ANNUAL INDUSTRY REPORT 08 • 09 These projects have been funded by HAL using the passionfruit levy and/or voluntary contributions from industry with matched funding from the Australian Government for all R&D activity. Passionfruit Growers vote YES to a national passionfruit marketing levy Many growers affected by the severe frosts and wet periods of 2007/08 lost a lot of vines and difficulties in sourcing virus-free replacement plants caused significant delays or for some the inability to replant. The closure of some processing plants also saw an increase in second grade fruit being sent to market, undermining the value of top grade fruit and resulting in diminished returns due to over-supply at some periods during the year. The start of 2008/09 commenced with long standing Australian Passionfruit Industry Association (APIA) executive member Keith Paxton stepping down as President and Scott Maltby elected as his replacement. The APIA executive committee and Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) then kicked into overdrive to commence formal consultation with growers throughout road shows and a series of field days held in regional areas to discuss the proposed passionfruit marketing levy. Both the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) were consulted throughout this process to ensure the process and ultimate voting on the marketing levy adhered to the DAFF levy principles and guidelines. Approximately 63 per cent of those passionfruit growers who exercised their right to vote by postal ballot sent to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), voted yes to the introduction of a marketing levy for passionfruit. This annual report provides a snapshot of the 2008/09 passionfruit industry research project activities funded via industry levies, as well as voluntary contributions and matched funding from the Australian Government through HAL. The program is managed in partnership Climate Change is increasingly becoming a significant topic for the horticulture industry. In 2007/08 the industry began contributing to the horticulture component of phase one of the national Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI). The aim of CCRSPI Phase One was to develop a comprehensive research strategy that will allow industries to be informed by good research and be prepared to respond to the opportunities and risks presented by climate change. The scope of the strategy will be broad, covering any issue that needs consideration over the short (3 years), medium (5+ years) and long term (10+ years). The research strategy and phase one final report is available from the CCRSPI website http://lwa.gov.au/ccrspi/. HAL is now contributing to phase two of the project in 2008/09 in collaboration with other Rural RDCs, CSIRO and Federal, State and Territory Governments. This phase aims to develop an implementation plan for the research strategy for 2009/10 onwards. with the Passionfruit IAC (i.e. the R&D committee), which meets with HAL at least twice a year to advise where levies should be invested based on the industry strategic plan. All levy payers are able to provide input into this process, and can contact their regional APIA representative or IAC member at any time to discuss what they feel the industry’s priorities should be. These projects are supported by a strong industry communication and consultation strategy funded through a Partnership Agreement project with HAL. Other R&D program highlights for 2008/09 included: The breeding and disease • management project (PF07001) continued to focus on breeding rootstocks with viral and fungal disease resistance; virus research and fungal disease control. continued on page 2
Transcript
ANNUAL INDUSTRY REPORT 08 • 09
These projects have been funded by HAL using the passionfruit levy and/or voluntary contributions from industry with matched funding from the Australian Government for all R&D activity.
PassionfruitGrowers vote YES to a national passionfruit marketing levyMany growers affected by the severe frosts and wet periods of 2007/08 lost a lot of vines and difficulties in sourcing virus-free replacement plants caused significant delays or for some the inability to replant.
The closure of some processing plants also saw an increase in second grade fruit being sent to market, undermining the value of top grade fruit and resulting in diminished returns due to over-supply at some periods during the year.
The start of 2008/09 commenced with long standing Australian Passionfruit Industry Association (APIA) executive member Keith Paxton stepping down as President and Scott Maltby elected as his replacement. The APIA executive committee and Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) then kicked into overdrive to commence formal consultation with growers throughout road shows and a series of field days
held in regional areas to discuss the proposed passionfruit marketing levy. Both the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) were consulted throughout this process to ensure the process and ultimate voting on the marketing levy adhered to the DAFF levy principles and guidelines. Approximately 63 per cent of those passionfruit growers who exercised their right to vote by postal ballot sent to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), voted yes to the introduction of a marketing levy for passionfruit.
This annual report provides a snapshot of the 2008/09 passionfruit industry research project activities funded via industry levies, as well as voluntary contributions and matched funding from the Australian Government through HAL. The program is managed in partnership
Climate Change is increasingly becoming a significant topic for the horticulture industry. In 2007/08 the industry began contributing to the horticulture component of phase one of the national Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI).
