HLB tolerant rootstocks - Australian, Indonesia trials commence 6 - Citrus Australia
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WINTER 2021
HLB tolerant rootstocks
Australian, Indonesia trials commence
P 29
6 Export roadmap 9 Australian and 13 Granulation
reveals extra international in Imperial
competition ahead expansion mandarins
www.edp.com.au email: robm@edp.com.au Phone: (03) 5820 5337
WINTER 2021
Australian Citrus News is written and
published by Citrus Australia Limited.
(ACN 130 238 792) In this issue...
94 Lemon Avenue Mildura Vic 3502
PO Box 10336, Mildura Vic 3502 Australia
T: (03) 5023 6333
F: (03) 5023 3877 CEO REPORT BIOSECURITY
E: admin@citrusaustralia.com.au
4 HLB tolerant rootstocks a new 22 Biosecurity a passion for new team
www.citrusaustralia.com.au addition to biosecurity strategy member Jessica
24 Identifying challenges of urban
NEWS plant biosecurity
MANAGING EDITOR & ADVERTISING
Stephen Cooke
5 Jackie on board to help growers
Industry Engagement Manager
with labour options INNOVATION
Citrus Australia Limited 6 Export roadmap reveals 29 HLB tolerant rootstocks arrive
M: 0427 124 437 extra competition ahead in Australia
E: stephen.cooke@citrusaustralia.com.au 9 Australian and 30 Establishing HLB tolerant
international expansion rootstock trials for the Australian
DESIGN & LAYOUT
citrus industry
Clare De Luca 12 Further citrus exports to the
Fresh Republic US within reach 32 Review your postharvest fungicides
M: 0413 563 654
E: clare@freshrepublic.com.au
MANAGEMENT
13 The effect of seasonal conditions
on granulation in Imperial
mandarins
CITRUS 16 The changing face of solar
FUND
18 The days of being an
island are over
Australian Citrus News has been funded by
Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
using the national citrus levy and funds from
the Australian Government.
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Acceptance of these contributions does not
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Any advice provided in articles contained in
Australian Citrus News is intended as a source Cover image: HLB tolerant rootstocks imported from the USA are being grown and will be tested in
of information only. Always read the label Australia.
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and other material published in this journal
is CA copyright (unless otherwise stated)
and may not be reproduced in part or full CITRUS
without the written permission of the authors FUND
and publisher.
CEO REPORT
HLB tolerant rootstocks
a new addition to
biosecurity strategy
It’s always satisfying to share the news of industry research and other work being undertaken
by the Citrus Australia team on behalf of its members and growers nationwide.
I’m particularly excited to share news and Disease Prevention Committee agreements with partner nations,
in this edition of the HLB tolerant throughout the year. there will be processes that need to
rootstock trials in Australia. be bedded down in Australia and in
Citrus Australia will advocate for
partnering countries.
Australia has the advantage of additional Federal Government
preparing for an incursion of the funding to shore up plant-based Although the visa will be in place
Asian Citrus Psyllid/HLB; a luxury not biosecurity measures, including a by September 30, it is unrealistic to
available to the Florida citrus industry, nursery registration scheme, as well expect large numbers of workers will
which was decimated by the disease. as additional biosecurity measures on be available until mid-2022 at the
the frontline. earliest. This means most businesses
For example, we now have a world
will need other labour sources to
class industry propagation facility in The government this year allocated
fill the ongoing worker shortage,
Auscitrus, which has implemented $84m over four years in frontline
particularly those picking Valencias,
the latest methods in disease and measures, including detector dogs and
lemons and limes this year, and
pest protection. enhanced screening technology.
mandarins early next year.
As discussed in the magazine, However, our industry is worth almost
We are unlikely to see any volume
importing tolerant rootstock seeds $900m annually in farmgate sales,
of backpackers until 2024 and it is
gives the citrus industry a head start including $500m in exports, and
unclear whether working rights in
on local evaluation. It will enable funding for risk prevention should be
holiday visas will be further eroded in
industry to gain a good understanding allocated accordingly.
that time. The Citrus Australia team will
on how they react to being in
Citrus Australia will continue to work to ensure government plays their
Australian soils and our climate, and
work with government and other part in improving quarantine pathways
growing Australian varieties.
horticulture bodies to ensure our and providing access to workers, but
I look forward to updating you on the requirements, both long-term and we advise all citrus businesses to start
results through this magazine and our short-term, are met. planning their workforce for next year
other communication channels. when this harvest concludes.
Biosecurity at all levels remains an There has been much publicity about We understand how difficult the
important focus for Citrus Australia. worker shortage has been for many
the new Ag Visa and we believe it
this season. For help on navigating
Areas of concern, potential solutions, will become an important long- available options, I encourage you to
and accessing additional government call Jackie Heaysman at the Citrus
support are discussed and actioned term tool in providing a sustainable
Australia office on 03 5023 6333.
by Citrus Australia’s Citrus Pest workforce for all citrus businesses.
As a very difficult season heads toward
the finishing point, I ask you to check
Thank you and welcome We are consulting with industry and in on your neighbours and friends.
advising government to ensure the visa Some people prefer to chat, others
to our new members fits businesses of all sizes, focussing prefer to sit quietly, maybe with a
on areas including accreditation, drink. Doing it together has a bigger
Auddino's Produce
sponsorship and portability, whilst impact than you may think.
Hutchison Vineyards P/L
balancing the amount of red tape.
