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Stone fruit industry statistics from 2004
Summary
Stone fruit is small contributor to GVP within the AlpValleys region.
The stone fruit industry is dominated by peaches (81% of GVP) with
apricots, nectarines, plums and prunes making up the remainder. Almost
99% of GVP is produced within Wangaratta Rural City, particularly
in the Warby Ranges.
North East Region |
1996 – 97
AG Census |
2000 – 01
AG Census |
Gross value of production |
$539,127 |
$909,198 |
Production volume (kg) |
269,967 |
402,451 |
Contribution to Victorian GVP
of commodity |
1.0% |
0.9% |
Contribution to Australian
GVP of commodity |
0.3% |
0.4% |
Estimated number of farms |
37 |
25 |
Source: ABS Agricultural Census 1997 and 2001
Stone fruit industry overview
Detail |
Comments |
Product description |
Fresh fruit including peaches, apricots, nectarines,
plums (and prunes) |
Main season |
February to May. |
Industry associations |
AlpValleys Summer Fruit Growers Association. |
Domestic market information |
Most fruit is sold through Sydney and Brisbane
market agents, with some produce being sold through both local
and Melbourne Farmers Markets. |
Export market information |
Opportunistic, and usually via Brisbane market
agents: UK, New Caledonia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore
(fumigation for fruit fly is required for Asian Markets). |
Source: AAVAF Survey 2004
Stone fruit grown
in the AlpValleys is mostly grown in conjunction with cherries.
About 28 growers produce stone fruit with 3 – 4
growers operating at a fully commercial scale. Regional produce
is predominantly sold through the Brisbane and Sydney markets, with
some export occurring from there. Stone fruit producers are competing
against some other southern hemisphere producers – primarily
Chile and South Africa. The main production area sits within
a fruit fly exclusion zone, with minor outbreaks controlled locally.
The AlpValleys Summer Fruit Growers Association has led targeted
approaches to the reduction of fruit fly outbreaks in nearby
Wangaratta.
Oman Orchards have developed packing facilities which are used by
4 – 5 other growers for both cherries and stone fruit. This
allows for fruit sales through single agents with shared transport
and handling costs.
Location of the stone fruit industry within North East Victoria
2001 Ag Census |
%
of GVP |
%
of farms for commodity (1997) |
North East Region |
Victoria |
North East Region |
Victoria |
Alpine Shire |
Less than 1% |
|
14.0% |
0.30% |
Indigo Shire |
1.0% |
0% |
18.3% |
0.39% |
Towong Shire |
0% |
0% |
4.7% |
0.10% |
Wangaratta (RC) |
98.5% |
0.8% |
63.0% |
1.33% |
Source: ABS Agricultural Census - 2001
Projected stone fruit industry growth
New plantings of stone fruit are continuing, as well as replacement
of varieties to meet consumer demand for dessert peaches and nectarines.
Production volumes are continuing to increase with about 3 – 4
growers operating fully commercially.
Stone fruit industry labour requirements
Seasonal labour is required for harvesting. Up to 25 people for
larger orchards during peak periods with additional packing house
casual labour required.
Stone fruit industry marketing activities
Detail |
Comments |
Marketing undertaken |
Through agents and industry associations. |
Value adding activities |
Further information required. |
Labels and brands |
Omaru Orchards, Auldstone Cellars, Smiths of
Taminick, Kelly Country Orchards |
Stone fruit industry strategic advantages and opportunities
- Later fruit production than other regions
- Good base for joint
marketing and cooperation
- Good granitic soil
types, access to rainfall water and irrigation water
- Good demand
for quality fruit (different to Goulburn Valley product)
- Core group professional growers with reasonable sized properties
- Professional
growers able to respond positively to changing consumer and market
demands
- Strong relationships with customers and agents
Stone fruit industry strategic disadvantages and impediments to
growth
- Not mainstream harvest trail area for backpackers; issues with
seasonal labour retention and availably
- Start up costs may be a
barrier to entry for new producers (infrastructure, water, tress,
equipment, land costs)
- Entry of new hobby farmers, unaware of
market and production pitfalls
- Water availability of concern (especially
regarding irrigation and farm dams)
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