The aim of CCRSPI Phase One was to develop a comprehensive research strategy that will allow industries to be informed by good research and be prepared to respond to the opportunities and risks presented by climate change. The scope of the strategy will be broad, covering any issue that needs consideration over the short (3 years), medium (5+ years) and long term (10+ years). The research strategy and phase one final report is available from the CCRSPI website http://lwa.gov.au/ccrspi/.
HAL is now contributing to phase two of the project in 2008/09 in collaboration with other Rural RDCs, CSIRO and Federal, State and Territory Governments. This phase aims to develop an implementation plan for the research strategy for 2009/10 onwards.
with the Passionfruit IAC (i.e. the R&D committee), which meets with HAL at least twice a year to advise where levies should be invested based on the industry strategic plan. All levy payers are able to provide input into this process, and can contact their regional APIA representative or IAC member at any time to discuss what they feel the industry’s priorities should be. These projects are supported by a strong industry communication and consultation strategy funded through a Partnership Agreement project with HAL.
Other R&D program highlights for 2008/09 included:
The breeding and disease •management project (PF07001) continued to focus on breeding rootstocks with viral and fungal disease resistance; virus research and fungal disease control.
continued on page 2
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Testing fruit fly host status for new cultivarsThe Queensland fruit fly is one of the major quarantine pests. Market access for passionfruit from fruit fly endemic areas relies on the non-host status of unblemished fruit with dark skin and leathery rind (the purple type cultivars).
This non-host status allows fresh whole fruit to be sold in domestic markets and has led Australia to become the leading passionfruit producer in the world.
However, changing consumer preferences and demand for cultivars suitable for different geographic and climatic growing regions means the passionfruit industry is seeking to breed and select a range of new cultivars with a lighter colour and softer rind from Panama and purple type parents.
Some of these new cultivars have been tested for their market potential in the industry trial block in Duranbah, with the new Pandora cultivar appearing to be a suitable candidate for a future marketing strategy.
To further the development of these new cultivars, the Market Access Team of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) recently completed a research project to determine if three of the new cultivars (Pandora, Black Gem and
McGuffies), could also be classified as conditional non-hosts for the Queensland fruit fly.
While assessments of the blemished fruit from cultivars, including Pandora have shown passionfruit is generally a poor host for the Queensland fruit fly. Laboratory testing has revealed the pest is able to use unpunctured fruit as a host to complete immature development and produce viable adults.
The field and laboratory results also indicate blemishes and/or breaks in the fruit skin increase the risk of female fruit flies laying their eggs in the fruit.
While the empirical data has not demonstrated conditional non-host status for three of the new cultivars, further research to determine the host status of some of the other new cultivars will be undertaken.
This research project was funded by DPI&F Queensland, Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) and the Australian passionfruit industry.
Project PF07000
For more information contact:Edward Hamacek, Queensland DPI&FT 07 3896 9369E [email protected]
Project PF06004, continued the •breeding program with a focus on generating varieties suited to different growing regions. The technical expertise provided by Peasley Horticultural Services within these projects, has enabled a new variety trial block to be maintained. Further breeding to control virus issues in this trial has a strong linkage to project (PF07001) and investigation into vine decline.
The market access project (PF07000) •was completed investigating whether fruit fly host status freedom can be achieved for new cultivars, in addition to blemish free purple skinned varieties. While Pandora appears to generally be a poor host for fruit fly, data has not demonstrated conditional non-host status for three of the new cultivars, and further research is still required to determine the host status of some of the other new cultivars.
Despite the small size of the passionfruit research levy program, significant benefits and insights have already been achieved. More detail can also be obtained through the contacts listed at the end of each project summary, or through the HAL and APIA websites (www.horticulture.com.au; www.australianpassionfruit.com.au).
For more information contact:
Dr Kendle WilkinsonHAL Industry Services Manager433 Logan RdStones Corner Q 4120T 07 3394 8208E [email protected]
continued from page1
Growers vote YES to a national passionfruit marketing levy
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Disease management and breeding of passionfruit for improved quality and productivityVirus and fungal diseases are major constraints to productivity and the quality of passionfruit. This project aims to address these issues through breeding for disease resistance, improving knowledge of virus and fungal diseases, and evaluating new management strategies.
