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DRIED FRUITS NEWS Official Journal of

The Australian Dried Fruits Association Inc.

Volume NS 29. Number4

December, 2002

Inside:

Chairman's Report Industry News from the Board Horticulture Australia Report Quick Quiz - Emulsion Application Trellis Drying Options Angas Park Update NFF & IR Briefs

Page 2 3

4&5 6

7&8

9 10

Sunraysia Growers Forum - January 23, 2003 Sunbeam Foods Update Christmas Recipes Water Restrictions - SRWA Contamination - Plastic Clips

10 11 12 14 15

Board Of Management Grower Members:

PETER JONES, lrymple, Chairman BRIAN BOULTON, Mid-Murray, Vic

JENNY TREEBY, Red Cliffs, Vic STEVE HEGEDUS, Coomealla, NSW

ALLAN LONG, Red Cliffs, Vic MARK KING, Pomona, NSW

Processor/Marketer Members: STEVE GORMAN, Sunbeam Foods

CHRIS ELLIS, Sunbeam Foods BRIAN LECKIE, Angas Park

The ADFA strongly supports further development of the Australian Dried Fruits industry, and seeks to represent the interests of dried grape grower

members & provide them with services of commercial benefit.

ADFA HEAD OFFICE: 31 Deakin Avenue, Mildura

PO Box 5042, Mildura, Victoria 3502 Telephone: (03) 5023 5174 Facsimile: (03) 5023 3321

Editor: Phil Chidgzey E-mail: gmadfa@hotkey.net.au

Website: www.adfa.asn.au

The Dried Fruits News provides information & opinion on issues of relevance to growers. Accordingly, the ADFA and its staff cannot be

responsible for any error, loss or other consequence arising from reliance on the

information in this publication.

2 - ADFA Dried Fruits News

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Growers and Industry Friends - This edition finds us all at an interesting stage in our production year. We have got past the frost danger time, flowering & berry set has come & gone, mostly c lear skies have delivered little rain & hopefully minimal hail & only a few weeks now till we start harvesting.

In late October, I had the honour & responsibility o f representing the Dried Grape Industry at the International Raisin/ Sultana conference in England. While we were over there in pouring rain, the vines back here were getting buffeted by dust storms. Life seemed a little strange for a week or so.

Delegates from all major exporting countries attended the meetings & provided up to date information on production & marketing of vine frui ts around the world. I have given the information that is of interest to the Australian grower at most Annual meetings of ADFA branches held in November, from Mid-Murray to Pomona and in between. For WA & S.A. Riverland growers or those who didn't get to the meetings & missed the media reports, here is a brief overview.

Northern Hemisphere production- USA had a normal , large crop in Sept 2002. Iran had an average crop. Turkey had significant rain at harvest & is down at least 40,000t from last season. 80% of the crop is lower in quality. Greece also had the rain, resulting in sultanas being down 50% & currants down 40%. Southern Hemisphere forecasts for 2003 - Average c rops are expected from South Africa, Australia and Chile. The latest estimate of total world production (Sultana/raisins) for 2002/2003 is 723,000 tonnes, down from 779,000 tonnes in 2001/2002 & 890,000 tonnes in 1999/2000

By the time we harvest our fruit in early 2003, there will be a shortage of good quality light coloured fruit in the market place. Currants will also be sought after, as the smaller Greek crop will be mostly sold. The world will still be awash with dark fruit ( TSR's from the USA & low grade fruit from Turkey) which will keep the bottom end of the market going & the possibility of some being dumped into the market place at low prices.

Our window of opportunity (season 2003) to get back into the market with good, sound, high quality, light fruit is NOW. The short supply of good fruit from European crops just harvested has left a hole in the market that WE can ftll. Prices tend to rise if demand is more in balance with supply.

The stark reality is that QUALITY is the key to our short & long-term survival. We need to plan & prepare for harvest now by thinking of strategies for any situation that may arise at harvest time that could limit our ability to dry the best fruit.

ADFA will host an Open Growers meeting (Sunraysia Forum) in Mildura on January 23, 2003 to bring you the latest information on the up coming harvest. Please take the time to attend & help us help you as we all strive to do our best for our ultimate customers, the buyers & consumers of our fruit.

As Christmas is very close now, a little advert for our ADFA shop. If you need a gift for that special person or yourself, the shop has a huge range of goodies. Come in and look around at 31 Deakin Ave. M ildura.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a safe & happy Christmas & when you hear & sing the lovely Christmas carols, take time to ponder the words. The true meaning of the Christmas season is beautifully written in most of them and is always a joy to the heart & soul of mankind. Regards Peter Jones, Chairman. ADFA

December 2002

INDUSTRY NEWS FROM THE ADFA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

Industry Development Officer Appointed The ADFA has appointed Mr Garry Watt as Industry Development Officer, to focus on activities to improve the quality of Australian dried grape production.

The appointment was made possible with funding support provided through the Federal Government's Regional Assistance Program (administered by the Department of Transport and Reg ional Services). In addition, some operational funds have been provided by the Dried Fruits Trust.

