 5 to 6, or 10 to 12 prunes daily.

“Our latest research represents the largest trial, with a cohort of over 200 postmenopausal women, to investigate the connection between prunes and favourable bone health,” the study’s chief investigator, Mary Jane De Souza, FACSM, told Healthline

The "prune effect"

“Through prior smaller studies, researchers have reported what is being referred to as the positive ‘prune effect,’ revealing that prunes seem to play an important role in bone health,” Dr De Souza explained.

She explained that this larger, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to validate and replicate findings from earlier smaller trials suggesting prunes may be a “promising,

non-pharmacological nutrition intervention” for preserving bone and maintaining bone density and strength.

Prunes prevent bone loss

Dr De Souza’s findings also indicated that the pooled group of women experienced measurable bone benefits.

“While we were not necessarily surprised by the current results given previous studies that have also shown positive correlations to bone health, this study is the largest randomised controlled trial conducted to date on the topic, so we were quite pleased to see this type of result among such a substantial sample size,” she said.

Prunes have antiinflammatory effects

Dr De Souza noted that prunes contain several vitamins and minerals important for bones but said “it’s not necessarily clear” what it is in prunes that exerts a favourable effect on bone health.

“Prunes are good for bones,” Dr De Souza said. “We also know that prunes have anti-inflammatory effects, and we have specifically studied this effect and will report on these findings soon.

“We are eager to continue this type of bone health-related research while also expanding investigations into the influence of prunes on the gut-bone axis and what research may reveal about that connection,” she added.

Nutrition can play a ‘significant’ role in reversing disease

Emily Feivor, RDN, a registered dietitian at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in Queens, part of Northwell Health in New York, told Healthline that food could be a “significant

piece” for disease reversal in many chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

“Medical nutrition therapy is used every day to aid in improving nutritional status in many of these preventable conditions,” Ms Feivor said.

“Those who are prediabetic or have diabetes are encouraged to limit added sugars and incorporate more complex carbohydrates and fibre to decrease A1C [blood sugar levels]. Those diagnosed with heart disease are advised to monitor saturated fats, increase unsaturated fats, and fibre to lower cholesterol.”

Prunes provide vitamin K and potassium

Ms Feivor echoed the study findings and said that prunes provide nutrients essential for maintaining healthy bones.

“In just four prunes, we receive 23 per cent of our daily value of vitamin K, which makes proteins to assist in the building of our bones, as well as 6 per cent of our daily potassium needs, which aids in preventing calcium loss from our bones,” she said.

“Considering they pack such a punch in these nutrients, they may be beneficial to consume for those diagnosed with bone-loss ailments.”

Part of a balanced diet

According to Ms Feivor, a serving of prunes also provides both types of fibre: soluble and insoluble.

“With each serving of prunes providing three grams, this aids in regulating cholesterol levels and moving food through our digestive tract,” she said.

Ms Feivor emphasised that besides being a great source of fibre, prunes

contain no added sugar, are an excellent source of minerals, and “can be a healthy choice in a balanced diet”. However, she cautioned that while “strong evidence” supports the benefits of consuming prunes based on their nutritional makeup, she would not recommend them to be the sole source of treatment for bone diseases.

The bottom line

New research finds that for postmenopausal women, including prunes in their daily diet can help prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Experts say that prunes contain many nutrients associated with bone health but that it’s still unclear why they have the effect researchers observed.

They also say it’s not a good idea to rely solely on eating prunes as a treatment for bone disease v

George W. Citroner covers the latest news in medicine and health. He appears in publications that include Medscape, Salon, Fox News, and Cancer Therapy Advisor Osteoporosis: Prunes May Help Preserve Bone Mass, Fight Inflammation appeared on healthline.com on 20 October 2022 and has been reprinted with their permission.

Sharing the load

Sunny skies and lush vines, while picturesque, don't demonstrate the true life of a table grape producer.

Farming can be isolating at times for the main producer and their families. Even the most well-supported growers can find themselves feeling lonely, particularly if they’re facing pressures in addition to everyday farming challenges.

With increased costs and shrinking availability of chemistry, climatic conditions, and added production pressures, it might feel like there is a new challenge at every turn, for some producers.

We sat down with Australian Table Grape Association grower representatives, chair Jeremey Boyd, and New South Wales delegate Joe Garreffa, and other producers, to discuss 2023 season challenges, sharing the load and reaching out, and the light at the end of the tunnel.

Under pressure

It’s been “probably the most challenging year” Jeremey has experienced since he started growing table grapes on his Robinvale property in 1995. He has seen higher than normal pest and disease pressure this year due to wet and humid conditions which, though an initially confronting and shocking experience, has led to some self-reflection, acceptance, and a newfound respect for connection.

“Normally we might have a pest or disease of concern that pops up and we’ll treat it and pluck some leaves off,” he said. “More than 90 per cent of the time we get on top of that.

“This year, pests and diseases have been more relentless because of the weather patterns.

“It’s difficult but you get up the next day and get on with it.”

Jeremey said it was quite confronting to realise he had disease-affected vines, after having several very good years.

While it was easy to feel shocked by the outbreak, he shifted his mindset thanks to the support of family, reaching out to other growers, and trying to look past the negative, which he said was essential.

“At some stage you have to look in the mirror and say you’ve got a choice,” he said. “Do you keep being negative about it or do you just get on with it? After a while, you just accept it.

“My dad would say, ‘What about all the good fruit?’ And I guess that’s all you pick, so why do you worry about the other stuff?”

While competition is strong among the industry, speaking up and sharing the mental load has helped Jeremey to realise he’s not alone.

