Vine magazine February 2024

Ready 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: admin@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: Tony Martin and Luke Lory check out the new dried grape variety, Murray Bold, at its launch in January. Photography by Megan Frankel-Vaughan.

©

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.

Vine magazine celebrates milestone

This year marks 20 years of the Australian Table Grape Association and Dried Fruits Australia joint publication. To mark the occasion, each edition of this milestone year will include a feature dipping into the archives for a look back at

Industry’s bold move

NEW DRIED GRAPE VARIETY LAUNCHED

There’s a new variety entering the dried grape industry, and it could be a “game changer” for managing risks in the vineyard.

Dried Fruits Australia launched Murray Bold, the industry’s latest variety, at this year’s first event and field walk in South Merbein in January.

About 60 dried grape growers, from Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, attended the official launch of the new variety.

The event offered an opportunity for growers to find out more about the variety’s attributes and commercialisation arrangements, while being able to sample it, and see it on the vines ahead of this year’s harvest.

Those in attendance heard from the variety’s breeder Peter Clingeleffer and CSIRO’s business development manager Susan Hani.

Dried grape producers Tony Martin and Allan Long, who have both had experience growing Murray Bold, shared their knowledge with the crowd.

DFA chief executive officer Thomas Cheung said the launch of Murray Bold was a "game changer" for the industry, and the variety showed promising signs of being early harvesting and high-yielding with an improved tolerance to rain.

“Over several years, the industry has seen a shift away from Sultana as the dominant variety in the industry to Sunmuscat – a higheryielding variety that is still a sultana-type,” Thomas said.

“However, Sunmuscat ripens later in the season, which can present challenges when it comes to drying and rain risks.

“Having another high-yielding option earlier in the season will help dried grape growers spread the risk across the season and will hopefully produce great results for the Australian industry.”

The variety was developed by CSIRO and released with Plant Breeder’s Rights in September last year.

Thomas said the launch of Murray Bold was the result of years of effort and cooperation by DFA and CSIRO, with financial contributions from Hort Innovation through grower-funded levies.

"DFA is working hard to make this new variety accessible to our dried fruit growers in a cost efficient and productive way,” he said.

Up to 10,000 Murray Bold vines will be planted across the dried grape industry this year under Trial Assessment Agreements.

South Australian grower Luke Lory will be among the first in the industry to begin growing the variety under the agreements.

Luke, whose family grows mainly Carina currants in Loxton, South Australia, said about 200 vines of Murray Bold would be planted in a trial patch alongside other newer varieties, Selma Pete and Sugra39.

Top left: Loxton producers Luke, Jennie and John Lory get a closer look at the variety as it ripens.

Top right: Mallee Regional Innovation Centre’s Leonie Burrows and Alina Saeed.

Middle: A crowd of about 60 attended the launch of the new variety.

Bottom left: DFA board member Stephen Bennett discussed the features of Murray Bold at the launch. Bottom right: DFA CEO Thomas Cheung.

While the trial planting will go in this spring, Luke said he was still undecided on whether a commercial patch would be planted in 2025.

“A small planting is a definite, with potential for a commercial planting the following year,” he said.

“I think we’ll have to make a decision before we see how these ones go. It’s either roll the dice on the new unproven one or use the others (Sugra39 or Selma Pete), which we know a little bit about having grown them for a year or two.”

The trial patch includes earlier new varieties Sugra39 and Selma Pete and Luke is keen to see how the varieties perform and compare side-by-side.

“We use a slightly different trellis to everyone else because we use our own design, and we wanted to see how it grows on that,” he said.

“We also want to see how it compares to the other two earlier varieties.

“The patches out there (in the industry) are small, and there are no direct comparisons with other varieties because not many people are growing all the new varieties next to each other.”

Luke said he was keen to share the results of his trial patch with others already in the industry, and those looking to enter.

“There are a few guys over here starting up and I’m sure they’ll be wanting to have a look at the varieties. The trellis side won’t help them too much, but there’s a couple of people I expect will swing by to look at the vines side-by-side.”

Luke welcomed the launch of Murray Bold and hoped it would be part of the solution to spreading the risks across the season.

MURRAY BOLD AT A GLANCE

Yield: High (10-15t/ha)

Maturity: Late January to early February

Rain tolerance: High

Characteristics: A sultana type, Murray Bold produces lightcoloured dried vine fruit, with sound, plump, bold berries.

“We, like everyone in the industry, have every variety that’s too late. The currants are always late, and Sunglo and Sunmuscat are also late,” he said.

“It’s good to have that increased spread of varieties, and particularly of the earlier ones just to spread out harvest times and to cut down risk.”

Anyone who wants to know more about this variety, including cost arrangements, should contact the Dried Fruits Australia office on (03) 5023 5174. v

Above: Hort Innovation’s Nicole Dimos-Byrnes, variety breeder Peter Clingeleffer, DFA chair Mark King, CSIRO’s Susan Hani and DFA CEO Thomas Cheung.

Advantages: High-yielding and earlier ripening compared to Sunglo and Sunmuscat, offering better drying conditions and a potential risk management strategy.

Disadvantages: Drying Murray Bold berries will darken under difficult drying conditions related to rain and high humidity.

Cultivating success WITH THE VICTORIAN

HORTICULTURE EXPORT PROGRAM

Sunraysia’s table grape and citrus industries will be on show next month, as government and industries unite to boost Southeast Asian export interest.

The Victorian Government’s trade facilitation agency, Global Victoria, will collaborate with the Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) and Citrus Australia (CA), to host an inbound trade mission, inviting buyers from five priority Southeast Asian markets to Sunraysia for a four-day fresh fruit affair.

The Victorian Horticulture Export Program will take place from 18-21 March and will connect key Southeast Asian fresh fruit importers, buyers, and retailers with Sunraysia’s table grape and citrus producers and exporters.

Global Victoria's four well-established trade and investment offices in Southeast Asia have developed deep linkages and long-standing relationships with key stakeholders and business leaders across the region. These offices will invite representatives

from the priority markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, The Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand to participate in the program which will feature farm visits, business introductions and a joint industry networking event.

“Global Victoria is committed to facilitating inbound missions such as the Victorian Horticulture Export Program to maximise opportunities for our State's grape and citrus exporters," said Paul Stagg, Global Victoria’s Director of Trade.

ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said inbound trade missions of this scale had not been hosted since 2020, and praised the opportunity.

“While we’ve had smaller-scale trade missions, this is one of the largest inbound opportunities we’ve been presented with since Covid,” Jeff said.

“An inbound trade mission like this gives producers and exporters the chance to develop new or deepen existing relationships in key markets.”

Bringing key decision-makers to Sunraysia provides an engaged and enthusiastic audience for producers

and exporters, and allows buyers to see farms and pack houses firsthand.

“Producers and exporters have an opportunity to showcase their premium growing conditions, stateof-the-art packing facilities and cool chain management systems, while in their own back yard,” Jeff said.

Two days of dedicated table grape farm visits and business matching will be followed by a joint industry evening event on Tuesday 19 March. Delegates will spend their remaining days visiting citrus pack houses and infrastructure facilities.

Global Victoria will host the joint industry evening event, which will provide further opportunities to connect and network with the delegation.

Producers and exporters can register their interest for individual business matching and for the joint industry event by contacting Jeff Scott at jscott@atga.net.au or on 0417 122 086 by Monday 11 March. v Below: Growers and delegates at a previous inbound trade mission.

Industry development support to extend

Australia’s table grape producers will have continued industry development support, with the national extension project renewed for five years.

The establishment of the Extension of technologies and best management practices to the Australian table grape industry (Extension) project in 2020 heralded the beginning of a long-awaited program designed to maintain and enhance industry sustainability and profitability.

The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) delivered the first iteration of the program, which was funded by Hort Innovation using the table grape research and

development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

As the first project comes to an end, and before the next five years begin, it’s time to look through the rear-view mirror with the ATGA’s own industry development team to talk about project highs, challenges and their hopes for the next five years.

Most producers would be familiar with Alison MacGregor, Jenny Treeby and Karen Connolly by now – if they haven’t seen them at events, or on-farm, they would know them by their voices.

As a collective team they amassed 1661 grower interactions and in excess of 300 farm visits.

They hosted more than 53 events, produced or contributed to 46 articles in the Vine magazine and Pick of the

Bunch newsletter, designed nine tools to assist adoption, contributed to production of 10 videos, and developed 12 factsheets.

Each team member has similar but different highlights they’re taking away from the project, but they would all agree on the challenges. Even though they would be proud of their achievements, the team would still say it wasn’t enough. They wanted to do more.

They wanted more answers for producers regarding restricted spring growth (RSG), they wanted to see more producer faces, and they wanted to help more.

Thankfully, they will get the opportunity to do so – with a five-year Extension project allowing the team to continue its work, building on the strengths and successes of the past three years.

Jenny Treeby

My first highlight would be visiting producers across Australia and listening to their concerns, learning from them, and helping. It’s been great to see what and how they grow, and the differences in production.

The second highlight has been representing the table grape industry on biosecurity matters. Increasing biosecurity preparedness is vital, and as part of that, we updated the Viticulture Biosecurity Manual. We also released some resources on high priority exotic pest threats to help producers identify them in the event of an incursion.