It is important that our citrus
Witchbank Citrus businesses understand that the Ag
Visa will not likely deliver many staff
GSH International
for most next season simply because
Arkie Investments
of the range of negotiations and
regulations that need to be completed NATHAN HANCOCK
River Road Citrus Packers as part of this process. For example, Chief Executive Officer,
officials will need to negotiate bilateral Citrus Australia
4 | Australian Citrus News
NEWS
Jackie on board to help
growers with labour options
Growers can contact new Citrus Australia team member Jackie Heaysman for help on available
options for sourcing labour, both immediate and for next season.
Jackie has joined Citrus Australia as
Seasonal Workforce Industry Support
Officer and aims to help growers
gain a better understanding of labour
options and government assistance.
“I am available to talk to growers
about any workforce challenges they
are facing and to hopefully provide
them with some ideas and point them
in the right direction to finding some
solutions,” Jackie said.
Jackie’s past roles have included
working for the Sunraysia Institute of
TAFE for 17 years and the Victorian
Government, where she managed
a range of economic development
initiatives for businesses to facilitate
growth opportunities.
“I’m excited with this opportunity
to help growers and give them some
tools to help source workers, and help
them navigate the system. Jackie said the pandemic has “It’s all about planning and that’s
clearly presented new challenges where this year they were caught a
to industry with growers finding bit by surprise.”
“I see myself as being able to listen to themselves in a completely new
people’s concerns and questions, find We encourage our growers to call
situation finding workers.
out what they need and then find a Jackie on 0456 628 560 or at Jackie.
solution or help them find a solution, “Growers are capable of adapting heaysman@citrusaustralia.com.au.
pointing them in the right way.” to these changes, but they need
the knowledge, and they need to plan,”
she said. Funding for this position was provided
by Agriculture Victoria.
Winter 2021 | 5
SPECIAL REPORT
Export roadmap reveals
extra competition ahead
In March 2021, Citrus Australia finalised the Australian citrus industry export strategy (2021
– 2025) which aims to provide a roadmap for the industry to maintain and further develop its
export success over the next five years.
The strategy was funded by Hort pandemic as the sector capitalises on
Innovation using the citrus research Key points new technology and channels to reach
and development levy and funds from and deliver product to consumers.
the Australian Government.
Export strategy 2021-2025 Global expansion
In developing the strategy, Citrus
Australia consulted with its Australian Pandemic creates Aggressive expansion of Australian
and overseas network that spans the challenges citrus plantings is reported but
entire citrus value-chain. plantings in other southern hemisphere
Aggressive global citrus producing nations are also
As the citrus export trade continues expansion
to grow, so too do the risks and expanding at extraordinary rates.
challenges. For the industry to While the Australian citrus industry
maintain its growth trajectory, there is currently boasts a reputation
a large amount of work to be carried a commitment to achieving all for superior quality, colour and
out — and leadership at the national requirements in export markets. flavour, competitors are improving
level is needed. their product offerings with new
Global pandemic varieties and more advanced
Conditions of trade remain challenging
and are seldom liberalised, with cultivation practices.
The impacts of the global pandemic on
importing countries regularly raising the export trade, both short and long
their phytosanitary expectations. term should not be underestimated. South Africa, Chile, Peru and
On the other hand, Australia’s Access to reliable shipping routes, Argentina represent formidable
agrichemical toolbox for pest and freight and logistics will most threats in Australia’s major
diseases is under constant threat as certainly represent challenges for the
products are withdrawn from use foreseeable future. export markets.
and residue limits are lowered to
exceedingly low levels — levels that are This will impact on Australian citrus
difficult for exporters to achieve. exporters but also Australia’s southern Markets identified as having growth
hemisphere competitors. potential, albeit with various market
Government processes for export maintenance and market development
accreditation, inspection and Changes to the retail landscape have
also been accelerated as a result of the challenges are South Korea, Indonesia
certification are also becoming more and India.
complex and struggling to keep up
with new technology.
As the Australian Government moves
towards co-regulatory approaches to
export certification and accreditation,
industry contribution to process
improvement (including technical and
commercial advice) will very much
be needed.
Food safety remains a looming
issue with retailers, consumers
and regulators in export markets
demanding higher levels of protection
and information on the products
they receive.
While the industry is well-prepared
to meet these challenges, it must
continue to address risk, confront
new issues as they arise, and Access to reliable shipping routes, freight and logistics will most certainly represent challenges for the
maintain systems that demonstrate foreseeable future.
6 | Australian Citrus News
SPECIAL REPORT
exploited in the past due to the strong
focus on China.
Moreover, there may be opportunities
to identify niches within existing
markets that have typically been
categorised as class-2 markets,
that may provide higher returns for
premium grade fruit.
Increased competition
Irrespective of the fractured trade
relationship with China, the citrus
India is one market identified as having growth potential.
industry was already at a stage
where it needed to explore other
Vietnam has also been identified as A number of Australian export export opportunities.
a market of good potential given the industries have already been targeted
This was obvious even prior to the
trading history and strong forecasted by the Chinese authorities in an effort
time that the dispute with China
economic growth. to influence Australian policy decisions.
became apparent. Given the large
Noting the difficulties of achieving It is unlikely that the differences amount of recent investment and the
changes to protocol and import between the two governments will be fact that the China market demands
administrative arrangements, the resolved in the short to medium term. specific size and quality parameters,
quickest gains could be expected to On that basis, it is imperative that additional volumes of Australian citrus
apply to South Korea and Indonesia the industry look to further develop will become available over the next
exports respectively. existing trade relationships in markets decade that do not necessarily meet
other than China. market requirements in China.