Rootstock breeding
Previously, in PF04001 a cross of ‘Heuston’ x P. incarnata was developed which had excellent virus and fungal disease resistance as well as cold tolerance, however, it did not set seed. The use of cuttings of this cross as a rootstock has been tested. The cuttings did not perform any better than ‘DPI’ and the plants had a ‘spindly’ habit and narrower stems than the cultivars being grafted on top and would be very difficult to manage in a nursery situation.
The best option for production of a new rootstock is back crossing ‘Heuston’ x P. incarnata to ‘DPI’. A superior vine of the cross of ‘Heuston’ x P. incarnata has been identified and has been the focus of the back-crossing program to restore fertility. Since January 2009 weekly backcrossing has been undertaken, fruit have set seed and seed will be collected
during autumn and winter 2009 as fruit mature.
Variety breeding
APIA’s breeding program consists of crossing high performing commercial varieties and planting the seedlings in the field for assessment. As plants raised from seed are free from virus, there is an opportunity to keep new varieties free from virus. As part of this project, tips of the seedlings are grafted and planted in the field for assessment. The rest of the plant is retained in the glasshouse to be kept free from infection. The vines in the field which perform well can then be propagated from virus free material.
Virus research
Forty-eight field grown vines of ‘Heuston’ x P. incarnata were assayed for passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV), passionfruit virus Y (PaVY), clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) and Passiflora latent virus (PLV). Despite many vines being symptomless, there were quite a few vines infected with a number of viruses and all vines except one tested positive for PLV. Of importance are the 11 vines which tested negative for PWV, PaVY and ClYVV.
To determine if these vines were resistant to PWV, PaVY and ClYVV, rather than having escaped infection, cuttings were taken of each of the 11 vines, established in the glasshouse and then artificially inoculated with each of the viruses. Five of these vines showed resistance and one of these vines had previously been identified as having other characteristics important to the breeding program, this vine is now the focus of the rootstock breeding program.
Fungal disease control
Spray trials showed that the use of paraffinic oil alone, which is used for insect control, reduced the severity and incidence of Septoria spot compared to untreated vines. Trials have been commenced which combine a commercial spray program with the application of paraffinic oil to determine if the oil provides additional disease control over the conventional commercial program.
Project PF07001
For more information contact:Jay Anderson, Queensland DPI&FT 07 38969511E [email protected]
Passionfruit Industry Advisory Committee Jay Anderson taking cuttings off Lacey.
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Demonstrating new production techniquesSuccess in any horticultural industry requires efficient production systems and the passionfruit industry is no different.
To assist growers improve their on-farm efficiency, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is funding a low cost demonstration project to evaluate a range of alternative production systems at Duranbah in NSW.
The purpose of the project is to provide clear data for growers on the suitability of the new production techniques ranging from trellising to soil improvement and insect control.
Trellis structures
One of the major requirements in passionfruit production is good trellising, with purple fruit traditionally grown on a single wire and panama types grown on an overhead pergola system or single wire.
To determine the most efficient trellising system, a field demonstration is currently being undertaken using both pergola and A-frame structures. Using different varieties, the project is assessing trellis performance in terms of yield, fruit quality, pest and disease levels and the productive life of vines.
Sixty vines (comprising six varieties) were planted in a new pergola in October and November 2008 and these are showing high yielding potential and fruit quality.
Natural mineral fertilisers
Another issue for the passionfruit industry is the potential for reduced biological, physical and chemical soil health due to continual use of synthetic or inappropriate fertilisers.
The application of natural mineral-based fertilisers may be one solution and a study is being undertaken to compare their performance with traditional synthetic fertiliser programs in terms of soil analysis, cost and vine performance.
The results from the soil analysis have shown comparable levels of plant nutrients, however, biological activity and plant vigour indicators are higher in the area treated with mineral fertilisers.
While significant cost savings have been achieved by applying natural mineral fertilisers, more detailed analysis of soil biological activity is not possible due to limited resources.
This year, eight new varieties have been planted in A-frames following the widespread disease outbreak which forced the removal of the initial 2006 vine plantings. Modifications have also been made to the apex of the A-frames.
Some of the newer varieties are showing outstanding growth and cropping potential in this production system, with yields from the first crop currently being recorded.