Mr Watt's services as TOO are available to all growers. He will perform a range of ADFA & TOO activities, with guidance for Industry Development act ivities be ing provided by an industry-based Com mittee which includes representatives from the ADFA, processors, Riverlink & Area Consultative Committee.

The IDO's activities wi ll include helping individual growers with general enquiries, extending technical & research information and facilitating training c6urses such as Trellis Drying Short courses and the Dried Grape Approved Supplier Program.

Membership The ADFA Board of Management has resolved that the organisation should provide services and benefits to members only, where feasible. The aim is to increase the grower membership base.

Examples of quarantining services and benefits to members inc lude: • The recent circulation of the updated Horticultural Award update to members only as an insert in the Dried Fruits News. • The recent provision of ADFA Shop vouchers to members taking out crop insurance through ADFA (and Cranston Australia) this season. • NFFfTelstra Member Discount - this deal provides ADFA members with a I 0% discount, on top of any other Telstra discount, provided all accounts are on a single bill.

All ADFA branches were recently circulated with lists of growers with the aim of updating our database and helping branches to identify potential members.

Hor ticulture Australia Limited T he ADFA HAL Board has endorsed two nominations to the Industry Advisory Committee - Marketing. Mr Brian Leckie, General Manager, Angas Park Fruit Company and ADFA Deputy Chairman, Brian Boulton are the new appointees.

The lAC Marketing establishes pri ori ties & guidelines for expenditure of the statutory marketing levy of $7 /tonne collected from dried fruit deliveries. The levy provides funding to facili tate the marketing of Australian dried fruits.

December 2002

ADFA intends to appoint both Messrs B Leckie and B Boulton as trustees of the Australian Dried Vine Fruits Trust.

Sunraysia Horticultural Alliance The ADFA & several horticultural groups representing wine grapes, citrus, asparagus & beekeeping have established an alliance to enable issues of common concern to be tackled jointly. Inaugural Chairman is Mr Graham Robertson & postal address is c/- ADFA.

Water Security The ADFA is liaising with local water authori ties about water entit lements and security of access over the 2002/2003 summer period. The authorities advise that while conditions remain dry, it is less likely that restrictions will be imposed and the real challenge is whether enough water can be supplied to meet demand - which is a function of "channel capacity".

MRCC Drainage Levy The ADFA is continuing to monitor MRCC assessments of horticulturists applications for the drainage rebate. ADFA has sought an outline of rebate procedure to be followed by growers.

Growers are reminded that rebate applications must be submitted before the end of January 2003. Note: -A copy of the rebate application form has been inserted in this edition of Dried Fruits News as a service to ADFA Members.

Dried Grape Statistics:

2002 Productions Figures Final de livery figures to September 2002:

Sultanas 30,09lt Naturals 378t Currants Raisins Sunmuscat Others Total

3,473t 1,842t

793t 194t

36,794t

Imports: Total imports in the year to date (end of Oct): Sultanas 8,529t (76% of previous year) Currants 915t ( 192% of previous year) Others 2,9 14t ( 169% of previous yr)

YTD total imports = 12,359t. Last year, for the same period, total imports were 13,351 t.

Sultana imports for the Aug-Oct period are running at 75% of previous year levels. For October, Sultana imports were 54% of year earlier levels.

ADFA Dried Fruits News - 3

Horticulture Australia

INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEES DRIED FRUIT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

& DRIED GRAPE MARKETING REPORT

RIVERLINK DRIED GRAPE R&D PRIORITY SETTING FORUM

The annual forum to determine the research priorities for the dried frui t industry was conducted by Ri verlink in September.

Researchers utilize the outcomes of the priority setting forum to ensure the research proposals they develop are focused on industry needs. These concept development proposals are

The forum was attended by industry producers, processors and considered by the R&D industry advisory committee before marketers and members of the Riverlink research approval is given to the researchers to prepare the detailed organisations. research applications.

Current research projects were reported on and it provided an The input of the industry's grower community that attend the opportunity to address some areas of grower concern where day is particularly valued as they give generously of their time

information alJ.·eady exists. and ideas to progress the whole of the industry.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SULTANA I RAISIN PRODUCING COUNTRIES

, Delegation from all the major producing and exporting

countries attended the 2002 International Sultana and Raisin Conference held on 28 & 29 October 2002, in Windsor, England. The Conference received reports presented by the delegation leaders of: • Australia - Peter Jones • Chile- Juan Laso Molina • Greece - Andeas Couniniotis • Iran - Agarawolardi • South Africa- Boy Lubbe • Turkey - Erdinc Kapkac • USA - Richard Garabedian

In addition, the London Liaison Committee, attended as a delegation and John Comer provided a presentation on the body's act ivities that are undertaken on behalf of the international dried fruits community in Britain, the world's largest dried fruit market.

The Australian delegation comprised Mr Peter Jones and Mr Steve Gorman, members of Horticulture Australia's Dried Grape Marketing Industry Advisory Committee and Mr Peter Johannssen of Sunbeam Foods. Messr's Gorman and Johannssen interrupted market visits to the UK and Europe to attend the Conference. Mr Jones' visit was funded by the dried grape program of Horticulture Australia.