While opportunities in new markets This is even more so the case in
China
are limited, there are a number of the mandarin category. Critically,
opportunities that have not been fully
Continued page 8
The success of the Australian citrus
industry over the last decade has been
fueled by growing demand and strong
prices for Australian citrus in Asia. Challenges and threats to export success
The market in Greater China in
particular has grown at a remarkable A number of specific challenges and • restrictions on the production
rate, importing 116 000 tonnes at threats to maintaining the current regions eligible to export to the
its peak in 2019. This represented export success were identified in the United States
approximately 40 per cent of total strategy including: • ongoing importing country audits
Australian citrus exports in the and inspection arrangements
2019 season. • geopolitical tensions with the (e.g. pre-clearance inspection)
Chinese government • absence of accurate real-time
In response to the success in China,
the Australian citrus industry has • ongoing changes to importing shipping data to inform export
undergone structural adjustments with country conditions on the marketing decisions
strong investment in new plantings use of agrichemical inputs • inequitable quota allocations for
and other capital equipment — with including changes to maximum citrus imports into Indonesia
a specific focus on servicing the residue limits
• food safety requirements for
China market. • changes to importing exports to Indonesia
country conditions on food
While the industry can boast • high tariffs applied to Australian
safety assurance
impressive export volumes into China, citrus exports in a number of
it is also important to recognise that • increased scrutiny of Australia’s destinations including India
it is the highly profitable China export phytosanitary controls by and Sri Lanka
trade that has kept the industry afloat importing authorities, particularly
in relation to fruit flies including • transaction costs associated
for nearly the last decade. with applying in-transit cold
‘other lesser-known’ species
Without the export opportunities disinfestation
• ongoing challenges to the
in China, the industry will most • a number of quarantine pests are
integrity of South Australia’s
certainly require structural adjustment difficult to control (e.g. Fuller’s
Riverland Fruit Fly Pest Free Area
once again. rose weevil, California red scale)
and suspensions by a number of
Current tensions between the trading partners • onerous orchard and packing-
Australian and Chinese governments • restrictions on the citrus house accreditation requirements
represent a significant threat to varieties that may be exported for some export markets.
the viability of the industry and it to Japan under in-transit cold
is likely that the industry is facing disinfestation procedures
strong headwinds.
Winter 2021 | 7
SPECIAL REPORT
From page 7
competition in China from other The South American countries, namely focusses primarily on oranges,
southern hemisphere citrus producing Peru and Chile both have a presence mandarins and lemons. An export
nations continues to grow. and there is strong evidence that strategy for Australian limes had already
they are both increasing production been developed under a tropical fruits
South Africa has already established
volumes and improving their project funded by Hort Innovation. On
a strong presence with plantings and
product offerings. that basis, Australian limes were not a
production volumes increasing at an
focus of this body of work.
astonishing rate. The citrus industry export strategy
Future steps required • continued investment in research
and development to underpin
inspections, audits and verification
visits conducted by the
and prosecute cases for improved overseas authorities
In response to the challenges,
market access arrangements as well
the strategy identified a range of • provide commercial and technical
as defending the current position
market development and market advice to government on citrus
maintenance activities that should • maintain technical resources within industry expectations in relation
take place for the citrus industry the sector to work with government to future free trade agreement
to maintain its current trajectory. to develop efficiencies in assurance, negotiations
Activities include: verification, inspection and
• continue to work with state and
certification of citrus exports
• monitor and respond to regulatory Commonwealth government
• continued investment in technology departments to defend the
changes to phytosanitary,
to support the export accreditation Riverland Fruit Fly Pest Free Area
food safety and agrichemical
process for growers and packers and to reinstate recognition by
residue regulations
• assist industry participants to certain countries
• maintain technical resources within
understand and fulfil regulatory • explore options to further reduce
the sector to provide technical and
requirements in relation to the costs associated with in-transit
commercial advice to government
phytosanitary, food safety, chemical cold disinfestation
to improve market access
residues and other technical
conditions and resolve trade issues • engage with other citrus producing
specifications (e.g. grading,
when they arise nations to protect agrichemical
packaging and labeling)
• maintain effective communications options for citrus and prosecute
• maintain resources within the sector cases for appropriate residue limits.
to value chain participants
to coordinate and accommodate
8 | Australian Citrus News
SPECIAL REPORT
Australian and international expansion
The Australian citrus industry continues to expand but it is not alone, as a competitor analysis reveals the
production capacity of other southern hemisphere citrus producing nations.
The Australian citrus industry export increase from approximately 10,000 Oranges are South Africa’s strongest
strategy (2021-2025) examined the tonnes 14,000 tonnes over the next export category, exporting 1.25 million
state of the current plantings in five years. tonnes in 2020 with the predominant
Australia in the most recent citrus tree varieties being Midknight, Valencia
census and determined that there Southern hemisphere competition Late, Delta, and Turkey (Juvalle).
are currently 27,963 hectares of land
South Africa is the leading southern It is increasingly obvious that it is the
planted with citrus across Australia.
hemisphere nation producing more South African industry’s ambition is to
The average annual production volume than 3.2 million tonnes of citrus “push east” due to ongoing quarantine
is in the range of 700,000 – 750,000 annually, of which more than two- and agrichemical residue challenges
tonnes, although in some ‘on’ years thirds is destined for export. in Europe.
the total volume can be as high as
Production in Argentina and Peru While South Africa can boast
850,000 tonnes.
is also substantial (in excess of one impressive trade volumes in the orange
Based on modelling, it is predicted that million tonnes annually) although these export trade, it also has substantial
annual production of navel oranges two nations are still developing their market share in other categories.
will increase from 320,000 tonnes export capacity.
