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February 2008
In a In a Nutshell Nutshell
In this issue: In this issue:
Potential Breakthrough in VarroaPotential Breakthrough in Varroa--mite Battlemite Battle
2008 Almond Crop Forecast2008 Almond Crop Forecast
Economics of Almond ProductionEconomics of Almond Production
Almond Marketing HighlightsAlmond Marketing Highlights
2 In A Nutshell―February 2008 www.australianalmonds.com.au
In a Nutshell The Almond Board of Australia is the peak industry body representing the interest of almond growers, processors and marketers in Australia in matters of national importance including regulation, legislation, marketing research and development. In a Nutshell will be published quarterly in February, May, November and November to bring news to all industry contacts and members. Membership The Almond Board of Australia offers membership to growers, processors, marketers and interested parties. Annual fees are: Full Membership: $110 Associate Membership: $66 Australian Nutgrower: $66 Advertising/Editorial The Almond Board of Australia acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise through placement of advertisements in this publication. Any advertising and/or editorial
supplied to this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of the Almond Board of Australia and unless otherwise specified, no products and/or services are endorsed by this organisation Editor Jo Ireland Communications Coordinator Almond Board of Australia 9 William Street, PO Box 2246 BERRI SA 5343 t +61 8 8582 2055 f +61 8 8582 3503 e [email protected] w www.australianalmonds.com.au These projects were facilitated by HAL in partnership with the Almond Board of Australia. They were funded by the R&D levy and/or voluntary contributions from industry. The Australian Government provides matched funding for all HAL’s R&D activities.
Edition Booking Deadline Advertising Deadline
May 2008 April 1 April 30
August 2008 July 1 July 31
November 2008 October 1 October 31
February 2009 January 1, 2009 January 31, 2009
contents Potential Breakthrough in Varroa mite battle 2
Australian Almond Industry Conference 3
2008 Almond Crop Forecast 4
Economics of Almond Production in Southern Australia
5
Strategic Agrochemical Review of Almonds 6-7
Australian Almond Statistics 2007 8-9
Almond Marketing Highlights 11
Almond Marketing Schedule May - June 2008
11
Nuts for Life Update 13
Biosecurity Awareness - See It Early, Stop It Fast
14-15
SA Apiarists Workshop 16
Future Focus - Australian Horticulture Industry Bright but
Innovation needed
17
FarmBis - Boosting the resumes of Primary Producers
19
Feature Recipe 20
Calendar of Events 20
Potential Breakthrough in
Varroa mite battle A breakthrough by New Zealand scientists could end the threat to the honey and fruit export industry from the Varroa mite.
The tiny mite has been in New Zealand for seven years, infiltrating hives and feeding off bee larvae, wiping out bees in their millions and threatening fruit exports which rely on bees for pollination.
Until recently the only answer to killing the mites has been to douse hives in chemical miticides. But that is costly and its effects are waning.
HortResearch scientists from Hamilton's Ruakura Research Centre have come up with a better plan of breeding bees that are Varroa-resistant.
The scientists have been amassing carefully selected bees using artificial insemination. They then extract Varroa-resistant cells from some and individually inseminate that genetic material into others.
Once back in the hives the bees breed, building up strength and resistance.
"By continually doing inter-breeding we increase the frequency of that gene until the stock that we've got here, the best of it, 80% of the Varroa in those hives cant reproduce," says HortResearch Scientist Doctor Mark Goodwin.
Now the lab work is over the real test begins.
Fifty high-resistance hives of half a million bees are heading offshore. The destination is Great Mercury Island on the Coromandel Peninsula.
"Once the population's established here we can start producing queens, take cells off the island and providing them back to the industry so that they can start using genes on their own hives and reduce the dependence on insecticides," says Doctor Goodwin.
It will take about two years for mother nature to build up numbers and work her magic.
Source: ONE News, New Zealand
www.australianalmonds.com.au In A Nutshell―February 2008 3
The Almond Board of Australia (ABA) is pleased to present the 2008 Australian Almond Industry Conference from 29th to 31st October at the award winning Novotel Barossa Valley Resort in South Australia. This conference is the premier event for the Australian Almond Industry, bringing together approximately 200 delegates from all facets of the industry, including growers, processors, marketers, researchers, nurseries and other industry suppliers. The 2007 Australian Almond Conference “Opportunities in a Challenging Environment” attracted more than 180 delegates to the two day event, held in Mildura, Victoria. Over 20 presentations were delivered and exhibitions from many industry service providers gave delegates valuable opportunities to network and research new products and techniques. Attendees of the 2008 conference will not only be interested in almond specific products and services, but will be actively seeking advice and direction for improving their day to day businesses, networks and operations.
