2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET

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2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR

 2020...
 a season
 like no
 other
 PAGE 12

 Biosecurity—Emergency
 Plant Pest Response Deed
 PAGE 18

 Season in review
 PAGE 20

 Mango industry aims high
 with high-density plantings
                                     E R
                                  SU E

 PAGE 22
                                IS INT
                                 W
2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
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2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
CONTENTS
                                                                                                                      4 CEO & CHAIRMAN REPORTS
                                                                                                                      6 DIRECTOR REPORTS
                                                                                                                       8 AMIA & INDUSTRY NEWS
                                                                                                                         Executive team update
                                                                                                                         AMIA AGM
                                                                                                                         AG Visa announced
                                                                                                                         Export information
                                                                                                                         AMIA now a member of
                                                                                                                         Irrigation Australia
                                                                                                                         Increase to minimum wage and
                                                                                                                         other updates
                                                                                                                         ATO Resources
                                                                                                                         QFF updates
                                                                                                                         Major drought reform for
                                                                                                                         Queensland producers
            New research identifies                                                                                   12 PR & MARKETING
            best mango pollinators                                                                                       2020...a season like no other

                                                                                                                      18 BIOSECURITY,
              A wide range of insects visit mango                                                                        RESEARCH & POLICY
           flowers, but new research has identified                                                                      Biosecurity—Emergency Plant
                                                                                                                         Pest Response Deed
             which of those are the most effective
                                                                                                                         Biosecurity—National Fruit Fly
                          pollinators.                                                                                   Symposium calls for national
                                                                                                                         strategy committment

                                 MORE ON PAGE 24                                                                         Season in review
                                                                                                                         Mango industry aims high with
                                                                                                                         high-density plantings
                                                                                                                         New research identifies best
                                                                                                                         mango pollinators
                                                                                                                         Dicarboxylic acids have no
                                                                                                                         effect on sunburn two years in
                                                                                                                         a row

                                                                                                                      28 PEOPLE & EVENTS
Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) Contact Details                                                             Mango industry magnates
Office Address: Unit 2, The Fresh Centre, Brisbane Markets                                                               recognised
Postal Address: PO Box 376, Brisbane Markets QLD 4106
Phone: 07 3278 3755 Fax: 07 3278 4761                                                                                    Qld water efficiency field days
Email: com@mangoes.net.au
Australian Mangoes: www.mangoes.net.au AMIA: www.industry.mangoes.net.au                                                 FNQ Growers Gala Dinner
Mango Matters has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the mango research and                                           returns in 2021
development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the
grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.                           Congratulations Razor Rock
                                                                                                                         Farm
Disclaimer: This publication is produced upon the understanding that no responsibility is accepted by AMIA,
its directors and officers and the editor for any opinions, claims or statements made and views expressed in
any edition of Mango Matters and associated material (for example Conference Proceedings, Industry Reports).
Readers should rely on their own enquiries when making decisions concerning their interests. All material in the
magazine is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without the written permission of the editor.

                                                                                                                                       WINTER 2021 PAGE 3
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CEO’S
REPORT

Brett Kelly
Chief Executive Officer, AMIA
Email: ceo@mangoes.net.au
Mob: 0437 435 363

I have now been in the role for four months
and believe even more in the opportunities
ahead in the mango industry if we are
highly organised, united and have a
plan. The new Strategic Investment Plan
(SIP), developed in conjunction with
Hort Innovation, will drive the Australian
Mango Industry’s activity for the next five
years. Thank you to all mango industry
                                                    Brett has recently attended Northern Australia Food Futures Conference and Hort Connections (pictured here).
stakeholders for your feedback on the
draft. Your thoughts and views are greatly
appreciated by all.
I am also working on an internal strategic        for cashflow, capital investment and                    It is not that people ‘plan to fail’ but more
plan for the AMIA which I hope to have            sustainability, having a contract in place              so ‘fail to plan’. Always engage good
completed for the Board to review shortly.        can be of great advantage. A contract also              legal and accounting advice to help you
Once finalised I can share this with all          forms part of a tangible asset in terms of              achieve the best outcome. The first step
members.                                          securing your business model ongoing.                   though is to sit down and work out exactly
                                                  Some points to look for when negotiating a              what you want to achieve and an action
I have had the opportunity to meet a
                                                  contract should include:                                plan to achieve your business objectives.
number of our growers in Darwin when
                                                                                                          A clear strategy, business plan, cash flow
I attended the Northern Australia Food            • Term (how long does the contract run                  and budget should then be formed, which
Futures Conference. I have also just                for and what is the renewal process and               will help you identify what you want in a
completed grower visits in northern                 conditions).                                          contract with your retailer. Remember you
Queensland around Mareeba. I am                   • Compliance requirements/expectation                   don’t get ‘what you deserve’ in business
planning on getting to the Bowen/Burdekin           and costs from the customer/ retailer/                but ‘what you negotiate’. A good mutually
region next to meet more growers and                industry.                                             agreed contract takes time and is beneficial
get further feedback on challenges and            • Volume requirement.                                   to both parties for ongoing sustainability of
opportunities in the industry. Thank you to
                                                  • Supply chain definition and process                   your business.
all I have met so far for your very informative
                                                    (taking into account seasonality and
feedback. We have so much knowledge in                                                                    I look forward to meeting more of you over
                                                    time frame to market).
this industry that we can further harness,                                                                the coming weeks and please feel free to
in order to get a more collective front and       • Pricing mechanism (this should be tied                contact me if I can be of any assistance.
better outcomes for our growers, members            to compliance/quality requirement;
and others involved in the industry.                price should be reflective of the product
                                                    quality achieved on farm).
I would like to take this opportunity to          • Forecasting and communication
talk about some other aspects of being a            process.
farmer/grower in business, in this edition        • Branding profile and market positioning
and over the next few editions of Mango             (where exactly is your consumer
Matters.                                            channel).
One of the first topics I wanted to touch         • Marketing and promotional plan where
on is from my past experience in having             required.
contracts in place with your retailer where       • Termination and/or breach of contract
possible. In order to achieve planning              remedies and process.

PAGE 4 MANGO MATTERS
2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT

                                                        “Minister Hinchliffe is a great supporter of innovation in
                                                  Queensland, and during our discussions I reiterated the need to
                                                   support growers who are adopting new technologies into their
                                                businesses, to help reduce their reliance on seasonal workforces.”
                                                                                                                           - Ben Martin
Ben Martin
Chairman, AMIA
Email: ben@martosmangoes.com.au
Mob: 0400 125 928