In 2020, South Africa exported a
to 375,000 tonnes over the next
Chile and Uruguay are small producers remarkable 458,000 tonnes of lemons,
five years.
but certainly warrant the attention of with the bulk of that volume exported
Similarly, over the next five years, Australian citrus exporters, in the case to Europe and the Middle East.
the production of Murcott (and of Chile at least.
Reasonable volumes were also shipped
Murcott type) mandarins is expected
to Hong Kong and Singapore. South
to increase from 48,000 tonnes to
Africa also exports significant volume
68,000 tonnes annually. South Africa embarks of soft citrus (mandarins) with 19 per
Production of Afourer (and Afourer
type) mandarins is expected to more
on ‘aggressive cent average annual growth over the
last five years.
than double from 43,000 tonnes expansion’ In 2020, South Africa exported a total
to 102,000 tonnes annually. The
of 390,000 tonnes of mandarins with
resurgence in lemon plantings over the
the main export markets being Europe,
last five years is predicted to have a
South Africa the Middle East and North America.
dramatic impact on production which
is forecast to increase from 61 000 Alarmingly for Australian exporters,
tonnes to 95,000 tonnes annually. South African exporters are active in the trade in South African mandarins
all of the same markets that Australia to China and the United States is
While only a minor crop in Australia
is active in but unlike Australia, they growing at impressive rates.
compared to other parts of the world,
grapefruit production is expected to also have a strong presence in Europe. The main mandarin varieties currently
cultivated in South Africa are the
Afourer ‘type’, Nules (a Clementine
‘type’), Nova, TangoTM and Orri.
The Nova variety is believed to be
robust and capable of withstanding
the harsh conditions of cold
disinfestation.
Grapefruit exports from South Africa
are also substantial with a total of
244,000 tonnes exported in 2020.
The main markets for South African
grapefruit are Europe, China, Japan,
Russia, North America and South
Korea. It would be very difficult to see
Australia compete against South Africa
in the grapefruit trade.
There is strong evidence that South
African citrus plantings are in a
state of aggressive expansion with
The South African citrus industry poses a formidable threat to Australia’s major export markets. Continued page 10
Winter 2021 | 9
SPECIAL REPORT
From page 9 Vietnam are markets that have also
been identified for further growth.
South American
growth in both the mandarin and Lemon plantings in South Africa are
countries continue
lemon categories. also experiencing strong growth. In expansion
In 2016, South Africa was granted 2010, reports were that South Africa
rights to the TangoTM mandarin had a total of 4,667 hectares planted
variety (a seedless Afourer “type”) to lemons. In 2020, this had increased
Chile
which is expected to compete with the to 18 000 hectares.
standard Afourer variety. The most popular variety of lemons
The area planted to mandarins is planted in South Africa is the Eureka Chile has recently emerged as the
forecast to increase by 10 percent in accounting for 76 percent of the second largest exporter of citrus in
2021. Many growers are establishing area planted, followed by Lisbon the southern hemisphere, exporting
new orchards under netting which (8 percent) and the 2PH Seedless a total of 396 000 tonnes in 2020,
has improved water efficiency, yields (5 per cent). distributed among oranges (30 per
and the overall quality of soft citrus cent), mandarins (43 per cent), lemons
South Africa’s production of lemons is (27 per cent).
production in South Africa. expected to continually increase due
In addition, there is an increasing trend to the high number of new plantings in As a competitor to Australia, the
towards late varieties being planted, the past five years soon entering into Chilean citrus industry competes
which has seen the peak harvest full production. primarily in the United States where
of soft citrus shift from week 20 it has built a substantial presence and
While there will be substantial captured much of the market share
(beginning of May) to between weeks increases in lemon and mandarin
21 to 30 (mid-May to July). that once belonged to Australia.
production in South Africa, production
While the authors of this report have of grapefruit and oranges is expected Chile’s status as a fruit-fly-free
not seen the evidence, there is a wealth to only marginally increase in the next country means that it has significant
of information in the media predicting five years. advantages over other southern
that South African production volumes hemisphere exporting nations.
Reports indicate that orange plantings
will increase by 500,000 tonnes over have increased from 42,000 hectares Its technical market access
the next 3 – 5 years. in 2016 to 46,000 hectares in 2020. negotiations with trading partners
are less complicated (and can
This would represent an increase of However, the new orange plantings will often be expediated) and its fresh
15 per cent on existing production. be partially offset by growers in other produce items do not require cold
Much of that volume is likely destined regions transitioning to mandarins. disinfestation, leading to reduced
for the United States. Relatively speaking, grapefruit is only transaction costs and a superior
The Citrus Growers Association a minor crop in South Africa with a quality product.
of South Africa has openly stated reported 8,200 hectares planted in 2021
from a base of 7,200 hectares in 2016. This second point provides a
that China, India, Philippines, Japan,
substantial advantage insofar that
some citrus products (e.g. lemons)
suffer chilling injury as a result of cold
disinfestation.
The Chilean citrus industry has
undergone significant change in the
past three decades. In 1990 production
was split equally between oranges
and lemons, with almost no mandarin
plantings recorded.
In the next 30 years, orange
production changed focus from
Valencia oranges to late navels
but growth in overall hectares was
only marginal.
In that same time, Mandarin
production increased rapidly and now
accounts for more than one-third of
citrus plantings in Chile.
The area planted to citrus has
increased from 13 000 hectares in
1990 to a reported 20 606 ha in 2018
including 7 672 hectares of mandarins,
6 178 hectares of navel oranges and 6
489 hectares of lemons.