Sponsorship is now open, with opportunities enabling organisations and individuals to contribute to the success of the Australian Almond Industry Conference, whilst benefiting from a high degree of visibility for their products and services to a specific target audience. Prospectus’ are available from the ABA office and detail options encompassing complete marketing exposure at the conference, verbal and signage recognition, logos on delegate satchels, exclusive event sponsorship and trade show display space. Additional exposure is offered through an array of print advertising including programs and pre event marketing materials. Sponsorship of this major event offers lasting recognition and direct exposure at the highest level to an audience encompassing the Australian almond industry. If you would like more detail or to obtain a copy of the prospectus please contact;
Jo Ireland, ABA Communications Coordinator Phone: +61 8 8582 2055 or
Email; [email protected]
Watch this space....Watch this space....
Australian Almond Industry Australian Almond Industry ConferenceConference
October 29 October 29 -- 31 200831 2008 Novotel Barossa Valley ResortNovotel Barossa Valley Resort
Sponsorship opportunities available NOW!Sponsorship opportunities available NOW!
2008 Almond Crop Forecast The Almond Board of Australia has just released the 2008 crop forecast of 26,800 tonnes, comparable to the last year’s crop of 26,555 tonnes.
Last year’s production levels are expected to be maintained despite experiencing the most severe water shortages in the industry’s history, due to increased yield from maturing young orchards compensating for the impact of significant water restrictions.
The uncertainty of water supply has had significant impact on production across the major growing districts of the Australian industry, with growers having to manage tough water restrictions over the past 12 months.
Water allocations for many almond growers has been cut by more than 50% this season. Reduced irrigation is expected to impact on overall yield and kernel size, in addition to restricting tree growth, with potential impacts on the 2009 crop.
This year has been one of the toughest growing years almond growers have ever experienced. But a key strength of the industry has been a willingness among growers to embrace the most efficient irrigation management systems available.
Australian almond growers have always prided themselves on
producing high quality almonds, with an ever increasing emphasis on efficiency of inputs. After managing through the difficult growing season this year, the long term future outlook is positive.
The almond industry is one of the fastest growing horticulture sectors in Australia, servicing growth in domestic consumption and
increasing demand from major export markets such as India, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong,
New Zealand and the Middle East.
As revealed in the recently released Australian Almonds Statistics Report (page 8-9) farm-gate value of the Australian industry is currently $180 million and this is
expected to increase to more than $500 million within seven years when
newly planted orchards reach full production. It is estimated that production
will increase three fold to almost 80,000 tonnes by the end of this period.
The immediate challenge for our industry is managing the current water shortages, but Australia is strongly positioned to continue developing as a major world supplier of almonds when climatic conditions improve.
Julie Haslett, ABA CEO Phone: +61 8 8582 2055 or
Email; [email protected]
4 In A Nutshell—February 2008 www.australianalmonds.com.au
Almond Tins
Available now from the ABA office.
Phone
08 8582 2055 to order
This recently completed HAL project analysed the financial performance of a range of South Australian almond properties, established comparative information and developed benchmarks for economic performance. In all, six properties were analysed. The project has provided:-
detailed information to project participants, to assist them to identify business strengths and weaknesses feedback to industry on the key management issues that affect business performance a detailed report on major economic factors influencing the viability of the Australian Almond Industry a model allowing development proposals to be assessed against industry benchmarks (see Technology Transfer Web Site reference).
Using a whole farm approach to examine each business the data was analysed to produce several performance indices. They are categorised into:
Total business performance Resource sustainability Cost analysis
The primary finding of this project has been the critical financial indicators in almond production and their effect on profitability (Table 1). These performance benchmarks
indicate a level at which most well managed properties should be able to operate. In some indicators an individual property may be able to do substantially better, while in others they will be more difficult to reach. Analysis of performance indicators should be assessed as a group of indicators, rather than each one in isolation.
Table 1: Primary financial performance indicators
Performance indicator Performance benchmark
Best average 3-yr yields Consistently above 3.2t/ha.
Years to mature return (2.45t/ha)
Mature yield in the sixth year
Years to first return (0.25t/ha)
First yield in the third year
Gross margin
>$10 000 /ha.
Cash costs/kg of kernel <$2.01/kg
Cost of machinery depreciation
Less than 100 hectares <$ 450/ha. Greater than 100 hectares<$150/ha.
Labour costs per hectare <$2200/ha.
Irrigation power costs
<$50/ML pumped
Economics of Almond Production in Southern Australia
www.australianalmonds.com.au In A Nutshell―February 2008 5
6 In A Nutshell―February 2008 www.australianalmonds.com.au
Strategic Agrochemical Review Process for Almonds
Growers of horticultural crops frequently suffer from a lack of legal access to crop protection products. The problem is that whilst their crops are valuable, they are too small individually for agrochemical companies to bear the high cost of registering pesticides for use on them. It is also a problem in larger crops where a problem may only be localised. The new factor affecting pesticide access is the shrinking number of agrochemical companies and the increasing reliance on generic, older pesticides, with little new technology being made available.
