Forward vision drives Gol Gol expansion - P 30 9 - Citrus Australia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
AUTUMN 2020
Forward vision drives
Gol Gol expansion
P 30
9 Market Outlook 21 Legend inducted 40 Degreening
Forum review to Citrus Hall breakthrough
of Fame for mandarins
Email: accounts@maf-oceania.com
AUTUMN 2020
In this issue...
CEO REPORT CITRUS AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME
Australian Citrus News is written and
published by Citrus Australia Limited. 4 COVID-19 impacts on industry key 24 Jack Parr made his vision a reality
(ACN 130 238 792) focus of Citrus Australia
94 Lemon Avenue Mildura Vic 3502 25 “The tree pays for everything.”
PO Box 10336, Mildura Vic 3502 Australia
T: (03) 5023 6333 NEWS
F: (03) 5023 3877 CITRUS VALUE CHAIN INNOVATORS
E: admin@citrusaustralia.com.au 5 Growers must plan for potential
coronavirus disruptions 26 Fresh thinking boosts
www.citrusaustralia.com.au export demand for juice
6 COVID-19 Guide in the Orchard and
Packing Shed 27 Dracula Citrus puts
theatre into retail
MANAGING EDITOR 7 Secure labour through the harvest
Stephen Cooke
Industry Engagement Manager
8 Megan MacDonald, Greg Fraser MANAGEMENT
Citrus Australia Limited
appointed to Citrus Australia Board
28 Reward for advocacy on
M: 0427 124 437 labour issues
E: stephen.cooke@citrusaustralia.com.au MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM
29 Farm labour guide exclusive
9 Chile an emerging rival to members
DESIGN & LAYOUT for China trade
Clare De Luca 30 Forward vision with an end goal
Fresh Republic 10 Supermarkets set own in sight
MRLs in Europe
M: 0413 563 654 32 Diversification at heart of
E: clare@freshrepublic.com.au 11 MRL compliance an essential expansion plans
part of trade
12 Spanish wax formulation protects BIOSECURITY
at low temperatures
CITRUS 13 Plastic the sustainable option when
35 New multi-industry airborne pest
FUND used well
surveillance trial
36 Citrus canker restrictions lifted
14 India ‘tricky’ but worth the effort in Darwin
Australian Citrus News has been funded by long term
Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
using the national citrus levy and funds from
16 Citrus Australia to
undertake $200,000 pilot project INNOVATION
the Australian Government.
on traceability 38 One chapter closes, another opens
18 Science makes verifying fruit in citrus postharvest research
DISCLAIMER: Citrus Australia Limited
(CA) acknowledges contributions made origin simple 40 A refresher on
by private enterprise through placement postharvest degreening
of advertisements in this publication. 19 Remote sensing gives early
Acceptance of these contributions does not indication of eventual yield
endorse or imply endorsement by CA of any 22 Market Outlook Forum Gallery
product or service advertised by contributors.
Any advice provided in articles contained in
Australian Citrus News is intended as a source Cover image: Tim Vandenberg on his Gol Gol farm.
of information only. Always read the label
before using any of the products mentioned.
CA and its officers do not guarantee that
OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
the publication is without flaw of any kind
or is wholly appropriate for your practical
purposes and, therefore, disclaim all liability
for any error, loss or any other consequence CITRUS R
that may arise from you relying on the FUND
information in this publication. All articles
and other material published in this journal
is CA copyright (unless otherwise stated)
and may not be reproduced in part or full
without the written permission of the authors
and publisher.
CEO REPORT
COVID-19 impacts on industry
key focus of Citrus Australia
At the Market Outlook Forum on 3-4 March, several speakers tried to forecast how COVID-19 (coronavirus),
which was then most prominent in China, would affect Australian exports.
Unfortunately, as we now know, it has source of information. We will continue At the Citrus Australia AGM in March,
had a much larger impact across the to revise and update the guide Queensland grower Megan MacDonald,
world than most could have imagined. during the season and advise when Redlea Citrus, was appointed to the
this happens. Citrus Australia Board as a Grower
When Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Director, replacing Robert Hoddle,
closed our borders on March 20 – Citrus Australia has reviewed its
Gunnible Pastoral, who stepped down
as many approved Pacific Islanders usual communications, events and
after two terms to concentrate on his
were due to board flights to assist programs in preparation for ongoing
expanding business. Robert made an
with the Queensland harvest – it was Government restrictions on movement.
important contribution during this time
clear COVID-19 would not just affect
To gain the latest information, growers and will remain an advocate for our
exports, but the entire supply chain.
can follow us on facebook at www. industry.
It has been an extremely busy time for facebook.com/citrus australia
Current board member Shane Kay,
Citrus Australia and our growers as
We have also formed a ‘closed’ Moora Citrus, WA, was re-elected for
we work with government at the local,
facebook group for citrus growers another term.
state and federal level to find solutions
only. Visit our facebook page and click
to severe restrictions in accessing In a separate process later in the
the blue ‘Visit Group’ button under the
a workforce. year, Plant Health Australia Executive
big Vitamin C banner.
Director Greg Fraser was appointed
We have provided an update on
We encourage all growers to join to the Citrus Australia Board to fill the
pages 5-7 but I advise you to visit
this group as we will share regular Independent Director’s position that
the dedicated COVID-19 page on our
information on a range of topics. was vacated by Charmaine England.
website at www.citrusaustralia.com.au
for the latest information relevant to Despite travel restrictions on staff, I would like to congratulate all three
your business. Just click on the orange our pre-harvest maturity testing and welcome working with them for
COVID-19 banner on our homepage. in the Murray Valley and Riverland the betterment of all our members.
continued under the guidance of Mara
We have also produced the detailed The NT government has developed
Milner, thanks to the help of several
‘Guide to COVID-19 in the Orchard strategies to continue working through
businesses, including MFC, Nippy’s,
& the Packing Shed’ – a living to area freedom despite the impacts of
Nutrano and Lochert Bros.
document, which can be found via the COVID-19 on staff movement.