In 2020-21, the Chilean Fruit Exporters
South Africa is expected to compete strongly in the mandarin export market. Association Citrus Committee
10 | Australian Citrus NewsSPECIAL REPORT
provided an export capacity estimate As a competitor to Australia, Argentina development and looking towards
of 349 000 tonnes although this competes primarily in the United some earlier and later maturing
was a “light” year due to range of States and Canada. In Asia, the varieties. The Orri, Ortanique and
unfavourable weather conditions. two key markets where Argentina Primosole have attracted some
competes are the Philippines attention in Peru.
Mandarin export capacity was forecast
and Indonesia.
to be 173 00 tonnes, oranges are In 2016, Peru exported 129,000 tonnes
forecast to be 85 000 tonnes and the At this stage, Argentina is not and by 2020 this figure reached
lemon forecast is 90 000 tonnes. considered a large threat to the 265,000 tonnes. Mandarins make up
Australian citrus export trade in Asia the bulk of Peruvian citrus exports,
but is most certainly competitive in with exports reaching more than
Argentina North America. 215,000 tonnes (81 per cent) in 2020.
The top five markets for Peruvian
Argentina is a large citrus producing Peru mandarins include the United States
nation with a forecast production for (105,000 tonnes), the United Kingdom
2021 of more than 2.6 million tonnes. (26,000 tonnes), the Netherlands
Peru is another large citrus producing (23,000 tonnes), Canada (16,000
Volumes have been as high as 3.3 tonnes) and Russia (13,000 tonnes).
nation that has produced more than
million tonnes within the last five years.
one million tonnes annually for the last Exports to China have been
More than half of the volume produced
five years. progressively building over the last
is lemons, forecast to be 1.55 million
tonnes in 2021. Data indicate that Peru’s production five years and broke the 10,000 tonne
forecast for the 2020-21 season mark in 2018. In 2020, China imported
Oranges make up the next largest 12,500 tonnes of mandarins from Peru,
is a total of 1.26 million tonnes.
share at 675,00 tonnes and mandarins only marginally lower than the volume
Oranges make up the majority of the
make up 293,000 tonnes. of Australian mandarin exports to
production volume at 509,000 tonnes,
Grapefruit production is also mandarins account for 482,000 China that year.
substantial with a forecast of 96,000 tonnes, and lemons/limes account for In 2019, Peru gained official market
tonnes. Based on figures over the last 262,000 tonnes. access to Japan and exported 46
five years, Argentinian citrus exports While Peru records impressive tonnes of mandarins.
are typically between 10 and 12 per production volumes, its export
cent of total production. Argentina has In 2020, this figure had increased to
performance over the last decade 824 tonnes. Anecdotally, author of this
quite a strong domestic market and a has been below average, with annual
large processing sector. report (David Daniels) understands
exports only representing between that the Peruvian product has been
Lemon plantings in Argentina have 10 and 15 per cent of the total well-received and Japanese buyers are
expanded over the last few years both production volume. looking to import substantial volumes
with new entrants to the industry and The industry has however of Satsuma mandarins from Peru this
re-working existing orchards with demonstrated impressive export coming season.
higher density plantings. growth over the last five years with Peru competes with Australia primarily
However, the area planted to lemons export volumes more than doubling in North America.
is expected to remain unchanged at in that time as the Peruvian industry
approximately 50,000 hectares. has progressed an aggressive market Where once considered “noise” in
access agenda. China, Peruvian mandarins are now
Orange and mandarin plantings earning their place.
are following a similar trend with Data from 2019 indicates that there are
no significant investment in recent approximately 65,000 hectares of land The Japan market is certainly one to
years, with the industry consolidating, planted to citrus in Peru. watch. Media reports indicate that the
not expanding. Peruvian citrus grower’s association
Orange plantings made up 26,017
(ProCitrus) has strong ambitions to
Reports indicate that there are 39,000 hectares, lemons accounted for 25
open up market access in Thailand,
hectares of orange plantings and 840 hectares, mandarins accounted
Vietnam and India. Negotiations with
28,000 hectares of mandarin plantings. for 12,429 hectares, with only minor
Thailand are reported to be in the
plantings of grapefruit at 852 hectares.
Smaller producers are struggling final stages.
to compete and when they exit the When examining the FAO (Food and
business, tend to sell their orchards to Agriculture Organisation) data for the
larger operators that are focused on previous five years, it appears that
improving land management practices plantings of oranges and mandarins This special report was written by
and increasing productivity. have seen a slight decline while lemon Citrus Australia General Manager,
and grapefruit plantings of have Market Development, David Daniels,
In 2020, Argentina exported 374,000 remained stable. Media reports indicate who developed the Australian citrus
tonnes to nearly 50 different export that overall production this season industry export strategy (2021 - 2025).
destinations. The five top markets in (2020-21) will increase by 5 per cent.
descending order were Russia, Spain,
the Netherlands, Paraguay and the The main mandarin varieties CITRUS
United States. cultivated are the Satsuma, Afourer
type, Clementine and the tangelo.
FUND
The industry is investing in variety
Winter 2021 | 11BREAKING NEWS
*** BREAKING NEWS ***
Further citrus
exports to the US
within reach
Citrus growers from Queensland, inland New South Wales
and Western Australia are a step closer to exporting
Australian citrus to the USA.
The United States Department “Our technical market access request
of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant with APHIS has had a long history, well
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) over a decade, and there has been a
has announced it will revise the lot of work going on behind the scenes
requirements for the importation of to make this happen,” Nathan said.
fresh citrus from Australia.
“This has been an issue for Australia for
The announcement was made two decades, and Citrus Australia has
following successful negotiations been working on it for the last 12 years.
from the Australian Government In the last few years we’ve used every
Department of Agriculture, Water and resource available to us to achieve
the Environment. our goal.