Barrie MacMillan, was elected as Conference Chairman and Ross Skinner was the Conference Convenor and Secretary. The travel costs of the Conference Executive are shared by all countries.

Turkey and Greece reported that lower than anticipated production had resulted from untimely rains in Europe during late August and early September. It was noted that the full

4 - ADFA Dried Fmits News

extent of the crop losses were not yet full y quantifiable as Mediteranean growers have not delivered all their 2002 crop.

Mr Kapkac, leader of the Turkish delegation reported that their crop had not only been downgraded in size from 230,000 tonnes to an estimated 190,000 tonnes, but also in quality. It was reported that 20,000 tonnes would be non-grade fruit

suitable only for distillery and little high quality product, grade 9 and 10 fruit, being produced.

Mr Couniniotis, a Greek marketer reported that ram had damaged a lot of fruit on the vine and this and the prolonged drying season had reduced the crop by half and also reduced quality. It was also reported that the increasing demand for tablegrapes within the European Union was leading to a di version away from drying in Greece that was geographically well placed to service the market.

The Conference agreed that the poorer than usual crops would lead to a decline in world stock levels by the end of the marketing year in August 2003 and move the dried grape market towards a more balanced position between supply and world demand.

The delegates agreed that supplies would be sufficient to meet market requirements although it was acknowledged that at the premium end of the sultana market, product availabi lity would be tighter than in recent years.

The US delegation advised that the maturity of the Californian grape crops had been delayed this season. Mr Garabedian reported that supply across the quality range would be available following good drying conditions experienced during the harvest season.

D ecember 2002

INTERNATIONAL SULTANA/RAISON CONFERENCE Continued

2002 I 03 Sultana I TSR Crops Greece Sultanas Iran Sultanas Turkey Sultanas USA TSR's Australia South Africa Chile TOTAL

Sultanas Sultanas I TSR's TSR 's

20,000 107,000 190,000 320,000

30,000 33,000 34,000

734,000

The Conference noted that the late summer rains had reduced Greece's currant crop and production in 2002 was estimated to be only 34,000 tonnes.

The Delegates also addressed promotion and food safety issues. It was agreed to coordinate efforts with the National Dried Fruit Traders Association in the United Kingdom to defend the lO ppb tolerance level for ochratoxin A in dried grapes.

AlJ major producing countries attended the International Sultana I Raisin Conference held in the UK.

December 2002

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ADJ'll Dried Fruits News - 5

DRYING EMULSION APPLICATION - QUICK QUIZ

I) How much of the natural "waxy bloom" on a sultana is removed by the application of the drying emulsion oil and potash spray/dip mix?

A) Almost 100% is removed. B) Approximately 75% is removed. C) Around 25% is removed. D) Almost none is removed.

2) Why is a drying oil/potash solution applied to most of Australia 's dried vine fruit production?

A) To break down the tough outer skin of the berry. B) To prevent the berries remaining green in color throughout the drying process. C) To remove the natural bloom on the berries. D) To modify the structure of the wax platelets covering the berry and permit faster water transfer through the bloom.

3) What is the main purpose of the potash (potassium carbonate) that is added into the oil drying emulsion mix?

A) Prevent fermentation of the drying grapes after the emulsion dip/spray is applied. B) Remove the natural "waxy bloom" on the berries. C) Speed up the drying rate by helping spread the emulsion over the berries. D) Speed up the drying rate by maintaining the correct pH (Alkalinity) of the emulsification mix.

4) When is the preferred application time for corrunencing spraying of the drying emulsion onto trellis dried vme fruit?

A) lmmediately before, or within one day after cane cutting. B) Above a measured brix level of 15 and above an ambient temperature of 10 degrees C. C) Two days before cane cutting. D) Three to four days before cane cutting. E) None of the above.

5) How long after "cane cutting" may the wetting application of drying emulsion be delayed wi thout effecting fini shed dried vine fruit quality.

A) No more than 12 hours. B) 12 to 24 hours. C) Up to 7 days. D) As long as necessary to totally dry out the vines and grape bunches.

6) What is the correct drying emulsion strength that is used for trellis drying?

A) The same as for rack drying. B) 1.5 Lt drying oil per 100 Lt of water-and 1.2 Kg of potash per 100 Lt o.fwater. C) .5 Lt drying oil per /00 Lt of water and .6 Kg of potash

6- ADFA Dried Fruils News

per 100 Lt of water. D) Approximately 1.5 times stronger than the rack dtying emulsion strength.

7) When may a second application of drying emulsion be applied to trellis dried vine fruit?

A) Inspection after application re veals inadequate penetration of bunches and coverage of berries. B) There is significant rainfall within 3 days of the .first drying emulsion application. C) There is significant rainfall within 10 days of the initial drying emulsion application. D) A and C o.f the above. E) A and B of the above.

8) A drying emulsion "wetting machine" uses a large volume spray application for trellis drying, how much of the spray is normally recycled.

A) Approximately 90%. B) About 65%. C) Roughly 30%. D) Less than 15%.

9) What is the main determining factor in the recycle rate of the drying emulsion during "wetting " application?