COVID-19 page. Citrus Australia has also been working
The outbreak of this disease in 2018
closely with Department of Agriculture,
It has practical tips to apply to was a dark period for our industry but
Water and the Environment (DAWE)
your business, as well as links to one that we were able to overcome
to ensure the 2020 KCT export list
current government advice and through collaboraton.
details are simplified and submitted
announcements, to provide one central
to China earlier than previously. I am The impacts of COVID-19 will be
happy to report that the export list felt for many months after the initial
has been published on the Chinese restrictions are lifted. Some markets,
Customs website. including our own food service
industry, may take years to build back
Preliminary discussions with Chinese
to what they once were as consumer
customs have indicated a smoother
confidence builds. I believe that as an
approval process in 2020 although
industry we will navigate the pitfalls
COVID-19 may cause issues out
of this season by once again working
of our control, such as shipping
together.
logistics, movement restrictions and
staff availability.
Citrus Australia continues to
collaborate with DAWE to ensure
the challenges of 2020 are mitigated
wherever possible.
Again, we advise you to subscribe and NATHAN HANCOCK
read our eNewsletter and follow us Chief Executive Officer,
Nathan Hancock at the Market Outlook Forum on facebook for updated information Citrus Australia
in March. on exports.
4 | Australian Citrus News
NEWS
Growers must plan for potential
coronavirus disruptions
Decisions made by Federal and State governments in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have seen
significant disruptions to businesses at the beginning of harvest.
The decision by Prime Minister Scott facebook page and click the blue ‘Visit
Morrison to close Australia’s borders Key points Group’ button under the big Vitamin
on March 20 stopped Pacific Islanders C banner.
about to board flights to Australia
Information updated daily We have also created the COVID-19
to work under the Seasonal Worker
on website Guide to the Orchard & the Packing
Programme (SWP).
Shed (see story page 7). This living
The initial decision not to extend the Contingency plans advised document is also continually updated
working visas of Working Holiday and will prove invaluable to all growers
Makers (backpackers) and those Strong domestic demand this harvest.
Islanders already in Australia under the for citrus
The regularly updated Guide contains
SWP caused further angst; as did the
tips and information that growers can
Prime Minister’s announcement that
apply to their business.
backpackers would have to self-isolate
Citrus Australia has formed a ‘closed’
for 14 days before working, to the It is important that each business
facebook group for citrus growers only.
surprise of Federal departments and develops a plan using the Guideline,
It is a grower-led group where you
state governments.
can share information on any issue
or management practice. Visit our continued on page 6
State border closures restricting
interstate travel (and also intrastate
travel in WA) also caused concern.
Citrus Australia has been in daily
consultation with Federal and
state government Ministers and
departments, and other horticulture
industry groups, to advocate for
our growers.
Meetings with our Regional Advisory
Committees and feedback from
individual growers have enabled Citrus
Australia to raise specific issues and
concerns to enable us to seek answers.
Pressure on the Government was
instrumental in gaining bridging
visas for Working Holiday Makers
and Islanders already in the country.
Citrus Australia is also working with
state governments and departments
to gain clarity and guidelines on
announcements that affect an
accessible workforce.
As information changes so quickly
in the current environment, Citrus
Australia has created a specific
COVID-19 page on our website (www.
citrusaustralia.com.au) which is
continually updated.
You can find it easily by clicking the
orange ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates’ banner at the top of our
homepage. You can also receive
regular updates by following us on Citrus Australia has created social media tiles like this, promoting the health benefits of citrus
facebook and on twitter. (available from the COVID-19 page on our website) that can be shared and used in your business.
Autumn 2020 | 5
NEWS
continued from page 5 • Register your labour requirements revealed there has been strong
with MADEC on 1300 436 332. demand for citrus, as consumers
and that they document what is being This will help MADEC ensure recognise that fresh produce is good
implemented and make records. registered workers are in the regions for their health. Citrus Australia has
when required created social media tiles promoting
This will be what the authorities in the health benefits of citrus (available
Businesses that have already
your state will be looking at if you have from the COVID-19 page on our
implemented a biosecurity plan and
someone fall sick with COVID-19. website) that can be shared and used
that are food safety accredited will find
It will minimise the number of people it easier to add COVID-19 policies to in your business to help promote this.
who get sick and the number who will protect staff on farm, in packing sheds Further marketing campaigns will be
need to be isolated. and in offices. run over the course of the season.
Ultimately it will reduce the impact As an example, all visitors (including We have been informed that shipping
on your business and keep your delivery drivers) should report to lines are working as well as can be
people safe. the office, where social distancing expected and refrigerated containers
information and added hygiene will be available when export season is
From our work so far, Citrus Australia on in earnest.
practices (sanitiser) should be in
advises all businesses to:
place. Signs on the front gate should Packing sheds and exporters have
• Visit our website and see what be added to alert people (including been strongly encouraged to liaise
rules apply to your particular backpackers) not to enter the with shipping companies to keep
State, including border movement, property if they have not made a them aware of expected volumes to
quarantine and isolation prior arrangement. be shipped, and to try and stay as
• Use our Guide to prepare Although all scheduled Freshcare accurate to that estimate as possible.
contingency plans for a suspected FSQ4.1 Update workshops have Shipping companies will require the
or confirmed case of COVID-19 in been postponed, Citrus Australia has best intelligence possible to meet
your workforce created an online learning tool at export requirements.
• Ensure your business can meet www.citrusaustralia.com.au
social distancing requirements in the
In good news, several sources have
orchard and the packing shed
Guide to COVID-19 in the
Orchard and Packing Shed
Citrus Australia has prepared a comprehensive
guide for the citrus industry on dealing with
COVID-19 in the orchard and packing sheds.
You can find it easily by clicking the orange ‘Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Updates’ banner at the top of our homepage
(www.citrusaustralia.com.au).
It has practical tips to apply to your business, as well as
links to current government advice and announcements,
to provide one central source of information. We will
continue to revise and update the guide during the
season and advise when this happens.