All the field trials have been so cool and I love that we’ve been able to be strategic in that way. We’re out there conducting demonstration trials and doing the hard work on behalf of producers, so that it’s less of a hit to their back pocket to adopt new chemistry, technologies or tools.

Another highlight has been the Mallee Horticulture Technical Network and all the communities of practice – capitalising on all our networks and establishing networks full of people who donate their time freely and talk to each other to advance industry, while enjoying themselves at the same time.

Lowlights? The verdict on RSG is still out, despite our efforts. And possibly not having met every producer yet.

What I’d like to do in the coming years is to continue our work on the sustainability front, to help producers prepare for climate change. There are so many things outside our control, but if we can help find solutions that increase industry preparedness, that will help producers manage the hurdles.

Alison MacGregor

There have been so many highlights to this project. We brought agronomists together and established a community of technical service providers, which created a two-way flow of information, allowing us to learn from agronomists and communicate through them to producers.

Another benefit of establishing the technical community of practice was a greater understanding of table grape plant physiology. As an industry we expanded our knowledge through the RSG project, drawing on the knowledge of experts. We’ve generated a much greater focus on plant physiology in table grapes now, and while we haven’t solved RSG, the project has sprouted legs.

Another accomplishment that stands out relates to chemical use and integrated pest management. We’ve spent three years helping growers

Karen Connolly

One thing I’ve found really meaningful was developing and strengthening my relationships with producers. For them to feel comfortable enough to trust me, to call when they have questions, or even just to have a chat, is rewarding.

I’ve loved being able to travel around Australia to visit all the producers and try to address their issues. It has been really interesting to understand how each of the region’s production timelines sit comparatively, and also see how production methods differ.

Another key highlight was being able to travel to FOODEX in Japan to generate interest in new varieties.

Something else that springs to mind is how we were trying to be on the front foot, be proactive for producers, and mitigate the effects of reduced chemical

improve their chemical choice and use. We’ve hosted spray application workshops and developed a series of tools and videos to encourage producers to understand the importance of sprayer maintenance and spray application effectiveness.

We also developed several resources on making informed chemical choices that consider the toxicity of chemicals against beneficial insects. A good population of beneficial insects means a much better level of natural pest management, and as chemical availability changes, it’s important for us to learn as much as we can. Over time, I hope this tool becomes a go-to resource.

Finally, travelling to each of the regions and meeting producers was rewarding. I was constantly inspired and impressed by how producers manage challenges and take this industry on a continuous trajectory of improvement.

availability, through demonstration trials. We want producers to have more tools in their toolbox before the others disappear.

Disappointingly, we haven’t got to the bottom of RSG as we hoped. However, we’ve been able to show producers that we’ve been flying the flag for their industry, and we have left no stone unturned. If we continue for the next five years, I’d want to solve it or feel like we have some more answers.

Moving forward, I would like to really investigate all new useful and affordable production options –like new labour-saving technology, better trellising systems, new safer chemistry – to make producers’ jobs easier. I feel like this would be useful in helping streamline operations, reduce costs, get producers home to their families safer and be less stressed. v

53 Events

1661 Grower interactions

312 Farm visits

10 Videos

12 Factsheets

46 Technical articles

9 Tools to assist adoption

NATIONAL EXTENSION PROJECT IN

ARRA™ Varieties: The Perfect Blend of Versatility and Resilience for Australia

The ARRA™ range, whether in the tropical Far North Queensland, the unique microclimate of Emerald, the agricultural hub of Sunraysia, or even in Western Australia, stands out due to its remarkable adaptability to diverse conditions and impressive tolerance to rain. Acclimating to the vast and unique climatic conditions of this continent, which can be both extreme and highly inconsistent, has taken time for the ARRA program. Now, it confidently provides valuable contributions to the various growing regions across the country.

The ARRA varieties are successfully licensed around the world by Grapa Varieties Ltd., a leading global, family business that specializes in breeding and licensing premium table grape varieties under the distinguished ARRA™ brand, in over 30 countries across 6 continents. With increasing worldwide recognition and demand, these varieties continue to spread and thrive in new regions. The ARRA program stands out with several notable advantages, featuring the world’s earliest trio of white, red, and black varieties—ARRA Honey Pop™, ARRA Fire Kiss™, and ARRA Mystic Charm™. Their exceptional earliness stems from short production cycles, fostering heightened economic efficiency. These benefits translate into lower labour requirements, and reduced need for irrigation and pesticides. Not only do these characteristics contribute to environmental sustainability, but they also make the varieties more grower-friendly while still achieving high yields and maintaining a long shelf life.

Australia now has an ARRA representative

Last year, Stephan Nel was appointed as the ARRA representative to best support growers and facilitate the smooth introduction of the newest ARRA grape varieties in Australia. With extensive expertise in table grapes and a deep understanding of ARRA varieties, Stephan brings valuable experience to his role. Grapa prioritizes providing personalized technical support, and with Stephan on board, this commitment is evident as he visits ARRA growers in all regions of Australia.

ARRA Honey Pop – It’s not just a very early white grape

In the quest for the ultimate very early white seedless, producers have kept a close eye on ARRA Honey Pop. The first ARRA Honey Pop Field Day in Australia took place in early January in Mildura, attracting 80 attendees, including ARRA licensees and key industry figures. During the event, ARRA Honey Pop distinguished itself with remarkable characteristics. The 2-year-old vines demonstrated outstanding productivity, yielding 25 tons per hectare. Growers received valuable information about the promising variety, whose berries ripen and reach sizes ranging from 18 to 22mm, with good brix, early in the season. Stephan emphasized the importance of reaching the optimal harvest brix of 17 and up, that brings with it a hint of muscat flavor and an outstanding eating quality. The variety demonstrated its resilience to sun exposure, a crucial characteristic in Australia.

It maintained a vibrant creamy colour, rather than developing a brownish-orange hue, as could be seen in other varieties under similar conditions. This characteristic, coupled with outstanding berry attachment and excellent performance in cold storage, positions ARRA Honey Pop as a versatile and reliable choice for both domestic and export markets.

The ARRA Red Factor

There is a real buzz around the new generation of RED ARRA varieties with licensees eagerly anticipating the planting of the latest additions, ARRA Fire Crunch™ and ARRA Cherry Crush™.

Along with the good performance of certain ARRA varieties in the local market, like that of the early white, ARRA Sugar Drop™, other ARRAs are a perfect fit for exports to Asian countries. This was evident at the recent Asia Fruit Logistica, where the black ARRA Mystic Dream™, known for its remarkable bloom, and the new red varieties garnered significant interest from importers, keen on aligning with evolving consumer preferences. Developing export channel to Asia is a major focus for the Grapa marketing team, aiming to enhance the exposure of Australian-grown ARRA varieties for these markets. The presence of ARRA representatives in key Asian countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea, is raising awareness, and stimulating demand for these premium table grape varieties.

Sponsored Content by Grapa Varieties Ltd.

Gearing up for strong end to season

A note from our chair

At the time of writing this we’d had some high rain events, including more than 30mm here in Pomona, with some of the new varieties not far from being ready to cut in the last week of January.

We have Selma Pete and Sugra39 both looking great, and now we have Murray Bold released.

More on that in this edition.

Dried Fruits Australia held its AGM in a new format, breaking up the event with the AGM at the Mercure, before a social get together at Dockside Cafe. It was a great success. Keep it in mind to attend this year.

With just over one-third of ballot papers returned, growers have not supported the increase in the dried grape research and development by only a few votes.

This would have been the first increase for 20 years.

I find this outcome disappointing for the Australian dried fruit industry.

We have been great inventors, finding cutting-edge ways to manage dried fruit vineyards, and developing new varieties, which has put dollars back in growers’ pockets.

In the past few years, the industry has been hamstrung with a lack of R&D dollars.

The world supply of dried grapes is the lowest I have seen in all the years I have been in the industry.

The general view at the Dried Grape Conference I attended last year is that there is unlikely to be a large crop in 2024.

Like Australia, many countries were affected by disease and weather events in 2023 and the effect of these will carry through to the 2024 crop. This being the case, prices should remain firm.

The 2024 crop of Sultanas looks to be light and in some cases will not be worth picking for the return won't cover costs.

Currants are also light, yet the new varieties look excellent.

I urge growers who have old Sultanas, and who are thinking about changing, to talk to their processor – I am hearing they have options available to help producers change.

News from our CEO

After rain during Christmas and New Year, causing splitting on some varieties, the weather is good now and we hope it can last long enough for us to finish the 2024 harvest.

Compared to the low crop intake of 2023, DFA expects the 2024 crop to recover to reach 13,000t. Sultanas are likely to be disappointing

again this season, but new varieties like Sugra39 and some first year production vineyards will support our crop estimate.

DFA, together with CSIRO and Hort Innovation, has launched a new variety – Murray Bold – to address the need for earlier-harvesting varieties.

With many outstanding attributes, I believe this variety will be an exceptional add-on to our existing varieties. Between 8000 and 10,000 Murray Bold Vines will be planted later this year under Trial Assessment Agreements. DFA members will benefit commercially from royalty and administration charges on this new variety.