“We don’t share a lot of trade secrets, as an industry,” he said. “Intellectual property is fairly secretive.

“When you are used to having good years, though, or you become a bit complacent, it can make it hard when you experience a tough one.

I think I’ll probably make more of an effort to reach out from now on.”

For Euston grower Joe Garreffa, who hails from a large family network of table grape growers, it’s that connection which helps.

“I have a large network,” Joe said. “All my family members are running their own farms, and they’re feeling the pinch too.

“But because most of us are all on the farm, we talk to each other. We know that if there are problems, we’re not the only ones. There are a lot of people who have issues.”

Between disease pressure, harvest delays, and increased costs of doing business, Joe has been working long hours, most days, on his property with brother Mick.

“It’s been a lot more labour intensive this year, because of the increased vine growth,” he said. “There is a lot more maintenance required on the vines.

“We’re putting in more hours a day. Emotionally, it has an impact. You spend less time with your family.”

Many growers like Joe and Jeremey have had to make some difficult business decisions this year. Production management must be strategic, spray programs timed to

perfection and budgeting finessed – there is no room for error.

These challenges have impacted businesses’ cash flow, and some growers have spoken about the fear of recovering their costs spent –some are even wondering if they can continue at all, with the daily rigour of farming too variable.

Typically, rural and regional communities are labelled as “resilient” and “tough”, but that can often be a barrier for recognising when help is needed.

The National Centre for Farmer Health recognises the impact of stress on farming families.

“A little stress can keep you on your toes and help you get things done, but persistent stress reduces productivity and is probably doing you damage,” the farm health advocate said. “Stress is also a contributing factor to many farm injuries.”

Its key recommendations to growers – which may seem obvious but can be easily forgotten during times of poor mental health – include replacing their “unhelpful patterns of thinking”, talking positively and cutting oneself some slack.

Farmer Health said talking to friends can help growers understand they’re

not alone, and potentially find solutions they might not have thought of, while talking to a professional or even their own pets could help reduce the emotional burden just through simply verbalising the struggle.

Looking ahead

However its challenging start, though, most growers remain positive about the season ahead, with remaining crops looking good despite the baptism of fire they’ve been presented with.

Jeremey said small positive changes over the past few months had made it easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“I do still think this could be a good year,” Jeremey said. “I think that our markets are looking more positive. I think freight is down 20 per cent. These are big factors for us as table grape growers.

“Sometimes a small change is all we need to make a big difference to our industry.

“I truly believe there are better times ahead. That’s not something I’d just say – I believe it. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here still growing table grapes. I really think the future looks OK – more positive today than it did yesterday.”v

"When you are used to having good years ... it can make it hard when you experience a tough one. I think I’ll probably make more of an effort to reach out from now on.”

Four decades of dedication

TONY’S TIME TO RETIRE

Tony Martin never envisaged following in his parents’ and grandparents' footsteps to become a dried grape grower.

The third-generation Merbein grower has recently retired after more than four decades of contribution to the industry.

After moving away to study and later marrying his wife Kay in Melbourne, the couple was looking for some space to raise their two children.

It was around that time that Tony’s father was looking to sell the family dried grape block.

“My wife and I and two children came up in June 1981 and I took over this property from my father and mother, and they’d taken over from his father and mother after the Second World War.”

Kay got a job as a solicitor, while Tony got to work on the block and immediately became involved in the Merbein Dried Fruit Branch.

They bought more properties, and also expanded into winegrapes.

Tony explained it was at the time when CSIRO was active in trellis design and industry research.

By the mid-90s, he’d made the decision not to plant any more sultanas, but rather look at other sultana-type varieties that were higher yielding.

“Because we were summer pruning, we needed something early and we needed something late,” he said.

A growers’ trip to California in 1995 opened growers’ eyes to different varieties that could work for the Australian industry.

“I got really interested in growing grapes that were early or middle

season fruit other than sultanas, that were still sultana type, so that kept me going in that vein," Tony said.

By the early 2000s, as winegrapes started to decline, Tony started converting winegrapes back to dried fruit.

During that time, Tony also had trial patches on another property under plant agreement with CSIRO.

“I’ve always been very keen on that side of the industry – you’ve got to change. You can’t just sit and do nothing otherwise we get nowhere.

“The varieties now are more fruitful. We don’t have to worry about the yield because it will be there if you look after your vines.”

In addition to varieties research, Tony has maintained an interest and involvement in river management, irrigation, and environmental issues.

He was a board member of the former Australian Dried Fruits Association for 13 years, a time when he said the ADFA was a “powerhouse of horticulture”. He had input into the Murray Darling Basin Commision, was on the Catchment Management Authority board for 17 years and later chaired the Horticulture Australia Limited dried fruit research body, in addition to roles on other groups and boards. He was on the DFA board for nine years, finishing up last year.

“I was lucky to be involved in all of that over the years,” he said.

“Now it’s time for someone else to have a go.”

Tony said the biggest shift in onfarm operations he’d seen in his time in the industry was a change to mechanised systems.

After exiting the winegrape industry, around 2010, Tony said it was time to start thinking about what was next for the dried fruit industry.

“It used to cost a lot of money to pay people to come through and hand cut your canes. We got a guy to build a hydraulic cutter bar, which meant two of us could comfortably wet and cut eight acres a day. We went from

having 15 people working down to two.”

In about 2018-2019, the next big jump in becoming a mechanised industry came when Tony brought photos of a winter pruner he’d been working on to a DFA workshop.

For three years, Tony had winter pruned using the machine he’d developed, and the workshop was the first time showing it publicly.

