Tree Crop News

Fertilisers & nutrition - General

Reducing synthetic chemical use

An Australian product that allows growers to optimise yield and reduce environmental impact through the use of naturally occurring microbes and fungi, is growing in popularity.

Citrus

Coronavirus to limit reliance on backpackers

Travel restrictions due to Coronavirus could lead to labour shortages for agricultural industries that rely on overseas workers during key periods like sowing or fruit-picking.

General

$70k research grant for Adelaide Hills fruit growers

A groundbreaking research project into the recovery of fruit trees following bushfires has been launched in the Adelaide Hills.

General

Coronavirus pandemic driving strong demand for local produce

As the Coronavirus crisis plays out across the globe, Australian consumers appear to be rushing to boost their immunity with locally grown produce.

Citrus

Industry pilot to trace Victorian citrus exports

New collaborative programme led by Citrus Australia utilises blockchain technology to improve traceability of citrus exports.

Macadamias

New merger in macadamia industry

Leading Australian macadamia processor Macadamias Direct is taking another step in its growth push, merging with global business The Finasucre Group.

General

State and Federal Governments meet with APAL, growers as bushfire rebuild begins

The rebuild of several of Australia’s iconic apple growing regions is urgently required and the industry continues to extensively engage with both Federal and State Governments to assist in this process.

General

Understanding microbial risks vital

Australian tree fruit growers and packers invest significant time and money in ensuring food safety through the application of good agricultural and good hygienic practices and compliance with the safety standards of quality assurance schemes such as Freshcare.

Business solutions & labour

New annualised salary requirements take effect

As part of the four yearly review of modern awards, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has handed down a decision which will impact employers paying annualised salaries to employees covered by a modern award with an annualised salary clause.

Pome fruit

Batlow auctions off first apples of the season

Growers in Batlow last week harvested the first apples of the season, a remarkable effort following the recent bushfires in the region.

Citrus

Citrus Australia quietly confident of another strong season

The Citrus Australia Market Outlook Forum has wrapped up in Melbourne, with the industry looking forward to the season ahead.

Pome fruit

Apple and pear quality up in South Australia despite bushfires

Apple and pear harvest is in full swing in South Australia with growers reporting some of the highest quality crops in at least three years despite recent bushfires.

Pome fruit

Montague to launch yello in Autumn

Fresh produce group Montague will add a splash of colour to the apple range this Autumn as it officially launches its newest branded apple – yello® – nationally.

Mangoes

Machine vision to help optimise mango yield

A Central Queensland researcher using machine vision to optimise mango harvesting is among a new crop of researchers who have received an innovation grant from the Queensland Government.

Citrus

More biosecurity funding needed

Citrus Australia has urged the Federal Government to increase its investment in border biosecurity following the interception of fresh limes and dried citrus infected with citrus canker.