New pergola planting at the Duranbah trial block to compare the performance of six varieties.
Modified A-frame to encourage vines to close-in quickly and prevent sunburn of fallen fruit.
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Sweet Smother Grass has established well under the pergola system.
Birds, rats and hares have proven too much for the T-tape irrigation system.
Ground covers
Efficient passionfruit harvesting requires a low growing ground cover that minimises soil loss, is not too demanding in terms of nutrients and water, grows in shaded conditions, and does not damage falling fruit.
As the low growing ground cover sweet smother grass (Dactyloctenium australe) has shown potential for this role, its suitability is currently being assessed. So far the plantings under the A-frames and pergola have established extremely well and appear promising.
Pest controls
Routine cover spraying with insecticides upsets the natural biological control mechanisms for insect pests, so alternative methods for controlling Queensland fruit fly, scale, mealy bug and mite pests are being investigated. These methods include using bait, sprays, male and female attractants and natural biological control insects.
The pest and disease control program has been intensified this year to maintain a commercial spray interval program for controlling fungus diseases. To date, effective disease control has been achieved and varieties with poor disease resistance have been culled.
Control of Queensland fruit fly and other insect pests has been achieved through a program of regular bait spraying and placing attractants, while natural control agents have been used to control scale and mealy bug insects.
Water usage
The challenge of minimising water usage while applying it efficiently is very important in commercial production.
Although low cost application is possible using T-tape, its sustained use in passionfruit production has not been assessed. To provide growers with more information, the suitability of this approach is currently being trialled.
The research work on these new production systems was due for completion at the end of May 2009. Following the unfavourable weather conditions of 2008 that required the trial area to be replanted, an extension to the project was proposed, however, the low level of funds available from levies has left insufficient funds available.
Trial work will continue, but will remain unfunded for 2009/10. Some data will continue to be collected and the results included in the final project report.
Project PF06003
For more information contact:David Peasley, Peasley Horticultural ServicesT 02 6677 7174E [email protected]
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Developing new commercial varietiesBreeding new varieties with better resistance to pests and diseases, improved productivity and fruit quality that satisfies consumer requirements are the highest R&D priorities for the passionfruit industry.
In recent years new varieties have succumbed to declining yields, shorter productive vine life and declining vigour and fruit quality. While the causes have been linked to genetic deterioration and increasing virus concentration and combination, more research is needed to identify ways to tackle these problems.
The diverse geographic and climatic conditions in passionfruit growing regions also means the industry needs access to a range of varietal characteristics.
Annual breeding program
To meet this challenge, the passionfruit industry needs to expand its genetic base to incorporate new and desirable characteristics into the varieties available for commercial production.
As a means of achieving this, the field trial site in Duranbah maintains a
release, with the entire process taking around six years.
This year the number of crossed progeny was increased to 500 and the program was expanded to a site at Bundaberg to allow evaluation of the potential new varieties under commercial conditions. Of the 441 vines planted, 23 were selected from the six crossing combinations for further evaluation.
The remaining crossed vines, as well as progeny from the Misty Gem x Selection 1 crossing program, were planted at the Duranbah trial site. These plantings include some exciting prospects, with 22 per cent of the 32 candidate vines selected for further evaluation.
One selection from the 2007 crossing program, Number C-28-15 or Samba, has shown outstanding cropping and fruit quality potential. It has been grafted and forwarded to all regional growers participating in the trial for commercial evaluation. If it continues to perform well, the new variety could be released this year for limited planting.
The results of internal quality testing and consumer taste evaluation of both Samba and McGuffies Red (a Panama fruit) have been outstanding in terms of sweetness, pulp content, appearance and shelf life.
As part of the breeding program, approximately 3,000 seeds from eight crosses conducted in the 2008 crossing program have been sent to a nursery in Bundaberg for germination and grafting.
Sally and Peter Griffiths with Ross Brindley (centre) selecting and culling candidate vines at Ross’s Bundaberg plantation.
The Samba cultivar has shown outstanding sweetness, appearance, pulp recovery and taste.
McGuffies Red continues to impress as an outstanding panama variety in the subtropics.
genetic pool of passionfruit selections from which annual cross-breeding is undertaken. Seedling progeny from the crosses of nominated parents are raised in the nursery and grafted onto disease-resistant rootstock before planting out.