A) The temperature of the drying emulsion on the day of application. B) The speed of travel of the "wetting machine". C) The size of the crop being treated. D) The height of the vine cordon above the ground.

1 0) The correct speed of travel of the "wetting machine" should be?

A) Fixed between a minimum of .5 and a maximum of 1.0 acre per hour. B) Approximately 3.5 Km per hour. C) Determined by inspection of the vine fruit bunches to check coverage, at least two hours after the drying emulsion application. D) Slow enough so as the inspector does not get soaked as he walks along in front waving the red flags .

The correct answers are listed below.

Sunraysia Growers Forum Thursday 23 January 1-Spm

Bendigo Bank Centre, Mildura

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December 2002

STAGED DEVELOPMENT OF TRELLISING-THE HANGING CANE SYSTEM REVISITED.

The ADFA strong ly e ncourages the development of mechanized dried vine fruit production on advanced trel lising systems like the current state of the art "Shaw Swing Arm Trellis".

This article provides growers considering redevelopment of their vineyards for mechanized trellis drying with new ideas and information on an alternative staged development program. This aims to reduce initial capital investment requirements & permit on going development when further funds become available.

The hanging cane system provides growers with the option of obtaining the benefits of mechanised trellis drying. This system may be fu rther developed into the Shaw Swing Arm Trellis wi thout any significant redevelopment of the vine cordon structure. Originally, the hanging cane system was developed on a bilateral cordon on a 1.6 metre high single wire1

• It is suggested that the cordon height of any new hanging cane cordon development be on a 1.75 metre high single wire as this enables future Swinga~·m development.

~ 1.75m

Diaq 1

Diagram one shows a previous early development modification to the hanging cane system that may be viewed as an "Emergency System" that permitted trellis drying.

With this early design the frui t laden canes were bent down and held in position by the addi tion of one or two wires that were fixed to the posts using a variety of options. "u" shaped staples (photo l ) coach bolts of a minimum size of 5116th diameter and locating clips that permit easy later removal of the wires have been successfully used. The preferred methods allow easy removal of the wires, for later reusage.

For extra strength in fastening the wires, a small link of wire may be twisted around the two wires on either side of the posts (photo 1).

"'Hanging Canes·May and Clingeleffer CSIRO 1980

December 2002

Photo 1

The tall 1.75m cordon provides additional area for development of foliage, light penetration, ease of harvesting of lower hanging fruit, also improved protection from both soil and mould spore contamination of fruit on low hanging canes.

After wetting and cutting, the canes were bent down over the two locating wires. The two bottom wires have in the past, been used by some growers as a mini drying rack. Summer picked crown bunches have been removed from the cordon and placed across these two wires for "wetting" and subsequent drying. (Photo 1) When cordon bunches are dried in this manner, the wetting, cane cutting and cordon bunch removal should achieved as closely together as possible (within24-48 hours) in order to promote uniform drying.

The current significantly more advanced and more efficient development of this same theme is shown in diagram 2. Two additional fixed wires are run vertically spaced, underneath the cordon wire. The f irst wire is spaced 350mm below the cordon and the second, 650mm down from the cordon.

Diag 2

An additional floating "pinch wire" must be added along side the first wire located 350mm down from the cordon, in order to further trap the fruiting canes into position. This is best achieved during winter pruning prior to budburst.

Growers are advised that due to contamination problems with plastic clips, only wire clips are suggested for future use. Processing plant online metal detectors and magnets remove these metal clips relatively easily.

ADFA Dried Fruits News - 7

STAGED DEVELOPMENT OF TRELLISING - Continued

Photo 2

This four wire trellis is an advanced "hanging care variation of a much older design 3 wire vertical trellis where canes were trained parallel to the vine trunk to form three sets of cordons.

Photo 3 Sunmuscats on 3 wire vertical trellis

Photo 4-The first wire is visible at 350mrn below the cordon height. The "pinch" wire, plus the wire clip, firmly locates canes alongside the first wire. The two lower wires at 650mrn below cordon height help to spread the load of fruiting canes. In previous seasons picked cordon bunches on, have been placed on these wires for trellis drying.

8 - ADFA Dried Fruits News

This trellis system does require more labour input than the further advanced "Shaw Swingarm". It is suited to grape varieties with strong vigour, high fruit fullness and natural vertical cane development. Eg Carina Currants and Sunmuscats. This design is not recommended for sultanas.

Acknowledgements: The ADFA acknow ledges the following people for the information or assistance they have contributed for this article. Peter Clingeleffer, Fred Hancock, Henry Tankard, Howard Jones, Peter Thompson, Bernie Murphy, Mac & Arthur Miller. Thanks also to those growers who allowed observation and photographs of the vine trellising systems used on their properties.

Mildura Rural City Council Drainage Rebate Application form

-Enclosed as an insert for current ADFA Members

D ecember 2002

ANGAS PARK FRUIT COMPANY UPDATE

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Angas Park has entered another exc1t1ng phase in its growth & development. Brian Leckie, General Manager, Angas Park & Kangara is commi tted to the longevity of the dried fruit industry & full development of al l facets of the business . Brian's extensive knowledge & experience in the fruit industry & General Management sets the scene for driving the business forward into new dimensions.