Until now, citrus could only be “I would like to commend Citrus
exported to the US from NSW’s Australia General Manager, Market
Riverina, SA’s Riverland and the Development, David Daniels, as well
Sunraysia region of Victoria/NSW. as the technical officers and trade
negotiators from the Department of
Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock
Agriculture, Water and the Environment
said the decision was welcome news
who have worked tirelessly through the
for citrus growers.
negotiations for more than a decade.”
“Growers are looking to diversify
their export markets as new
plantings enter full production so
this is welcome news,” Nathan said.
“The USA has historically been a very
strong market for exports from our
south east regions and we feel that
there are some good opportunities for
fruit from other regions.”
Nathan cautioned that while
the decision was announced on
the Federal Register on August
18, commencement of trade is
contingent upon agreement between
governments on an operational
work plan.
At this time, the work plan is still a Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said the
live conversation. decision was welcome news for citrus growers.
12 | Australian Citrus NewsMANAGEMENT
The effect of seasonal
conditions on granulation in
Imperial mandarins
Seasonal conditions play an important role in the granulation of Imperial mandarins, according to
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Senior Horticulturist, Helen Hofman.
Current research began in the 2017/18 Helen is testing the hypothesis that
season, and in that year and the Key points too much moisture availability in the
following year there were high levels early stages of fruit development
of granulation. tends to lead to granulation in
Over availability of water Imperial mandarins.
This season, however, Helen found at early fruit development
there was ‘very little granulation’ in her “It may seem counterintuitive: the
trials thanks in part to a dry start to Low levels of plant fruit is dry so growers may believe the
the growing season. nutrition trees need more water, but our trials to
date are suggesting that actually too
“‘In the months September to Vigorous rootstocks much water in the early stages of fruit
November in Bundaberg, for example, contribute development leads to granulated fruit.”
there was 42 mm of rain this year,
compared to 656 mm in 2017/18 and The underlying hypothesis is that
203 mm in 2018/19,” Helen said. granulation is linked to high water
reflecting a strong flowering, limited
potential in juice cells in early
“Which is a good thing for the growers flush in Spring, a heavy crop load
fruit development.
but it’s a bit annoying when you’re on trees and dry conditions in early
a researcher.” fruit development. She has identified two main factors
that appear to cause granulation:
Helen has several trials in Queensland
one, over-availability of water in the
focusing on three farming management “Where you’ve got a good flowering early stages of fruit development,
practices that may help to reduce and a heavy initial fruit set, plus dry and two, low levels of solutes in the
granulation: irrigation, fertilisation and
conditions in Spring, you tend to juice cells. These are directly affected,
flush manipulation through the use of
respectively, by over-irrigation and low
plant growth regulators. get less granulation and that seems levels of plant nutrition, particularly
Trials recorded the lowest granulation to be what’s happened this year,” low levels of nitrogen applications.
of all four years of study to date,
Helen said. Continued page 15
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MANAGEMENT
From page 13
“I am also looking at the effect of flush
because the vegetative growth seems
in some cases to compete with fruit
quality,” Helen said.
Other types of citrus can granulate
but Imperial mandarins tend to be
particularly prone to granulation
because they are an early variety,
Helen said.
“You’ve got a lot of very rapid fruit
development early in the season which
seems to exacerbate the problem
where the flush and fruit growth are
competing, whereas the fruit of other
citrus varieties will take several more
months to mature so they’re growing
more slowly, and they’ve got time to
Helen Hoffman conducting granulation research in the field.
develop properly.
“Another aspect is that growers
tend to grow Imperials on vigorous Seven Fields Citrus (Nutrano) and government) and contributions from
rootstocks to get fruit to market as the Mundubbera Fruit Growers the Australian Government.
early as possible and that exacerbates Association Inc.
the problem as well,” Helen said. Since March 2020, funding has
Helen’s research was initially funded been provided by Hort Innovation, CITRUS
by the Department of Agriculture and
Fisheries (Queensland government)
using the Hort Innovation citrus
research and development levy, co-
FUND
with contributions in cash and in- investment from the Department of
kind from Spencer Ranch Pty Ltd, Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland
Quality “Seedless” Mandarin
HORTICULTURE
FRESH
AUSTRALIA
“working with
Australian Growers”
Winter 2021 | 15MANAGEMENT
The changing face of solar
Like so many high-demand industries, solar has continued to change and adapt at a record pace. As a
result, what you may have considered only five years ago may be a relic to what options you have today.
A wider market opening options Tech advancements maximise incentives, thanks to advancements in
output and lower costs technology and manufacturing.
As a market grows, so do your options.
As a result of commercial solar Thanks to advancements in As a result, businesses across Australia
energy’s growing popularity, we have technology, modern solar panels are are turning to solar as a more feasible
seen more manufacturers offering a now not only more cost effective than investment that can prove to be cash
range of budget to premium options. they were five years ago, but they are flow positive from day one.
also functioning more effectively.
But like all machinery and appliances,
Government support is at hand
you truly do get what you pay for. Once, a panel in a semi-shaded spot
While cheaper components are would compromise the output of Recent circumstances have made solar
available, and might knock a few the entire system - such as if your even more affordable thanks to two
hundred dollars off your panels and roof space is closer to another taller key government inputs.
system, the past five years has proven building, or a nearby grove of trees.
to us where the real quality lies. At present, the Australian government’s
Now, a range of Panel Level Optimisers Renewable Energy Target (RET) offers
Your commercial solar system is (PLO) effectively reduces this block. two types of Technology Certificates,
designed to last 20 - 25 years, making which act as a rebate on a solar system,
Modern Solar Panel Optimisation
it a long game investment when it offering an immediate discount.
means your new system can work
comes to saving significant money on
harder and more effectively, pushing With this is the Instant Asset Tax Write
your orchard’s energy bills.
up that output and potentially cutting Off (IATWO) scheme, an opportunity
A few hundred saved initially might not your costs even further. that furthers the affordability of solar
stack up if it means years of missed not seen five years before.
