September 2024
SA Citrus on the screen
The Riverland Citrus industry will be put in the spotlight over coming months after Citrus SA hosted, Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello from the number one South Australian television show, South Aussie with Cosi. Filming took part at Venus Fruits at Loxton and Pyap Produce. Stayed tuned in October to see our region featured on the program with another repeat airing in 2025.
Citrus SA AGM and trade day
Growers are invited to the Citrus SA AGM and info/trade day on Friday, October 11 at 10am at the Riverland Events Centre. Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke is urging all growers to attend to discuss priorities for the committee and the way forward with reduced funding. There will also be several company representatives and resellers in attendance.
Please RSVP to Kerrie at contact@citrussa.com.au
Global orange production to rise, OJ to decline in 2023-24 season.
The United States’ Citrus Industry Magazine reports the global orange production for 2023-2024 is expected to rise by one per cent to 47.4 million tonnes. The information, gained from the US Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, Citrus: World Markets and Trade July report states that lower production in Brazil and the European Union will be offset by larger crops in Egypt, the United States and Turkiye.
Global orange juice production for the same period is expect to be 1.5 millions tonnes at 65 degrees Brix, which is three per cent lower than previously forecast. The decline is due to reduced fruit available for processing in Brazil, which accounts for more than 70pc of global production.
You can read more here
Family and Business Support Program
FaB Mentors are a team of experienced individuals that will listen and help you find ways to manage your situation. Mentors liaise with government and non-government service providers and can help provide connections to services including:
• funding and support measures available to primary producers
• financial counselling
• local health networks
• emotional wellbeing and counselling services
• government and non-government assistance
• community organisations and assistance.
Talking to a FaB Mentor is free and confidential. They provide an informal, independent and understanding platform for farmers, their families or businesses affected by drought, bushfire or other adverse events. If you or someone you know needs help, connect with a FaB Mentor for a free, confidential chat you can contact the Murray Mallee and Riverland team including Robyn Cain 0411 633 085, John Chase 0419 848 672 or Brent Fletcher 0439 409 430.
This program is funded by the South Australian Government and coordinated by Department of Primary Industries and Regions. PIRSA Recovery Hotline: 1800 931 314
Keep Farmers Farming – NFF calls for support
Despite a growing population to feed in Australia and overseas, the amount of land available for food production is diminishing as farmers face fierce competition from urban sprawl, mining and energy developments, transmission lines and carbon offsets.
The National Farmers Federation reports that over the past 30 years, Australia has lost more than 15pc of its farmland.
It is calling for three vital changes:
A mandatory code of conduct for transmission projects.
Balanced reform of the EPBC Act to maintain productive land use.
Consideration of the impact of the climate and energy transition, including offsets, on agricultural land.
You can find out more here
September production notes
· Pruning:
Annual pruning programs should be well underway. Pruning usually improves class one fruit pack outs, particularly if we encounter a windy spring resulting in marking last season’s fruitlets.
· Fertilizing and Fertigation:
As soil temperatures warm up, start broadcasting fertiliser to cover the spring flush. Those on drip irrigation or micro jets should begin fertiliser programs. Foliar applications can also be applied in late August to ensure a healthy spring flush and address specific deficiency.
· Weed Control:
Once fruit is harvested, control weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients, especially during the spring flush period.
· Earwigs:
Monitor your trees for decline and consult your agronomist or chemical reseller for more information.
The Citrus Segment – New episode out now!
The latest instalment of The Citrus Segment - Chair Chat with Mark Doecke, has dropped. You can tune in here:
Key Topics Covered:
Current Citrus Season Overview:
The season has seen good tonnages and high-quality fruit, leading to increased packing shed throughput.
The favourable conditions from a normal spring and summer have positively impacted fruit quality.
Impact of Weather Conditions:
Recent rains and frosts have not significantly harmed the fruit. In fact, they have helped improve the quality and colour of the citrus.
Export and Domestic Sales:
The majority of the fruit is being exported, particularly to Asia, with smaller shipments to America and India.
Domestic sales are steady, and high-quality exports have prevented the usual surplus in the domestic market.
Juice Market Trends:
Juice prices are notably high due to a global shortage, making even typically low-value juice fruit profitable this year.
Upcoming Adelaide Show Preparations:
The Citrus Society is gearing up for another big year at the Royal Adelaide Show, with plans to engage visitors through freshly squeezed juices, fruit displays, and educational initiatives.
Promoting the Citrus Industry:
Citrus S.A. is collaborating with "South Aussie with Cosi" to promote the industry through television and social media, emphasising South Australia’s fruit fly-free status.
Fruit Fly Management Efforts:
Significant progress has been made in controlling the fruit fly population, with certain areas being fruit fly-free for over a year. The Port Augusta SIT facility plays a crucial role in this effort.
National Water Agreement Consultation:
Mark discusses the recent consultation on the National Water Initiative and its implications for water management in Australia, including the Murray-Darling Basin.
Upcoming Citrus S.A. AGM:
The AGM is scheduled for October 11th at the Riverland Event Centre, focusing on financial strategies following Costa Farms' decision to reclaim their levies, and featuring a trade display for growers.