Vol 07 Issue 3 - August 2007

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August 2007

Regional Grower Meetings

Drought Update

Almond Industry Conference

Prune Rust: Improving Management

Almond Demonstration Sites

www.australianalmonds.com.au

Introducing Bronte McCarthy ABA is pleased to announce the appointment of Bronte McCarthy in the position of Finance Manager. In addition to managing financial and legal responsibilities of both ABA and ANIC, Bronte will also focus on extending our industry statistics collection program. Bronte worked in the shipping industry for 10 years, followed by 11 years as the Accountant/Deputy District Clerk for the District Council of Barossa. In 1995 he took on the role of Accountant at the Renmark Hotel for 5 years, after which he moved to the Australian Hotels Association (SA

Regional Grower Meetings

Adelaide Region Virginia Horticulture Centre Lunch Meeting Friday, August 24 at 1.30pm Riverina Region Bagtown Inn Motel Dinner Meeting Wednesday, August 29 at 6.30pm Sunraysia Region Hotel Mildura Lunch Meeting Friday, August 31 at 10.00am Riverland Region Berri Resort Hotel Lunch Meeting Tuesday ,September 4 at 10.00am

Branch) as Finance Manager. Bronte worked for a short period with an electrical contracting company in the Barossa Valley before making the move back to the industry association sector with the Almond Board. We are delighted to welcome Bronte as a full-time member of our team.

contents

Drought workshop review

Agenda will include updates on drought information, R&D projects and ABA activities

HAC - Ongoing Murray Darling Basin Discussions

Drought Information

Almond Demonstration Sites

Almond Prune Rust - Improving Management

8-9

Congratulations!

Nuts for Life

Pollination Alliance Funding

Congratulations to our Technical Officer, John Kennedy, his wife Bec, and their daughter Georgia (2 yrs), on the recent addition to their family. John “Rex” Rexford Kennedy was born on Thursday, 2 nd August at the Berri Regional Hospital. Rex weighed eight pounds two ounces, and both mum and John Jr are doing very well.

Annual Industry Conference

Chemical Permits

Pest & Disease Control Guide - Feedback Request 13

PHA - Protecting Livelihoods & Lifestyles

Food Safety Guidelines

In a Nutshell The Almond Board of Australia is the peak industry body representing the interest of almond growers, processors and marketers in Australia in matters of national importance including regulation, legislation, marketing research and development. In a Nutshell will be published quarterly in February, May, August and November to bring news to all industry contacts and members. Membership The Almond Board of Australia offers membership to growers, processors, marketers and interested parties. Annual fees are: Full Membership: $110

this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of the Almond Board of Australia and unless otherwise specified, no products and/or services are endorsed by this organisation Editor Jo Ireland Communications Coordinator Almond Board of Australia 9 William Street, PO Box 2246 BERRI SA 5343 t +61 8 8582 2055 f +61 8 8582 3503 e jireland@australianalmonds.com.au w www.australianalmonds.com.au These projects were facilitated by HAL in partnership with the Almond Board of Australia. They were funded by the R&D levy and/or voluntary contributions from industry. The Australian Government provides matched funding for all HAL’s R&D activities.

ATO - Asset Depreciation Values

DAFF Secretary Visit

MIS Involvement in Horticulture

Farmsafe Awards

Feature Recipe

Calender of Events

Edition

Booking Deadline

Advertising Deadline

Associate Membership: $66 Australian Nutgrower: $66

November 2007

October 1

October 31

Advertising/Editorial The Almond Board of Australia acknowledges contributions made by private enterprise through placement of advertisements in this publication. Any advertising and/or editorial supplied to

February 2008

January 1

January 31

May 2008

April 1

April 30

August 2008

July 1

July 31

2 In A Nutshell—August 2007

www.australianalmonds.com.au

Almond Board of Australia 2007/08 MEMBERSHIP

A reminder that ABA memberships are now due, with 2007/08 fees as follows:

 Full Membership is available to almond growers, processors and marketers for $110.  Associate Membership is available to industry service providers and interested parties for $66.

 ABA aims to keep members informed through a range of activities including:  presentation of the Annual Almond Industry Conference  distribution of the ABA’s quarterly newsletter “In a Nutshell”  field days and regional meetings  technical articles and ABA news in the “Australian Nutgrower” Journal  collection and distribution of industry statistics  access to regularly updated information via the ABA website.

Why become a member of the ABA?

 As a member you have a direct say about the future of the industry and direct access to our organisation.  ABA is the peak industry body for the Australian Almond industry, representing and promoting the interests of almond growers, processors and marketers.  ABA has undertaken industry-wide consultation to develop an Industry Strategic Plan which establishes funding priorities for the industry’s R&D and marketing programs.  ABA aims to support our rapidly increasing industry by encouraging effective communication and co-operation between industry members.