“People thought it had potential,” he said. Now, several growers in the industry winter prune using similar systems, while DFA’s pruner project developed a robotic version.

Tony said the highlight of his time in the industry was simply “being involved and making decisions that will help the industry down the track”.

In doing so, he’s given more than four decades of service to the industry.

“And I was happy to do it,” he said.

“I think Kay and I can look back and say we’ve really enjoyed the past 40 years – the good, the bad and everything that goes with it.”

As he looks ahead to the future of the industry, Tony believes there are two priorities for the industry: mechanisation and varieties.

“We will be heading down the track of corporate farming – it’s inevitable,” he said.

“That’s why we need to be thinking of ideas to keep things moving and, if we’re going to have someone come in from the corporate world, we need to make it easier for them.”

Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung said he had much respect and appreciation for Tony’s passion, contribution and dedication to the industry over four decades.

“We will miss him and I will continue to bother him for his experience, knowledge and expertise moving forward,” he said.

Chair Mark King shared similar sentiments and thanked Tony for his years of dedication, wishing him well in retirement.

“He was one who would trial all the latest varieties and then report how they performed back to DFA. Anybody who has done this realises it’s a big commitment,” Mark said.

“Tony did many trips overseas to attend food fairs, and gave freely of his time and expertise and he was a great ambassador for our industry and Australia.”v

Running a tight ship

SHIPPING UPDATE FROM THE PORT OF MELBOURNE

The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest container and general cargo port.

Fresh fruit is a growing export category through the Port of Melbourne with a four-year compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. While we may not have visibility of the table grapes category within our fresh fruit data, the export data still tells an important story.

- The decline in volumes in 2022 is largely driven by a decrease in exports to Hong Kong (-44% yearon-year) and Japan (-8% yearonyear), together accounting for a total decline in TEU of 3,947.

- Several factors were influencing this including political tensions, pest concerns in China and COVID related logistical disruptions including labour shortages and lack of equipment availability (e.g. reefers).

- Key growth markets for fresh fruit exports include South Korea (305% growth over 4 years), Vietnam (252% growth over 4 years), Thailand (247% growth over 4 years), the Philippines

(121% growth over 4 years) and Indonesia (91% growth over 4 years).

Shipping supply chain trends

Stabilisation of freight rates

Decreasing volume on key trade lanes (e.g., China to the US) has led to increased equipment availability, vessel capacity and a downward trend on freight rates.

A moderate rebound on these rates may be seen late February into March 2023, once demand from China picks up again post-Lunar New Year closures.

Global schedule reliability continues upward trend

Global schedule reliability keeps improving, currently sitting at 56.6%. Both schedule reliability and average schedule delay days are now better than the 2020 level. This has enabled congestion to reduce also, with average wait times for container vessels before getting onto berth significantly reduced from Q4 CY21.

Shipping lines and decarbonisation

With IMO 2023 regulations coming into effect from January 1, shipping lines are rationalizing trade lanes, resulting in additional vessels per route to allow for slow steaming with fewer port calls. This increases the need for inter-Asia feeders via hub ports, like Singapore.

Softening Southbound cargo flows have created space for empty reefer repositioning to Australia while there has been an increased focus on bringing new reefer equipment onto the market. ZIM line has solidified their position in the market with direct connections into Vietnam.

Source: Bansard International

Landside operations

Softening Southbound volumes has reduced pressure on stevedores’ Vehicle Booking System (VBS) slots, creating more flexibility at the landside interface. Industry-wide truck driver shortages remain in both regional and metropolitan operations, hindering the efficiency of road freight.

Preparation is key

When preparing for the upcoming season, regular discussions with your supply chain are critical.

Key tips for planning ahead:

Communication with your shipping lines is key – setting up processes (plans) early to ensure the best availability for reefers.

1-stop provides the most up-to-date information source for vessel schedules – check schedules constantly.

Forward planning (volumes and market) – engaging with shipping lines or freight forwarders early and often.

Prepare for schedule changes and transhipment, including reefer points at port in the event of schedule changes.

Awareness that with post Lunar New Year celebrations there will likely be blank sailings due to factory shutdowns and reduced outputs through February and March due to projected absenteeism, as China adjusts to the sweeping changes to the Covid-19 policy.

Time to market is critical, see right for transit times to key markets, as at February 2023.

Tina Dreher Business development manager Western Victoria/South Australia Port of

Melbourne

tina.dreher@portofmelbourne.com

Fresh focus on the future

Dried Fruits Australia is pleased to introduce its two newest board members.

Rowena Smart and Ashley Chabrel will fill grower positions on the board and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles.

They share their background, look at the challenges facing the industry and outline the opportunities they see for the future.

Ashley Chabrel

What's your involvement in the dried grape industry and how did that come about?

I am a grower in Barmera, South Australia, where I run a winegrape and dried grape vineyard with my wife. We have grown Sunglo since 2015. We were looking to diversify from winegrapes alone and the new varieties and production systems got us interested in dried fruit.

As a grower, what challenges do you face? And what challenges do you see facing the industry as a whole?

This year has presented more than its fair share of challenges for us. Disease issues, weather, increasing input costs and labour.

I see the industry-wide issues as including biosecurity threats, labour availability, water availability and the transition to the next generation of growers. Conversely, what opportunity do see that exist for the dried grape industry?

Ironically I think one of the big opportunities for the industry is borne from the labour availability challenge. The solution is often mechanisation and I think on

the production side there is still scope for more efficiency gains. New varieties are another potentially large opportunity. There is the opportunity to lift yields and lower risk profile for the whole industry. Our growing regions are still a competitive opportunity. We are clean and green and have the climate to grow premium products.