Alongside this comes a reduction in
savings due to a broken or poorly
the price of solar panels, especially This tax write-off revision opens
designed system.
when coupled with the government up numerous options for citrus
businesses, not just investment in a
renewable energy solution.
The main advantage of optimisers Advantages for citrus businesses
• Packing sheds run during the day,
which is when solar is at its prime,
maximising the sunshine to offset
daytime energy costs.
• With high temperatures through
summer, cool rooms consume
high amounts of energy. Research
50% 50% 50% 50% suggests solar panels can provide
2-4 degrees of insulation in warmer
climates.
Without an optimiser, a partially shaded panel • Energy distribution costs (the costs
brings down the output of all other panels for the energy to reach the site)
in rural areas are extremely high.
Leveraging your roof as a local
power station can eliminate high
distribution costs.
50% 100% 100% 100% This article supplied by Choice
Energy
Optimisers reduce this issue and allow
panels to act independently
For illustrations purpose only
16 | Australian Citrus NewsWinter 2021 | 17
MANAGEMENT
The days of being an
island are over
Carl Robinson is a fourth-generation citrus grower in Gayndah, Queensland, working with the
family business since he left school.
His role as Operations Manager Packing Shed
oversees the orchard production Key points The current packing shed has been
from growing, pruning, packing and
in operation since 2010. The new
marketing the fruit grown on the
property. Developed Empress shed predominately exports to
variety international markets and domestically
Glenellen, located in the North to independent retailers.
Burnett Region of Queensland, has New shed built in 2010
The Robinsons have always packed
approximately 120 hectares of citrus.
their own fruit on the property. The
The orchard, approaching its centenary
original packing shed still stands as a
year, currently grows Eureka lemons,
“Soil and leaf tests are another helpful reminder of days past.
Imperial mandarins, Low Seeded
Murcotts, Honey Murcotts and their tool we use to monitor and implement Carl’s mother, Allison, managed the
own variety, the Empress-A mandarin. the nutritional needs of the orchard,” packing shed for over 50 years. Local
Carl said. folklore considered it to be one of the
When Citrus Australia visited his farm
“The nutrition of the trees is forever oldest working citrus packing sheds
earlier this year, Carl said “the days
changing due to climatic conditions in Australia.
of being an island” were coming to a
close, as it becomes more challenging and weather patterns. Trace elements, Carl said when it came to the
to grow and market citrus. foliar and dry fertilisers, together with management of a large working
compost help produce a healthy tree packing shed, communication
“We have begun to work together with and top-quality fruit. and building relationships are two
our neighbouring farms and help each
“This approach has proven to be important elements.
other, instead of competing against
each other in the same marketplace,” successful over many years, however “The main benefit to growing and
Carl said. you always have to be willing to work packing your own fruit, is knowing
with and adapt with mother nature.” your product and being able to build
Carl’s father, the late Frank Robinson,
good relationships with marketers.”
spent 20 years developing the
Empress - a mandarin variety - and
Carl said it has been extremely popular
on the export market.
“Dad was quite passionate about
the citrus industry and was very well
respected,” Carl said.
Frank Robinson became known as one
of the first growers to successfully plant
mandarin trees on granite country.
“The hilly country on the property
provided a new area for development,”
Carl said.
“At the time, the citrus trees were
predominately grown on the river flats
of the Burnett River. In the early years,
dynamite was used to break up the
rock shelves. This was a new concept
and proved to be successful.
“To this day, granite promotes good
tree growth on the property.”
Tree health is paramount and Glenellen
uses agronomic nutritional advice from
local consultants.
Steve Bryant, Carl Robinson and Shane Rothe on Glenellen in Queensland.
18 | Australian Citrus NewsLoyalty has been a large part of the
marketing program and relationships
have been built with both domestic
and export buyers over decades.
“Transparency in production and sales
of our fruit is important to us. It gives
pleasure as a grower to know your fruit
is well received in the marketplace by
the consumer.”
Carl said he had noticed a shift in the
consumer trends in the marketplace.
“There are now fewer independent
retailers who we sell to with a
greater supply of fruit going to the
supermarket chains. The consumers
are shopping in one place for all their
needs and essentials, and this includes
where they purchase their fruit.
“We embrace the many challenges
ahead of us and look forward to
providing top quality mandarins to
Australia and the rest of the world for
many years to come.”
Picking at Glenellen earlier this year.
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early and your bottom line. Once these pests come into contact with Exirel® treated crops, they will rapidly stop feeding
providing almost immediate crop protection.
Exirel® is designed for effective crop protection early to help achieve high quality fruit at harvest.
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A foliar option for Fullers rose weevil, Exirel® improves your process of meeting export market protocols while
maintaining a healthy orchard.
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www.fmccrop.com.au Winter 2021 | 21BIOSECURITY
Biosecurity a passion for
new team member Jess
Dr Jess Lye takes over the reins of Jeff Milne’s position at Citrus Australia as National Citrus
Surveillance Coordinator, launching a new 5-year-long biosecurity program as part of her role.
Jess will be taking over coordination
of the citrus surveillance network,
setting up traps for early detections of
pests such as Asian Citrus Psyllid and
other high priority exotic pests.