Growers are increasingly trapped in a situation where they face severe losses from diseases, pests and weeds if they do nothing to protect their crops, or face penalties if they use a product that is not registered or available via a permit.
The almond industry is very aware of the possible consequences that can occur from the use of unregistered or non-permitted pesticides. These can include;
Produce with unauthorised pesticide residues present Rejection of produce from local markets Temporary exclusion from market access Rejection of produce from export markets Jeopardising of export trading arrangementsFines and penalties
The aims of the project are to assist all horticulture industries, including almonds to protect their crops from diseases, insects or weeds by providing access to pesticides that they currently do not have legally available to them by
obtaining minor-use permits on their behalf. The project will undertake the assessment of pesticide suitability, resistance, IPM, residues and exports in its evaluations.
AgAware Consulting Pty Ltd in association with Horticulture Australia Ltd and many horticultural industries have developed a new approach to address future pesticide requirements in horticulture - a Strategic Agrochemical Review Process. The new, more focussed strategy will greatly assist in negotiations with pesticide manufacturers to ultimately achieve an increase in sustainable registrations for a wider range of commodities. As a result there will be more timely generation of registrations and permits for clearly identified crop protection needs, many of which may also assist the expansion of effective IPM strategies.
The needs identification process involves a workshop with key growers and stakeholders from each industry to critically review and assess:
The current list of diseases, insects and weed problems for each crop. The current range of pesticides legally available for use against these challenges Any potential new risks to the industry
This assessment will provide a list of key diseases, insects and weeds for each crop that are of major concern to industry. Against these threats it will identify the pesticides, pesticide group, withholding period, registered/permitted uses and overall suitability (IPM, residues, efficacy, trade, environment) for the task. If any pesticides are unsuitable for the designated task, then possible alternative pesticides and their IPM suitability will be nominated. This will give industry and the APVMA a clear picture of any gaps in the existing pest control options, and note the potential to address gaps with effective IPM compatible pesticides.
The second stage in the process involves addressing the identified gaps (where acceptable pesticides are not legally available), by determining new
pesticide control options using:
Critical selection criteria for potential alternatives and/or new pesticide Domestic and overseas information and resources that provide options and assist decision making Manufacturer support
Overseas information will include residue work, technical strategies in pesticide use, information on field efficacy and strategic fit within crop protection programs that can be transferred and modified to suit Australian conditions and requirements. This comprehensive approach should lead to substantial financial savings for the Australian industry, with improved availability and technical information for effective, relevant pesticides.
The final list of pesticide solutions for each problem in almonds will have the benefit of:
IPM compatibility, wherever possible Improved scope for resistance management Sound biological profile Residue and trade acceptance domestically and for export
At the end of the process, the analysis will provide the almond industry with sound pesticide options for the future that the industry can pursue for registration with the manufacturer, or minor-use permits with APVMA.
Peter Dal Santo 21 Rosella Ave, Strathfieldsaye Victoria 3551 Ph: 03 5439 5916 Fax: 03 5439 3391 Mob: 0407 393 397 E: [email protected]
Peter Dal Santo of AgAware Consulting outlines the
rationale behind a chemical review process that will be
undertaken by the Australian almond industry
later this year.
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Australian Almond Statistics 2007
New figures have confirmed that almonds have become one for the fastest growing horticulture industries in Australia. Statistics released by the Almond Board of Australia reveal that almond plantings have increased over seven fold in the past eight years.
Production last year increased by 65% and is expected to increase three fold by 2015. There are more than 26,000 hectares of almonds planted in Australia, with Victoria now poised to become the largest producer of almonds in the nation.
The industry is on the brink of becoming the second biggest almond producer in the world. The ABA’s newly released Australian Almond Statistics report further highlights the industry’s significant growth over the past 10 years.
The report clearly shows that global demand for almonds continues to increase and we are perfectly placed to take advantage of the trend,
Almonds have become a major contributor to the economic and social wellbeing of regions like the Sunraysia and Riverland.
The ABA’s new report states that more than 58% of existing almond plantings are yet to reach bearing age. It is estimated that when today’s plantings are fully matured the industry’s value will go from $180 million a year to more than $500 million.
8 In A Nutshell―February 2008 www.australianalmonds.com.au
www.australianalmonds.com.au In A Nutshell―February 2008 9
INDUSTRY GROWTH The Australian almond industry is undergoing rapid expansion, to become the fastest growing horticulture industry in Australia. On a percentage basis, Australia is the fastest growing almond industry in the world. Australia currently produces around 4% of world almonds, heavily dominated by California 80%. It is forecast that Australia will surpass Spain to become the world’s second largest almond producer within the decade.
ALMOND PLANTINGS
Total Australian almond acreage has increased seven-fold over the past eight years: 3,650 hectares (9,000 acres) in 1999 to more than 26,000 hectares (64,000 acres) in 2007. Less than 15% of all Australian almond plantings have reached full maturity. 58% of total Australian almond plantings are non-bearing (less than three years).