The guide has detailed sections on:
• Preparing a pandemic plan for your business
• Risk management
• Managing your workforce
• Practical safety measures
• What to do with suspect or confirmed cases of
COVID-19
• A checklist for business
• Personal disclosure statement
6 | Australian Citrus News
NEWS
Secure labour through
the harvest
The decision by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to close Australia’s borders on 20 March stopped Pacific
Islanders about to board flights to Australia to work under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP).
Citrus Australia and other horticulture “You do not necessarily need to be an
peak bodies lobbied the Australian Key points Approved Employer, as there may be a
Government to extend the visas local contractor that you can hire SWP
of both Pacific Islanders already or PLS workers through.”
working in the country through Prepare contingency plans
the Seasonal Worker Programme Secure labour needs now Working Holiday Makers (WHM)
(SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme
There are approximately 140,000
(PLS), as well as Working Holiday Prepare for unusual
Makers (backpackers). WHMs in Australia at present.
interruptions
On 4 April, Agriculture Minister, Minister Littleproud announced that
David Littleproud, announced Working Holiday Makers who work
that SWP and PLS workers would in agriculture or food processing will
allowing flexibility and continued be exempt from the six-month work
be eligible to extend their stay in support for the agriculture sector in
Australia for 12 months to work for limitation with one employer, and will
meeting seasonal workforce demands.” be eligible to work for up to 12 months.
Approved Employers.
Current SWP and PLS arrangements WHMs will be eligible for a further visa,
There are approximately 8,000 will be carried over to the new
Seasonal and Pacific Workers in if their current visa is due to expire in
visa, continuing the link with the the next six months.
Australia at present. agricultural sector.
Citrus Australia policy officer Kerry WHMs must apply for a new visa
These temporary measures are not before their current visa expires. Whilst
Thompson advises that for businesses intended to prevent the recruitment of
interested in hosting workers through a decision is being made on their new
Australians to undertake this work. visa, a bridging visa will come into
the SWP or PLS, now is a good time
to apply to become an Approved Before seeking access to SWP workers, effect, to allow them to remain lawful,
Employer at www.employment.gov.au employers must first try to recruit and to continue having working rights.
Australians (labour market testing). WHMs and employers can check Visa
Under the new rules, SWP workers
with visas due to expire will be able “Existing portability arrangements Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)
to apply for a Temporary Activity will continue for seasonal workers to view WHMs work rights.
(subclass 408) visa in the Australian employed by Approved Employers If a WHM is working in agriculture
Government Endorsed Event in the pilot regions of Sunraysia, but is not eligible for a further WHM
(AGEE) stream. Goulburn/Murray, Riverina and visa (because they haven’t completed
Wimmera Mallee, which commenced their 88 days) and is unable to return
PLS workers with visas due to expire on 1 January 2020,” Kerry said.
can apply for a new Temporary Work to their home country, they can apply
(International Relations) (subclass Approved Employers can share for a Temporary Activity (subclass
403) Pacific Labour scheme stream Seasonal Workers in a multi-sponsor 408) Australian Government Endorsed
visa via the Department of Home arrangement under the Worker Event (AGEE) stream visa, which
Affairs online lodgement portal, Portability Pilot program. They should includes working rights, for free.
ImmiAccount. call the SWP Information Line on (02) As we go to print we are expecting
6240 5234 to discuss their plans to announcements from states and
“Once a worker has applied for a share seasonal workers.
new visa, they will need to await territories relating to the movement of
the outcome of this application,” Any Seasonal Workers in Australia that temporary visa holders and seasonal
Kerry said. still have a valid visa, but do not have workers (including Australians).
any work will be placed into a pool, to We encourage you to check our
“During this time, their current visa be relocated where work is available.
may expire, in which case they website regularly for updates.
will automatically transfer onto a Measures will be taken to try and limit
bridging visa. the movements to within the State
given the various border restrictions
“Workers currently in Australia under and quarantine requirements. Further information:
these programs will also be exempt https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
from the requirement to work for a Those seeking Seasonal Workers
single employer, and will be able to can contact (02) 6240 5234 or
move between Approved Employers, SeasonalWorker@dese.gov.au
Autumn 2020 | 7
NEWS
Megan MacDonald,
Greg Fraser appointed to
Citrus Australia Board
Queensland grower Megan MacDonald, to extend the season for their workers Greg Fraser
Redlea Citrus, Coringa, was appointed from the Pacific Islands through
to the Citrus Australia Board as a further employment on other farms in Plant Health Australia Executive
Grower Director at the AGM in March. the region. Director Greg Fraser has been
appointed to the Citrus Australia Board
Current board member Shane Kay, Unfortunately, COVID-19 border as one of two Independent Directors.
Moora Citrus, WA, was re-elected for restrictions meant they could not
another term. access their regular workers from the Greg was appointed to fill the casual
Pacific Islands this year. vacancy caused by the resignation
In a separate process later in the of Charmaine England, who stepped
year, Plant Health Australia Executive Being owner/manager with Hamish down due to increased family and
Director Greg Fraser was appointed of a smaller citrus business, and business commitments.
to the Citrus Australia Board to fill the a working mother, will frame her
Independent Director’s position that contribution to the strategic direction Greg has been CEO at PHA since
was vacated by Charmaine England. of Citrus Australia, Megan said. 2008 and will retire from that
position in July. He has been Chair
“I would think that our business size and of the Plant Biosecurity Research
Megan MacDonald
make-up would be representative of Initiative since July, 2018, and is a
Megan and husband Hamish have many growers in the industry,” she said. graduate of the Australian Institute of
40,000 mandarin and lemon trees on Company Directors.
Hamish manages the orchard and is
110 hectares over three sites on the
responsible for labour, and Megan “Clearly a big issue for the industry
Burnett River.
manages the packing shed and is biosecurity – both our borders and
The MacDonalds grow mandarins, marketing of their fruit. As such, on-farm. We must strengthen both
including Imperial, Honey Murcott and she believes the recent formation and everyone has an important role
Royal varieties, as well as seeded and of the World Citrus Organisation to play.”
seedless Eurekea lemons. could prove a great benefit for the
Australian industry. Greg worked with Citrus Australia
They have a packing house onsite and CEO Nathan Hancock and other
send to several export markets, Megan replaces former Grower stakeholders in the citrus canker
Director Robert Hoddle, Gunnible response in the NT and northern WA.