The past three months has been extremely        both KP’s and R2E2’s. With cooler weather      I also discussed this and several other
busy—with the recruitment process started       forecast for the coming weeks we should        items, including labour and market
for a number of positions, meetings             see widespread panicle emergence in the        access with the Federal Minister for
with government ministers and industry          region.                                        Agriculture, Drought and Emergency
meetings.                                                                                      Management, Hon. David Littleproud
                                                Water security has been raised with
                                                                                               and George Christensen MP. We are
The development of the new five year            Queensland Minister for Regional
                                                                                               currently waiting for the finer details on
Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the         Development and Manufacturing and
                                                                                               how the Ag Visa will work, that Minister
mango industry has commenced and I              Minister for Water, Hon. Glenn Butcher.
                                                                                               Littleproud has announced. We will keep
would like to thank all industry stakeholders   Water security is extremely important for
                                                                                               our industry stakeholders updated on
that participated in the development of         mango growers, and it was refreshing to
                                                                                               these outcomes. I would also like to thank
our industries future pathways document.        hear the minister’s views on this matter
                                                                                               George Christensen, who will not be
The collective input from our industry          compared to some of the feedback I have
                                                                                               running for re-election at the next federal
stakeholders will draw on past experience       received in the past.
                                                                                               election. He has been a great supporter of
and knowledge to form a strong base for
                                                I have also had the chance to discuss          Australia’s mango industry and has been
the SIP.
                                                innovation with Queensland Minister            only too happy to help whenever requested.
The AMIA Board and executive team               for Tourism Industry Development and           His retirement will be a big loss for the
have put a lot of time into developing this     Innovation and Minister for Sport, Hon.        industry and region, and I wish George
document and providing feedback to              Stirling Hinchliffe. Minister Hinchliffe       and his family best wishes for their future
Hort Innovation on the draft SIP that was       is a great supporter of innovation in          endeavours. Hopefully his replacement
circulated for comment in June. We look         Queensland, and during our discussion I        will have the same drive and passion for
forward to reviewing the revised draft from     reiterated the need to support growers who     horticulture that he did.
Hort Innovation shortly.                        are adopting new technologies into their
                                                businesses, to help reduce their reliance on
Flowering has started in the region with
                                                seasonal workforces.
reports of seeing panicle emergence in

                                                       Looking for workers?
                                                       We can help.

                                                                                                   1800 062 332
                                                                                                   www.harvesttrail.gov.au

                                                                                                                    WINTER 2021 PAGE 5
2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
DIRECTOR
REPORTS
NORTHERN TERRITORY
& NORTHERN WESTERN
AUSTRALIA

                                                  contact your Australian Mango
Arminio (Nino) Niceforo                           Industry Association (AMIA) Industry
M: 0417 834 185                                   Development Officer, Sarah or Marine
E: nino67@live.com                                for guidance and templates, as well as      Hopefully this will be over by peak
We have seen a good start to the                  your local farming industry bodies and      flowering.
production year with lower temperatures           government bodies.
                                                                                              Other challenges facing growers this
inducing solid flowering.                      I look forward to seeing great results from    season will be sufficient workers, transport,
The wet season has finished well with NT       all for the coming season.                     and access to markets. We will need to
water resources returning to full water                                                       address these challenges as they arise.
allocations.
                                                                                              I take this opportunity to wish all growers a
The labour supply challenges caused by                                                        rewarding and profitable season.
COVID-19 are still apparent across all
sectors, not just agriculture. The challenge
before us is to ensure that our labour
requirements are met well before this year’s
harvest.
As mentioned in my last report, NT
quarantine arrangements are seeing some
changes, with the first of the on-farm         Geoff Warnock
quarantine approvals for a farm in the         M: 0438 884 842
Darwin region. Should you wish to utilise an   E: gullivers@wn.com.au
on-farm quarantine arrangement, please
liaise with NT Farmers.                                                                       Leo Skliros
                                               This wet season was not typical of the past    M: 0407 919 942
With flowering underway we must all            three years (thank goodness). Rain was         E: sklirosleo@gmail.com
continue our focus on tree health and pest     received in big downpours of 150mls or
control. The work we do now will determine     more creating more run-off than soaking        At the time of writing (mid-June) the Darwin
the quality fruit result we are all working    rains. The heaviest incident this season       region is running a little later than expected,
toward.                                        may have been a 120ml storm, but most          with many orchards seeing around 30%
                                               storms were in the vicinity of 20-60mls of     open flower. Our late flush hardened off
Other housekeeping to keep in mind as the      good soaking rain and the whole region         with a persistent stubborn approach to
next season approaches, include:               benefited with ground water supplies being     flowering; the remaining 70% of flowering
• Freshcare and HARPS preparations             replenished, resulting in everything growing   is expected to occur in around two weeks,
  should be underway in preparation for        nice and lush. Flowering is very strong in     being optimistic. Caterpillars and thrips
  audits this year.                            patches at present and looks as though it      have also been more aggressive than usual
• SEDEX self-assessment preparations           will peak shortly.                             on early flowering.
  should also be underway.                     Although this growth is an upside, the         Fantastic news, with the announcement of
• Don’t forget to update your COVID-19         downside is a prolific growth of grass—        the Ag Visa for Australian farmers. Northern
  management plans. I expect that              which has meant that farmers are doing a       Territory Mango Industry Association
  businesses will all be inspected. If         lot of burning, creating thick smoke, which
  you need further information, please         is a deterrent for the natural pollinators.    Continued page 7

PAGE 6 MANGO MATTERS
2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
Continued from page 6

(NTMIA) have been pushing for this since          Growers also need to focus carefully on          growers to note, that although AMIA can
2013 with tremendous drive from Ian               which export markets they intend to target,      recommend and lobby Hort Innovation
Quin, Tou Saramat Ruchkaew and myself.            as concerns about the Hong Kong/China            to invest in projects and activities, it is
NT Farmers staff, Paul Burke and Aisla            market grows                                     ultimately Hort Innovation that decides
Connolly have also worked hard on this                                                             where industry funds will be spent.
                                                  Here’s hoping for good flowering, followed
over the past few years. Hopefully the
                                                  by good fruit set, for all during the coming     The board take the creation and
structure will be user friendly!
                                                  season.                                          development of the SIP very seriously as it
Mango Madness Festival, achieved                                                                   gives us an agreed position to refer to when
significant promotion for the mango                                                                negotiating with Hort Innovation on where
industry last year. Run by NTMIA and                                                               funds should be spent. If you have provided
supported by Australian Mango Industry                                                             feedback or participated in the SIP process,
Association (AMIA) and Hort Innovation,                                                            I thank you for your input. It is vital that
media coverage of the event saw the                                                                industry participants know how important
largest media coverage result for last                                                             this document is and provide feedback.
season. With the expected later season this
                                                                                                   The upcoming season will see the industry
year, we have moved the event date from
                                                                                                   facing many challenges. A return to
the 24 October to 6 November.
                                                                                                   ‘normal’ export conditions are some years
                                                                                                   away and we are facing major workforce
                                                  John Nucifora
                                                                                                   shortages. It is vital that we have a strong
                                                  M: 0418 193 885
                                                                                                   plan moving forward and a good plan for
                                                  E: flossndeb@bigpond.com
                                                                                                   what could be a challenging future.
                                                  At the moment, many in Mareeba are in
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND                              the middle of conducting winter pruning
                                                  and flowering is about to start for another
& NORTH QUEENSLAND
                                                  season. Trees are looking ready, and the
                                                  weather is very favourable for flowering. I      SOUTHERN WESTERN
                                                  am sure all farmers are getting ready for the
                                                                                                   AUSTRALIA
                                                  up-and-coming season.
                                                  I am also hearing a lot of growers around
                                                  the area are tying up loose ends and
                                                  getting prepared for the end of the financial
                                                  year and tax time.
                                                  At present, a great deal of work is going
                                                  into the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP).
                                                  We hope the outputs from this plan have a
John Nardi                                        big positive impact on the industry over the
M: 0408 334 266                                   next five years.                                 David Morcombe
E: johnn@favcoqld.com.au                                                                           M: 0414 240 709
After a reasonable wet season, we are                                                              E: dw.morcombe@gmail.com
starting to see some colder weather just          SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
                                                                                                   Winter in the south is not that exciting for
about to set in, at the time of writing. Most     & NEW SOUTH WALES                                mango growers. The trees do not like the
growers will be well into their winter pruning                                                     cold wet weather and it is those conditions
programs and will be watching the trees                                                            that allow fungal and bacterial pathogens
closely as it gets colder, over the coming                                                         into our crops. If we do not keep up the
months. With some recent rain and warmer                                                           protective sprays, come springtime the
weather (before the cold), some growers                                                            trees will tell the story.
saw some flush trying to push out, but we
are hopeful instead the trees settle and                                                           By the time this is published I expect the
switch into flowering mode. Hopefully we                                                           new five-year Strategic Investment Plan
do not see the late frosts and hailstorms                                                          (SIP) will have been published by Hort
that affected the area last year.                                                                  Innovation. I would like to thank everyone
                                                  Karl Gygar                                       who provided input to this plan, particularly
As everyone is aware, finding staff for                                                            Ben Martin our chairman, who has put a
                                                  M: 0481 591 470
the past season was a battle while in the                                                          lot of effort into attempting to ensure the
                                                  E: kgygar@gmail.com
midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is very                                                         strategy generates maximum return to the
likely that this will be the case again for the                                                    growers who contribute the levies—which
                                                  As stated in my last report, Hort Innovation
coming season and I encourage growers                                                              will be spent in line with the strategies
                                                  in conjunction with the Australian Mango
to plan well ahead to try and secure staff                                                         outlined in the five-year plan.
                                                  Industry, have been developing the next
numbers. I think it would be fair to assume
                                                  Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the          The new season is almost here, and I hope
that we will go through the season with a
                                                  mango industry. This document is vitally         all goes well for the first starters in the
high turnover of staff as well, due to the
                                                  important as it drives the strategic direction   Northern Territory. The rest of us have a little
demand for labour in all industries, which
                                                  of where Hort Innovation will allow industry     more time to get ready.
will make any staff available very fluid and
                                                  levies to be invested. It is important for
prone to moving around as it suits them.