ALMOND PRODUCTION
Australian almond production in 2007 totalled greater than 26,500 tonnes (kernel), more than 65% increase over the previous year’s production. Future production increases will occur as young plantings reach full maturity, bringing future productive capacity to 77,000 tonnes by 2015, a three-fold increase over current production.
VALUE OF ALMONDS
The industry has a current farm gate value of $180 million, with related exports of $57 million. Additional production from newly planted orchards is expected to increase the industry’s value to greater than $500 million by 2015.
The growing, harvesting, transporting, storage, processing, value adding and marketing of almonds is a major contributor to the economic and social wellbeing of the Sunraysia district in Victoria and the Riverland of South Australia.
DEMAND FOR ALMONDS
Consumer demand for almonds has increased globally and this trend is expected to continue due to the positive nut health message. Taste, versatility and health benefits of almonds have all been major factors behind increasing worldwide consumption. Global almond consumption has more than doubled over the past decade from 311,000 tonnes in 1998 to 657,000 tonnes in 2007. This demand growth trend is expected to continue, being led by dominant world producer, California where the value of almonds exceeds $2.3 billion. Almonds are California’s largest agricultural export and the major US horticultural export, valued at $1.9 billion.
January February March April May
Activity 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26
New Woman
OK! Magazine
Australian Table
Good Taste
Vogue Entertainment
Woman‟s Day (Cookbook)
Woman‟s Health
Curves - Diane Magazine
Superfood Ideas
Donna Hay Magazine
Sports Dietitians Conf. (Melb)
Royal Easter Show (Syd)
Food & Hotel Asia (Singapore)
Good Food & Wine (Melb)
Almond Marketing Highlights
Marketing Schedule Jan - May 2008
The 2008 Almond Marketing Campaign is
well under way, reinforcing our core message of eating
“a handful of almonds everyday”. Current
activities are targeted towards the primary
household buyer, females aged 31-56 years.
Advertising A comprehensive series of magazine promotions is scheduled for the year, with a majority of advertising timed around the “new season” February to May. Five advertisements will appear in across a series of major publications including New Woman, Vogue Entertaining, Womens Health, Australian Table, Good Taste, Super Food Ideas and Donna Hay.
Consumer Shows These events provide an excellent opportunity for direct consumer contact and sampling, supported by a new stand design effectively reinforces our current promotional campaign. As shown in the schedule below, the 2008 schedule includes the Royal Easter Show in Sydney and the Good Food and Wine Shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Point of Sale (POS) Materials
Our activities are supported by an expanded range of “Point of Sale” materials, including almond snack tins (pictured on page 4), recipe cards and consumer fact sheets. Materials are also available to the broader industry. Contact the ABA office for further details.
Sponsorships Our ongoing relationships with Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA) and Australian Netballer, Bianca Chatfield will be further enhanced over the coming months, with almond promotions taking place at the SDA Conference in March as well as a number of key netball events during the season.
PR & Nutritional Research
The next phase of PR activities will target food writers and nutritionists. The aim is to raise awareness of the health benefits of almonds, with a key focus on “reducing the risk of heart disease” and “lowering of LDL cholesterol”.
A research report currently being prepared by the University of Wollongong’s Smart Foods Centre will underpin this campaign, as well as an application to FSANZ for high level health claims. A successful
claim would enable marketers of almonds to make the above statements when selling almonds.
Consumer Research Major findings from our consumer research studies were presented at the 2007 Almond Industry Conference. A “media friendly” report is currently being prepared for distribution later this year.
Further qualitative research is being rolled out next month to further explore the findings from our quantitative studies. In addition to this, a minor consumer study will be undertaken on an annual basis to measure key issues addressed by our marketing program.
Consumer Website The ABA’s website is about to undergo a major upgrade to better integrate the industry and consumer sections of the site, as well as enhancing many aspects of our current site design. Inclusion of a consumer database will become another avenue for communications direct to the consumer.
Export Trade Shows Australian almonds will be promoted at both Food & Hotel Asia (Singapore) in April 2008 and SIAL (Paris) in October 2008. Raising awareness of our industry is key outcome from these shows, as well
as providing an opportunity for individual almond processors and marketers to undertake direct promotions. An expanding database of export contacts is being developed through our exposure at export shows, with a series of communications scheduled throughout the year.
Industry Profile Pack Involvement in export shows and other activities are supported by a range of publications and materials promoting our industry and our product. These include: “A Guide to Australian Almonds”, a series of topical Fact Sheets packaged in our Australian Almonds folder, and the recently released Australian Almonds Statistics Report (see page 8-9). A promotional DVD for the industry is currently under development, which will assist all of us in presenting effective and consistent information about the industry.