“Citrus Australia is not new to us,” Pastoral, who stepped down after
Megan said. “After participating in two terms to concentrate on his Stakeholder engagement at PHA,
a Citrus Australia tour to China, our expanding business. whose members were all levels of
business has focused on more export Government and industry bodies,
varieties and the value that brings to Citrus Australia CEO, Nathan Hancock, including Citrus Australia, was integral
a business.” said Robert had made an important to its success, Greg said. He plans to
contribution during two terms on the apply the same approach to his role at
The MacDonalds are also accredited board. Citrus Australia.
labour providers, which enables them
“Robert’s passion for the industry is
evident to all those who have met
him, and he brought this energy and
enthusiasm to Citrus Australia,” Mr
Hancock said.
“He always had the requirements of
members front of mind, searching
for ways to improve their profitability
within the bigger picture of industry
growth.
“We thank Robert for his time and
know he will remain an advocate for
our industry.”
Hamish and Megan MacDonald on their Greg Fraser, Executive Director,
Queensland farm. Plant Health Australia
8 | Australian Citrus News
MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
Chile an emerging rival
for China trade
Chile’s debut as a source of citrus for China and intention to increase plantings by 12,000 hectares hover
as a potential challenge for Australian exporters, Citrus Australia general manager of market development
David Daniels says.
China granted Chile permission to ship
to China late last year.
In 2019, Chile delivered 360,000
tonnes into the US for US$998/t while
Australian oranges to China sat at
about US$1600/t.
“Clearly the Chileans could be very,
very competitive on price,” David said.
“The assertion that our fruit’s better
and sweeter and has better colour
is very, very true, but at the end of
the day they’re producing a lot of
it, they’re shipping a lot of it and
somebody’s eating it.”
Mainland China and Hong Kong took
122,000t of Australian citrus in 2019,
or about 40 per cent of the more than
300,000t sent overseas.
“The value last year was $541 million, Some 220 delegates attended the Market Outlook Forum in Melbourne.
with growth led largely by mandarins,”
David said.
complications allowed the countries with two million tonnes – something
“While we don’t feel that Chile will
to reach agreement on access like six times the volumes we’re doing
compete very well on quality, there are
incredibly fast. at the moment.”
a number of factors in their favour.”
Secondly, they also have a Free Trade He said roughly 300,000 tonnes
He said the existence of a solid
Agreement with China so it is a level of this went to China and Hong
Chile–China bilateral relationship
playing field as far as tariifs go. Kong in 2019 but South Africa was
unencumbered by political
projecting an increase in yield of up to
Chile is also free from fruit flies so
500,000t once upcoming plantings
their fruit does not have to undergo
entered production.
any treatments.
David said South African exporters
And finally, Chilean exporters will be
worked around the generally inefficient
sending fruit “on consignment” so it
port network by chartering an entire
will be a year where their fruit will be
vessel to move 5000t of fruit to China
really tested in the market.
last May.
“I’m sure the Chinese trade will happily
“We know that South African access
receive the fruit if they don’t have to
to the Philippines is also a done deal
make payment until it is sold.”
that could be a very real threat; the
David warned that Australia’s focus Philippines is a market we’ve worked
on trade with not only China but also very hard at developing. It’s cracked
Japan left it perhaps overly reliant on the 10,000t mark and it’s well inside
these two markets. the top 10 for us.”
“The other major competitor we have
is South Africa – a massive exporter.
“The Spanish actually export more
citrus than anybody else but they
don’t do it by ship so technically South
David Daniels Africa is the world’s biggest shipper
Autumn 2020 | 9
MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
Supermarkets set own
MRLs in Europe
Options for treatment of citrus both in the field and after harvest are dictated increasingly by
buyers in Europe’s more prosperous regions, where supermarkets now routinely set their own
maximum residue limits (MRLs).
Decco research and development
manager Dr Clara Montesinos shared
insights from the perspective of
the Spanish-based company, a
world-leader in supplying post-
harvest solutions.
“The trend in Europe is going
green,” Clara said. “Over the past
decade there’s been more and
more concern about health and
environmental studies.
“The citrus-growing areas are all in the
south of Europe; we’re not the richest.
In the centre the money is more
concentrated and that’s where most of
the supermarkets are established and
the political decisions are taken.”
Typically, citrus labels must now list
any pesticides used post-harvest –
something not required for any other Clara Montesinos
fruit. “You can eat the peel of apples
and you don’t need to know which She said as consumers became ever- zero-residue or organic is be clear:
pesticide is there, but you don’t eat the greener “some of the supermarkets are alternative treatments are not as
peel in citrus and we still need to mark going totally residue-free”. effective as conventional treatments
it,” Clara said. with pesticides.
Europe’s fresh produce was
And of the 10 fungicides approved categorised in four tiers, Clara said: “They need to be more careful about
for post-harvest use at the start of ‘conventional’ (few pesticides), ‘non- the way they work. They need to be
2019, half have now been deregistered tratée’ (no post-harvest fungicides cleaner and more organised. They
completely or had their limits lowered. and only some pre-harvest pesticides), need to disinfect more carefully and
Clara said pressure exerted by ‘zero residue’ (no pesticide residue get rid of the pesticide residues they
groups such as Greenpeace was from either pre- or post-harvest) have in all their materials.
influencing consumers. and ‘organic’ (no pesticide residue;
“This is a process from the field to
all alternative treatments must
“Around 2010 Greenpeace analysed the market.”
be certified).
all the fruits and vegetables in the Clara said waxing was also restricted,
supermarkets and published a list of Clara said “only organic citrus is really
with some customers using a
the ones with the highest content of paid better than conventional – zero-
vegetable wax or even “edible
fungicides and pesticides,” she said. residue fruit doesn’t have a different
proteins” based on fatty acids.