Membership applications forms are available from ABA office or www.australianalmonds.com.au

Further information contact: Phone: +61 8 8582 2055 Email: admin@australianalmonds.com.au

www.australianalmonds.com.au

As a service to our members the ABA compiles a list of Australian Almond Industry Service providers, which is published on our web- site and included in Information Kits for new growers/interested parties. We encourage all industry service providers to add their de- tails to this list. The list is provided as a source of reference for the Australian Almond Industry. The entries are not preferential, nor is

the list comprehensive. If you would like your company added to this list please contact the Almond Board of Australia at admin@australianalmonds.com.au for an application form.

After many months of planning and preparation the ABA has now relocated into a new office premises in Berri, SA. ABA welcomes Riverland Horticultural Council (RHC) and their Training team as joint tenants in our building. Staff have settled in well to their new surroundings and its now back to work as usual for the ABA team. Our new contact details: Almond Board of Australia PO Box 2246 9 William Street Berri SA 5343 T: +61 8582 2055 F: +61 8582 3503 ABA has moved

Our friendly receptionist, Rachel Swanson, pictured at the ABA’s new office

www.australianalmonds.com.au

In A Nutshell—August 2007

More than 70 people attended the ABA’s Drought Workshop held in Renmark on 14 th June. An extensive program on the day focused on provided growers with an overview of the current situation and explored a range of management tools and strategies. Hon Karlene Maywald, SA Minister for River Murray attended the workshop and provided an update on the outlook for future and current allocations in South Australia. Other presentations on the day included: Murray Darling Water Supply – Latest Outlook for S.A Jarrod Eaton (Senior Policy Officer, DWLBC) Update on inflows and storages, water allocation outlook, probabilities, weather forecasts, new accounting systems, carryover issues, storage operation outlook & compliance Murray Darling Water Supply – Latest Outlook for Vic. Owen Russell (General Manager, Lower Murray Water) Water allocation outlook, probabilities, weather forecasts, carryover issues, storage operation outlook & compliance Bob O’Brien (Managing Director, Percat Water) Latest water market information and trends, leasing water & buying water Water Budgeting and Decision Making Tools David Pocock & Mark Skewes (PIRSA Rural Solutions) Water budgeting guidelines, ICMS weekly allocation tool (Excel © spreadsheet), ICMS seasonal allocation tool (Excel © spreadsheet) Drought Workshop Review

SA Drought Link Hotline David Pocock (PIRSA Rural Solutions) Centre Link, Counselling & Exceptional Circumstances Almond Grower Experiences & Discussion Session CT Farm Trial - Low Water Treatment (John Kennedy)

Fruit Doctors (James Altmann) Jubilee Almonds (Brendan Sidhu)

Copies of the above presentations are available from the ABA office.

L to R: PIRSA Rural Solutions - David Pocock, ABA CEO - Julie Haslett, DWLBC - Jarrod Eaton, Minister Karlene Maywald, Almondco General Manager - Brenton Woolston, ABA ILM - Ben Brown

4 In A Nutshell—August 2007

www.australianalmonds.com.au

Drought Assistance Where can I get infor- Please find below a list of useful websites and phone numbers for drought assistance and water conservation measures:

Horticulture in Ongoing Discussions with Government on the Murray Darling Basin Crisis

delegation

from

staggering for regional Australia. The industry delegation gave an update on the current water/plant survival situation. Industry agrees that, as a ‘rule of thumb’ for permanent plantings, less than 48% of normal annual allocation from 1 November - over the critical summer window to March 2008 - would see, at “best”, severe disruption to the plants’ productivity for several years; and at worst, massive and unprecedented death of plantings along the MDB. this crisis. Industry was pleased to see that some measures are already in place. Centrelink recently launched the Murray Darling Basin Assistance Package, which has picked up on previous industry recommendations, such as flexible delivery as well as greater provision of information on Government assistance measures. Minister McGauran assured the delegation that the Government was willing to consider further assistance measures in the event of such a widespread The delegation heard an update from DAFF and Centrelink officials on disaster relief measures to meet

Horticulture Australia Council (HAC), the peak national association representing the horticultural industries, this week met with the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Peter McGauran, his senior officials and officials from Centrelink as part of ongoing discussions over low water allocations in the southern Murray Darling Basin (MDB).

National

Horticulture Australia Limited

www.horticulture.com.au/drought Centrelink Drought Assistance Helpline 13 23 16 Centrelink Farm Help 1800 050 585 Primary Producers Assistance www.farmbis.gov.au Federal Department of Agriculture www.daff.gov.au EC Declared Area Support www.centrelink.gov.au Drought Force Hotline 1800 004 226 Dept. of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry www.daff.gov.au/droughtassist Murray Darling Basin Commission www.mdbc.gov.au South Australia SA Rural Financial Counselling Service www.rfcssa.org.au 1800 836 211 SA Department of Primary Industries www.pir.sa.gov.au PIRSA Drought Assistance www.service.sa.gov.au/drought.asp 180 20 20 Dept. of Water Land & Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) Victoria Vic Department of Primary Industries www.dpi.vic.gov.au Rural Financial Counselling www.vtarcg.org.au Sunraysia Rural Counselling service www.sunrcs.com.au Victorian Farmers Federation Drought Coordinator www.drought.org.au/main/ Rural Finance Corporation www.ruralfinance.com.au/ 03 5448 2600 DPI Drought Coordinator 03 5036 4804 or 0407 359 982 SA Water Restrictions Hotline 1800 130 952 SAMDB NRM Board 08 8582 4477 (Riverland) www.samdbnrm.sa.gov.au

