update WA CITRUS

NOT the least of our challenges were the consecutive days of extreme heat experienced in February, resulting in severe sunburn and fruit drop in Carnarvon, as well as increased levels in West Gingin. Unfortunately, this situation is not forecast to improve and has the potential to get worse. We look forward to seeing the trial results exploring the use of netting as a potential management option.

Our internal fruit quality standards have helped raise the confidence of WA consumers and buyers of our fruit. Achieving the 95% pass rate for WA grown citrus, first set as our goal in 2021, continues to remain a key focus for our industry. A drop in last season’s pass rate reinforces the valuable opportunity to make better use of our preharvest testing program.

New growers to the industry have been taking advantage of the program as part of their harvest planning. This year, consider sending in your fruit for preharvest testing to help fine tune your harvest timing from season to season. See page 82 for the 2025 season industry results.

Market access remains an essential part of our industry for both domestic and export markets. The challenge of meeting market access protocols has been raised regularly with Citrus Australia and other stakeholders. Whether it relates to audit and protocol costs, inconsistencies between auditors, or the overall paperwork burden, it continues to affect businesses of all sizes. Over February members of industry provided feedback to the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on the impact of the latest proposed cost recovery policy for export.

The Committee is reviewing industry priorities and considering whether a new industry development project is needed to support delivery of the industry strategy from July 2027. If you have any ideas on priorities for the industry, please contact myself or a committee member.

Finally, to support our industry, please consider being a field day host or nominating for the Committee. Industry events for the year are outlined in this edition, with follow-up details provided via the eNewsletter.

As always, thank you for your continued contribution to the industry, and on behalf of the Committee, I wish everyone a safe, productive and successful season ahead.