Further updates on the ABA’s almond marketing program will be provided at the Marketing Forum
scheduled in Melbourne on Tuesday, 15th April (further details
to be advised shortly) and the Almond Industry Conference 29th – 31st October in the Barossa Valley,
South Australia
By Lisa Yates By Lisa Yates -- Program ManagerProgram Manager
New Year Nutty Enthusiasm With the new year comes a renewed enthusiasm for all things nuts. The Nuts for Life campaign kicked off their summer consumer campaign by sending out three media releases staggered for long lead and short lead media during November, December and January on:
Summer eating and how to incorporate nuts
Australia Day celebrations and how the wide variety of nuts available from world’s cuisines reflects the variety of cultures of modern day Australia, and;
St Valentine’s Day – giving your sweet heart nuts for heart health
For Christmas we sent out to 200 key media and inf luent ia l Australians from business, sport and celebrity a gift of two small, heart-shaped cake tins with nuts and a recipe with a crunchy, nutty spin on the traditional Christmas cake. A covering letter provided information on the health benefits of nuts for heart health and weight management. We received several replies of thanks including from Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s office, Melissa Doyle Channel 7’s Sunrise program, Chris Bath Channel 7 news, Tracey Grimshaw Channel 9’s A Current Affair and surfer Layne Beachley.
Of course the most interesting reaction was from Julia Gillard’s Electoral office in Victoria. It seems the return address was missing on her parcel and her assistant considered it a threat called in the Australian Protective Services and
the building was evacuated. Her assistant rang Nuts for Life most apologetic for having had to do so and was concerned we would never send Julia Gillard anything again but she had to follow procedure. We were certainly looking for some attention from our
new Deputy Prime Minister but perhaps was not the kind of attention we were after. Lesson learned - secure a return address label!
Health Professional Program
The Health Professional program continues with Nuts for Life sponsoring several education sessions for personal trainers this year developed and delivered by Mat t O’Ne i l , d ie t i t ian and pro fess iona l speaker . Our conference program is full with activities at GPCE Sydney 2008, Dietitians Association Australia National Conference, Natural Therapies Expo Sydney and Melbourne, Australian Medical Students Assoc iat ion 2008 Convention among others.
FSANZ
FSANZ has also released another paper for consultation regarding
P293 Nutrition and Health Related Claims and we have responded with several new ideas to improve labelling opportunities for the A u s t r a l i a n N u t I n d u s t r y . Contributors to the Nuts for Life p r o g r am c a n ac c ess t h e submission via the Nuts for Life website.
Publications & Media A media release on the publication of a review paper written by
Sharon Natoli from our Nuts for Life Nut and Weight Management review and published in the December 2007 Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition has also been drafted and will be released in the new year.
Porter Novelli are also researching and drafting an Issue Management Manual for contributors to address any nut allergy media requests for information.
This will be available early in 2008.
Contact Lisa Yates
Program Manager and Dietitian Nuts for Life
Ph 02 9460 0111 Email [email protected]
www.nutsforlife.com.au
www.australianalmonds.com.au In A Nutshell―February 2008 13
Exotic pests have the potential to cause huge production losses and trade problems for farm businesses and the broader Almond industry. When it comes to dealing with exotic pest incursions, speed is of the essence – speed in detection and speed in response. Having growers constantly on the lookout for something unusual in their orchard or crop provides our best chance of picking up exotic pests early and mounting a response in enough time to successfully eradicate them. Growers’ eyes and experience are the most important tools that we have.
“So many growers just don’t realise how important this is”, said Julie Haslett, CEO of Almond Board of Australia. “They and their employees are with the orchard every day. It’s not so different from skin cancers really – we all know to watch out for them, if we see one early and have it treated, there’s every likelihood it won’t spread. But if we don’t notice it, or ignore one
we see, then the consequences can be disastrous.”
“Known not to occur” There’s been a big change in the pest-free requirements for overseas trade. Previously, to be able to trade produce overseas it was sufficient to be able to say that a pest was ‘not known to occur’ in a given area. That is, to be able to say “I haven’t seen it, therefore we’re saying its not there”. Increasingly now, the requirements for overseas trade are much stricter under World Trade Organisation rules. You have to be able to say the
pest is ’known not to occur’. That is, “I have actively looked for this particular pest and can say to an internationally accepted level of confidence that I know it does not exist in my crop and orchard”. The official term for this is active surveillance.
“That’s a much tougher test, and one more and more growers, and indeed the entire industry will need to meet if they want to be able to trade their produce overseas or even interstate”, said Haslett “We know it may mean more work for some, but it’s just good orchard management practice, and can easily be incorporated into normal crop inspections by our growers and their agronomists”.
Evidence and how to check To meet the ‘known not to occur’ test, growers must have evidence of a regular crop and orchard inspection program. More details of exactly what this means for (industry) growers can be obtained from both Plant Health Australia and the Office of the Chief Plant Protection Officer (OCPPO).