Why did you join the DFA board? What do you hope to bring to the board and the dried grape industry?

We have been looked after by the whole industry as relatively new members. All parts of the industry have supported us in multiple ways and being part of the board is one way I can give back to industry. I have had board experience in the past and I hope to be able to help continue the good work of the DFA through my experience.

What do you see for the future of the dried grape industry?

I hope the industry can expand in size and provide opportunities for growers and processors. Hopefully our reputation for quality can be maintained and even improved.

"Ironically I think one of the big opportunities for the industry is borne from the labour availability challenge. The solution is often mechanisation and I think on the production side there is still scope for more efficiency gains."

Rowena Smart

Can you tell us about your background? What's your involvement in the dried grape industry and how did that come about?

I have worked in the health and fitness industry for 12 years, as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. In 2015 I started my transition to be fully online, which gave us more time to develop our properties to dried fruit. I was actually raised on a dried fruit property in Red Cliffs. My parents are John and Jenny Hunt, and I had no intention of following in their footsteps, but things change.

What varieties do you grow?

My husband and I grow Sunmuscat.

As a grower, what challenges do you face? And what challenges do you see facing the industry as a whole?

This year like everyone else we have faced disease issues with the weather and lack of chemical availability. But I think as it is with all horticultural industries, the increasing production costs will mean that growers are going to have to diversify to make their profit margin worthwhile.

We are young and fresh into the industry ourselves. Before this we grew vegetables, so we are excited to transition the knowledge we have from that industry to dried fruit. Conversely, what opportunity do see that exist for the dried grape industry?

The dried grape industry is only scratching the surface of their potential. There is a lot of focus on it being a baked good product. I never see clients eating a handful of dried grapes without it being suggested because they just don’t think about it.

I also can’t see why sultanas can’t be on the same level as medjool dates in the health food cooking industry.

Why did you join the DFA board? What do you hope to bring to the board and the dried grape industry?

You can’t expect an industry to grow and change if you’re not going to be involved in it. I think my enthusiasm and a fresh perspective is always a positive for any industry.

What do you see for the future of the dried grape industry?

More Australian dried grapes. I would love to see less imported dried grapes coming in when we have the ability to grow more in Australia. It’s such a mechanical industry, we aren’t weighed down with the kind of labour costs of other industries. Plus I want to see it used more in everyone's day to day life in more versatile ways, which means being innovative in other trending social media platforms to get the younger generation involved in eating it but also how it grows. v

"The dried grape industry is only scratching the surface of their potential. There is a lot of focus on it being a baked good product. I never see clients eating a handful of dried grapes without it being suggested because they just don’t think about it."

Quality matters

UNDERSTANDING FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS

Plunging into the

GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE (GFSI)

The GFSI is an initiative driven by retailers and manufacturers to oversee the standard of quality management programs.

So, what do they all mean? We dive headfirst into some of the common QA programs, how they’re typically used, and how they can interact with each other.

The umbrella term QA covers several categories: food safety, trade and legislative, environmental and ethical, and can include a multitude of requirements which differ between domestic and export markets. Much is determined by how you operate your business, who your customers are and where they’re located. Understanding why these programs are needed can be a bit overwhelming at times, and sometimes, it might even feel like there’s an audit for everything

Some businesses, depending on the scope of their operations, might implement one or more of these quality management systems.

Despite food safety certification programs claiming reductions of time or no doubling up during the audit process, there is no doubt that the rigorous standards producers, packers and exporters must meet to adhere to customers’ needs can place a significant amount of stress on suppliers.

In addition to quality assurance audits, the Federal Government, as a condition of the Accredited Properties Act, also conducts an annual audit if a grower exports fruit to protocol markets. Growers might call this the “China audit”, or “DAFF audit”.

The GFSI is one of the world’s most widely accepted benchmark systems based on a strong food safety culture. A large number of international markets use GFSI as a benchmark for quality assurance, which grants those certified a passport to the global market.

In Australia, several GFSI-certified programs are available to businesses, including Freshcare, GlobalG.A.P., Safe Quality Food (SQF), British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS) and the Freshcare Supply Chain Standard.

SAFE QUALITY FOOD (SQF)

SQF is a food safety and quality management certification system based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and recognised by the GFSI. It is a rigorous and credible program recognised by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. The SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain – from the farm all the way to the retail stores.

SQF certification is suitable for: Any food processing or packing operation in which food is produced, handled, processed, packed, stored and distributed

GLOBALG.A.P. certification opens valuable new markets to large and small producers alike, and helps satisfy the basic food safety and sustainability specifications of retailers and major buyers worldwide. It is internationally recognised in more than 100 countries.

GlobalG.A.P. is a trademark and a set of standards for good agricultural practice to benefit farmers, retailers and consumers throughout the world. Its Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) is the flagship standard. Developed in consultation with stakeholders across the entire global supply chain, it takes an holistic approach to responsible farming and audited annually by accredited, independent thirdparty certification bodies.

GlobalG.A.P. covers a range of responsible farming practices through: food safety, environmental sustainability and biodiversity, workers’ health, safety and welfare, animal health and welfare, legal, management and traceability, production processes, integrated crop management and integrated pest control, quality management system and HACCP.

GLOBALG.A.P. certification is suitable for: Producers, packers, processors

world of quality assurance –“QA” – programs reveals a slew of acronyms, standards, initiatives, and rules for producers, packers, exporters and supply chain partners.

FRESHCARE

On farm

Freshcare is the fresh produce industry’s own on-farm assurance program, meeting the needs of Australian growers in fulfilling both domestic and international market requirements.