                                                                                                                          WINTER 2021 PAGE 7
2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
AMIA &
INDUSTRY NEWS

Excutive team                                   AG Visa announced
update                                          The Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency
It is with regret that we announce our          Management, David Littleproud announced in June, that a new
Industry Development Officer (NT/WA),
Sarah Hain, is leaving at the end of July to    agriculture visa will be available.
take up another role within agriculture. The
AMIA team will miss Sarah tremendously
and thank her for all her hard work over the    Minister Littleproud said the announcement      “Like the Seasonal Worker Programme, the
past three years.                               of a new seasonal agriculture worker visa       new visa arrangement will have protections
                                                will come as huge relief to the agriculture     to ensure workers are protected, not
Due to Sarah leaving we are looking to fill     industry that has been crying out for a         subject to exploitation and that the visa is
her position, as well as a part-time Industry   secure workforce.                               not misused.
Development Officer (QLD), to support
Marine this coming season.                      “As part of the give and take of negotiations   “Pay and conditions, health, and work
                                                with the UK over the FTA, UK backpackers        and safety will also be in line with similar
If you are interested in applying for either    will no longer be required to fulfil a period   requirements and protections under the
position, or know someone else that would       of time working in the agriculture sector,”     Seasonal Worker Programme.
be, please contact Brett Kelly on               Minister Littleproud said.
M: 0437 435 363 or                                                                              “The new visa will also set up the industry
E: ceo@mangoes.net.au.                          “As a result, the Nationals demanded and        for the future and will address a key brake
                                                secured this new agriculture visa to fill the   for many of agriculture industries – the
                                                gap that would create and more.                 availability of labour.”
                                                “This visa will be extended to all ten          The Australian Government will work to
                                                ASEAN countries in view of our close and        have the new visa in place before the end

AMIA AGM
                                                longstanding economic ties with the region.     of the year.
                                                “The new seasonal agricultural worker visa      AMIA is looking forward to seeing the finer
                                                would mirror the existing Seasonal Worker       details of this announcement.
Following the AMIA Annual General
                                                Programme and will add to the pool of
Meeting (AGM) in late May, John
                                                workers available to work on Australian
Nucifora, David Morcombe and Geoff
                                                farms.
Warnock have all been re-elected
unopposed. Thanks to those that                 “Pacific worker programs have and will
attended the AGM.                               continue to play a critical role in our
                                                agriculture sector and the new visa
                                                arrangement will build on the success of
                                                these arrangements.

                                   PROCESSING
                                     We would love to purchase your Australian
                                     mangoes for our Aussie Frozen Fruit packs.
                                   TO FIND OUT      growers@aussiefrozenfruit.com.au
                                   MORE, PLEASE     03 5964 8101
                                   GET IN TOUCH     aussiefrozenfruit.com.au

PAGE 8 MANGO MATTERS
2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
Export information
Export registrations for the 2021/22 mango        If you missed the export information                                                                   If you have any questions or require any
season for international protocol markets         session, please visit our website or                                                                   further information, please contact:
are now open.                                     YouTube channel to view a recording of                                                                 • (NT/WA) Sarah: sarah@mangoes.net.
                                                  this session.                                                                                            au / 0457 555 939
If you are considering export this season,
please click here for further details about       Growers and Packhouses should note                                                                     • (QLD/NNSW) Marine: marine@
what is required or sign into the export          that online registration closes shortly                                                                  mangoes.net.au / 0457 555 838.
application website directly here.                on 23 July 2021.

WHO                   WHAT                           KEY DATE                                                                                                                                                     RELEVANT
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  MARKETS
 ALL                   An online information              Completed (recording above)                                                                                                                               China, Korea
                       session will be held by                                                                                                                                                                      and USA
                       AMIA

 Growers and           Apply online to register           23 July 2021                                                                                                                                              China, Korea
 Packhouses            orchards/packhouses for                                                                                                                                                                      and USA
                       relevant export markets

 Crop Monitors         Complete crop monitor              Before flowering (budburst) when crop monitoring needs to                                                                                                 China, Korea
                       training                           start                                                                                                                                                     and USA

 Growers and           Prepare for audit,                 For new or previously non-compliant businesses:                                                                                                           China, Korea
 Packhouses            conducted by DAWE                  • Pre-season audits: w/c 23 August 2021                                                                                                                   and USA
                                                          • For accredited and compliant businesses (from last season):
                                                          • In-season audits: TBC during the season

AMIA now
a member                                                   MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
of Irrigation                                                                                                     5. Conference & Tradeshow Discounts                                   11. International Representation

Australia
                                                                                                                     Member discounts on attending and exhibiting                           Be part of the global irrigation community
                                                                                                                     at the Irrigation Australia Biennial International                     and gain access to international contacts via
                                                                                                                     Conference & Exhibition.                                               the Irrigation membership of the International
                                                                                                                                                                                            Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).
                                                                                                                  6. Members Only Portal
                                                                                                                     Gain access to the members only                                    12. Discounts on Waterwise endorsement
AMIA is now a member of Irrigation                                                                                   portal on the Irrigation Australia
                                                                                                                     website. Through the portal
                                                                                                                                                                                            Receive significant member discounts on the
                                                                                                                                                                                            Waterwise endorsement programs, relevant
Australia Ltd (IAL), and AMIA members                1.    Irrigation Journal Copies                                 you can manage your Irrigation
                                                                                                                     Australia membership, register
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                                                                                                                                                                                            landscapers and retailers.
                                                           Distributed quarterly in digital format, Irrigation
can also receive the benefits of this                      Australia’s signature publication, the Journal,           your staff/employees for                                               Benefit from Waterwise
                                                           contains valuable industry information about              training, access members only                                          marketing and merchandise
membership (see below).                                    new projects, technologies and techniques for             documents, presentation and                                            to promote yourself as
                                                           Agriculture, Landscape & Domestic Irrigation.             other materials.                                                       a Waterwise irrigation
                                                                                                                                                                                            professional to the
IAL was founded in 2007 and is Australia’s                                                                                                                                                  community.

