Citrus Forum 2017 From the Market to the Tree John

Transcript:Citrus Forum 2017 From the Market to the Tree John:
Citrus Forum 2017 From the Market to the Tree John Chavarria Mildura, 01-March-2017 Presentation Notes This presentation is based on my practical experience and my current knowledge of markets and varieties and I apologise if any relevant details and varieties have been overlooked unintentionally Global market approach combined with local knowledge Holistic understanding of new varieties rather than a detailed description of all current varieties Presentation Notes Acknowledgements: Great job done by Citrus Australia, DOA (AQIS), government officials,… granting access to new markets Good follow up by the exporters developing the markets Dynamic breeders and commercialises of varieties making new varieties available to the industry Strong evaluation and local knowledge of the new varieties to transfer onto growers Very dynamic growers taking on board the new varieties John Chavarria Background Horticultural Science degree and Masters in Citrus from the University of Valencia in Spain Working in Australia since 1993 (24 years) Working for MFC with Bill Robinson (Grower Services Manager) for 22 years Have formed a very strong relationship with MFC growers Have taken 8 MFC grower trips to Spain including one in two weeks time of 44 people Spanish Industry is 10 times the size of the Australian Industry Spain is the largest fresh Citrus exporter in the World, although not the biggest grower John Chavarria Background During this time – worked in the field, packing shed (post harvest) & marketing Last 15 years have been visiting and working with MFC growers 2-3 times per year Consulted in a number of other Countries including – Spain, USA, Chile, Mexico, China Manage citrus export program from Spain to USA and also to Asian markets Lived in the USA (Florida) for 2 years in 2014 and 2015 Changing Markets Markets drive varieties & ultimately the profitability in the orchard Varieties, cultural practices and rootstocks to meet market requirements TALK TO YOUR PACKER before deciding on new varieties The need for new markets was triggered by the decline of the USA market a number of years ago due to competition and poor exchange rates The economic down-turn and exchange rate in Japan (1st class to composite) This market has now recovered for 1st class and composite The Citrus Industry had to look for other markets to remain viable Changing Markets Need a good balance of markets NEED FOR DIFFERENTIATION good quality high brix good colour clean (low residue) New and exciting markets