Freshcare’s Food Safety and Quality Standard (FSQ4.2) identifies a standard of good agricultural practice to:

- identify and assess the risk of food safety hazards that may occur during land preparation, growing, harvesting and packing of fresh produce

- prevent or minimise the risk of food safety hazards occurring

- prepare produce to customer specifications

- identify, trace and withdraw/ recall produce

- manage staff and documentation

- review compliance.

Freshcare certification is suitable for: Producers

Growers who directly supply retailers might be Freshcare accredited. Others might use GlobalG.A.P.

Growers may also be able to access some non-protocol export markets with solely Freshcare certification.

Supply chain

The Freshcare Supply Chain Standard (FSCS) is designed for businesses in the fresh produce supply chain, including standalone packing operations, storage and ripening facilities, and wholesale and brokerage operations. It is an approved base scheme under HARPS, enabling supply chain businesses to seek certification to the updated standard.

BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM GLOBAL STANDARDS (BRCGS)

The BRCGS Global Standards are used by suppliers in over 100 countries to protect food safety during the manufacture, storage and distribution of food and food packaging materials.

BRCGS certification helps companies demonstrate compliance with the GFSI and gain access to top EU retailers.

BRCGS includes global standards fod food, storage, distribution, packaging and packaging materials, agents and brokers

BRCGS certification is suitable for: Any food processing or packing operation in which open food is handled, processed, packed, stored and distributed; manufacturing of packaging materials for food. Food and food packaging material manufacturers, brokers, and agents can apply.

HARMONISED AUSTRALIAN RETAILER PRODUCE SCHEME (HARPS)

HARPS is a retailer-led scheme designed to assist with compliance to food safety, legal and trade requirements for suppliers to the major grocery retailers in Australia. It aims to reduce the stress associated with the adoption, maintenance and auditing of multiple food safety systems to multiple retail customers and has the potential to reduce costs.

HARPS is a bolt on to a GFSI base scheme. It is a voluntary program which gives access to participating retailers and foodservice providers – such as ALDI, Coles Supermarkets, Costco, Hello Fresh, Metcash (IGA) and Woolworths.

Producers who supply fruit in bulk, from wholesaler to wholesaler (i.e. not in its final retail packaging) generally do not require HARPS accreditation. Businesses which pack or repack or have a participating vendor or supplier number to a HARPS retailer will need HARPS accreditation.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

Many customers are now holding businesses accountable for additional considerations, such as socially and ethically responsible employment practices, and a commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly stewardship of their land. SEDEX, for example, provides global online platforms for sharing responsible sourcing data on supply chains, used by tens of thousands of companies to manage their performance around labour rights, health and safety, the environment and business ethics.

In Australia, Fair Farms developed an Australian Training and Certification Program for fair and ethical employment practices on farms. Fair Farms is an industryled initiative aimed at fostering fair and responsible employment practices in Australian Horticulture. GlobalG.A.P. also have several other add-ons, including biodiversity, biosecurity, and environmental, while Freshcare offers an environmental program designed for Australian growing conditions.

Chemical trial comes to an end

CHLORMEQUAT TO BE REMOVED FROM SPRAY DIARY

A research trial into the efficacy of chlormequat on the berry set of currants has come to an end.

The results are in and the Dried Fruits Australia Maximum Residue Limit (MRL)/Chemical Committee and board has endorsed a recommendation to remove the chemical from the 2023/24 spray diary.

The research trial was in response to a reduction in the European Union MRLs in 2019, down to 0.05 mg/kg, compared to the Australian MRL of 0.75 mg/kg.

Various chlormequat application rates were trialled over three seasons – from 2020 to 2022 – in two commercial Sunraysia currant vineyards.

DFA field officer Stephen Kelly said the trials in these vineyards found no impact from chlormequat on bunch size and weight when applied at or below label rates.

“The residue level left from applications of chlormequat, even

when applied at only 25 per cent of label rates, is significantly above the European Union MRL,” he said.

“These results were statistically significant in each of the three trial seasons.”

The DFA MRL/Chemical Committee and DFA Board has endorsed these results and chlormequat will be deleted from the 2023/24 spray diary to ensure access to market for currants.

DFA CEO Thomas Cheung said the removal of chlormequat from the spray diary was significant and would widen export market opportunities for Australia’s quality currants. v

Chlormequat was initially used after research completed on both Zante and Carina currant production systems in the late 1960s to the late 1970s showed it had a positive impact on the percentage of berries set by the vine.

The initial research work undertaken when the Carina currant variety was released in 1975 indicated that the caps may not fall easily from the flowers and hence not allow them to be fertilised properly.

Primarily, chlormequat reduces the vine’s natural production of gibberellic acid leading to reduced leaf and cane growth.

So, if applied just before berry set, it theoretically allowed the vine to divert its energy into setting berries. An application of gibberellic acid later in the season would assist in increasing the size of the currant berries, further enhancing overall production.

Monitoring key to prevent Qfly

Table grape and dried fruit growers in the Murray Valley region are urged to be proactive in their monitoring and management of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) this season.

The past three years of La Niña weather patterns have produced conditions highly favourable for Qfly.

Fruit Fly Murray Valley regional coordinator Narelle Beattie said monitoring for the presence or absence of Qfly was now an essential part of growers’ pest management programs.

"Everyone knows how to manage and prevent fruit fly infestations now, but growers are encouraged to be on the front foot with their monitoring," Narelle said.

"Be alert and take action in a timely manner to minimise any impact."