A narrow defeat in the proposed change to the R&D levy structure is disappointing. The DFA board has decided to review the issue later this year.

Together with missed matched funding from the Federal Government, this results in insufficient R&D funding to carry out significant R&D programs moving forward.

DFA projects, in terms of innovation, communication and marketing promotion, are progressing well.

On the back of a successful 2023 joint marketing program, DFA is working with the two processors for a new long-term agreement in marketing our quality unique dried fruits both in domestic and overseas markets. v

Thomas Cheung | CEO Mark King | Chair

New variety enters industry

MURRAY BOLD TO EASE RISKS FOR PRODUCERS

About 60 dried vine fruit producers and processors attended the official launch of a rain-resistant Sultana substitute named Murray Bold in mid-January.

Also in attendance were the variety’s breeder, Peter Clingeleffer, Rob Walker (former officer-in-charge at CSIRO’s Merbein Laboratory) and CSIRO’s business development manager, Susan Hani.

Peter and two dried vine fruit producers, Tony Martin and Allan Long, spoke with producers in attendance about their experience growing the variety.

The new variety matures at about the same time as Sultana but importantly doesn’t split.

The tendency of traditional Sultana selection to split if rain occurs anytime from the middle of January onwards has caused major crop loss,

quality downgrades and damaged the industry’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality dried grapes.

The new variety provides dried vine fruit producers with a better mid-season Sultana-type.

Alternative trellis options

There are more trellis options available these days than just swingarm trellis, and attention was drawn in previous Vine magazine editions to the focus on alternative trellis systems. This interest is quite timely because the industry is transitioning away from the traditional varieties used for dried vine fruit production to highly productive varieties with a wide spread of maturity dates and other attractive traits such as rain-tolerance; Murray Bold is a good example.

Fruitfulness of these varieties is less sensitive to shading than the traditional Sultana selection and so options to trellis new plantings are not

confined to Shaw swingarm, which was developed for shade-sensitive Sultana.

How a new planting is established has strong implications for the inputs required to manage it and the longterm returns on the investment.

To provide a more informed basis for the decisions that need to be made at the outset of new planting, a summary of the characteristics of the various trellis systems in use across the industry is being prepared.

Estimates of the labour needed for each operation in each system is also being compiled too as the basis of estimating the relative running costs for each system. v

Michael Treeby Industry Development Officer projects@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

Jumping the gun on maturity

News from the CEO

Harvest is in full swing across Sunraysia and the Swan Valley, and every year, at the commencement of harvest, I get the same types of calls. These calls are from growers, concerned that others are allegedly harvesting too early - prior to the grapes reaching their optimum maturity.

The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) has had national minimum maturity standards in place since 2019 for growers to adhere to. While the maturity project has not continued this year, those standards still apply.

The national minimum maturity standards were adopted after testing thousands of grapes, and we know that to achieve the best eating quality we must have 80 per cent of representative grapes in a sample reach 16 Brix.

By maintaining this minimum maturity, it enables the consumer to get the best eating experience on first purchase. We have extensive evidence from the past five years of the maturity project

to demonstrate that a poor eating experience at first purchase means the consumer does not return to that fruit category for a minimum of six weeks.

So why send fruit to the market when you know it is below the minimum standard of acceptability? By supplying immature fruit to the market you are destroying not only your own reputation but the industry’s as well.

Peru, Chile and South Africa are all improving their growing practices to the point they are now capable of producing the same quality fruit as Australia.

If we continue to “jump the gun” and supply poor quality fruit our reputation will sink even further where the returns that we expect to receive will no longer be on offer.

In our 20 years of the Vine celebration, we highlight a story about maturity and how industry is finally coming around to the idea that they shouldn't send sour grapes to market. That was from 2006 – 18 years ago! – and we still have issues now. We must do better.

Trade progress on horizon

On a more positive note, there have been some good media reports out of Japan that MAFF is considering the market improvement request

Jeff Scott | CEO

for additional varieties, and that a decision is on the horizon.

While there has been no official word from MAFF, only independent reports, MAFF has posed some questions to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and ATGA, which I have answered. MAFF and DAFF are due to meet for a bilateral meeting in March, so I hope to have further news then.

FOODEX is back on in early March and ATGA will be flying the flag for Australian table grapes. We’ll also attend an information networking session with the Victorian Government’s trade facilitation agency, Global Victoria, in Tokyo. This will be a prime opportunity to discuss varietal access.

Based on the expectation that we will have a green light for the 2024/25 export season, I will be looking to organise a special outbound trade mission to Japan. The mission would include visits to major retailers and importers and one-on-one networking opportunities.

Pending a good response come March, we will open up expressions of interest for growers and exporters in April/May to travel around July or August. v

All wrapped up

This edition of the Vine also marks the conclusion of the Extension of Technologies and Best Practice Management project.

While we’ve been wrapping up the existing project, this did not slow down activities, nor planning for the future, and the next iteration of the project.

Events

In November we hosted two agtech breakfast events in Red Cliffs & Euston, showcasing Bitwise Agronomy, Agri Automation Australia, Aerobotics and RapidAim.

At the Red Cliffs event, producers, presenters, ATGA staff and service providers braved the chilly conditions with rain and wind, while the weather gods were kinder at the Euston event.

Everybody enjoyed a warm breakfast and hot beverage to start the sessions. The four short presentations generated a lot of food for thought, questions and follow-ups from participants. Big thanks go to our presenters, most of whom had to travel, to Dominic and Michael Sergi from SergiFresh, and Geno Zappia from Genmara Pty Ltd, for hosting the events.

In addition to our agtech breakfasts, we hosted a Mallee Horticulture Technical Network (MHTN) session in December,

exploring the use of ultraviolet (UV) to combat powdery mildew.

In the November 2023 edition of the Vine we investigated the use of this technology and its relevance for table grapes. The MHTN session continued on from this, including a presentation from Agri Automation and New Zealand developers Vertex, who are launching their own machine. The purpose of the session was to understand more about the technology involved in mounting UV-C boosters onto tractors and machines, and gauge industry interest and suitability. Agriculture Victoria’s irrigation specialist Jeremy Giddings also spoke about interpreting soil moisture probes.

We are already looking to host an agtech session at the Mildura Field Days in May, together with the other viticulture industries. This would allow us to attract an even wider array of new technologies and equipment from across Australia. If you have any suggestions for new tech you would like to see, please let us know. More information on this is available on pages 22-3!

Best practice support

As the season advances, our team has continued its work on Queensland fruit fly education and awareness about baiting and spraying information. As part of this, we produced a series of videos on how to bait like a “boss”.

Read more about these and other resources we’ve been working on, in Table Grape News, on pages 19.

Trials

The team harvested the dormancy breaker demonstration trial (for the second year) in late January – almost four weeks earlier than last year. We have since been processing all the samples and analysing the data.

Thanks to Josh Cirillo for hosting the trial and to Agriculture Victoria for allowing us access to their laboratories to complete the assessments.

Advocacy

The ATGA is preparing a submission to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority on behalf of Australian table grape producers to respond to the proposed regulatory decision for the reconsideration of chlorpyrifos. The consultation period will close in March 2024. Producers who would like to add their comments on the reconsideration to the ATGA’s submission can do so by emailing the ATGA’s Alison MacGregor at amacgregor@atga.net.au v v

Alison, Jenny & Karen Industry development team

Giving back to industry

NATHAN JOINS BOARD AS SPECIALIST MEMBER

Dried Fruits Australia has welcomed a new specialist member to its board of directors.

Cardross dried grape grower Nathan Jilbert, who operates a vineyard as well as Sunraysia Vine Nursery, was elected as a specialist member mid-December.

Nathan brings experience in the nursery field, as well as his business and governance experience from previous work, including in the executive team at Mallee Accommodation and Support Program.

He said he was keen to join the board to contribute to the industry and be a part of some of the solutions to the challenges facing the industry.

“I’m of the belief new varieties

are essential for progressing the industry, and I feel that with my experience with the nursery I have some expertise to offer when it comes to varieties, grafting and what’s involved in the process,” he said.

“You quite often hear people whinging ‘we should do this, and should do that’ but no one new wants to put their hand up,” he said.

“It doesn’t always have to be the same people getting involved.”

Nathan said nursery and vineyard work was often quite solitary, and being able to engage with others within the industry was another key reason for getting involved.

“Stepping out of the boardroom in my old working career, maybe I’m looking for a bit of that professional

association on a day-to-day basis that I don’t quite get any more,” he said.

“I can offer an insight into the nursery side of things, propagation and things like that. There’s a bunch of exciting varieties coming out, too.

“It’s about getting to know the industry better, on a more strategic level, and looking at the things that are affecting us, here and globally.

“You can think about these things yourself, but unless you’re talking to those that are in the know you don’t really get it, so I'm learning it as well.”

Nathan grew up around the industry, his grandfather a dried grape grower, and has personally been managing his own vineyard for about six years.

He started with about 1.5ha of Sunglo,

Reflecting on 2023

Dried Fruits Australia hosted its Annual General Meeting at the Mercure Hotel in Mildura late last year.

Members, growers and processors, along with industry associates, attended the event, where chair Mark King presented the 2023 Annual Report.

