update WA CITRUS

A HAPPY new year to all. I hope you’ve had time to catch up on rest and chores over summer before harvest starts. Bushfires north of Perth at the end of last year and the start of 2024 placed Bindoon and Gingin growers on alert. They navigated through the challenges of protecting property, power outages and limited internet access. Remaining vigilant, particularly with the persistent heatwaves from season to season, considering insurance and other strategies to minimise risk to our properties and businesses are front of mind.

As the industry assembles its calendar for the year, mark your schedules for upcoming events: Integrated pest and disease management activities, the launch of our upgraded WA Citrus website and your free pre-harvest testing program. There is a report on our performance in 2023 on the fruit quality front in this edition. At industry level, our committee is diligently working on determining the services the industry requires for 24/25 in order to set the fee for service (FFS) rate and budget.

“ Remaining vigilant ... considering insurance and other strategies to minimise risk to our properties and businesses are front of mind ”

It is with regret we accepted the resignation of Gingin grower Mary Ann O’Connor from WA Citrus. Mary Ann impressed all. She took to MC-ing industry days with enthusiasm; asked thoughtful questions – contributing to wider discussions– at committee meetings and industry events; and she and John hosted several field days on their orchard, promoting industry discussion on pruning, varieties and other issues. We look forward to seeing her and John at future industry days and regional forums. Thanks again Mary Ann!

One door closes, another opens... A position on the committee is now available. Please contact myself, Bronwyn or committee members if you would like to know more about being on the committee.

We at WA Citrus are ready for the year! All the best to all growers for the season ahead.