The breeding program includes an inspection and culling process during the first cropping period, followed by further testing for internal fruit quality and consumer acceptance. The testing uses objective scoring criteria before candidate vines are recommended for
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Ex-plant breeder Peter Beal assisted in crossing the virus-resistant P. incarnata with P. flavicarpa to develop a better rootstock.
The grafted vines will be planted at both Bundaberg and Duranbah, with some growers also participating.
Crosses have also been performed to develop a better rootstock. The cross between virus resistant P. incarnata and existing standard Flavicarpa rootstock is aimed at eliminating virus contamination of scion material and providing enhanced vigour.
Overcoming virus problems
Understanding and overcoming the virus problem facing the passionfruit industry is the focus of the next phase of R&D.
New varieties may remain viable longer if the problem can be managed more effectively, making further investigation of the problem essential.
A virus management workshop held in December 2008 identified short, medium and long-term strategies to address the problem of virus contamination of nursery and field plantings. These strategies include reintroduction of the scion accreditation scheme, cleaning of existing varieties by heat therapy and establishment of secure vector-proof mother plantings to protect clean material from re-infection.
Supporting the industry
To assist the industry’s ongoing development, this project also
The meThod behind The PassionfruiT – haL ParTnershiP agreemenT ProgramAll projects in the passionfruit
industry program are supported by a
strong industry communication and
consultation strategy which is funded
through a Partnership Agreement
project with HAL.
Partnership Agreement activities are
funded by HAL using the passionfruit
R&D levy and a voluntary contribution
from APIA with matched funds from
the Australian Government. These
matched funds enable APIA to
undertake:
The Annual Levy Payers Meeting •(ALPM).
A communications program •incorporating the Passion Vine newsletter and the industry website.
The IAC secretariat function provided •by Zeki Murad.
A program consultation that enables •the IAC Committee Members to meet with HAL and advise in regard to the allocation and management of the national R&D program.
More specifically, the general consultation element of the Partnership
Agreement covers the participation
and/or input at the Passionfruit IAC,
HAL Industry Forums, HAL/APIA
Board consultation meetings as well as
other formal and informal consultation
between personnel of both APIA and
HAL. All costs are reviewed annually by
APIA and HAL.
Project PF07900
For more information:Dr Kendle Wilkinson HAL Industry Services ManagerT 07 3394 8208E [email protected]
provides regular technical support to the Australian Passionfruit Industry Association (APIA) at executive meetings, field days and levy payer meetings. However, reduced funding from grower levies means this support will be more limited in the final year of the project.
Some activities will continue, however, as the project has received a 12-month extension. This is designed to bring it into line with the major integrated
Marketing levy submitted to the Australian GovernmentThe passionfruit marketing levy submission has been submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for consideration.
The Australian Passionfruit Industry Association (APIA) undertook a process of consultation with growers regarding the possibility of introducing a new marketing levy.
The process followed the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry’s 12 point guidelines for levy introduction. Industry consultation took place through face to face meetings in the main growing areas. The rationale for the new levy was presented to growers and their input was sought on the amount of financing to be raised through the levy. All comments and feedback were noted and taken into account. The proposed levy amount and mode of collection was set based on the feedback and put to a postal vote through a ballot with the Australian Electoral Commission. The result of the ballot was positive, returning a greater than 50 per cent vote for the new levy introduction.
If approved by DAFF the next phase is to allow for any opposition to the levy to raise the support of at least 50 per cent of the grower base against the levy to halt the process. If there is no significant opposition the Government then moves to change the relevant legislation to make the levy a statutory obligation for growers to pay.
Following the official announcement of production and statutory levy the passionfruit industry would need to accumulate funds to commence marketing activities. It is envisaged that with HAL’s assistance the marketing strategy would be fine tuned with relevant annual campaigns launched and monitored for effectiveness.
Growers should feel free to contribute to the development of the marketing
appropriate use of funds because of the limitation of targeting the appropriate sector of the population. However this mode of publicity remains a fear with some growers that the limited amount of funds might be used wastefully in this way.