Improved utilisation of present staff and facilities through development of obvious synergies between Angas Park & Kangara will only serve to enhance our strength in the dried fruit industry & provide long term benefits for both the company & associated growers.

Angas Park continues to be a leader in the dried fruit industry & recognises that long-term sustainability will be realised as we continue to "do business better" and to be an integrity driven company.

Angas Park will continue to build on our proven record of delivering grower payments & committed service to growers.

SALES AND MARKETING: Angas Park total sales are up 8.1% on forecast. Retail 63% up 12.9% Wholesale 28% down 16.2% Export 9% up 24.5%

NATIONAL RETAIL GROWTH Angas Park market share rose 1.6% on the domestic market to 26.7% YTD to 6/10/02. Total revenue holds @ 11% increase across all segments.

SALES VS FORECAST YTD: The value of all Angas Park fruit segments outperformed forecast. Vine fruit outperformed by 15% Tree fruit outperformed by 2% Prunes exceeded forecast by 9%

INNOVATION: Angas Park will continually look to enhance its ' position in the Australian

December 2002

Dried fruits Industry through innovation & development. As much as we all understand that changes in all industry sectors are constant, we believe we must embrace change more than ever.

Our new design packs are proving very popular, so focus on increased market penetration will be evident. We are currently increasing resources to further enhance the true value of dried fruit through new product development. Our products can be value-added & we have an obligation to show the market the real health benefits of our raw materials.

FRUIT INTAKE: Tree- As all current stocks will be sold before New Year Angas Park will purchase all available dried apricot, peach, nectarine & a tonnage of pear from growers this corning season. Please contact your local depot for more details. Vine - Early indications via CSIRO & our observations are that the 2003 crop is average & varies between new & old plantings/trellising etc. But these are early days & many variables can still influence the outcome.

Bunch count & subsequent analysis are being currently progressed so an accurate picture can be painted of the overall outlook. Angas Park will be looking to purchase vine fruit in every category for the 2003 season.

ADFA D ried Fruits News· 9

INDUSTRY NEWS, NFF & INDUSTRIAL BRIEFS

ADFA Crop Insurance Arrangements ADFA's new insurance agency arrangement with Cranston Australia has attracted significant interest amongst producers of dried, wine & table grapes & almonds.

The ADFA is working through the necessary processes to enable the regulatory authority APRA to revoke the general insurance licence for ADFA Insurance Pty Ltd.

Grading Standards - 2003 Harvest ADFA Federal Council resolved "that the Board of Management work closely with processors in the grade fixing process so that there is a range of samples of dried fruits at the door of all receival sites, so growers can view them." Sunbeam Foods & Angas Park have confirmed that a range of samples will be provided at each receival site.

World Production Estimates The latest estimate of total world production (Sultana/raisins) for 2002/2003 is 723,000 tonnes. This figure is down from 779,000 tonnes in 200112002 and 890,000 tonnes in 1999/2000. Further, Greek currant production is forecast to drop about 20% to 34,000 tonnes.

NFF BRIEFS Water Rights- the NFF has called on the Federal & State Governments to help resolve the critical issue of water resource security by reaching an agreement on the framework for water and property rights when COAG meets on 6 December.

Exceptional Circumstances Assistance - The NFF has called on the Federal Government to take sole responsibility for administration & funding of the EC package. Drought relief should remain a State

responsibility. Telecommunications - NFF has welcomed Telstra's decision to substantially reduce timeframes for new phone services from 6 months to 1 month (where no cable infrastructure is available) - the same as urban Australia. Where cable infrastructure is available, the time frame for new connections wi ll drop from 15 to 10 working days, from 1 January 2003.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS BRIEFS Living Wage Claim The NFF has criticized the AWU's Living Wage claim of $24.60 per week as ignoring the difficult economic conditions facing most of Australi a's farmers. The NFF considers the claim to be irrespons ible and unrealistic.

AWU casuals claim The NFF is still negotiating with the A WU over the claim for a 25% loading for casuals, minimum engagement period of 3 hours and conversion of ongoing casuals to full time or part time employment.

Legislative Update There are currently 12 Bills before Parliament re lating to the Workplace Relations Act. Areas covered includes: • Award Simplification • Choice in Award Coverage • Fair Dismissal Bill No 2 (provides for small business

exemption from unfair dismissal claims) • Fair Termination (bill is designed to legislate rather than

regulate the unfair termination exclusions) • Simplifying Agreement Making • Termination of Employment • Improved Protection for Victorian Workers • Genuine Bargaining • Improved Remedies for Unprotected Action • Secret Ballots for Protected Action No 2

INVITATION TO ALL DRIED GRAPE GROWERS SUNRAYSIA GROWERS FORUM THURSDAY 23 JANUARY 2003

All dried fruit growers & industry stakeholders are invited to attend the Sunraysia Growers Forum being hosted by the ADFA on Thursday 23 January 2003. Forum Venue - Bendigo Bank Centre,

corner of 11th Street and Riverside Avenue Mildura. Time: 1-5pm.