peak national organisation representing
                                                                                                                                                                                             See www.waterwiseprograms.com.au
the Australian Irrigation Industry. IAL is also                                                                   7.     Access to eKnowledge
                                                                                                                         Irrigation Australia eKnowledge repository
                                                                                                                                                                                             for more information.

the Australian representative body of the                                                                                has significant resources of technical papers,
                                                                                                                         conference papers, Irrigation Journals and
International Commission on Irrigation and                                                                               FAQ’s available only for Members.
                                                                                                                                                                                            Additional Membership Benefits
Drainage.                                                                                                         8. Discounts on Publications
                                                                                                                     and Merchandise                                                        (EXCLUDES PRIMARY PRODUCERS, INDIVIDUALS
                                                     2. Access to the National Irrigation Directory                  Irrigation Australia offers a wide range of books,                     & RETIRED MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY)
                                                        The only national and comprehensive digital                  eBooks and other merchandise through its online
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                                                                                                                     Meetings & Events                                                      irrigation industry which attracts
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                                                     3. Training Discounts
                                                                                                                     regional meetings, events and site visits                              month
                                                        Receive significant member discounts on
                                                        nationally accredited irrigation training and                across Australia. This is a great opportunity
                                                        qualifications delivered by Irrigation Australia in          for members and industry colleagues to
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                                                                                                                                                                                            List your business on Irrigation
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                                                                                                                                                                                                            WINTER 2021 PAGE 9
                                                           FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT                               T 1300 949 891 | E info@irrigation.org.au | W www.irrigationaustralia.com.au |
                                                           IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA ON:                                    QLD: Unit 11/58 Metroplex Avenue, Murarrie, QLD 4172 | PO Box 13, Cannon Hill QLD 4170
2020... a season like no other - JUNE 2021 / VOLUME FORTY-FOUR - Biosecurity-Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed - NET
Increase to minimum wage and                                                                         ATO
other updates                                                                                        Resources
Increase to minimum wage                     Free trade agreement between                            The ATO have developed a range of
Following the Annual Wage Review 2021,       the UK and Australia                                    resources to help agricultural workers
the Fair Work Commission has announced                                                               this tax time. It’s important that everyone
                                             The free trade agreement between the UK
a 2.5% increase to the national minimum                                                              understands what they can and can’t
                                             and Australia was announced on June 15.
wage. For anyone not covered by an                                                                   claim at tax time and how to best prepare
award or an agreement, the new national      There are no details yet as to exactly when             and lodge their returns, especially after a
minimum wage will be $772.60 per week or     this comes into effect, but it does mean                challenging year.
$20.33 per hour.                             British backpackers will no longer be
                                                                                                     Resources include:
                                             obligated to work 88 days in agriculture.
Find out more here.                          Find more information here.                             1. Agricultural Workers Occupation Guide
                                                                                                        – providing helpful information about
Seasonal Worker Programme                    Temporary relaxation of working                            what can and can’t be claimed at tax
(SWP) and the Pacific Labour                 hours for Student Visa Holders                             time. You can also access a link to a one-
Scheme (PLS)                                 In response to workforce shortages,                        page poster summarising the information
In the recent Queensland budget, $2.6        student visa holders can work beyond                       which can be downloaded, printed and
million was allocated to improving the       their usual work limitations in a number of                shared.
implementation of SWP/PLS to help meet       industries including agriculture. While these           2. If you have been impacted by drought,
seasonal workforce gaps in regional areas.   measures are in place, the Department of                   the ATO offers a range of assistance
A review of the programs is under way,       Home Affairs and Australian Border Force                   for individuals, businesses, and primary
seeking input on how to streamline and       will not take any adverse action against                   producers. Click here and here to find
improve processes. You can find out more     student visa holders or employers with                     out more.
about the review here.                       respect to students working in excess of 40
                                             hours each fortnight. You can find out more
                                             here.

                                                  Total Ag & Fabrication specialise in the manufacture,
                                                  repair and service of Mango Picking Aids.

    We currently produce mango picking aids to suit the harvest of all mango varieties. You can choose
    from current standard models or we can custom build a picking aid to suit your specific mango variety and
    location. We can build a machine that has the capacity for select pick, through to high volume strip picking.
    Whether you need to negotiate difficult terrain or need to harvest at night we can supply a made-to-order
    machine for you. Our main focus is to produce a picking aid that delivers maximum volume and zero fruit
    damage.
    During the harvest season we are committed to providing 24/7 technical support with fast response
    time. Service schedules can be arranged and performed outside of your working hours in the season to
    ensure you have no down time in harvest.

    P: 0488 788 171 E: info@totalagfab.com             facebook.com/TotalAgFab
    www.totalagandfabrication.com.au                              *Can be delivered Australia wide

PAGE 10 MANGO MATTERS
QFF updates
$75,000 grants for farmers impacted by
recent floods and cyclones
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has
welcomed the activation of Category D assistance
for farmers beginning the recovery process following
damage caused by recent floods and cyclones.
Farmers in the Goondiwindi, Cairns, Cassowary
Coast, Hinchinbrook, Mareeba and Tablelands local
government areas are eligible for grants of up to $75,000,
in addition to the freight subsidies, concessional loans
and grants already available, through the jointly funded
Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding
Arrangements (DRFA).
The Category D recovery grants are available from QRIDA
at qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.
View the full statement here.

QFF welcomes drought-proofing funding for
farmers
Farmers are encouraged to apply for funding for drought-
proofing works after the state and federal governments
partnered to extend the On-farm Emergency Water
Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.
Head to www.agriculture.gov.au/water/national/on-farm-
infrastructure-rebate to find out more.
                                                             Mango growers,
                                                             don’t gamble

Major drought reform                                         Extreme temperature
for Queensland                                               ranges are here to stay.
producers                                                    That means managing frost risk

A major reform to Queensland’s drought assistance
                                                             Calculate the R.O.I. by installing
will help Queensland primary producers improve their
management of future droughts. A range of proactive
measures including tailored training, grants and loans       FROSTBOSS C49.
will be open to primary producers without needing a
drought declaration across a broad range of agricultural
industries.
The new drought assistance will be available for
application from late 2021 through the Queensland Rural
                                                                  bossthefrost.com.au
and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
The Queensland Government’s Drought Relief Assistance
Scheme (DRAS) will continue for this current drought.        Ian Mason
Drought-declared producers can continue accessing
                                                             M +61 448 111 384 P 1800 797 629
DRAS support or move to the new measures. DRAS will
be phased out as local government areas come out of          E info@aussiefrostfans.com.au
drought.                                                     aussiefrostfans.com.au

Keep an eye out for regional forums explaining the new
drought assistance later this year. Some of the new
drought assistance measures are jointly funded through
the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
                                                                                                                FRF 1045

For more information visit daf.qld.gov.au/drought or
phone 13 25 23.

                                                                                                WINTER 2021 PAGE 11
PR &
MARKETING

2020…
a season like
no other
The 2020 mango crop produced the
lowest volume in seven years, defined by
a later start, no real peaks, less product
being exported, and the constant dance
with COVID-19.