price so the farmer or the packing
“That started a competition to be the house is not getting more money”. Decco’s priority was to continue
greenest supermarket.” developing natural fungicides and
On the plus side, “all the zero-residue
Clara said packing houses in Spain biological controls such as a yeast that
is sold, that’s for sure, because there’s
received tables from their customers out-competed pathogens for nutrients
not enough being grown for demand
specifying acceptable limits, which and surface space, she said.
in the market”.
in some cases were only one third of
the official European MRL. Cumulative In response Decco has released a line
treatment totals were also given, she of zero-residue substitutes.
said: “If they set a maximum of five, “The first thing we do when a
between the field and post-harvest the packing house is turning from the
most that can be used is five.” conventional mode of production to
10 | Australian Citrus NewsMARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
MRL compliance an
essential part of trade
Agrichemical manager Alison “In Australia there are fruits that government’s National Residue Survey
MacGregor said communicating children eat a lot of. Think about how provided citrus with an accurate annual
changes in MRLs was central to Citrus many mandarins go into primary assessment of industry’s compliance
Australia’s role in supporting trade. school lunch boxes. with MRLs.
“A Maximum Residue Limit is the “Because kids eat a lot of mandarins, “In 2019, 17 packers were involved and
maximum concentration of an MRLs for chemicals in popular fruit like sent off samples for more than 500
agrochemical that’s legally permitted mandarins need to be set VERY low to tests – an amazing cross-section of the
to be present in food at harvest,” limit the potential intake of chemicals industry,” Alison said.
Alison told MOF 2020 delegates. from mandarins.
“The screening includes 310 chemicals
“Internationally, MRLs are set by the Another factor is that diets vary between and metabolites – a wide screen to take
World Health Organization, and known countries. Alison said consumption of in as many agrichemicals as possible
as the Codex Alimentarius MRLs, but cabbage was an example. during the test.
every country can also set its own
“Each year, the average Korean eats 12 “Only 51 of those in the screen are
MRLs for each agricultural chemical in
kilograms of cabbage. In Australia we actually registered for use in citrus, but
each crop.
eat less than half of that.” it’s important to show our overseas
“The challenge our industry has is customers that we screen for everything
She said if a chemical is permitted in
making sure we comply with MRLs that could possibly be in there.”
a staple food, like cabbage in Korea,
within all these markets.”
but is also applied to citrus, then MRLs Alison said about 20 per cent of
Alison said “when a country is setting for citrus imported to Korea could be samples were also analysed for
MRLs for citrus, they consider the set comparatively low in order to keep biological pathogens such as E-coli,
‘acceptable daily intake’ of each the total residue of that chemical in Salmonella and Listeria, and for
chemical – essentially, how much of Korean diets well below the acceptable heavy metals.
the chemical we can consume, from all daily intake.
She said in 2019 the detection of
sources in our diet, without any effect
Alison said Citrus Australia produced just one chemical in a sample was
on health”.
an up-to-date table of MRLs every six confirmed as exceeding an Australian
“It’s not just how much chemical we’re months covering Australia’s 15 major MRL; just a single sample out of 500
getting in citrus; they have to consider markets. Any changes to MRLs in the multi residue or biological test samples
how much chemical we’re getting in preceding year are highlighted in yellow. suggested Australia’s citrus industry
everything we eat. was “doing very, very well”.
More frequent alerts on specific topics
“Then they work out the proportion of are also circulated.
that chemical that could be in our diet Contact Alison at alison.macgregor@
She said participation in a screening
from citrus, based on how much citrus
program that is aligned with the Federal citrusaustralia.com.au or on (03) 5023
the average consumer eats.
6333.
THE PERFECT DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR CITRUS
UNIRAM™ FERTIKIT™ NETAJET™
3G 4G
Locally manufactured to ISO 9261 Modular, fully Ultimate
Largest filtration area of any dripper configurable precision
multi-channel in minimum
Wide range of flow rates - 0.7, 1.0, 1.6, 2.3, 3.5 L/H
delivery time dosing
Available in AS, CNL and RC system system
The most robust Dripper for 20+ years*
(*subject to following Netafim
maintenance instructions) Tel: 1300 307 407
au.networks@netafim.com
www.Netafim.com.au
Autumn 2020 | 11MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
Spanish wax formulation
protects at low temperatures
Spending 40 days in transit at only 2°C creates an elevated danger of chilling injury in
citrus leaving Spain for the booming China market.
As a result, Spain’s leading provider “China needs the fruit to be really The result is Citrashine Long Life.
of post-harvest solutions, Decco, has firm and a beautiful colour with no
Initially, laboratory evaluation of the
developed a solution. blemishes but there are quarantine
product was based on monitoring
protocols we have to follow,” Clara
“After Spain was banned by Russia due Navelina oranges treated with a range
said. “For Spanish exports, the
to quality conditions we had to open of five waxes – four of which, including
temperature needs to be 1.7°C for a
new markets,” Decco’s global research Citrashine, were new – against a
journey of 17 days or 2.1°C or less for 21
and development manager Dr Clara control group to determine both
days or longer. Our shipment time to
Montesinos said. “The largest are weight loss and cold damage. The fruit
China is up to 40 days.
Canada, Southeast Asia and the Gulf was stored boxed and unboxed for 38
countries but China is also very good “With 40 days at 2°C there’s a high risk days at 0.5°C and three days at room
for us because of the price it’s willing of chilling injury, and for some cultivars temperature. Weighing was carried out
to pay.” this is impossible to do.” twice: after 13 days at 6°C and eight
days at room temperature.
The presence of Mediterranean fruit fly With the aim of supporting customers
is an export impediment, however. in this trade, Decco has worked to “We stored the fruit colder than
devise a new form of protective wax. required for the protocol and also left
Custom Designed, totally integrated packaging
solutions for the Australian Citrus Industry.
Complete turnkey installations and after sales support.