Australian Table Grape Association

CEO Jeff Scott said table grape growers had increased

Critical moment for future of Qfly management

Growers and industry are invited to have their say on a new position paper discussing the challenges the Murray Valley region faces in fruit fly management.

Over the past few months, the Fruit Fly Murray Valley Advisory Group, made up of industry and local government representatives, has been

their understanding of fruit fly behaviour and strengthened their management practices as a result.

“However, in high pest and disease pressure years, as an industry, we cannot be complacent,” Jeff said.

“Vigilance is key – monitor regularly and maintain treatment programs to help prevent avoidable outbreaks.”

Dried Fruits Australia field officer Stephen Kelly also advised dried grape growers to continue their monitoring and control practices.

“Monitoring for fruit fly activity in vineyards and a baiting program that does not target fruit or foliage is recommended,” Stephen said.

“Dried vine fruit varieties are not favoured hosts of Queensland fruit fly. However, the female will sting and lay eggs in berries after veraison. The larvae rarely reach maturity but can damage the fruit.

“A baiting program is essential at this time of year to prevent incursions into your vineyard.”

Bait spraying is the most reliable and integrated pest management friendly way to reduce Qfly numbers in a vineyard. v

More information for growers on fruit fly control, including a table grapes bait spraying fact sheet, is available at www.fruitflymv.com.au/growers

looking at the future of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) management.

The current state-wide funding to implement Qfly management initiatives will come to an end on 30 June 2025. Ongoing support is no longer guaranteed as the Victorian government considers the management of established pests such as Qfly to be primarily the responsibility of land managers.

The position of the advisory group remains that industry and

growers are meeting their on-farm responsibilities for Qfly management and should not be responsible for funding work off-farm and paying for wider community initiatives.

The position paper – Sustainable fruit fly management in the Murray Valley beyond 2025 – is available to read at www.fruitflymv.com.au/beyond2025

Comments can be submitted to fruitflymv@mildura.vic.gov.au by 5pm, Friday 24 March 2023.

Bring on 2024

AUSTRALIAN PREMIUM DRIED FRUITS

After a very challenging wet 2022 season, we are already feeling the effects of Mother Nature on the 2023 crop. Most growers have some disease losses from downy mildew outbreaks, with the most serious being complete wipeout before Christmas.

We sympathise with our growers who have been hit hard by downy mildew. We desperately hoped for a better year after the difficult season prior delivered rain-affected grades and lower than acceptable returns for all the hard work put in.

At the time of writing, we are unsure of the estimated volumes for the new season, as uncertainty remains over whether minor affected bunches with downy mildew will make it to harvest. We remain optimistic and hope growers get some well overdue luck. Some observations on the downy mildew effects from different situations are worth noting. Very few growers have ever seen a downy mildew outbreak as bad as this season’s. Some of the very experienced growers have compared it to the outbreak of 1974, when most of the district was wiped out (2011 was another bad year for downy mildew).

Chemical costs and shortages made the management of downy mildew extremely difficult for all growers. Timeliness is essential when managing disease outbreaks. We saw large corporate properties struggle, as their ability to spray during the infection period is limited, based on capacity. It takes numerous days to spray large properties with the available equipment and labour, so this means

the disease can already be prevalent by the time spray is applied. We have seen the best results from growers who were prepared and able to spray on time and for as long as it takes to get the spray on. In saying this, growers with severely infected properties close by still felt major impacts from the disease if they were next to other seriously infected properties.

Any flooded areas, where spraying was not possible, also played a major role in the spread of the infection through a vineyard. Secondary and tertiary infections also continued to re-infect many of the properties that had been controlled with the early sprays. There are numerous opinions on the effect downy mildew will have on the final crop outcome. Time will tell.

After a big reduction in volume in 2022 and the impending lower crop of 2023, we are already looking forward to 2024. APDF has a great outlook for the future, with annual volumes well over 10,000 tonnes. We remain positive about the future and hope 2024 will be the start of many solid seasons for our industry.

We are extremely happy with the initial roll out of the industry digital spray diary. Most growers have been using the diary as it’s designed, which is a great tool not only for recording sprays, but also to ensure correct chemicals and rates are applied. As with any new technology developments, they require some effort to educate the user, but once up to speed, growers will find the digital spray diary extremely easy and useful going forward. Please embrace this step forward for our industry and make every effort to adopt this spray diary.

We continue to relocate some of the processing equipment from

MRO Mourquong facility acquired in 2021. This January-March we are relocating the pre-riddler, which is a major piece of equipment. Although another process when handling the fruit, this pre-riddler enables us to pre-clean and size grade fruit before final processing of the product. We see great opportunities going forward to supply current and new markets with higher spec fruit by pre-processing through this high quality pre-riddler. Best of luck to all growers going into the 2023 harvest. There is no doubt we deserve some “normal” conditions to allow us to dry and harvest the crop that remains, so we at least have great quality to supply our customers to lead us into 2024 v

Enquiries: Grower liaison officer Larry Dichiera

larry@apdf.com.au 0488 199 221

Image: Currants wiped out by downy mildew infection

Celebrating top growers

SUNBEAM FOODS & ANGAS PARK

The 2023 season started poorly as continuous wet, mild and humid conditions through budburst and flowering were ideal conditions for the onset and spread of downy mildew. Growers continually sprayed to try to control the disease, but difficulty in accessing properties due to saturated soils, rain events, availability of chemicals and the increased costs made the situation more difficult. Nearly all growers were affected, with some losing their entire crops. Overall, we expect that the crop impact on our early estimate to be about 20 per cent.

