The Citrus Segment: Episode Summary

Host: Kerrie (Lush) Robertson
Guest: Mark Doecke, Chair of Citrus SA

In this episode of The Citrus Segment, we catch up with Mark Doecke, to discuss the current state of the citrus season in South Australia and other industry updates.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Current Citrus Season Overview:
• The season has seen good tonnages and high-quality fruit, leading to increased packing shed throughput.
• The favourable conditions from a normal spring and summer have positively impacted fruit quality.
2. Impact of Weather Conditions:
• Recent rains and frosts have not significantly harmed the fruit. In fact, they have helped improve the quality and colour of the citrus.
3. Export and Domestic Sales:
• The majority of the fruit is being exported, particularly to Asia, with smaller shipments to America and India.
• Domestic sales are steady, and high-quality exports have prevented the usual surplus in the domestic market.
4. Juice Market Trends:
• Juice prices are notably high due to a global shortage, making even typically low-value juice fruit profitable this year.
5. Upcoming Adelaide Show Preparations:
• The Citrus SA is gearing up for another big year at the Royal Adelaide Show, with plans to engage visitors through freshly squeezed juices, fruit displays, and educational initiatives.
6. Promoting the Citrus Industry:
• Citrus SA is collaborating with "South Aussie with Cosi" to promote the industry through television and social media, while emphasizing the importance of keeping South Australia fruit fly-free.
7. Fruit Fly Management Efforts:
• Significant progress has been made in controlling the fruit fly population, with certain areas being fruit fly-free for over a year. The Port Augusta facility plays a crucial role in this effort.
8. National Water Agreement Consultation:
• Mark discusses the recent consultation on the National Water Initiative and its implications for water management in Australia, including the Murray-Darling Basin.
9. Upcoming Citrus S.A. AGM:
• The AGM is scheduled for October 11th at 10am at the Riverland Event Centre, focusing on financial strategies following Costa Farms' decision to reclaim their levies, and featuring a trade display for growers.

Closing Remarks:

Don't forget to read more about these topics in the latest Citrus S.A. newsletter available on their website. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the citrus industry in our next episode.