Despite a slightly later start, the beginning   They bought on average 31 mangoes                In 2020, our lowest volume year, we
of the season was filled with the promise of    and spent on average $66.89 across the           achieved the highest number of mango
a big crop, with weekly volumes tracking in     season. ‘Wedded Buyers’ love Australian          print media advertisements ever (483)
line with the previous two seasons through      mangoes, will pay more for the experience,       and retained the highest share of voice
to the end of September. As we moved            and will proudly tell the world. They are        (SOV) score—ranking mangoes number
into October and November the volume            quite simply our greatest advocates, and         one in the fruit category, an exceptional
collapsed and didn’t rise again through         we must retain and grow them.                    result.
Christmas and the second half of summer,
                                                Over the past seven years we have worked         I extend my sincere congratulations to all
culminating in -23% volume versus 2019.
                                                together breathing life into our marketing       of you—the passionate and committed
A total of 8.2 M trays were harvested in
                                                plan, illustrated by the ‘Wheel of Velocity      individuals, the amazing teams, and the
2020.
                                                and Momentum’. During this time, we have         great businesses who have created this
The steep decline in production volume          witnessed, again and again, that no two          extraordinary industry. Over the past seven
led to a significant reduction in the number    seasons are ever the same, and yet the           years, you have each contributed much
of mangoes available for sale through the       ‘recipe for success’ never changes.              to the success of Australian mangoes,
domestic retail channel, reflected in the                                                        and now, with the 2021 season fast
                                                Our mantra of “Impulse is King, and
year-on-year (YOY) volume decline                                                                approaching I wish you every success for
                                                quality is Queen” continues to be the
of -21.7%. The lower volume resulted in                                                          the future.
                                                primary motivation for why consumers buy
less households buying mangoes -7.2%,
                                                mangoes. Accurate forecasting provides
they purchased less frequently -8.9%,                                                            For more information please contact
                                                a clear vision of what’s coming and when,
and they bought less mangoes on each                                                             Treena Welch, Australian Mangoes
                                                allowing retailers to adjust their marketing
shopping occasion -7.4%. However,                                                                Marketing Manager on
                                                and promotional plans to sync with the
with all stakeholders working together to                                                        P: 0417 001 253 or
                                                rhythm of the crop. Having highly visible,
deliver an excellent consumer experience,                                                        E: marketing@mangoes.net.au
                                                large, luscious displays of beautiful, quality
shoppers were happy to pay a higher
                                                mangoes that look fresh and vibrant, and
average retail price and the decline in
                                                are packed with that unique mango flavour
value was minimised at -6.1%.
                                                is the cornerstone for building sustainable
Bringing new buyers into the mango              profitable growth.
category and moving them up the ‘Ladder
                                                The job of marketing is to shape consumer
of Love’ has always been our long-term
                                                behaviour maximising short-term sales, and
game plan. Ultimately, we want to grow
                                                long-term brand value. Over the past seven
the ‘Wedded Buyer’ segment and for good
                                                years we have given our retailers good
reason. During the 2020 season, 22%
                                                reason to move away from simply selling
of mango buying households were
                                                mangoes at a price, to the current position      Continued page 13
‘Wedded Buyers’—they were responsible
                                                of selling the provenance, inspiration, and
for purchasing 50% of volume and
                                                value associated with Australian mangoes.
represented 51% of spending.

PAGE 12 MANGO MATTERS
Continued from page 12

                          Lowest supply season in 7 years                                                                   Drop in supply October/November

                                   SEASON TRENDS - SUPPLY                                                                           SEASON TRENDS - SUPPLY
                                           Levy data - 7kg tray equivalents
                   14

                   12

                   10
Trays (million)

                    8

                    6

                    4

                    2

                    0                                                                                    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
                            2014     2015        2016       2017        2018    2019         2020
                                                                                                                            2018 Season                    2019 Season                     2020 Season

          Season                # Trays         # Weeks        # Weeks         # Weeks        # Weeks            Season Profile Supply
                               (Millions)        >100k          >250k           >500k          >750k

                  2014             9.4              18             15             8                 2            High volume & peaks, moderately compressed season
                  2015             8.7             25              15             5                 0            Longer, flatter, less compressed season
                  2016             8.6             20              15             7                 3            Lower volume, highly compressed season
                  2017              12             25              19            12                 3            Highest volume to date, with long less compressed season
                  2018             10.9             21             17            10                 5            High volume. More compressed season than 2017
                  2019             10.6            23              20            4                  1            High volume. Less compressed season
                  2020          8.2(est)           22              17             3                 0            Lowest volume season. Less compressed season

Source (trays): Levy Data 2020 is estimated as June data is yet to be included. Source (weeks): AMIA grower crop flow data. This is used to create a view of the season and how that compares
to other seasons.

                                         Due to lower volume all consumer metrics were down except price

                           AUS Average Price

                                                    $2.09
                                                                                                                                                                       -21.7% unit decline
                  $1.80
                                   $1.74
                                                                                                                                                                       -6.1% value decline
                                                                           INCREASE
                                                                           19.8%

      2018 Season               2019 Season      2020 Season

                           Average Occasions                                           Average Units per Occasion                                             Buying Households

                  6.0               6.32                                                                  2.59
                                                      5.8                              2.5
                                                                                                                          2.4

      2018 Season               2019 Season      2020 Season                     2018 Season        2019 Season       2020 Season                   2018 Season     2019 Season     2020 Season

                                DECLINE                                                                                                                                DECLINE
                                                                                                        DECLINE
                                -8.9%                                                               -7.4%                                                              -7.2%
                         5.7 million less occasions                                                                                                             421k less households

 Data Source: Nielsen Homescan Mango Database                                                                                                                                               Continued page 14

                                                                                                                                                                                  WINTER 2021 PAGE 13
Continued from page 13

           During the 2020 season, 22% of mango buying households were Wedded Buyers

                                                                 LADDER OF LOVE

                                                                                                                       Wedded Buyers
                                                                                WEDDED BUYERS                          Purchased Mangoes and
 Wedded Buyers                                      9.2%
                           22.2%                                                                                       accounted for 50% of trips
                                                    less                          PAY MOST
                                                                                   per mango                           Engaged Buyers
                                                                                                                       Purchased Mangoes and
Engaged Buyers             20.3%                   6.5%
                                                                                                                       accounted for 24% of trips
                                                   less
                                                                                                                       Dating Buyers
                                          5.6%                                                                         Purchased Mangoes and
   Dating Buyers           12.8%
                                          less                                                                         accounted for 10% of trips

                                                                                                                       First Kiss Buyers
First Kiss Buyers                                5.9%                                                                  Purchased Mangoes and
                           17.2%                 less                                                                  accounted for 9% of trips
                                                                                FLIRTING BUYERS
                                                                                   PAY LEAST                           Flirting Buyers
  Flirting Buyers                                             7.5%                  per mango                          Purchased Mangoes and
                           27.5%                              less                                                     accounted for 7% of trips

   WEDDED BUYERS                    WEDDED BUYERS                             WEDDED BUYERS                            WEDDED BUYERS
    22% of Shoppers                 Purchased on average                    Purchase less per occasion
                                                                                but purchase more               POSITIVE AWOP* $ growth.
      50% of Units                       13.0 times
                                                                                    frequently                    Avg. SPEND ~ $67.00
                                          in 2020 season,
      51% of Value                                                      Approx. 31 mangoes per season.
                                                                                                                The highest growth of any segment.
                                    13.9 times in 2019 sesaon.