2022 Dried Vine Fruit Quality Awards

In our 13th year of recognising our best producers, the 2022 Sunbeam All Australian 18 team was announced recently. These award winners demonstrated in a very difficult season that their practices and timely management allowed the production of the best quality fruit for the season.

The five “Best On Ground” performers were: AJL Vineyards, MW and CL Dean, PG and RG Melton, Nicholls Mildura Trust, and A and R Palamara.

DR Appleby, RL and J Bennett, MJ

Cowling, MP and KV Dubois, KR and KM

Finnemore, Grapeland Pty Ltd, G & G Brothers Pty Ltd, DE and SN Hancock, R and E Kennedy, V and S Musolino, DG and NL Smith, SuniTAFE and AK Webley rounded out our team of 18.

The 2022 Export Award went to a parcel of 5 crown light sultanas produced by A and R Palamara.

The 2022 Yield Improvement Award recipient was MW and CL Dean. This award recognises the achievement of increasing the property yield through changed practices to maximise the vines’ potential.

Prunes

Prunes were the star performer for Angas Park in 2022.

Very strong sales were achieved as private label prunes were out of stock on several occasions.

This, along with another season of successfully exporting smaller prunes, has made it a positive year.

We will now unfortunately have to temporarily substitute imported prunes for Australian as our stocks have run short. Once the 2023 crop is delivered we will quickly return to a 100 per cent Australian offering.

Prune Quality Awards

At our annual grower dinner and presentation, the 2022 Prune Grower Quality Awards were announced. The winners were J and R Adamas, Paeco Pty Ltd and J and A Cremasco.

Now in the eighth year of these awards, growers who achieve the highest quality prunes are recognised and awarded with an all-expenses trip for two to Sydney.

Dried Tree Fruit

The 2022/2023 harvest, while late, was completed successfully with very few disruptions.

The changed fruit fly requirements eased the burden on fresh fruit movements, which was a relief.

The maturity was behind and, as a result, the overall fruit size was slightly smaller than normal.

The new varieties performed well and showed all the attributes that were demonstrated in the breeding program. Angas Park apricot pricing for the season increased by 10 per cent and this is reflective of the changed demand for Aussie apricots and a positive signal for our growers.v

Enquiries:

Supply Manager dried Fruit

David Swain | 0407 834 044

Field officer (including SA)

Alan Lister | 0409 437 801

Field Officer

Gary Simpson | 0429 960 234

Dried tree fruits operations manager – Loxton

Luke Fitzsimmons | 0431 894 515

Image: Members of the 2022 Sunbeam All Australian 18 Quality Team

Driving awareness for Australian grapes

Table grape export marketing will kick off in March, with campaign plans shaping up ahead of the peak export season.

Bastion Agency won the opportunity to develop the international marketing program, after Hort Innovation opened the tender process for the 2023 season.

The agency’s campaign will highlight the importance of driving in-market awareness and consideration, increasing the reach of Australian grapes and driving sales.

Season launch events in key markets will put a spotlight on the Grown in Good Nature brand and include activities such as a cooking workshop and presentation about Australian table grapes. Key online leaders (KOL), or influencers, and local media will be encouraged to share on their social media channels about the event, product information and endorse the brand product.

The retail component will be an important part of the campaign, with point of sale, in-store sampling, giftwith-purchase and custom packaging, in some markets, aiming to drive sales.

“Consistent across all markets will be retail sampling due to its effectiveness at driving conversion, and its importance to retail relationships,” the draft plan revealed.

The digital component of the campaign will aide in risk mitigation strategies, with some markets still recovering slowly from the longlasting impact of Covid restrictions.

Email and social media will be geo-targeted to promote tactical activities and key messaging.

The campaign also flagged its objective to provide support to importers with their sales activities as well as strengthen relationships with local trade partners.

In many key export markets, online shopping for fresh produce has become the new normal, a “stark contrast to trends before the outbreak, when grocery shopping was well behind online shopping for nonfood items”, Bastion said.

Vietnam

The consumer class grew to 40 per cent of the whole Vietnamese population. Nutrition, value, and quality are key lookouts when shopping for food. Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased steadily, gaining 5 per cent per annum over the past 20 years.

The Philippines

The Philippine economy is projected to grow by 6.5 per cent this year. The target audience is willing to spend more for healthier options, and the internet is now playing a bigger role in consumers’ lives with the rise of e-commerce. More people have enjoyed staying at home and being with their family.

Malaysia

Trade has continued its upward trajectory in September 2022. A lot of people are spending less on non-necessity items even after the pandemic, with the majority of their budget to food and stockpiling pantries. Fruit consumption is

only at 5kg/month lower than the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 40kg/month.

Thailand

Economic activity is lower than prepandemic despite GDP increasing, however people are expecting their incomes to increase in the coming months. Many are still buying food at supermarkets and want to buy things that help them live a healthier lifestyle. Fruit consumption per capita reached 41kg.

Indonesia

The Indonesian economy is set to grow by 5 per cent in 2022. Value for money has become more important than ever as people are looking to save more than to spend. Fruit consumption is lower than in other markets, at only 88.5g per person daily.

Japan

Consumers have become more conservative with their purchase decisions as the Japanese economy is not at its best. However, they do not hesitate to splurge when it comes to food, and place value on taste and price. Quality is determined by looking into the country of origin. Grape consumption is lower during the March–June window, compared with September.

South Korea

The population is rapidly ageing, however when it comes to food, South Korean customers buy to make a statement and rely heavily on the internet to make an informed decision. There is also a growing market which seeks eco-friendly or organic and natural alternatives.v

Voice for the industry

Dried Fruits Australia’s newly-formed Innovation Committee is looking for people interested in the growth and advancement of the dried fruits industry to get involved.