Ashley Chabrel, Rowena Smart, Ashley Johnstone, Warren Lloyd and James Shopov were elected to the DFA board.

Processor Sunbeam Foods gave an insight into the 2023 season, as well as a look to the year ahead, including consumer trends and company updates.

The meeting included updates on DFA and Hort Innovation-funded projects, including marketing, communications and industry development.

The 2023 Annual Report outlined DFA and industry activities for 2022/2023, and included a summary of the total crop intake, which was half that of the previous year – a total tonnage of 7309 tonnes.

and has since bought a neighbouring former winegrape property of about 4ha, which he’s in the process of developing with Sunmuscat.

“The way it works for me is I grow the vines, and my paying customers get first preference,” he said.

“Whatever is leftover that isn't good enough to sell, they’re the ones that I get to keep.

“I would rather put in an earlier variety like Selma Pete, but I’ve gone with Sunmuscat, so hopefully we get 10 years of good drying conditions ahead because we’ve had a couple of ordinary ones.”

The former winegrape property already had the posts, and Nathan will retrofit secondhand swingarm trellis heads as the property is developed.

“I’m a swingarm fan. I know it’s much more expensive to set up, but if you buy them secondhand, which I was able to do, there’s a lot of benefits you get from growing with swingarm.”

After joining the board late 2023,

Nathan encouraged other growers who were interested in the future of the industry to stand up and have a go.

“Be part of the solutions to the industry's problems – jump in and have a crack.”

Nathan said three factors were key to the future of the industry – good prices, good drying conditions and the benefit of new varieties being released that will be more stable for growers and their businesses.

“Us younger guys should be treating this as a business, not as a lifestyle,” he said.

“Having said that though, if you’ve got a successful business you’ve got a successful lifestyle.”

Nathan sits on the DFA Board along with grower members chair Mark King, deputy Warren Lloyd, Stephen Bennett, Ashley Johnstone, Ashley Chabrel, Rowena Smart and James Shopov, along with processor members, David Swain and Steve Sinclair from Sunbeam Foods, and Craig Greenwood and Michael Scalzo from Australian Premium Dried Fruits. v

The 2023 Annual Report can be viewed at the Dried Fruits Australia website at driedfruitsaustralia.org.au

Global glance

As Australia’s table grape export season continues, it’s interesting to look at how Australia is shaping up against its southern hemisphere competitors.

South Africa

A recent crop estimate from the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) projected a total of 75.8 million cartons of export production (roughly 341,000 tonnes), an increase of 16 per cent on last year.

The South African table grape industry is at its peak packing and export weeks. About 2000 containers need to be exported weekly for the next four weeks, before volumes start tapering down.

While South Africa's largest export markets remain the EU (55 per cent) and the United Kingdom (20 per cent), other export markets are gaining ground. The Middle East (7 per cent), Canada (5 per cent) and Southeast Asia (5 per cent) all displayed an increase in exports between the 20/21 and 2021/22 seasons.

SATI also reported that growth in China had declined and “may even be contracting”. There has been less product shipped from Peru this season, as well, it reported. Overall, SATI said, there is less volume in the market and prices are lower than last year.

Peru

Peru exerted its dominance of global table grape exports last season, exporting 593,000 tonnes.

The current season, which runs from October to April, began early due to weather conditions and early ripening.

While reports early in the season identified the current season would have the same trajectory of last year’s, members of the Peruvian Association of Table Grape Producers said that lower productivity due to weather phenomena should be expected.

Optimistic reports, the general manager of Exportadora Safco Perú said, derived from the earlier season, but that particularly the northern region of Peru would be more affected.

Peru packed 87 per cent of its original estimate on white-, 88 per cent red- and 90 per cent blackseedless up until Week 03, 2024. It is expected that a 10-15 per cent lower-than-anticipated volume of 118,4 million cartons will be realised.

The total planting area for table grapes in Peru is estimated at 35,000 hectares, with Ica and Piura being major producing regions.

While the United States is positioned as the leading market, representing 40.7% of the total and an increase of 217.9 per cent, other markets such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Mexico and Canada fill out the top five.

Notably, Peru gained access to Japan in 2023.

Chile

The 2023-24 table grape season in Chile has been unfolding against the “backdrop of optimism and challenges, emphasizing the industry’s adaptability in the face of evolving dynamics”, according to Chile’s Uvanova Magazine. While export volumes are expected to exceed 63 million boxes (3.3 per cent more than the 2022/23 season), with newer varieties set to represent more than 60 per cent. The project comprises 24.8 million boxes of red seedless, 22.5 million boxes of white seedless, 10.1 million boxes of Red Globe, and six million boxes of black seedless grapes.

The Chilean table grape industry is facing similar challenges to Australia, regarding varietal replacement, water scarcity and financial constraints. There is also intensified competition from Peru in export markets.

Uvanova vice president said in Fresh Fruit Portal that it was urgent these challenges were addressed, and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue about water availability, climate change impacts and varietal replacement initiatives.

The season runs from December to May. v

Sources:

https://www.freshfruitportal.com/ news/2024/02/13/the-2023-24-chilean-tablegrape-season/

https://www.freshfruitportal.com/ news/2024/01/10/table-grapes-peru-volumes-dropthis-season/

https://www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/chile-kicks-off2023/24-grape-campaign/257113.article

https://www.satgi.co.za/press-release/secondcrop-estimate-for-the-2023-2024-season/

https://www.uvanova.cl/articulos/prensa/uvanovamagazine/

New resources on pest & disease management

A series of visual resources has blended humour, information and graphic appeal to convey important pest and disease information for producers.

Australian table grape producers can now access a dedicated pest and disease section on the website, which features several engaging video resources on baiting for fruit fly as well as other pest and disease management tips. New additions to the grower pest and disease toolkit will also include pest and disease posters for high priority exotic pests, export pests, and endemic pests and diseases.

The Bait Like a Boss video series, in particular, has been shared widely by table grape industry members and wider horticulture sector partners across a range of social media platforms, in

a bid to raise awareness about the importance of fruit fly baiting. Producers can now view the Bait Like a Boss series on the ATGA’s website and social media platforms. Pest posters and pest and disease resources will be available in the coming weeks. v

Seasonal crop update confirms mixed expectations

We all know that growers are at the mercy of the weather, but knowing how to respond to the challenges that Mother Nature throws up can be the difference between harvesting a crop and perhaps not.

This year was a prime example.

Bilbul grower Frank De Rossi had prepared his orchard with liquid gypsum spread throughout the farm (8 tonne/30 acres) in late May.

“Trees were not pruned, but broken branches from the previous harvest were removed,” he said.

“Everything was looking great and we were rewarded with fantastic flowering in spring.

“However, strong winds and a week of high temperatures disrupted flowering and the trees shed many flowers.”

Australian Prune Industry Association chairman Michael Zalunardo said Griffith airport had recorded temperatures between 28.1C and 36C for the troublesome week in mid-September, with only one day below 30C.

“Anything over 26C can cause damage at that time of year, but we don’t really understand why and have no strategies to mitigate the losses,” he said.

“Many growers across the district were affected and will be expecting lighter crops this year.

“On our own farm at Yoogali, blocks that had flowered a few days earlier were relatively unscathed and have a good crop, but the later flowering blocks suffered badly from the heat with poor to very poor crops expected.”

Frank said there had been very little bee activity at pollination, perhaps also adding to the cause of a light crop but the news was not all bad.

“Good steady rains fell throughout the growing season, so very little fertilizer was applied, although calcium nitrate was injected into the fields. No thinning was necessary with the lighter crop load, but the fruit size is of excellent quality,” Frank said.

Optimistic, Ann Furner said she and husband Anthony knew they may not have to thin their Yenda property due to the hot conditions during flowering and were happy to use Green Atlas for the second year in a row to confirm their thoughts and identify any trends in the blocks and differences in varieties.

“We didn’t thin, but we are happy with the crop load. Our fruit is large and sugar levels are developing well for this time of year,” Ann said.

Michael also used Green Atlas to help with thinning decisions.

“Scans of our best block showed crop loads varied from 3500 pieces of fruit per tree to as many as 10,000 pieces

per tree. We thinned 1400 of the 4200 trees (1/3 of the block) to about 4500 to 5000 pieces of fruit,” he said.

“In our second best block, the heaviest trees had about 6000 pieces of fruit so we decided not to thin that block and the rest didn’t need thinning as the crop was too light.”

James Toscan, of Cavaso Farming at Darlington Point, said the Green Atlas technology gave a quantitative measure of how many fruitlets could be seen per image to make important management/ marketing decisions based on the crop loads across the orchard.

“We better understand the nature or fruit size vs quantity and how much fruit we can carry per tree to maximise the total return of our crop.”

An infestation of heliothis moth penetrating grubs caused some fruit drop at Frank’s property, but weekly fruit fly baiting had shown very little fly activity so far.

Meanwhile, Ann had switched to a better chemistry than their normal protective spray program, following hail damage in mid-December.

“We have managed to keep the orchard disease-free, but the cost of doing so is adding up,” she said.

“The wetter conditions and the high humidity make us a little nervous. We rely on hot, sunny conditions for sun-drying our fruit and we are a little worried we may not get the right conditions during harvest. Only time will tell.”

