After a period without a National Conference Summerfruit Australia Ltd (SAL) will be holding a ‘mini conference’ over the period 15–16 May 2023 in Moama (across the river from Echuca).

“As part of the industry’s – review, refocus, reset program – SAL has prepared a program of activities throughout the next few months to engage with the growers, exporters, crop monitors, researchers and allied industries,” said Summerfruit CEO Trevor Ranford.

“The ‘mini conference’ is the first of those activities. Hopefully this will lead to a full-blown national conference in 2024,” Mr Ranford said.

The agenda is export-oriented and will include industry speakers, case studies and experts. Catherine Wall from market research company, McKinna et al will act as MC and facilitate discussions.

The program will cover a broad range of topics including:

- ‘Post harvest technologies to improve stone fruit quality’ – an update of the work by Glenn Hale and John Lopestri, from Agriculture Victoria

- ‘TOPA marketing campaign’ – The industry’s major brand program as managed by Dean Morpeth and the TOPA team

- ‘Case study: Losing market access to China’ – presented by Jeff Scott, Australian Table Grape Association

- ‘Chemical use: How do you use MRL information in your spray programs’ – to be presented by SAL staff, including Guy Rischmueller and Charlotte Brunt

- ‘Nectarine drought recovery response to deficit irrigation’ – an update from Mark O’Connell from Agriculture Victoria.

One of the major components of the day will be the long-awaited release of the Summerfruit MRL and WHP App. Mr Ranford said while this has been a long time coming due to the complexity of the App with the four crops, SAL is sure it will be a great addition to the grower ‘tool kit’.

“During the program there will be plenty of panel discussions and the day will conclude with an industry ‘review, refocus and reset’ session. SAL is looking for strong and robust contributions from all in attendance.”

Mr Ranford said he is encouraging all of industry to attend this important event and start by networking with friends and colleagues at the industry dinner the evening before the workshop (15 May).

Further topics/issues will be covered at the Summerfruit Registration Roadshow to be held across the period 23–25 May and also at the ‘season wrap up’ linked with the SAL annual general meeting in late July.

“Come and support your industry and most importantly support those allied companies who have sponsored both the dinner and the forum,” Mr Ranford said.