Plant Health Australia has prepared draft surveillance strategies for the grains, cotton, citrus and apple & pear industries.
What to look for So what exotic pest threats should growers and agronomists be on the look out for?
In preparing our Nut Industry Biosecurity Plan, the Almond Board and government experts determined a list of the highest risk pests for our industry (see insert box below). More details about them are in the Biosecurity Plan which can be obtained from www.phau.com.au or from the Almond Board of Australia.
What happens when you report? Reporting is easy. Simply call the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline on 1800
084 881 if you have seen something unusual, or
See it Early - Stop it Fast This is one of a series of articles on Biosecurity prepared by the Almond Board of
Australia and Plant Health Australia
Want more info? If you would like more information, get of a copy of
our Biosecurity Plan. You can download it at www.planthealthaustralia.com.au and follow the links to “Project Documents” and “Biosecurity Plans”
or request it on disk by emailing [email protected] or phoning Plant Health Australia on 02 6260 4322.
14 In A Nutshell―February 2008 www.australianalmonds.com.au
www.australianalmonds.com.au In A Nutshell―February 2008 15
suspect one of the high-risk pests or even another pest that represents a risk to your farm and the industry. Your call will be forwarded to an experienced person in the state department of agriculture who will ask some questions about what you have seen and may arrange to collect a sample. Every report will be taken seriously, checked out and treated confidentially. Further details about the reporting, sampling and identification process are covered in the Nut Industry Biosecurity Plan.
Once reported, if inquiries confirm the presence of an exotic pest then authorities will work with the industry to swing an action plan into place. Actions are guided by the seriousness of the pest incursion. If the pest can be stamped out, an eradication response may be launched with actions guided
by the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) and the agreed technical response plant – PLANTPLAN. If eradication is not thought technical feasible or economically beneficial, then actions may be directed at containment and control.
Why Report? So long as your industry representative body is a signatory to the EPPRD, if a response or action plan directs the destruction of a crop or orchard on yours or any other farm under the EPPRD provisions, then there are provisions for growers to be reimbursed for the market value of the crop or property destroyed. This means that no one grower pays the cost for saving the industry from that pest, and protections
are provided to encourage active surveillance and early reporting. It is important to remember that an exotic incursion will eventually be detected, but if left unreported may quickly spread until too established and widespread to eradicate. This could ultimately result in far greater losses to individual growers and the whole industry for many years to come.
Important - other ways to minimise risk Looking-out for new pests is just one of the risk minimisation strategies for Almond growers. See the separate panel, ‘On-farm Biosecurity Check-List’, for a guide. Are you doing all these things?
Signage Put up signs at the main entrances to your property, detailing your biosecurity requirements.
People Ensure that all visitors’ clothing, footwear and tools are free of loose soil or plant matter before entering and leaving the property. Provide a concrete wash-down area at the property entrance and near the main buildings, with a sump that can be inspected for weeds or weed seeds. Provide scrubbing brushes and footbaths for people entering or leaving your property, or moving from contaminated to clean areas of the property.
Animals Inspect new livestock for exotic weeds, seeds and burrs.
Vehicles Keep farm vehicles clean by frequently cleaning the floor of the vehicle of soil, grass and weed seeds and insects. Wash down vehicles entering the property and direct the wastewater into a sump. Regularly check the sump for evidence of weeds or weed seeds.
Where possible, use your own vehicle to carry visitors around the property.
Machinery and Equipment In production areas of the property, keep vehicle movement to a minimum, especially when the soil is wet. Hose of machinery before moving from a contaminated to a clean area of the property. Work clean areas of the property first and contaminated last. Use high pressure water to wash all tools and equipment, including secateurs, grafting knives, pallets and palecons, boxes, bags, harvesters, sprayers, trimmers, tractors, trailers and any other equipment used on the farm. The same principles should be applied to borrowed equipment and machinery purchased at clearing sales.
Planting and Propagation Material
Use propagation stock that is free of pests, diseases and weeds and regularly check crops for signs of pests, diseases and weeds.
Fruit and Fruit By-Products Maintain an effective monitoring/pest management program. A
‘spray diary’ record should accompany each consignment of fruit and fruit products. Fruit should be loaded onto trucks on a concrete or bitumen pad outside the production area. Waste from fruit should not be disposed of close to fruit trees on the property. It should be disposed of at least 100 metres from the nearest fruit trees. Alternatively, any waste can be hot-composted. Ensure that no soil, leaf-material or insects are left adhering to, or are left in the container where fruit has been packed in the field.
Weeds Collect seed heads, burrs and weed seedlings in a container with a fitted lid to reduce the risk of spread. Control water runoff and soil erosion from contaminated areas and dispose of plant residues promptly.Control weeds before they set seed. When purchasing garden plants, check with the supplier if they have the potential to establish in the wild as an agricultural and/or environmental pest
On-farm biosecurity check list
The South Australian Apiarists Association Inc. Invites you to
“Surviving Winter & Preparing For Pollination”
Workshop.