Several hot days in December caught some growers unaware and led to significant “blue drop” events across the industry.

Tony Toscan said that unlike the flower drop in spring, blue drops in summer could be minimised and sometimes

avoided with careful planning.

“Phytec has been gathering data on irrigation strategies and has demonstrated that there is a very high probability that correct management of irrigation leading up to the predicted high temperatures reduces the risk of blue drop,” Tony said.

Michael said it paid for growers to be diligent regarding weather conditions in the growing season.

“Unfortunately, we were distracted by off-farm events this year and I didn’t increase the irrigation frequency before the hot weather set in,” he said.

“The level of blue drop differed between the blocks. The size of the remaining fruit is good, so now we just need to focus on increasing the sugars.”

Ann and Anthony monitor the moisture levels on their block and did not experience the same blue drop. This year they will also measure fruit size with fruit growth sensors installed in one block.

“Visitors who come to our farm, for farm tours, are extremely interested in the technology used on farms these days,” she said.

“We have been really happy with the results and will definitely use the moisture monitoring and fruit growth sensors next year.” v

Top: A significant blue drop event will further reduce fruit numbers on what is a light crop this season.

Middle: Ann Furner finds it fascinating to watch the growth of the fruit via these fruit growth sensors.

Bottom: Regular baiting has shown little fruit fly activity so far this season.

Opposite page: The crop is light, but the remaining fruit is sizing well.

Spotlight on agtech

COMBINED EVENT WITH INNOVATION FOCUS

Viticulture industries will unite at the 2024 Mildura Field Days to highlight the latest in agtech.

The Australian Table Grape Association and Dried Fruits Australia will join Murray Valley Winegrowers this May as the industries host a combined event within the field days.

The joint event, on the afternoon of Friday 17 May, will consist of demonstrations and highlights of agtech innovations.

The agtech spotlight begins with a “speed dating” style introduction of each of the presenters and demonstrators. This will give attendees a brief insight into developments across the industries

and will be followed by more in-depth field demonstrations and presentations.

Agtech and innovation presentations will include weed, disease and pest management, canopy measurements, autonomous tractors, efficient and autonomous spraying, harvest innovation, and equipment and personnel management.

Presentations will include information from companies behind the technology, as well as commercial users of this high-tech equipment.

The combined industry event was initiated after discussions of the members of the Mallee Horticulture Technical Network (MHTN), which meets regularly to discuss developments and common interests among the dried,

table and wine grape industries.

Murray Valley Winegrowers’ Stuart Putland said while all three industries had their own unique needs and areas of focus, the MHTN had found common ground in highlighting new agtech and innovation to increase productivity and efficiency.

“This collaboration with Mildura Field Days provides a great opportunity for growers to combine technical industry discussion with a social event that can include the whole family,” he said.

The event has been made possible through financial contributions from Wine Australia, and the ongoing support for industry by Mildura Field Days.

Mildura Field Days has a long history with viticulture industries,

particularly with the dried fruits industry, which each year announces its Quality Awards at the event.

The Dried Fruits Australia-sponsored Mildura Field Days will be held on Friday, 17 May, and Saturday, 18 May, at the Mildura Racecourse.

Keep an eye on ATGA and DFA socials media pages and newsletters for any event updates and registration information.

Information about the broader Mildura Field Days event can be found online at mildurafielddays.com.au v

“

Almost 75 per cent of Victoria’s agriculture, forestry and fishing is based regionally. There are currently 68,800 employed in this sector. The number of new workers needed (next 3 years) is 3,000.” (Victorian Skills Commission Report 2022).

Need help with course and career planning?

Contact our Skills and Jobs Centre on (03) 5022 3999

Call 1300 478 648 Visit sunitafe.edu.au

Code: 4693

RTO

Provider Code: 01985A

Grower wellbeing

EVENT BRINGS INDUSTRY TOGETHER

Dried grape growers, processors and industry stakeholders came together late last year for a social event that highlighted the importance of looking out for growers’ wellbeing.

The event followed the Dried Fruits Australia Annual General Meeting late November, and was held at Dockside Cafe in Mildura.

About 50 people attended the social evening, which was hosted by DFA and supported by the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH), through its Building Farm Spirit campaign.

The evening included a presentation from Stephanie Ferdelja from Victorian Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), and provided an opportunity to speak privately with RFCS staff.

Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung said the event was an opportunity to acknowledge the tough seasons growers had faced in recent years, and a chance to show they’re supported.

“We know weather events and disease pressure have really impacted our industry’s growers,” he said.

“We hope this event was a chance for growers to chat together and see they’re not alone in issues

they’re facing and to see they’re supported by others in the industry.

“It’s also important for growers to know what support services are available to them, at any time, regardless of weather events.”

RFCS North West coordinator Stephanie Ferdelja gave an overview of the support the service could offer growers.

The service can provide financial counselling, small business support and wellbeing support.

Through financial counselling, RFCS can help growers assess their financial position, identify opportunities and weigh up their options. It can also help

with succession planning, negotiating with banks and applying for grants.

Small business support can help growers formulate business plans, identify solutions for cash flow, and consolidate loans, while wellbeing support helps to ensure clients’ wellbeing isn’t forgotten.

Attendees received a take home pack, which included resources from the National Centre for Farmer Health, as well as from RFCS and Dried Fruits Australia.

To find more farmer wellbeing resources, growers are encouraged to visit the Building Farm Spirit page of the NCFH website to find webinars, videos, podcasts and additional links. v

Top left: DFA board member Warren Lloyd.

Top right: Rural Financial Counselling Service’s Chris Young and Cara Clark with Dried Fruits Australia CEO Thomas Cheung, centre.

Bottom left: Rural Financial Counselling Service presented to the crowd at the DFA Grower Evening.

Bottom right: Rural Financial Counselling Service’s Stephanie Ferdelja presented to the crowd at the event.

Skin checks for good health

GROWERS URGED TO BE PROACTIVE TO REDUCE RISKS

Working outdoors is just part of the job for table and dried grape growers. And while being outside is unavoidable, there are steps producers should take to protect themselves from the risks of skin cancer, and to take charge of their own health.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, the incidence of skin cancer in Australia is high compared to most other countries.

In Victoria alone, more than 40,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually.

Occupational exposure to UV radiation can occur via direct sunlight, reflections from surfaces, and the scattering of UV through the atmosphere.

It is estimated that in Australia about 200 melanoma and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers per year are caused by occupational exposure to UV radiation.

The risk of exposure is greater for those working outdoors for extended periods of time, like farmers and agricultural workers.

Outdoor workers generally receive up to 10 times more exposure to UV radiation per year than indoor workers.

Producers are being encouraged to take the time to take care of their own health when it comes to their skin cancer risk.

For Merbein dried grape grower Malcolm Bennett, who has been growing grapes since 1990, time in the sun caught up with him in the past 10 years.

“I had one (skin cancer) on one of my legs – it was a sore that wouldn’t heal up," he explained.

“I saw the doctor and he attempted to remove it in the surgery, but the usual thing is they don’t take enough when they do the biopsy. They like to leave a margin around the actual cancer, so I had to go back in.”

Since then, Malcolm has had about eight day procedures to remove skin cancers.

“There’s the three levels – basal cell carcinoma, squamous and then there’s melanoma,” Malcolm said.

“The ones I’ve had, most are basal cell and there have been a couple squamous. Of course there’s also melanoma – that’s the worrying one that can be pretty devastating.”

After his first experience, he learnt the signs to look for and will have a skin check when he sees anything of concern.

“It was mainly these sores that wouldn’t heal up. You always get bumps and scratches and they normally heal up, but when you get something that isn’t healing the way it should, they’re persistent, and you know something’s different.”

While most of his skin cancers have been operated on in day surgery, Malcolm has also had some on his back for which he was prescribed a topical medication that was effective in treating them.

"People may not know that you don't always have to have surgery," he said.

Malcolm now consistently wears sunscreen, particularly on his face after having cancers removed from his lip, ears and forehead.

Spending time outdoors yearround – in both his vine nursery and vineyard – fellow grower Nathan Jilbert has decided to take a proactive approach to his skin health.

The Cardross dried grape grower has annual skin checks through MoleMap.

MoleMap offers a range of skin check services, including the Full Body Mole Check, which Nathan uses.

This type of skin check tracks changes to skin over time.

The check creates a thorough photographic record of the client’s skin. Any “high risk” moles and lesions that may become cancerous are assessed by an accredited dermatologist, before a report with advice on any necessary next steps is provided.

“As growers, we’re always exposing ourselves to the sun way too much, and any kind of exposure is bad exposure for our skin,” he said.

Nathan wanted to make other horticulturalists aware of the MoleMap service and hoped it might give some growers the push they needed to prioritise their own health.

“I see it as a necessity because we’re spending a bunch of time outside,” he said.

“The service is available and we should be making the most of it.”

Nathan said his MoleMap appointments take about 45 minutes, and involve a check from head to toe, including his scalp and the bottom of his feet.

“They identify anything that is suspicious and any lesions or areas of concern,” he said.

“Then they send the report and mapped images to a specialist who is a part of the MoleMap service. The specialist then makes recommendations for the next step – so that might be to go to the GP for referral for a removal.” v

Spot the signs

Early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer relies on early detection.