The range of speakers wil l include: ADFA Chairman, Peter Jones; Processor/marketers - Sunbeam Foods & Angas Park Fruit Company; Barry MacMillan, Chai rman of the Industry Advisory Committees on Marketing & R&D.

Issues affecting the outlook for dried fruits & prices for the 2003 crop will be canvassed. Growers will also be given the opportunity to raise issues & pose questions to all speakers.

Afternoon tea will be provided and drinks will be available (at own cost) afterwards.

10 - ADFA Dried Fruits News December 2002

SUNBEAM FOODS UPDATE

Overview: - The recent months have seen plenty of activity and this article is a great opportunity to ensure all growers are informed about the positive changes within Sunbeam and the Dried Fruit Industry.

Visits. Over two hundred growers have now taken the opportuni ty to attend the ongoing Sunbeam briefing sessions and tours of the Irymple processing factory. These visits are a basis for discussing important issues, give growers the chance to put their views to Company personnel and for Sunbeam to report on what our customers are telling us. The arrangements are made through your local F ie ld Officer so please make contact to arrange a visit.

2002 Processing. Marketing & processing the 2002 dried fruit crop is proceeding to plan & Sunbeam's sales are meeting budget. The fruit is storing well, in particular the Sultanas are holding their light colour, which is so important for our export markets. The majority of the Currants have been packed as we have had good demand & wished to avoid packing a large tonnage in the higher summer temperatures. There has been much activity with Raisins as we strive to process, dehydrate, de-seed & pack for the Xmas retail market. Sunmuscats are being packed & we are presenting thi s variety to potential customers and confirming that it is available at volumes that will enable marketing programs to be activated.

Factory upgrade. The project to install a second processing line into the Irymple facility has commenced and the timetable is to have this fully commissioned prior to the commencement of processing of the 2003 crop. Some of the equipment from the Sarnia facili ty will be relocated to Irymple and the project plans to deliver a significant upgrade to the present processing capability. We are especially targeting improvement in contaminant removal and will combine the best mechanical and electronic technology available.

Quality. We recently acknowledged 18 Season 2002 producers who had delivered not only top grade fruit but also fruit with low contaminant levels. Further to this David Swain (Supply Manager) & Halinka Haayema (Grower Payments) have searched the data base & detailed every growers 2002 deductions & written to them with a Summary Deductions Report. Contaminants such as excessive stalk, sticks, snails, stones, grass & weed seeds, vine material or any non fruit material cost growers in their net payment. They not only add cost to the fruit processing but also can lead to diminished quality as the fruit needs additional treatment and may be damaged.

Promotion. Sunbeam recently ran a print & TV campaign to promote the health benefits of dried fruit & to new products such as Fruit on the Go & the tree fruit blends in

December 2002

the 40 gm range. The promotion had great results & sales in the category have returned to growth.

In addition Sunbeam has hosted a number of visits including the Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, Local Federal MP John Forrest, Vic. Government Treasurer John Brumby, Local Member Russell Savage, & the Governor of Victoria John Landy. The visits have successfully promoted Sunbeam Foods and the dried fruit industry & increased awareness of the issues impacting on its continued success.

Season 2003: - the outlook for Sunbeam's Season 2003 pricing will depend on -• The size & grade of the Australian 2003 crop • The exchange rate • Global supply & demand • The consumption of dried fruit in Australian retail and

industrial markets (which has recently returned to being positive)

• Import prices • Cost reductions in Sunbeam's operations. The price outlook will be clearer as we get closer to harvest but there are some reports corning through from the Northern Hemisphere production areas. These are reported elsewhere but in summary the message seem s to be that there will be much more dark Sultana fruit in supply and less of the lighter Sultana and the interest in currants will remain firm.

Harvest Advances. We have written to growers who used the service provided by IPPL & MCFC last year & announced that Sunbeam will be offering Harvest Advances in 2003. The letter explained how the service will operate & growers who require further information should contact their Field Officer.

Contracts. Sunbeam will be contacting growers regarding contracts in the lead up to the 2003 season.

Approved Supplier Program Audits. Sunbeam Field Officers have been busy conducting audits & now have over 500 growers audi ted. If you haven't been audited please contact your Field Officer to make a convenient time.

Season 2003 Grading. As discussed at ADFA Federal Council in July, Sunbeam will have a range of the various sample grades available at all receival sites. In addition Sunbeam is considering appointing an independent arbitrator to assist with the small number of grading issues that are not resolved by the internal appeal process.

In closing I wish all dried frui t suppliers a successful start to the 2003 season.