*AWOP - Average weight of purchase.
Data Source: Nielsen Homescan Mango Database

                          Average occasions were down for each of the buyer groups

                                                 PURCHASE FREQUENCY BY SEGMENT
                                                  Average Occasions by Buyer Group

                                                                                                                13.9                                2018
                                                                                                         13.3          13.0
                                                                                                                                                    2019

                                                                                                                                                    2020

                                                                                          7.5
                                                                                    7.1
                                                                                                6.8
                                                                                                                                     5.8 AUS avg. 2020

                                                        4.7     5.0
                                                                      4.5

                              3.1   3.3
                                           3.0

             1.6
     1.5            1.5

      Flirting Buyers       First Kiss Buyers           Dating Buyers              Engaged Buyers        Wedded Buyers

Data Source: Nielsen Homescan Mango Database                                                                                            Continued page 15

PAGE 14 MANGO MATTERS
Continued from page 14

   Wedded Buyers purchase less per occasion but purchase more frequently. The decrease
                       has not been as large as other segments.

                                                           UNITS PER OCCASION BY SEGMENT
                                                              Average Price by Buyer Group
                                                                      2.70                   2.72
                                    2.67                                              2.65
             2.60
                                           2.58
                                                              2.55
     2.50            2.49                                                                                           2.50
                                                                                                            2.46
                                                  2.39                        2.43
                                                                                                    2.40                             2.40 AUS avg. 2020
                                                                                                                            2.38

      Flirting Buyers             First Kiss Buyers            Dating Buyers          Engaged Buyers        Wedded Buyers

                                                          Wedded Buyers PAY MORE per mango

                                                    MANGOES AVERAGE PRICE PER SEGMENT
                                                             Average Price by Buyer Group
                                                                                                                            $2.17
                                                  $1.98                       $2.01
                                                                                                    $2.10   $1.92                    $2.09 AUS avg. 2020
                     $1.90                                                                                          $1.85
                                                              $1.80
     $1.69                         $1.65 $1.66                        $1.65           $1.70 $1.68
             $1.61

                                                                                                                                                     2018

                                                                                                                                                     2019

                                                                                                                                                     2020

      Flirting Buyers             First Kiss Buyers            Dating Buyers          Engaged Buyers        Wedded Buyers

                             WEDDED BUYERS did not have the highest price increase however these buyers will pay
                                             more for mangoes and this translated to AWOP.

                       Wedded Buyers had the lowest decline in total mangoes purchased

                                                  MANGOES PURCHASED (AWOP) BY SEGMENT
                                                  Mangoes Purchased (AWOP) buy Buyer Group
                                                                                                                    34.9
                                                                                                            32.7                                     2018
                                                                                                                            30.9
                                                                                                                                                     2019

                                                                                                                                                     2020

                                                                                             20.5
                                                                                      18.9
                                                                                                    16.3
                                                                      13.6                                                           13.8 AUS avg. 2020
                                                              11.9            10.9
                                    8.3    8.6
                                                  7.2

      3.9    4.2
                      3.7

      Flirting Buyers             First Kiss Buyers            Dating Buyers          Engaged Buyers        Wedded Buyers

                                WEDDED BUYERS purchase less per occasion but purchase more frequently.
                                                 Average ~31 Mangoes/Season.

Data Source (all above): Nielsen Homescan Mango Database                                                                                 Continued page 16

                                                                                                                                    WINTER 2021 PAGE 15
Continued from page 15

                                  WEDDED BUYERS had positive AWOP growth.
                      Only FLIRTING BUYERS had the same growth however off a very low base

                                                MANGOES $ PURCHASED ($AWOP) BY SEGMENT
                                                    Mangoes $ Purchased (AWOP) buy Buyer Group

                                                                                                                                                                           2018

                                                                                                                                          $66.89                           2019
                                                                                                                                 $64.32
                                                                                                                        $62.57
                                                                                                                                                                           2020

                                                                                                $34.18 $34.13
                                                                                       $31.85
                                                                                                                                                     $28.85 AUS avg. 2020

                                                                $21.12 $22.23 $21.63

                                     $13.58 $14.28 $14.12

                   $6.69 $6.89
           $6.45

            Flirting Buyers         First Kiss Buyers             Dating Buyers        Engaged Buyers                   Wedded Buyers

                                                            WEDDED BUYERS pay MORE per mango

      Data Source: Nielsen Homescan Mango Database

                                   Mangoes had the highest increase in share of fruit adverts.

                                   NUMBER OF ADS                                                                            SHARE OF ADVERTS 2020
                   Cumulative # of Mango Adverts by Season                                                         Weeks 9 to 34, Media dates 26 Aug to 23 Feb

500

                                                                                                                                                             Mangoes 13%
400

                                                                                                                Pears 3%
                                                                                                         Avocados 3%                                                   Nectarines
300                                                                                                                                                                    12%
                                                                                                         Cherries 3%
                                                                                                          Plums 3%

200                                                                                                Watermelon 3%

                                                                                                      Mandarins 3%                                                     Grapes
                                                                                                                                                                       11%
100                                                                                                     Pineapples 4%

                                                                                                                Apples 4%
                                                                                                                                                                  Peaches
                                                                                                                Rasberries 4%                                     9%
 0       9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34                                   Strawberries 5%            Blueberries
                                                                                                                                                   8%
             2014           2015       2016          2017        2018          2019    2020

                                               MANGOES                                                                         MANGOES
                                           achieved more ads                                                             achieved highest share
                                           later in the season.                                                           of fruit adverts ever.

      Data Source: Numerator Print Media Database                                                                                                            Continued page 17

      PAGE 16 MANGO MATTERS
Continued from page 16

                                                     Mangoes increased Share of Voice (SOV) total fruit

                                             SHARE OF VOICE                                                              SHARE OF VOICE 2020
                         Cumulative SOV Score for Mango Adverts by Season                                       Weeks 9 to 34, Media dates 26 Aug to 23 Feb

600,000

                                                                                                                   Avocados 2%
                                                                                                                                                              Mangoes 21%
                                                                                                                  Apples 2%
500,000
                                                                                                           Watermelon 3%

                                                                                                          Mandarins 4%
400,000
                                                                                                         Raspberries
                                                                                                                 4%
300,000
                                                                                                           Cherries
                                                                                                                5%
                                                                                                                                                                      Blueberries
200,000                                                                                                        Grapes                                                 17%
                                                                                                                  6%

100,000                                                                                                           Peaches
                                                                                                                      7%
                                                                                                                                                       Nectarines
                                                                                                                           Strawberries 9%             11%
          0    9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

                         2014        2015     2016           2017           2018       2019     2020

                                                      MANGOES                                                                        MANGOES
                                             Highest SOV score EVER.                                                            #1 SOV for 2020.

   Data Source: Numerator Print Media Database

                                                     Mangoes increased Share of Voice (SOV) total fruit

                                                                             PRINT MEDIA - MANGOES
                                                                            Number of Adverts by Variety
                                                                      Weeks 9 to 34, Media dates 26 Aug to 23 Feb

                                                                                                                                             Keitt
                                                                                                                                              2%

                         175
                                                                                                                                     R2E2
              143                      146                                                                                            8%
                                                                                                                            Other
                                                                                                                             9%
                                                                                                                                                                 KP
                                86                                                                                                                              36%
                                                      71                                                                 Honey
                                                                                                                          Gold
                                               43                       41                     34   42
                                                                                                                          15%
                                                                12
                                                                                   7       8

                                                                                                                                             Calypso
                    KP          Calypso      Honey Gold              R2E2          Keitt        Other
                                                                                                                                              30%

                                                      2019          2020

    Data Source: Numerator Print Media Database

                                                                                                                                                WINTER 2021 PAGE 17
BIOSECURITY,
RESEARCH & POLICY

Biosecurity—Emergency Plant Pest
Response Deed
   As part of our commitment
   to represent the biosecurity
   interests of the Australian
   mango industry, Australian
   Mangoes (AMIA) provide
   information about biosecurity,
   pests, and diseases.
   This edition, we look at
   the Emergency Plant Pest
   Response Deed (EPPRD).
   Information has been
   prepared by Plant Health
   Australia.