All passionfruit growers will have seen poor presentation of fruit in the major retailers. Unfortunately it is believed that some retailers use passionfruit, and other exotic tropical fruits, as a statement of the variety of fruit they sell, rather than to provide good quality passionfruit consistently. Therefore APIA requested a marketing levy to additionally fund the development of improved information to show retailers how to sell passionfruit. The funding will also work to liaise with retailers to intervene and try to improve the situation.
It is believed also that the majority of passionfruit is sold outside of the major supermarkets even though most of us do our main weekly shopping at these supermarkets. Therefore presenting better fruit to customers at these stores is essential if we want to get repeat purchases, regardless of the variety, and to take advantage of the retailing power of the larger stores.
The new marketing levy, if approved by DAFF, is likely to be implemented by the latter half of 2009, and would require at least six months to accumulate sufficient finances to begin to implement marketing activities. Therefore at this stage it is likely that the marketing campaigns would only start from the beginning of financial year 2010/11.
Project PF07002
For more information contact:Zeki Murad, Crescent PMCT 07 3851 0917E [email protected]
strategy through the annual roadshow process which has recently become a regular feature of the APIA calendar.
What will the proposed levy hope to achieve?
As with all national compulsory levies the proposed marketing levy funding will be collected through the Levies Revenue Service and it is proposed that the funds raised be managed through HAL as the passionfruit R&D Levy is currently.
Marketing activities are not eligible for matched funding through HAL. Therefore the amount raised, after management charges, will be used on marketing activity to leverage good results for the financial outlay incurred.
A draft marketing plan has been developed by HAL that aims to:
Grow market share in line with •production.
Stabilise the prices received by •growers over the year by the appropriate use of marketing and promotion.
Increase consumer awareness •of new passionfruit varieties and their improved taste, the nutritional benefits of passionfruit and passionfruit as an alternative fresh fruit option.
Identify new export possibilities. •
The plan recommends retail promotion activities such as in-store promotions and sampling, the use of point of sale material to inform retailers and consumers, public relations and joint marketing work with marketers to ensure the proposed improvements. The marketing promotion campaigns would be managed through HAL and APIA and carried out by contract providers according to the marketing plans.
The use of advertising on television and radio is not thought to be an
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reLaTionshiPs and roLes reLaTing To haL ProgramsHorticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is a not-for-profit industry owned company. Its role is to manage the expenditure of funds collected by the Australian Government on behalf of horticulture industries.
HAL invests $85 million annually in projects to benefit horticulture industries.
An industry advisory committee (IAC) is established for each industry with a statutory levy and annual income exceeding $150,000. The IAC is a subcommittee of the HAL Board. It makes recommendations to HAL on the expenditure of funds.
The peak industry body (PIB) for an industry is responsible for recommending to HAL the establishment of, and any changes to, statutory levies. The PIB for an industry with a statutory levy recommends membership of the IAC to HAL and must demonstrate how the skills required on an IAC are met by the persons they recommend for appointment to the committee.
For more information please visit www.horticulture.com.au
ConsuLTaTion fundingConsultation funding is paid by HAL to cover costs for IAC meetings, annual levy payers’ meetings and costs within the partnership agreement between HAL and the member industry that are specified as consultation, for example R&D program consultation. In 2008/09 $16,199 of consultation funding was provided to the Australian Passionfruit Association.
Productivity and Adding Value
Improve the productivity and profitability of existing industries and support the development of viable new industries.
Supply Chain and Markets
Better understand and respond to domestic and international market and consumer requirements and improve the flow of such information through the whole supply chain, including to consumers.
Natural Resource Management
Support effective management of Australia’s natural resources to ensure primary industries are both economically and environmentally sustainable.
Climate Variability and Climate Change
Build resilience to climate variability and adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Biosecurity
Protect Australia’s community, primary industries and environment from biosecurity threats.
Innovation Skills
Improve the skills to undertake research and apply its findings.
Technology
Promote the development of new and existing technologies.
Productivity and Adding Value (46.6%)
Supply Chain and Markets (16.7%)
Natural Resources Management (5.0%)
Climate Variability and Climate Change (1.7%)
Biosecurity (10.0%)
Innovation Skills (10.0%)
Technology (10.0%)
Percentage by value of Passionfruit 09
ausTraLian governmenT PrioriTiesAs part of the Australian Government’s commitment to rural research and development, horticulture industries can access matching Commonwealth funding through HAL for all research and development activities.