MANUFACTURING
IN AUSTRALIA
SINCE 1947
• Laminated film options
• Wineglass, Clip2Clip and adhesive labels
• Clipping wire
• Knitted and extruded net
www.edp.com.au
phone: (03) 5820 5337 email: robm@edp.com.au
12 | Australian Citrus NewsMARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
some at higher temperatures to make Citrashine trial was repeated with the right dose and even application
sure there was enough weight loss to Ortanique mandarins, 40 per cent of essential but “with more than 17,000
appreciate the difference between the control fruit suffered chilling injury litres of the product sold since the
waxes. All were more or less the same while the waxed fruit was firmer second half of last season going to
weight as the control.” and unblemished. China, Dubai, Korea, Saudi Arabia
and the US, customer satisfaction is
However, variations in appearance, “In real-life tests fruit treated with
already very high”.
firmness and flavour were clear, Citrashine Long Life has had less than
favouring Citrashine across the board. four per cent chilling injury and only
slight damage,” Clara said.
Additionally, in a second round of
testing, “treatment with hot water She said Citrashine’s relatively dark
previous to waxification improved colour compared with conventional
efficacy”, Clara said, and when the polyethylene waxes made using
Plastic the sustainable option
when used well
Plastic itself is not the cause of environmental pollution but complications arise when
consumers are unable to dispose of it appropriately.
This point was shared by the world’s that we don’t float it into the rivers and
leading provider of fresh-product the sea.”
packaging systems and solutions, Giró,
For Giró, the solution involves not
via group business strategy and sales
only minimising the plastic content of
director David Porta.
its fruit packs but also collecting and
“Is plastic the culprit?” David said. “No. recycling these in a circular economy.
“Materials are not ‘good’ or ‘bad’; David said many consumers were
materials are used in the ‘correct’ or unaware that plastic was actually more
‘incorrect’ way.” sustainable than paper in terms of its
carbon footprint: “When producing
Based in Spain, where it was founded
paper we need a lot of water and much
more than 90 years ago, Giró supplies
more energy than when producing
the Australian citrus industry through
plastic so in the end plastic is more
local distributor EDP.
sustainable if we can recycle it.”
“Giró was initially a textile company
Under its recently established Ecogiró
producing stockings,” David said. “It
brand, Giró now offers a lightweight
was the grandfather of the current
recyclable known as Netpack.
president who had the brilliant idea of David Porta
putting fruit inside instead of women. While the original extruded Ultrabag
In that way Giró invented, more than comprised 18.14 grams of plastic (10.35
packaging for produce in lots of up to
50 years ago, the net pack.” grams of net and 7.79 grams of film),
1.5 kilograms.
today’s knitted equivalent – giving
Conscious of the need to work with
the same storage, transportation and “Europeans are saying ‘We want
retailers to produce environmentally
presentation advantages – requires good 100 per cent compostable
sustainable outcomes, Giró is at the
barely more than one third of that: materials’ while the US, the UK and
forefront of innovation once again
6.26 grams of plastic (1.75 grams of Australia are looking for lightweight
through its development of a new
Ecolight net and 4.51 grams of film). plastic packaging that won’t confuse
range of 21st-century packaging
consumers and contaminate the
machinery and consumables. Streamlining its own use of plastic,
plastic waste bins.
working to eliminate over-packaging
“Sustainability is everywhere,” David
and emphasising the need to “We’re seeing these two
said. “There is widespread demand for
recycle are not the only steps Giró is different trends.”
a more sustainable world and there is
taking, however.
concern about single-use plastics.
At the same time, in response to
“We all need to educate consumers on
pressure from European supermarket
intelligent disposal of this plastic so
chains, it is providing organic
Autumn 2020 | 13MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
India ‘tricky’ but worth the
effort long term
While much of the citrus world focuses on either breaking into or expanding already-established
markets in China, India looms as a potential key importer of fruit such as mandarins and premium navel
oranges, Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock says.
Nathan, who visited India late last
year, told delegates that high density
populations and road congestion
meant that fruit and vegetable sales
were sold on an ultra-local scale
through an estimated 12 million
street kiosks and small format stores
called Kirana.
“That last mile is by far the most
difficult part, how we as an industry
will get sales into the Indian market
that overcome the last mile and find
the end consumer,” he said.
“Kirana isn’t where I see the growth for
our industry. There are many examples
of modern retail in India, many
combinations of bricks and mortar and
online sales.
“The retail sector is growing at a fast
pace and is heavily influenced by
international chains.”
Egyptian citrus has made inroads into Market Outlook Forum MC Jon Hey, from Fruit Net magazine, with panel members Neil Barker, BGP
the market, as has South Africa. Both International, Sam Munsie, Federal Department of Agriculture, and Nathan Hancock.
predominantly trade Valencia oranges.
Many feel there is an opportunity and most densely populated region,” “A lot of our competitors are also
to upsell the superior qualities Sam said. watching to see what’s going on but
of Australian navel oranges as a some of the momentum we have
premium product. through our government’s business to
“In terms of the Indian market
However, India tended to favour local business level puts us perhaps in a little
produce as a means of supporting itself, it’s huge. It’s 1.3 billion bit better place than some others.”
its own agricultural economy, often people. We’d like to say it’s too big Sam said two reports relating to the
regardless of its low quality when India market were useful: the ‘India
to ignore, really.
compared to imports. Economic Strategy’ and one written by
He said that, as in any market, building the Australian Bureau of Agricultural
relationships would be crucial as “India’s middle class is growing Resource Economics called ‘What
Australia looked to forge trade links at quite an amazing rate, just the India Wants’.
with Indian customers. sheer volume.”
He said it was important to
In the same session a snapshot of the Sam said 24 per cent of households acknowledge that India was in fact
trade environment throughout South were categorised as being middle- a collection of individual markets
Asia in general was presented by Sam income or higher in 2018 but that was rather than a single entity, arranged
Munsie, assistant director of trade expected to hit 51 per cent by 2030. as a federation of states in the
and market access with the federal Australian style.