The HAC delegation included representatives from industries most at risk: permanent plantings of citrus, almonds, stone fruit, and vines. From 1 July this year, allocations for

irrigators in the southern MDB have been severely cut to either zero or minimal amounts. Current signs for the survival of these plantings for the remainder of this year are ominous. While most permanent plantings (except for citrus) are dormant over the cooler winter months, without irrigation and/or substantial ongoing rain over the growing seasons of spring and summer, the affected regions (MIA, Goulburn Valley, Sunraysia and Riverland) face a crisis. The economic and social consequences of this to the growers, and the thriving communities which rely upon them, are potentially

www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/rivercond/drought.html

www.australianalmonds.com.au

In A Nutshell—August 2007

Almond Demonstration Sites Commercial demonstration sites are being established to facilitate extension of information from the CT Trial.

Since 2001, the ABA has been conducting an "Optimisation Trial" at CT Farms in the Riverland of South Australia. Following several seasons of results from the Trial, it is now clear that prior to 2001 a variety of almond management practices were in place across the industry requiring improvement. As a result of the Trial and its outcomes, various changes in management practices have been adopted by industry including:  A confidence and "swing" towards daily, predominantly daytime, pulse irrigated, drip irrigation systems for almonds and other tree crops.  A strong consideration for irrigation scheduling techniques, in particular scheduling decisions based on crop factors and evaporation readings.  Fertigation programs based on crop removal calculations and as a consequence, heavier inputs of both nitrogen and potassium.  Fertigation programs taking into account iron chelate applications.  More efficient application of zinc through foliar applications of zinc nitrate.  Foliar applications of lo-bi urea for bud growth and development.

essential for the industry to adopt as many best management practices as possible. To facilitate this, the ABA has established a series of "Commercial Demonstration Sites". These sites are intended to become site-specific adaptations of the Optimisation Trial, across a range of irrigation installations, including pulsed drip and sprinkler. Ultimately, sites will be located across the various almond growing regions, using "best bet" irrigation and nutrition programs developed from the management practices undertaken in the Trial to date. Individual programs have been developed to suit specific site requirements and specifications, incorporating a program of rigorous record keeping, plant and soil testing and data analysis. All data and results obtained from these sites will be made available to Australian almond levy payers through a series of fields days held at each site and brief written reports. At this stage, three demonstration sites have been established and additional locations for future sites are being investigated. A detailed update on this project will be provided at the upcoming Regional Meetings.

 Foliar applications of potassium nitrate for improved coincidence of pollinator and Non-Pareil flowering.  Improvement in optimum, attainable yields.  Consideration and implementation of a pruning regime to help alleviate alternate bearing and maintain optimum yields. With several years of comparable results and experience from the Trial, it is

www.australianalmonds.com.au

In A Nutshell—August 2007

Improving the Management of Almond Rust

Can the management of rust disease be improved in almond orchards? Are there savings to be made and can less chemical be used to achieve the same or perhaps better levels of control as compared with those presently achieved, especially in wet seasons? These are questions we hope will be answered in a project that began in 2006/07. A joint initiative with the Almond Board of Australia (ABA), Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) and SARDI, aims to investigate almond rust as a disease, to determine under what conditions it spreads and to find what strategies are best for optimum control. Opportunities Various technologies are available that may have opportunity for an expanded use in the almond industry. These include 1) automatic (electronic) weather stations (AWS); 2) computer models of disease; and 3) disease management systems. To what extent do these have capacity to improve the level of control of rust disease in almond orchards? Automatic Weather Stations Armed with more questions than answers, SARDI plant pathology researchers Dr Trevor Wicks and Peter Magarey began the project by establishing locally-built weather stations in two Riverland orchards and at one site on the Adelaide Plains. Known as the Model T MetStation ® , these AWS are ideal for the purpose. Built as much for strength and reliability as for rigour and accuracy of the data they collect, these weather stations have two added advantages. First is their cost. As the cheapest of their type on the market, they allowed purchase of three loggers for South Australia. Second is their capacity. Not only a weather station that records temperature, relative humidity (RH), rainfall and leaf wetness every minute and stores these data for up to 28 days, the Model T also has a small inbuilt computer that processes the weather data as it is recorded. This enables the device to use a series of red lights that show immediately different aspects of the disease cycle occur and so give real-time warnings of disease events in the orchard. In addition, the Model T ’ s have capacity

