Industry: Persimmons
Gross value of production |
$0.053 m |
Number of growers |
1 |
Number employed |
1.5 |
Seasonal Labour |
1.5 |
Current annual production |
14 tonnes |
Hectares |
<3 |
1. Description of Product:
Subtropical fresh fruit, a variety of Asian origin (non astringent persimmon) commercially grown as opposed to the astringent variety of European origin grown in home gardens. Production of this Asian non astringent variety attracts a specific domestic market, and is suitable for export trade to Asia.
2. Location of the Industry:
There are two growers in the North East region, one at George's Creek, north east of Tallangatta in the midst of a livestock growing region, and the other at Wandiligong. For climatic reasons, there has been no commercial production to date from the Wandiligong orchard. Despite sub tropical nature of persimmon production, the crop is grown in most regions of Australia.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements:
a. Number of Producers:
1 (exclude producer not yet commercially viable).
b. Number Regularly Employed:
For the 3 hectare property, approximately 3 people working half time are required.
c. Seasonal Requirements
There are three peak periods, pruning, thinning, picking and packaging, labour requirements are as above, but more time involved.
4. Annual Production:
In 1995 3500 trays were produced, ie. 14 tonnes, however for variable reasons, this was a poorer crop than expected. In 1996 6000-7000 trays are expected to be produced. The persimmon tree does not reach full production for 10 years. This orchard was planted in 1986, and has been expanding ever since, therefore production will increase. The expectation is for a doubling of production annually over next few years.
5. Value of Product:
The value of the product depends on market supplied (export vs domestic), size of fruit etc, but average return approximately <$15/tray.
Gross value of production 1995 = $52,500
Gross value of production 1996 (projected) = $97,500
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
Production level will depend in part on seasonal factors eg. hail storm frost etc. However, current planting's have not yet reached full production and production has been doubling annually. Furthermore this enterprise expects to increase number of trees from 1500 to 2500-3000 within the next 5 years.
b. Potential:
This product in the Asian culture is as well accepted as the apple is in Australia. Therefore, export opportunities are substantial. The product is already successfully marketed in SE Asia where it is a valued product.
Although the fruit is regarded as sub tropical fruit, the tree will grow successfully in a wide climatic range (from Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland). However, by industry standards the North East region is particularly suited to persimmon production, although the tree is sensitive to frost.
Extracted from the Bright Report