“That’s expected to lead towards a
Department of Agriculture. quadrupling of consumer spending,” Indian demand for fresh fruit in general
“South Asia as a whole – Afghanistan, he said. was skyrocketing, Sam said.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, However, Australia was “not alone in “Between 2009 and 2018 fruit
Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka seeing the opportunities of the Indian imports in India grew by 178 per cent.
– is home to a quarter of the world’s market”, he warned. Consumption of fruit is expected
population and is the most populous to grow by a further 246 per cent
14 | Australian Citrus NewsMARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
many of our competitors are going to
get an FTA, either.”
In a panel discussion also involving
Neil Barker of fresh produce exporter
BGP International, Nathan said in the
interests of establishing a presence
in India Australian businesses might
adopt a long-term strategy and
“accept a slightly lower price – it
doesn’t have to be right back to
second-grade or third-grade prices;
it just needs to be slightly off what
China’s been paying – in order to
build relationships”.
Neil said the window of opportunity
for landing citrus in India was from
roughly July until early October.
He said the lack of cold storage
facilities and the belief that navel
oranges were prone to decay made
Valencias the preference among Indian
buyers. Oranges in general were not
51 per cent of India’s population will be classified as middle-income or higher by 2030. widely eaten as whole fruit but were
more often processed so scope existed
for educating the public on a new way
by 2050, based on those 2009 barriers that can all affect trade”,
of consuming citrus.
levels, and imports are expected he said.
to make up a larger proportion of
“Much of this is driven by the fact the
total consumption.”
Indian Government, overall, wants
Challenges included the fact “Indian to feeds its people and make sure it
trade policy is dominated by Indian supports its poor. There’s currently no
domestic politics – and that means Australian free trade agreement with
tariffs, excise duties, a lot of non-tariff India but, importantly, it’s unlikely that
CITRUS AUSTRALIA WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR
MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020 SPONSORS
Joint Major Sponsors Sponsors
R
Exhibitor Sponsors
Autumn 2020 | 15MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
Citrus Australia to
undertake $200,000 pilot
project on traceability
Agriculture Victoria has engaged peak body Citrus Australia to undertake a $200,000 pilot program
aimed at improving traceability in horticulture supply chains.
Emerging technology has the ability to these will be addressed in the pilot.
strengthen traceability in fruit supply
chains – from the farm right through to Citrus Australia CEO, Nathan
domestic and international consumers. Hancock, said:
The pilot traceability scheme will “The Australian citrus industry has
demonstrate the application of grown to over 27,000 hectares and
these technologies to a horticultural contributes over $850 million to
business in a real time environment – the national economy through farm
from application of unique codes to gate sales.
individual packs, through to tracking “In 2019 the industry achieved new
them in the marketplace. export records of 304,000 tonnes
Potential weaknesses in the ability to of high quality citrus at a value of
validate the provenance of Australian A$541 million.
citrus, counterfeiting and food recalls “International customers are vital to Laava Smart Fingerprint technology will be used
can all jeopardise supply chains and the future success of the industry in the traceability pilot.
REACH NEW
HEIGHTS
» Turbulent, targeted air
» Superior coverage
» Drift reduction
» Reduced water rates
Don’t take any chances with your fruit
– Quantum Mist fans are unmatched
in horticulture application worldwide for
coverage, both on the canopy leaves and
the fruit beneath. The proof is in the harvest.
Farm demonstrations available
- call us today.
Freecall 1800 999 162
Email sales@croplands.com
m.a
au
croplands.com.au
16 | Australian Citrus NewsMARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
Laava ID uses advanced computer Australia for Tang-gold, a high value
vision technology developed in seedless mandarin variety bred by the
collaboration with CSIRO to produce University of California, Riverside, USA.
a unique ‘fingerprint’ that can be
MFC Sales and Marketing Manager,
scanned by any smartphone.
Marcus Scott, said the company was
Unlike barcodes or QR codes which excited to take part in the trial.
have been used in the past, Laava’s
“Protecting our brand is vitally
Smart Fingerprint technology is much
important now, and will be even more
harder to impersonate or replicate (a
so in the future. We are excited to see
technique known as ‘spoofing’) and
how this technology can be applied to
much more secure, making it more
the advantage of the industry.”
resistant to counterfeiting.
Nu Leaf IP General Manager, Matthew
It also delivers detailed brand and
Cottrell, said growers invest significant
product information and interactive
time and resources planting premium
experiences to consumers and
varieties such as Tang-gold.
can be easily modified to include
MFC is taking part in the pilot.
new features. “So it is crucial that technology that
can support and protect growers and
Trust Provenance have built an
and we’re excited to lead this project, the proprietary varieties also improves
integrity system that allows multiple
which will help secure existing and and innovates.
data points on a product to be linked
future market access and protect our
into the one data platform. “Nu Leaf sees benefits in this
reputation of growing the world’s best
citrus fruit.” technology throughout the supply
Real-time, digitised data, secured
chain, from legitimising plantings
using distributed ledger cybersecurity
Citrus Australia has engaged and fruit through to the protection
infrastructure (aka blockchain) and
technology companies Laava ID, of brands.”
available to supply-chain partners
provider of Laava Smart Fingerprint
using permission for who-sees-what. The project will be delivered within a
technology, and Trust Provenance, a
provider of blockchain technology, seven-month period that encompasses
Citrus Australia partners in the trial
to develop a traceability system pilot the 2020 citrus harvest period.
will include Mildura Fruit Company,
for export citrus fruit supply chains Australia’s largest packer and Results of the trial will be used to
extending from Australian growers to exporter of fresh citrus, and Nu Leaf educate other horticultural industries
overseas consumers. IP, which is the master licensee in of the benefits of traceability.