WHAT IS THE EPPRD?
The Emergency Plant Pest Response              PHA’s training team Lucy Aukett and Matt Chifley delivering EPPRD awareness and Industry Liaison training in
Deed (EPPRD) is a formal legally binding       Darwin at the end of last month. The training was attended by industry and local government representatives
agreement between Plant Health Australia,      and covered the role of an Industry Liaison officer in an emergency.
the Australian Government, all state and
territory governments and national plant
industry body signatories (which includes    impacts on public health, environment,
Australian Mango Industry Association)
                                                                                                      HOW TO REPORT A
                                             regional and national economics, trade and
covering the management and funding                                                                   SUSPECTED PEST
                                             market access and control or production
of responses to Emergency Plant Pests        costs. This categorisation determines the                If you suspect an EPP, contact the Exotic
(EPPs). Plant Health Australia is the        government/industry funding ratio for the                Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. If the
custodian of the EPPRD.                      cost of the response.                                    pest is identified as likely to be an EPP, it
The EPPRD formalises the shared role in                                                               will trigger a formal series of events via the
EPP response decision making between         HOW ARE INCURSIONS                                       state or territory Department of Primary
government and industry, outlines the        MANAGED?                                                 Industry under the direction of the local
cost sharing arrangements of approved                                                                 Chief Plant Health Manager.
responses and provides a framework for       The Australian Emergency Plant Pest
owner reimbursement costs.                   Response Plan (PLANTPLAN) provides                       MORE INFORMATION
                                             nationally endorsed, best practice
                                             operational guidelines for EPP incursion                 For further information visit: https://
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY                                                                                  www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/
                                             responses. It outlines the phases of
PLANT PEST?                                  an incursion, and the key roles and                      biosecurity/emergency-plant-pest-
                                             responsibilities of industry and government              response-deed/.
The EPPRD is only activated for the
eradication of plant pests with nationally   during each of the phases. Any response
significant economic or environmental        to a pest under the EPPRD must be run in
impact that are also one of the following:   accordance with PLANTPLAN.

• a known exotic plant pest                  OWNER REIMBURSEMENT
• a variant form of a plant pest already
                                             COSTS
  established in Australia
• a previously unknown pest                  Owners of crops or properties damaged
• an officially controlled pest.             or destroyed as a direct result of a
                                             requirement under an approved Response
EPPs are assigned to one of four             Plan may be eligible for reimbursement
categories based on their potential          payments under the EPPRD.

PAGE 18 MANGO MATTERS
Biosecurity—National
Fruit Fly symposium
calls for national strategy
commitment
Implementing the National Fruit Fly Strategy 2020-2025 via a
sustainable funding model was the resounding conclusion from
those who devoted their time to attend the National Fruit Fly
symposium held in May.

Over 420 participants from a range of            in November 2020 largely remained
                                                                                                   Christina Cook, Manager, National Fruit Fly Council
backgrounds including industry leaders,          unfunded.                                         (NFFC).
government representatives, researchers
                                                 Department of Agriculture Water and
and growers took part in the symposium,
                                                 Environment’s Chief Plant Protection
where the discussions were around
                                                 Officer Gabrielle Vivian-Smith talked of the
Building Future National Success.                                                                Progressing these issues will be the focus
                                                 Department’s commitment to ensuring
The three-day online event hosted by the         borders were secure and there was               for Council in the coming months.
National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC), Hort          adequate preparedness to be able to deal        NFFC chairman Lloyd Klumpp was
Innovation and Plant Health Australia was        with exotic fruit fly detections.               excited by the enthusiasm and maturity of
aimed at progressing discussion on critical                                                      discussions at the symposium. He believed
                                                 “We need to not lose sight of real and
fruit fly issues and identifying ways to build                                                   the national strategy required coordination,
                                                 present threats in the north; to ensure that
a cohesive national framework.                                                                   collaboration, communication, and
                                                 we’re prepared to respond as a country
NFFC member and Nutrano Produce group            in the event of an outbreak or detection        commitment from all stakeholders to deliver
technical manager, Steve Burdette said           onshore of oriental fruit flies,” she said.     the goal of contemporary, viable and
the national strategy provides international                                                     cost-effective national approach to fruit fly
                                                 Hort Innovation General Manager Research        management that Australia has set.
and interstate trading partners confidence
                                                 and Development Alison Anderson said
that Australia’s horticulture industries are                                                     Mr Klumpp said the Council was ready
                                                 when it came to the implementation of a
working hard to manage fruit fly.                                                                to take on the issues raised at the
                                                 national fruit fly strategy, there was a need
Mr Burdette said a critical element for          for a coordinated national, state, regional     symposium by seeking those four “Cs”
successful control of fruit fly was to ensure    and on-farm approach, and clarity around        from stakeholder participation in think
alignment of on-farm production practices        who was responsible for what, when and          tanks designed to deliver solutions and
with effective policies to ensure market         how.                                            commitment to action.
access and trade.                                                                                Plant Health Australia’s CEO Sarah
                                                 Dr Anderson noted the importance of a
Cherry Growers Australia president Tom           strong research and development program         Corcoran noted that the NFFC is an
Eastlake identified international trade, a       to support the needs of growers to ensure       important forum of governments, research
theme of discussion at the symposium, as         they remained viable and maintained             providers and industries to provide
critical. One of his key concerns was that       access to markets.                              leadership and advice on national fruit fly
the National Fruit Fly Strategy launched                                                         issues.
                                                 National Fruit Fly Council manager Christina
                                                 Cook identified trade as “the central driving   In reflecting on the success of the
                                                 force to managing fruit fly.”                   symposium in meeting these goals, Ms
                                                                                                 Corcoran said, “we note the success that
                                                 “We need workable protocols and                 council have achieved to date and look
                                                 treatments to access markets. We need           forward to building on those successes
                                                 modern and effective on-farm management         and being able to achieve the nationally
                                                 tools and access to information about           responsive and integrated system that’s
                                                 those,” she said.                               supported by all.”
                                                 Farmers were good at managing fruit fly         For further information visit: https://
                                                 on-farm but needed support to manage            preventfruitfly.com.au/national-fruit-
                                                 the off-farm risks, and the things outside of   fly-council/.
                                                 their control, she said.
                                                 Ms Cook listed some examples of off-farm
                                                 challenges such as abandoned orchards,
                                                 the availability of effective chemicals,
                                                 building and maintaining area wide
                                                 management in communities, and using
                                                 SIT (sterile insect technology) as part of
   Queensland Fruit Fly.                         a strong national approach in Australia.