The Innovation Committee will be financially supported by approved funding through the Dried Fruit Trust after the former dried fruit branches were wound up in late 2022.

Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung said the Innovation Committee was a critical part of the new DFA structure.

“Given the previous dried fruit branches are being wound up, this is the newly-established platform with a grassroots approach, working collaboratively with growers, investors, processors and marketers,” he said.

“This committee needs to be innovative, inclusive and strategic, being a voice and soundboard for the industry. As such, I have encouraged

as many people as possible to participate and be involved.”

Chaired by grower Ashley Johnstone, the committee was established to streamline priorities for the industry, address problems and bottlenecks, establish projects, and share industry knowledge to enhance innovation and improve productivity and efficiency.

The committee also provides an opportunity for people to raise their voice and express concerns, as well as share their ideas for industry.

The committee can cover a range of topics, including research and

development, communications, new varieties, chemicals, biosecurity and sustainability.

The Innovation Committee will be involved in multiple functions throughout the year, bringing discussions to growers in the field. Details of these events will be made available through DFA’s fortnightly Currant News email newsletter, on social media channels and at driedfruitsaustralia.org.au.

People who are keen to participate should contact the DFA office on (03) 5023 5174 v

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Profile: Bill Avery

Bill Avery is the farm manager of Talia Farms, South Australia's largest table grape producer, based in the Riverland.

Bill became interested in the table grape industry after marrying a Happy Valley girl and relocating to Robinvale, Victoria. He has been involved in the industry since 1987, having worked with several producers over the decades, including being the national grape category agronomist with Costa Group.

Bill has more than 40 years of experience and last year joined the ATGA board as the South Australia delegate.

How long have you and/or your family been involved in the table grape industry?

1987 to present.

How did you become involved?

After the move to Robinvale, I worked with Cordoma Brothers, pruning, picking, and shed packing Red Emperors for the European market. This was the catalyst to drive my interest and passion for the table grape industry in the early years. I could see this industry had a positive future and that the people at its base were hard working, innovative and passionate.

How have things changed over the years?

I have seen the industry start with a domestic-focussed fieldpacked product in open boxes with rudimentary cool chain management,

and mature into a sophisticated quality assured product with stateof-the-art cool chain management.

Vineyard management has evolved from furrow irrigation to pressurised watering systems with many irrigation scheduling options at your choice. Vineyard vine covers have certainly been a game-changer in minimising weather damage, but they can delay harvest in cooler wetter years.

Where do you see the industry going in 2023 and beyond?

I think we will see public varieties decrease as proprietary varieties continue to gain traction, and a certain level of consolidation in the growing sector to larger corporate-style family operations, similar to in California.

What do you love about the industry?

The people, industry growth and new varietal choices.

What are some career highlights/ moments you’re proud of?

Working with Costa Group in the early days as an agronomist, developing agronomic programs and canopy management procedures for the Sun World breeding group, was very rewarding.

Consulting in Saudi Arabia and China on large-scale corporate table grape farms allowed me to travel extensively, and learn about operations globally.

Is there anything related to technology or innovation that you or your business would like to explore more?

We are already exploring the adoption of precision farming and autonomous farming systems as skilled labour dissipates v

Notice board

DFA field day

A large group attended Dried Fruits

Australia'sv first field walk for the year at grower Allan Long's Cardross property, where he showed his pergola-style trellis system, as well as a trial of a bi-annual cropping trellis system. Allan shared insights into the benefits and drawbacks of each setup, and how he's adapted machinery to suit the different styles.

Prune quality winners

Sunbeam hosted its annual grower dinner, where it recognised the top producers of dried vine fruit, as well as the 2022 Angas Park Prune Growers Quality Award winners (pictured).

Mark King (Chair) Producer, Pomona

Warren Lloyd (Deputy Chair) Producer, Irymple

Stephen Bennett Producer, Merbein

Ashley Johnstone Producer, Irymple

BOARD BOARD

Ashley Chabrel Producer, Barmera

Rowena Smart Producer, Red Cliffs

Jeremey Boyd (Chair) Victoria

Rocky Mammone (Deputy Chair) Victoria

Dominic Sergi Victoria

Adrian Cordoma Victoria

Robert Nugan Victoria

Don Albanese Victoria

David Swain Sunbeam Foods

Grant Leyden Sunbeam Foods

Craig Greenwood

Australian Premium Dried Fruits

Michael Scalzo

Australian Premium Dried Fruits

James Moriarty Producer, Duxton Dried Fruits

Joe Garreffa New South Wales

Anthony Cirillo New South Wales

Peter Nuich Western Australia

Zoe Dichiera Queensland

Bill Avery South Australia

Disclaimer: Dried Fruits Australia, the Australian Table Grape Association and Hort Innovation acknowledge contributions made by private enterprise through placement of advertisements in this publication. Acceptance of these contributions does not endorse or imply endorsement of any product or service advertised by contributors and we expressly disclaim all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of information in the Vine. Reliance on any information provided in the Vine is entirely at your own risk. Dried Fruits Australia, the Australian Table Grape Association and Hort Innovation are not responsible for, and will not be liable for, any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way, including from any person’s negligence or otherwise, or from reliance on information contained in the Vine, or your use or non-use of the material.

Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2023. Copyright subsists in the Vine. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Hort Innovation) owns the copyright, other than as permitted under the Copyright ACT 1968 (Cth). The Vine (in part or as a whole) cannot be reproduced, published, communicated or adapted without the prior written consent of Hort Innovation and both ATGA and DFA.

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