COMPLIANT, RELIABLE LABOUR HIRE
FOR YOUR NEXT HARVEST
Delivering quality permanent and casual STAFFING SOLUTIONS FOR
staffing solutions to Australia’s citrus farms ORANGES
Work with our experienced team who genuinely understand LEMONS
the staffing requirements of citrus farming and the industry MANDARINS
challenges for growers. LIMES
GRAPEFRUIT
HOW WE DO IT
Agri Labour Australia are agriculture recruitment specialists
with a national footprint and offices nationwide that sees us
operationalising skilled labour anywhere in Australia. WHEN YOU NEED
Our unique workforce retention capability allows us to partner GRADERS & PACKERS
with clients to deliver work ready, compliant and experienced PACKSHED SUPERVISORS
staff to increase productivity for your next harvest. QA MANAGERS & ASSISTANTS
TRUCK & FORKLIFT OPERATORS
WASTE MONITORS
AS4801
PICKERS
Connect with candidates who get the job done Call 1300 247 823 | www.agrilabour.com.au
Autumn 2020 | 17MARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
Science makes
verifying fruit
origin simple
Being able to verify the physical
source of citrus starts with
establishing a baseline origin
fingerprint for fruit from
particular areas.
Gordon Fisher explained the process
used by New Zealand company
Oritain, a specialist operating
throughout Australasia, Europe, the UK
and the US.
“The name is from the phrase ‘proving Gordon Fisher
Citrus growers, origin, protecting reputation’,”
Gordon said.
very own ‘origin fingerprint’, based on
don’t gamble “Oritain was formed by a couple of
professors out of the University of
different trace elements and isotopes
absorbed as a result of growing in
with frosts. Otago using forensic science. a particular region. It’s influenced
by the soil, bedrock, sun, wind and
“We partner with food, fiber and weather generally.
Extreme temperature ranges pharmaceutical clients who want to
protect and promote their brands.” “In the case of horticulture we
are here to stay. That means physically collect samples at the point
Gordon said traditional traceability
managing frost risk to avoid relied largely on labelling and barcodes
of harvest and Oritain’s science team
then analyses these.
devastating losses. with the result that it “is lost often
once the packaging is tampered with “Depending on the requirements of
Calculate the R.O.I. by or removed”. the client, this could be a country, a
geographical region or even all the way
installing a quiet, reliable and The Oritain solution, on the other down to a farm of origin fingerprint.
hand, is a scientific test of the physical
efficient FROSTBOSS C49. product itself that cannot be forged. “If we collect samples of citrus from
an orchard in Griffith they will have
“Why are we hearing more and more a different origin fingerprint from
about the importance of traceability?
bossthefrost.com.au In short, consumers are expecting it,
citrus grown in Mildura due to the
physical locations of the trees. This
with safety and quality every time. is where it becomes really insightful
“The citrus industry is clearly one of in determining where something is
the leaders in this area, where we’re from, particularly for clients who have
regarded as having higher quality brands they want to protect.”
and food safety attributes that allow Gordon said once the baseline origin
us usually to price at a premium. But, fingerprint had been determined
Ben Daking with the claims brands are making, Oritain was able to compare it to
M +61 448 111 384 of course the risk of counterfeit in-market audit samples of products
P 1800 797 629 inevitably grows.” claiming to be from a particular source,
E info@aussiefrostfans.com.au Gordon described the incidence of gathered from various points in the
aussiefrostfans.com.au food fraud globally as “huge”: “It’s a supply chain.
massive problem in export markets, “We take these back and test them
where brand origin is a key purchasing and then determine if the samples
driver for the majority of consumers.” match with the claim of origin.”
FRF 1011
Science enabled origin to be proven,
he said. “Nature is all we really need.
Oritain tests the actual product for its
18 | Australian Citrus NewsMARKET OUTLOOK FORUM 2020
Remote sensing gives early
indication of eventual yield
Remote sensing of citrus blocks can give an early indication of eventual yield,
Professor Andrew Robson of the University of New England says.
“Basically, we’re measuring something “We captured it in February, which
without physically destroying it,” was basically final fruit set, and in May,
Andrew said. “There are lots of tools pre harvest.
that do it – some are really good,
“We also used the WorldView satellite
some are in the evaluation stage – but
provided by NASA at a cost of $22
they all provide useful information if
per hectare.”
used appropriately.”
Andrew said the first priority was
Andrew said for the first time he could
examining variability in each block.
present results specific to citrus.
“This work was done in Western
“If you’re a grower looking at all
Australia with Moora Citrus.
your farm, it’s useful to see which
“We evaluated satellites and planes
over Moora to work out whether we spots are performing well and
Andrew Robson, University of New England.
could measure tree health and how to potentially which ones aren’t.
correlate that with given quality.
points, then did a forecast. We applied
“At Moora we identified seven different that and got a prediction of the
“We classified each block separately so
blocks: some Washington navel, average kilograms per tree.”
we got that variability of high growth
some mandarin.
meeting low growth.” Andrew said figures recorded at
“We looked at the variability in those harvest showed the accuracy of
As part of the project WA Citrus
blocks and tree health and selected projections based on pre-harvest
industry manager Bronwyn Walsh
locations that represented high, sampling had been “quite high”.
counted individual pieces of fruit on
medium and low growth.
selected trees to establish calibration Attempting to apply an algorithm
“The airborne system was run by points for high, medium and developed in one crop in one year to
ArborCarbon, an airborne system in low growth. another situation was “dangerous”,
Perth, that runs a plane with 2.5cm up he said, but remote sensing required
“We built a relationship between the
to 30cm pixels – really high resolution. fruit on only 18 trees to be counted as
canopy reflectance from all these
opposed to the 70 typically sampled
by Moora Citrus’s Shane Kay when
preparing estimates.
He warned that the more “time and
effort we spend on those 18 trees to
get it right, the more accurate the
calibration is”.
Andrew said the next step would be
moving into a three-year federally
funded project to identify the most
effective sensor for yield forecasting
and at the same time map all
commercial citrus Australia‑wide,
starting with a continuation at
Moora Citrus and extending to
the Mildura and Riverina areas to
produce an accurate overview of
not only existing plantings but also
industry expansion.
Trials were conducted at Moora Citrus in Western Australia.
Autumn 2020 | 19You can also read