Thursday 6th of March 2008 Williamstown Football Club Rooms at 10am
Costs - $22 Inc GST
Includes Tea/ Coffee, Sausage sizzle lunch and a copy of papers of the day’s proceedings
Key Note Speakers-
Dr Doug Somerville, NSW Agriculture. Feeding Hives to survive winter and for preparation for pollination. Trevor Monson, Pollination Broker Mildura. Hive preparation and presentation for almond pollination. [A Brokers view] James Altman, Pollination Assessor Riverland Areas. Hive preparation and presentation for almond pollination. [An Assessors view] Dr David Paton, Environmentalist. Research project on the affect of drought on flowering patterns of plants.
Several Apiarists will speak on their experiences of preparation of hives for almond pollination and surviving hard winter conditions. Trade Displays Welcome
Please contact: Bronwen Lawrence, PO Box 293, TINTINARA SA 5266 or
Ian Zadow, President SAAA, Ph 87572435, Mob 0429 433125
16 In A Nutshell―February 2008 www.australianalmonds.com.au
With horticulture trade growing faster than agriculture globally, the Australian horticulture industry is set to capitalise on innovations pinpointed by Future Focus, the Australian horticultural plan.
“Current projections show that the Australian horticultural industry will be producing enough to feed another city the size of Melbourne by 2020,” says John Webster, managing director of Horticulture Australia Limited which is leading the Future Focus project.
However, Future Focus indicates that expansion could be even more significant if the industry innovates its practices
Future Focus is the Australian horticulture industry’s strategic plan, which is being developed to improve the profitability of Australian horticulture. It will map the ‘next steps’ for the industry and set the strategic path for growth. Australian horticulture includes nursery, f ruit , vegetables, cut flowers, nuts, turf and extractive crops.
According to Webster, Future Focus will identify both opportunities and challenges for the horticulture sector.
“Fresh fruit and vegetables account for 13.3 per cent of household expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages. There is a clear opportunity to increase Australia’s export market, particularly to Northern Hemisphere markets, and improve profitability” he says.
“Future Focus has found that an increase in export demand would result in the largest increase in industry income.
“Some industries, such as nuts, are expanding significantly, but access to export markets needs to addressed, particularly for those industries which face government trade barriers,” he says.
“By 2020, the gross value of production of horticulture has the potential to be $10 billion or around 28 per cent higher than 2005-06,” says Webster. “To achieve and exceed this growth, strong domestic population growth, steady and strong income growth, strong export demand and relatively limited import growth are necessary.”
Future Focus First Phase report also showed
increased competition from horticulture imports. In developed countries the import share of consumption increased 3.7 per cent a year. Australia’s imports increased 4.6 per cent per year.
“Industry will need to provide high quality products and keep costs down if it wants to compete with imports of fresh and processed produce,” says Webster.
Commencing in February, the second phase of Future Focus will develop action plans for each of the strategic areas identified in phase one.
“By concentrating on those actions where the expected payoff is highest, overall return for effort in the industry will be maximised,” says Webster. “Future
Focus wil l concentrate on separating what can be done privately from that best done collectively.”
Future Focus will develop these plans in consultation with industry by hosting a series of workshops. Participants will refine the action items, seek ways to capitalise on industry’s strengths and address constraints.
The areas identified by Future Focus as the key to the industry’s success and continued growth are:
Making supply more effective; Improving industry’s competitive advantage in all markets; Making effective use of scarce resources, such as water; Maximising the contribution of technology; Providing a well functioning commercial environment; and Promoting structural change in industry.
As part of the development of Future Focus, comments are sought from all interested parties. Comments can be submitted via the website, w w w . f u t u r e f o c u s . o r g . a u o r b y e m a i l , [email protected] .
For all media enquiries, contact: Allison Lee/ Tori Chalke, IMPACT
Communications 02 9519 5411 / 0413 047 414,
FUTURE FOCUS OF AUSTRALIAN HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY BRIGHT,
BUT INNOVATION NEEDED
www.australianalmonds.com.au In A Nutshell―February 2008 17
ABA CEO Julie Haslett is a member of the leadership group formed to
help steer Australia’s $7 billion horticulture sector toward a strategic vision for its future.
18 In A Nutshell—February 2008 www.australianalmonds.com.au
www.australianalmonds.com.au In A Nutshell—February 2008 19
Boosting the resumes of primary
producers
Riverland primary producers will soon be able to give their resumes a much needed boost with the help of a new training program aimed at recognising their existing skills.
The Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) program will give producers recognition for the skills they already have with the aim of strengthening employment opportunities in the region.