According to the Cancer Council, outdoor workers should be encouraged to check their own skin often and look for spots that are new or have changed colour, size or shape.

They should see a doctor (GP or dermatologist) as soon as possible if they notice anything unusual.

Skin cancer can develop rapidly.

In addition to early detection and monitoring, outdoor workers should also take preventative measures to reduce their skin cancer risk, including wearing a hat, sunscreen, protective clothing and eye protection.

Know what to look for

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – appears as a red lump or scaly area. Usually found on the head, neck, and upper body.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) –appears as a thick, scaly, red spot that may bleed, crust, or ulcerate.

Occurs on most exposed areas of the body. Can spread to other parts of the body. Common in outdoor workers.

Other less common but more dangerous forms of skin cancer are: Nodular melanoma – raised, firm and dome shaped pimple-sized melanoma that is red, pink, brown or black.

Develops quickly, in as little as six weeks and spreads to other parts of the body.

Flat melanoma – appears anywhere on the body as a flat spot with a mix of colours and an uneven, smudgy outline. Changes colour, size or shape. Can spread to other parts of the body.

Learn more about sun safety at work at WorkSafe Victoria or Cancer Council.

The unwelcome guest fruit fly

Table grape producers have their fair share of issues to manage and unwanted vineyard visitors.

Like other pests and diseases, understanding the features, behaviour and diet of fruit fly is the best way to keep this unwelcome guest at bay.

Many producers have never needed to know about fruit fly management, but having a baseline understanding is like first aid - and helps you keep calm and carry on.

We take the "Q" out of Qfly and answer all your buzzing questions.

Why is it so important to understand the lifecycle of a fruit fly?

Fruit flies have four life stages – egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Understanding life stages helps us to understand when and how to find flies and target treatments.

The adult female Queensland fruit fly injects her eggs into host fruit, laying up to 100 eggs a day. Eggs are white and one millimetre long, which makes them hard to see. You may see tiny puncture marks in fruit.

The eggs hatch into creamy white

Adults emerge from soil

maggots that grow up to nine millimetres long. The maggots feed on the fruit, eventually chewing their way out. The maggots then burrow into the ground and change into oval, brown, hard pupae. After a few weeks, if conditions are suitable, the fruit flies come out of the ground and look for food in surrounding vegetation.

After feeding and mating, females search for suitable ripe fruit to lay their eggs into, and their cycle continues. Eggs and larvae are protected in fruit, and pupae are protected in soil, so our strategy must be on controlling adults, to interrupt the cycle.

Adults sting berries

Lay eggs

FRUITFLY LIFE CYCLE

Pupae burrow into soil

Larvae emerge from fruit

Larvae grow

How do you tell the difference between Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly and other fruit flies?

In Eastern states, growers should know how to recognise Queensland fruit fly (Qfly). In Western Australia, growers are watching out for Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly).

Qfly adults are reddish-brown in colour, with distinct yellow markings and clear wings. The adults are 7mm long. Adult females leave sting marks in berries after they lay eggs.

Medfly adults have a pale back, and distinct patterns on their wings. They are 3-5 mm long.

Qfly and medfly eggs hatch inside the berry and grow into larvae. Larvae are 5-10mm long, creamy white, and they jump when exposed to air by forming a “U shape” and springing forward.

Qfly larvae leave a brown trail under the berry’s skin. When the adult female stings the berry, she also regurgitates bacteria onto the fruit to cause the berry to start rotting and provide a soft, juicy meal for the larvae.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

NewmanFly

There are other flies that might appear in vineyard traps in the eastern states of Australia, and look similar to Qfly – Newman fly (Dacus newmani) and Island fly (Dirioxa pornia Walker). These are not recognised as commercial pests in vineyards. There is no record of them infesting fresh grapes, although Island fly is attracted to overripe or damaged fruit.

What is the difference between traps, bait/bait spray and cover spray?

Lets unpack these words.

Trapping in a commercial vineyard is just for surveillance. Monitor the traps to see whether flies are active and whether numbers are increasing or decreasing. But don’t expect traps to reduce the population (or, if you were to rely on traps, 25 per hectare would be needed).

Bait spraying is used to control flies. The flies find the bait. A small volume of bait targeted at vine trunks or at a narrow strip of foliage will attract and kill flies for about seven days. Females don’t fly far, so apply bait to vines in every second row.

Cover spraying with insecticide controls adult flies active at the time of spraying wont, but is generally only effective for a brief period after spraying. New adults that emerge after spraying won't be controlled, and most insecticides have no effect on the eggs or larvae in berries. Pupae are in the soil and safely protected from cover sprays.

What’s in fruit fly bait?

Bait mixture has two essential ingredients – yeast and insecticide. The yeast attracts the flies, while the spike of insecticide makes the yeast toxic.

You can buy a pre-mix of bait, which already contains the yeast and insecticide, and you simply add water.

You can also make up a bait mix from scratch, which is cheaper, but has more steps.

Why do some people add gum to bait?

Fruit fly bait only lasts about a week in a vineyard – best case scenario –and that varies with rain, humidity, sunlight and temperature.

A trick to making the bait more weather-resistant is to make it jellylike by adding gum to the water.

Gelatinising the bait helps it “stick”, making it more weatherproof, so it lasts longer.

Using gum does require planning ahead, because it must be mixed the day before it’s used to ensure the gum does not get lumpy. Lumpy gum can be hard on pumps and nozzles. Small volumes can be mixed using a paint stirrer, but for larger volumes, a tank agitator should run for a few minutes to mix the gum well.

Where should bait land?

Understanding where on a vine fruit fly bait should land requires us to know a bit about a fruit fly’s dining habits.

We want the fruit flies to find the bait easily.

Fruit flies are refined diners –they want a high protein meal in a shady spot – with a view – and the females don’t like travelling far.

So bait deposits work best in the shade and off the ground – without making contact with bunches.

That leaves two zones we can direct bait at: the vine’s trunk/crown or the foliage beyond the fruiting zone.

If you target foliage, you can jet a constant stream at a narrow zone from underneath, or you can drizzle from above at super-low pressure.

Targeting crowns or trunks requires turning jets on and off to deliver intermittent deposits, which can be slower, harder on the pump and if you are using a wand it requires much more hand coordination.

Apparently bait becomes less attractive or effective if it’s on the ground, has been in direct sun and dried out, or diluted by rain. v

FRUIT FLY MYTHBUSTERS

# 01

Female fruit flies lay 300–400 eggs.

TRUE! Each female Qfly or Medfly can lay hundreds of eggs. One Qfly can lay up to 100 eggs in a single day.

# 02

Cover spraying is more effective than baiting.

FALSE! Cover spraying could only equal baiting in effectiveness if you were to catch all the newly emerging adult flies. That would require repeat spraying every week up to and after harvest. Clearly, not an option due to MRLs.

# 03

Using traps lures fruit fly into my vineyard.

FALSE! Fruit fly traps are used as surveillance tools to understand populations in vineyards. If you find fruit fly in traps, assume they are already active in your vineyard. Don’t wait for sting marks to appear on berries before you start control baiting.

Sources:

https://www.fruitflymv.com.au/qfly-facts

Bernard C. Dominiak (2019). Review of the Biology and Distribution of Newman Fruit Fly, Dacus newmani (Perkins) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a cryptic dacinae species from the dry inland of Australia. General and Applied Entomology. Volume 47:17-24

Plant

Strength in numbers

REPORT SHOWS AUSTRALIAN HORTICULTURE'S MIXED FORTUNES

New data shows mixed fortunes for an Australian horticulture sector facing numerous challenges; however, the long-term outlook remains strong with total production value increasing by 2.8 per cent to $16.3B.

The latest edition of the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook, developed by Freshlogic on behalf of Hort Innovation, was released in February and includes information on 75 different horticulture categories across fruit, vegetables, nuts, and greenlife.

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said the result reflected the resilience of Australian horticulture.

“The value of the horticulture sector grew by $434.3M over the past year, demonstrating the hard work and passion that our industry has for growing high-quality fresh produce that feeds not only Australians but consumers across the world,” he said.

“Growers have faced a myriad of challenges the past few years, including adverse weather events, higher

production costs and labour shortages, that have affected profitability.”

The Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook is released by Hort Innovation each February and captures the previous financial year’s data. The user-friendly guide includes figures on national and state-level production values and volumes, exports and imports, processing volumes, fresh supply, retail and food service distribution.

While the Australian Table Grape Association and Dried Fruits Australia regularly share production and export data, the benefit of the handbook is its interactive, userfriendly platform, which allows readers to break down information.

The guide includes figures on national and state-level production values and volumes, exports and imports, processing volumes, fresh supply, retail and food service distribution.

Fruit value increased by $708.1m across the year to June 2023, with volume increasing marginally.

The total value of fresh exports decreased by 3.4 per cent in 2022/23, however table grapes and avocados saw year-on-year growth in export values, increasing 28 per cent and 13 per cent respectively on 2021/22 levels.

The full handbook (PDF and online tool) is available at www.horticulture. com.au/hort-stats-handbook v

Game plan for grape season

Australian table grape exporters returned from the ATGA’s trade seminar tour last December with optimism for the season.