ADFA Dried Fntits News - 11

CHRISTMAS RECIPES

FROZEN CHRISTMAS PUDDING I Cup seeded raisins, chopped 2/3 cup chopped pitted prunes 125g mixed glace fru its, chopped (e.g. Pineapple, pears, ginger, apricots) 1 cup sultanas & 1 cup currants 113 cup mixed peel, chopped _cup white rum or k.irsch or fruit syrup _ cup blanched almonds, chopped and toasted 1 small Violet Crumble bar or finely chopped Mars bar 113 cup glace cherries, quartered 150m! thickened cream 2 litres vanilla ice cream

Combine all the fruits and peel. Sprinkle with the rum and allow to stand for several hours or overnight. Lightly and quickly fold all the ingredients into the slightly softened ice cream. Spoon the mixture into a plastic wrap lined large 3-litre pudding steamer or mould. Cover the top with plastic wrap and freeze overnight. To unmould ice cream quickly dip mound in and out of warm water and tum onto a serving dish. Decorate with holly, fru its and nuts as desired.

CHRISTMAS NESTS 4 egg whites 118 teaspoon salt 118 teaspoon cream of tartar 250g caster sugar fruit medley & ground cinnamon

Place egg whites, salt and cream of tartar in clean bowl & whisk to a soft foam. Gradually add caster sugar & continue whisking until stiff peaks form.

12 - ADFA Dried Fruits News

Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper & pipe meringue mixture into the shape of small birds nests. Alternately spoon mixture onto paper and form shapes with a wet teaspoon. Cook in very slow oven for l hour. Remove from oven, cool and fi ll with Tangy Fruit Medley. Dust lightly with cinnamon, and serve. Makes approximately 20 small nests. Note: If nests are stored unfilled in a sealed ai rtight container, they will keep for approximately I month. TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CAKE

2 cups seeded raisins, chopped 2 cups sultanas, chopped 2 cups currants I cup chopped glace cherries J cup mixed peel, chopped _ cup brandy or orange juice l cup blanched almonds, chopped 2 _ cups plain flou r 1/3 cup self-raising flour _ teaspoon ground nutmeg _ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 _ teaspoon mixed spice 315g butter, softened 2 cups soft brown sugar 2 _ tablespoons dark jam 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 5 eggs

Mix together all fruits and peel. Stir through brandy cover and allow to stand overnight or for at least 2 hours. Add almonds. Sift together flours and spices. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add jam and vanilla essence, beat again. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in Fruit and flour mixtures alternately. Mix thoroughly. Place mi xture in a 23 x Scm square cake pan, which has been lined with a layer of brown paper or foil and 2 layers of greaseproof paper. Bake in a slow oven for approximately 4 _ hours or until cooked when tested. Allow to cool in the pan before turning out. For a festive topping, brush top of cake with warmed sieved apricot jam. Arrange a colourful selection of chopped glace fruits and nuts over the cake top pressing down firmly. This is best done the day before serving.

December 2002

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WATER NEWS FROM THE SRWA

Water Restrictions - By Don Rowe, Executive Officer,

Sunraysia Rural Water Authority

Growers in Sunraysia are fortunate that the negotiating team on the Sharing the Murray program, fou r years ago, negotiated for security in our region and gave up all rights to "Sales Water". Those who opted for continuing the old system are facing a reduction in allocations this year while Sumaysia growers will all get their full entitlement.

The season is so bad in some areas that Murray Irrigation Ltd have cut all staff back to a four-day working week and many farmers upstream simply haven't bothered to p lant crops at all.

Those who decided to try paid around $500 for temporary water - compared to $50 last year.

In our region, everyone will get the full entitlement - but there may be some restrictions on when it can be taken. To understand the restrictions, you first have to understand the river.

Just under 10% of the water in the Murray-Darling system, under normal circumstances, comes down the Darling. While some of it is used in the Merbein Irrigation District, the majority of it goes to the Lake Victoria storage, and then on in to South Australia.

Th is year, there is no water in the Darling.

As a result, all water for South Austral ia has to come down the Murray.

At Barmah, near Shepparton, there is a section of the Murray where for about 50km the river narrows & there is no more than 20cm between the top of the water & the top of the banks. Any additional water pushed down the river simply pours out over the sides and floods the adjoining forests. In most years, additional water may be available from other rivers systems like the Goulburn or the Murrumbidgee, but this season they too are dry.

Consequently there is a limit to the amount of water that can come down the Murray River.

And this year the river has to serve all of its normal "customers", as we ll as those normally serviced by the Darling.

In the peak of summer we will place our maximum demand on the river - and South Australia will be placing its demands on it too. We anticipate that during that time there may be a period of a week or two when we have a restriction on the amount of water that can be taken from the river.

It will probably be expressed as a percentage of normal pumping - though it may be expressed in other terms.

14 - .IIDFA Dried Fruits News

If th is occurs, the Sunraysia Rural Water Authority will use

a system of "volumetric restrictions" equally on every

property in the reach of the river from the pumps at Nyah

West to the South Australian border.

You all have a volumetric restriction anyway - it's called

your Licensed Volume or your Water Right - and that's the

maximum amount you can use in any year (unless you

trade).

For the system we use, your Water Right or Licensed Volume

is broken down into two-week segments appropri ate to the

time of the year.

E.g. a person with a 104ML Water Right or Licensed Volume

would seem to have a fortnightly right of around 4ML. That's

I 04ML over 52 weeks - times two. But water is not used on

an equal basis from Winter to Summer.

Over the years we have developed a curve that starts at

almost nil in mid-winter and increases to peak demand at

high summer and then drops back to almost nil in winter.