via a mobile phone link, to automatically send a text message with disease or frost alert to the orchard manager, allowing instant action. The Model T’s have for some years, been used as part of the Riverland’s CropWatch ® service. This disease and pest management system for grape growers sends weekly email or fax messages to growers to optimise spray timing in vineyards. It also gives a range of additional viticultural information, including on important issues such as irrigation and water management. As a result of the present project, it may be possible to adapt CropWatch ® for use in almond orchards. Models of Disease In attempting to reduce the use of fungicide spraying in local orchards, it is first necessary to learn about the epidemiology of disease, that is, under what conditions does the rust disease developed and spread in local almond orchards. As part of this, monitoring for symptoms of almond rust on unsprayed trees began during season 2006/07 at three locations, two in Riverland orchards and one on the Adelaide Plains. For the disease to develop, there are a number of steps that need to occur. Put simply, the life cycle of the rust fungus, Tranzschelia discolor, involves: Primary Infection : Overwintering spores (inoculum) need warmth and leaf wetness for long enough to cause infection of the foliage. Infection is when the fungal spores germinate, grow and invade almond tissue such as young leaves. Incubation : The fungal pathogen (the rust fungus) once inside almond tissue, needs a certain time to develop before it can produce more spores and before symptoms of disease can be seen. The time from infection to when the fungus can reproduce new spores is called the latent period , while the time from infection to when first symptoms are seen is called the incubation period . Both are mostly influenced by temperature. In much the same way that an egg, once laid, takes a certain time to incubate and needs to be kept warm in the process

before it hatches to produce a chicken, so the rust fungus needs incubation time to develop inside the infected tissue and produce a new generation of spores and symptoms. Secondary Infection : This occurs when new generation of spores are spread to new foliage and conditions are warm enough and wet enough for long enough to cause new infections. And so the life cycle of the rust fungus will continue as long as suitable conditions occur at the right times. While this information about the disease is known in a general sense, little is known in fine detail under Australian conditions. A model that described the way prune rust developed on plum trees was developed by the late Dr Phil Kable and his colleagues in NSW, in the late 1980’s. This model of the infection process, linked the response of the fungus at different temperatures to the level of infection that occurred for different lengths of time that the leaves were wet. From this, predictions were made as to the likely level of infection that would be found in the orchard. Figure 1: A Model T MetStation ® cum disease predictor, located in a commercial almond orchard at Loxton, collected weather data crucial to assess the epidemiology of the almond rust fungus. It is planned to investigate if a commercial disease management system similar to CropWatch as used by the grape industry, is possible to improve spray efficiency and disease management within the almond industry.

8 In A Nutshell—August 2007

www.australianalmonds.com.au

Improving the Management of Almond Rust Continued....

inoculation and in some cases appeared before the development of yellow leaf spots.

Further work is planned to determine if the incubation periods vary between the different almond cultivars planted in the Riverland and under different temperatures. The ultimate aim of the project is to be able to precisely define the conditions that give rise to the disease and to link this information in a simulation model of almond rust. Critical to this process is the opportunity to test the NSW prune rust infection model in Riverland orchards to see if it can be readily converted to describe infection of almonds. This would allow current weather events to be processed and disease risk statements to be issued ensuring that sprays to control the disease are applied strategically. Once this is complete, the model of rust on almonds might be incorporated into the Model T MetStation ® to provide a ready -made disease predictor of the almond industry. If after appropriate modification, the infection model proves successful, it is hoped that our observations will also allow definition of incubation and latent periods under Australian conditions. And if all this goes smoothly, it is hoped that an Australian simulation model for rust in almond orchards will be developed with minimum input of resources. From there opportunities to use a CropWatch type service can be investigated. Meanwhile there is much work to be done! already volunteered helpful data that will speed the project. Does anyone have weather data and associated disease records that might prove helpful to this study? The authors would appreciate any feedback in regard to this project. Peter A Magarey 1 and Trevor J Wicks 2 SARDI, Plant and Soil Health 1 Loxton Research Centre, Loxton and 2 Plant Research Institute, Waite Institute, Adelaide. Simulating disease. Disease Management Systems Some growers have

Figure 2. Automatic weather station data from the Model T MetStation ® located at Loxton Research Centre, Loxton, South Australia. Data are from an unsprayed site for the period 25 th April to 1 st May 2007.

Given this, it was decided to evaluate the NSW plum infection model for use in the almond industry. To do so meant that observations of weather conditions and resultant disease development were needed in almond orchards. Monitoring of these began in 20006/07. The Model T MetStations ® (Figure 1) monitored temperature and leaf wetness periods at each site in 2006/07. A sample of the weather data collected is shown in Figure 2. These data can now be correlated against the observations of rust symptoms at the assessment sites. Dry Season Infection periods. The dry season in the first part of 2006/07 restricted the number of infection periods but this was not wasted. The observation of ‘no infection’ is just as valuable as ‘infection’ since it helps resolve which conditions are unsuitable for disease progress and ultimately will allow recommendations of ‘no spray’ in times of low disease risk. In dry inland regions like the Riverland, these times will be by far the more frequent. Gaining confidence in when these times occur can lead to savings in spraying particularly in marginal