Attending exporters hailed the tour as eye-opening and praised the opportunity to connect with key existing and potential customers in one place.

The four trade seminars were facilitated as part of the Table Grape International Marketing Program, which is funded by Hort Innovation using table grape marketing levies.

ATGA CEO Jeff Scott said the preseason trade promotion taster was a

“resounding success”, with all the major importers, distributors, and retailers attending in each of the four countries.

Jeff said he was pleased some growers and exporters attended and were able to talk with all the market representatives.

“Those who attended gained sound knowledge of customers’ purchase requirements and opened the door for future discussions,” he said.

Cordoma Group director Mario Cordoma attended each leg of the tour and said it was a “very valuable experience” and gave great access to importers.

“It was good to see that Australian table grapes still have a good reputation for

quality and the continued opportunities for the industry going forward,” he said. “I found a new customer base that looked promising, especially in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Mario said it was reassuring to see that premium products were being embraced more readily due to a shift in the economy.

“The price that fruit retails for once it is in-store (is surprising). Good fruit can consistently get a high dollar return per kilogram and it is surprising to see that consumers can continue to absorb these prices,” he said.

“It is assuring that if you grow high quality fruit there is always a place

for it and you will be rewarded. Since my last visit to The Philippines and Indonesia, I could see a shift in the economy where there is more wealth being created from locals living abroad and investing in their home countries. This increase in wealth is creating greater opportunity for high value fruit in particular areas of the cities.”

EXIM Trading Global chief financial officer Julian Panuccio attended the Jakarta event and said the retail tour was “surprising”, noting the value placed on presentation of product.

“(The) retail tour was surprising. (I) didn’t realise they place so much importance on presentation and packaging their fruits,” Julian said.

What’s coming up?

Campaign launches are set to breed enthusiasm about peak export season, which has been gaining more traction over the past fortnight.

The first market to launch will be Vietnam in late March, followed by Thailand, The Philippines and Indonesia in April.

Retail programs will begin in early April and run until June in most markets. These programs will feature gift with purchase, displays and in-store sampling.

In China, a wholesale market promotion will take place on 15 March as a standalone event.

ATGA CEO Jeff Scott and consultant marketing project manager Jesse White will be in attendance, as well as government representatives.

Dates shown are accurate at time of printing and can be subject to change.

Julian said that, the experience would help “lift our volumes”.

Meanwhile Algona director Louis Joseph attended the Bangkok event and acknowledged the excitement among customers and the quality of attendees.

“I could see that customers were excited to be there, they received good quality Australian Grapes merchandise and it was an important event for the customers to attend,” Louis said.

“One thing that stood out was the quality of the customers convened for the event. All the important trade players were there and interested to hear about the upcoming season, which demonstrates what

an important category Australian Grapes is for Thai consumers.”

In an effort to build on the Southeast Asian export interest generated pre-season, Global Victoria will facilitate an in-market trade mission as part of the Victorian Horticulture Export Program next month. You can read more about that on page 7. v

Opposite page

Left: ATGA CEO Jeff Scott

Middle: Exporter Directory

Right: Algona director Louis Joseph

Bottom left: Cordoma Group director Mario Cordoma

Bottom right: Trade show attendees with gifts

Upcoming marketing program

Thailand

Vietman

Philippines

Malaysia

Singapore

Optimism as forecast improves

AUSTRALIAN PREMIUM DRIED FRUITS

As fruit begins to ripen and growers start gearing up for harvest, the dried vine fruit industry is prepping for an improved season with higher yields and better-quality fruit.

There was some trepidation at Australian Premium Dried Fruits and our grower partners when substantial rain events in the middle of January caused some splitting and fruit rot – particularly on the Thompson grape variety.

As mentioned previously, this variety accounts for less than 25 per cent of our total intake due to our growers divesting to more fruitful and weathertolerant varieties, which means our exposure to this damage is minimized.

Other weather tolerant varieties such as Sunmuscat and Sunglo seem to be unaffected at this point, so we’re optimistic that we can produce some good quality fruit that will satisfy both domestic and international customers.

The forecast for the next few weeks is for hot and dry conditions and we’re hopeful that these conditions will persist to the end of summer, which will allow us to dry the grapes in a timely manner and avoid any weather risks.

The global market dynamics are still favourable for the Australian industry as supply becomes scarcer from the major Northern Hemisphere producers.

European customers will be turning their attention to the Southern Hemisphere to secure their supply.

However, amidst this positive outlook, a significant challenge emerges from geopolitical instability globally, resulting in flow-on effects to commerce.

We are witnessing increased lead times and cost escalations in freight rates, driven by shipping lines avoiding the Red Sea/Suez Canal, leading to longer lead times and greater fuel usage.

This ripple effect may translate to higher prices for customers, potentially impacting demand in some export markets.

On a positive note, exciting capital improvements are underway at our Merbein South facility, with the addition of new warehousing.

This expansion is essential for accommodating our planned growth in fruit intake over the next few years.

These strategic investments play a crucial role in the growth trajectory of our company, paving the way for further expansion in the future. v

Enquiries:

Grower communications officer

Megan Rogers (03) 5025 6210 | megan@apdf.com.au

Left: Rain damage to Thompson grapes

Right: Construction on APDF's new warehouse has begun

Celebrating our growers

SUNBEAM FOODS & ANGAS PARK

2023 Dried Vine Fruit Quality Awards

Our 2023 Dried Vine Fruit Quality Awards were announced at our January grower presentation.

While the 2023 season was compromised by delayed maturity, cool weather and excessive rain, our Top 10 producers for the season achieved great results under the challenging circumstances.

Our 2023 Dried Vine Fruit Quality Awards went to:

Stephen and Jinky Nicholls, Daniel and Natasha Smith, Robert and Marg Burton, SuniTAFE (Kevin Sharman), Adrian Webley, Bill McClumpha, John and Jenny Hunt, Jeff Nicholls, Rowena and Warren Smart and Paul and Lea Andronescu.

Congratulations to all our award winners at our recent presentation dinner.

2024 dried vine fruit

The rainfall in late December and early January gave a feeling of déjà vu, but the weather steadied, and the fruit maturity continued on course. There was some small amounts of splitting from the rain but overall the fruit loss was minimal. What has provided an unexpected challenge is Queensland fruit fly. Outbreaks in December quickly escalated through the district that saw pockets of problem areas that our industry has limited control measures for.

Perimeter baiting was an option and post and vine baiting below the wetting and harvester contact points were also carefully managed. This will be an ongoing issue and we will provide updates for this problem throughout 2024.

The vines have had a far better growing season and maturity levels quickly advanced to be slightly ahead of the long-term average.

The emerging varieties Selma Pete and Sugra39 are rapidly establishing a reputation for higher yields, earlier maturity and a resistance to splitting in January rain events.

The industry is now getting some flexibility with high yielding varieties that were, up to now, the later maturing varieties, e.g Sunmuscat and Sunglo. The release of Murray Bold by Dried Fruits Australia in January further enhances the suite of early varieties.

2023 Prune Quality Awards

At the recent Angas Park dinner, the 2023 prune quality awards were announced.

These awards, now in their ninth year, recognise our suppliers who produce the best prunes that meet our market’s requirements.

The 2023 winners are;

B & P Farms –Ann Furner and Anthony Nehme

PS Raccanello Pty Ltd –Peter, Sue and Anthony Raccanello

Palatic Pty Ltd –Frank and Lucy De Rossi

We congratulate our 2023 award recipients.

Prunes

The fruit set on the trees was poor due to the hot spell of weather at flowering and the weather has continued to challenge the crop. Rain events and heat waves that have stressed the trees have resulted in extensive fruit split, softening and drop. The total crop could be as low as 30 per cent of the previous season. This will be a

very trying time for our suppliers.

This will also flow on to our marketing efforts and have a major impact on sales through to the next crop.

Dried tree fruit

The harvest for dried tree fruit has concluded and the volumes of dried apricot are lower than would normally be produced.

There were widespread reports that crops were down, and growers were generally disappointed with the fruit set and harvested volumes.

On the plus side, the size of the fruit was good and the dry out ratios were improved on the 2022/23 harvest.

The Australian Dried Tree Fruit Association met late in 2023 to reinvigorate the peak industry body and start working on a development plan that includes Horticulture Innovation's funding applications. Growers should start receiving industry updates from early in 2024. v

Enquiries:

Grower Services | 03 50514 400

Supply Manager - Dried Fruit

David Swain | 0407 834 044

Field Officer - Dried Vine Fruit

Gary Simpson | 0429 960 234

Dried Tree Fruits Operations Manager – Loxton

Luke Fitzsimmons | 0431 894 515

In celebration 20 years of the vine

From the archives

A step closer to preventing sour grapes

January/February 2006

Growers appear to have finally recognized the detrimental effects immature table grapes are having on returns and consumer demand.

For the past five seasons immature table grapes have hit retail shelves as growers fight to cash-in on the financial benefits associated with being the first in the market.

The damaging repercussions have been marked falls in grower returns as the poor eating experience turns consumers off grapes for several weeks.

