News
International experts to help steer citrus future
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:31:00
Citrus growers have called together an unprecedented panel of international experts to help inform their decisions, as they face the toughest market conditions in their history.
Industry bodies say international pressures, concentration of market power and dwindling returns for traditional commodities are testing the 1000 growers in the Murray Valley, Riverland and Riverina.
“That’s really the reason for bringing together the best collection of international technical nouse in citrus our regions have ever seen,” said Sunraysia Citrus Growers chairman Vince DeMaria.
“And to give growers the best-possible access to these experts, we’ve extended our Tri State Technical Conference out to two days,” he said.
Mr Demaria for the first time ever last year, one of Australia’s supermarket chains sold more mandarins than navel oranges.
“That’s a really clear demonstration of how dramatically our industry is changing,” he said.
“Combine that with the tightening margins we are seeing, and growers are really looking for some guidance, and some practical, cost-effective strategies to help them stay in the industry.”
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 international experts on mandarins and seedless varieties.
Three of the speakers, Joshua Kanonich, Eran Raveh and Nir Carmi are being brought in from Israel, which is considered the world leader in citrus technology and variety development. Israel has invested heavily to improve efficiency, fruit quality, shelf-life, and to lower seed content in fruit, particularly mandarins. Israel is also at the forefront of ecologically-orientated production methods.
Another speaker at the conference Dr Maria Angeles Forner-Giner is a Spanish rootstock specialist with 500 new hybrids under evaluation, particularly rootstocks that are more tolerant to iron chlorosis, salinity and water stress.
Murray Valley Citrus chairman John Tesoriero said growers were looking for some clear opportunities and guidance about their best strategic options after two of the most difficult seasons on record.
“The recent fall in the Australia dollar is a good sign, but the reality is that consumer and market preferences are shifting quickly and the world market is changing dramatically,” Mr Tesoriero said.
“Growers will need to be aware of what that means if they are to be successful, and this conference will be a good chance to begin making those assessments of their business.
“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’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.”
Another of the keynote speakers, Ben Barnett, is a pioneer in the early stage development of utility-scale solar projects in Australia, and their potential for implementation as part of commercial citrus operations.
“Undoubtedly that’s an area some growers are really interested in – what are the opportunities electricity savings and for solar operations to boost farm profits?” Mr Tesoriero said.
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
• Sunraysia Pest Free Area status update
The conference program has been finalised, and is available on the Murray Valley Citrus Board website at mvcitrus.org.au
Conference numbers are strictly limited. Admission is by registration only, and registrations close with Murray Valley Citrus Board on June 21.
The organisers welcome Mildura Fruit Company and Victorian Citrus Farm as silver sponsors and EE Muirs as general sponsors.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.