conditions when temperature and wetness may appear suitable but not for long enough for infection. In the wet conditions late in the season, several infection periods were noted as determined by the subsequent appearance of typical rust symptoms at the assessment sites. The observations of infection events will be helpful in defining exactly what conditions are needed for infection and also what is the influence of temperature on incubation periods. Some interesting data have already been collected and these have prompted the need for specific observations in the next two seasons of the project. Incubation periods. Another phase of the project is to determine the incubation period since there is little published information of this aspect. This is necessary to link with the infection model to allow development of a disease model. The data on length of incubation period as collected to date, involved growing potted almond trees in the glasshouse and inoculating them with rust spores collected from naturally infected trees in the field. Observations have shown that rust developed on leaves around three weeks after

www.australianalmonds.com.au

In A Nutshell—August 2007

excellent presentations from Professor Peter Howe, Uni SA and Janelle Bloom of Channel 10’s Ready Steady Cook program. Contributors including ABA and Select Harvest provided trade exhibits and guests enjoyed sampling nuts, recipe leaflets & promotional info. These and all our 2007 media releases are available on www.nutsforlife.com.au One excellent story appeared by Dr Rosemary “The take home message is that nuts are among the most valuable foods available to us. We would do well to eat a small handful regularly and advise our patients to follow suit. They can be consumed as a snack or added to vegetable based dishes.” Our conferences program for the 2006/07 financial year has finished with the Stanton – her final paragraph states:

18-20th May – Over 3000 visits to the trade exhibition from ~1900 delegates saw the Nuts for Life trade stand do a roaring trade with 2000 X 30g serves of nuts distributed. Dry roasted nuts were sampled for the first time to this audience. It would seem that most GPs understand the heart management nut messages following a quick survey at GPCE with:  95% believing nuts should be included as part of a healthy daily diet  96% believing nuts are either very important or somewhat important for preventing heart disease  82% believing nuts are either very important or somewhat important for preventing diabetes  82% believing nuts are either very important or somewhat important for preventing obesity  87% believe eating 30g of nuts most days have a positive impact on blood cholesterol  71% believe eating 30g of nuts most days have a positive impact on managing weight with a disease, cholesterol lowering and weight

further 78% saying  they would suggest that a

T he 2006/07 Financial Year saw some excellent results from the Nuts for Life Consumer PR Program. Media relations Monthly media releases have generated around 100 press and web clippings, including the Channel 7 TV news item, an excellent result! Media releases distributed: May – Nuts or supplements for all your nutritional needs ? – should we eat whole foods or pop supplements to get all our nutrients? June - More great news about nuts from around the globe! – update on new nut research from Canada, Australia, Turkey and the US. Food Media Club nut event About 60 food media, including the hard to reach attended Nuts for Life Food Media Club event – Go Nuts for Life at the Taronga Zoo on June 19th. The program included two freelance writers, some teachers and dietitians,

patient wanting to lose weight include nuts as part of their daily diet.

CONTECH – Confectionery Manufacturers of Australasia Technical conference May 9-10 - Nuts for Life was a minor sponsor which included a satchel insert as a folder of information on the health benefits of nuts and how we are supporting the nut suppliers to the confectionery industry. 230 delegates attended. The new Nuts for Life website is now live so please visit: www.nutsforlife.com.au All our recipes and images can be found on the site including loads of up to date research.

following events: GPCE Sydney with Australian Practice Nurses Association conference

Funding for pollination alliance Australia’s pollination industry will receive a funding boost of more than $390,000 to manage key research priorities and develop a strategic plan to secure its long-term future. “The new alliance will manage industry research in the face of many threats, including the risk of devastating Varroa mite incursion,” Mr McGauran said. “ Varroa mite is an external parasite of bees and is the biggest pest facing the honeybee industry and reliant horticulture industries around the world”

assurance procedures,” Mr McGauran said. “Education and potential skill shortages are critical issues for all agricultural industries. This training material will assist in providing quality, standardised training in beekeeping. “Bees, particularly honeybees, make a much larger contribution to other agricultural industries than many people realise. “While the bee industry itself contributes approximately $60 million a year through honey and related products, the contribution of pollination services to agriculture is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually” Mr McGauran concluded.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, announced funding for two new projects at the Victorian Apiarists’ Association conference in Melbourne today. The Government will provide $300,000 towards a new alliance involving Australia’s bee, horticulture and broad acre industries, and researchers, and a further $91,000 to develop training material for people working in the honeybee industry.

The alliance will develop a strategic plan, including a risk management strategy, a pollination business model, an education and training strategy and a communications plan. It will also identify R&D priorities. “The new training material will assist apiarists with bee colony and environmental management, food safety issues and other industry quality

10 In A Nutshell—August 2007

www.australianalmonds.com.au

annual industry conference

The ABA is pleased to present this year’s Australian Almond Conference, at the Mildura Grand Hotel on November 1st & 2nd.

