Victoria state report – Feb/Mar 2018

In the Goulburn Valley, pear crops are showing moderate to heavy production depending on the variety. Apples are also looking moderate to heavy, although crops are lighter than last season. In southern Victoria, apple crops are heavy with good quality seen throughout.

On the export side there is still a need for all pome fruit growers in Victoria to increase exports to lessen the domestic market pressure. Although there is currently funding available through Hort Innovation to facilitate exports, more is needed to assist growers and packers.

Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd (FGVL) has been working closely with the Goulburn Murray Valley Action Group in the fight against fruit fly. We have been contracted by the group to complete field work for orchard and some urban areas in an effort to reduce the potential risk of fruit fly.

FGVL recently saw the return of Michael Crisera as the growers services manager. Michael’s primary role over the past month has been to visit as many members as possible throughout Victoria as well as to co-ordinate various services that will benefit growers.

Silvana pears from the Goulburn Valley nearly ready for harvest.