From that curve, the "peak demand" fortnightly use of that

104ML works out to 12.4ML per fortnight - not the 4ML

"annual average".

Every grower's base fortnightly volume restriction has been

calculated & that will be made avail able to every grower.

So let's say that River Murray Water say to us that there will

be restrictions of 50% imposed on growers for a fortni ght.

Growers will be restricted equally on their peak demand -

and the example used in this article would result in our

grower with the 104ML Water Right or Licensed Volume

being restricted to a maximum 6.4ML for the two week

restriction period.

And that system will be used equally on every grower. The

pains and the gains will be shared equally by all.

A final note ! Our role, under the Victorian Water Act is to

ensure that when restrictions apply, they apply in the same

proportions to all of our customers.

You can probably calculate your own peak demand volume

for summer. Our records suggest that at the peak of summer

growers regularly use 12% of their entitlement in a fortnight.

Simply take your total Licensed Volume or Water Right as at

July 1st 2002 and calculate 12% of it.

That's the figure we will use to calculate your volumetric

restriction per fortnight - and the amount that you'll be

restricted to during any such events.

We still hope it won't happen.

December 2002

CONTAMINATION BY PLASTIC CLIPS

Clipping Contaminants The dried grape industry has strived to remove all contaminants from its products. This has involved initiatives through the approved supplier program such as the no glass policy near drying greens right through the supply chain to the use of sophisticated laser scanning equipment by processors. During the past decade when the risk of many traditional contaminants has been eliminated, new problems occasionally emerge. The latest of these are the plastic clips used to hold the vine canes tight between the floating & fixed wires on advanced mechanised trellises.

There are number of plastic clips available. However, unlike the original Pellenc clips used by growers the clips now available are not UV stabilised and are shattering into many small pieces during processing, increasing the difficulty in removing them.

The continued use of plastic clips is not approved by processors. Alternatives are available & permanent metal clips are recommended. John Hunt has been using the clips pictured on his Shaw swingarm trellis with good results for several years.

The inexpensive 19 ml x 2.24 ml thick C clips, normally used for joining netting wire, are attached to the fixed middle wires with the gap in the clip facing out and up. This takes a little time initially but their use thereafter is a simple and quick operation.

The plastic clips are banned for use as they shatter during processing and are difficult to remove.

The metal clips are a better option to prevent contamination. Christmas Break Members are advised that the ADFA will be closed from COB on Tuesday 24 December until it reopens on Thursday 2 January 2003.

The ADFA Shop will close over Christmas and reopen on Monday 30 December 2002.

·-~J'·. ~ • I

~~'.:-;_ -:'S\<; ~DURA . -~~-;-'J("' . tttJj, ~f~, . - I ~ •. £~'":'/.f->--

•tRAPEVINE GRAFTLINGS & ROOTLINGS

• Serving Australian Viticulture for 50 years . • AVIA accredited Nursery • Vine Improvement sourced material. • Graftlings & Rootlings supplied as dormant 12 mth

old field grown or 4 mth I 12 mth old container grown in bio-degradable Plant Bands .

• Hot Water Treated. • Trichoderma protected. • Taking orders now for 2002 and beyond. • We also stock a full range of container grown:

Olive, Citrus, Avocado & PistachioTrees

<CJ ACCREDITED'

N-012

Sunraysia Nurseries, PO Box, Sturt Highway, GOL GOL, NSW, 2738 Ph: 03 5024 8502 Fax: 03 5024 8551 Email: sales@sunraysianurseries. com. au

Website: www.sunraysianurseries.com.au

Ashville Grape Harvesting

December 2002

MECHANICAL GRAPE HARVESTING All varieties of wine grapes and dried grapes

Single wire to 4ft wide trellis SWING ARM TRELLIS

Bin trailers provided for wine and dried grapes Reliable, up to date machine, Experienced operator

For more information please contact Ashley Munro 0428840235 or 50253305

ADFA Dried Fruits News - 15

POTASH & DRYING OIL

EARLY B RD OFFE

'1 !? ~ GL--r~owmart

,t

The Mildura Co-operativbe Fruit Co. Ltd. has had substantial investments in the Australian Dried Fruit industry for over 1 00 years.

It is the proud 50°/o sharholder of Sunbeam Foods and 1 00°/o owner of Growmart, its farm supplies division. Growmart has stores located

throughout Sunraysia. Growmart has developed significant expertise in dried fruit supplies and has a solid reputation for quality and reliabilty.

GROWMART IS AWARE OF PRESSURE ON PRICES OF DRYING SUPPLIES FOR 2003 CAUSED BY INCREASES IN THE COST OF

INGREDIENTS AS A RESULT OF THE DROUGHT. DRIED FRUIT GROWERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN WITH GROWMART

IN AN EARLY BIRD PROGRAM.

Growers wishing to participate should phone

1300 366 186 to register their interest.

i.t .. , _ tit . ~ tty-~ fa a e unity of ~raysia

Mildura - Coomealla - Red Cliffs - Nangiloc Nyah West - Wesfarmers (15th Street)

now at ROB/NVALE