This annual conference is a major event for the Australian Almond industry, bringing together delegates representing almond growers, processors, marketers, researchers, nurseries and other industry suppliers and service providers. challenging environment is the major focus of the conference for 2007. The two-day conference will include key topics such as: water, pollination, skilled labour, plant improvement, risk management, profitability and international competitiveness, marketing and updates from overseas study tours. The conference will also include the Annual Levy Payers’ Meeting and the Annual General Meeting of the ABA. A social function has been scheduled at 6pm on Wednesday 31st October at the Theatre Club, Mildura Brewery. This evening event will provide an opportunity for informal networking prior to commencement of the conference. Numbers for all conference events are limited, so please register early to avoid disappointment. Discount registration is available to ABA members, so be certain to renew your ABA Membership for 2007/08 prior to registering for the conference. Conference registration forms have been included with this newsletter. Additional forms can be downloaded from the ABA website www.almond2007.com or by contacting the ABA office. Limited accommodation has been reserved at the Mildura Grand Hotel. Please contact them direct for on 1800 034 228 for any accommodation arrangements. Your attendance will ensure success of this year’s Almond Conference. Succeeding in a

Dinner Speaker Max Walker

Max Walker, one of the nation’s most popular speakers, will be the guest speaker for the Annual Almond Conference Dinner on November 1st, 2007. He is a man who was once described as being able to talk under water with a mouthful of marbles. Undoubtedly one of Australia's favourite sons, Max’s wide appeal is remarkable. He practiced architecture for 10 years; is a successful entrepreneur; is a hands-on director of 4

companies; has written 13 books with sales in excess of 1,000,000 copies; has hosted and anchored 3,000+ hours of ‘live’ television; has been the face and voice of many multi-million dollar advertising campaigns; has played Test cricket and AFL football... And yet there is so much more. His pre-occupation with excellence is one of the defining reasons why Max continues to evolve and succeed.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are still available for this years Almond Industry Conference. For further information please contact the conference secretariat, CLEMS on 03 9439 3855 or email almond07@clems.com.au for a copy of the prospectus .

www.australianalmonds.com.au

In A Nutshell—August 2007

Almond Industry

Chemical Permits

Pest & Disease

Control Guide

The ABA is continually seeking to add more chemicals to the “armoury” available to almond growers. We aim to update you as new permits and registrations become available. The table below summarises the current chemical permits which exist for the management of your orchard, and the disease which they are registered to combat.

FEEDBACK REQUIRED Your feedback is requested for an updated release of the ‘Pest and Disease Control Guide’ for the 2007/2008 season. In 2006 the first Pest & Disease Control guide was developed for the Australian Almond Industry by Dr Prue McMichael and Lucy Pumpa of Scholefield Robinson. The Guide provides information on almond pests and diseases that can be managed and monitored by almond growers. As noted at the time of release, the Guide is a living document, requiring constant revision, ensuring the inclusion of accurate and up-to-date information. It is stressed that between reprints it is the responsibility of growers to access and implement the latest information and recommendations by referring to the sources included in the Guide. Almond growers (levy payers) are able to access electronic copies of the Guide via the Industry Development of the industry’s first official pest & disease guide was facilitated by HAL (Horticulture Australia Limited) in partnership with the ABA, as part of the Almond Industry’s R&D program, which is funded by the almond levy, and matched by the Australian Government. Lucy Pumpa is currently undertaking a review of the guide, and is seeking any related feedback, recommendations and updated information. Any comments regarding the inclusion of additional information, guide format and other suggested improvements are welcome. log-in section of the ABA’s website www.australianalmonds.com.au .

Permit

Chemical

Use

Expires

PER716 1

Phosphorous Acid

Suppression of Phytophthora spp. (Root Rot)

13/10/09

PER806 1

Simazine

Broadleef weeds and grasses

31/12/08

PER920 0

Azoxystrobin

Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose

01/01/12

PER924 4

Pymetrozine

Aphids

31/03/08

PER925 5

Propiconazole

Blossom Blight, Anthracnose

30/06/11

PER976 4

Dicofol

Two-spotted, Byrobia mite

31/03/09

To obtain a copy of the permits please go to the APVMA website below and type in the respective permit number.

www.apvma.gov.au/permits/permits.shtml

Any growers who aren't aware of the industry’s wish list of chemicals currently undergoing review or to request further chemical registration or permits please contact: Ben Brown

Industry Liaison Manager Almond Board of Australia

bbrown@australianalmonds.com.au +61 8 8582 2055 or 0447 447 223

Notice of AGM

Please direct feedback and queries to:

The next Annual General Meeting of the Almond Board of Australia will be held on Friday, 2nd November 2007 at the Mildura Grand Hotel during the Almond Industry Conference.

Lucy Pumpa Scholefield Robinson Horticultural Services P/ L PO Box 650 Fullarton SA 5063

T 08 8373 2488 M 0400 041 881 F 08 8373 2442

lucy@srhs.com.au

www.australianalmonds.com.au

In A Nutshell—August 2007

Part 2 in a series of Plant Health Australia (PHA) articles focuses on tackling emergency plant pest threats.