There are a number of objectives to
Jess’s role, one is to continue trapping
and diagnostics in the production
areas nationally.
“Another big part of the role is to start
building that surveillance capability
in urban areas, engaging with home
gardeners to try to increase our
surveillance in places like Melbourne,
Sydney and Adelaide, because
statistically large populations are high
risk,” Jess said.
This new biosecurity program is run in
partnership with the NT Department
of Industry, Tourism and Trade, and is
led by Plant Health Australia.
As a part of the program Jess will
also be looking at where the industry
requires training and education on
exotic pests. Pest identification is
a focus but improving knowledge
of how to manage these pests is
another aspect.
“We’ll support growers and other
industry members to become more extension activities, and before that “Which makes this biosecurity
aware of how to effectively manage at AusVeg leading biosecurity and program a really great fit,” she said.
these pests so that if we do have an pest management projects for the
incursion, and if eradication isn’t an Jess likes to get outside as much
vegetable and potato industries.
option, which would be unfortunate, as possible either with her horses,
we can move into management as “When I started my degree, I actually hiking or maintaining her garden.
seamlessly as possible,” Jess said. started as a geology major and then Her favourite citrus hands down is
I decided to throw myself into the a lemon, which she enjoys most in
When it comes to biosecurity, Jess biology side of things,” she said. lemon tarts and her next grab would
said the most important thing you can be a gin and tonic with a bit of lime.
do is be prepared. Jess worked in several science
communication roles after completing Jess will be delivering new findings
“Preparing industry and growers for her studies, when she felt that and organising training on digital
the worst-case scenario is crucial, researchers were doing a lot of great platforms for growers and industry
so if we have an incursion of a pest work but weren’t getting information in the upcoming years. Keep an eye
we have the tools and knowledge to about that work to the people who out for future stories on projects
survey the spread, how to contain and needed to be hear about it. by Jess.
eradicate it, or if it can’t be eradicated,
understanding how businesses can “I saw myself working more in a
move forward if that pest is in your field where I could be involved in CITRUS
region,” Jess said. the science but as someone who
was helping build relationships
FUND
Before coming to Citrus Australia Jess between the users of science and the
worked at entomology research group scientists themselves.
Cesar Australia leading agricultural
22 | Australian Citrus NewsWinter 2021 | 23
BIOSECURITY
Identifying challenges of
urban plant biosecurity
Citrus greening, Asian citrus psyllid, citrus canker, Citrus variegated chlorosis, Xylella fastidiosa,
Glassy winged sharpshooter… You have likely heard about these exotic diseases and the vectors of the
pathogens that cause them.
The Australian citrus industry has been good indicator of the ease with which a
active in surveillance, preparedness Key points biosecurity response could be enacted.
and, where needed, response to these
exotic threats. A changing urban context
Urban areas a may support a movement
Based on the overseas experience, biosecurity risk
urban landscapes can act as refugia towards improving urban plant
for these pests, masking their presence Surge in urban agriculture health (and biosecurity)
until populations increase in density In looking at major cities in Australia
and providing a diversity of hosts Focus on engaging
(particularly Sydney and Melbourne)
to support populations throughout urban residents we can predict some significant
the year. challenges on the plant health front.
For example, after initially being Using Melbourne as an example,
detected in 2008, the current boundary lines, a greater number of
the population is forecast to grow
distribution of Asian citrus psyllid in land managers per set area, a greater
significantly over the next three
California is still largely confined to variety of skills, knowledge, attitudes
decades, but the Melbourne food bowl
urban-residential areas in that state. and values, diversity of culture and
will drop in production capacity by
language, and importantly (at a
Spatial modelling by Bayles et al. more than 20%.
broad scale) there is less social capital
(2017) has indicated that spread of the and cohesion. This will largely be due to climate
psyllid into California has in part been change, changes in lifestyle
driven by human-assisted dispersal, Social capital is characterised by
expectations (‘tree-changers’) and
with psyllid hotspots being identified the strength of informal networks,
further predicted expansion of the
in urban areas. opportunities to improve skills
city’s Urban Growth Boundary.
and knowledge, and regularity of
The risk posed by high density urban organisational collaborations. As a result, supply chains will become
areas as an entry and establishment longer as more city businesses source
zone for exotic pests has long The strength of social capital is directly
fresh produce. In addition, future
been recognised. related to the resilience of a community
reductions in urban forest canopy
and its ability to recover after upheavals
Exotic plant pest transmission cover will lead to more temperature
such as a climate event, an epidemic,
pathways are often closely associated extremes at the level of the
or a pest incursion. Therefore, it is a
with the movement of people or Continued page 26
products, with major Ports of Entry,
in turn, being associated with high
density residential urban areas and
arterials, which can lead directly to
production zones.
It is becoming increasingly evident
that a greater surveillance focus
should be placed on these landscapes.
However, plant biosecurity activities
in urban environments throw up
a variety of challenges that can
complicate awareness, surveillance and
response efforts.
Why do urban areas represent
a challenging environment for
plant biosecurity engagement,
surveillance and response?
In comparison to rural areas, land is
extremely fragmented, there are more
24 | Australian Citrus NewsBIOSECURITY
Citrus growers,
don’t gamble
with frosts.
Extreme temperature ranges are here to stay.
That means managing frost risk to avoid
devastating losses.
Calculate the R.O.I. by installing a quiet,
reliable and efficient FROSTBOSS C49.
bossthefrost.com.au
Ian Mason
M +64 448 111 384
P 1800 797 629
E info@aussiefrostfans.com.au
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FRF 1035
Winter 2021 | 25You can also read