                                                                                                                         WINTER 2021 PAGE 19
Season in review
WEATHER CONDITIONS–                            picking around the Gingin region.               Poor early flowering events were recorded
                                               Both the NT (Darwin and Katherine               in all three states, particularly for trees of
TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL,
                                               regions), Kununurra and Queensland              the Kensington Pride (KP) variety and Keitt
WIND, FROST ETC.                               (QLD) battled isolated showers and storms       (QLD only).
Most mango growing regions experienced         late in the picking season. Far North QLD
warm winter flowering periods with strong      regions experienced some frosts, but there      FRUIT QUANTITY AND
winds and rain late into the harvest           was less damage than previous seasons.          QUALITY
period. At the beginning of the 2020/2021      Northern Australian regions recorded good
                                               average rainfall for the 2020/2021 wet          This season was the lowest volume
season, the Northern Territory (NT) had
                                               season.                                         recorded in the AMIA crop forecast,
just experienced another hot and dry
                                                                                               which has been collecting data since
wet season. Bureau of Meteorology
                                               FLOWERING                                       the 2014/2015 season, seven years ago.
(BOM) recorded daytime and overnight
                                                                                               Nationally, fruit was generally smaller in
temperatures that were ranked as the           The 2020 mango flowering season kicked          size, and many growers experienced
second highest on record for most of the       off in May for the Darwin region but some       reduced volumes, particularly with KP fruit.
state and across the territory, rainfall was   in the region had to wait until later in June   For many regions, harvest finished quicker
below the long-term average by 20%.            and July for a larger flowering event.          than expected resulting in low volume
BOM also recorded a warm and dry winter        Producers in the NT recorded multiple           weeks in the peak of the season. Many
for Western Australia (WA). They battled       flowerings spread across the three-month        growers also reported less internal fruit
extreme conditions with a hot and windy        cool period. Those in WA, particularly in the   on their trees than usual. There were only
winter in Kununurra, damaging floods and       north, found that flowering mostly occurred     three weeks of the entire season where
heat waves that resulted in large sunburn      late in the cool period, which did not          more than 500,000 trays were dispatched—
losses in Carnarvon, and bushfires close to    allow conducive pollination temperatures.       further to this we did not see more than
                                                                                               Continued page 21

 Snapshots from the 2020/2021 season.

PAGE 20 MANGO MATTERS
Continued from page 20

                                                                                                                      CHALLENGES
Export volumes totalled approximately 4,320
                                                                                                                      The mango season is always challenging
tonnes for the season, down 44% and 47% on 2020                                                                       but the 2020/2021 season brought a new
and 2019 seasons respectively.                                                                                        challenge: COVID-19. The pandemic had
                                                                                                                      many impacts, expected and unexpected.
                                                                                                                      Impacts for growers and the supply chain
750,000 trays dispatched in any given                      EXPORT                                                     included lack of skilled and unskilled labour,
week.                                                                                                                 additional WHS requirements, worker
                                                           Export volumes totalled approximately
Rain late into the picking period did result                                                                          quarantine, border closures, reduced
                                                           4,320 tonnes for the season, down 44%
in downgrading of small amounts of fruit                                                                              airfreight and difficulty sourcing inputs and
                                                           and 47% on 2020 and 2019 seasons
for some NT and QLD growers, as well as                                                                               other materials.
                                                           respectively. Despite this, there was
rub marks from strong winter winds during                  still good demand from international                       Outside of COVID-19, mango growers
the fruit development period. Carnarvon                    customers. The top five export                             reported a number of other challenges,
growers reported up to 70% fruit loss                      destinations for the season were New                       such as; increasing compliance and
around Christmas from sunburn due to                       Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, the                         regulation, reduced chemical options and
two separate days of extreme heat with no                  United Arab Emirates, and the Republic                     long withholding periods, and access to
wind.                                                      of Korea.                                                  land and water.

**Disclaimer: this report is a compilation of qualitative and quantitative data that was sourced from many stakeholders across the industry, including growers and Australian
Mangoes staff across the national industry and throughout the supply chain. Some generalisations in this report may or may not reflect individuals’ circumstances during the
2020/2021 mango season.

                                                                                                                                                WINTER 2021 PAGE 21
Mango industry aims high with
high-density plantings
‘Transforming orchards to high-density plantings produces higher yields
and income…’

That’s the advice from the Transforming       (CRCNA), the project team, DAF, Manbulloo      “While the adoption of high-density slim
Mango Futures project team which              Ltd, Marto’s Mangoes and the Australian        hedge and trellised planting requires
spent three years studying grower and         Mango Industry Association (AMIA), trialled    a higher level of investment during
experimental mango orchards, examining        high-density planting across three sites in    establishment and over the first 10 years
whether high-density orchards would           Queensland and the Northern Territory.         than conventional lower density planting
produce more fruit, more economically,                                                       systems, this is rapidly recouped by the
                                              “To move from 200 to 600, or even 1,200
than low-density plantings.                                                                  higher revenues achieved by increased
                                              trees per hectare requires us to do the
                                                                                             yield per hectare,” Dr Dickinson said.
The project’s final economic case study       equivalent of what architects do in inner
was launched in May at the Northern           cities – that is maximise the efficient use    The Australian-first research, modelling
Australia Food Futures conference in          of space. We are doing that by growing         input costs and revenues from real data,
Darwin.                                       shorter, thinner mango trees and minimising    reveals that high-density trellised orchards
                                              the width of inter-rows for use by narrower    punch above their weight in yield and
Project lead, Dr Geoff Dickinson from the
                                              tractors and equipment,” Dr Dickinson          income generation.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
                                              explained.
(DAF) Queensland said the industry has                                                       Modelling suggests, at their peak, these
long been interested in transforming          “In terms of mangoes, this intensification     new high-density and trellised orchards
from low-yielding, low- density orchards      involves managing trees as slim hedges         could:
into high-yielding, high-density orchard      or by training trees on trellises which sees
                                                                                             • Produce up to 66 tonnes per ha / per
systems.                                      them get great support, great light and
                                                                                               year – over 3.5 times more than existing
                                              maximum canopy leaf area to produce
“The Department of Agriculture and                                                             low-density plantings
                                              more fruit. Short, narrow trees mean
Fisheries, Queensland (DAF) have been                                                        • Improve on-farm efficiency of mango
                                              sprayers and harvesters can work more
working on this challenge since 2013, and                                                      growing, spraying, and picking costs
                                              efficiently, reducing pesticide use and
this project builds on this work,” he said.                                                  • Reduce annual fruit production costs
                                              opening opportunities for new technologies
Funded by the Cooperative Research            including robotic harvesting.                    (per kg/fruit) by approximately 20%
Centre for Developing Northern Australia                                                     • Improve long-term grower and industry
                                                                                               profitability.
                                                                                             Dr Dickinson said transitioning from low-
                                                                                             density plantings to higher density plantings
                                                                                             also generated a range of environmental
                                                                                             and efficiency-related co-benefits.
                                                                                             “There are also a range of co-benefits
                                                                                             of adopting our ‘intensification’ model
                                                                                             including reduced water and fertiliser
                                                                                             inputs, increased harvesting efficiencies,
                                                                                             increased suitability to the introduction
                                                                                             of mechanisation and robotics, and
                                                                                             greater pest and disease management
                                                                                             efficiencies,” Dr Dickinson explained.
                                                                                             CRCNA CEO, Anne Stünzner said she
                                                                                             is confident the study will assist farmers
                                                                                             become more productive in the long-term.
                                                                                             “The team and the industry, recognise that
                                                                                             growers have genuine concerns about
                                                                                             transitioning from tried-and-true systems
                                                                                             to new ones, particularly when there are
                                                                                             significant set up costs.
                                                                                             ‘We hope this study will assist growers
                                                                                             when establishing new mango plantings
                                                                                             to help them select which orchard
                                                                                             management design is most suitable for
                                                                                             them,” she said.
                                                                                             Continued page 23
   Geoff Dickinson.

PAGE 22 MANGO MATTERS
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