Protecting livelihoods and lifestyles

The Nut industry’s Biosecurity Plan is the blueprint to ensuring the best possible protection for your orchard and crop against new plant pests. Developed by Australian Nut Industry Council (ANIC) in conjunction with Plant Health Australia (PHA) and the Federal, state and territory governments, the plan is a comprehensive action plan, covering:  How we guard against exotic pests;  Which are the exotic pests that pose the greatest threat to industry; and  How we will deal with exotic pests if they are found. We are more and more at risk from exotic pests that could severely impact our growers’ businesses. Working closely with government experts and PHA, we have developed a world-class plan. It’s not a

A rigorous process involving experts in the field and investigations overseas has generated our list of the greatest risks. We examined:  How easy it would be for each pest to get into Australia, spread and become established.  If an exotic pest became established here, how bad would the impact be on productivity, profits, quarantine, trade and the community?  And lastly, how difficult (and costly) it would be to control or eradicate. Our target list is regularly reviewed and updated – and everyone involved kept informed.

crop’) are entitled to claim certain expenses and also the agreed value of the crop destroyed. For the first time, there is certainty, not only on how we react when an outbreak occurs, but also on how our growers will be reimbursed. Of course there are conditions and limits, but it is much better than the uncertainty that existed previously. Having signed the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed we, the industry, are part of the decision process at every step. What needs to be done? Our industry must play its part, not only in responding to an incursion, but in actively trying to prevent one. “Governments have agreed to support industries with resources and expertise, but only if industries do their bit too”, says Julie Haslett. “Everyone has a responsibility, especially growers. They are in the best position to spot an outbreak early, and report it. By working together we have the best chance of protecting our industry, the community, our orchards and our livelihoods” she said.

If an outbreak occurs How we all respond when an exotic pest incursion occurs is another part

guarantee, but if we all play our part, it will give us the best possible protection. It is the first step towards being prepared to deal with such threats”.

of our Plan. Everyone has their part to play – growers, industry associations and government departments. Julie Haslett says, “In the

“This plan is a first for Almonds and absolutely critical to our future viability .”

- Julie Haslett CEO

past, before we had this agreed plan, we’d be working it out as we go. And that’s definitely not the way to manage a crisis. Now, everyone knows who does what, and it’s centrally co-ordinated”. Supporting affected growers Growers often ask, what if my farm is affected? What if my orchard or crop has to be destroyed? This too is covered by the Biosecurity Plan and a separate legal agreement between ABA and the federal and all state/territory governments (known as the Emergency Pest Plant Deed). In the event of a declared incursion and formal response (as described in the Deed), growers (or ‘Owners of the

What is ‘Biosecurity’? In plain English, biosecurity is everything we do to protect our orchards and crop from damage by exotic pests. Australia’s geographic isolation has meant we have been relatively free of many pests that have wrought havoc on some industries overseas. This is a real trade benefit for us (both overseas and interstate) in terms of securing market access. And that’s good for our image and growers pockets. So good biosecurity means we can keep it that way. The chart in Figure 1 illustrates the key components of our Biosecurity Plan. Which Pests? Of course, it is critical that we are preventing (and prepared for) exotic pests which pose the greatest threat.

14 In A Nutshell—August 2007

www.australianalmonds.com.au

Food Safety Guidelines Finalised

adopted a whole of chain approach to food safety regulation. This has resulted in the development and introduction of national primary production and processing

These guidelines should be used in conjunction with other documents relevant to the industry. In particular Codex Alimentarius documents outlining Good Agricultural Practices (GAP’s), Good

Background:

The Australian almond industry has increasingly recognised the importance of applying food safety management systems to the growing, harvesting and processing stages of almond production. Individual growers and processors have implemented quality assurance programs accordingly in an effort to address any potential food safety hazards. This approach has resulted in a variety of quality assurance programs being implemented throughout all stages of almond production. significant contamination events originating from the almond industry of California caused the Australian industry to review its perception of the microbiological safety of almonds. In 2001 Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 was the cause of a food borne outbreak affecting 168 people in However two

standards for high risk food commodities. The almond industry is not currently regulated by specific commodity standards. By setting its own guidelines the almond industry

Hygienic Practices (GHP’s)

and

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)

and codes of practice specific to tree nuts should be consulted. The processing and retail sector of the industry must also comply with the food safety requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The Almond Board of Australia would like to thank Elizabeth Frankish of Silliker Microserve (Silliker Microtech Pty Ltd) for the preparation of this document. Many other people have provided assistance in the preparation of the document over a considerable period of time. The following are particularly acknowledged for their valuable contribution:  Chris Bennett, ABA  Graham McAlpine, McAlpine Management Services  Paul Martin, Jubilee Almonds  Andrew Giles, Laragon  Frank Condo, Swan Produce  Faye Sharp, Almondco  Corrina Steeb, Nut Producers Aust  Alex Harrison, Select Harvests  Michael Clements, Clemco  Annmarie Barone, Nut Producers Australia  Leroy Sims, Simarloo Aust  Tony Costa, Costa Produce  John Bird, Select Harvests  Brenton Woolston, Almondco  Wayne Francis, Laragon  Alison Smith, Riverland Almonds

provides the framework for a practical approach to managing food safety risks. This should result in minimising future regulatory burden as the industry will be seen as taking the initiative and responsibility to control public health and safety with respect to consumption of almonds and almond products. These Guidelines have been developed as a result of the Almond Board of Australia co -ordinating a whole of chain approach in identifying and monitoring outcomes of food safety controls in the industry. They are intended for use through the growing, hulling and shelling, and processing and marketing of Australian almonds. Chemical and physical risks are mentioned throughout the document, but the main focus of these Guidelines is the microbiological risks. Each individual business must identify hazards specific to its operation. This document is designed to provide advice on key areas of food safety control with practical guidance on how to minimise contamination, investigate food safety risks and monitor the controls in place. Purpose of the Document: potential hazards, assessing the risks, applying controls

Canada. Again in 2004, around twenty nine people in the United States were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis from almonds. Whilst the origin of the

The Guidelines should be used by all those involved in and responsible for food safety management in the almond industry, including facilitators, auditors and food safety and quality assurance consultants.