The Australian Government’s Rural Research and Development Priorities aim to foster innovation and guide R&D effort in the face of continuing economic, environmental and social change. HAL’s operations are closely aligned with these priorities.
This chart shows the proportion of projects in HAL’s passionfruit R&D program against each of the Australian Government priorities for rural research and development. Full details across all industries are available in HAL’s annual report at www.horticulture.com.au
Investing in Australian horticulture
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Project No
TitleProject start
Project completion
Organisation Contact
Outcome 1 Enhance the efficiency, transparency, responsiveness and integrity of the supply chain for the total industry to provide clear market signals
AH08011 A baseline survey of knowledge, attitudes, approaches and aspirations regarding contamination management
31 Jul 08 31 Jan 09 Instinct and Reason David Donnelly 02 9283 2233
AH08012 Country of origin labelling research project 1 Oct 08 31 Oct 08 Horticulture Australia Limited
David Chenu 02 8295 2300
MT07029 Managing pesticide access in horticulture 1 Jul 07 30 Jun 10 AgAware Consulting Pty Ltd
Peter Dal Santo 03 5439 5916
Outcome 2 Maximise the benefits of horticultural products in the eyes of consumers, influencers and government
AH07006 Promoting the health advantage of fruit and vegetable to increase their consumption
1 Jul 07 30 Jun 10 Horticulture Australia Limited
Chris Rowley 02 8901 0329
Outcome 3 Position horticulture to compete in a globalised environment
AH07002 HAL market access coordination 1 Jul 07 30 Jun 09 Stephen Winter & Associates Pty Ltd
Stephen Winter 03 9832 0787
AH07003 Market access support program 30 Jun 08 30 Jun 09 Horticulture Australia Limited
Kim James 08 6389 1407
AH08010 Workshop on quantitative methods applied to horticultural improvement
16 Jul 08 30 Sep 08 Australia Crop Genetic Services
Craig Hardner 07 3346 9465
Outcome 4 Achieve long term viability and sustainability for Australian horticulture
AH07031 Peri-urban horticulture and land use planning: Literature Review & ‘Tool-kit’
1 Apr-08 31 Oct 08 GHD Luke Jewell 02 9241 5655
AH08002 Horticulture Water Initiative 2008/09 1 Jul 08 30 Jun 09 Horticulture Australia Limited
Alison Turnbull 02 8295 2300
AH08003 Analysis of Horticulture’s carbon footprint 15 Jan 09 31 May 09 Horticulture Australia Limited
Alison Turnbull 02 8295 2300
AH08014 Horticulture industry consultation on Award modernisation
17 Nov 08 30 Apr 09 Horticulture Australia Limited
Ravi Hegde 02 8295 2300
The passionfruit industry contributes funding towards an across industry program that addresses issues affecting all of horticulture. Details of the current program are listed below. A full report of the program can be found at www.horticulture.com.au/industry/acrossindustry.asp.
Across Industry Program
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Passionfruit Program 2008/09Project No
Project titleLevy or VC
Project start
Project completion
Organisation Contact
PF06003 New production systems for passionfruit Levy 14 Jul 06 30 May 09 Peasley Horticultural Services
David Peasley 02 6677 7174
PF06004 Provision of technical support to the passionfruit industry
Levy 1 Jul 06 30 May 10 Peasley Horticultural Services
David Peasley 02 6677 7174
PF07000 Fruit fly host status testing of a new passionfruit cultivar for interstate market access
Levy 4 Aug 07 30 Sep 08 QLD Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries
Edward Hamacek 07 3896 9369
PF07001 Disease management and breeding of passionfruit for improved quality and productivity
Levy 31 Oct 07 31 Dec 10 QLD Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries
Jay Anderson 07 3896 9511
PF07002 Establishment of a marketing levy for the Australian passionfruit industry
VC 7 Apr 08 30 Mar 09 Crescent PMC Zeki Murad 07 3851 0917
PF08900 /10
Partnership Agreement/Consultation Funding
Levy and VC
1 Jul 08 30 Jun 11 Horticulture Australia Limited
Kendle Wilkinson 07 3394 8208
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Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 8295 2300 F 02 8295 2399 www.horticulture.com.au
Financial Report
Kendle Wilkinson Industry Services ManagerHorticulture Australia Limited (HAL)
