News

Citrus Growers' Technical Conference

Fri, 10 May 2013 06:35:00

Practical and cost-effective strategies to help citrus growers to stay in their industry will be the focus of a major Murray Valley conference in June.

The Murray Valley Citrus Board and Sunraysia Citrus Growers are combining with major sponsor Chislett Developments to put together at Dareton on June 26 a full-day program with a theme of “Positive Directions”.

The technical conference and field day will draw together an impressive line-up of speakers, including an international expert on mandarins and seedless varieties.

Keynote speakers will address some of the industry’s old chestnuts – the potential in Asia, managing mandarins profitably and whether it really does pay to grow bigger, but fewer, fruit.

But there will also be scrutiny of some new issues and ideas – whether solar panels can boost farm profits and what can be learned from the Israeli citrus industry.

The Murray Valley Citrus chairman John Tesoriero said the conference came as growers struggled with the fallout of a high dollar and two of the most difficult seasons on record.
 
Mr Tesoriero said it was expected about 200 growers would attend the conference from across the tri-state area.

“We are certainly trying to work our way through some challenges, but there are options for growers to continue to develop and progress,” Mr Tesoriero said.

“In framing the conference agenda, we have been conscious of providing information that will help growers manage the current difficulties and at the same time position themselves for future profitability.

“It’s a combined effort of the MVCB and SCG, but it’s really been helped along by a great sponsorship contribution from one of the area’s major nurseries, Chislett Developments.

“Two other companies, Mildura Fruit Company and Victorian Citrus Farms have also come on board, but there are other opportunities for sponsors to get their messages directly to the region’s committed commercial growers.”

The keynote speaker is Israeli citrus expert Joshua Kanonich. He will outline the current Israeli situation; share Israeli expertise on growing mandarins for profit, provide an assessment of profitable varieties and give some indication of the Israeli industry’s future directions.

Other key issues to be addressed:

  • Does growing fewer, but bigger, fruit pay?
  • Crop size regulation
  • Asian markets’ potential
  • Orchard practices to access Asian markets
  • Possibilities for electricity savings and potential for solar panels to boost farm profits
  • Sunraysia Pest Free Area status update

The information and discussion sessions will be followed by four concurrent site visits hosted by the NSW DPI.

Sunraysia Citrus Growers’ chairman Vince DeMaria said the conference was timely for growers who were re-evaluating the industry and their own businesses in a difficult climate.

“We are confident in the future of the industry, but we know many growers are struggling. It’s been tough,” Mr DeMaria said.

“This conference is not about looking through rose-colored glasses, but it is framed for growers who are committed to the industry and its future.

“It’ll be practical, informative and forward-looking, and focussing on the needs of the many growers who are committed to the industry.

“It’s not about costly redevelopment options, but more about low-cost, practical measures towards profitability that most growers will be able to take something from.”

Conference numbers are strictly limited. Admission is by registration only, and registrations close with Murray Valley Citrus Board on June 14.
People wanting further information or interested in becoming sponsors can also contact MVCB on 5051 0500.