Salmonella is unknown these events highlighted the need for increased knowledge of the food safety hazards associated with almond production and appropriate management of the risks. The industry recognised that in order to maintain its history of safety and the concomitant reputation it must take a whole of chain approach to managing food safety. Failure to control the risks in one sector would impact on the viability of the whole almond industry. In addition maintaining and enhancing its good reputation is imperative to assisting growth in the industry and food safety must be at the core of that growth.

 Peter Bartlett, Almondco  Deanna Hutchins, Laragon  Julie Haslett, ABA

In 2002 Australian governments

www.australianalmonds.com.au

In A Nutshell—August 2007

ATO Asset Depreciation Values Final effective lives have been determined for assets used by farmers in the coffee, olive and tree nut industries. The new lives apply to assets acquired on or after July 1, 2007. A consultation process by the Australian Taxation Office was conducted where normal industry practices were determined in conjunction with the Virginia Horticulture Centre and various other associations, farmers, repairers, dealers and manufacturers. The ATO effective lives provide certainty to taxpayers on what will automatically be considered acceptable to the ATO if the taxpayers affairs are reviewed. The ATO effective lives are generally described as ‘safe harbour lives’ due to the fact that they will not be challenged. Tax payers can still self assess their own effective lives based on their particular circumstances. In self-assessing the effective life, the taxpayer will be required to determine the period of time that the depreciating asset can be used to produce assessable income by any entity: having regard to the wear and tear it reasonably expects from its particular circumstances; and assuming that it will be maintained in reasonably good order and condition. “Lives were previously 10 years for most assets, however you will see that many have been decreased to 5 or 8 years so the timing reflects more accurately on the depreciation rates for farm assets” says Leonie Stevens, Finance Manager, Virginia Horticulture Centre. A statutory effective life cap of 6 2/3 years for harvesters and tractors has been introduced to apply to these types of assets acquired on and after 1 July 2007. The effective lives were published on the 27th June 2007 in Taxation ruling TR2007/3 and this ruling can be found at the following website: http://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/view.htm? DocID=TXR%2FTR20073%2FNAT%2FATO%2F00007 The following table is an extract of the new effective lives from this ruling. 1. 2.

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHING (01110 to 05290)

LIFE (YEARS )

DATE OF APPLICATION

ASSET

REVIEWED

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) used in primary production activities

1 Jul 2007

Motorcycles used in primary production activities

1 Jul 2007

Tractors

1 Jul 2007

Coffee, olive and tree nut growing (01370, 01390 and 01590)

DATE OF APPLICATION

LIFE

REVIEWED

ASSET

Chemical spraying assets (including air blast sprayers and linkage sprayers)

1 Jul 2007

Cleaning and mulching assets:

Blowers

1 Jul 2007

Mowers (including zero turn and ride on)

1 Jul 2007

Mulchers

1 Jul 2007

Slashers

1 Jul 2007

Sweeper attachments

1 Jul 2007

Fertilizer spreaders

1 Jul 2007

General assets:

Bins:

Plastic

1 Jul 2007

Timber

1 Jul 2007

Stakes (including trellising)

1 Jul 2007

Harvesting assets:

Bankouts (almonds)

1 Jul 2007

Catcher nets

1 Jul 2007

Elevators (almonds)

1 Jul 2007

Harvesters:

Coffee

1 Jul 2007

Olive

1 Jul 2007

Nuts:

Generally

1 Jul 2007

Macadamia mower mounted

1 Jul 2007

Pick ups (eg almonds)

1 Jul 2007

Sweepers

1 Jul 2007

Tree shakers

1 Jul 2007

Reservoir carts (almonds)

1 Jul 2007

Harvesting pole rakes

1 Jul 2007

Trailers

1 Jul 2007

John Di Francesco, ph 07 32136059 John.Difrancesco@ato.gov.au

Pruning assets:

Chain saws

1 Jul 2007

Electric hand pruners

1 Jul 2007

Further information on this can be found at the following website: www.ato.gov.au/business

Manual hand pruners

1 Jul 2007

Pneumatic pruners:

Compressor

1 Jul 2007

Hand tools

1 Jul 2007

A statutory effective life cap of 6 2/3 years for harvesters and tractors has been introduced to apply to these types of assets acquired on and after 1 July 2007.

16 In A Nutshell—August 2007

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