Jointly supported by the Riverland Development Corporation, FarmBis and the State Government‟s SA Works in the Regions, the community led initiative will give producers formal recognition for their skills, which may assist them to obtain work.
Coordinator of the program and FarmBis RPL Networker, John Chase says given the effects of drought there is real demand within the region to strengthen the skills capacity of producers. “In our community there are so many people who have a large range of skills but no formal qualifications for them,” Mr Chase said.
“Many producers say „I‟m JUST a farmer‟ but in fact they are a lot more – they are small business managers, financial planners and horticulturists.
“This program will give these people the recognition they deserve and improve their employability status.”
Mr Chase says the program involves a local RPL assessment officer sitting down with a producer and conducting a skills analysis audit to firstly see what skills they already have, before identifying what qualifications they may be eligible for.
“We can link and map a producer‟s already existing skills with a qualification and or certificate, which they can then add to their resume,” he said.
“We will also identify what areas producers may need to do more training in to help them in their career path and get where they want to go.”
The RPL program is available to all primary producers, with FarmBis supporting up to 65% of the costs.
Up to seven new RPL assessment officers will be recruited over the next month to help facilitate the program.
People interested in becoming an assessment officer are encouraged to call John Chase on 8582 2270.
For more information about the program, including how to enrol call 8582 2270.
Media contact: John Chase, FarmBis RPL Networker,
0419 848 672.
Almond Production Manual University of California, USA (1996)
Provides information on all stages of almond production, from planting and developing new orchards to managing bearing orchards and harvesting and handling crops. Written by more than 50 UC experts, the manuals information is practical and suited to field application. Includes more than 80 colour photos. $37.50 (incl GST)
Integrated Pest Management for Almonds—2nd Edition
University of California, USA (2002) Covering 120 different pest problems including diseases, insects and mites, nematodes, vertebrate pests and weeds. You‟ll find revised sections on navel orangeworm and peach twig borer along with revised and updated tables on susceptibility of rootstocks and scion cultivars to major pests. Illustrated with 259 photos, 69 line drawings and tables and a detailed index. $40.00 (incl GST)
Updated Almond Industry Pest & Disease Spray Guide
Dr Prue McMichael and Lucy Pumpa The industry’s recently updated pest & disease guide has been facilitated by HAL (Horticulture Australia Limited) in partnership with the ABA. This Guide provides information on almond pests and diseases that can be managed and monitored by orchard managers.
Hardcopy $12.00 (incl GST) CD ROM $10.00 (incl GST)
publications for sale
To order publications please contact the ABA on 08 8582 2055, email: [email protected]
or visit www.australianalmonds.com.au
Australian Nutgrower Magazine Annual Subscription
"Australian Nutgrower" is the journal of the Australian Nut Industry Council Ltd (ANIC), which represents the seven nut industries in Australia. It is published quarterly in March, June, September and December and has a full colour cover and 52 pages of nut industry news, research summaries, interviews, updates from overseas research and advertising. $66.00 (incl GST)
Introduction to Commercial Almond Growing F.J Gathercole, SARDI - Loxton, Australia, (1998)
A basic introduction to Almond varieties, cultural practices, growing and soil requirements.
(Free to Almond R&D Levy Payers) Hardcopy $22.00 (incl GST) CD ROM $15.00 (incl GST)
March 4 - 5
Outlook 2008 Conference National Convention Centre, Canberra www.abareconomics/outlook
6 SA Apiarists Workshop Williamstown, SA
27 - 30 Sports Dietitians Conference Melbourne www.sportsdietitians.com.au
20 - April 3 Sydney Royal Easter Show Sydney Olympic Park www.eastershow.com.au
31 - April 5 XIV GREMPA Conference Athens, Greece Contact: [email protected]
April 15
Almond Marketing Forum Melbourne
22 - 25 Food & Hotel Asia Singapore Expo www.foodnhotelasia.com
30 Marketing Committee Meeting Rydges Southpark, Adelaide
May 1
Executive Committee Meeting Rydges Southpark, Adelaide
9 World Nut & Dried Fruit Congress Santiago, Chile www.nutfruit.org
22 - 23
NSW Apiarists Conference Nelson Bay, NSW
30 - June 1 Good Food & Wine Show Melbourne Exhibition Centre www.goodfoodshow.com.au
June 20 - 22
Good Food & Wine Show Sydney Exhibition Centre www.goodfoodshow.com.au
August 21
Marketing Committee Meeting Almond Board Office, Berri
22 Executive Committee Meeting Almond Board Office, Berri
September 22 - 25
Fine Food Expo Melbourne Exhibition Centre www.foodaustralia.com.au
October 19 - 23
SIAL, Global Food Marketplace Paris http://en.sial.fr
29 - 31 Australian Almond Industry Conference Novotel, Barossa Valley Resort www.australianalmonds.com.au
November 7 - 9
Good Food & Wine Show Brisbane Exhibition Centre www.goodfoodshow.com.au
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