With many growers struggling to cover costs and make lucrative inroads into both the domestic and export markets, they are starting to understand the need to adhere to grape maturity standards.

Leading the charge has been the Western Australian table grape industry who for the past five years

Stories of note

Meeting the needs of a global market: corporatisation of the table grape industry

March/April 2005

Six years of drought followed by a year of challenging returns meant the table grape industry was on the precipice of change. This article explored three corporate bodies and reported on the “changing culture” of the table grape industry, as it was shifting from a focus on individualism, to cooperation and corporation, to ensure long-term sustainability.

has implemented a mandatory Code of Practice for grape maturity.

At the start of each season, the WA industry’s Code of Practice for sugar (percentage brix) and sugar:acid ratio is revised according to the previous seasonal conditions. To date, growers have readily accepted the legislation and been rewarded with healthy returns.

In Queensland, the table grape industry has spent the past three seasons educating the three main growing regions (Emerald, Mundubbera and St George) on the importance of adhering to maturity standards.

In an effort to reduce the incidence of immature fruit hitting the market at the beginning of the season

Queensland’s GrapeConnect grower members trialled minimum maturity standards in 2004. This season, the minimum standards program was fully implemented to great success.

GrapeConnect is a voluntary industry group of growers and marketers of early season grapes.

Young growers unite for future

September/October 2005

Young table grape growers in the Murray Valley led industry into the future by forming a young grower network, which at the time of the magazine’s release had 50 members.

Members Charlie Albanese and Anthony Gervasi said at the time that the group was a “useful tool” to keep on top of the latest technology and collective industry challenges.

Queensland Table Grape Industry Development Officer (IDO) Anne Martin said this season all growers were under more pressure to adhere to minimum standards with support from retailers such as Woolworths, Coles and independent supermarkets.

Oldest vine challenge goes head to head

May/June 2006

Western Australian (WA) grower Ian Cameron went up against Victorian viticultural consultant Kym Ludvigsen after the former claimed that WA laid claim to Australia’s oldest grapevine.

Ian believed the “Museum Muscat” variety, in Perth’s museum at the old Perth gaol, built in 1850, was the oldest vine.

Kym believed a “Black Hamburg” located in Ararat’s main street, planted in 1856, was.

CELEBRATING YEARS OF THE VINE

ADFA celebrates 100 years

September/October 2007

The Australian Dried Fruits Association celebrated 100 years of operation.

In 1907, growers established the association to protect their interests and negotiate on their behalf.

The dried fruits industry acknowledged the 100-year achievement at a celebratory centenary dinner.

Nearly 250 people attended the event, including invited guests and ADFA members who had made significant contributions to the industry over the years.

The event’s MC Bill Sauer kept the crowd entertained with his quick wit and comprehensive knowledge of the industry.

He performed a poem he had written especially for the

Exploring the potential of the Chinese market

Sept/Oct 2006

Australian Dried Fruits Association chairman Peter Jones, together with Chris Ellis from Sunbeam Foods and Jim Mullan from Clyne Foods, joined the Sunraysia Mallee Economic Development Board as exhibitors at the Kunming Trade Fair in south east China.

While there, Peter also took the opportunity to visit China’s main dried grape producing area in the Turpan Valley and various retail outlets.

occasion, which detailed the dried fruits industry’s history.

The highlight of the evening was the launch of the book A Centenary of Challenges, written by Terry Gange, documenting the history of the industry, including a significant pictorial history of the industry, region and ADFA.

ADFA general manager Phil Chidzey said the office had been pleasantly surprised by the strong interest from the community and industry members.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Peter McGauran addressed dinner guests, reflecting on the developments in the Australian dried fruits industry over the past century. He then launched the book, presenting the first copy to ADFA Chairman, Peter Jones.

Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest read a letter from the Prime Minister.

In his letter, John Howard paid tribute to the resilience and efficiency of

Training in the business of growing

Sept/Oct 2004

More than 20 dried fruit growers undertook an innovative training program to improve their commercial operations.

Australian Dried Fruits Association general manager Phil Chidzey said the pilot Dried Grape Training Program was about growers’ business objectives and streamlining operations.

The program aimed to help the ADFA to meet its strategic goals, including an annual production target of 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes by 2010.

the industry and the hard work and initiative of the people involved. He went on to say that the Australian Government was keen to work in partnership with the dried fruits industry to ensure ongoing improvements in profitability and competitiveness.

Ivan Shaw awarded Order of Australia Medal

Mar/Apr 2005

Merbein South viticulturist Ivan Shaw was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) after being nominated for his service to the dried fruits industry.

Ivan is widely known as the innovator who has played a major role in the dried fruits industry’s adoption of modern trellis drying systems and technology. His innovations were designed to increase productivity and reduce labour costs v

Profile Alysson Barbosa Vieira

From the Brazilian hinterland to Australia’s back roads, Alysson

Barbosa Vieira is a professional agronomist with a passion for table grapes and an extensive technical knowledge.

Alysson has had a dedicated 15-year career in table grape production, which followed a degree in agronomy at the University of Bahia State in Brazil, and several years in tropical table grape production in Petrolina.

Alysson discusses his transformative journey, which saw two specific highlights – his integral role in the research and experimentation of a promising new variety for Brazil, and his relocation to Australia.

In 2016, Alysson took the plunge to transition from Brazil to Sunraysia, where he took up a role with Perfection Fresh Australia. Eight years on, he is still Perfection Fresh’s table grape agronomist, overseeing operations across farms in Emerald and Sunraysia. His role encompasses a spectra of responsibilities, including technical recommendations for soil and vine health, along with crop management. He also conducts field trials to formulate and refine protocols to optimise production. Tell me about what brought you to Australia.

In 2016, Perfection Fresh Australia sought an experienced agronomist to provide expertise in developing growing protocols for new Grapa varieties in Australia. My professional background uniquely aligned with this requirement, as I had been an integral part of the team that contributed to the success of one of Grapa Varieties' cultivars in Brazil. Recognising the synergies between my expertise

and the organisational needs, the alignment proved to be impeccable. Consequently, I made the strategic decision to relocate to Australia and join Perfection Fresh Australia.

How long have you been involved in the table grape industry as an agronomist and how did you become involved?

The table grape industry stands as a cornerstone in the region where I pursued my university education, holding a pivotal role in its economic landscape. Acknowledging the uniqueness of table grapes, I firmly believe they represent one of the most intricate crops, requiring a comprehensive understanding of various scientific disciplines for cultivation success. The technical nuances and challenges associated with table grape production have captivated my interest. It was this fascination that solidified my decision, even before concluding my university studies, to dedicate my professional life to the intricate world of table grapes. What are the differences you see between table grape production in Australia and where you are from?

Comparing my previous experience in table grape production in Brazil with my current role in Australia presents a distinctive contrast. In Brazil, my focus was dedicated to tropical production, whereas in Australia, the industry predominantly revolves around Mediterranean Australia boasts natural elements that favour table grape cultivation. The region experiences low seasonal rainfall and a significant temperature amplitude between day and night, contributing vibrant colours and optimal sugar concentration in the grapes. On the flip side, Australia contends with challenges, notably the high costs of labour, ranking among the highest globally. Where do you see the industry going in 2024 and beyond?

Looking forward, the trajectory of production is poised for a robust evolution, with a pronounced inclination towards embracing new varieties. This evolution, though laden with numerous learning curves and adaptations, holds the promise of increased yields and elevated quality as specific production practices become more refined for each variety. Furthermore, I envision companies actively seeking innovative technologies to amplify yields, curtail costs, and mitigate risks, exemplified by the adoption of practices such as the use of plastic covers.

What do you love about being an agronomist?

My affinity for agronomy is rooted in its dual nature, functioning not solely as a scientific discipline but also as an art form, orchestrating the sustainable and efficient production of food. My deepest appreciation extends to my wife and daughters, whose understanding and support have been unwavering pillars in the face of the demands inherent in my profession. Heartfelt thanks to Perfection Fresh Australia for the opportunity and belief vested in me. A special shout-out to those who have placed their trust in my work. v

Notice board

Dried Fruits Australia hosted a grower evening to mark the end of 2023 and the work growers had done throughout the season.

Among those at the event at Dockside Cafe Mildura were:

Left: DFA chair Mark King, Bronwyn King and David Swain.

Middle: DFA board member Stephen Bennett, his wife Sally and their children.

Right: DFA board members Rowena Smart and Ashley Chabrel with Rodney Trigg.

The ATGA hosted two Ag Tech Breakfast sessions back in November.

Left: Domenic Sergi and Dominic Sergi.

Middle: Frank Romeo, Michael Sergi and Vince Cavallo.

Right: RapidAIM’s Nathaniel Clark along with Robinvale/Euston attendees at Geno Zappia’s.

BOARD

BOARD

Mark King (Chair) Producer, Pomona

Warren Lloyd (Deputy Chair) Producer, Irymple

Stephen Bennett Producer, Merbein

Ashley Johnstone Producer, Irymple

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

Steve Sinclair Sunbeam Foods

Craig Greenwood

Australian Premium Dried Fruits

Michael Scalzo

Australian Premium Dried Fruits

James Shopov Producer, Duxton

Nathan Jilbert Specialist, Cardross

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 2024. 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.